Looking for the best beard trimmer in town? Perfect. You’re in the right place.
Beards are in style. Some might even say they always have been. Everyone has their preferred facial hair strategy and it typically hinges on how much patience and appreciation there is for growth and style maintenance. Regardless of where you are on the beard appreciation scale, if you’re growing out those wonderful whiskers, getting your hands on the facial hair trimmer for your unique grooming needs is an important part of the process.
For most bearded beauties, it’s not the growing of the beard that is the most challenging but rather keeping it tamed and under control. Whether you’re into the full lumberjack, the Wolverine, or the George Clooney, having the right tool for the job can make all the difference. This is where this ultimate buyer’s guide to the best electric hair trimmers comes in. Forget the knicks and cuts and enjoy the admiration of a well-groomed beard. Beard envy is on the horizon.
Table Of Contents
- 1 The Best Beard Trimmer – Our Top 3 Picks
- 2 Shaving – A Brief History
- 3 How to Choose the Best Beard Trimmer For You
- 4 Things to Consider Before Buying Your New Beard Trimmer
- 5 Most Popular Beard Trimmer 2020 – These Models Made the Cut
- 6 How We Choose The Best Beard Trimmer
- 7 The Official 2020 Product Roundup
- 7.1 TOP PICK
- 7.2 RUNNER UP
- 7.3 RUNNER UP #2
- 7.4 Up and Coming Showstopper (Pricey, but worth it)
- 7.5 Best Trimmer For The Budget Conscious
- 7.6 Sensitive Skin
- 7.7 The Best Multi-Function Beard Trimmer
- 7.8 Best Detail Trimmer
- 7.9 The Beauty of the Barbershop
- 7.10 The Globetrotter – Best Travel Trimmer
- 7.11 The Silent Treatment – Best Quiet Trimmer
- 7.12 Made the Cut – Great Overall Trimmer
- 8 Best Electric Trimmer Buying Guide
- 9 To Foil or Not to Foil?
- 10 Beard Trimmer Safety Guide
- 11 Maintain Your Beard Trimmer
- 12 Frequently Asked Questions
- 13 Final Thoughts
- 14 Resources
The Best Beard Trimmer – Our Top 3 Picks
Do you want to just cut to the chase? If so, let’s dive right into our top 3 picks for the best beard clippers in town. As far as beard trimmer reviews go, there are a lot of criteria to be considered when choosing the best groomer, like battery life, clipping length detail, and overall performance. When it comes to the best beard trimming kit available right now, our top picks will make sure you have the best trimmer you can get your hands on.
Here is a quick view of our top 3 picks for the best mens trimmer of the year. For more detail on each product, see below.
| Wahl Lithium Groomer | Philips Beard Trimmer 7200 | P. Beard & Head Trimmer 5100 | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  | |
| Battery Life | 120 mins usage | 80 mins usage | 70 mins usage |
| Clipping Length | 1/32” - 1” | 1/64” - ½” | 1/64” - ½” |
| Waterproof? | No | No | Yes |
| Warranty | 5-year | 2-year | 2-year |
Shaving – A Brief History
Men have been looking for ways to stay well-groomed for as long as history can remember. When it comes to grooming facial hair, we have stopped at little in the pursuit of a clean and safe removal of our unwanted five-o’clock shadow. Before the advent of copper razors around 5000 years ago, some people used two sea shells to pull out the hair with the help of water and a sharp tool. Picture Tom hanks stranded on an island asking Wilson for some advice on his grooming standards. Thank goodness that’s no longer a thing!
The straight razor was the beginning of a much more efficient and painless approach to grooming that was able to revolutionize the way men looked at shaving. This relatively new approach, beginning in the early 1800’s, was quick to catch on around the world spurring ideas for better ways to shave. With the first safety razors appearing for general consumption in the late 1800’s, by the early 1900’s we were well on track to experiencing the world of razors we have come to appreciate today. Shortly after the introduction of safety razors, electric shavers also began to saturate the marketplace. In 1928, the first electric shaver was invented by Jacob Schick and continued to evolve from there into the high-tech systems we have today.
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If you love a traditional wet shave, you can thank the Gillette Safety Razor Company for that. It was due to their invention of the double edged safety razor that the personal grooming industry took off like a Tesla on a test drive. In 1918 alone they sold 3.5 million razors and 32 million blades. This was such a successful initiative by Gillette that the U.S. military demanded their entire razor production division devote itself to providing hardware for the troops during WWII. This resulted in the production of over 2.5 million razors and over 1.5 billion blades being provided to the servicemen. How’s that for a clean shave!
How to Choose the Best Beard Trimmer For You
Not all beard trimmers are created equal. When choosing the best trimmer for men, the options can start piling up pretty quickly. So, with so many options for electric razors and hair trimmers in the marketplace to choose from, how do you find the right one for the job? Well, like anything worth your while, it just takes a bit of comparison, research, and quality control to come up with a short list of great options.
There are a few basic criteria that, if followed, can ensure you come out with a high-quality manscaping kit. Time to turn up the beard envy.
This may seem obvious, but it must not be overlooked. Why buy a trimmer that turns into a glorified paperweight after only a few uses?
When looking into a high-quality build keep a couple things in mind: material quality and grip comfort. If the materials are stainless steel or titanium then you are off to a great start as these will last for many years to come without requiring replacement. Try to avoid systems that are primarily plastic. These are often much less reliable and feel cheap in the hand.
Taking heed of your shaver’s build quality makes sure that it will continually stand up to the test of mowing through that mound of madness when it needs it the most.
When it comes to your new beard and moustache trimmer, you may have some extra features you can use for your unique needs. With so many amazing features in the newer models, you can get a very versatile shaving system that can handle even your most challenging requirements.
Many models now include options such as nose/ear hair trimmers, turbo-trimming mode (for those extra challenging mattes), vacuum systems, body groomer options, and self-sharpening. These are not required, of course, but can help take your grooming standards to the next level.
After all, who wants to be on a first date with straggling nose-hairs distracting your courtship? Just saying, gents…
Unless your ready to go back to the seashell method mentioned above (Wilsooooon!), length settings can make or break the deal. If you are not going to get the detail you are looking for from your trimmer you’ll likely stop using it altogether – clearly not the goal.
Many trimmers have one of two ways to ensure you get the clipping length your looking for. The first way is through a series of attachments. By quickly snapping on a length guide to the clipper head you can get the precision you need. The other is a built-in system that adjusts on the trimmer itself. These are typically a bit bulkier to accommodate for the adjustment mechanisms but are very convenient for people who want an all-in-one system.
Either way, make sure to choose the model that has the length settings that will suit your needs.
At the end of the day, it really doesn’t matter which of these you choose. It’s all about what your lifestyle preference are. One thing to keep in mind is that plug-in models tend to have a bit more power behind them than their battery operated cousins.
If your beard grooming routine is in a well organized bathroom with easy access to power outlets, you may fare quite well with a corded electric beard trimmer. If you’re not bothered about navigating cords and appreciate the additional power, this could easily be your preferred solution.
If the raw horsepower and the use-anytime-no-hassle features of a corded model doesn’t matter to you, the portability and convenience of a cordless trimmer will certainly make your day easier. Just make sure to keep it charged and be patient in the harder to clip areas and you’ll be well on your way to a perfect presentation.
This is one of those options that you need to be careful to attend to if you want to make sure you get the most of your trimmer. The closer your clipping needs are, the more you have to pay attention to how your skin reacts to your trimmer. If you like to shave in the shower, or like to have a wet face during grooming, then you’re going to want to opt into a model that can handle the moisture. Not all models have a waterproof feature and can be damaged with exposure to water.
If you’re already used to the experience of a dry shave then you have no limitations on the model you can choose from. After all, even though a particular trimmer may be waterproof, all models can be used dry. This is another preference that is completely dependant upon your unique needs and facial sensitivity. The good news is, you have the option.
With prices ranging from $9 – $300+ for various trimmers on the market, your budget is going to come into consideration. Our top picks are all priced under $70 so you should be able to get a high-quality beard trimmer for under $100 depending on where you are shopping.
Like all things, price can sometimes indicate the quality of the product, but not always. There are some very high quality trimmers for reasonable prices if you are willing to do a bit of digging. And this is exactly what you are doing by reading this! We have been able to compare and contrast all the best beard trimmers around so you don’t have to.
Things to Consider Before Buying Your New Beard Trimmer
When looking into buying a new beard trimmer, make sure to keep a few things in mind. Let’s go over a few things to ask yourself before making your purchase.
Where are you typically located when grooming?
Are you a shower groomer? Do you have a big luxurious bathroom or a tight little cubicle that’s hard to clean? Do you travel a lot and require something you can pull out in an airport or taxi on the way to a meeting?
These are the kinds of lifestyle questions you need to consider when choosing the best trimmer for men.
How detailed is your grooming routine?
Are you in need to something that can carve tight lines and get a skin-close shave? Does your beard just need a quick clip to keep it under control? How often do you need to use your razor? How long does your routine take from beginning to end?
Depending on your unique face-sculpting needs the trimmer you choose will need to reflect your lifestyle.
Light duty or heavy duty?
Do you have a mound of massive hair that nearly requires a lawnmower to chew through the luxurious fur? Does your facial hair come in patchy and thin? Do you just trim a small area for detail and leave the rest go wild? Are you very particular about various lengths and fades?
Every great electric trimmer can handle most duties, however, you’ll want to consider something that can cater to your specific hair-type and grooming preferences.
Most Popular Beard Trimmer 2020 – These Models Made the Cut
With so many electric shavers for men on the market, we felt the need to narrow down the playing field a bit to bring you The Best Beard Trimmer Ultimate Buyer’s Guide. Feel free to do your own research as well. This is the most comprehensive breakdown we could come up with across all the various models to choose from.
This list is a quick reference for each model based on a few key criteria: Brand, Model, Type, Wet or Dry, Battery Life, Clipping Detail, Warranty Period, and Price.
These are in no particular order, our top picks will be detailed in the next section. Here you go!
Product Models Battery Life Warranty Period Clipping Detail Wahl Groomer (Our Top Pick) 240-min 5 years 0.5mm - 25mm Philips Norelco 7200 (1st Runner) 80 min 2 years 0.5mm - 10mm Philips Norelco 5100 (2nd Runner) 70 min 2 years 0.4mm - 13mm Andis Cordless 100-min 1 year 0.2mm - 10mm Philips MG3750 60-min 2 years 1mm - 16mm Panasonic ER-GB40-S 50-min 2 years 1mm - 10mm Philips Norelco OneBlade 90-min 2 years (handle only) 0.4mm - 10mm Remington PG6171 180-min 2 years 0.7mm - 20mm Andis GTX Trimmer Power Cord Only 1 year 0.5mm - 10mm Braun MGK3045 60-min 2 years 0.5mm - 21mm Brio Beardscape 240-min 2 year 1mm - 18mm Philips Beard 3500 120-min 2 years 0.5mm - 10mm
How We Choose The Best Beard Trimmer
As you can see from the above group of the best men’s beard trimmers, choosing the right one for you is not as cut and dry as you may think (pun intended). We have a lot to think about when choosing the correct model for our needs, and this is not something to take lightly. Remember, you will be using this tool for a long time ahead and you want to make an educated decision.
The best trimmer of the year is chosen based on user reviews, design quality, price, warranty, value (accessories included), and overall performance. All of these factors being equal, the choice is then made based on feel – how does it feel, sound, look, smell (yes, smell. You’d be surprised at how an overheated trimmer can offend your nose), and storage/docking. If you’re looking for the good stuff, this beard trimming guide will be your ultimate resource this year.
So without further ado, here is our product roundup for your Best Beard Trimmer Ultimate Buyer’s Guide 2020.
The Official 2020 Product Roundup
TOP PICK
Wahl Lithium Ion Stainless Steel Groomer
This little powerhouse by Wahl has made it to the top of the list. There are so many things about this trimmer we can mention, however, suffice it to say it makes for good beards. For this category, this is the best Wahl beard trimmer hands down, especially when it comes to overall performance, battery life, portability, and durability. If you’re looking for the best mens beard trimmer on the market today, this little gem may just be what you’ve been waiting for.
| Wahl Lithium Ion Stainless Steel Groomer Summary | |
|---|---|
| Overall Score: |  |
| Check Price: |  |
| Wet/Dry | Dry |
| Battery Life | 240-min |
| Clipping Detail | 0.5mm - 25mm |
| Warranty Period | 5-Year |
| MSRP Price | $69.99 |
That said, this particular trimmer is not for those of you who need to have a wet shave. This is not a waterproof system. However, even so, you are getting so much value from this trimmer it may be worth the transition.
- 4-hour battery life
- Pricepoint
- Solid build quality
- International Power Adapter
- Industry leading 5-year warranty
- Self-sharpening
- 1-hour full-charge
- 1-minute quick charge
- Not waterproof.
The Wahl stainless steel groomer kit is really great as well. It comes with a large assortment of accessories that serves nearly every bearded need.
What is included in the box?
- T-Blade Head (including 8 guides from 1/8” to 1”)
- Detail Shaver Head (including 4 guides from #1/2 – #3)
- Rotary Head
- Detail Blade
- Travel Pouch
- Cleaning Brush, Blade Oil, Beard & Mustache Comb, Charger
- Instruction Manual
One of the first things you’ll notice when you unpack this trimmer is the high-quality feel. The full stainless steel body gives this Wahl trimmer a luxury touch that is not characteristic of low-end products. In fact, the only part of this trimmer that is not metal is the small rubber power button near the top of the unit. This makes for an extremely durable and very reliable trimmer you can use time after time in full confidence of its performance.
A clever addition to this clipper is the small red travel plug that prevents the unit from accidentally turning on in your bag, thus avoiding turning your favorite shirt into confetti. It’s a simple additional detail that actually goes a long way. Just make sure not to misplace this small travel plug – it is small and easy to misplace.
The t-blade trimming head is your ace-in-the-hole. It’s the perfect head for nearly all your trimming needs and helps to get the best styling accuracy you’re looking for. It’s all metal design boasts a comb that is ground, not stamped. Stamping is when the blades are ‘cut’ like a cookie cutter from a piece of metal and does not get the kind of detail that comes from grinding. Grinding takes a bit more time to make, but the end result is a far higher comb/blade quality. This makes a very big difference when it comes to staying sharp, feeding hair well, and overall performance of the comb/blade.
The plastic comb attachments are touch and durable. Although the plastic clip (required for the piece to properly attach to the clipper-head) does not inspire much faith for long-term wear and tear, they do what they are designed to do quite well.
As far as a Wahl cordless trimmer is concerned, these are a great fit for pretty much all of your manscaping needs. It does well on all areas of the body and can be used over and again in full confidence of its abilities. The only thing to be a bit cautious of is when you are clipping your head hair. This is a cordless unit and head hair requires a lot of juice to get through smoothly. Take it a bit slower to ensure a comfortable operation when tackling your hair cutting tasks.
RUNNER UP
Philips Norelco Beard Trimmer 7200 Series
All in all, this is one of the best beard trimmers on the market. This Philips trimmer has many of the features you are expecting from a great beard trimmer and no shortage of features. The vacuum alone can help to make your grooming session easier to clean up and shave a few minutes off your time spent tidying up.
| Philips Norelco Beard Trimmer 7200 Series Summary | |
|---|---|
| Overall Score: |  |
| Check Price: | |
| Wet/Dry | Dry (washable head) |
| Battery Life | 80 min |
| Clipping Detail | 0.5mm - 10mm |
| Warranty Period | 2-Year |
| MSRP Price | $59.99 |
- Great value for price
- Easy clean-up
- 80-minute battery life
- International power adapter (100-240V)
- Worry-free guarantee
- Vacuum feature does not catch all hair so some cleanup will still be required
- Build quality could be better.
What is included in the box?
- Philips Norelco 7200 Vacuum Beard Trimmer
- Vacuum cleaning tool
- Detail Trimmer head
- Beard comb
- Medium detail comb
- Large detail comb
- Travel pouch and User Manual
- Cleaning Brush
One of the great things about the Philips Norelco 7200 is that it comes with a 45-day satisfaction guarantee. Give yourself some time to try it out in your everyday life. If you really love your experience, keep it. If not, you have a hassle-free return policy backed directly by Philips. This is something to consider just in case this trimmer isn’t the right fit for your needs.
All of the buttons and features of this trimmer are easy to access and straightforward to operate. There is little to confuse with this sleek design and easy to operate basic features.
With a large selection of stops on the built in blade guide, you will have no shortage of options for your unique beard needs. You can safely operate in the rage of 0.5mm to 10mm taking on nearly any facial hair you need to.
The feel of this Norelco beard trimmer is sleek and satisfying in the hand. It feels like a high-quality finish even though it is not a full-metal design. There is a bit more plastic on this unit than some of the others, but it is functional and used sparingly.
The vacuum unit does what it is supposed to do. However, if you are looking for a completely clean-up-free experience, this will not meet your expectations. There will still be pieces of hair to tidy up after your grooming session, albeit much less.
The blades on this unit are stamped, not ground,, leaving your long-term detailing needs found wanting. Even so, the blades are tough. They will claw through whatever you have to throw at them with relative ease.
If you are an international jet-setter than you’ll love the power adapter. Handling both 120 and 220 voltage, you’ll get great detailing regardless of your destination. You don’t have to worry about bulky voltage converters or causing an accidental meltdown of your unit while away.
RUNNER UP #2
Philips Norelco Beard & Head Trimmer Series 5100
As the little brother of the runner-up 7200 series above, this powerhouse trimmer has a lot to measure up to. Even so, this is a trimmer worth every dollar. If you’re a price conscious groomer in need of a great tool for the job, you’ll find the Norelco Beard & Head Trimmer Series 5100 a great choice.
| Philips Norelco Beard & Head Trimmer Series 5100 | |
|---|---|
| Overall Score: | |
| Check Price: | |
| Wet/Dry | Wet and Dry |
| Battery Life | 70 min |
| Clipping Detail | 0.4mm - 13mm |
| Warranty Period | 2-Year |
| MSRP Price | $49.99 |
- Built in guide does a great job of getting the job done with its 17 built in length settings.
- International voltage built in to the power adapter.
- Waterproof
- Best stubble trimmer (0.2mm)
- No built in vacuum
- The guide can push hairs aside. You may need multiple passes.
What is included in the box?
- Norelco Beard & Head Trimmer Series 5100
- International power adapter (100-240V)
- Integrated hair lift comb, long-hair comb, short-hair comb
- Cleaning brush
- Instruction manual
Out of the box you get a feel for its quality right away. It comes with body, face, and head combs that all do a fine job of getting the job done. As soon as you try it out, the Dynamic Beard Guide System is sure to please as it gracefully feeds your stubble into the blade for an easy and smooth operation.
What sets this particular Philips beard trimmer apart from others in its category is what Philips refers to as Dual Sided Technology. This is an additional shaving head that provides a much more refined and detailed experience for those trickier spots requiring some finesse. You’ll appreciate this feature if you need a bit more of a refined cut.
When it comes to a great mens beard trimmer, this is a great choice for you if you are looking for a wet shave. With the Norelco 5100’s fully waterproof design you can shave while in the shower, get sloppy at the sink, or make sure you’re looking great for that headshot while on location in the rainforest during a rainstorm. However you need to tackle your little ticklers, this Philips Norelco trimmer will have you well-groomed in no time.
Up and Coming Showstopper (Pricey, but worth it)
Andis Cordless T-Outliner® Trimmer
One of the most well-known, yet under advertized, trimmers in the industry is the Andis T-Outliner. Known by clipper aficionados as one of the best detail trimmers on the market, you’ll be getting all the bang for your buck you expect to. With the recent introduction of this cordless model, Andis has brought itself into a whole new space and can now compete for your attention in the best cordless trimmer category.
| Andis Cordless T-Outliner® Trimmer Summary | |
|---|---|
| Overall Score: | |
| Check Price: | |
| Wet/Dry | Dry |
| Battery Life | 100-min |
| Clipping Detail | 0.2mm - 10mm |
| Warranty Period | 12-Month |
| MSRP Price | $235.00 |
- Classic performance of the T-Outliner, now cordless
- 100-minutes of use on single charge (best in pro category)
- Fully charge in 1-hour
- Zero-gap optional for a closer shave
- Cord or cordless use
- 7200 spm rotary motor with constant speed technology
- Barbershop performance and reliability
- Price is a bit steep for a budget-conscious shopper
- Not waterproof. Dry detailing only.
- Only 5 trim lengths out of the box
What is included in the box?
- Cordless T-Outliner® Trimmer
- Charging Dock
- Blade oil
- 4 Attachment Combs (1/16″, 1/8″, 1/4″, 3/8″)
This is the trimmer for you if your needs are heavy. With a 7200 spm output, you could cut through your neighbors hedges in one fell swoop, nevermind your voluptuous (and venerable) stubble farm. There is no stopping this little unit once you put it to the test. It will do its job and then some, in perfect comfort, quiet, and ease. With the Constant Speed Technology, even your most challenging grizzle will pass through these teeth in fine form. Forget about the days of tugging and snagging, this little gem will be sure to please.
With a trim getting as close as 1/32” (0.8mm) with just the trimmer head, and up to 3/8” (9.5mm) with the large comb attachment, you should be able to tackle whatever you need to (also keep in mind that this unit has a ‘zero-gap’ adjustment option making for an even closer trim than written above). For some, only having 5 lengths to choose from is limiting. If you are on the lookout for a lot of leeway insofar as cutting length options is concerned, this may not serve your needs. Even so, this is probably the best cordless trimmer available in the up-and-coming category, limits aside.
Best Trimmer For The Budget Conscious
Philips Norelco Multigroom MG3750
If you are looking for an all around decent trimmer that can handle pretty much anything you’ll throw at it, but have other priorities when it comes to your spending, this is the trimmer for you. Coming in at under $25 you can get a great trim and still have cash left over for your date night. After all, treating a lady to dinner AND getting a great trim is what all the kids are doing these days, right? Well, maybe not, but a man can dream, yes? Chivalry has it’s upside…
| Philips Norelco Multigroom MG3750 Summary | |
|---|---|
| Overall Score: | |
| Check Price: | |
| Wet/Dry | Dry (washable attachments) |
| Battery Life | 60-min |
| Clipping Detail | 1mm - 16mm |
| Warranty Period | 2-years |
| MSRP Price | $19.95 |
- Lots of trimmer lengths (1mm-16m)
- 1-hour run time
- Self-sharpening tempered steel blades
- 45-day risk free return policy
- Nose, ear, and body accessories all included
- Blade quality could be better
- Not as much power as you might need
- Plastic parts may damage over time
What is included in the box?
- Philips Norelco Multigroom MG3750 Trimmer
- Tempered steel trimmer
- Detail trimmer
- Rotary nose trimmer
- 3 beard trimming guards
- 3 hair trimming guards
- Stubble trimming guard
- Charging cable
- Instruction manual
- Storage pouch
If you are looking for a powerhouse, this is not the solution for you. There are plenty of models in this guide that will serve your needs better if you are looking for a mini-lawnmower for your face. This is a great solution for you if you have light to medium duties to perform a few times per week. Let’s face it, if you keep all the important things tidy and looking great who cares what you paid for your trimmer, right?
Sensitive Skin
This is perhaps the most highly sought after Panasonic beard trimmer on the market in its class. It looks great, performs like a charm, and keeps on going even if you’re all tired out and ready for a nap. Keep in mind that although this trimmer has all the charisma and styling of a Italian designer, it’s what’s inside that counts right? Exactly.
| Panasonic ER-GB40-S Milano Summary | |
|---|---|
| Overall Score: | |
| Check Price: | |
| Wet/Dry | Wet and Dry |
| Battery Life | 50-min |
| Clipping Detail | 1mm - 10mm |
| Warranty Period | 2-years |
| MSRP Price | $49.99 |
- Feels great in the hand
- No snag, great for sensitivity
- Great cutting length
- Waterproof
- 15-hour battery charge time
- A bit to lightweight overall, and top-heavy.
- Recommended to oil after every use
What is included in the box?
- Panasonic ER-GB40-S Milano
- AC charger stand with charge indicator
- Brush cleaner
- Comb attachments
- Bottle of oil.
The thing about so many trimmers on the market is that they can get caught up in beard hair as the comb passes through for a clean cut. This can cause snagging and tugging that can cause irritation, a real pain-in-the-face for the sensitive skinned among us. Somehow, this particular blend of power and form that Panasonic has developed for this trimmer prevents this annoying snag nearly altogether (perhaps other than on the most rugged of lumberjacks).
The one thing that is pretty annoying is that the battery takes 15-hours for a single charge that lasts for only 50-minutes or so. This seems a bit unreasonable given that so many other models sport a stellar battery life and charge time.
The Best Multi-Function Beard Trimmer
This unconventional trimmer/shaver is one of the most interesting of the bunch. It makes us completely rethink the way a trimmer and shaver looks, functions, and feels. Obviously the most important thing to consider in a new trimmer design is the ability to do the job: groom. But just how well does this new design stand up to the test? You might be surprised!
| Philips Norelco OneBlade Pro Summary | |
|---|---|
| Overall Score: | |
| Check Price: | |
| Wet/Dry | Wet and Dry |
| Battery Life | 90-min |
| Clipping Detail | 0.4mm - 10mm |
| Warranty Period | 2-years (on handle only) |
| MSRP Price | $79.00 |
- Waterproof design
- Great grip
- Ultra compact
- Cuts on forward and back stroke
- Blade replacement every 4-months
- Not good for curly, multi-directional, or flat hairs
What is included in the box?
- Philips Norelco OneBlade Pro handle
- Oneblade replaceable blade
- 12-Length adjustable comb
- Battery charger station
- Instruction manual
For a model that is breaking conventions, this is actually a really great trimmer. It’s going to do a lot of things well: trim, edge, shave, and contour. Be careful if you are doing any trimming ‘south of the border’ with this one though. If you get the wrong angle to get at tough spots or press a bit too hard you’re gonna draw some blood.
This handy tool feels a bit more like a traditional wet-shave Gillette razor. It contours and hugs the face quite well. It can handle every angle of the face and then some making for a comfortable shave. Because the unit boasts a two-way blade, you can shave up and down without painful snagging as the head oscillates back and forth 200 times a second.
If you’re a wet shaver, this is going to please. The blade is so easy to access and clean while using it, you’ll forget it’s an electric razor. The sturdy grip and form fitting design makes the OneBlade Pro feel sturdy even with a bunch of shaving gel dripping into your hands.
Best Detail Trimmer
Remington PG6171 – The Crafter
There is a certain sort of man who requires that extra little bit of precision detailing, kind of like a high-end car. When you have that extra shine on the grill, everything just pops a bit better. Well, if you treat your grooming the same way as you would a customized Nissan GT-R50, then the Remington PG6171 – aka The Crafter – is waiting at the pit-stop for you.
| Remington PG6171 – The Crafter Summary | |
|---|---|
| Overall Score: | |
| Check Price: | |
| Wet/Dry | Wet and Dry |
| Battery Life | 180-min |
| Clipping Detail | 0.7mm - 20mm |
| Warranty Period | 2-years |
| MSRP Price | $64.99 |
- High-end performance with a lower than expected price tag
- 3-hour battery life
- Waterproof
- Huge accessory kit
- Full-body grooming performance
- Foil shaver could be a bit better
What is included in the box?
- Remington PG6171 – The Crafter
- 6 guide combs
- Ear and nose trimmer
- Mini foil shaver
- Detailer
- Zip closed storage bag
Everything about this Remington beard trimmer is so much more than what meets the eye. First, it’s not just a beard trimmer. The Crafter is a whole-body grooming master, ready to take on all your manscaping needs. The ergonomic handle and design on this Remington trimmer make every angle fully accessible, every hair easily hackable, and every man excessively kissable.
If you are looking for a long beard trimmer, this will also get you sorted. With the sturdy combs locked in place, guiding your fuzzies through the clipperhead is a breeze. The comfortable grip allows for a great one-handed operation while your other hand uses a styling comb to make sure you sculpt the perfect length every time. Touting The Crafter as your long beard trimmer, your good ol’ Duck Dynasty will be ready to take on the world like a buck in rutting season.
You can’t go wrong with so many attachments, either. You’ll have access to head-to-toe grooming with all the fine detail potential you’ll ever need. With up to three hours (!) of run time on a single charge, you’ll be ready for the cover of Esquire after every grooming session.
The Beauty of the Barbershop
If you’re a traditionalist and want to power and performance of a professional beard trimmer, look no further than this powerful classic. No hair is safe from this guy. With enough power to shave a sheep’s hindquarters, if you want to get the job done like the pros, the Andis GTX T-Outliner® Trimmer will take on any task with grace and ease.
| Andis GTX T-Outliner® Trimmer Summary | |
|---|---|
| Overall Score: | |
| Check Price: | |
| Wet/Dry | Dry |
| Battery Life | Power Cord Only |
| Clipping Detail | 0.5mm - 10mm |
| Warranty Period | 12-Month |
| MSRP Price | $113.00 |
- More power than you’ll ever need (7200 spm)
- Quiet operation
- Full-body trimming is easy
- All hair-types (including little curlers)
- Can be ‘zero-gapped’ for an even closer trim
- Plug-in power only
- Limited accessories
What is included in the box?
- Andis GTX T-Outliner® Trimmer
- Trimmer oil
- Instruction manual
- Andis ‘bump care’ lotion sample
- Four combs (#0, 1, 2, 3)
This unassuming trimmer by Andis is likely going to surprise you with its ability to take on whatever you throw at it. Heralded by pros as one of the best detail trimmers for the price, you’ll be strutting proudly with the results in no time. The sturdy build and outstanding performance (7200 spm) will ensure a consistent outcome every time you trim.
With the standard professional trim lengths included with the four combs (size #0 (1.5mm), #1 (3mm), #2 (6mm), #3 (10mm)) there is little you won’t be able to handle. If an even closer trim is needed, this model has the ability to be ‘zero-gapped.’ This means that the blade and the comb can align in such a way as to provide a nearly skin-close trim that will please even the most picky of fade-lovers.
If you can get over the bland design and color, this classic cutter will serve you and your trimming needs for years to come. Unlike its little brother (the non-GTX version), you will never have to worry about this unit heating up to much. This is because of the magnetic (rather than electromagnetic) motor driving this powerful trimmer.
The Globetrotter – Best Travel Trimmer
Braun MGK3045 Trimmer Multi-Grooming Kit
If you’re not into feeling like you have to be a Yoga master to get to all the areas of the body while travelling, you’ll really like the Braun MGK3045 Trimmer Multi-Grooming Kit. This was a hard one to land on because there are other trimmers with sleeker designs, less attachments, and slightly more travel-friendly body-sizes (like the Trym II travel trimmer). However, it’s nice to have a bit of power and reliability too. That’s the reason for this particular braun beard trimmer making the list.
| Braun MGK3045 Trimmer Multi-Grooming Kit Summary | |
|---|---|
| Overall Score: | |
| Check Price: | |
| Wet/Dry | Wet and Dry |
| Battery Life | 60-min |
| Clipping Detail | 0.5mm - 21mm |
| Warranty Period | 2-years |
| MSRP Price | $29.00 |
- International charging adapter
- Lots of accessories
- Great size:power ratio
- 60-minute runtime
- Full-body use
- Washable
- 8-hour charge time
- No nose/ear attachment
What is included in the box?
- Braun MGK3045 Trimmer
- 4 beard combs (1mm – 21mm)
- Precision trimmer head
- Cleaning brush
- Smart adapter
- Gillette Fusion ProGlide manual razor
- Instruction manual
The last thing any man wants is to be looking shabby for a first impression. If you’re a jetsetter on a mission to change the world, keeping your beard in check is the last thing you want to worry about. With the Braun MGK3045 Trimmer Multi-Grooming Kit in tote, you can be fully confident that your grooming standards will be well met.
The feel of the unit in the hand is great. You can tell that it’s meant for someone who wants to get the job done with as little hassles as possible. The 60-minute runtime will surely tackle whatever you need while on the road. Just make sure to keep it on the charger in your hotel room overnight to ensure full use. It takes about 8-hours to come to full charge and you won’t want to get halfway through a trim and have the unit run out of juice. And, with the international charging adapter, you can be confident in plugging it in wherever you need to.
The Silent Treatment – Best Quiet Trimmer
Brio Beardscape Beard and Hair Trimmer
When it comes to trimmers, the constant buzz that comes from the motor and blades can be irritating to some. It’s not all that ASMR if you really think about it. If you find it annoying to put up with the hum while you trim, look no further than the Brio Beardscape. Not only will this trimmer tackle your grooming needs like a boss, it’s the quite possibly the quietest clippers on the market today.
| Brio Beardscape Beard and Hair Trimmer Summary | |
|---|---|
| Overall Score: | |
| Check Price: | |
| Wet/Dry | Dry |
| Battery Life | 240-min |
| Clipping Detail | 1mm - 18mm |
| Warranty Period | 2 Year |
| MSRP Price | $64.95 |
- Sleek Apple-esque design and build
- Solid build quality
- Super quiet ceramic blade/titanium comb
- 4-hour runtime (on only 3-hour charge)
- 5 adjustable speed settings (5000-7000 spm)
- Ceramic blade 4-times harder than steel
- Limited attachments
What is included in the box?
- Brio Beardscape Beard and Hair Trimmer
- Charging dock
- USB charging block and cord
- 2 combs
- Clipper oil
- Cleaning brush
- Instruction manual
Gosh, this trimmer is awesome. The Brio Beardscape Beard and Hair Trimmer is hands down one of the best beard trimmers on the market right now. It could easily compete for the best trimmer of 2020 but we need a competitor for the most quiet trimmer category. It’s really hard to find anything upsetting about this trimmer.
The Apple-esque design is very pleasing to the hand AND the eye. It’s easy to navigate anywhere you need to go. And with up to four hours of runtime, you’ll never need to worry about running out of juice mid-groom.
The reason this trimmer is so quiet has a lot to do with the ceramic blade and titanium comb combo. Ceramic is far less noisy than it’s metal cousin. It’s also conducts a lot less heat so it’s more comfortable on the skin. Ceramic blades are also 4-times harder than steel so it’ll stay sharp through your toughest jobs trim after trim.
The unit does not come with many length options, however. So if you’re a finicky fade fanatic (and there’s nothing wrong with that!) then this may not suit your needs. Even so, some of the other features are awesome. It even has a notification system that tells you when it needs to be cleaned and oiled (about once every hour or so with heavy use). Cleaning is easy with a quick brush and oiling takes only a second to lightly drizzle the blade for optimal performance.
Made the Cut – Great Overall Trimmer
Philips Norelco Beard trimmer Series 3500
If you haven’t noticed, the Philips Norelco lineup of trimmers made the cut across a few different categories. It’s a great product line, and many might say it’s the best hair trimmer around. In honor of that opinion, the Philips Norelco Beard trimmer Series 3500 ought to have a place on the podium. We didn’t really know where to put it, so we made a new category for great overall trimmer that just made the cut.
| Philips Norelco Beard trimmer Series 3500 Summary | |
|---|---|
| Overall Score: | |
| Check Price: | |
| Wet/Dry | Dry (washable head) |
| Battery Life | 120-min |
| Clipping Detail | 0.5mm - 10mm |
| Warranty Period | 2 Year |
| MSRP Price | $39.99 |
- 1-hour charge get 1-hour runtime
- 20 length settings (0.5mm – 10mm)
- International power adapter
- Only 1 attachment
- Not great for longer beards
What is included in the box?
- Philips Norelco Beard trimmer Series 3500
- Adjustable comb (0.5mm-10mm)
- Cleaning brush
- Instruction Manual
With 20 length settings, an hour of usage time, and an easy to hold grip, you should be well pleased with the overall experience with this trimmer. It’s not so great for longer beards if you are looking for reliable length detail. The higher settings on the trimmer do not always achieve a consistent cut-length for some reason.
Are you looking for a simple trimmer for short beard maintenance? If so, then you should get everything you need out of this model. It’s not meant for tackling all your manscaping needs but can do the job of getting those cheeks in check.
Best Electric Trimmer Buying Guide
A Few Quick Tips Before You Buy
Now that you have seen the best picks for 2020, make sure to cover all your bases before making your final buying decision.
Skin Type
- Are you hard as stone or sensitive to the touch?
- Is your skin flaky or smooth?
- Oily or dry?
- Acne prone?
- Skin condition?
Hair Type
- Thin or coarse?
- Curly or straight?
- Lay flat or stand straight?
- One direction or many directions?
- Matt prone or easy to comb?
Budget
- How much do you want to spend?
- Are there long-term maintenance costs?
- Does it come with the accessories you need or are they extra?
- Do you have to buy extra products like cleaning agents or extra parts?
- Do you require an adapter for travel or a carrying case?
Design
- How big are your hands?
- Are you clumsy? (you may want a more solid build in case you drop it)
- Are you sensitive to loud sound?
Grooming Needs
- Are you keeping things to the face or do you need to go south of the border?
- Where do you groom? (ie in the shower, in the jungle, etc.)
- Corded or cordless?
- How much horsepower do you need?
Making sure to refine your needs based on at least these basic criteria can make sure you are well on the road to a great relationship with your trimmer (not to mention your other half). Not all trimmers are created equal and you want to make sure you get the most out of your investment based on your unique grooming needs.
To Foil or Not to Foil?
Foil or Rotary – That is the Question
At the end of the day this is totally up to you. There are pros and cons to both that should be addressed before buying. Let’s just have a quick look at some of the things to consider.
Foil
This is the original G. It was the foil razor that men were introduced to back in the early 1900’s and it’s been humming along ever since. Foil razors use the oscillating action of the blades moving back and forth under the ‘foil’ that covering. The foil covering acts as a protection from being maimed by the blades but also as the ‘scissor’ that helps the blade to cut the hair.
- Fast shave
- Close shave
- Great on straight cuts
- Great for daily shaving
- Difficult to navigate contours
- One directional – kind of like a manual razor
- Loud
- Gets hot quickly
Rotary
The rotary system was invented and deployed by Philips in the 1930’s. They now lead the market insofar as rotary systems are concerned. Rotary shavers require a bit of a different operational finesse as they need to be used in a clockwise motion. If you try to use this like a foil razor you’ll end up snagging yourself. It’s better for contoured areas as the blades can form to the curves of the face a bit easier than the blocky foil razors can.
- Great on contours
- Runs cooler than foil
- Great for longer stubble (aka the intermittent shaver)
- Compact size
- Requires clockwise action to work properly
In short, there is no particular ‘best’ choice here. It really is dependant upon your personal needs. Many of the multifunction systems in this guide come with foil attachments as they are easier to deploy. However, if you want a dedicated shaver that can do the job, a rotary shaver may be the one you opt for.
Beard Trimmer Safety Guide
Safely Use Your Electric Beard Trimmer
When it comes to anything sharp, you should always have a plan of action around how to safely use your beard trimmer. It’s not rocket science or anything, but a few quick precautions can go a long way to a pleasurable grooming experience free of knicks, cuts, and the random severed head.
Maintain Your Beard Trimmer
Beard Trimmer Maintenance and Best Practices
It really doesn’t take much to keep your trimmer happy. Often just a bit of oil, some light brushing, and maybe a rinse (depending on the model) is really all you need. If you are using a foil shaver, make sure to replace the blade as per the manufacturer’s suggestions.
Maintenance tips at a glance:
- Keep blades oiled (depending on model)
- Make sure to have extra blade-oil on hand
- Oil blades before and after each use
- Oil inactive blades (if the attachment is just sitting around unused)
- Keep unit charged
- De-gunk a few times a year with a cleaning solution
- Keep trimmer head hair-free
- Keep comb attachments in a safe place so as not to lose them
- Watch for rust, broken blades, or any other wear and tear.
- Keep cords tangle-free and flowing freely
- Keep it charged
If you make sure to keep these basic care instructions in mind, you’ll have a humming unit for years to come. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for any unique care tips for your model of choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Ultimate Beard Trimmer FAQ
Final Thoughts
Get The Beard of Your Dreams
Finding the best hair trimmer of the year was a long and arduous process. However, it paid off in spades. With this Ultimate Beard Trimmer Guide you’ll be much more informed and able to make an educated decision before making one of your most important purchases: a quality beard and body trimmer.
Whether you opt for one of the more robust and accessory rich multifunctional systems or an all-in-one professional unit, as long as you follow the tips in this guide before making your decision you’ll make a great choice regardless.
Remember, many of the manufacturers offer a no-risk return policy guarantee so you are not stuck with a trimmer you thought would be great but ended up being a flop for your needs.
Trust your instincts. If you get a good impression with one of these models, try it out. Every model on our list is a great trimmer, even the budget models. Give yourself a chance to try one out for a bit. You’re well on your way to being the envy of the bearded community. You’re just one stroke away!
Happy grooming fellow manscaper. Enjoy the best beard trimmer in town!
Resources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaving
- https://www.philips.ca/c-p/MG3750_10/multigroom-series-3000-multipurpose-trimmer/overview
- https://ca.braun.com/en-ca/male-grooming/shavers-for-men/series-7/series-7-7865cc-grey
- http://www.remingtonproducts.com/products/mens/clippers-and-trimmers/face-and-body-trimmers/pg6171a-the-crafter-bb-kit.aspx
- https://us.braun.com/en-us/products/male-grooming/stylers-trimmers/multi-grooming-kit-mgk3045
- https://www.brio4life.com/products/beardscape-beard-and-hair-trimmer
- http://www.menshealth.co.uk/style/grooming/rules-of-electric-shaving
- https://www.mensjournal.com/style/pro-tips-for-maintaining-your-beard-trimmer-20150522/
