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Beard trimmer it is a blessedly simple device that can produce very different results. Different beards have wildly different needs depending on hair type and style. And quality is important. Cheap knives don’t save money if you die young. The last thing anyone needs in the morning is a dull or flimsy trimmer that’s pushing your hair around instead of cutting it — or worse, pulling it.
It can be difficult to sort through the rainbow in the shopping aisles of trimmers advertising “professional precision” and “blades for life” without proper warranties. We consulted barbers and hairstylists, then turned these blades into our own. Our team includes many testers with different morning routines, multiple versions and beard looks. Whether you’re aiming for solid stubble, densely detailed geometry, or a refined lumberjack’s manicured straw, we’ve got you covered.
See for more care instructions The best creams and remedies for hair removalthe The best hair dryersand Best Hair Straighteners.
Updated December 2024: We’ve added the Philips Norelco Multigroom and the classic, barber-recommended favorite Peanut from Wahl.
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A beard grows a millimeter every two or three days, depending on who you are—about an eighth of an inch a week, on average. So testing beard trimmers can take a long time.
Generally, we test each beard trimmer using at least two cutting lengths after it has grown enough for a good cut. Weight and balance are important, as is the blade’s ability to reach awkward areas around the neck. Our testers check how well-designed and easy-to-use any accessory is, and we check the manufacturer’s claims about battery life and power. We also check with professional barbers to verify durability and reliability claims, especially across brands and models.
Tester Andrew Williams has a straight beard. Tester Matthew Korfhag has coarse and angry hairs with a mind of his own. We’ve tried to cover any potential issues – such as struggling with thick hair – in our reviews, so you can be sure of the best possible grooming with the least amount of effort.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right features for your face masks.
- Ceramic and steel knives: Ceramic blades retain their sharpness better than steel, but the smaller teeth of premium beard trimmers are made of stainless steel.
- Barrel control: Some beard trimmers have rotary controls on the device. Choose one with minimal extras for an easier life.
- Ni-MH and Li-ion: Avoid trimmers with excessively long charge times and those that use older nickel-metal hydride batteries. They do not hold their charge as much as lithium-ion.
- Waterproof? Shaving in the shower isn’t as beneficial as wet shaving, but the waterproof design allows you to safely wash your trimmer under the tap.
- USB charging: It’s taken a long time, but you can finally get USB charging cables for beard trimmers, and the Manscaped even uses USB-C on the case itself. A major bonus for travel.
- Small and large teeth: Larger blade teeth can cut through thick, dense hair, but smaller teeth allow for a closer, more precise cut. A prime example of the latter is the Philips OneBlade family.
- Wide and narrow blade: Hair clippers have wider blades than beard trimmers. A tighter style provides more control with minimal downtime for those with shorter facial hair.
- Do you need to replace the blades? Use blade oil (often included) to prevent rusting and the blades should last for years. Trimmer-shaver hybrid Philips OneBlade models will require more regular replacement.
- A vacuum? Some beard trimmers have a vacuum function to prevent hair clipping everywhere. Actually, it’s a bit of a trick.
