This week, I’m taking a look at the Braun BT3040 beard trimmer
The Braun BT3040 beard trimmer is an Amazon Choice Recommendation ranking at #41 for the category of beard and mustache trimmers. It also holds a respectable 3.8 out of 5-star review rating.
Product Comparison
Now, I thought it would be especially valuable for you all if I not only reviewed the Braun BT3040 beard trimmer, but also compared it to the Philips Norelco Series 5100 beard and head trimmer.
These two beard trimmers have very similar features, and it’s likely you’d be choosing between the two for your beard trimming needs.
This video offers a thorough description of both products.
For this beard trim, I shortened up the sides of my beard, leaving a longer goatee. I trimmed under the neck line and around the face to get some nice crisp lines. I also worked in some dimension by using just a few of the 39 settings available on this Braun BT3040.
GroomReviews Product Review: Braun BT3040 vs Philips Norelco Series 5100
Let’s dive in.
FUNCTIONALITY
The Braun BT3040 beard trimmer utilizes short and long beard combs that work in tandem with a precision dial.
The Philips Norelco Series 5100 beard trimmer includes 3 beard and hair combs that work in combination with a built-in zoom wheel.
I’ve read that some people have issues with the Braun BT3040 beard trimmer’s combs sliding out of place and accidentally pushing the cutting length dial to an undesired setting. While I didn’t experience this during my beard trim, it’s something to watch out for.
CUTTING LENGTH + PRECISION
The Braun BT3040 beard trimmer incorporates 39 length settings ranging from 1mm to 20mm, with 0.5mm increments.
The Philips Norelco Series 5100 is capable of cutting at 34 different length settings, from 0.4mm to 13mm.
BATTERY LIFE + POWER
The Braun BT3040 beard trimmer features two AAA nickel-metal hydride re-chargeable batteries that required 8 hours of charge time for 60 minutes of use.
The Philips Norelco Series 5100 beard trimmer uses a Lithium-Ion battery and requires only 1 hour of charge time for 70 minutes of use.
As you’ll hear me say in the video, I found that the Braun BT3040 beard trimmer’s power dulled a bit as I worked my way through the beard trim.
In listening to the hum of these devices side by side, it’s clear that the Philips Norelco Series 5100 beard trimmer is the stronger contender power-wise.
Note that both trimmers can also be used plugged-in for continuous use.
PRICE
Currently, the Philips Norelco Series 5100 beard trimmer sells on Amazon for around $44.99, while you’ll find the Braun BT3040 beard trimmer $10 cheaper at $34.99.
PERFORMANCE REVIEW – ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS
In addition to the information and thoughts mentioned above, I want to add that I experienced some skin snagging with the Braun BT3040 beard trimmer.
Once I took off the comb attachments and started going under my neck to smooth off the finish, I could feel a slight pinching sensation. I felt the pinching a couple of times until it did finally cut my neck, resulting in a small visible scab that lasted a few days. The only other trimmer I’ve had this kind of problem with is the Brio Beardscape (as seen in my review here).
I rarely have a problem when I’m using just the blade on a trimmer, where it actually snags and cuts me like that. So, definitely an advantage to the Series 5100 when it comes to skin snagging and safety.
GROOMREVIEWS RECOMMENDATION
These are both solid stubble-finish trimmers. However, I would definitely say that the Philips Norelco Series 5100 performs better than the Braun BT3040. It’s got a better feel, better battery, better power, and a sharper blade as compared to the Braun. At the end of the day, Philips Norelco Series 5100 is going to get you a better stubble finish than the Braun BT3040. (See my full review of the Phililips Norelco Series 5100 here)
The BT3040 is about $10 less right now on Amazon compared to the Philips Norelco Series 5100. The price difference makes total sense, though, because the Series 5100 is a higher quality product.
Now, if you’re looking for more precision, I’d recommend looking at my video on the Philips Norelco Multigroom 7000. I, along with the GroomReviews community, believe the Multigroom 7000 to be one of the top performers in beard trimming that we’ve reviewed on the channel so far.
Check out the accompanying video to get even more thoughts and details on this product.
UNTIL NEXT TIME…
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Thanks for tuning in!
Catch you next time.
Paul