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A beard trimmer It is a blessedly simple device that can have very different 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 trimmer that pushes your hair instead of cutting it, or even worse, pulls your hair.
The shopping-aisle rainbow of trimmers advertising “professional precision” and “blades for life” without corresponding guarantees can be daunting to sort through. We consulted barbers and hair professionals, then we turned these blades to our own faces. Our team includes many tests with different morning routines, with many versions and visions of the beard. Whether you’re looking for sturdy stubble, a tight geometry of detail, or the well-groomed straw of an elegant woodsman, we have a choice for you.
For more grooming guides, check out the The best hair removal creams and toolsu The best hair dryersand the The best hair straighteners.
Updated December 2024: We’ve added the Philips Norelco Multigroom and a classic favorite Peanut, recommended by barbers from Wahl.
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Beards grow about a millimeter every two or three days, depending on who you are—an eighth of an inch a week, on average. Therefore, testing beard trimmers can take a long time.
We generally test each beard trimmer once the beard has grown enough for a good trim – using at least two cutting lengths. Weight and balance matter, and so does the blade’s ability to reach awkward areas around the neck. Our testers check how well made and easy to use any attachments are, and we check the manufacturer’s claims about battery life and power. We also checked with professional haircutters, especially to check durability and reliability claims between brands and models.
Tester Andrew Williams has a relatively full beard, with stubble growing straight. Tester Matthew Korfhage has big, angry hair, with an apparent mind of his own. We tried to reflect every possible problem – struggling with thick bristles, for example – in our reviews, so you can be sure of the best possible trim with the least effort.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right features for your facial fuzz.
- Ceramic vs Steel Blades: Ceramic blades can retain their sharpness better than steel, but the smaller teeth of premium beard trimmer blades tend to be made of stainless steel.
- Cane control: Some beard trimmers have twist controls on the device. For an easier life, choose one with minimal attachments.
- Ni-MH vs. Li-ion: Avoid trimmers with excessively long charge times and those that use old nickel-metal-hydride batteries. They do not hold their charge as long as lithium-ion.
- Waterproof? Trimming your beard in the shower is not as beneficial as wet shaving, but a water-resistant design allows you to wash your trimmer under the tap with confidence.
- USB charging: It took too long, but you can finally get USB charging cables for the beard trimmers, while Manscaped also uses a USB-C on the shell itself. A major bonus for traveling.
- Small teeth vs. bigger teeth: Larger blade teeth can cut through thick, dense hair, but smaller teeth allow for a closer, more precise cut. The latter is best exemplified by the Philips OneBlade family.
- Wide Blade vs. Narrow Blade: Hair trimmers have wider blades than beard trimmers. The tighter style provides greater control, with minimal waste of time for those with shorter facial hair.
- Do the blades need to be replaced? Use blade oil (often included) to prevent rust, and the blades will last for years. However, Philips OneBlade hybrid trimmer-shaver models require more regular replacement.
- Vacuum? Some beard trimmers have a vacuum function, to avoid cutting hair everywhere. Actually, it’s a bit of a gimmick.
