Philips Norelco Shaver 3900 Series

Curated from 34 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: December 6, 2024

Philips Norelco Shaver 3900 Series

Brand: Philips Norelco
Price: $79
Snoop Score:
8.2
Sentiment
6.9
Popularity
8.7
Technical
8.3

Snoop's Take

The Philips Norelco Shaver 3900 Series is a versatile electric shaver designed for both wet and dry use, ensuring a smooth and comfortable shaving experience. Users appreciate its long-lasting performance, with many noting that they have used the same blades for years, and one user mentioned, "You replaced the blades... after *10 years*?" This shaver is also praised for its gentle handling of sensitive skin, providing a clean face without the mess of traditional shaving cream, as indicated by a user who stated, "It's just so much easier and cleaner now and I couldn't be happier." Despite its strengths, some users find it challenging to achieve a close shave, particularly on certain areas of the face, leading to mixed feelings about electric shavers in general. However, the Philips Norelco Shaver 3900 Series remains a recommended choice in its category, especially for those seeking convenience and a reliable performance without the need for constant blade replacements. Overall, it is well-suited for anyone looking to transition to an electric shaving experience with minimal fuss.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Electric Shavers

I’ve always got good results with mine.

Positive Feedback

Closeness is acceptable on the mustache/chin areas, but rough like sandpaper on the rest of the face and neck.

Negative Feedback
Product
8.2
Philips Norelco Shaver 3900 Series
Daily Morning Routine
9 / 10
Travel and On-the-Go Grooming
6 / 10
Sensitive Skin Care
8 / 10
Precision Grooming
7 / 10
See how this compares to all Electric Shavers

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Good results with Philips Norelco shaver
I’ve always got good results with mine.
I see that Philips Norelco is a very popular option.
Best razor out there.
Long-lasting performance of blades
You replaced the blades... after *10 years*?
Yeah I replace mine every 10-12 months, but I have super coarse beard hair and it isn't kind to any blades.
I’ve replaced the battery once too. I don’t imagine I’ll be getting rid of it anytime soon!
Gentle and comfortable shave
The result is relatively close, not bad at all on the down motion, although there is still some stubble for those that are determined for BBS.
The benefits to the Philips Norelco were speed and the convenience of not having shaving cream all over my shirt afterwards.
Enjoying a clean face after switching to electric razor
In fact, the newer S9XXX models... use the exact same blades as the Prestige models, which you can buy replacements for online.
This is my first electric razor in almost 10 years that isn’t a Gillette One Blade, I love having a clean face again!
Easy and forgiving to use
The OneBlade is very forgiving and easy, so I started researching online for foil shavers and I found out that Braun 9 and Panasonic ARC 5 are reviewed well for head shaving as well from some people in forums & amazon reviews.
I wish I'd have made the change sooner. It's just so much easier and cleaner now and I couldn't be happier.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Difficulty achieving a close shave with electric razors
Closeness is acceptable on the mustache/chin areas, but rough like sandpaper on the rest of the face and neck.
Finally just gave up and will never waste my time on an electric razor again.
Adjustment period for electric shavers is frustrating
The high-end shavers are worth it and almost necessary to get passable shaves out of the Braun series IMO.
Difficulty achieving a close shave
Even though the hair on my head is much more dense I get significantly less irritation using a foil on it than my face.
I do a great job on my thick facial hair.
Issues with blade replacement and resetting
This model must not have the obnoxious Philips Norelco feature of refusing to run after a certain amount of hours until you "reset" it by holding down the power button to indicate that you changed the blades.
Frustration with not getting a close shave
The positives for the S9987 is the glowing led pressure lights, app, better oled screen, and a charging stand.

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Product NameImagePriceScoreCompareSee DetailsBuy Now
Philips Norelco Shaver 7200 Electric ShaverPhilips Norelco Shaver 7200 Electric Shaver$99
8.7
DetailsBuy
YIRISO Electric Razor for MenYIRISO Electric Razor for Men$26
8.6
DetailsBuy
Philips Norelco Shaver 3900 SeriesPhilips Norelco Shaver 3900 Series$79
8.2
DetailsBuy
Philips Norelco OneBlade 360 Hybrid Trimmer and ShaverPhilips Norelco OneBlade 360 Hybrid Trimmer and Shaver$37
8.1
DetailsBuy
Philips Norelco Shaver 2400 SeriesPhilips Norelco Shaver 2400 Series$39
7.6
DetailsBuy
Brightup Foil Shaver Electric Razor for MenBrightup Foil Shaver Electric Razor for Men$39
7.5
DetailsBuy
Panasonic ARC5 Electric Razor for MenPanasonic ARC5 Electric Razor for Men$159
7.4
DetailsBuy
Braun Electric Razor for Men, Series 3 310sBraun Electric Razor for Men, Series 3 310s$39
7.0
DetailsBuy
Philips Norelco 9400 Rechargeable Electric ShaverPhilips Norelco 9400 Rechargeable Electric Shaver$159
6.7
DetailsBuy
Mbzoey Electric Foil Shaver for MenMbzoey Electric Foil Shaver for Men$39
6.5
DetailsBuy
eboboin Electric Razor for Meneboboin Electric Razor for Men$35
6.3
DetailsBuy
Panasonic Electric Razor for Men ES3831KPanasonic Electric Razor for Men ES3831K$20
5.9
DetailsBuy
GDKLXL Rechargeable Electric Razor for MenGDKLXL Rechargeable Electric Razor for Men$299
5.5
DetailsBuy
Ufree 3-Speed Electric Shavers for Bald MenUfree 3-Speed Electric Shavers for Bald Men$35
5.1
DetailsBuy
Fangaci Electric Razor for MenFangaci Electric Razor for Men$133
5.0
DetailsBuy
ORVINA Electric Razor for MenORVINA Electric Razor for Men$35
5.0
DetailsBuy
ezdor Electric Razor for Menezdor Electric Razor for Men$12
4.7
DetailsBuy
Remington F5 Power Series Foil ShaverRemington F5 Power Series Foil Shaver$43
4.5
DetailsBuy
Emochies Electric Razor for MenEmochies Electric Razor for Men$33
4.3
DetailsBuy
Remington Balder Pro Electric Razor for Head XR7000ARemington Balder Pro Electric Razor for Head XR7000A$59
3.8
DetailsBuy
Braun Electric Shaver Series 5 5150csBraun Electric Shaver Series 5 5150cs$99
3.8
DetailsBuy
Tulzim Electric Foil Shaver for MenTulzim Electric Foil Shaver for Men$37
3.5
DetailsBuy
Philips Norelco Shaver 3600 SeriesPhilips Norelco Shaver 3600 Series$54
3.2
DetailsBuy
BaBylissPRO Baberology Double Foil Shaver FXFS2G GOLDFXBaBylissPRO Baberology Double Foil Shaver FXFS2G GOLDFX$139
2.9
DetailsBuy
SHPAVVER Electric Razor for Men CordlessSHPAVVER Electric Razor for Men Cordless$99
2.0
DetailsBuy
Kurener Electric Shaver Razor for MenKurener Electric Shaver Razor for Men$26
1.6
DetailsBuy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion on electric shavers for practical use
Philips electric shaver series 3000 vs 5000 vs 7000 vs 9000
I would avoid the 5000 and the 7000 series and either go for the 3000 (the 3800 and in particular the s3311/85 with the SH30 cutters or the 9000 model s9731).
Sorry to drag up an old thread.
Main difference is the power of motor. The more power the better it cuts and lesser the chances of tangling in hair.

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Discussion about various uses for electric shavers
I'm looking at the Norelco 7100.
I have a beard, so the model you're looking into isn't what I'd use.
Discussion on alternatives for head shaving
I'm looking at the S9400 or S987/85. The price isn't really a concern, I just want to get the best I can for what's out there.

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
Discussion on electric shavers for ingrown hairs
I think maybe it was poor technique but I'm not pretty sure, never used to cut against the grain.
And, don't shave with it wet.
It's not as close as a safety razor, but IMO the difference is negligible.
You need a shallow angle, no pressure, and don't keep going over areas trying to chase the baby (ultra-smooth).
Curiosity about differences between Philips and Philips Norelco
es lo mismo?
Yes, Norelco is a Philips brand.
Comparison of blade longevity between models
Pffffft, my Panasonic is going over 14.5 years and I have replaced the blades twice.
Curiosity about different electric shavers
I friggin’ love the s7000.
Comparison of different Philips models
Fully agree. Actually for those in UK/EU you might be able to get your hands on the Philips 8000 …. Comes with stand and a nose trimmer for £169 approx on Amazon.
Confusion about different Philips Norelco models
Best Philips Norelco? Looking for a Philips Norelco but I'm having a hard time distinguishing the difference between the options across the budget spectrum.
This is literally the first link.
The best shavers they ever made were the 8020/8420, because the very slim profile of the cutters could get into the tight corners like the bottom of your nose.
Discussion on preferences for manual vs. electric razors
Would you pick your manual razor over a $300+ Norelco if it didn't cost you a thing?
I recently on a work trip I didn't have room to pack my shaving kit so I just threw my old electric one in my bag and when I shaved with it my face bothered me for the rest of the day.
Using the electric isn't as close of a shave but its faster, easier, and not as tough on my face.
I do prefer my de razors much more than cartridge or electric.
Discussion about transitioning from traditional to electric shaving
What I am also reading is that since the hair on head is more dense, those foils/blade might need to be replaced more often, so a cheap replaceable head/blades is probably a plus.

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Discussion about experiences with electric razors
I have a Braun series 6 that I use for RVing and I hate it. It takes forever to get a "decent" shave and it's really hard to call it decent.
Yup, the Braun is awful. Only the latest Series 9 Pro is capable of decent shaves.

You May Also Like

Explore more Categories
Electric Shavers
The Best Electric Shavers for Men
The Best Electric Shavers for Men