7 Best beard trimmers right now - We have tested them all!

We've tested and selected the best beard trimmer for comfort, ease of use and precision, so you don't have to spend unnecessary money on a trimmer that doesn't meet your expectations.

While it's technically easy to grow a beard without taking care of it in any way, you're more than likely to end up with an untidy mess if you let nature take its course without intervention. You owe yours face to take matters into one's own hands and it is thankfully a simple process.

It seems like a daunting task, but it's pretty easy and even fun to maintain your facial hair so that it looks good all the time - as long as you have the right tools for the job, so to speak.

In addition to using the right shampoo and/or beard oil, a quality trimmer is one of the most important weapons in your arsenal to tame your facial hair. Whether you're looking for a sturdy yet simple five-hour beard or a longer beard that makes a bold statement, there's one out there to suit you.

There are many options to choose from, so we've listed the best beard trimmers to make your decision easier.

Is a saw trimmer with a power cord better?

Usually, corded beard trimmers are more powerful, which is why hairdressers still use them often hair. The downside, of course, is that they take up more space and limit how comfortably you can move. Almost all beard trimmers today are cordless and for good reason – they're much more convenient and more than powerful enough to get the job done between charges.

Do I need to sharpen my beard trimmer blades?

In general, you don't have to worry about sharpening the trimmer blades. The majority of beard trimmers have self-sharpening blades that will last for many years. However, there are some exceptions, so it's always worth checking. The Philips OneBlade, for example, should be replaced every four months or so to ensure optimal cutting performance.

Should I lubricate my beard trimmer?

As with anything with moving parts, it's a good idea to perform regular maintenance on the beard trimmer's blade to ensure it continues to run smoothly. How often you need to do this will depend on how regularly you use it, but applying a few drops of suitable lubricating oil every two weeks should keep these blades moving for optimum performance. As always, check the instructions that come with your model for the best advice on care.

Can beard trimmers rust?

Most modern blades are made of rust-proof metal, but it's still a good idea to oil blades regularly and avoid getting them wet. Leaving them in damp environments unprotected (for example, in a steamy bathroom after a shower) is also not optimal. Tuck them away in a dry environment, such as a bag or cupboard, for optimum protection.

What is the difference between beard trimmers and multigroomers?

Beard trimmers do exactly what you'd expect - they cut your beard with adjustable guards that ensure a smooth cut. Multigroomers work the same way, but also have different attachments to tackle other body hair from head to toe, without risking any cuts that could otherwise ruin your day. Many people choose a multigroomer to minimize the number of appliances in their bathroom cabinets.

Can I trim my beard in the shower?

There's no denying that cleaning a sink after trimming your beard is the worst part of the whole process, but there is an alternative. Most beard trimmers and several groomers are waterproof, so you can use them in the shower for an immediate and easy cleaning. That said, there are a few things to keep in mind, such as using an anti-fog mirror so you can see what you're doing and making sure the trimmer blades are dry after each use.

How do I define edges?

The beard trimmers themselves are designed to precisely cut down large amounts of facial hair to a uniform length. It's not possible to use them for clean edges, although you can remove covers to use the trimmer blades themselves. If well-defined edges are important, look for beard trimmers with dedicated attachments, which can either be built-in or included as a separate head.

What is the best beard trimmer for a neat stubble?

Stylish stubble can be difficult to achieve if you don't have a suitable trimmer. Ideally, you want one that offers a very close, precise shave, which means you should spend a little more money for beard trimmers with many different precision length settings. Alternatively, you can spend less on a beard trimmer with separate protective mounts, which will be cheaper than an adjustable one, even if it takes up more space in your suitcase/locker.

Which beard trimmer do I need for a longer beard?

One of the most important things to look out for if you have a particularly long beard is battery life. Look out for beard trimmers that have at least 50 minutes of run time to make sure you don't need the charger between sessions. Also, make sure your beard trimmer can handle thicker facial hair without breaking a sweat. Something the Philips Series 9000 Prestige, which has an integrated metal comb and sensor to control hair density, is perfect for.

Before we delve into the 12 beard trimmers featured below, here are some words of wisdom from our pros on how best to use them.

First of all, you should only trim your beard when your beard is dry. "If you trim it wet, you can't really see how long the beard will be when it gets dry," explains Mark Miguez, co-owner and barber at New York City's Friend of a Barber.

If you're new to using beard trimmers, start with a longer guard when trimming it as a way to ensure you don't cut your beard too short.

Best general beard trimmer

Wahl Professional Cordless Magic Clip

Six of the grooming experts we spoke to were convinced that the Wahl wireless magic clip is the most powerful, sharp and capable beard trimmer on the market. "It does the job whether your beard is long or short," says re Sam Buffa, referring to the fact that it comes with multiple (but not too many) guards to get the length just right. He also told us that the quality of a Wahl blade makes this trimmer the most bang for your buck compared to other models in the same price range, because Wahl's blades stay sharper longer than any other, according to Buffa.

Miles Smith, hairdresser at Murdock London, is another Magic Clip devotee who praises it for its combination of simplicity and power. "It's important to use a beard trimmer with enough power to cut your facial hair evenly, but also one that's light enough to manoeuvre around your beard easily," he told us, adding that he loves using this on both himself at home and his clients at work. "It's the best product to own if you want to create a hairdressing experience in your home," he said, a statement that was also confirmed by fashion stylist Neil Cohen.

During this report, we discovered that many professionals use beard trimmers that look different from the ones you might see in a commercial or on a store shelf. The experts who recommended this promise that there's no reason it wouldn't work for anyone, regardless of their trimming experience (podcast host Ronnie Parisella told us he also uses the Magic Clip for his own beard).

But there are more options on this list that professionals also like.

When looking for a beard trimmer that's right for you, the most important factor is to pay attention to how coarse your beard hair is, according to barber Julien Howard (who walks past Velo Barber) and says he's seen guys of all races with beards of all hair types.

Howard says this and other beard trimmers from brands like Wahl, Andis, Philips Norelco and Oster usually have motors and blades strong enough to handle the coarsest beard hair (or of course anything finer too).

Best (cheapest) beard trimmer

Wahl Peanut Classic Clipper / Trimmer (with cord)

When we asked Miguez how he maintains the famous beard of his client, barber David Coggins, so fresh, he told us that his special tool is Wahl's corded Peanut Classic beard trimmer.

It's cheaper than the Magic Clip, but that's not why he likes it - Miguez says, in his opinion, wireless trimmers are overrated. "I think beard trimmers that you can plug into the wall have the power to last for years, compared to wireless ones where the battery is slowly deteriorating."

Aside from having a cord, two other things he likes about the Wahl Peanut Classic Clipper are that it has the quality of any Wahl product and comes with four attachments that he says are "perfect lengths" for trimming a beard down from a bush in the winter to short in the summer.

The Wahl Peanut Classic Clipper is also Chris Black's favorite, who praised it for being "cheap and." If you prefer cordless tools, the Wahl Peanut Classic Clipper also comes in a cordless version (and Wahl also makes a corded version of the above Magic Clip for anyone who might prefer that as well).

Best beard trimmer for most people

Philips Norelco Beard Trimmer Series 7200 Vacuum Trimmer

While every tester we spoke to named the Wahl Magic Clip as their favorite beard trimmer, this Phillips model received the most praise from bearded guys we spoke to about their preferred tool. Fashion stylist Cohen is a fan, as is artist Adam Rinn and DJ—slash—digital strategist Mac Joseph, who told us he likes how this trimmer has a suction feature that soaks up most of your hair when you use it, which means there's less to clean up and therefore less chance of arguing with roommates or your partner over the sink.

Does it work believe? Fairly good. It doesn't absorb everything hair, but there is significantly less hair for us to worry about than before. Equally significantly, this is a basic sound beard trimmer in all normal respects. It's easy and ergonomic to handle, a rotating dial offers an easy way to adjust the length of your trim for an even finish and there's plenty of protection against cuts and cuts. The beard trimmer is a hassle-free model to own.

"I'm black, so my beard is very curly and comes all over the place," Joseph says. "The suction function is very important to me, because I share a bathroom with others."

Conrad Quilty-Harper, an editor at New Scientist, also uses this model at home because "the suction feature means less mess while I trim." Joseph, who said he just bought one of these for his dad, adds that he loves how the trimmer's knob has clear, easy-to-read settings for adjusting the blade's length.

"I can't see very well, so if I don't wear the glasses I can mess up the shaving settings," he says. "The display on this one is really good and clear.

When Strategist contributor Kurt Soller tested the beard trimmer, this was also his favorite of all and for the same reasons as all the others, including its adjustment levels with increments of 0.5 mm and the "good send" suction feature that collects up to 90 percent of hairs, according to the company.

Best beard trimmer for versatility

Wahl Aqua Blade beard trimmer

The Wahl Aqua Blade is equipped with Wahl's 20-in-one trimmer, which with the help of four replaceable heads and 16 guide combs not only offers maximum styling potential for the hair in your face, but also for your body.

Perfect for all lengths, from short stubble to longer beards, the combs can handle lengths from. 0.2 to 25 mm, plus accessories to help you achieve a close shave and clean up your edges.

Although you don't get the most premium feel in terms of design, it's still undeniably robust and reliable, suitable for wet and dry use and offers 180 minutes of cutting time on just from an hour's charge. You also get 15 minutes of cutting from a five-minute quick charge.

Comes with a neat and small carrying case for all the contents.

Best for thick beard hairs

Panasonic ER-GB86 beard trimmer

If you have a thick, glossy beard, this sturdy Panasonic beard trimmer could be your best ally for tackling it in the messiest of areas.

It has as many as 58 cutting lengths, with three attachments and an easily adjustable head, to help you keep your beard tame during the growing season. Plus, it's water-resistant so you can use it on wet hair and clean it thoroughly after tackling other parts of your body.

The downside? It's not quite as good at taking care of stubble, which is a shame when you can expect all-round quality at this price point.

Best for a premium finish

Philips Series 9000 Prestige beard trimmer

There's something very appealing about the stainless steel of the Philips 9000 Prestige trimmer. Say what you will about the lightweight plastic options and their relative maneuverability, we'll more than happily take this kind of quality finish at the cost of a little extra weight any day.

Even considering the smart travel case that it comes with, there's no sign of style-over-substance when it comes to the functionality of this masterfully designed beard trimmer.

The robustness of the build is reflected in a trim that is unaffected by even the toughest facial overgrowth, thanks in equal measure to the "Steel Precision" technology in its robust integrated metal comb and a sensor that intuitively controls the hardness and adjusts the motor to maintain consistency and power. Couple that with a long-lasting battery (two hours from a one-hour charge) and the fact that you can achieve 30 different lengths with just one attachment (no more plastic combs in your bathroom cabinet), it's a welcome addition to any man's kit.

Best finds

Braun Beard Trimmer BT3020

Brown is not new to beard trimming and it certainly shows in its BT3020. While it's far from the most glamorous device to look at, it's stylish, comfortable to hold and simple enough for most users. A circular dial controls the length of the trim, and while this can be accidentally adjusted with a choppy middle shave, you'll soon get used to it - especially as one charge provides up to 40 minutes of trimming, so you shouldn't run out of charge all that often either.

Best on the move

Philips OneBlade Hybrid Beard Trimmer

Inspired by Dua Lipa, Philips promises that the OneBlade is all you need for your beard maintenance routine - despite its significantly smaller, more portable form compared to traditional trimmers. The truth? The OneBlade isn't for anyone with a lot of beard but does a decent job of maintaining those with moderate amounts of beard. Any growth longer than three days, however, you'll need to contend with and get rid of. If you need a trimmer for your travels, look no further.