Philips Norelco Shaver 6900 Review: Why You Should Grab This Electric Shaver

I’ve been through my fair share of shavers, from manual razors to budget electrics, and I can tell you the Philips Norelco Shaver 6900 is a game-changer. If you’re looking for a reliable, versatile, and skin-friendly electric shaver that delivers a close shave without breaking the bank, this is the one to get.

It’s packed with features like ComfortGlide rings and a pop-up trimmer that make grooming a breeze. Trust me, after weeks of testing, I’m convinced this shaver deserves a spot in your bathroom. Let’s explore why it’s worth your investment.

My Experience With the Philips Norelco Shaver 6900

Switching to the Philips Norelco Shaver 6900 felt like upgrading from a clunky flip phone to a sleek smartphone.

I’ve been using it daily for over a month, and it’s transformed my morning routine.

The first thing I noticed was how light it felt in my hand—barely over a pound, it’s easy to maneuver, even during those groggy early shaves.

The ergonomic design fits snugly, and the matte rubber grip keeps it from slipping, even when I’m shaving in the shower with wet hands.

My beard is coarse and grows in multiple directions, especially around my neck, which has always been a trouble spot.

With manual razors, I’d often end up with irritation or missed patches. The Norelco 6900’s MultiFlex heads, which move in eight directions, tackled those tricky areas with ease.

They glide over the contours of my jawline and neck, catching hairs I’d usually have to go over multiple times. The 45 self-sharpening SteelPrecision blades deliver up to 90,000 cutting actions per minute, and I could feel the difference—fewer passes for a smooth result.

I tried both wet and dry shaving to see how it holds up. Dry shaving is quick and perfect for rushed mornings, but the wet shave with gel is where this shaver shines. The ComfortGlide rings, coated with micro-tech beads, make it feel like the shaver is floating over my skin, reducing redness even on my sensitive chin. I was skeptical about the “up to 30% better glide” claim, but it’s no exaggeration—my skin felt calm, not raw, after each shave.

The pop-up trimmer was a pleasant surprise. I use it to shape my sideburns and keep my mustache tidy, and it’s precise without being too aggressive. The battery life is another win—60 minutes of cordless use after a one-hour charge means I can go weeks without plugging it in.

A five-minute quick charge saved me when I forgot to charge it before a weekend trip. Cleaning is a breeze; the head flips open, and a quick rinse under the tap gets it spotless. My only gripe? The proprietary USB-A charging cable is a bit annoying—why not USB-C? Still, this shaver has made shaving something I actually enjoy.

Pros Of the Philips Norelco Shaver 6900

Close Shave Without Irritation: The 45 SteelPrecision blades and ComfortGlide rings deliver a smooth shave, even on coarse hair, with minimal redness. I noticed significantly less irritation compared to my old manual razors, especially around my neck.
Versatile Wet and Dry Use: Whether you prefer a quick dry shave or a luxurious wet shave with foam, this shaver adapts effortlessly. I loved using it in the shower with gel for a spa-like experience.
Long Battery Life: A single hour of charging gives you up to 60 minutes of shaving—enough for about 20 shaves. The five-minute quick charge is a lifesaver for last-minute touch-ups.
Easy Maintenance: The flip-open head makes cleaning simple—just rinse under water. No need for fancy cleaning stations, which saves time and money.
Pop-Up Trimmer for Precision: The integrated trimmer is perfect for shaping sideburns or mustaches. It’s sturdy and precise, making it a great all-in-one tool.
Ergonomic and Lightweight Design: At just 1.21 pounds, it’s comfortable to hold, and the rubberized grip ensures it stays secure, even when wet.
Travel-Friendly Features: The included travel case and universal voltage (100–240V) make it ideal for globetrotters. I took it on a week-long trip, and it performed flawlessly.

The Philips Norelco Shaver 6900 balances performance and convenience beautifully. The close shave rivals high-end models, and the wet/dry versatility means it fits any routine. I was impressed by how long the battery lasts—after three weeks of daily use, I still had charge left. The trimmer is a standout, letting me skip separate tools for detailing. Maintenance is so straightforward that I spend less than a minute cleaning it. While it’s not the cheapest shaver out there, the value for money is undeniable, especially with its durability and thoughtful design.

Cons Of the Philips Norelco Shaver 6900

Proprietary Charging Cable: The USB-A cable is non-standard, and you’ll need a separate adapter since it doesn’t come with one. I wish Philips had gone with USB-C for universal compatibility.
Noisy Operation: It’s not deafening, but the shaver is louder than I expected, especially compared to foil shavers. It’s noticeable in quiet mornings.
Pricey Replacement Blades: The SH60 blades can be hard to find and cost more than I’d like. While SH91 blades from higher-end models are compatible, they’re not cheap either.
No Protective Cap for Blades: Unlike older Norelco models, there’s no snap-on cover for the shaving heads, which could expose them to damage in a drawer or during travel.
Learning Period for Best Results: It took me a couple of weeks to master the circular motions needed for a rotary shaver. If you’re used to foil shavers, expect an adjustment.
Not Usable While Charging: You can’t shave with the cord plugged in, which is inconvenient if the battery dies mid-shave.

While the Norelco 6900 is fantastic overall, these drawbacks are worth noting. The proprietary cable is a minor hassle, but it’s frustrating in 2025 when USB-C is standard. The noise isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s not as quiet as some competitors. Blade replacements are a concern—stocking up or opting for compatible SH91 blades helps, but it adds to the cost. The lack of a blade cover feels like a design oversight, and the inability to use it while charging caught me off guard once. Still, these cons don’t overshadow the shaver’s strengths.

Maintenance Tips For the Philips Norelco Shaver 6900

Rinse After Every Use: Pop open the shaving head and rinse it under warm water to remove hair and debris. I do this right after shaving, and it keeps the blades clean and sharp.
Use a Cleaning Brush Weekly: The included brush is great for dislodging stubborn hair from the blade cartridge. I brush each rotor gently once a week to prevent buildup.
Lubricate Blades Monthly: A drop of clipper oil on each blade keeps them running smoothly. I learned the hard way that skipping this can lead to clumping hairs.
Replace Blades Every 12–18 Months: Philips recommends replacing the SH60 blades every year or so, depending on usage. I mark my calendar to check their condition yearly.
Store in the Travel Case: When not in use, keep the shaver in its hard travel case to protect the heads. I found this prevents accidental damage during storage.
Charge Smartly: Avoid overcharging by unplugging after an hour. I also do a full discharge every few months to maintain battery health.
Clean the Trimmer Separately: The pop-up trimmer can collect hair, so I rinse it under water and brush it lightly to keep it sharp and functional.

Maintaining the Norelco 6900 is straightforward but requires consistency. Rinsing after each use takes seconds and prevents gunk from building up. The weekly brush session ensures the blades stay efficient, and a touch of oil monthly keeps everything smooth. Blade replacement is the biggest expense, but spacing it out to 18 months if you shave lightly can save money. Storing it in the travel case is a no-brainer for protection, and smart charging habits extend the battery’s lifespan. These small efforts keep the shaver performing like new for years.

Comparison With Other Brands

Braun Series 7: Braun’s Series 7 is a foil shaver that’s often pitted against the Norelco 6900. I found it delivers a slightly closer shave, especially around the nose and chin, thanks to its 10-directional blade movement. However, it’s louder and less gentle on sensitive skin compared to the Norelco’s ComfortGlide rings. The Braun’s cleaning station is convenient but bulky and requires pricey refill cartridges, unlike the Norelco’s simple rinse method. Battery life is comparable, but the Braun feels heavier, which might tire your hand during longer sessions. If you prioritize closeness over comfort, the Series 7 edges out, but I prefer the Norelco for its skin-friendly glide.
Panasonic Arc5: The Panasonic Arc5 is another foil shaver with a reputation for precision. Its five-blade system cuts closer than the Norelco 6900, especially on flat areas like cheeks, but it can be aggressive on sensitive skin. I noticed more irritation around my neck with the Arc5 compared to the Norelco’s rotary design. The Panasonic’s cleaning station is effective but, like Braun’s, adds maintenance costs. It’s also pricier, and the bulkier design isn’t as travel-friendly as the Norelco’s compact case. For thick beards, the Arc5 might be better, but the Norelco wins for versatility and ease of use.
Remington F5-5800: Remington’s F5-5800 is a budget foil shaver that’s significantly cheaper than the Norelco 6900. It’s decent for quick dry shaves but lacks the finesse of the Norelco’s MultiFlex heads. I found it struggles with longer hairs and requires more passes, which can irritate skin. The Remington’s battery life is shorter, and it’s not fully waterproof, limiting it to dry use. The Norelco’s build quality feels more premium, and its trimmer is far superior for detailing. If you’re on a tight budget, the Remington is fine, but the Norelco offers better performance and durability.
Philips Norelco OneBlade: The Norelco OneBlade is a hybrid shaver/trimmer from Philips, aimed at a different audience. It’s great for stubble and light grooming but can’t match the 6900’s close shave on thicker beards. I tried the OneBlade for quick touch-ups, and while it’s lightweight and versatile, it’s not a full shaver. The OneBlade’s blades need replacing every four months, which adds up, whereas the 6900’s blades last over a year. The OneBlade is cheaper and simpler, but for a comprehensive shaving experience, the 6900 is the clear winner.

Each brand has its strengths, but the Norelco 6900’s balance of comfort, versatility, and low maintenance makes it stand out. Braun and Panasonic offer closer shaves but at the cost of skin comfort and higher maintenance. Remington is budget-friendly but lacks refinement, and the OneBlade is too specialized for full-face shaving. Your choice depends on your priorities, but the Norelco 6900’s all-around performance is hard to beat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the Philips 6900 waterproof?

Yes, the Philips Norelco Shaver 6900 is fully waterproof. I’ve used it in the shower with gel, and it performs flawlessly. You can rinse it under water for easy cleaning, and it handles wet conditions without issue, making it perfect for both wet and dry shaving.

What is the difference between the Philips 7000 and 9000 series?

The Philips 7000 series, like the 7200, has similar MultiFlex heads but adds SenseIQ technology for adaptive shaving based on beard density. The 9000 series offers more advanced features, like a Lift & Cut system and up to 10-directional heads, for an even closer shave. The 6900 is more budget-friendly but lacks these high-end tech additions.

What’s the number one rated electric shaver?

It’s tough to pinpoint one “best” shaver since it depends on your needs, but the Braun Series 9 is often praised for its close shave and advanced features. That said, I find the Norelco 6900’s comfort and versatility make it a top contender, especially for sensitive skin.

Is a rotary or foil shaver better?

Rotary shavers like the Norelco 6900 are gentler on sensitive skin and better for coarse, multidirectional hair due to their circular motion. Foil shavers, like Braun or Panasonic, often cut closer on flat areas but can irritate sensitive skin. I prefer rotary for comfort, but foil suits those chasing a blade-like closeness.

Conclusion: For Philips Norelco Shaver 6900

After weeks of testing, I’m sold on the Philips Norelco Shaver 6900. It’s a reliable, skin-friendly shaver that delivers a close, comfortable shave without the fuss of high-end models. Whether you’re shaving dry on the go or indulging in a wet shave, it performs like a champ. The long battery life and easy maintenance seal the deal. If you want a versatile, durable shaver that balances performance and value, grab the Norelco 6900—you won’t be disappointed.