A beard trimmer is an extremely simple device that can give very disparate results. Different beards have very different needs, depending on hair type and style. And quality matters. Cheap blades don’t save money if they die young. The last thing anyone needs in the morning is a dull or underpowered clipper that pushes your hair instead of cutting it or, even worse, pulling your hair.
The rainbow of clippers in store aisles advertising “professional precision” and “lifetime blades” without matching warranties can be intimidating to sort through. We consulted barbers and hair professionals, then turned these blades toward our own faces. Our team includes several testers with different morning routines, with several versions and beard visions. Whether you’re looking for sturdy thatch, highly detailed geometry, or the well-maintained thatch of an elegant lumberjack, we have a choice for you.
For more grooming guides, check out Best Hair Removal Creams and ToolsTHE Best Hair Dryersand the Best Hair Straighteners.
Updated December 2024: We’ve added the Philips Norelco Multigroom and a classic, barber-recommended Wahl favorite Peanut.
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A beard grows about a millimeter every two or three days, depending on who you are, or an eighth of an inch per week on average. Testing beard trimmers can therefore take a lot of time.
Generally, we test each beard trimmer once the beard has grown enough for a good trim, using at least two trimming lengths. Weight and balance are important, as is the blade’s ability to reach difficult areas around the neck. Our testers check accessories for quality and ease of use, and we verify manufacturer claims about battery life and power. We also speak to professional haircutters, including verifying the durability and reliability claims of brands and models.
Tester Andrew Williams has a relatively full beard, with a straight-growing beard. Tester Matthew Korfhage has rough, angry hair, with a spirit that seems its own. We have tried to reflect all possible problems, for example problems with thick hair, in our reviews, so you can be sure of the best possible cut with the least possible effort.
Here’s some help choosing the right features for your facial fuzz.
- Ceramic or steel blades: Ceramic blades may retain their sharpness better than steel, but the smaller teeth on high-end beard trimmer blades tend to be stainless steel.
- Barrel control: Some beard trimmers have twist controls on the device. For an easier life, choose one with minimal accessories.
- Ni-MH versus Li-ion: Avoid clippers with long charging times and those that use old nickel-metal hydride batteries. They don’t hold their charge as long as lithium-ion.
- Waterproof? Trimming your beard in the shower isn’t as beneficial as wet shaving, but a water-resistant design lets you wash your trimmer under the tap with confidence.
- USB charging: It took way too long, but you can finally get USB charging cables for beard trimmers, while Manscaped even uses USB-C on the case itself. A major asset for traveling.
- Small or large teeth: The larger blade teeth can cut thick, dense hair, but the smaller teeth allow for a closer, more precise cut. The latter is perfectly illustrated by the Philips OneBlade family.
- Wide or narrow blade: Hair clippers have wider blades than beard trimmers. The narrower style provides greater control, with minimal wastage for those with shorter facial hair.
- Do the blades need to be replaced? Use blade oil (often included) to prevent rust, and the blades should last for years. The Philips OneBlade trimmer-shaver hybrid models will, however, need to be replaced more regularly.
- Empty? Some beard trimmers have a suction function, to avoid getting hair everywhere. In truth, it’s a bit of a gimmick.
