Remington F5 Foil Shaver Review: Strong Buy at 8.1/10
The Remington F5 Power Series Foil Shaver lands at a solid 8.1/10, with widespread praise for its close shave, strong battery life, and comfort for sensitive skin. Digging into hundreds of verified reviews, a striking pattern emerged: users consistently highlight the shaver’s ability to deliver irritation-free grooming at an affordable price, though its noise level and build quality draw criticism from some quarters. While marketed as a dry shaver with “Intercept Shaving Technology” for pre-trimming longer hairs, multiple buyers confirm it’s rinseable under the faucet for cleaning—yet not suited for full wet shaving.
Quick Verdict: Conditional Buy
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Close, comfortable shave with minimal irritation | Not waterproof—dry use only |
| Long battery life (up to a month for light users) | Noticeably loud for some users |
| Corded or cordless operation adds flexibility | Foil and head durability questioned by a few |
| Easy to clean under faucet | Pop-up trimmer angle/visibility could be better |
| Affordable compared to Braun/Norelco equivalents | Stand feels flimsy |
| LED battery gauge appreciated by many | Larger size may not suit all hands |
Claims vs Reality
One of Remington’s headline claims is its Intercept Shaving Technology, designed to pre-trim longer hairs before the foils finish the job. Reddit user feedback supports this: “The middle cutting piece between the two foil strips does a great job of knocking down the very long hairs that can get caught/pulled in other style razors.” A verified Walmart reviewer added that the pop-up trimmer “pre-trims those longer hairs to allow for a closer, smoother shaving experience,” though some felt the trimmer’s angle made visibility difficult.
The brand promises Pivot & Flex Foil Technology to follow facial contours. Amazon buyers echo this benefit, with one noting, “The pivot head is a very nice feature, keeping the blades next to you on tricky angles.” However, others found the head slightly clunkier than expected, with Quora analysis mentioning “it took a tad longer to get a decent shave.”
Finally, the 60-minute cordless runtime claim appears conservative. Trustpilot reviewers say the battery lasts “about a month” for infrequent shavers, and one Reddit user reported, “I’ve had this shaver for two or three weeks now and haven’t had to recharge it yet even though I use it every day—it’s down to about 60%.” This suggests many users exceed the official runtime through shorter daily sessions.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Battery longevity is easily the most celebrated feature. A BestViewsReviews analysis shows 80% of users appreciate its endurance, with one Amazon buyer explaining, “I only have to charge this shaver every 6 weeks even though I use it for 2 minutes every day.” For travelers, this means fewer cords in the bag—one Reddit user highlighted corded backup as a safety net: “It can also be used plugged in, so when the batteries finally die it’s not a disposable item.”
Comfort for sensitive skin is another recurring win. A verified Walmart reviewer wrote: “It doesn’t tug at the hairs and it is painless, and pretty much impossible to nick yourself.” This resonates with those on blood thinners or prone to razor burn, with Reddit users noting they can shave daily “with no irritation.”
Cleaning ease also earns near-universal praise. Users like the ability to “just wash the shaver clean under the faucet” without disassembly, though the foil itself requires careful handling. This convenience matters for multi-use households—one Trustpilot reviewer uses it for both facial and head shaving, appreciating how “it cleans easily with a brush or under the faucet.”
Common Complaints
Noise is a recurring gripe. Trustpilot entries describe it as “seriously loud,” and Walmart reviewers caution those seeking a discreet morning routine. This can be a deal-breaker for shared living spaces.
Build quality concerns center on the foil head’s durability. One Amazon user reported, “My husband said it shaved good for 6 months then the foil broke.” Others mention the head assembly being “only held in by a small plastic notch,” leading to accidental drops or misalignment.
The pop-up trimmer divides opinion. While some call it “one of the best I’ve used yet,” others say “the pop-up trimmer didn’t do a good job at all… cuts hair so far from the skin that I found it completely useless.” This makes it less suitable for precise beard edging or tight sideburn work.
Divisive Features
Size and ergonomics split the crowd. Many praise its “comfortable grip” and “compact design perfect for travel,” but others find it “a bit larger than my previous Remington,” especially those with smaller hands.
The closeness of the shave also sparks debate. Reddit users admit it’s “not as close as a real razor” but value the trade-off for irritation-free daily use. Meanwhile, Walmart reviewers using it for head shaving insist “shaves so close that there is no stubble afterwards.”
Trust & Reliability
Long-term reports from Reddit bolster confidence in the F5’s staying power. One user said: “I’ve had the thing for years, it’s a champ. I am only now replacing the blades as I only need to shave once a week.” Trustpilot notes some 15-year-old Remingtons still functioning except for battery wear, suggesting consistent build quality across generations.
However, not all experiences are trouble-free. A minority encountered early foil damage or defective units, with Remington generally responsive to warranty claims. One Walmart buyer shared, “When I called Remington about it, they were quick to send a replacement head.”
Alternatives
The Braun Series 3 ProSkin 3040s appears frequently in comparisons. While Braun offers wet/dry use and three shaving elements, users say the F5 “shaves significantly closer than the rotary shaver I’d been using” and matches Braun’s comfort for less money. The Braun’s shorter battery life (45 minutes) and lack of corded operation make it less flexible for some scenarios.
Price & Value
Current eBay listings range from $39.95 for pre-owned to $94.99 for new, with replacement SPF-300 foil heads around $32–$48 shipped. Reddit users advise hunting for sales: “I purchased it for $25 from Amazon… now $39.99.” Value perception is high—Quora-sourced reviews state “combining quality with price, I can’t imagine you can do much better.”
FAQ
Q: Can the Remington F5 be used for wet shaving?
A: No, it’s a dry shaver only. While it’s rinseable under the faucet for cleaning, using it with shaving cream or in the shower risks damage.
Q: How often should the foil and cutter be replaced?
A: Remington recommends every 12 months, though light users report longer intervals. Replacement heads are widely available online.
Q: Does it work while plugged in?
A: Yes, it supports corded use, which is useful if the battery runs out mid-shave or for long grooming sessions.
Q: Is it suitable for head shaving?
A: Several users report excellent results on the scalp, praising the pivot head for contouring. However, closeness varies depending on hair type.
Q: How loud is it compared to other shavers?
A: Many describe it as louder than average. If low noise is essential, consider testing before committing.
Final Verdict
Buy if you value a close, irritation-free shave, long battery life, and the flexibility of corded or cordless use—particularly if you’re a traveler or someone shaving daily with sensitive skin. Avoid if you need wet shaving capability or a whisper-quiet motor. Pro tip from the community: watch for sales and grab a spare foil head early to avoid downtime when the original wears out.
