The best electric shavers have come a long way in recent years, and the Panasonic Series 700s is a compact, travel-friendly model designed with everyday convenience in mind.
Positioned by Panasonic as a lightweight foil shaver that doesn’t compromise on power, the 700s aims to offer a comfortable, reliable shave whether you’re at home or away.
With a clean, minimalist design, waterproof construction, and USB-C charging, it’s clearly built for modern routines – but does the Series 700s deliver on its promise of portability and performance?
After several weeks of use, let's explore how it holds up in terms of build quality, battery life, and day-to-day shaving results, especially when compared to its rivals like the BaByliss Pro Titanium Foil shaver.
Panasonic Series 700s shaver review: price and availability
The Panasonic Series 700s shaver has an RRP of £1185.99, but it's typically priced at £99.99 and available to buy at Panasonic and Amazon. The shaver comes with a USB Type-C charger and an AC USB adaptor.
Panasonic Series 700s shaver review: Build quality
The Series 700s has a sleek, pared-back design that feels modern without being flashy. Its matte black finish and curved edges give it a discreet look, and its small footprint makes it easy to slip into a washbag or pocket.
Despite weighing just 123g, it feels solid and well-balanced in the hand – light enough for travel, but not so light it feels cheap.
Stainless steel blades and foil help lend the shaver a sense of durability, and in my testing it handles daily use well and doesn’t feel flimsy when pressed to the skin.
The build sits at a good middle ground between premium and practical: robust enough for regular use but clearly designed with portability in mind.
The swipe-to-power feature is a distinctive, if potentially controversial, touch. Instead of a physical button, the shaver uses a slide gesture to turn on. It fits the minimalist styling, but doesn’t always register on the first attempt – especially if your hands are damp. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it lacks the reliability of a more traditional on/off switch.
One clear strength is waterproofing. With IPX7 protection, the 700s is suitable for wet or dry use and can be rinsed under the tap. Cleaning is quick, and the head copes well with gel or foam.
However, it’s a shame there’s no included pouch or case. For a compact shaver built for travel, a basic carry option would have made sense.
Panasonic Series 700s shaver review: Battery life
Battery performance is one of the Series 700s’ stronger features. A full charge takes about an hour and delivers up to 45 minutes of cordless use. In practice, that’s enough for a week or more of daily shaving, depending on your routine.
I averaged just under ten minutes per shave and still had charge left after five days, which is pretty good compared to other electric shavers I've used.
On top of that, USB-C charging makes things more convenient, especially for travel. You can use the same cable as your phone or laptop, and Panasonic includes both a cable and adaptor in the box.
Charging from low to full took just under the claimed hour, which feels quick for such a compact device.
The battery indicator is fairly limited. A small red light flashes when it’s nearly empty, but there’s no display or colour system to show remaining charge more clearly. This isn’t a huge issue at home, but might frustrate if you’re away without a charger and trying to stretch the battery.
There’s no quick charge option either, so if it runs out completely, you’ll need to wait the full 60 minutes. That said, with decent battery life on offer, it’s unlikely to be a regular problem.
Panasonic Series 700s shaver review: Performance
For a compact shaver, the Series 700s delivers a surprisingly effective shave. Its three-blade system, powered by a fast linear motor, maintains steady performance even on thicker stubble. I found it gave a smooth, even result across the face and neck, with minimal need for repeated passes.
The 700s excelled on flat areas like the cheeks, while the flexible blades generally handled contours well.
Whether used dry or with gel, the shaver held up nicely. Dry shaving was fast and comfortable, with little irritation, while wet shaving in the shower produced a marginally closer finish. Both methods were reliable enough for everyday use.
A subtle highlight is the beard sensor, which adjusts power based on hair density. You don’t feel it working, but the shaver handles tougher spots efficiently without dragging. The 700s' motor is also relatively quiet, producing a smooth, controlled hum rather than the usual harsh buzz, which I quite liked.
The lack of a trimmer or attachments is definitely a drawback, particularly if you want to shape sideburns or tidy up edges. That said, it’s an understandable omission for a shaver this small, although I wish Panasonic had engineered some accessories anyway.
Cleaning is simple – just rinse the head under warm water. There’s no brush or cleaning station, but the waterproof design makes upkeep easy.
Panasonic Series 700s shaver review: Verdict
The Panasonic Series 700s is a shaver that does more with less.
It strips back the frills, trims the bulk, and focuses on getting the basics right – and for the most part, it succeeds. It’s not trying to reinvent the category or compete with high-end grooming systems packed with accessories. Instead, it delivers a focused, travel-ready experience that’s refreshingly straightforward.
What stands out is how consistent the shave is day to day. The lightweight design never feels underpowered, and the shaving head doesn’t clog easily, even on thicker hair.
It’s clearly been designed to live in a washbag or bathroom drawer without fuss, and there’s something reassuring about knowing it will just work – no app, no fiddly attachments, no learning curve.
It’s not perfect. The slide-to-power control is an interesting idea, but won’t be to everyone’s taste. The lack of a trimmer limits its versatility, and the absence of a travel case feels like a missed opportunity, particularly given how much the rest of the device caters to people on the move. But these are gaps rather than dealbreakers.
At its current price of around £99.99, the Series 700s feels like good value – especially if you prioritise portability and ease of use over grooming customisation.
It doesn’t pretend to be a full grooming station, and that’s part of its charm. If you want something simple, compact, and quietly capable, this is a shaver worth considering.
