beard trimmer It is a very simple device that can produce widely different results. Different beards have very different requirements depending on hair type and style. And quality matters. A cheap blade won’t save you money if it dies young. The last thing anyone needs in the morning is a dull or underpowered trimmer that pushes the hair instead of cutting it, or even pulling it.
The shopping aisle’s rainbow of trimmers advertising “professional precision” and “shaving blades for a lifetime” without corresponding warranties can be difficult to sort through. After consulting barbers and hairdressers, we adapted these blades to suit our faces. Our team includes several testers with different morning routines and different versions of beard vision. Whether you’re aiming for a gnarled stump, tight, detailed geometry, or the manicured thatch of an elegant lumberjack, we’ve got a choice for you.
For more grooming guides, check out the best hair removal creams and tools, the best hair dryers, and the best hair straighteners.
Updated December 2024: Added Philips Norelco Multigroom and barber-recommended classic Wahl Peanut Peanut.
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Beards grow at a rate of about one millimeter every two to three days (on average, one-eighth of an inch per week), depending on the individual. So testing a beard trimmer can take a long time.
Typically, we test each beard trimmer once the beard has grown long enough for a good trim. Use at least two cutting lengths. Weight and balance are important, as is the blade’s ability to reach uncomfortable areas around the neck. Our testers check how well the attachments are made and how easy they are to use, as well as verifying manufacturers’ claims about battery life and power. Also check with a professional hairdresser to verify claims of durability and reliability, especially between brands and models.
Tester Andrew Williams has a relatively full beard that grows straight. Tester Matthew Korfhage has wild, angry hair and seemingly a mind of his own. We tried to reflect in our reviews all possible problems (e.g. difficulties with thick bristles). So you can be sure of the best trim with minimal effort.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right features for your facial fluff.
- Ceramic blades and steel blades: Ceramic blades can hold their sharpness better than steel, but the small teeth on premium beard trimmer blades tend to be made of stainless steel.
- barrel control: Some beard trimmers have an in-device twist control feature. To make your life easier, choose products with minimal attachments.
- Ni-MH vs. Li-ion: Avoid trimmers with excessively long charging times or those that use old nickel-metal hydride batteries. It doesn’t hold a charge as long as lithium-ion.
- waterproof? Although trimming your beard in the shower is not as beneficial as wet shaving, the waterproof design allows you to wash the trimmer with confidence under the faucet.
- USB charging: It took me forever, but I was finally able to get a USB charging cable for my beard trimmer, and Manscaped even uses USB-C on the shell itself. A major bonus to travel.
- Small and large teeth: Larger blade teeth can cut through thicker, denser fur, while smaller teeth allow for closer, more precise cuts. The latter is best exemplified by the Philips OneBlade family.
- Wide and narrow blades: Hair trimmers have wider blades than beard trimmers. Narrow styles give those with short beards greater control with minimal loss of time.
- Do I need to replace my blade? Use blade oil (often included) to keep it from rusting, and your blade will last for years. However, the trimmer-shaver hybrid Philips OneBlade model requires more regular replacement.
- vacuum? Some beard trimmers have a vacuum feature to prevent hair from getting trimmed all over the place. Actually, it’s a bit of a gimmick.
