I've owned high end models from both. The Braun did last an incredibly long time and did a great job on most of my face without causing too much irritation. It really struggled to shave cleanly on my jaw line where the direction of my hair swirls a lot, especially on the "corners" of my jaw and right near my ears. It also irritated the skin around my adams apple area a little. I am now using the Norelco. It does a much better job on the jawline but doesn't do quite as well right up under my nose. I the round blades just don't fit up their as tightly. It is easier on my neck but does still cause some irritation. Both are good. I'm not convinced my current Norelco will last as long as the Braun did but on shave quality, I'd give it a slight edge.