Compare the Top 6 Beard Trimmers
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Test and Evaluate Beard Trimmers
A beard grows about a millimeter every two or three days—an eighth of an inch a week, on average. So testing beard trimmers can take a long time. In general, we test each beard trimmer once a beard has grown out enough for a good trim—using at least two cutting lengths. Weight and balance matter, and so does the blade’s ability to handle awkward areas around the neck. We check how well the trimmer can function as a shaver for balding or on the neck.
Our testers assess the quality and ease of use of any attachments, and we verify manufacturers’ claims about battery life and power. We also consult professional haircutters to ensure the durability and reliability of different brands and models.
Tester Matthew Korfhage has coarse, unruly hairs, while tester Andrew Williams sports a relatively full beard with straight-growing stubble. We’ve made sure to reflect any potential issues—such as struggles with thick bristles—in our reviews, so you can rely on achieving the best trim with minimal effort. We might even run a blade through a horsehair broom to test a motor’s power and see how it handles a thick, full beard.
How Does WIRED Acquire and Select Beard Trimmers to Test?
To choose beard trimmers worth testing in the latest rounds, I spoke with several barbers in Philadelphia and Portland, Oregon, along with staff at hair supply stores. I reviewed guides from other reviewers and industry publications focused on barbers, as well as niche sites centered on beards and trimmers. Naturally, some brands have built a solid reputation over time. New models from Wahl, Philips Norelco, Panasonic, or Andis usually merit testing.
Some beard trimmers were sent by manufacturers as review samples, while others were purchased. Our reviewers keep top-pick models for durability and comparison testing over the years, re-testing battery life and performance regularly.
What Types of Beard Trimmer Tech Should I Look For?
Here’s a guide to help you choose the right features for your facial hair:
- Ceramic versus steel blades: Ceramic blades maintain their sharpness better, but premium blades typically feature stainless steel teeth.
- Barrel control: Some trimmers have on-device twist controls. For an easier experience, opt for one with minimal attachments, but keep in mind that this may compromise accuracy.
- Ni-MH versus Li-ion: Choose trimmers with lithium-ion batteries, which hold their charge longer than older nickel-metal-hydride options.
- Waterproof? While beard trimming in the shower isn’t as precise as wet shaving, a water-resistant design allows for easy cleaning.
- USB charging: USB charging has become pretty standard, along with proprietary ports. This is a significant benefit for travel.
- Small versus larger teeth: Larger teeth can handle thick hair, but smaller teeth offer a closer, more precise cut.
- Wide versus narrow blade: Beard trimmers usually feature narrower blades for better control compared to hair trimmers.
- Do blades need to be replaced? Use blade oil to prevent rust, and most blades will last for years, although hybrids like the Philips OneBlade may need more frequent replacements.
- Vacuum? Some trimmers come with a vacuum feature to minimize hair mess, which can be helpful.
Why Don’t Beard Trimmer Chargers Use USB-C?
If you’ve noticed, every beard trimmer charger tends to be a different shape, which can be maddening for anyone testing multiple models. This creates a headache—losing a charger means you’ll have to find a replacement or buy a new trimmer.
Manufacturers often use proprietary cables to both enhance profits and increase inconvenience. This practice led to European laws aimed at standardizing charging cables. However, in the case of beard trimmers, manufacturers have reasons for avoiding USB-C. The USB-C format isn’t water-resistant, which makes it less suitable for devices used in the bathroom.
Although there’s potential for these waterproof connectors to be standardized like laptop chargers, that hasn’t yet happened. For now, expect to deal with a variety of odd charger shapes until wireless charging becomes standard.
We Also Recommend
Panasonic Multishape for $84: Previously one of our best-rated beard trimmers, its versatility as a travel kit shines, though the bulk might make it less ideal for space saving.
Manscaped Beard Hedger for $100: This trimmer features a single adjustable guard and a USB-C charger, but its water resistance may not hold up well, and the warranty is limited to 90 days.
Wahl Pro Skeleton for $150: Known for its unique design that provides visibility for outlining and line-ups. While handsome and functional, it does require a bit more maintenance with its blade system.
Philips Norelco 9000 Series 9810 for $120: This luxury trimmer stands up vertically, but our testers found the metal blades could be rough on the skin.
Wahl Stainless Steel Lithium 2.0 for $66: Although we haven’t tested this newer version yet, reports have been positive for its performance and design.
Also Tested
Braun Series 7 Manscaping Clippers for $120: A fast-charging trimmer with an AutoSense feature, but its beard-adjustment system left some room for improvement regarding control.
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