a beard trimmer It's an extremely simple tool that can have widely varying results. Different beards have completely different needs depending on hair type and style. And quality matters. Cheap blades don't save money if they die early. The last thing anyone needs in the morning is a dull or underpowered trimmer that pushes your hair around instead of cutting it – or worse, pulls your hair.
It can be hard to sort out the shopping-aisle rainbow of trimmers advertising “professional precision” and “lifetime blades” without associated warranties. We took advice from barbers and hair experts, then we swung these blades at our own faces. Our team consists of many testers with different morning routines, with many versions and sequences of beards. Whether you're aiming for rugged stubble, tight-fitting geometry, or a beautiful logger's well-cared-for shed, we have an option for you.
For more grooming guides, check this out Best creams and tools for hair removalThe best hair dryerand this best hair straightener,
UPDATED December 2024: We added the Philips Norelco Multigroom and the Peanuts, a classic, barber-recommended favorite from Wahl.
Power up with unlimited access wired, Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year. This includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content. Subscribe today,
A beard grows about a millimeter every two or three days, depending on who you are—about an eighth of an inch per week on average. So testing a beard trimmer can take a long time.
In general, we 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 the ability of the blade to reach awkward areas around the neck also matters. Our testers check how well-built and easy to use any attachment is, and we verify manufacturer claims about battery life and power. We also check with professional haircutters, specifically to verify durability and reliability claims between brands and models.
Tester Andrew Williams has a relatively well-groomed beard, with a straight growing beard. Tester Matthew Korfage has raven hair and an angry temper, and his mind also appears to be different. We've tried to reflect any potential issues in our reviews – for example, battling thick hair, so you can be sure of the best possible trim with the least effort.
Here's some help in choosing the right features to accentuate your face.
- Ceramic vs Steel Blade: Ceramic blades may retain their sharpness better than steel, but the smaller teeth of premium beard trimmer blades are made of stainless steel.
- barrel control: Some beard trimmers have on-device twist controls. For easy living, choose one with minimal attachments.
- Ni-MH vs Li-ion: Avoid trimmers with excessively long charge times and trimmers that use older nickel-metal-hydride batteries. They do not hold their charge for as long as lithium-ion.
- Waterproof? Shaving in the shower isn't as beneficial as wet shaving, but the water-resistant design lets you wash your trimmer under the tap with confidence.
- USB Charging: It took a very long time, but you can finally get a USB charging cable for the beard trimmer, while the Manscaped also uses USB-C on the shell. A major bonus for travel.
- Small vs Big Teeth: Larger blade teeth can cut through thicker, denser hair, but smaller teeth allow for a closer, more precise hair cut. The latter is best exemplified by the Philips OneBlade family.
- Wide vs Narrow Blade: Hair trimmers have wider blades than beard trimmers. The narrow style offers more control with minimal time loss for those with short facial hair.
- Do the blades need replacing? Use blade oil (often included) to avoid rusting, and the blades should last for years. However, the trimmer-shaver hybrid Philips OneBlade model will require more regular replacement.
- vacuum? Some beard trimmers have a vacuum feature, which can avoid trimming hair all over the place. Seriously, it's a kind of gimmick.