beard trimmer is a very simple device, but the results can vary widely. Different beards have very different needs depending on their hair type and style. And quality is also important. Cheap knives won’t save you money if they break at a young age. The last thing anyone wants to do in the morning is push their hair around with a dull, weak trimmer instead of cutting it, or worse, pulling it.
It’s hard to tell when shopping aisles are filled with trimmers advertising “professional precision” and “blade that will last a lifetime” without any corresponding warranty. We consulted barbers and beauticians and held blades in our faces. Our team has multiple testers with different morning routines, multiple versions and visions of beards. Whether you’re aiming for rugged stubble, detailed geometric patterns, or an elegant lumberjack manicured thatch, we have an option to suit you.
For more grooming guides, check out the best creams and tools for hair removal, the best hair dryers, and the best curling irons.
Updated December 2024: Added Philips Norelco Multigroom and Wahl’s classic barber-recommended favorite Peanut.
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Although beards vary from person to person, they grow about 1 millimeter every 2-3 days, averaging 8 inches per week. Therefore, testing a beard trimmer can take a long time.
In general, test each beard trimmer using at least two cut lengths once your beard has grown long enough to be properly trimmed. Weight and balance are important, as is the ability to get the blade into awkward areas around the neck. Our testers check how well-made the accessories are, how easy they are to use, and verify manufacturers’ claims about battery life and power. We also check in with professional haircutters, especially to verify claims of durability and reliability across brands and models.
Tester Andrew Williams has a relatively full beard and straight stubble. Tester Matthew Kolfuji has coarse, angry hair and looks like he has a mind of his own. We’ve tried to account for every possible issue in our review, including struggling with thick hair, so you can be sure to get the best possible trim with minimal effort.
Here are some tips to help you choose the right features for your facial fuzz.
Ceramic vs. steel blades: Ceramic blades stay sharper than steel, but the small teeth on the blades of high-end beard trimmers tend to be made of stainless steel. Barrel control: Some beard trimmers have twist controls on the device. Choose one with minimal accessories for a comfortable life. Nickel-metal hydride and lithium-ion: Avoid trimmers that have excessively long charging times or use older nickel-metal hydride batteries. It doesn’t hold a charge as long as lithium-ion. Is it waterproof? Trimming your beard in the shower isn’t as beneficial as wet shaving, but the water-resistant design means you can wash your trimmer under the faucet with confidence. USB Charging: It’s been a long time coming, but you can finally get your hands on a USB charging cable. Manscaped also uses USB-C in the shell itself. A big bonus for traveling. Small teeth vs. large teeth: Large blade teeth can cut through thick, dense hair, while small 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. The narrower style provides more control and minimizes time loss for those with short facial hair. Do I need to replace my blades? Using blade oil (often included) to prevent rust will make your blades last for years. However, the hybrid trimmer and shaver Philips OneBlade model requires more regular replacement. Vacuum Cleaner? Some beard trimmers come with a vacuum feature that prevents the trimmed hair from getting all over the place. Actually, this is a bit of a gimmick.