11 Best Beard Trimmers (2024): Full Beard, Hair, Beard
Beard trimmer is a simple device and can yield a variety of results. Different beards have very different needs, depending on hair type and style. And quality problem. Cheap blades don’t save money if they die young. The last thing anyone needs in the morning is a dull or weak clipper that pushes your hair around instead of cutting it—or even worse, pulls on your hair.
The rainbow of clippers in the shopping aisles advertising “professional precision” and “lifetime blades” without corresponding warranties can be difficult to sort through. We consulted barbers and hairdressing experts, then we turned these blades into our own faces. Our team includes many people experimenting with different morning routines, with many versions and images of beards. Whether you’re aiming for rugged spiky hair, tightly detailed geometry or the carefully tended thatch of an elegant lumberjack, we’ve got the option for you.
For more grooming tutorials, check out The best creams and tools for hair removalfemale Best hair dryerand Best hair straightener.
Updated December 2024: We’ve added Philips Norelco Multigroom and a barber-recommended classic Peanut from Wahl.
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A beard will grow about a millimeter every two or three days, depending on who you are – an eighth of an inch a week on average. So testing a beard trimmer can take a long time.
Generally, we test each beard trimmer when the beard has grown long enough for a good trim—using at least two cutting lengths. So is the weight and balance, as well as the ability to reach those awkward areas around the blade’s neck. Our testers check how well-built and easy-to-use any attachment is, and we verify manufacturer claims about battery life and power. We also test with professional barbers, specifically to verify durability and reliability claims across brands and models.
Tester Andrew Williams has a relatively full, straight beard. Rough-haired and angry tester Matthew Korfhage seems to have a mind of his own. We’ve tried to reflect any potential problems—like difficulty with thick bristles—in our reviews, so you can be sure of the best trim possible with the least amount of effort.
Here’s some help on how to choose the right features for your facial fuzz.
- Ceramic vs steel blades: Ceramic blades can stay sharp better than steel, but the smaller teeth of premium beard trimmer blades are often made of stainless steel.
- Bin control: Some beard trimmers have rotary controls right on the device. For an easier life, choose one with the fewest attachments.
- Ni-MH vs. Li-ion: Avoid clippers that take too long to charge and those that use old nickel-metal-hydride batteries. They do not retain their charge as long as lithium-ion.
- Waterproof? Trimming your beard in the shower doesn’t offer the same benefits as wet shaving, but the waterproof design gives you the confidence to rinse the trimmer under the tap.
- USB Charging: It took so long but you can finally get a USB charging cable for the beard trimmer, while Manscaped even uses USB-C on the case. A great bonus for travel.
- Small teeth and large teeth: Larger blade teeth can cut thick, dense hair, but smaller teeth allow for closer, more precise cuts. The latter is best illustrated by the Philips OneBlade product line.
- Wide and narrow blades: Hair clippers have wider blades than beard clippers. The narrower style offers better control, minimizing downtime for those with shorter faces.
- Does the blade need to be replaced? Use blade oil (usually included) to prevent rust and the blade will last for many years. However, Philips OneBlade hybrid shaver and trimmer models will need to be replaced more often.
- Vacuum? Some beard trimmers have a vacuum feature to avoid dropping hair clippings everywhere. The truth is, it’s just a gimmick.
