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A beard trimmer A blessedly simple device that can have vastly different results. Different beards have different needs depending on hair type and style. And quality matters. Cheap blades don’t save money if you 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, pulls your hair.
It can be difficult to sort out the shopping-aisle rainbow of trimmers advertising “professional precision” and “lifetime blades” without corresponding warranties. We consulted barbers and hair professionals, then turned these blades on our own faces. Our team consists of multiple testers with different morning routines, with multiple versions and beard philosophies Whether you’re aiming for tough straw, tightly-detailed geometry or the well-tended shell of an elegant lumberjack, we’ve got a pick for you.
For more grooming guides, see The best creams and tools for hair removalthe Best hair dryerAnd Best hair straightener.
Updated December 2024: We’ve added a classic, barber-recommended favorite, Peanut, from Philips Norelco Multigroom and Wahl.
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Depending on who you are, a beard grows about a millimeter every two or three days – an average of an eighth of an inch a week. So it may take a long time to test the beard trimmer.
In general, we test each beard trimmer once the beard has grown to a size sufficient for a good trim—using at least two cut lengths. Weight and balance are important, and so is the blade’s ability to get into awkward places around the neck. Our testers check how well-made and easy-to-use an attachment is, and we verify manufacturer claims about battery life and power. We also check in with professional hairdressers, especially to verify durability and reliability claims across brands and models.
Tester Andrew Williams has a relatively full beard, with straight-growing stubble. Tester Matthew Korfage has thick and angry hair, like a mind of his own. We’ve tried to reflect any potential issues—for example, struggling with coarse bristles—in our reviews, so you can be sure of the best possible trim with the least amount of effort.
Here’s some help choosing the right features for your facial fuzz
- Ceramic vs Steel Blade: Ceramic blades can retain their sharpness better than steel, but premium beard trimmer blades tend to have smaller teeth made of stainless steel.
- Barrel control: Some beard trimmers have on-device twist control. For an easy life, choose one with minimal attachments.
- Ni-MH vs Li-ion: Avoid trimmers with excessively long charge times and older nickel-metal-hydride batteries. They do not retain their charge as lithium-ion.
- Waterproof? Trimming in the shower isn’t as beneficial as wet shaving, but a water-resistant design allows you to confidently wash your trimmer under the faucet.
- USB Charging: It took a long time, but you can finally get USB charging cables for beard trimmers, while the Manscaped even uses a USB-C in the shell itself. A big bonus for travel.
- Small vs Big Teeth: Larger blade teeth can cut thicker, denser hair, but smaller teeth allow for a closer, more precise cut. The latter is best exemplified by the Philips OneBlade family.
- Wide vs Narrow Blades: Hair trimmers have wider blades than beard trimmers. Narrow styles offer more control, with minimal wasted time for those with short facial hair.
- Does the blade need to be replaced? Use blade oil (often included) to prevent rust and the blades should last for years. The trimmer-shaver hybrid Philips OneBlade models will require more regular replacement.
- Vacuum? Some beard trimmers have a vacuum feature, so that the hair is not trimmed everywhere. Actually, it’s a bit of a trick.
