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A Beard Trimmer is a blessedly straightforward device with many different outcomes. Different beards have different needs, depending on the type and style of hair. And quality matters. Cheap blades don’t save when 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 your hair.
The shopping-aisle rainbow of trimmers advertising “professional precision” and “lifetime blades” without matching warranties can be daunting to sort through. We consult with barbers and hair professionals, then we point these blades at our own faces. Our team includes many testers with different morning routines, with many versions and visions of the beard. Whether you’re going for a hard stump, tightly detailed geometry, or a well-maintained thatch of an elegant lumberjack, we’ve got a selection for you.
For more grooming guidelines, see Best Hair Removal Creams and ToolsTHE Best Hair Dryersand the Best Hair Straighteners.
Updated December 2024: We’ve added the Philips Norelco Multigroom and a classic, recommended barber favorite Peanut from Wahl.
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Beards grow about a millimeter every two or three days, depending on who you are—an eighth of an inch per week, on average. That’s why trying beard trimmers can take time.
In general, we test each beard trimmer once a beard has grown enough for a good cut—using at least two cutting lengths. Weight and balance are important, and so is the ability of the blade to reach awkward areas of the neck. Our testers check how well-made and easy-to-use any attachments are, and we verify the manufacturer’s claims about battery life and power. We also check with professional haircutters, especially to verify the claims of strength and reliability of brands and models.
Tester Andrew Williams has a fairly full beard, with a straight growing stubble. Tester Matthew Korfhage has thick and angry hairs, which have a mind of their own. We try to highlight any possible issues—for example, thick bristles—in our reviews, so you can be sure of the best possible cut with the least amount of effort.
Here’s some help choosing the right parts for your facial fuzz.
- Ceramic vs. steel blades: Ceramic blades hold their sharpness better than steel, but the smaller teeth on premium beard trimmer blades tend to be made of stainless steel.
- Barrel control: Some beard trimmers have on-device twist controls. For an easierlife, choose one with fewer attachments.
- Ni-MH vs Li-ion: Avoid trimmers with excessively long charging times and those that use old nickel-metal-hydride batteries. They won’t hold their charge as long as lithium-ion.
- Waterproof? Trimming the beard in the shower is not as useful as wet shaving, but the water-resistant design allows you to wash your trimmer under the tap with confidence.
- USB charging: It takes a long time, but you can get USB charging cables for beard trimmers, while Manscaped even uses USB-C in the shell itself. A major bonus for travel.
- Small versus large teeth: Larger blade teeth cut through thick, dense hair, but smaller teeth allow for a closer, more precise cut. The latter is best demonstrated by the Philips OneBlade family.
- Wide vs. narrow edge: Hair trimmers have wider blades than beard trimmers. A narrower style provides greater control, with less time loss for those with shorter facial hair.
- Do the blades need to be replaced? Use blade oil (usually included) to prevent rust, and the blades should last for years. The trimmer-shaver hybrid Philips OneBlade models will require more regular replacement, however.
- Vacuum? Some beard trimmers have a vacuum feature, to avoid getting hair trimmings everywhere. In fact, it’s a bit of a gimmick.
