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Best Panasonic Shaver Reviews: Comparison Between Arc3 vs Arc4 vs Arc5

There’s almost nothing in the world that will give you as much confidence as a fresh, smooth shave. The world of shavers can be incredibly confusing, though. It’s tough to know what shaver company is best and what line of shavers within that company is worth your time. The best Panasonic shaver could be the Arc3, which gives you a budget-friendly shaver for beginning users. If you’re a long-time foil user, you want more bells and whistles. That will involve the Arc5 line of shavers.

We’re going to break down the Arc line of shavers, so they’ll go head to head. Features, similarities and differences will be examined to help you find the right shaver for your lifestyle and needs. Do you want to see the differences between the Arc3 vs Arc4? What about the Arc4 vs the Arc5? Is there such a huge gap between the Arc3 and Arc5? We will answer all of these questions for you.

History of the Panasonic Shaver

The company itself was started in 1918. In 2018, they celebrated 100 years. It began its life as the Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. until a name change to the Panasonic Corporation in 2008.

The company began making lamp sockets as well as bicycle lamps in the early 1900s. They moved from light fixtures to electric irons and televisions as time progressed. They have an extensive line of shavers. It’s likely that you know the company as a supplier of televisions today, too.

Top 3 Panasonic Arc 5 Shavers

The latest models of the Arc Series are the Arc5 shavers. The number 5 indicates the number of foils and cutting elements in the shaver itself. That’s true of the others in the Arc lineup.

Arc5 shavers have all the great features of the previous generations. They’ve elevated and added new technology that make them a more advanced shaver. The motor is more powerful and there are added features on many like the Lift-Tech Foils.

Comparison Table

Feature
Arc5 ES-LV95-S851
Arc5 ES-LV81-K
Arc5 ES-LV61-A
Flexing Head
Multiflex Pivoting
Multiflex Active Pivot
Multiflex Active Pivot
Cuts per Minute
14000
14000
14000
Cleaning & Charging Yes
Yes
Yes
Wet/Dry
YesYes –
Washable
Display
Illuminated LCD
10-stage LCD
10-stage LCD
Battery Time
1 hour charging for 45 minutes
1 hour for 45 minutes
1 hour for 45 minutes
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1. Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV95-S851

Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV95-S851

The linear motor on the Arc5 ES-LV95-S851 is a powerful one that delivers 14,000 cuts per minute. Across 5 blades, that’s a huge amount of cross-cutting actions. 70,000 to be exact. The Arc5 has a shaving sensor that will sense the denseness of your whiskers and give bursts of extra power when needed, too.

There’s a pop-up trimmer on the handle of this shaver. You won’t have to search for your attachments to get a great shave. Lining up your edges has never been easier. The handle also features a 10-stage LCD display, too.

The foils are the same stainless steel wonders that are available in the other Arc models. Behind the foils, there are sharp Nanotech blades that are angled in the 30 degrees that users come to expect. The foils on this shaver are slightly different from others, though. There’s a 5th foil that provides lifting technology.

This shaver is 100% waterproof and comes with a cleaning and charging station. It’ll rinse clean on a daily basis if you want to run it under the faucet or use the sonic cleaning. The cleaning and charging station can keep the blades in pristine working order.

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My Impression

The cleaning and charging station of this shaver is one of the most exciting features. When you can keep your blades clean, they will last longer. The shaver itself is 100% waterproof, so it’s possible to rinse it under running water. The cleaning station takes the cleaning to another level.

While the cleaning and charging station is fantastic, the shaver can also travel. It comes with a travel safety lock and an AC adapter for charging on the road. The universal voltage of the shaver and charger means that you can take it anywhere in the world.

The shaving sensor is another standout feature. There are sensors in the shaver to detect heavier beard density. The flow of power can be increased based on the amount of whiskers the shaver encounters. It’ll increase and decrease automatically based on what the sensor detects.

Pros
  • The flexible foils are patterned to lift and cut hair at an angle
  • Arc5 shaving sensor provides more power when needed
  • Shaver has an automatic cleaning and charging station
  • It's 100% waterproof for shower grooming
  • The shaver is ready for travel
Cons
  • Large head can make it difficult to shave under the nose

2. Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV81-K

Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV81-K

The Multiflex head provides a maximum amount of flexibility in this shaving head. It'll move gently from side to side as it glides. Each foil moves independently from the next, too. That provides a versatile floating surface for gliding across all the angles and curves of your face.

On the handle of this shaver, you'll find many great features. There's a 10-stage LCD battery display. It's illuminated for easy visibility. There's a lock button for when you travel with this shaver. On the back of the body, there's a popup trimmer, too. All of those features are packed into a shaver that fits wonderfully in your hand.

The five foils of this Arc5 give you 14,000 cuts per minute for each set of blades. The foils also provide a system that glides across the skin and picks up difficult hairs. There's a Lift-Tech Foil for flat hairs. There's a Quick-Comb blade for longer hair. There's also a Finishing Foil for cutting those stubborn hairs that always seem to resist.

This shaving system also comes with an automatic cleaning and charging station. It will clean and dry your shaver to keep the blades sharp for longer. The unit cleans then dries the shaver. Once that's done, the charging will begin. It's all done without you having to lift a finger.

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My Impression

This 100% washable shaver can be used in the shower and cleansed under running water. It's when you're charging that you'll want to use the cleaning and charging station. That can be done once per week to keep the battery as well as the blades in peak working condition.

The different foils provide independent action with flexing, but they also give you different features, too. The Lift-Tech and Quick-Comb foils will ensure that you're getting the closest shave possible. Even difficult hairs will be lifted and cut. You won't have to deliver more than one pass to those areas.

This shaver doesn't focus specifically on those with sensitive skin. All of the features are naturally good for those who are prone to irritation or bumps. The foils are gentle and smooth while giving you a close shave. The blades are hypoallergenic, too.

Pros
  • Five foils for a close shave
  • 30-degree stainless steel blades are hypoallergenic
  • It has a Multiflex pivoting head to follow curves and angles
  • Rapid linear motor with sensor for power shifts
  • Cleaning and charging station included
  • It's 100% washable and waterproof
Cons
  • If left on the charging station continuously, the battery can become weak within a year

3. Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV61-A

Panasonic Arc5 ES-LV61-A

The Arc5 ES-LV61-A has five foils that work together to give you the closest shave of any of the Arc shavers. There's a Finishing Foil for resistant hairs. It has a Lift-Tech Foil that lift flat hairs. The Quick-Comb is meant to catch longer hairs. That's important since all hair grows at different angles and lengths.

Stainless steel blades are powered by a linear motor that delivers 14,000 cuts per minute. With five blades, that's a total of 70,000 cross-cutting actions. The blades will never pull or tug your hair. It'll cut cleanly.

Panasonic has packed a ton of features into the handle of the shaver. It has a 10-stage LCD display that is illuminated in blue. It's a nice change from the orange of many other shavers. It displays battery status and cleaning needs. On the other side of the handle, there's a popup shaver. It makes your entire grooming process simpler.

The Multiflex head gives a large range of motion. Instead of moving side to side alone, the entire head of the shaver moves 25 degrees front to back and 20 degrees left to right. That doesn't include the movement of each individual foil, either.

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My Impression

This is a wet/dry shaver that can be used with foam or shave gel for a smoother shave. It's 100% washable, so it can be rinsed under the faucet. Keeping the blades clean means they'll stay sharper longer.

The foil system of the Arc5 will give you a really close shave. Between the Finishing, Lift-Tech and Quick-Comb Foil, stubborn, wild hairs will be tamed and cut close to the skin. It'll be done without irritation, too. You won't need to constantly run the shaver back and forth to capture the strays.

The motor delivers incredible power to its stainless steel blades. Those blades are angled for the right amount of cutting. The shaver addresses many of the issues men have when shaving. It's done with features that are available only on the Arc brand of shavers.

Pros
  • Has stainless steel angled blades
  • 14,000 cuts per minute for each of the 5 blades
  • Multiflex pivoting head for gliding movement
  • Wet/dry shaving technology for use with foam or gel
  • Comes with popup trimmer for finishing touches
Cons
  • It isn't 100% waterproof for use in the shower

Top 3 Panasonic Arc 4 Shavers

The Arc4 shavers have many advantages over the predecessor the Arc3. There's a 4-blade cutting system. The linear motors deliver 14,000 cuts per minute. The power that's delivered can be felt in the vibrations and power in the shaver.

As soon as you turn on an Arc4, you'll feel the speed and power of the shaving elements and the motor.

Comparison Table

Feature
Panasonic Arc4 ES-LA63-S
Panasonic Arc4 ES8243A
Panasonic Arc4 ES-LF51-A
Flexible Shave Head
Multiflex
Multiflex
Flexible Pivoting Head
Display
Illuminated
LCD display
LCD display
Popup Trimmer
Yes – on the back of the shaving head
Yes
Yes – on the back of the shaver
Cuts Per Minute
14000
14000
14000
Charging Time
1 hour for 45 minutes
1 hour for 45 minutes
1 hour for 45 minutes
Motor
Linear motor
Linear motor
Hyper Performance Motor
Price
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1. Panasonic Arc4 ES-LA63-S

Panasonic Arc4 ES-LA63-S

The multiflex pivoting of this Arc4 ES-LA63-S will keep the foils close to the skin. That's vital when you don't want to make multiple passes across your skin. Curves on the cheeks, across the jaw, and under the chin can be difficult to shave. This multiflex movement provides a close shave that won't cause razor burn or irritation.

The wet/dry capabilities of this shaver means that you can really personalize your shaving. When you are in a hurry to get out the door, you can quickly dry shave with this shaver. If you have time, you can enjoy a wet shave over the sink with shaving cream. It can also be taken into the shower for a quick shave while wet.

The linear motor provides high-speed shaving. You'll be able to enjoy 14,000 cuts per minute with this shaver. That's 14,000 cuts per foil/blades. With 4 blades on this shaver, that's thousands of cuts per minute. It's perfectly crafted for a very close shave.

The travel lock will ensure that the shaver is never triggered while it's in your suitcase. You'll want to enjoy all the shaving time you have with one charge. It shouldn't go to waste. The lock is a nice feature for travelers.

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My Impression

The wet/dry convenience of this shaver is great for every man. You might be purchasing a shaver for quick, dry shaves before running out the door. You never know when your routine might change. If you're heading out on a date, you'll want to take extra care with your shave. Taking it into the shower will give you a softer face, too. Your date will appreciate the extra effort.

The stainless steel foils grab your hair, hold it in place, and cut it cleanly. The blades are angled at 30 degrees to ensure a clean, crisp cut. The blades are hypoallergenic, which means reduced irritation. If you have sensitive skin, this is a huge consideration for you.

The multiflex head is also a great way to get a close shave while not irritating your skin. In a smooth motion, the head will pivot and move to stay in constant contact with your skin. From cheek to chin, the shaver will move with the contours of your face.

Pros
  • The multiflex pivoting head for a close shave
  • Arc shaving system with hypoallergenic blades
  • Includes Nanotech blades angled for capturing more hair cleanly
  • Has a linear shaving motor for more power
  • There are 14,000 cuts per minute per blade
Cons
  • The shaver is heavy compared to others in its class

2. Panasonic Arc4 ES8243A

Panasonic Arc4 ES8243A

The ES8243S has a linear motor to deliver 13,000 cuts (or cycles) per minute. There are 4 foils guarding the skin and guiding the hair to the sharp blades behind them. The blades are angled at 30 degrees for maximum skin coverage. The stainless steel blades are hypoallergenic, too.

Arc4 has the same pivoting head available in all the Panasonic Arc shavers. It will move along the skin from side to side as well. The foils will flex individually to glide across the face, too.

The wet/dry technology allows the user to use it quickly on a dry face. It can also be taken into the shower with shaving gel or foam. It's easy to clean this shaver, too. Rinse it under the sink, or use the sonic cleaning.

On the handle, there's an advanced display. It lights up to let you know how many minutes have been used. There's a cleaning reminder as well as a blade and foil reminder when they need to be replaced.

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My Impression

There's a lot to like with this shaver. It has the convenience of wet/dry technology. You'll be able to take this shaver into the shower. That is a great way to get a close shave superior to a dry shave. When the skin and hair is softened and plumped by water, you'll always get a better shave. Plus, it's great for sensitive skin.

In the handle of this shaver, you're getting a popup trimmer. It sits a bit behind the shaving head. Right after you've shaved, pop out the trimmer to get the sideburns and other areas to sharpen them up. You don't have to search for a trimmer attachment wasting all your morning time. It'll allow you to stay clean and sharp while being on time for all your appointments.

The handle also has an incredible illuminated display. It has a five-stage battery indicator. You'll know exactly how much battery is left. There's a cleaning reminder, so you'll never forget to clean out your shaver. It's important to keep your shaver clear of hair and foam to ensure the life of the blades.

Pros
  • The blades are stainless steel and hypoallergenic
  • There are 4 foils for a gentle gliding shave
  • Wet/dry technology makes it really versatile
  • The popup trimmer is attached to the handle
  • Powerful linear motor for thousands of cuts
Cons
  • No docking station for charging

3. Panasonic Arc4 ES-LF51-A

Panasonic Arc4 ES-LF51-A

The Arc4 ES-LF51-A has an ultra-thin foil made of stainless steel. It glides along the skin while lifting hairs for cutting. Behind the foils, there are 4 sets of blades for cutting. Those blades are angled at 30 degrees for dynamic blade coverage behind every foil. They're Nanotech blades that will stay incredibly sharp for a long time.

The linear motor utilized by the Arc4 delivers 14,000 cuts per minute. Across the 4 sets of blades, that's 56,000 cross-cutting actions. That kind of power delivers speed as well as accuracy in your shaving.

In the body of the shaver itself, you'll find a display as well as a trimmer. A ton of features have been packed into one shaver body. The trimmer pops out to provide a perfect finish to your shave. It'll line up and detail sideburns as well as the edge of your beard. As far as the display, it's illuminated with a 5 stage LCD to show battery status.

The shaver comes with a travel lock and travel pouch, so it's easy to take this on the road. The shaver is made for universal voltage. It can be taken anywhere in the world.

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My Impression

The ultra-thin foils are what help the shaver glide effortlessly across your face. They have to be smooth, but able to lift hairs without pulling then display them properly for cutting. The Multifit Arc Blades are a technology that Panasonic has introduced in the Arc line. The head has a gentle curve so the entire head will touch the skin.

The pivoting shaver head moves side to side to follow the curves in your face. Whether it's the cheeks, jaw, or neck, there are many places where the face is angled. The movement of the individual foils is vital for a high degree of closeness in your shave.

Everything the Arc4 delivers is meant to make your life easier. There's a built in trimmer that easily pops out of the handle for edges. It'll pop back in when you're finished, too. You'll never have to hunt down a trimmer when you're late for work. Another convenient feature is the wet/dry shaving technology. You can shave dry when you don't have the time. On the other hand, you can relax and take your time in the shower for a close, soothing shave.

Pros
  • The handle has a popup trimmer included
  • There's an illuminated battery display
  • It's 100% waterproof and washable
  • The shaver comes with a travel lock and travel pouch
  • A linear motor delivers 14,000 cpm
Cons
  • The shaver can't be used when plugged into the wall

Top 3 Panasonic Arc 3 Shavers

The Arc 3 has 3 cutting elements in its foil shaver. The foils are made of quality stainless steel on a pivoting shaving head. The cutting elements behind that stainless provide a smooth shave with little effort on the part of the user.

Arc 3 shavers can be used dry or in the shower. They're 100% washable, too. They also feature a cleaning mode that's powered by sonic vibrations. It can be rinsed clean, too.

This shaver has much going for it even if it's an older model series.

Comparison Table

Feature
Panasonic Arc3 ES8103S
Panasonic Arc3 ES-LT41-K
Panasonic Arc3 ES-RT51-S
Flexible Shave Head
Yes
Yes
Yes
Popup Trimmer
Yes – in the handle behind the head
Yes – behind the shaving head
Yes – in the handle
Handle Display
10-stage LCD
10-stage illuminated LCD
5-stage LCD
Charging Time
1 hour for 42 minutes
1 hour for 45 minutes
1 hour for 45 minutes
Cuts per Minute
13000
13000
10000
Motor
Linear
Linear
Conventional
Price
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1. Panasonic Arc3 ES8103S

Panasonic Arc3 ES8103S

This Arc3 ES8103S model has Nanotech blades and a linear motor to deliver 13000 cuts per minute. The fast motor helps the blades deliver fast cuts. The stainless steel blades are hypoallergenic and angled at 30 degrees.

This allows the blades to cut quickly without pulling and tugging the hairs. Multiple passes give you more opportunity for razor burn and irritation.

The three sets of blades behind the foil glides smoothly over the curvature of the face. That includes the cheeks, the chin, under the nose, and the neck. Areas that need a close shave with one pass.

The shaver is compatible with wet or dry shaving needs. You can use foam or gel for a close shave. If you'd rather shave quickly on the way out the door, the dry option is helpful. It's 100% washable under running water, too. There's also a sonic mode for cleaning using vibrations.

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My Impression

This older model of the Arc3 has a ton going for it. It has much the same technology of more advanced, newer models. There are stainless Nanotech blades for a sharp cut that gives a hypoallergenic shave. That's great for sensitive skin. It also means that you don't have to worry about missing areas and having to reshave.

The shaver is 100% washable, so you can easily clean foam and hair from the blades. When you rinse them clean and use the sonic vibration, you're actually renewing the blades. Renewed blades will last longer while being as sharp as the day of purchase.

There are many great accessories with this shaver like the LCD display and popup trimmer. The display will remind you to clean and give you an indication of the charge you have left. The popup trimmer eliminates the need for more than one shaving kit.

Pros
  • Ten-stage battery display on the handle
  • Sonic cleaning using vibrations
  • 100% washable to clean foam and hair
  • Popup trimmer directly behind the shaving head
  • Flexible and pivoting head for contours
Cons
  • The shaver doesn't come with a docking station for charging

2. Panasonic Arc3 ES-LT41-K

Panasonic Arc3 ES-LT41-K

This wet/dry electric shaver works in the shower. You can use it wet over the sink with foam or gel. It's equally as good in the shower with the steam to soften the hair. The shaver can be cleaned while running under water, too.

The Arc3 ES-LT41-K has a 10-stage illuminated LCD display. It'll let you know when it's time to charge as well as when to clean. The shaver comes with an AC charger that plugs directly into the wall. The Lithium-Ion battery will charge for 60 minutes for 45 minutes of use.

There's a travel pouch for this electronic shaver. The travel pouch will keep the shaver protected in your bag. It also comes with a shaver cover for protection. The easy-to-carry cord can be tucked into the pouch, too.

With the popup trimmer behind the shaving head, you don't have to ever see the barber. Men are able to perform all their maintenance at home with this shaver and trimmer. It'll even trim the hair on the back of your neck between hair cuts.

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My Impression

Shaving in the shower gives you a smoother surface and softer hair. This makes it easier to cut. While shaving dry is also possible with this shaver, you're getting a closer shave with foam or gel. It plumps the hair for cutting. It makes the skin smooth and leaves less irritation behind.

Anyone looking for a rechargeable shaver for travel will adore this choice. It's got everything needed to toss it into a bag and take it on vacation or work trips. You can charge it before you leave for 45 minutes of shaves, or bring the charger with you. It's easy to tuck the cord directly into the travel pouch.

The shaver has a vibration sonic cleaning feature, which will shake out all the hairs that you pick up during a dry shave. After a good rinse, the sonic vibration will clean after a wet shave, too.

Pros
  • There are independent floating blades
  • The flexible head is great for curves
  • There are three 30 degree Nanotech blades
  • Fast, linear motor delivers 13,000 cpm
  • 100% washable under water
  • 10-stage illuminated LCD
Cons
  • Large head makes it difficult to shave under the nose

3. Panasonic Arc3 ES-RT51-S

Panasonic Arc3 ES-RT51-S

This Arc3 has a conventional motor that delivers 10,000 cuts per minute. It has Nanotech blades that are angled at 30 degrees to get the closest shave possible. The flexible head helps to conform to the curves of the face and stay in contact with the skin.

The LCD display lets you know when it's time to charge this shaver. It'll also let you know when it's time to clean the shaver. It's meant for travel, so the battery will hold a charge for a long time. It would be easy to lose track of when it needs to be charged without the display.

The wet/dry convenience of this shaver allows you to use the shaver at the sink with foam or gel. It will easily rinse well under running water. This simple travel shaver will perform great while you're on the road. You wouldn't be able to bring along a cleaning station for this travel shaver anyway. It would be too bulky.

There's a pop-up trimmer on the back of the shaver's handle. It'll clean the edges of your beard, around your mustache, and your sideburns. It's perfect for the back of your neck, too. It'll save you a visit to get your hair cut, and you'll still look tidy and clean.

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My Impression

A shaver that sticks in close contact with the face over curves and angles will always deliver a better shave. When you miss spots, you'll have to go over the area again. That gives you more chances to end up with irritation and razor bumps.

This shaver isn't going to work in the shower, but it's more than capable of working at the sink. You can use it with the shaving gel or foam of your choice. It's an easy matter of rinsing the foam from the shaver along with the hair.

The popup trimmer will keep you clean and looking fresh while you're on the road. You won't look scruffy heading to that important work meeting. The popup trimmer pops out of the back of the shaver. It won't get lost because it's permanently attached to the shaver.

Pros
  • Wet/dry shaving available with this shaver
  • Rinses under the faucet for a great clean
  • In a convenient travel size with pouch
  • It has a 5-stage LCD display screen
  • There's a popup trimmer attached to the handle
  • Flexible, pivoting head to follow the contours of your face
Cons
  • It has a hard time shaving a 3-day or more beard growth

Panasonic Arc 3 vs Arc 4

The Arc3 and Arc4 shavers are quite similar – especially since they're made by the same company. They have many of the same great features. Arc3 is the older model while the Arc4 is newer. That fact alone means that there will be some advances in the Arc4 models.

Panasonic Arc 3 vs Arc 4

The biggest, most significant difference is the amount of blades available. The Arc3 has three foils while the Arc4 has four foils. It makes sense in the naming of the models. The blades are the same for each, though. They're stainless steel and hypoallergenic. Great for sensitive skin.

In some of the Arc3 models, the motor is a powerful linear motor capable of delivering 13,000 cuts per minute. When you have, 3 blades in the Arc3, that's 39,000 cross-cutting actions. In the Arc4, that's 4 blades with 14,000 each. The new shavers have more power and cuts per minute than the previous models. That's 56,000 cross-cutting actions available.

The Arc3 has less blades/foils, so the shaver head itself is slimmer. That can enable the shave head to reach harder areas like those under the nose. If that's an area that causes concern, you might want to check on the slimness of the shaving head versus the number of foils.

The LCD display in both offerings will give you information on battery life and cleaning status. It will depend on the model itself, but both lines have options with an LCD visuals. The battery in the Arc3 models will charge for one hour for 42 minutes of use. With the Arc4, you get 45 minutes of use. It's only a slight difference.

Comparison Table

Model
Panasonic Arc3
Panasonic Arc4
Number of Blades
3 blades
4 blades
Charging Time
1 hour for 42 minutes of use
1 hour for 45 minutes of use
Cutting Actions
13000
14000
Display
LCD 5-stage display
LCD 10-stage display
Flexible Shaving Head
Slight pivoting
Multiflex shaving head
Motor
Conventional
Linear
Price
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Panasonic Arc4 vs Arc5

The Arc4 is the middle of the road when it comes to the Arc models. While they're an upgrade over the Arc3, the Arc5 is a superior option in all regards. Whether it's the amount of blades or the foils itself, the Arc5 has better features.

Let's start with the Arc4's foils. There are foils that deliver 14,000 cross-cutting actions. That is the same amount delivered by the Arc5. While the Arc4 has four foils, the Arc5 has five. That's why the difference in the names, so the Arc4 gives users 56,000 actions, the Arc5 is superior at 70,000.

Panasonic Arc4 vs Arc5

The foils themselves are varied, too. The stainless steel foil glides across the skin with openings meant to pull in the hair, lift it, and cut it close. The Arc5 has an entire Lift-Tech Foil System in some of their line.

The Finishing Foil works on stubborn hair that doesn't want to get cut. There's the Quick-Comb blade. It's angled to capture and cut hair that is longer than the rest. The Lift-Tech Foil has reverse tapered edges. Those edges are designed to lift flat laying hair.

The flexibility of the shaving head is always a concern. A shaver that doesn't move will not stay in contact with the skin. When you miss spots, you'll have to go over them again and again. It leads to razor burn and irritation. The Arc4 has flexibility that will keep the shaver's foils close. The Arc5 just has better flexibility. It moves 25 degrees front to back and 20 degrees side to side.

The Arc4 line of shavers don't have a premium charging and cleaning station. The Arc4 shavers have a simple cord for charging. It's great for travel, though. Not every shaver in the Arc5 line has a cleaning and charging station, but many of them do.

Comparison Table

Model
Panasonic Arc4
Panasonic Arc5
Foils Available
4 foils with open access to the blades
Lift-Tech Foil System with 5 foils
Cleaning and Charging Station
No
Yes – with most models
Battery Time
1 hour for 45 minutes of use
1 hour for 45 minutes of use
Cuts per Minute
14000 per foils = 56000
14000 per foils = 70000
Blades
4 blades
5 blades
Waterproof
Some
Yes
Comfort Rollers
No
Yes
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Panasonic Arc3 vs Arc5

Panasonic Arc4 vs Arc5

The Arc3 is a good starter shaver for those who are new to the Panasonic line of foil shavers. Foil provides a closer shave than rotary depending on the manufacturer. The Arc5 has beat many other lines of shavers in the closeness of their shave. That comes down to some great features like foils and blades.

The Arc3 has 3 foils to lift and cut hair. There's nothing fancy about the foils. They are meant to lift and cut without any fancy footwork involved. They can be hit or miss depending on the preparation you've done to your face. The Arc5 is always a close shave because the foils do all the preparation for you.

The Lift-Tech Foil System doesn't require you to make any of your own preparations unless you have super sensitive skin. Then it's always a good idea to prepare with shaving lotion and a clean face. Each foil in the Arc5 performs a particular function from lifting flat hairs to reining in longer ones.

A fast motor is essential to a fast shave. Some of the Arc3 motors have a conventional motor that won't deliver the same kind of power as the Arc5. The latest models of the Arc line have linear motors that give you extra juice when cutting dense beards and long hair. The faster shave will ensure that the shaver doesn't have a chance to heat up, too.

One place where the Arc3 might be preferable is in the size of the shaving head. It has less foils, so the head is slimmer. It's small enough to get into places like under the nose quite easily. At the same time, the Arc5 has a flexible head, so that might not even be a concern for some men.

Comparison Table

ModelPanasonic Arc3Panasonic Arc5
Feature
3 shaving elements
5 shaving elements
Shaving Foils
3 shaving elements
5 shaving elements
Flexible Head
Flexible, pivoting head
20 to 25 degrees of movement in all directions
Battery Time
1 hour for 42 minutes
1 hour for 45 minutes
Cleaning and Charging Station
No
Yes – with most Arc5 models
Cuts per Minute
13000
14000
Cross-cutting Action
39000
70000
Waterproof
No
Most are waterproof
Price See On Amazon See On Amazon

Conclusion

The Arc3 has the lowest amount of foils and blades, but it's a great entry-level shaver. It's reasonably priced and provides all the great things from the Arc series of shavers.

The Arc4 is the middle offering from Panasonic. It has more shaving elements and cross-cutting action than the Arc3, which means it'll give you a closer shave. It's a middle price point model that can deliver incredible shaving closeness.

The Arc5 is the best of the best when it comes to foil shaving. It's a bit pricier than the other versions, which can influence budget-minded folks. There are models with a cleaning and charging station. They also give you more foils, blades, and cutting actions than the others.

The Arc line of shavers that you decide to purchase should be a conclusion in your mind now. After reading all of the comparisons, there will be one that really speaks to your lifestyle and what you need in your shaver.

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