13 best beard trimmers and hair clippers, tried and tested (2024)

13 best beard trimmers and hair clippers, tried and tested (1)

This article was updated in February with new tried and tested products, and to reflect the latest prices and deals.

If you're looking to keep your beard and hair in tip-top condition between visits to the barber, it's worth investing in your own beard trimmer and pair of hair clippers.

Determining which devices and attachments you actually need can be confusing though, which is where we come in.

The Good Housekeeping Institute recruited 295 men to trial a range of top grooming brands and find the models worth spending your money on (whether for yourself or as a gift). These are their top recommendations at a glance:

    Should I buy clippers or a trimmer?

    Many electricals will cater to all your grooming needs, coming with a variety of add-ons to tackle hair from head to toe. So, do you really need both a beard trimmer and a pair of hair clippers?

    Well, they do serve slightly different purposes. While hair clippers are great for cutting through larger areas of hair on the body and head, they work by not getting too close to the skin. A trusted trimmer, meanwhile, is designed to work on smaller sections with fine detail — think sideburns, beards and the back of the neck — and provide a closer shave.

    It can be worth having both in your kit, but ultimately, it's down to personal preference.

    How do I choose a trimmer or hair clipper?

    Whether you’re buying for yourself or the man in your life, there are a few general things to keep in mind when on the lookout for a beard trimmer or hair clipper.

    Trimmer length range: Most tools come with attachable combs in a range of different lengths — usually 0.5mm to 30mm — to trim an array of beards. Some of the more advanced options also feature a built-in dial adjustment to help keep clutter to a minimum.

    Battery life: The higher maintenance the beard, the longer it will take to groom, so make sure you pick a device with a battery life that’s up for the task. The gadgets on our list can last from 45 to 180 minutes. The majority will be rechargeable but some of the cheaper options will be battery operated, so keep an eye out for that.

    Corded vs cordless: They both have their pros and cons. Cordless may seem like the obvious option (as you don’t have to be chained to the bathroom socket) but convenience can mean compromising on power. Though easier to pack for on-the-go styling, these models also tend to be more expensive.

    How do I maintain my beard?

    The actual trimming and shaping of your chin hair is one thing, but maintenance is also key to keeping your beard in top notch condition. There are a few things you can do before and after trimming your facial hair to keep it looking fresh.

    We’d recommend giving your beard a wash to remove any excess oil, dirt and debris before starting your trim – use a facial cleanser that's made for your skin type, rather than soap, which can dry the skin.

    After your trim, apply a beard oil for extra shine and to make styling a little easier. These nourishing formulas will not only help soften the hairs and keep any strays in check, but will also moisturise the skin that lies beneath.

    How we test

    We asked 295 testers to trial a range of the top beard trimmers and hair clippers for two to three weeks. They assessed each one on how well it cut hair and how easy it was to store and clean. They also considered its accessories, battery life, charge-up time, noise level and design.

    In the GHI lab, our expert team measured how loud device was in use with a noise meter. We also asked a small panel of professional barbers and hairdressers to give their opinion, so we could take their expert views into account, too.

    Best beard trimmers

    13 best beard trimmers and hair clippers, tried and tested (12)

    Score: 94/100

    A game-changer for your grooming routine, the Remington B5 boasts self-sharpening titanium blades to deliver a quick, clean shave – even for testers with longer, coarse hair.

    Our testers were big fans of the Intuitive Zoom Wheel, which allows users to switch between hair lengths (0.4-18mm) with ease, while the reliable battery life and compact, travel-proof design made it a top pick for frequent travellers.

    Key specifications

    FeaturesSelf-sharpening comfort tip blade, intuitive zoom wheel
    Trimmer length range0.4-18mm
    Battery life60 minutes
    WaterproofNo

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    Best beginner-friendly trimmer

    Babyliss Super Stubble XTP Beard Trimmer

    13 best beard trimmers and hair clippers, tried and tested (15)

    13 best beard trimmers and hair clippers, tried and tested (16)

    Score: 92/100

    Yet to be converted to an electric beard trimmer? The beginner-friendly Super Stubble by Babyliss provides a close, clean shave (one tester even compared the results to that of a “professional razor shave”), gliding smoothly across the skin without any nicks or cuts.

    It’s cordless for maximum flexibility, and our panelists loved how easy it was to rinse and clean, too.

    Key specifications

    FeaturesAdvanced comb guide for extra precision, ultra-flexing contouring head tracks the curves of your face for extra comfort and control
    Trimmer length range0.4-50mm
    Battery life70 minutes
    WaterproofYes

    Best trimmer for beard and body hair

    Panasonic ER-GB80-H Wet and Dry Electric Beard, Hair and Body Trimmer

    13 best beard trimmers and hair clippers, tried and tested (17)

    13 best beard trimmers and hair clippers, tried and tested (18)

    Score: 88/100

    Panasonic's wet and dry beard trimmer wowed the vast majority of our panel with an accurate shave, cutting through hair effortlessly to give them a tidy up in no time.

    It didn’t just tackle beards either; everyone said it glided well across the contours of the body. It also comfortably tackled head hair. Overall, it proved easy to control, straightforward to use and quiet in action.

    Key specifications

    FeaturesDial trimmer adjustment
    Trimmer length range0.5 - 20mm
    Accessories11-20mm, 1-10mm, 1.5mm (for body hair)
    Battery life50 mins
    WaterproofYes

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    Best trimmer for a long-lasting battery life

    Wahl Aqua Blade Beard and Stubble Trimmer

    13 best beard trimmers and hair clippers, tried and tested (19)

    13 best beard trimmers and hair clippers, tried and tested (20)

    Score: 83/100

    Described as intuitive by our panel for its trim, shave and edge features, this device and its 16 attachment combs can cater to all beard styles and lengths. The grippy rubber handle made it easy to use even when wet, so you can bring your grooming routine into the shower if you’re short on time.

    It mowed beard hair in just one stroke for the majority of our testers, who also praised its power. They appreciated its sleek, premium design, with one noting how easy it was to use on both their beard and neckline.

    Key specifications

    FeaturesShaver, trimmer and body groomer
    Trimmer length range0.2-25mm
    Accessories16 attachment combs, beard comb, storage pouch, blade oil, cleaning brush, charger
    Battery life180 minutes
    WaterproofYes

    Best trimmer for variety of cutting lengths

    Panasonic ER-GB86 Wet&Dry Ultimate Beard Trimmer

    13 best beard trimmers and hair clippers, tried and tested (21)

    13 best beard trimmers and hair clippers, tried and tested (22)

    Score: 83/100

    With 58 cutting lengths to choose from, this tool will let you chop and change your style as often as you want. It got through hair quickly, leaving the majority of our testers delighted with the finished result.

    It mastered trickier areas, such as under the chin, cutting hair precisely and effectively. Our testers enjoyed a comfortable trim too, with the blades remaining sharp throughout our testing.

    Key specifications

    FeaturesTravel lock, suitable for beard and hair
    Trimmer length range0.5-30mm
    AccessoriesTravel pouch, cleaning brush, blade guard
    Battery life50 minutes
    WaterproofYes

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    Score: 83/100

    If blunt blades constantly get in the way of you achieving your desired beard, note that these claim to stay sharp for life.

    Sure enough, our testers reported a precise finish, finding it particularly effective around the edges of their beards. Everyone agreed it gave them a good close shave and they didn't experience any discomfort.

    Key specifications

    FeaturesTwisting length dial
    Trimmer length range0.4 - 10mm
    AccessoriesClick-on long beard comb, premium storage and travel case
    Battery life120 mins
    WaterproofYes

    Best value trimmer

    King C Gillette Men's Style Master Cordless Stubble Trimmer

    13 best beard trimmers and hair clippers, tried and tested (25)

    13 best beard trimmers and hair clippers, tried and tested (26)

    Now 33% Off

    Score: 83/100

    Cheap doesn’t always mean ineffective; this beard trimmer is currently reduced to under £30, yet it cut through hair in one motion for all our testers. Everyone found it easy to shave around the jawline, moustache and chin area, delivering a close shave.

    Overall, it left almost everyone with their desired look, providing an accurate and comfortable groom. It was simple to use, but does only offer trimming lengths up to 5mm, so try another model if you prefer a longer beard. That said, our panellists were so impressed, they planned to keep it by their sink for future use.

    Key specifications

    FeaturesPivoting head
    Trimmer length range1 - 5mm
    AccessoriesStubble combs x3
    Battery life45 mins
    WaterproofYes

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    13 best beard trimmers and hair clippers, tried and tested (27)

    Best hair clippers

    13 best beard trimmers and hair clippers, tried and tested (28)

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    Best hair clipper

    Wahl Rapid Clip Cordless Hair Clipper

    13 best beard trimmers and hair clippers, tried and tested (29)

    13 best beard trimmers and hair clippers, tried and tested (30)

    Score: 95/100

    Our winning hair clippers boast impressive versatility, with an adjustable taper lever that offers a range of cutting lengths, 12 comb attachments and a comprehensive styling kit – including barber comb, styling comb and scissors – for all your grooming needs.

    Our testers said they achieved a precise, consistent cut with the easy-switch heads (no need for a second go-over, here) and appreciated the quick charge, long battery life and comfortable, cordless handle.

    Key specifications

    Guards0.7-25mm
    Accessories10x comb attachments (#1-8, #0.5 & #1.5) 1x right ear taper combs (0.7-25mm) 1x left ear taper combs (0.7-25mm) 1x storage pouch 1x scissors 1x barber comb 1x styling comb 1x blade oil 1x cleaning brush
    Battery life2 hours
    WaterproofNo

    Runner-up hair clipper

    Remington T-Series Beard Trimmer and Hair Clipper

    13 best beard trimmers and hair clippers, tried and tested (31)

    13 best beard trimmers and hair clippers, tried and tested (32)

    Score: 94/100

    This all-in-one hair clipper and beard trimmer impressed our testers so much that all agreed they’d keep it in their kit after the trial period. It was easy to control and comfortable to hold and left everyone with their desired look.

    It cut hair in a single motion, making it easy for all our testers to create a fade cut and achieve their desired length. It handled hard-to-reach areas such as above the ears well and kept everyone irritation-free.

    Key specifications

    FeaturesWorldwide voltage and travel lock
    GuardsGrades 0.5-8
    AccessoriesFoil shaver attachment, precision stubble comb, 9 hair and beard comb attachments, travel pouch, cleaning brush, oil, styling guide
    Battery life300 mins
    WaterproofYes

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    Best for beginners

    Wahl Colour Pro Lithium Cordless Clipper

    13 best beard trimmers and hair clippers, tried and tested (33)

    13 best beard trimmers and hair clippers, tried and tested (34)

    Score: 92/100

    This clipper doesn’t compromise on performance, with testers finding the device easy to operate and able to achieve a precise fade without snagging or dragging, while lithium-Ion technology delivers up to two hours of consistent, cordless power on a single charge.

    It’s easy to clean and store, thanks to the compact travel case, and our panel particularly liked the clever colour-coded system, which made it simple to remember the right cutting lengths for different styles and users.

    Key specifications

    FeaturesInnovative colour coded guide combs
    GuardsGrades 1-8
    Accessories8 colour-coded attachment combs, left/right ear taper combs, blade guard, scissors, barber comb, soft storage case, blade oil, cleaning brush
    Battery life2 hours
    WaterproofNo

    Best for a close trim

    Wahl Ultimate Clipper

    13 best beard trimmers and hair clippers, tried and tested (35)

    13 best beard trimmers and hair clippers, tried and tested (36)

    Score: 91/100

    No great cut has ever been achieved by blunt blades, which is where these self-sharpening ones come in handy. They worked as promised, without testers having to go over the same area more than once.

    The LCD battery indicator was not only practical, but it also gave the device a luxe feel. All testers found it comfortable to hold and easy to control. It tackled nose and ear hair well for everyone and left the majority with their ideal haircut.

    Key specifications

    FeaturesPrecision ground blades
    Guards0.8-25mm
    AccessoriesSpotlight trimmer, storage pouch, 8 comb attachments, scissors, barber comb, cape, blade oil and cleaning brush
    Battery life100 mins
    WaterproofYes

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    Best clippers for ease of use

    BaBylissMEN Japanese Steel Digital Clipper

    13 best beard trimmers and hair clippers, tried and tested (37)

    13 best beard trimmers and hair clippers, tried and tested (38)

    Score: 90/100

    These Japanese steel clippers never let our testers down when it came to delivering a precise cut, leaving all with their desired result. Everyone thought the clippers looked premium, as well as being comfortable to hold and straightforward to control.

    All testers appreciated the tool's speed for getting the job done, and found it easy to reach the back of the head, too. The multiple included guides were simple to switch out, with testers finding the innovative adjustment wheel really useful and handy for keeping loose accessories to a minimum.

    Key specifications

    Features5 position twist-taper control
    GuardsGrades 1 to 8
    Included accessories8 comb guides, hard storage case, cleaning brush, adaptor, oil
    Battery life160 mins
    WaterproofYes

    Best budget hair clipper

    Wahl Rapid Clip Hair Clipper

    13 best beard trimmers and hair clippers, tried and tested (39)

    13 best beard trimmers and hair clippers, tried and tested (40)

    Score: 89/100

    Including every bit of kit you could need for a professional at-home cut, testers appreciated how neat this clipper was to store and were impressed with the quality of the attachments. Everyone found it easy to switch between them, allowing them to achieve a precise tidy-up.

    They were also able to create the look they wanted, and found the device both powerful and accurate. One tester noted that the blades were so sharp, they didn’t experience any tugging, and others agreed it was pain-free to use.

    Key specifications

    FeaturesDesigned for at-home cuts
    GuardsGrades 0.5 to 8
    Included accessories10 comb attachments, right/left ear taper combs, storage pouch, scissors, barber comb, styling comb, blade oil, cleansing brush
    Battery life120 mins
    WaterproofNo

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    13 best beard trimmers and hair clippers, tried and tested (42)

    Florence Reeves-White

    Senior Beauty Writer

    Florence is our Senior Beauty Writer, specialising in expert-tested beauty and grooming reviews — from toothbrushes to the latest skincare launches. She’s committed to sharing recommendations for products that truly work and make people feel confident and healthy. Prior to this she was at Tropic Skincare, where she worked closely with biochemists in the lab, delving into the functions of each fresh, natural ingredient and conveying its efficacy to her audience in easy-to-digest terms.

    With over five years’ experience in beauty and health journalism, Florence has written for ELLE, Women’s Fitness, Sister Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and many more, with a strong sustainability angle thread through much of her work.

    When she isn’t packing for a trip away, working out, eating out or reading up on retinol serums, you’ll probably find her experimenting with her film camera and building her portfolio of portraits. Florence’s photography can be found at florencereeves-white.com, her Instagram is @florencereeveswhite and her twitter is @floreadsnwrites

    13 best beard trimmers and hair clippers, tried and tested (43)

    Madeleine Evans

    Lifestyle Writer

    Madeleine is our Lifestyle Writer, specialising in expert-tested reviews and round-ups on the latest beauty Beauty and products. From skincare to protein powders, Maddie is committed to providing honest and helpful reviews to help guide readers to the best product for them. Maddie has a BA in English Literature and Language, which stemmed from her lifelong interest in reading and writing. She started her post graduate life at Hearst UK within a marketing capacity, which quickly turned into a desire to fulfil a writing career.

    When she is not writing about the latest expert reviewed products, you can find her rifling through vintage shops or car boots, reading a print magazine, or capturing portraits on her film camera.

    13 best beard trimmers and hair clippers, tried and tested (44)

    Tested byOrla Badger

    Senior Beauty and Grooming Tester

    Orla is our Senior Beauty and Grooming Tester and has extensive knowledge of skin and hair composition thanks to her first class bachelor's degree in cosmetic science from the Universy of the Arts London. She also spent time as a Formulation Chemist intern at Amelia Knight Cosmetics.

    13 best beard trimmers and hair clippers, tried and tested (2024)
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