Best Beard Trimmers for Grooming Facial Hair

Beard trimmers have a ton of advantages over traditional razors, letting you shape and style your face fuzz at any length you like. With so many models out there, though, it can be tough to know where to start. We’re slicing through the clutter to present you with a neatly trimmed-down list of the best beard trimmers out there.

Our picks for the best beard trimmers

How we selected the best beard trimmers

Our selections were made through a mix of personal experience (I spent nearly seven years working in the men’s grooming category, so I know a thing or two about shaving and trimming facial hair!) and thorough research. I took extra care to comb through customer reviews for each of our suggestions to ensure that all of our picks scored highly for overall customer satisfaction.

What to consider before buying a beard trimmer

Function

Step one is to figure out what you’re going to use the trimmer for. Those looking for something to remove strays from their luxurious lumberjack beard will likely need more power and less finesse than someone who’s carefully shaping their Van Dyke. Those using it to shave off everything should decide if they want to do it at their sink or have the ability to shave in the shower (which, obviously, requires a waterproof trimmer). Also, is this just for your beard, or are you planning on using it elsewhere? Knowing the answer to these questions will quickly narrow down your options.

Power source

Are you okay with a wired trimmer, or do you like it to be more portable? If it uses a rechargeable battery, are you sure you have one that still works while plugged in? (Some don’t!) If you choose a wired one, but travel a lot, have you checked it will still work in other countries? Again, these are all important things to know before buying.

Accessories

Many trimmers come with a whole bundle of accessories, ranging from the standard (a brush for cleaning the trimmer head) to the more involved (multiple different heads for tackling, e.g., nose and eyebrow hair). Be sure you’re not paying for more than you actually need.

Maintenance tips for beard trimmers

Clean

“Clean your blade and trimmer regularly,” advises Wahl educator Javy Andux. “After every use, use the cleaning brush that comes with your trimmer to remove any hair buildup on the blade or under the blade.”

Oil

It’s also important to frequently oil your blades to keep them sharp and to prolong the blade life. To oil your blade, Andux recommends using the five-point oiling method: Apply three drops of oil across the teeth of the blade, then one drop on either side. Briefly turn the clipper on to disperse the oil, then wipe off any excess.

Store

“Properly store and handle your trimmer,” advises Anduz. “To prevent rusting, store your trimmer in a cool, dry place. When you notice your blades are pulling or not cutting like they used to, it’s time to replace your blade.”

Best places to buy a beard trimmer

Beard trimmers can be bought at virtually any big box electronic store, large pharmacy, or online. Since you can’t test them out before buying, it’s a good idea to read reviews and compare prices first, so you have an idea of what you’re looking for and what you’ll expect to pay.

If you found this guide useful, be sure to also look at our guides to the best hair dryers and the best hair clippers.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What beard trimmer length should I use?

“The ‘right’ length blade on your beard trimmer depends on your preferences,” says Anduz. “If you’re unsure of how long you want your beard, begin with the longest cutting guide–you can always cut more off with shorter cutting guides, but starting with the longest ensures you don’t groom your beard shorter than you prefer. If you want a close cut or details and fine lines, you can use shorter cutting guides or no guide at all.”

How much should I spend on a beard trimmer?

Beard trimmers run from as low as $20 to over$100, with some more professional-grade ones costing much more. The average trimmer for home use, though, generally runs somewhere around the $50 -$90 range.

How should you store a beard trimmer?

“Professional barbers aim to get the most out of their clippers, from cut quality to longevity, so they store their clippers in cool, dry places,” says Anduz. “To get the same experience at home, we also recommend finding a cool, dry place to prevent rusting or damage.”

How do you clean a beard trimmer?

As explained in the maintenance section above, it’s important to clean and oil a beard trimmer after each use, and to store it away somewhere dry and cool.

Is it better to groom your beard with a razor or a trimmer?

If you’re talking about a literal beard, then a trimmer is going to be far more versatile and reliable than a standard razor, giving you a range of length and styling options. If you shave off all your stubble, it’s more down to personal preference, but anyone who suffers from razor burn should consider using a trimmer rather than wet shaving since wet shaving can cut hairs too close to the skin. This, in turn, can cause the hairs to curl under the skin, causing ingrown hairs and razor bumps.