We chose to test hair clippers that range in price and have all earned excellent customer reviews. Each model we tested has the following components: a powerful motor, a high-quality blade, a range of included guide combs, a long and sturdy power cord that doesn’t tangle easily, and user-friendly maintenance. We also considered ergonomics and comfort—device weight, grip, and noise factor.
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Among the clippers we considered, the guide combs (the clip-on pieces that slot onto the lower blade and create distance between the blade and the head, to create longer or shorter cuts) ended up being the biggest differentiators. Second to technique, they play a large part in deciding the outcome of a haircut, but they are often confusing to non-professionals. Salon owner Benjamin Mohapi cautioned against models with flexible or too-few combs: “Sometimes you’ll find combs that won’t properly fasten parallel to the razor edge or have extra bits that cause the lines to be crooked—and so you’ll never get clean results, and you may get nicks or gouges.” We found it was very important to have a nice set of stiff, well-labeled guide combs that attached securely.
There is no universal sizing for combs. They typically run from size 1 (which translates to ⅛ of an inch of hair) in ⅛-inch increments up to size 8 (which translates to 1 inch). However, some companies offer sub-increments and may even have clips that allow for hair longer than an inch. (These lengths refer to the height of the hair left behind, not how much is cut off. Using a size 1 comb, for example, leaves ⅛ inch of hair on your head.) Some companies simply label the combs in fractions of an inch. Annoyingly, each brand of clipper has its own proprietary physical shape (and sometimes more than one), so you generally can’t use combs from one brand of clipper on another clipper. (Some “universal” replacement sets are available, but as many customer reviews convey, they aren’t truly universal.)
Combs are made of different types of plastic, which in our tests turned out to be a major factor in their usefulness. If they are too rigid or sharp, they can chip or break or may be uncomfortable to scrape across a scalp. If they are too flexible, they can easily bend and flex as they are pushed against the scalp, resulting in different hair lengths and leaving furrows (like you’d see in a farm field). Some comb designs allow too much play: They can trap and pull hair, snap on crookedly, or even pop off in the middle of a haircut. We found combs made of rigid ABS plastic to be the best performers.
Among the clippers we tested, there was some variety in blade materials. But our experts agreed that for most home users, even a low-end blade will dutifully cut hair for years or even decades. All clippers have a pair of stainless or carbon steel (or, at the high end, ceramic) blades with teeth; the bottom blade is fixed, and the top blade is connected directly to the motor and oscillates side to side to cut hair. When oiled, carbon models self-sharpen, but they are susceptible to rust. Stainless steel is rust-resistant and may be self-sharpening. The hair length that a comb-less blade leaves depends on the clipper, though it’s often 1/16 of an inch; if the clipper has a taper lever (more on that in a minute), you can adjust that length.
A taper lever is an advanced feature—a little doodad found on the side of a clipper that increases or decreases hair length more finely than you can get by switching combs or shifting the bottom blade forward or back. Ideally, when cutting hair you can adjust the lever with a finger, but it shouldn’t be loose enough that it slips due to a bump or vibration (otherwise you could end up with different hair lengths). We found that some taper levers were too easy to move accidentally while cutting hair. But among pros with the technical capability, a taper lever is an essential element for blending and fading between different lengths of hair, especially on the side of the head. For a home-haircutting enthusiast, though, its value is extremely subjective.
A clipper’s housing is usually plastic, though high-end models—like the Andis Master and the BaByliss Pro Silver FX+ All-Metal Lithium Clipper—may be metal. Aside from material, a clipper’s size is a major consideration: A larger model, such as the Wahl Color Pro Plus, is at the upper limit of acceptable size for an adult’s hand; the smaller, palm-sized models, like the Remington Virtually Indestructible, tend to be much more comfortable to hold.
As clipper expert Ivan Zoot told us, most non-professional clippers have many of the same parts as pro models, but the non-pro models have been stripped down to trim their price. The power cord is a common corner to cut: Pro models have thick, round, shielded power cords that are 8 feet or longer; non-pro models often have thin, lamp-wire-style cords that tend to tangle, can fray, and may be only 5 feet long or so.
On the advice of our experts and owner reviews, we primarily looked for corded models simply because they’ll reliably power through the job without needing a recharge. A haircut can take a while, and the risk of getting left with a drained battery and half a haircut isn’t worth the extra convenience. We did opt to try a few cordless models, since they can be especially handy for outdoor use.
As is true of blades, when it comes to motors, most home users wouldn’t notice much difference between types—other than their loudness. Magnetic motors, which all our picks have, are the most common and make a signature whap noise when turned on. Pivot motors run slower and emit a pleasant hum. One of our experts suggested that advances in magnetic motors are making pivot motors effectively obsolete.
The models we selected to test ranged in price and earned high reviews from publications, owners, or both. They all met our hardware criteria: a high-quality razor, a powerful motor, a range of included combs, a long and sturdy power cord that doesn’t tangle easily, user-friendly maintenance, and ergonomic considerations (weight, comfort, and noise).
During our at-home testing, we were able to try out clippers on a wide range of hair types, from extra-fine to thick, from straight to kinky, and from thin (or thinning) to dense. We three authors tested a range of clippers on ourselves and members of our households. Since , we’ve also recruited three expert barbers—Eric Aleman of the King of Kings Barber Shop in Brooklyn, Simon He at Techni Salon NY, and Leon Broughton, who owns Trimz Barber Shop in Freeport, New York—to test contenders with clients.
In and , we recruited a panel of seven testers with assorted hair types and textures—as well as varying levels of haircutting experience—to try out the clippers at home. We asked these testers to give their opinions of each of the clippers and accessories they tried out, without knowing the prices of any of the models. They noted whether the clippers slowed, clogged, or pulled. They also noted how comfortable the clippers were to hold due to size, weight, and vibration, as well as the power-cord length. Our testers noted the quality of guide combs and how easy they were to use, how easy clippers were to clean and maintain, and the quality of any additional accessories, such as hair clips, capes (for covering clothes during a cut), and carrying cases. At the end, we asked participants to pick the model they favored and would be most comfortable using themselves.
Top pick
With its terrific build quality, powerful motor, sturdy but not overly stiff guide combs, and long cord, this model will satisfy the needs of most people who cut hair at home.
The Wahl Elite Pro High Performance Hair Clipper Kit met or exceeded the quality or performance of all the other models we considered in nearly every way. It has the most reliable and easy-to-use guide combs of any clipper we’ve tried. The Wahl Elite Pro also features sturdy housing and a pro-grade power cord, a powerful yet quiet-enough motor, and a useful and rugged hard-plastic carry case.
The guide combs set this set apart. When it comes to clippers for at-home use, the combs matter the most, since they significantly affect the cutting experience and are expensive to upgrade or replace. The Wahl Elite Pro comes with 10 clearly labeled combs, including two half sizes for extra-fine control of hair length. These combs are made of rigid ABS plastic and include stainless steel retaining clips that are riveted on securely. (One model we tested had a bent “tooth,” or fin, on one of its combs. And a few of the models came with guide combs that either attached unreliably or wouldn’t seat perfectly, so the edge could be lifted or even pop off.)
The motor is plenty powerful and housed in an easy-to-grip body. The Wahl Elite Pro’s build quality is a noticeable step above that of most mid-tier models available in big-box stores. The upper part of the housing isn’t hollow-feeling; it is made of rigid plastic, with texture for a secure grip. The taper lever at the side, for blending hair, allows you to make adjustments via a screw, but out of the box it functioned smoothly in our tests (though not as precisely as the levers on pro models like the Andis Master or the Oster Fast Feed).
The round cord is plenty long (8 feet) and as thick as those on pro models. And this is the only clipper we considered with a Velcro wrap near the plug, to gather the cord and make storage tidier. By comparison, the Andis Headliner and Wahl Chrome Pro have lamp-wire-style cords.
The other included accessories are just so-so. Almost all clipper kits come with at least one questionable accessory—like cheap scissors or a garbage-bag-quality cape—that seems great until you have to tuck it in a drawer or root through a pile of them to find what you want. The Wahl Elite Pro’s hard-plastic case is compact, and it has a quality clasp and rigid hinges that allow it to seal correctly.
The Wahl Elite Pro is covered by a five-year warranty.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
The Wahl Elite Pro lacks a T-blade attachment. Also called a companion trimmer, this attachment allows for close cutting around the ears, in the back, and around facial hair without accidentally nicking an ear or creating a bald patch. (Our budget pick, another Wahl, comes with an ear-trim guide comb.)
It’s at the upper weight limit of what’s comfortable to hold. It weighs nearly a pound. But our testers didn’t find it overly heavy, and it doesn’t vibrate uncomfortably. Compared with the Remington Virtually Indestructible (a smaller and quieter model we like), the Elite Pro has a slightly louder magnetic motor, but it isn’t obnoxiously loud.
Upgrade pick
This lightweight clipper offers precision cuts and up to three hours of cordless run time. But its guide combs aren’t the best.
If you’re a frequent-haircut household or you need or prefer a clipper with a rechargeable battery, the BaByliss Pro Silver FX+ All-Metal Lithium Clipper is the one to get.
It feels indestructible but is still lightweight and easy enough to use. This high-end clipper has a cylindrical metal handle that fits nicely in the palm, along with an on-off switch that works with the push of your thumb. The motor itself is quiet, thanks to its dual ball bearings, which reduce the friction inside the device. This feature is especially important when using the Pro Silver FX+ in its cordless mode since less friction means a longer battery life.
You can use it cord-free. The company says that each charge should last about three hours, which our at-home testing confirmed. Barber Leon Broughton of Trimz Barber Shop in Freeport, New York, used the Pro Silver FX+ at his shop and was able to work all afternoon using the device.
It cuts cleanly and allows for more precision styling when compared with our other picks. The Pro Silver FX+ All-Metal Lithium Clipper has a built-in five-position taper arm so you can choose one of five length settings for the stainless steel taper blade without having to snap a guard on. This means you can cut a fade or change the length of your cut on the fly by simply moving the on-clipper lever. Broughton tested this model on clients with a variety of hair textures and lengths; it cut through everything smoothly. The clipper also excels at cutting straight lines and shaving hair completely. One of our at-home testers, who has fast-growing hair, loved that he could use the clipper a few times a week to keep his neck tidy.
The included guide combs aren’t the best, but they’re good enough. If you do need to leave hair longer you can snap on one of eight plastic guides, which are clearly labeled and click on easily. The guides are of average quality, and removing them can be difficult since they snap on so tightly. This might be a problem with someone with limited hand strength. Wahl and universal guide combs fit this model.
It has a long battery life in cordless mode. When the battery does die it’s easy to switch over to the corded mode, although most home haircutters probably won’t run into this problem. The clipper charges via USB-C—no special cord required.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
It has a lesser warranty. The BaByliss Pro Silver FX+ is backed by a two-year warranty—coverage that falls short when compared with that of our other picks.
Some customer reviewers have said this clipper can get hot. We did not experience this during our testing.
Best for...
The smallest, most comfortable unit we tested is also one of the quietest. It doesn’t have the most varied guard options, though: A close shave is more difficult, since the smallest guard is ⅛ inch.
If you’re mostly clipping your own hair, the smaller and easier-to-maneuver Remington Virtually Indestructible Haircut and Beard Trimmer, which is lighter than any of our other picks, may be your best choice. The Remington’s lightweight (7.5 ounces), palm-sized housing—coupled with rubberized grips—is the most comfortable of any we tried. Our testers especially appreciated this clipper when they guided it along the backs of their heads while looking in a mirror—that’s a tricky maneuver, especially when cutting along the hairline.
The guide combs are serviceable but far from the best. The clipper’s eight included guide combs are made of rigid ABS plastic, so they don’t deform and leave track marks or trap and pull out hair when pressed against your head. They attach and seat firmly, unlike on some other models we tested, whose attachments had enough play that they could go on crooked or pop off altogether.
It’s nearly as powerful as our top pick yet runs much more quietly. This model is extremely quiet, despite its magnetic motor. One of our at-home testers questioned its effectiveness solely for that reason: “It’s too quiet to really be cutting hair, right?” A long-term tester who uses the Virtually Indestructible with her children finds the low noise level to be a big plus. “My kids barely notice it above the sounds of whatever Wild Kratts episode they’re watching while I cut,” she said.
The 8-foot power cord is thick but pliable. It seems tough enough to last years but also wraps easily for storage.
The Virtually Indestructible is the only one of our picks covered by a lifetime warranty (blades excluded).
Flaws but not dealbreakers
There’s no taper lever. Though this model lacks a taper lever for finessing a fade or blend, most of our testers didn’t miss it for at-home uses (none of our haircutting novices attempted to do their own fades).
Close cuts can be a challenge with this model. For another tester, though, the Virtually Indestructible trimmer fell short because it couldn’t cut quite as close as our other picks: “As someone who shaves, the guard it provides doesn’t meet my needs,” they said. “The shortest it goes to is not [short] enough.” The smallest guard is ⅛ inch.
For some, the guide combs can cause discomfort. However, the guide combs can feel a little too pointy and sharp. If they’re not angled properly when you’re cutting, it’s easy to jab your scalp. (Full disclosure: It can hurt.)
Every expert we spoke with repeated the same basic mantra: Oil your clipper’s blade, and it will last years, even decades. Or, as Ivan Zoot put it, “clippers do not die: They are only murdered.”
Oiling cuts down on friction so the blade doesn’t snag your hair or heat up and burn your skin. If you want top performance, a five-point oiling goes like this: Before each use, place a drop on each side of the blade and one in the middle while the blade is running; then place one on either side where the moving lower blade rubs against the fixed upper blade. Move the razor around a bit to let the oil travel—but then tip it so the blades point downward, to let excess oil run out, away from the motor (which can get gummed up over time). Turn off the clipper and gently dab the excess oil away with a tissue or towel, being sure not to snag fibers or paper.
Most manufacturers also recommend that, following a haircut, you wipe away loose hairs with a stiff bristle brush (almost always included along with oil), followed by another oiling to prevent potential surface rust. When you run out of the tiny included bottle of oil, you can use food-grade mineral oil instead. Avoid 3-In-One, WD-40, or other non-food-safe lubricants, which may cause a skin reaction.
Many clippers with magnetic motors (as opposed to pivot or rotary motors) have a large adjustment screw located on the side. If your clipper begins to make an annoying and terrifying “chattering” sound, take a medium or large Phillips-head screwdriver and tighten or loosen that screw until it stops; then continue in the same direction another half-turn.
Clippers (even lower-end ones) can take a substantial amount of abuse, but just a single drop on a hard surface, such as a tiled bathroom floor, can instantly kill a motor or damage the housing enough to make the clipper a lost cause. Barber Eric Aleman cautioned in particular that should you ever drop a clipper, be sure to immediately inspect the blade for any bent or broken teeth, which can cause injuries. If the blade isn’t replaceable, recycle or toss the clipper, and be sure to cut the power cord to ensure that someone else who might find it doesn’t use it unknowingly.
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The Andis Master is a gorgeous piece of industrial design, a dumbbell-heavy, polished aluminum beauty with a powerful yet quiet magnetic motor. It doesn’t come with combs and is really purpose-built for precise, tight fades of the sort only a trained barber is capable of creating. “It’s like handling a katana—not just anyone can use it,” barber Eric Aleman told us. (All of our pro testers mentioned having it in their arsenals at one point or another.)
The now-discontinued Andis Ceramic BGRC is a wonderful machine: lightweight, comfortable to hold, with a whisper-quiet rotary motor and a ceramic top blade capable of blazing through thick hair with ease. The Ceramic BGRC is the Lamborghini Veneno of hair clippers, all precision and perfection. But it’s more than twice the price of our pick, so for non-pros it’s likely an unjustifiable purchase. And it comes with no attachments. The Ceramic BGRC’s suggested replacement, the BGRC Detachable Blade Clipper, is nearly identical to the version we tested.
We haven’t tested the beloved Andis T-Outliner, a specialty/companion tool that’s best for outlining (such as around the ears), shaving, and precision fades.
The Braun Hair Clipper Series 7 (HC ) is small and fits nicely in the hand. Unlike other home clippers that come with lots of guides, this one has only two—they can be adjusted with a lever to create multiple lengths. The washable clipper has a lifetime sharp blade and a rechargeable battery with a 50-minute runtime. Our expert Broughton enjoyed using the clipper saying it gave a “solid” haircut, but confirmed our finding that this tool is best for between-cut trims, lineups, and similar maintenance tasks.
The Oster Fast Feed Adjustable Pivot Motor Clipper, formerly a pick in this guide, remains an excellent buy. We’ve determined that people willing to spend more to upgrade on a clipper are likely to appreciate the versatility of a tool that can be operated cordlessly (such as our upgrade pick, the BaByliss Pro Silver FX+ All-Metal Lithium Clipper). If cordless operation is unimportant to you, the Oster Fast Feed is still a great choice.
Although beard and body-hair trimmers are generally not ideal for cutting hair, many of them come with guide combs that in a pinch can be useful for at-home haircuts. The Philips Norelco MG, our top pick among beard trimmers, comes with 14 guide combs, including four meant for head hair. Our professional testers were divided on this model: It’s beautifully designed, and the multiplicity of use is great for a varied household. But this model is not as powerful as any of our hair-clipper picks, and switching its guards when using this model specifically for a haircut is somewhat of a pain.
Likewise, the Philips Norelco Multigroom is a cordless model billed as a (21-in-1) all-in-one trimmer. The Multigroom , which charges via USB-A, comes with 21 pieces including the clipper, a steel trimmer, a smaller precision trimmer, a shaver, a nose/ear hair trimmer, an eyebrow guard, a hair trimmer, seven guards including two fading guards, a body shaver and two body guards, which all fit nicely into a small hard travel case. While it was excellent at keeping nose hair, beards, and ears trimmed and cut hair well for some testers, it wasn’t as effective on thicker, coarser head hair.
We previously recommended the Remington HKVACA as an option for easier cleanup. But our testers consistently found it to be the most flimsy model overall, the hardest to hold, and very loud. The vacuum feature—this clipper sucks up loose hair so it doesn’t land on you or the floor—is the best thing this model has going for it (and for some, may be reason enough to look past the tool’s flaws). Wirecutter writer Michael B. Cohen estimates he has saved some $1,000 by cutting his own hair with the HKVACA.
A step above our budget pick, the Color Pro Plus Haircutting Kit, Wahl’s Extreme Grip Pro Hair Clipper is outfitted with a nonslip sleeve and comes with 12 all-plastic guide combs (including the left- and right-ear tapered guide combs that come with the Color Pro Plus but are no longer included with the Elite Pro), among other accessories. It’s a touch larger and heavier than the Elite Pro, and its combs are not reinforced like our pick’s. It has a similarly powerful motor. “I can feel the added weight, but it’s offset by the grippier body,” our tester said.
Similarly, the Wahl Deluxe Chrome Pro is a 25-piece kit that, like the Andis Headliner Combo, has flimsy guide combs that didn’t seat reliably for us. The included battery-operated trimmer is useful and is in fact a missing element from our top pick. However, that doesn’t redeem the poor-quality combs.
The Wahl Professional 5-Star Series Magic Clip Cordless is a pro-level machine, but the 90-minute battery life isn’t ideal. Like the BaByliss Pro Silver FX+ All-Metal Lithium Clipper we recommend, it comes with eight guide combs. But our testers found the experience of using this clipper to be very similar to using the less-expensive Wahl Elite Pro model we recommend. The Wahl Professional Cordless Senior Clipper differs from the 5-Star Series Magic Clip Cordless in its blade. The Cordless Senior Clipper has a standard blade and a more powerful motor, both of which make this unit a solid choice for someone who is looking to do a simple, traditional haircut. The Magic Clip Cordless features a simple rotary motor and a stagger-tooth blade, which are better suited for someone looking to add blends and textures to their haircuts.
We haven’t tested the corded Wahl 5-Star Senior, which is often compared to the Andis Master and is therefore best for experienced haircutters. It is specifically made for taper work and precision fades—which leads to excellent pro-level detail work. But for most at-home haircutters, this model may require unreasonable skill and artistry.
This article was edited by Tracy Vence and Kalee Thompson.
Whether you’re needing a buzz cut, trimming overgrown sideburns or cleaning up your edges to prolong a trip to the barber, the best hair clippers can make the process quick and easy. After testing models from top brands on the market, we found the Andis ReVite Clipper to be the best all-around pick thanks to its powerful motor and wide selection of guards. Our best value winner the Wahl Color Pro Cordless is great for a quick, no-frills cleanup. And if you want high-end, salon-quality clippers, the BaBylissPro GoldFX+ delivers power and precision.
To understand what makes a pair of hair clippers stand out, we spoke with barbers and hairstylists who use them every day. The key features they highlighted include a powerful motor, durable blades, multiple guard options, an adjustable lever for added control, a comfortable feel and ergonomic design. Keeping these variables in mind, we tested several models to land on the best hair clippers that deliver reliable performance and great results.
The Andis ReVite is a powerful, efficient clipper that looks and feels like the professional-grade models you see at the barber, but it’s not so sophisticated that it overwhelms you. It strikes a balance between power, quality and simplicity, which is why it earns the top spot in this guide. Though it has some heft, that weight feels justified, and it doesn’t come at the cost of maneuverability either. I had no trouble tossing on different guards to fade the sides of my head, and it cut in every direction without issue.
Speaking of guards, the kit comes with 12 of them, so you shouldn’t have any issue finding the right length. I also like that the blade pops off, so it’s easy to clean attachments and the clipper body when you’re done. With a two-hour runtime, it has plenty of juice to cut long hair like mine. And while it takes a couple of hours to recharge, a tiny indicator light helps you keep track of battery life.
I had a hard time finding fault with the ReVite, but if I had to nitpick I’d say it’s a bit loud, and it’s certainly louder than the smaller clippers we tested, like the Philips Multigroom . I was also surprised to discover it doesn’t come with some sort of carrying case or bag—a confusing decision given that it comes with so many guards and accessories. You can pick up a case for less than $20, but even a drawstring pouch from Andis would be sufficient. Still, these are minor faults and the ReVite is an otherwise excellent option for the price whether you’re a total amateur or advanced user.
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The Wahl Color Pro is the kind of device you break out for simple haircuts and the occasional touch-up. It isn’t incredibly powerful, and the precision won’t blow you away, but the color-coded guards the guesswork out of hair cutting. For example, you’re more likely to remember using the blue guard on the sides of your head and the green guard on top, before remembering using guards 4 and 7.
Our tester appreciated the Wahl Color Pro’s simplicity, noting that it’s a great tool to have on hand when you can’t get to the barber or want to save money cleaning up your neck, sideburns and other hard-to-reach areas. And if you decide to make the leap to the buzzcut, it shouldn’t have any problem tackling thin or short hair. To get all that from a clipper that costs less than $50 is rather impressive.
The charging process leaves something to be desired: These clippers require a 12-hour charge time. Not only that, but the charging indicator light at the base doesn’t change color or turn off to indicate the battery is fully charged, so you never really know if it’s full, half full or nearly empty. Ultimately, the battery hiccups don’t detract from the performance, which is why this clipper earns our value pick at just $40.
It’s really easy to love the Andis Master Cordless Clipper, whether you’re a novice or a veteran stylist with years of experience. Like the Andis ReVite, the Master leads with power and performance, but it remains balanced and easy to maneuver. Our tester needed a few passes to evenly cut his curly hair (but he notes this is the case even when he goes to the barber), but these clippers had no trouble creating a fade or lining up his sideburns. A charging dock is included, so you can charge the device like you might an electric toothbrush—placing it upright in the stand to top off the battery between uses.
While the Master Cordless Clipper isn’t lacking in how it works or maneuvers, it’s worth noting that it only comes with a number zero guard—you’ll have to buy others separately. Normally, this wouldn’t be a problem because guards are often interchangeable between brands, but this device is compatible with proprietary ones (the purple guards Andis is famous for). If high-end power, performance and quality are what you’re after, these are the clippers to get.
We’ve been fans of the original BaBylissPro GoldFX Clipper for its powerful motor and sharp blades, but the newer features of the GoldFX+—with upgraded functionality and universal charging capabilities—make it a no-brainer to win this category. This precise clipper is a favorite among experts thanks to its smooth operation and quiet brushless motor. It didn’t break a sweat when I drove it through sections of long, thick hair, and the eight guards made it easy to find the perfect length for fades. The battery lasted me over 2.5 hours on a single charge using the standard charger and it took just as long to recharge. You can also use a USB-C charger thanks to a secondary port under the base.
The GoldFX+ doesn’t leave much to be desired, but you’ll have to remove two screws in the clipper head to thoroughly clean it. It comes with a small tool to make disassembly easy, but it is something to consider depending on how fuss-free you want maintenance to be. I had no trouble cutting hair or cleaning the device, and because this clipper masters zero gaps and graduated tapers, it’s an easy recommendation for anyone who wants a smooth experience with results that rival that of a professional’s. You can also get it in silver or rose gold if the Tony Montana-esque pure gold isn’t your style.
With its magnetic guard attachments, LED display and 0.1mm adjustment increments, the Bevel Pro sits at the intersection of grooming and tech. Earning a spot in our best beard trimmers guide, it efficiently tackles facial hair and head hair, and its sheer weight makes you feel like you’re holding a rugged, reliable tool. Although it takes a minute to make sense of the button layout (if you’re like me and ignore the manual at all costs), you’ll find it intuitive once you get it down, and the digital display keeps track of both the battery life and trimmer length. It’s a clipper that looks like it was sent to us from the future, and it acts like one, too.
While it looks beautiful, the Bevel Pro’s heaviness and sleek egg-like shape come at the cost of ergonomics: It’s the easiest clipper to drop among those we tested. I also had to use quite a bit of force to swap the stainless steel blades—although the guards secure to the blades via magnet, so those are easy to switch in and out. And the only other drawback worth mentioning is the battery, which lasts an hour at most and takes a few hours to recharge. Still, I was blown away by the Bevel Pro’s performance and its overall design. There isn’t another clipper quite like this on the market.
The Philips Multigroom is our top beard trimmer pick for grooming facial hair, and it’s just as capable if you’re managing hair atop your head. The sleek, lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and there’s plenty of customization thanks to an assortment of attachments. It lacks cutting options for longer hair (it cuts up to 7mm in small intervals before jumping to 9mm, 12mm and 16mm) but you can break out angled trimmer guards to cut around the ears and move up in 1mm increments with dial-adjusted guards. And it technically doesn’t matter how much hair you’re cutting because the battery lasts for hours on a single charge—my testing delivered six hours of runtime.
You might run into trouble if you’re using the Multigroom to cut long, thick hair. I prefer to think of this device as a do-it-all hair manager, meaning it won’t offer the same power and performance as a dedicated clipper. In fact, I started using it with one of the guard attachments, but quickly transitioned to the shaver as I cleaned up my sideburns. It should get the job done if you have thin or straight hair, but volume and curls will give it trouble.
Other Hair Clippers We Tested
Here are a couple of other clippers that received high marks online but didn’t quite make our list of top picks. These options aren’t bad by any means, but they don’t stand out as the best options for a particular preference or style of hair.
Panasonic MultiShape: This is an excellent beard trimmer, but it’s not quite as capable when it comes to cutting hair. The longer clipper attachments aren’t as sturdy as the shorter ones, which can lead to uneven results on longer buzz cuts. On top of that, the alignment of the guards can feel a little off, making it hard to trust the consistency of the cut.
Braun Hair Clipper Series 7: These clippers get the job done if you’re only after a very short buzz cut (less than 3mm). However, the guards aren’t as strong as the reinforced ones found on our favorite clippers. During testing, they sometimes bent or shifted under pressure, which made it tricky to get a clean, even cut, especially at longer lengths.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
At Forbes Vetted, we’ve covered dozens of grooming topics over the years. From electric razors to body hair trimmers, we’ve got plenty of experience finding the right products that take care of your body.
- To evaluate hair clippers, we focused on hands-on testing and what the testing process reveals about each product. We sent top-rated hair clippers to editors with different hair types, experience and grooming routines, which helped us get a clear sense of how each device performs.
- Author of this story and Forbes Vetted gear editor Cam Vigliotta has over six years of experience reviewing products ranging from the best beard trimmers to massage guns.
- This review was assigned, overseen and edited by deputy editor Jane Sung, who leads the beauty and grooming section with more than two decades of expertise covering lifestyle topics.
- We also spoke to grooming experts for their insights on what makes a solid set of hair clippers: stylist Sunnie Brook, who brings over 20 years of experience as a salon owner and educator, and Cameron Wickliffe, a barber and men’s stylist at Church Barber in San Francisco.
- By combining our firsthand testing with expert advice, we’ve put together a guide to hair clippers that works for everyone—whether you’re a first-timer buzzing your own head or a regular user looking to fine-tune your at-home grooming routine.
How We Tested The Best Hair Clippers
To identify the best hair clippers, we created a testing protocol that focused on three key variables: power and performance, ease of use and customization. With insights from Brook and Wickliffe, we evaluated each clipper’s performance, testing everything from battery life and ergonomics to levers and guard options. Below is a breakdown of how we tested, and the expert advice that guided us along the way.
Power And Runtime
We started by assessing the charging time and battery life of each model, focusing on how long the battery takes to charge, how long it lasts on a full charge and whether it maintains consistent power over time. Some of the models we tested can be operated while they’re plugged in, but Wickliffe says that “the common downfalls of battery life and power have been remedied with newer models, and now there is much less of an argument for corded clippers.” For this reason, we tested each set of clippers without plugging them in.
Ease Of Use
From setup to maintenance, we tested how easy each device is to use, especially for beginners looking to cut their hair at home. We also looked at blade care, as both experts emphasized regular cleaning and oiling to maximize longevity. “I’d suggest oiling your clipper blades before every use... and disinfecting your tool with something like Cool Care from Andis,” says Wickliffe. Similarly, Brook recommends cleaning the blades after each use and storing your clippers in a cool, dry place.
Customization
Customization features, such as adjustable levers and guard options, are important when it comes to gauging how well clippers perform on different types of hair, and for various styles. We looked for clippers with an adjustable lever that helps blend lengths together to create clean fades, and we looked for ones with a strong motor and durable blades that won’t die or jam up, respectively.
How To Pick The Best Hair Clippers
When choosing the best hair clippers for your needs, it’s all about finding the right tool that balances power, precision and comfort. Whether you’re going for a professional-level fade or some simple maintenance, focusing on a handful of key features can spell the difference between quality clippers that last for years and cheap ones that break after only a few uses.
A Powerful Motor
A clipper’s ability to cut its way through hair starts with the efficiency and power of its motor. A strong motor not only cuts through thick or curly hair with ease but also delivers consistent performance over time. For those with thick or curly hair, stylist Sunnie Brook recommends clippers with “a strong motor (rotary or pivot) and sharp blades.” And for fine hair, opt for lighter, magnetic motors.
Durable Blades
Blades are equally as important as the motor because even if the motor is powerful, it can’t cut through thick hair with dull blades. Look for stainless steel or titanium-coated blades for durability and long-term sharpness, and keep in mind that regular maintenance is key here. Well-maintained blades not only cut better but also reduce the risk of irritation or tugging during use.
Multiple Guard Options
Guard options allow you to cut different lengths and styles, whether you’re trimming a beard or blending a fade. Solid clippers should come with a range of guards to suit different lengths, and if you’re someone who likes experimenting with different styles, you’ll want at least four basic guards to get started.
Adjustable Lever
The adjustable lever is a game-changer for blending and tapering. Found on the side of most clippers, it allows you to fine-tune the blade length without switching guards. Wickliffe considers it the number one feature to look for because it helps you blend lengths together seamlessly, and it’s especially useful for cutting precise details and clean lines.
Ergonomic Design
Because hair clippers are handheld tools, comfort and design matter more than you might think. Lightweight, ergonomic designs reduce hand and wrist fatigue during longer cutting sessions, and textured grips can improve control, especially if your hands get wet or oily along the way.
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