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A beard trimmer is a wonderfully uncomplicated device that can produce very different results. Depending on hair type and style, different beards have completely different needs. And quality counts. Cheap blades won’t save you money if they die young. 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, pulling on your hair.
It can be daunting to sift through the multitude of trimmers on store shelves that advertise “professional precision” and “lifetime blades” without a corresponding warranty. We consulted barbers and hair professionals and then transformed these blades into our own faces. Our team includes several testers with different morning routines, with different beard versions and visions. Whether you’re going for rough stubble, detailed geometry, or the manicured roof of an elegant lumberjack, we’ve got the right choice for you.
Further care instructions can be found in Best creams and tools for hair removalThe Best hair dryersand the Best hair straighteners.
Updated December 2024: We added the Philips Norelco Multigroom and a classic hairdresser-recommended favorite Peanut from Wahl.
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A beard grows about a millimeter every two to three days, depending on who you are – an eighth of an inch per week on average. Therefore, testing beard trimmers can take a long time.
In general, we test each beard trimmer once the beard has grown to the point where it can be trimmed well – with at least two cutting lengths. Weight and balance are important, as is the blade’s ability to reach those difficult areas around the neck. Our testers check how well made and user-friendly the attachments are, and we check the manufacturer’s information about battery life and performance. We also turn to professional hairdressers, especially to check the durability and reliability claims of different brands and models.
Tester Andrew Williams has a relatively full beard with just growing stubble. Tester Matthew Korfhage has coarse and angry hair and seems to have a mind of his own. We’ve tried to account for potential issues – the thick bristle problem, for example – in our reviews so you can be sure you’re getting the best possible cut with the least amount of effort.
Here’s help choosing the right features for your facial fuzz.
- Ceramic versus steel blades: Ceramic blades hold their sharpness better than steel, but the smaller teeth on high-quality beard trimmer blades are usually made of stainless steel.
- Running control: Some beard trimmers have rotary controls on the device. For an easier life, choose one with minimal attachments.
- Ni-MH versus Li-Ion: Avoid trimmers with long charging times and those that use old nickel-metal hydride batteries. They do not hold their charge as long as lithium-ion batteries.
- Waterproof? Trimming your beard in the shower isn’t as beneficial as wet shaving, but a water-resistant design allows you to wash your beard trimmer under the tap with confidence.
- USB charging: It’s taken far too long, but there are finally USB charging cables for beard trimmers, while Manscaped even uses a USB-C on the case itself. A big bonus for travel.
- Small versus larger teeth: Larger blade teeth can cut thick, dense hair, but smaller teeth allow for a tighter, more precise cut. The latter is best illustrated by the Philips OneBlade family.
- Wide versus narrow blade: Hair trimmers have wider blades than beard trimmers. The slimmer style offers better control with minimal wasted time for those with shorter facial hair.
- Do the blades need to be replaced? Use blade oil (often included) to prevent rusting. The blades should last for years. However, the Philips OneBlade trimmer-shaver hybrid models need to be replaced more frequently.
- Vacuum? Some beard trimmers have a vacuum function to prevent the hair from getting everywhere. In reality, it’s a bit of a gimmick.
