Best Beard Trimmers: Keep Everything Trim And Tidy And Look Your Best

Choosing to go clean-shaven means you’re missing out. Big time. According to studies; men with heavy stubble are seen as most attractive to women. While other studies point to the fact that unkempt beards can make you look aggressive. So how do you get the best of both worlds? With a well-trimmed beard of course!

There’s so much you can do to style your facial hair, and today’s beard trimmers come equipped with a huge array of features and functionalities, meaning the options are endless. Finding the right trimmer to suit your needs can be difficult though if you have no idea what trimmer you should invest in.

After working in the personal grooming industry for years, I’ve used, reviewed & tested countless trimmers. I know the do’s and the don’ts when it comes to choosing the perfect trimmer to suit your unique needs. I’ve written this guide on the best electric beard trimmers on the market, so you can invest in a device that will give you a barber-quality cut, every single time!

Read on to discover what I think are the top beard trimmers on the market, and some factors that you should consider when choosing the right one for you.

Best Beard Trimmers Comparison Table

Our Top 10 Beard Trimmer Reviews

Philips Norelco MG7750 Series 7000

The Philips Norelco MG7750 is a sleek and efficient device that gives you a lot of control over the look of your beard. Most beard trimmers come with quite a few attachments, but this device comes with a whopping 18!

The MG7750 comes with twice as many blades as the usual trimmer which are positioned against each other to sharpen themselves while they work. This helps the trimmer maintain its edge for a long time. In my experience, the increased amount of blades also help to deliver more precise cuts.

This model comes with a Lithium-ion battery and is wired to deliver up to five hours per charge. While it’s meant to be used as a cordless device, it can still be used while plugged in. I appreciated how it could be used both ways because it meant that I didn’t need to worry about forgetting to charge it beforehand or having any problems with a consistent power source.

It’s fully washable, so a quick rinse under the faucet after every use is enough to get it clean. Make sure to keep the blades lubricated so the device remains in tip-top shape for as long as possible.

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In terms of customization, the MG7750 comes with fourteen reinforced trimming guards that allow you to cut anywhere from 1mm to 16mm worth of hair. It comes with several important trimmer heads; one that allows you to sculpt the details of your beard better, one that makes quick work of unwanted nose and ear hair, and one with an extra-wide design to help with trimming, cutting hair on your head, and fading your sideburns.

It was a pleasure to use the MG7750, with its sleek stainless steel build and a detailed rubber grip. The only issue I have with this device is the amount of attachment swapping required to get the job done. While it may not be a problem for those who enjoy the little details, it can be a hassle to have to go from one guard to another just to get a general trim finished.

Wahl 9818 All in One Grooming Kit

The Wahl 9818 is the newest addition to a long line of proud personal grooming products. This device is meant to go beyond trimming beards. It can be used to groom any part of the body, from head to toe, and comes with twelve different attachment guards to make this a reality.

I tried using it on other parts of my body as well and found it equally effective in removing the unwanted hairs. If you’re looking for a trimmer that can also handle hair removal on other parts of your body, this is the model for you.

I appreciate how this electric trimmer operates quieter than most, and despite the lack of a rubberized grip, it is still easy to maneuver around your face. This electric trimmer is part of an all-in-one groomer kit, which includes a comb, a storage pouch, a cleaning brush, and a comprehensive set of English and Spanish instructions. Because it runs so quietly, it’s the ideal companion for someone who lives with other people who might prefer to keep the noise of shaving at a minimum.

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Its Lithium-ion battery, combined with the latest technology, can keep the Wahl 9818 consistently powered for over four hours with just one hour to reach a full charge. It also charges very quickly! A sixty-second charge is more than enough for a quick three-minute shave.

One small problem I had with the Wahl 9818 were its attachment guards. While they seemed reasonably durable and were good enough for use, they also felt a bit flimsy. Avoid pushing too hard while you’re using the guard so it won’t break.

Panasonic ER GB40 S Beard Trimmer

The Panasonic ER GB40 S is an attractive model that comes packed with several effective trimming settings so you know you’re making the most out of your purchase. Some models have a wide variety of features simply for the sake of having enticing extras, but this model delivers on the promise of both variety and quality.

This device has a whopping thirty-nine adjustable trimmer settings and you can quickly adjust it by fiddling with a thin dial immediately below the trimmer head. If you look closely at its stainless steel blades, you’ll notice that they’re slightly angled and very sharp. I found it easy to mow through even the most unruly facial hair when using this model.

For those who have sensitive skin to worry about, these blades are also hypoallergenic. They work with you in ensuring that you do not have to irritate your skin to get a good shave.

In terms of aesthetics, the Panasonic ER GB40 S is definitely quite aesthetic. It starts off slim and narrow-bodied before curving slightly in the middle and then flaring out at the trimmer head. I found this curvy design useful for tightening my grip and precisely guiding the device around difficult areas of my beard.

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One unique development I appreciate with this model is the installation of water drain channels throughout its body. This made it easier to clean and rinse out the device after using. In the long term, it’s a great way to ensure that less maintenance is required to keep this trimmer in top shape.

This product comes with a charging stand of its own. It has light indicators to help you keep track of your model’s battery.

Some minor issues I had with this product involved the model’s button placement and build. As you are using it, you will notice that the power button and the dial for the guard length are positioned at the back of the trimmer. This means you won’t be able to turn it on and off immediately and you will have to stop in between areas to position the guard length.

Philips Norelco MG5750 Multigroomer

The Norelco MG5750 is another model on this list that is capable of efficiently grooming unwanted hairs, not just on your face, but on the rest of your body as well.

It comes equipped with Panasonic’s patented DualCut Technology, so its tampered steel blades are built to brush lightly against each other while you are operating it so that they effectively sharpen themselves as they work. I found this super helpful in extending the lifespan of your trimmer as well as reducing the cleaning and maintenance time you need to dedicate to the trimmer.

On that note, the attachment guards are non-corrosive and water resistant. This means that you can give it a quick run under the faucet along with the trimmer for a quick clean. The guards are reinforced so you don’t have to worry about it bending or breaking as you work.

This product comes in eighteen pieces and thirteen reinforced trimming guards to fit all your personal grooming needs. Some of these include a specialized nose and ear trimmer, a steel precision trimmer, and an extra wide hair trimmer.

The Norelco MG5750 is powered by a lithium-ion battery that can give three hours’ worth of runtime on its own. However, it can also be used while corded in case you’ve run out of battery.

One small downside to the Norelco MG5750 is that it does not have a battery indicator to show what the current status of the model is. Another issue is that, while the variety in accessories is appreciated, they do not come with practical storage options. Despite these shortcomings, this is still a good product that can be yours for an affordable price. It’s a relatively low-maintenance model for people who want to have a complete trimming kit by their side.

Andis Slimline Pro Li Trimmer

Andis and Wahl are both barbershop favorites. Take a quick look at the trimmers that your local barbers use and don’t be surprised if you see either or both of these brands in their arsenal. You can expect to find durable trimmers from these two companies, both capable of providing a consistent trimming performance.

It is equipped with a set of close-cutting T-blade trimmers, which is favored by barbers for their crisp outlines and designs. The Andis Slimline Pro’s body is built to trim through tight areas, such as for beard and goatee touch-ups.

This device can churn out two hours’ worth of runtime with its lithium-ion battery. It comes with four attachment combs, a charging stand, and its charging cable.

I recommend this electric trimmer if you’ve already got the hang of using one and would like to try some advanced techniques. This device is built out of hard plastic which makes it great for zero gapping—which is to position the moving blade as close as possible to the fixed blade, without going over it. Zero gapping helps you get sharper lines and allows you to shave with incredible precision.

Keep in mind that this will not come zero-gapped out of the box, so you’ll need to arrange for it after receiving the package.

One downside to this trimmer is that it has some difficulty getting through thick hair. It also becomes very warm to the touch when you’re using it for extended periods of time. Regardless, the Andis Slimline Pro is a promising device and does a great job of shaping the beard and mustache area.

Braun MGK3980 Multi Grooming Kit

This is the ideal gift package if you want to treat yourself with one of the best beard trimmers on the market! Or maybe you might want to buy it for a friend who needs to get their beard in shape. This 9-in-1 kit has everything a man needs to get his grooming in order, including multiple trimmer heads, a body groomer, and a clean shave razor. It’s truly capable of helping you get the exact beard design that you’re after.

This kit has four combs and can trim in fourteen different length settings between 0.5mm and 21mm. I appreciate how it arrived in a bag of its own, so I did not have to worry about how I would store it away in between uses. I would even recommend this kit for people who need a trimmer travel buddy because it’s not too heavy, stows away easily, and is packaged well.

The electric trimmer itself is small and sleek, starting off wide at the trimmer head and then gently tapering down towards the end. The power button is clearly positioned at the front of the device.

The Braun MGK3980 can be used for both wet and dry shaving. When you’re done with it, keeping this device cleaned and maintained can be quickly achieved with a brush and a warm rinse after.

I recommend oiling the parts with light machine oil before its first use. One small issue I had on this was that this wasn’t included in the instructions. Skipping on this step can cause the machine to overheat.

Also, the motor may have some difficulty mowing seamlessly through thicker beards. You may need to adjust the speed and intensity setting as you go through accordingly.

Apart from these minor flaws, the Braun MGK3980 kit is definitely a solid all-in-one grooming companion at a competitive price.

Philips Norelco BT7215 Series 7200

Have you ever heard of a trimmer that could suck away the hairs before it made a mess on your bathroom countertop? It sounds like a dream come true, and that’s what the Norelco BT7215 is. The strongest and most innovative selling point of this device is its integrated vacuum system which is super helpful in eliminating a significant amount of the mess made while trimming. The interior of this device is composed of a powerful motor fan and a corresponding system that lifts and suctions hairs into the device as it works.

By extension, this lift and trim system does not just help with keeping a clean workplace. It also helps you trim better because it guides the hair strands towards the blades for a more effective cut. This is followed up by a rounded contour comb technology that cares for your skin.

Every Norelco BT7215 model comes equipped with double-sharpened steel blades. These are optimized to cut more hairs in every swipe so you don’t waste your time trimming over the same spot multiple times.

The zoom wheel at the front of the Norelco BT7215 offers over twenty different length settings and adjusts the device’s trim length between 0.5mm to 10mm. You can verify the length using its corresponding LCD display.

This device is powered by a lithium-ion battery and can run for eighty minutes after just an hour of charging. If you’re in a pinch, however, you can also use the device while it is charging.

One issue I have with this trimmer is that it’s not as durable as the other devices that are selling at the moment. Some parts look and feel delicate. You may need to handle this with extra care to extend its lifespan.

Philips Norelco BT5210 Series 5100

What’s the difference between the Norelco BT5210 and the BT7215? This trimmer may not have the innovative vacuum system that makes the BT7215 stand out, but it is still worth considering because it offers many of the newer model’s features at a more affordable price tag.

For instance, it still comes with an efficient beard guide system, which helps guide the individual hair strands to get a straighter cut. The rounded comb technology, which works to soothe skin while working and to even out the trim, is also still present.

Also, the self-sharpening steel blades still make up the trimmer head of this model and are a definite step towards faster, more hypoallergenic trims.

Another great feature is the accompanying short and long hair clipping combs. These work with the precision length settings to diversify the ways you can touch up your beard. The short comb is for 0.4mm to 7mm length, while the long comb is for 7mm to 13mm length.

The addition of these clipping combs makes up for the fewer length settings that the BT5210 is built with. It only comes with seventeen precision settings, while the BT7215 comes with twenty.

This model can provide seventy minutes of cordless runtime after just an hour of charging. However, it can also be used while it is charging if you’ve run out of battery.

I think this model can improve on the material they built the combs with because the legs don’t feel robust and it can be difficult to switch between them because they might break. This model may also have some difficulty working with long beards.

Philips offers a 45-day money-back option, so if you think this might best beard trimmer for your needs, there’s no harm in trying it out.

Hatteker Beard Trimmer Kit

The brand may not be as prominent as the others that have made it on this list, but their products still pack a punch. Here’s another electric trimmer that is a solid option for people considering zero gapping. This Hatteker Trimmer Kit comes with four different trimmers, a body groomer, and six guide combs.

The Hatteker electric trimmer is fully washable and easy to clean. Once you’re done brushing and rinsing it off, allow your device to dry naturally and then put its protective cover on when it’s done. This is to prevent foreign substances from entering the trimmer while you’re away and clogging up the interior.

I appreciate that this electric trimmer can be charged using a USB cable, which is super helpful for people who need a no-nonsense trimmer for their travels.

The learning curve for the Hatteker electric trimmer and its corresponding accessories may be a bit steep, especially if you’re just starting out in trimming. It’s tough, trying to figure out how to use the trimmer at first and how the attachment works. Make sure to take a few practice swipes before trying to replicate a beard style you’re going for.

Overall, this is another solid multifunctional kit that you can consider getting because it comes at such an affordable price.

One downside to the trimmer in this kit is that it has a slightly longer charging time and shorter running time than other models. Charging this device for ninety minutes will only yield sixty minutes’ worth of trimming. Luckily, this is negated by a clear LED display that helps you keep track of the minutes you have left so you can prepare to charge the model beforehand.

This device comes with a one year warranty in case you run into any unforeseen incidents with your electric trimmer. In sum, I would recommend this device to anybody who wants to try a unique electric beard trimmer that can really give you a precise trim!

Philips Norelco Oneblade QP2520/70

To complete this list, let’s end it with the Oneblade to rule them all. The Oneblade QP2520/70 is a thin device with marked yellow accents running along the sides. It aims to be the only device you’ll ever need if you’re the type of guy who likes to switch things up and enjoys wearing stubble, beards, or other kinds of facial hair styles.

The Oneblade QP2520/70 is built with a super-fast cutter that can deliver over two hundred cuts per second. To temper this raw power, it is accompanied by a dual protection system as well as an enhanced pivoting capacity so your skin stays comfortable and you can trim without worrying about getting injured.

I appreciate how this device let me shave in two directions with its dual-edged blade. It made the process of getting rid of those unwanted neck hairs faster and more convenient.

It is recommended to have the blades replaced once every four months to keep the device in top shape. Thankfully, in my experience, getting replacement blades is simple and affordable.

One aspect of this trimmer that I feel could be worked on is its razor. It’s powerful but messy. You may have to prepare yourself for cleaning up your bathroom countertop, as hairs will fly off in every direction and it will be covered in small strands. Apart from this concern, the Oneblade definitely delivers on its promise of being a well-rounded hybrid product and will be a welcome addition to anyone’s grooming kit.

How To Decide What Trimmer You Should Get

What goes into making the big decision? It won’t just be one single strength that will help you decide. It’s going to have to be a combination of different factors that will help you weigh the pros and cons fairly. Here’s a list of what you need to consider before you buy that trimmer you’ve been eyeing.

The Secret Life Of Guard Attachments

Maintaining a beard has quickly become the new trend and it’s easy to see why; women love them! According to this study; women aged 25 to 34 find beards significantly more attractive than a clean-shaven look.

However, it may look difficult to get the precision needed to trim your beard by yourself. That’s why most of today’s beard trimmers usually come with a set of attachment guards that help you cut more evenly through your facial hair. These guards come in several different lengths, all tailored to provide just the right distance between your skin and the device’s cutting elements.

Beard guards are usually numbered in order of shortest to longest, so if you want a close trim then you’re looking at guards one and two. However, if you’re considering caring for longer facial hairs, then you can take a look at guards number four and beyond.

There are beard guard attachments that cater specifically towards shaping the outlines of one’s mustache or goatee. These are called edgers. Another variety of beard guard attachments are the vibrissae clipper attachments, which are useful for trimming any hairs that are protruding from your nostrils.

Before you begin to trim with a guide comb, it’s important that you first get your beard in order so you know its growth patterns. Comb your hairs against their direction of growth so that all the hairs are facing the same direction. Remember that when you cut against the grain, you get more hair; while if you cut with the grain, you get less hair.

I would recommend trimming longer beards in the same direction as their hair growth, and I would recommend shorter styles be trimmed in either direction. Once you’re done sketching out all the major details of your new beard, you can use your trimmer and the guard attachment to get everything looking perfect.

Beard guards are a crucial part of an electric trimmer. One of your top considerations in finding an electric trimmer is the quality, variety, and durability of its guards. A good set will help you shear through thick hair and give you that clean-cut, leveled, and trimmed look that you’re shooting for.

12 Steps To Getting An Effective Trim

Using a beard trimmer for the first time may seem like a daunting task, and understandably so. You’re about to take an important part of your personal grooming routine into your own hands. However, you’ll be relieved to know that you won’t be doing all of the hard work alone. The best beard trimmers come equipped with a variety of tools and features that work to share the burden with you. Here’s a quick rundown of what you can do to make the most out of it:

Step 1: Get To Know Your Beard

A little bit of self-discovery never hurt anybody. Understand the individual hair strands that make up your beard, the different directions they’re growing in, and their speed of growth. This will determine the intensity you’ll want to set your trimmer to, the direction you need to trim with, and how frequently you’ll need to revisit your beard for a quick touch up.

Step 2: Clean Your Beard Beforehand

It’s easier to shape and style your facial hair if you start with a clean slate. This will also be good for your electric trimmer because you lessen the likelihoods of your device running into dirt, skin, and stray hairs that can clog it up on the inside.

Step 3: Understand What You’re Going For

You can’t just go for the first inspiration beard that catches your eye and start hacking away at your own in an effort to mimic it. Some looks can only be achieved if you’re willing to dedicate some extra time and effort to your appearance. Others may require you to have a specific hair type. Ultimately, the look you’re going for has to match the type of beard you have and compliment your other physical features.

Step 4: Keep The Right Tools Handy

Apart from the electric trimmer, you’ll need to keep some other tools by your side in case you need backup. You may need to switch in between multiple attachment guards or have a small comb to smooth out the tangles. It will be difficult to move away from your position once you’ve begun, so make sure that you’ve settled in with everything you need before you pick up the trimmer.

Step 5: Get The Trimmer’s Settings Right

This may need some experimentation beforehand so you understand completely the effect each setting will have on your beard. In order to get the look you’re going for, you may need to use multiple settings and attachments one after another. Your neck and jaw area need to be covered with a different attachment guard. You may want to operate your trimmer on a lower power setting once all you need to do is remove the stray hairs.

Step 6: Get To Know Your Neck And Jaw Line

Maneuvering around your neck and jawline is going to be an entirely different challenge in itself. You may find it difficult to work with the new angles and you are more likely to injure yourself. To prepare yourself for this, practice in front of your bathroom mirror with your trimmer in hand and find the position that helps you best cope with trimming these tough spots.

Step 7: Work Your Way Around Your Neck

Angle your head upwards, stretching your neck, and then trim in an upward motion. Position yourself closer to the mirror at this point so you have a better view of what you’re doing. These precautions will lessen your chances of snagging on the soft skin around your neck and getting injured.

Step 8: Understand When You Need To Switch It Up

Your facial hair doesn’t grow in an even manner, and the setting that worked on your cheeks and chin may not be as effective on your neck and jawline. This is why you need to have the attachment guards nearby. In case you need to go from one setting or guard to another, you won’t need to go through any extra hassle.

Step 9: Trim Your Cheek Line

Trimming the hair on your cheeks can greatly enhance your facial features as well as the shape of your beard. Try to map out a line from your mustache to your sideburns and keep the line as high as possible. While a low cheek line is what most men choose to go for, it tends to elongate your face and can make your beard look unnatural.

Step 10: Work On Your Chin

Don’t forget to navigate your trimmer around your chin! It may be a difficult area to work around, but the hair around your chin can impact the shape of your face. If you have a square face, it’s advisable to keep your beard fuller on the chin to highlight your jawline. The same goes for round faces as it can create an illusion of depth. For rectangular faces, it is best to keep your beard shorter on the bottom to showcase your strong facial structure.

Step 11: Carve Out Your Mustache

Start by creating clear lines for your reference along the top of your lip and just below your nose. Make sure to get all the hairs in the area where your ‘stache meets your nose so that you don’t look like you have long nose hair. Next, reduce its volume by trimming at it with your guard length of choice.

Step 12: Don’t Forget Your Aftercare

You’ve just finished trimming off your facial hair! However, you still need to take care of your skin. Make sure to massage some moisturizer on your face to soothe any microabrasions that may have been caused by the process. Don’t skip this step. You may find yourself breaking out in certain areas or scarring if you don’t dedicate some effort into relieving your skin.

Keeping Your Beard Trimmer In Top Shape

These devices are designed to be durable with some even including self-sharpening blades and rust proof materials. But a cleaning and maintenance routine will go a long way towards ensuring that your beard trimmer lasts years and performs perfectly.

Here’s a few quick tips that will help you keep your trimmer in tip-top shape:

The Industry’s Leading Brands

Trimmers aren’t cheap. You’ll want to get your first purchase right immediately and this will take a lot more than a basic understanding of what the individual trimmers offer. Often, the brands can be a good indicator of whether your trimmer will perform well in the long run. Known brands also help set industry standards, reinvent trimmers, and continue research and development for these products.

What You Need To Know

While it may seem like a simple subject on the surface, there are quite a few misconceptions about beard trimmers that could lead to you shaving incorrectly, or purchasing the wrong product.

You should make sure that your educated before you make any purchase, so to help with that we’ve prepared a handy FAQ below:

Are Beard Trimmers And Hair Trimmers The Same?

No, they aren’t. However, they are closely related. A beard trimmer is built with thinner blades. This makes the whole device somewhat lighter and more suitable for short hair.

There are many multi-groom trimmers that can perform both functions with ease. I would not recommend using beard trimmers on your head as it is not designed for this purpose and your hair will snag and wind up around the motor. You’ll have to stop regularly to clean your hair off the blades, which will be a tedious task.

How Can I Use Trimmers To Get A Styled Stubble?

Yes! Before anything else, you need to make sure that you have enough hair to work on. Once your stubble has grown to around 2 to 3 mm, grab your trimmer and begin. Make multiple passes along your face while you check in the mirror for any spots you may have missed. This could be around your neck, along with your sideburns, or near your ears and chin.

You’ll need to touch up on your usual stubble trim every two to four days. If you leave it any longer than that, it will quickly grow into a full-fledged beard.

Should I Trim With Or Against The Grain?

On long beards, it is advised that you trim it in the same direction as the hair growth. This is to prevent any unnecessary pulling and snagging while you are trimming.

However, if you have a shorter beard to maintain, then it’s all just a matter of preference. Going with the grain may be a better choice for sensitive skin, but going against it will help lift and cut more strands of hair in one pass.

Can Beard Trimmers Give Me Close Shaves?

Unless they’re the hybrid shaver type, they aren’t meant to shave your facial hair down to the skin. A trimmer merely helps keep your facial hairs in check. It does not shave close enough to completely remove the hairs visibility.

Can I Use A Beard Trimmer On My Pubes?

Yes, you can. However, it is advised that you go for one that is built for that area. One wrong swipe could mean a world of pain for you. Remember to keep a plastic guard in use at all times so there is a respectable distance between the soft skin of your pubic area and the sharp blades of your electric trimmer.

What Is The Difference Between A Trimmer And A Shaver?

A trimmer is a device that can cut overgrown hair into a shorter and more manageable length. It will not completely remove your hairs so you have the opportunity to style it. Trimmers are suitable for sensitive skin and for people who want to take a more varied approach to personal grooming.

Electric shavers, on the other hand, can get super close to your skin. Regardless of whether you’re going for a foil or a rotary shaver, they can make quick work of shearing all the unwanted hair off of your face. Shaver’s are for people who prefer to stay clean-shaven on a regular basis and may not have the time to experiment with their facial hair that much.

Time To Get Your Own Trimmer!

You’ve reached the finish line! With this guide, you are now more than equipped to go and buy an electric trimmer of your own. Remember that these devices are expected to last you several years, so this decision should be something you’ve mulled over extensively.

What is the best electric beard trimmer for you? This is a question that only you can answer. I hope that this guide has helped you understand the basics of electric trimmers and why they’re so important. I also hope that it has, at the very least, pointed you in the right direction with regards to the device or model that you want to own.

Your electric trimmer can open many doors for you in terms of personal grooming. With it, facial hair stops being unruly and unwanted hair and it has the potential to become something more. Take control of that and start looking for the trimmer that best suits your needs and personal preferences.