Whether you like to have a smooth face, a little stubble, or a long-but-well-kept beard, a reliable beard trimmer will help you achieve optimal results. However, beard grooming products vary widely in terms of quality, ease of use, and other key factors. We made this guide to help you find the best beard trimmer for your unique needs.
Buying Guide for Beard Trimmers
Why buy a beard trimmer?
Appearances matter, so it’s no wonder most men like to look their best whenever possible, even if it means spending a little extra on their appearance. Whether you’re on a first date or interviewing for your dream job, an unkempt beard or even out-of-control body hair can be a barrier keeping you from where you want to be. On the other hand, being able to easily trim your beard will keep you looking your best so that you can feel confident whenever big moments in your life occur. Modern beard trimmers are also easier to use, easier to clean, and more cost-effective than ever before. If you are tired of razor burns and sub-par results, the time to upgrade to a great beard trimmer is now.
What should you look for in a beard trimmer?
- Function: How you like to wear your beard is a primary consideration when shopping for a beard trimmer. This is because most beard trimmers specialize in trimming either longer or shorter beards, although there are some versatile products on the market that can be used for a wide range of applications (including body hair). That being said, whether you want a smooth face, well-defined stubble, or wear a long beard, be sure that the trimmer you choose is designed for the task.
- Water Resistance: While trimming longer beards in the shower is probably not a good idea, finding a beard trimmer that is water-resistant is still important. This is because water-resistant beard trimmers are much easier to rinse off and clean. Men with shorter beards or stubble can also benefit from a waterproof model that can quickly achieve a smooth shave during a shower.
- Blade and Motor Quality: A powerful motor and sharp blades help prevent your trimmer from pulling or snagging your beard during a trim. While this will ensure a more comfortable trim, it will also help keep your results as precise and even as possible. One mistake while trimming a beard can jeopardize the entire operation, so investing in a trimmer with quality parts is a no-brainer.
What should my beard trimmer’s blade be made from?
Most beard trimmers feature a blade that is made from stainless steel, titanium, carbon steel, or ceramic. Each blade type has its own strengths and weaknesses, so choosing one that works for you is important. Stainless steel and titanium are popular choices due to their strength and sharpness but lack the durability of ceramic blades. Ceramic blades, on the other hand, stay cool and remain sharp for longer than other blade types, but tend to be much pricier. Finally, carbon steel might be the sharpest type of trimmer blade, making it great for those with sensitive skin, but it’s more susceptible to rust than other top blade materials.
Our Picks for the Best Beard Trimmers
Pros: For those seeking something simple yet effective, the Philips Norelco OneBlade is great for trimming short beards. This product is compact and lightweight enough to take just about anywhere and is very gentle on your skin as long as you’re careful not to overload it with thick, long hair. While this trimmer won’t provide the closest shave you’ve ever had, it is capable of precise edging for a clean, put-together look. Also, its stubble combs are perfect for those who wear a little stubble but find the look hard to manage from day to day.
Cons: This trimmer isn’t designed to handle longer beards, so those who like to mix it up in terms of beard style will have to invest in another trimmer for managing their beard after growing it out. Also, this trimmer’s battery life is a bit lower than most competitors, so if you’re traveling with it, be sure to bring the charger with you.
Bottom Line: For those who regularly wear short beards or stubble, this is the most effective and cost-friendly beard trimmer for you. This is also a great option for men with sensitive skin that don’t like using a razor due to irritation. That being said, this isn’t a product for everyone, and it’s not the most versatile beard trimmer you can buy, especially for those who tend to switch up their beard style.
Pros: The Philips Norelco Multigroomer features a powerful motor and sharp, effective blades, making it an excellent product for tackling long and wild beards without fearing painful snags. Compared to similar trimmers, it’s also reasonably quiet while operating and minimizes vibration well for optimal control. This is also one of the most rugged and versatile trimmers on the market at its price range, thanks to its durable stainless steel construction and various attachments.
Cons: While this kit does come with a storage bag, its lack of individual compartments makes it hard to keep all of the attachments organized so that you can quickly find the ones you need. Speaking of attachments, it can be a little tricky to differentiate between them since not every attachment is labeled. That being said, separating your favorite attachments using a plastic baggie is a nice way to save time and keep things simple.
Bottom Line: Simply put, the Philips Norelco Multigroomer is one of the best beard and body hair trimmers you can buy at its price point. Due to its wealth of attachments, this is a product that will fit the needs of most, from the long-bearded to those who keep it short and clean. That being said, the entire ensemble might be a little too much for those who are short on storage space or looking for a more travel-friendly trimmer.
Pros: Featuring a high torque motor that leaves nothing to be desired in terms of power, this trimmer is ideal for those who want a tool for precise detail work and clean lineups. It’s also incredibly easy to zero-gap, and the exposed blade maximizes visibility while trimming using a mirror. Unsurprisingly, given this product’s price, it also sports barber-quality durability and a unique design that feels light and comfortable in your hand.
Cons: Being a professional-quality trimmer, it’s not surprising that this product is much more expensive than the other products featured in this guide. As such, in order to make it a smart investment, you will need to take some time to learn and master its use. Naturally, those seeking something budget-friendly and basic will have to look elsewhere.
Bottom Line: Those who frequently visit their barber for shape-ups know how costly (and necessary) it can be to achieve precise lines and details. Thankfully, the Barberology MetalFX Series is the ideal trimmer to keep your beard looking precise in between appointments. That being said, this is far from an entry-level trimmer, and much of what makes this an amazing product will be lost on those who aren’t willing to learn how to use it properly.
Pros: The Remington MB4700 Smart Beard Trimmer sports the functionality of a multi-piece trimmer kit, with plenty of adjustability and no attachments to lose or break. It makes finding your favorite length settings simple thanks to its memory function, and it can even auto-adjust its performance by sensing your beard’s thickness. This product also scores points for its simple, travel-friendly design and convenient USB charging, making it an excellent pick for those who aren’t shy about trying out new, innovative technology.
Cons: Compared to other trimmers, this one is pretty bulky and heavy, so it does take a bit of time to get used to. Additionally, the adjustable guard is made of plastic, so this is not a trimmer you would want to risk dropping. However, if properly cared for, you should be able to get years of use out of this trimmer.
Bottom Line: At first glance, this device may seem a bit complicated when compared to other trimmers. However, it doesn’t take long to get the hang of its versatile length settings for precise blends and fades. While this isn’t a great option for a skin-close shave, it’s a unique option and great for those who don’t mind spending a little extra for its advanced functionality.
Pros: Those who tend to rock a shorter beard and love saving money should seriously consider the WAHL Groomsman. This compact beard trimmer kit comes with attachment guards that are suitable for everything from slight stubble to a full-but-short beard. It also includes some nifty extras, including a nose hair trimmer and travel case. While this isn’t the most durable trimmer, it does sport impressive self-sharpening stainless steel blades and an easy-to-clean rinsable head, making it a great value for the price.
Cons: If you like to grow your beard out for months at a time, this is probably not an ideal trimmer for you for several reasons. For one, it doesn’t come with guards that are suitable for trimming longer beards. Secondly, this trimmer is not the gentlest when cutting long, thick beard hair and doesn’t do enough to mitigate painful snags.
Bottom Line: While this isn’t the most durable or high-quality product on the market, it does exceed expectations given its budget-friendly price point. This is especially true when it is used as intended for short, manageable beards. That being said, if you understand this trimmer’s limitations and think it will work for you, you will likely be satisfied with your purchase.
Final Thoughts
Finding a beard trimmer that suits your needs isn’t quite as simple as it seems. Thankfully, there are plenty of specialized trimmers on the market, as well as more versatile options that are suitable for a wide range of beards. Be sure to closely contemplate your beard type and grooming habits before shopping for a beard trimmer to find the right match for you.
