The Best Beard Trimmers of 2025

Our Picks of Beard Trimmers

Best Overall Beard Trimmer

Philips Norelco Multigroom 9000

The Philips Norelco Multigroom 9000 is the current top of the line in the Philips Multigroom series of trimmers, and our testing proved it is a versatile powerhouse that fits any beard trimming and grooming needs. It's fully washable, so you can rinse it under the faucet for easy cleanup, or you can take it with you in the shower, if you choose to groom in the shower with the body grooming attachment or body grooming guards. It includes precision, standard, and wide cutting heads, in addition to a foil shaver and ear and nose hair trimmer. There are also twelve guards, two of which are adjustable to achieve any desired style and length of trim. Our lead tester, Ben Hickok, says, “This is the one I continuously found myself reaching for, and it kept working on the same charge for weeks.”

Guards	12
Power Source	Lithium-ion
Waterproof (verified)	Showerproof
Measured Run Time (minutes)	255
Nose Hair Trimmer	Yes

We love the Philips Norelco Multigroom 9000 because of its great feel in the hand, long battery life with fast charging times, incredible all-around performance and precision, and because it is one of the most maintenance-free models available. However, that premium performance and beard-trimming experience come at a more premium price. We also think the shaving foil could be better, although we will note that we've never tested a standard-sized foil shaver attachment on a beard trimmer that has been able to achieve a perfectly smooth and burn-free shave. If you only need a trimmer for lighter-duty cutting, but greater precision and a baby smooth shave, then we highly recommend you take a look at the Philips Norelco OneBlade 360 Face + Body. It packs a lot of precision and a smooth shave into a compact package. If your pockets are deep enough to purchase both, these are the two tools you'll want in the drawer of your bathroom vanity. You can also step into the Multigroom series at a lower price point, with the Philips Norelco Multigroom 5000. It delivers strong performance, good battery life, and many of the same interchangeable heads and guards as the 9000.

Best Bang for the Buck

Philips Norelco Multigroom 5000

If you want a beard trimmer to get the job done but can't afford to overspend, check out the Philips Norelco Multigroom 5000. It offers plenty of cutting power and precision, providing a burn- and chafe-free trimming experience. It includes 3 self-sharpening cutting heads, from wide to precise, 10 fixed length guards, one adjustable guard, and a nose and ear trimmer. The whole trimmer body is also fully washable and can be rinsed under a sink, as opposed to trimmers whose attachments need to be removed and rinsed. Its Lithium-ion battery delivers plenty of power and run time, and it quick-charges in a few minutes to deliver enough juice for a last-minute trim. We found the base ergonomic and easy to hold.

Guards	11
Power Source	Lithium-ion
Waterproof (verified)	Washable
Measured Run Time (minutes)	165
Nose Hair Trimmer	Yes

While you can't go wrong with the Philips Norelco Multigroom 5000, it does have some shortcomings. It does not include a foil shaver, and while you can get a close shave with the standard cutting heads, you won't get a perfectly smooth finish, which is only achievable with a foil or razor. If money is tight, and you are willing to trade a bit of battery performance and water resistance for an even lower price, the Philips Norelco Multigroom 3000 is a solid option, and the next step down in the Multigroom family of trimmers. It delivers a clean trim using the same cutting head and basic set of guards used by 5000, but falls short in terms of ergonomics, Li-ion battery power, and convenience, and lacks some of the more versatile guards. If your budget allows it, you can step up to the Philips Norelco Multigroom 9000, which will also include more guards, including a second adjustable guard, and a shaving foil.

Best Buy on a Tight Budget

Philips Norelco Multigroom 3000

The Philips Norelco Multigroom 3000 is a solid entry‑level beard trimmer, and is ideal for anyone looking to maintain facial hair or trim body hair with very minimal investment. It includes a set of 7 guards, in addition to a precision cutting head, and a nose and ear trimmer. They are the same self-sharpening stainless steel heads used in the more expensive models of the Multigroom line, which ensure a clean cut, easy maintenance, and a long service life. The 3000 is also relatively compact and ergonomic. Our lead tester, Ben Hickok, said, “The Multigroom 3000 delivers enough power and precision to handle a wide range of trimming and grooming tasks”.

Guards	7
Power Source	NiMh
Waterproof (verified)	Attachments can be rinsed
Measured Run Time (minutes)	90
Nose Hair Trimmer	Yes

While the Philips Norelco Multigroom 3000 offers solid performance, it lacks some refinements and features found in pricier models. It doesn't include a foil shaver, so you won't be able to achieve a baby‑smooth shave, and it also lacks guards with adjustable length dials, so you'll need to swap guards to achieve different length trims. The housing has a lighter-duty construction and is not waterproof, and the power switch lacks smooth operation. However, the most significant drawback is the use of a Ni-MH battery instead of a Li-ion one. While it doesn't skimp on power, it takes significantly longer to charge, has a shorter battery life due to less energy density, and can not be quick-charged to knock out a last-second trim before walking out the door. Still, the trade‑offs aren't bad considering the price point, and most will find it gets the job done. If you're willing and able to spend a bit more, we'd recommend stepping up to the Philips Norelco Multigroom 5000 for its better power system, fully washable housing, and the inclusion of a single adjustable guard. If you have a brand preference for grooming tools and already use Remington products, you might consider the Remington All-in-One Grooming Kit, which includes a shaving foil and offers similar performance for close to the same price.

The Best Choice for Precision

Philips Norelco OneBlade 360 Face + Body

The seemingly dainty Philips Norelco OneBlade 360 Face + Body surprised us with its impressive ability to handle thick beards while offering one of the cleanest and smoothest shaves outside of a traditional razor. Its small size and waterproofing mean it is handy in the shower and can be rinsed clean, reducing overall maintenance. The blade heads pivot and glide smoothly over the skin, with or without guards attached, and are simple to replace when worn. “I can't say it enough — I love this thing,” said our lead tester Ben Hickok. It isn't a replacement for larger trimmers or clippers meant for tackling a massive beard, but it does what most would expect from a full-sized trimmer in a tiny package.

Guards	3
Power Source	Lithium-ion
Waterproof (verified)	Showerproof
Measured Run Time (minutes)	230
Nose Hair Trimmer	No

With the exceptional performance and compactness of the Philips Norelco OneBlade 360 Face + Body come a couple of drawbacks. Mainly, it does not give you the larger guard sizes for shearing a large, thick beard and is more geared toward precision work, close shaves, and shorter beards. The second major shortcoming is a double-edged sword. While the replaceable blades are easy to maintain, they add an ongoing maintenance cost that other trimmers do not have. The OneBlade 360 is showerproof, but it lacks some of the full grooming attachments and versatility of the Braun Series 9 13-in-1 Trimmer, which is a better choice for those who want a beard trimmer that can also be an effective full body groomer for use in the shower.

A Premium Trimmer for Serious Grooming

Wahl Cordless Magic Clip

The Wahl Cordless Magic Clip is a real workhorse geared toward those who do serious beard trimming and hair cutting. Designed to last, with professionals in mind, Wahl built the Magic Clip like a tank in the style of its corded clippers. While weighty and larger than most trimmers, it still has an ergonomic design that is easy and comfortable to grip. Though rechargeable, it has the familiar cutting power of Wahl's corded models and operates for nearly 2.5 hours on a full charge. The downtime to recharge the battery is only an hour, but it can also run while powered by the charging cable, so you'll never be unable to finish grooming. As our lead tester put it, “If you're coming out of a long winter and ready for your spring shearing, this is the tool for the job. Without a cord to hold you back, you can walk out into the yard, buzz someone's head, shorten a beard, and trim up the edges.” The Magic Clip allows you to do big jobs quickly and easily.

Guards	8
Power Source	Lithium-ion
Waterproof (verified)	Not resistant
Measured Run Time (minutes)	145
Nose Hair Trimmer	No

When it comes to more serious clipping and hair removal tasks, the Wahl Cordless Magic Clip is exceptional. However, it does not offer interchangeable heads for smaller precision work, there is no foil shaver, and it doesn't include ear and nose hair trimming attachments, so using this beard trimmer for small details may be difficult. Drawbacks aside, the Wahl Cordless Magic Clip easily tackles big jobs and is best suited for those who want to skip out on going to the barber shop in favor of at-home hair maintenance. If you're shopping for a beard trimmer that offers more versatility, we recommend checking out the Braun Series 9 13-in-1 Trimmer. Not only does it tackle nose and ear hair, but it also includes a precision trimmer head. Like the Braun, the Philips Norelco Multigroom 9000 offers plenty of cutting power, lots of attachments, and can be used in the shower, making it a good alternative to the Wahl, and a better choice for precision beard trimming.

Best for Grooming in the Shower

Braun Series 9 13-in-1 Trimmer

The Braun Series 9 13-in-1 Trimmer is an excellent trimmer for grooming in the shower, and a handy travel companion to keep you looking good on the go. It offers a combination of ergonomics, versatile attachments, easy height adjustments, guard height lock, impressive battery performance, a travel lock, and showerproof operation. Our test team was able to achieve consistent and sharp results using the different attachments, and the guard lock gives the adjustable guard a sturdiness that only fixed guards of different lengths have. Overall, it is a great trimmer and groomer, capable of accomplishing precise beard trimming over a sink or body grooming in the shower.

Guards	4
Power Source	Lithium-ion
Waterproof (verified)	Showerproof
Measured Run Time (minutes)	180
Nose Hair Trimmer	Yes

While we mostly had accolades for the Braun Series 9 13 in 1 Trimmer, its slightly bulkier feel in hand makes it easy to hang onto in the shower, but also makes it feel a little clunky for precise beard trimming with the smaller cutting heads. “Having had the opportunity to test the predecessor to this model, I was a bit disappointed that the awesome foil shaver/groomer that Braun previously included with the Series 9 was replaced with a more conventional foil shaver. I found the previous foil gave a smoother finish,” said our head tester. The Philips Norelco Multigroom 9000 includes a solid body grooming attachment that testers preferred for beard trimming and body grooming. However, if you don't care to groom in the shower and just want a beard trimmer that threads the needle in terms of performance, included accessories, and value, then take a look at the Philips Norelco Multigroom 5000.

How We Tested

To find the best beard trimmers, we singled out the most promising products and evaluated them side-by-side through a comprehensive set of tests. Each metric consisted of a handful of tests, measurements, and evaluations, with the performance of each model ranked and scored against its peers. Our review details the results for each metric and highlights which products performed the best and which models came up just a bit short.

We used five test metrics to score each product:

• Cutting Power (30% of overall score weight)

• Cutting Precision (30% weighting)

• Ease of Operation (15% weighting)

• Power System (15% weighting)

• Maintenance (10% weighting)

Why Trust GearLab

Our tester Ben Hickok has skin in the game, literally and figuratively, from testing beard trimmers and reviewing a wide range of personal care products, home appliances, and office appliances. For this review, he brings decades of his own personal hair and beard grooming experience and a technical perspective to our product testing.

Analysis and Test Results

We tested each trimmer on its cutting power, cutting precision, ease of operation, power system, and maintenance upkeep. We found a few models outshone others for more specific tasks, while others proved to be great values overall.

What's the Best Value?

Value can be subjective, but you'll generally find the best value in a tool that meets your precise needs. If you are looking for a clipper more than a trimmer, you'll find more value in the Wahl Cordless Magic Clip, Wahl Color Pro, or the Wahl Professional Peanut Classic 8685. If you plan to groom in the shower, in addition to maintaining a beard, you'll get more value out of the Braun Series 9 13-in-1 Trimmer because of its many attachments, ergonomics, and waterproof construction. Of course, there are better models specifically tailored for beard trimming, shaving, and precision, such as the Philips Norelco Multigroom 9000, Philips OneBlade, or the Philips Norelco Multigroom 5000, as well as the very affordable yet capable Philips Norelco Multigroom 3000. We've highlighted the strong points and standout features of each model that we tested to help you choose the best model for your budget and intended use.

Cutting Power

The effectiveness of a trimmer is heavily dependent on its power. It needs to be able to cut quickly and cleanly, moving trimmed hair away from the cutting blades or foil. Underpowered trimmers and clippers clog and bind, creating an annoying or painful pinch and irritation. Another symptom of underpowered trimmers is that they will displace hair instead of cutting it, requiring multiple passes from different angles, which can result in an inconsistent trim.

In our testing, we cut through thick beards and various lengths of head hair to see which models bogged down, pushed the hair out of the way, or made clean cuts. Our testing isn't always fun, and on occasion, a beard trimmer will prove that it just isn't up to the task by painfully ripping at hair — especially when the battery is nearly depleted, and the cutting heads stop reciprocating with the gusto of a fully charged battery. We found that the majority of trimmers did a sufficient job. However, a few models were significantly better than others, while a couple felt underpowered.

At the top of the pack, nothing removed volumes of hair with the power and speed of the larger, corded Wahl trimmers. The Wahl Cordless Magic Clip's wide trimmer head, with a cutting head width of 1 ⅝ inches, mows down beards and long hair with ease. With the simple change of a different length guard, it only takes minutes to go from long hair and an overgrown beard to a trimmed beard with a buzz cut. The Wahl Color Pro offers the same incredible power as the Cordless Magic Clip but is a corded model, while the smaller Wahl Classic Peanut also packs a punch for its size due to its corded power source.

Among the different cordless models we tested, the Philips Norelco 9000 and the Philips Norelco Multigroom 9000 offered the most steady and lasting cutting power. They are both suitable for trimming the toughest beards. However, the Multigroom includes a wide range of attachments that the Philips Norelco 9000 does not, so when you are done thinning that beard, you can do more precision work or grooming without battery sag or a loss of cutting power.

Perhaps they use similar mechanical components to the Philips Norelco Multigroom 9000, but regardless of how they deliver results, the Philips Norelco Multigroom 5000 and the Philips Norelco Multigroom 3000 proved they can both drive the same cutting heads the 9000 uses through thick beard hair with no issues.

The Braun Series 9 13-in-1 Trimmer and the Manscaped Beard Hedger also have the power to make clean and swift cuts for an even trim all around, and the Beard Hedger's extra-large cutting head makes fast work of bigger tasks.

The Wahl Lithium Ion All-in-One also powered through all types of hair more quickly and efficiently than some of its peers, which surprised us, given its relatively compact construction. Significantly smaller in size and styled after a razor blade, the Philips OneBlade also wowed our team with cutting power that rivaled full-size trimmers.

At the tail end of the group, the Remington All-in-One and the Hatteker 5-in-1 felt underpowered, but in the case of the Hatteker 5-in-1, the combination of flimsy guards and weaker cutting power meant that more passes over long hair needed to be made in different directions to trim what the best trimmers could do in one swoop. The Hatteker is also one of the only models we tested where we occasionally experienced a painful pinch instead of a clean cut, especially near the end of its battery life.

Unfortunately, the Remington Vacuum 6000 also lacked sufficient power to cleanly cut hair while using the longer length settings of the overly flexible trimmer guard and required many passes. We also had to detangle beard hair from the trimmer guard, which had been painfully pinched by the combination of the guard and trimmer blades.

Cutting Precision

Cutting precision considers how well a trimmer can adjust and cleanly cut hair at a specific height, create sharp lines and contoured edges, and closely shave skin for a smooth, stubble-free finish.

Many factors affect the trimming precision you can achieve with any given model. Trimmer guards can displace hair or cause it to bind up, leading to an uneven trim or requiring multiple passes for a uniform cut. Cutting heads may seem basic, but they're not all the same. A cutting head with too small a gap between blades and their individual blade teeth/guards, and even the setback distance of the cutting blades, can do everything from protect skin from cuts when a trimmer is used to define lines, or cause hair to bind.

Cutting head widths matter when navigating ears, jawlines, lips, and other tight or sensitive areas. Narrower cutting heads can improve precision trimming around ears, sideburns, or the corners of one's mouth, as long as the trimmer's bulk or design doesn't limit maneuverability. The most common head widths are large trimmers with a cutting width of 1.25 inches or greater, standard sizes at around ¾" to 1 inch, and precision cutting heads that range from about a half inch down to a quarter inch in width.

The Philips OneBlade 360 is a clear leader in precision cutting. Its compact design emulates a razor blade, pivoting and following contours with ease. The shaving foil delivers a clean, stubble-free shave, and the trimming edge easily trims longer hair to achieve sharply defined lines. Its small size also makes it easy to trim mustache lengths and thicknesses, more so than any other trimmer we tested. The replaceable heads were also the only foils that one of our testers could use without irritation or burn. You'll doubt it until you try it, but this is a viable replacement for a traditional razor.

Philips Norelco has been at the trimmer game for a long time, and they've done a great job of refining their cutting heads for optimal performance. The entire Multigroom series of trimmers that we tested, which includes the Multigroom 9000, Multigroom 5000, and the Multigroom 3000, all use the same cutting heads, despite their design differences. They all perform well, allowing you to groom with precision, but as you move from the 3000 to the 5000, and all the way up to the 9000, you get more guards, different widths of cutting heads, adjustable guards, and a foil shaver. Given the wide range of guards, heads, a body grooming attachment, and a shaver, the Philips Norelco Multigroom 9000 outperformed the 5000, 3000, and all other trimmers in our test lineup.

The Braun Series 9 13-in-1 Trimmer and the Philips Norelco Multigroom 5000 also perform well with regard to precision. They both take unique approaches to adjustable guards and include similar heads. The Series 9 includes a fine-blade body grooming attachment and a foil shaver, and slightly edges out the 5000 for precision. However, it is worth noting that the Series 9's foil shaver has been revised, and we like the new model less than the superior one included with its predecessor. The old version gave us a butter-smooth shave, while the new model yielded the standard red irritation typically associated with a standard foil shaver.

While different cutting head widths allow for sharper edges and cleaner contours, they cannot cut stubble the way a shaving attachment can. Many beard trimmers include multiple cutting heads and shaving attachments as a standard, but a few models surprised us by omitting such accessory attachments altogether, seriously limiting the ability to provide a clean trim and stubble-free shave.

The Manscaped The Beard Hedger offers no attachments, and while the guard is adjustable, it is limited to 10 mm, with 1 mm adjustments. The quirky marketing and the nice (if bulky) design made us think we'd really like this trimmer. However, it is essentially limited to maintaining the shortest length beard with sharp edges, one that screams clean 5 o'clock shadow more than it does lumberjack. You can get a close shave with the bare cutting head, which is pretty wide, but without a foil shaver, it won't be butter smooth.

The Manscaped Beard Hedger is a bit of a one-trick pony, lacking the versatility to achieve greater precision and utility. Investigating their other product offerings confirms this, as they offer additional trimmers, shavers, and groomers, instead of versatile attachments, requiring you to purchase, maintain, charge, and load up your vanity with multiple grooming tools to achieve the results that other single devices can deliver.

Nearly all of the other models we tested offered adequate precision, but larger and bulkier models like the Wahl Color Pro, Wahl Cordless Magic Clip, and the Panasonic GB80S Body Hair Groomer made precision tasks more difficult. Unfortunately, those models also do not include a foil shaver attachment for a smoother shave.

The Wahl Lithium Ion All-in-One Grooming Kit is another trimmer that does a great job all around, and its compact size greatly helps when maneuvering around ears or the back of the jaw line, but it lacks a shaving foil. You can get down to a fine stubble, but that is the limitation of shaving without a foil. The Philips Norelco 9000, Wahl Professional Peanut Classic 8685, and Remington Vacuum 6000 also lack foil shavers, but the 9000 and the Peanut do an okay job of clearing a beard down to a fine stubble. The Remington vacuum takes more passes to achieve a similar result.

The Ufree Beard Trimmer includes similar attachments to the Braun Series 9 13-in-1 Trimmer, but we experienced some hair pinching and painful skin irritation while using the shaving foil in particular. As such, while this is a waterproof model, we wouldn't recommend it for precision work or sensitive parts, especially if full-body grooming in the shower is part of your routine.

The Hatteker 5-in-1 wasn't up to the task of precision trimming in general, leading to the most nicks and cuts of any model we've tested to date. That said, although it wasn't incredible in our power or precision testing, it does include a foil/grooming attachment, and when used exclusively as a foil shaver, it offered an irritation-free, smooth shave.

At the lowest end of the price spectrum, we found most models to function similarly. While some models did not cut as cleanly as the most premium options or required more passes to achieve the same results, more budget-friendly options like the Remington All-in-One offer adequate precision cutting performance for typical, everyday use. The one caveat to the Remington All-In-One is that we experienced slightly more burn with the shaving attachment than with most other models. However, some skin irritation seems typical of any foil shaver.

Ease of Operation

Our trimmer lineup focuses on products that use an integrated adjustable height guard, various sizes of trimmer guards, or a combination of the two. Overall, adjustable height guards were similarly simple enough to adjust. In the case of interchangeable cutting heads, shavers, nose and ear hair trimmer attachments, and guards, we experienced no strange or overly finicky latching or snapping in and out of place. Most of the models we tested were similarly easy to operate, but some took the ease of operation to a slightly higher level, and a few others had some design quirks.

The Philips Norelco Multigroom 9000 offers a classic design, with many guards, cutting heads, and attachments that are familiar to most. The current model features two adjustable guards that enhance ease of use and provide more precise levels of adjustment, ranging from 1mm to 3mm and from 3mm to 7mm. They are easy to change and snap securely, making this model one of our favorite user-friendly designs. The 9000 is also showerproof, meaning it is easier to clean than models that can only be rinsed.

The Wahl Color Pro and the Wahl Cordless Magic Clip have straightforward and simple designs. The Magic Clip model includes eight traditional-style cutting guards to achieve cutting heights of 1/16 of an inch to one inch, while the ColorPro Plus offers guards that are color-coded to an index on the clipper itself. Both models seem geared toward being a professional-style barber's clipper and do not include any additional shaver or precision attachments.

Of the models that incorporate a height adjustment that does not rely purely on different guard sizes, the Braun Series 9 13-in-1 Trimmer was one of the easier models to use. Cutting heads, foil, and grooming attachments are easy to remove and fit securely. A locking button fixes the two included guards at the desired height, and allows you to shave without fear of an accidental mid-move adjustment. The adjustments are made with a dial that is easy to grip, tactile, and clearly labeled.

A precision trimmer head, nose and ear trimmer, and body grooming head all extend the versatility of the Braun Series 9 13-in-1 Trimmer. It is also completely waterproof, and its ergonomics, while a little clunky for precision trimming your face, make it easy to handle in the shower. We also really liked the power level indicator, which clearly shows the state of the battery with three lights.

The Philips Norelco Multigroom 5000 was one of the easier cordless models to operate. It offers a no-frills approach, with a single power button, and attachments and guards are simple to replace. A single adjustable guard is included, in addition to many fixed-length ones, making it easy to get the right length trim. It is also a fully washable model, so you can pass the whole thing under the sink faucet.

The Ufree Beard Trimmer is also showerproof and easy to wash, and its set of accessories is similar to most, but it didn't feel as secure or well-made as those by more well-known brands.

The Manscaped is pretty simple, but also pretty limited. The height adjustment dial is strangely located, meaning you might have to place it in one hand and adjust with the other, despite the design's intention to allow for one-handed adjustment; it just didn't feel ergonomic for us. When you further investigate the Manscaped product lines, they essentially offer a device for everything, versus attachments to offer more versatility. So while quite simple to use, it is relegated to basic tasks.

While the Hatteker 5-in-1 offers a wide range of attachments, they don't feel as secure or solid in their construction, and don't glide into, or snap into place as well as the Braun, Wahl, or Philips Multigroom series of trimmers.

We also felt that the Philips Norelco Multigroom 3000 and the Remington All-in-One Grooming Kit were both dead simple to use, with the 3000 using the same secure fitting and easily replaceable heads and guards as the more premium Multigroom models, but the power switch is a bit sticky and effective the ergonomics of operation. The Remington offers a better power button, but a strange twisting camlock for attachments, which could potentially come loose during use, depending on your grip.

We thought a few other models were nearly as easy to operate as the top models. They were the Wahl Lithium Ion All-in-One Grooming Kit and Wahl Professional Peanut Classic 8685. The Peanut, like the Magic Clip, is easy to use due to a lack of attachments, although a power cable can get in the way of operation, as this is not a battery-operated model.

The Wahl Groomsman was also easy to use, due to its simple design. The cutting head can't be replaced, so you only need to snap guards on and off, and the nose hair trimmer is a separate but included device. Overall, the combination of tools makes it pretty simple to quickly touch up mustaches, beards, and nose hair.

We found the Panasonic GB80S to be a little clunky and cumbersome, and we weren't fans of its over-engineered features. While called a body groomer, the integrated extendable precision trimming blade is an interesting design, but ultimately misses the mark. When extended, the precision trimmer was one of the largest trimmer heads we tested, even with the bulky trimmer guard removed, making it difficult to navigate tight corners. We also found all three trimmer guards to be oversized in comparison to the width of the cutting head, adding to the trimmer's overall bulkiness. The adjustment dial is fairly straightforward, but the GB80S has a few too many moving parts, and its hefty size makes it harder to maneuver than the compact and ergonomic models.

Power System

The best cordless trimmers have long run times, can hold a charge, charge quickly, and feature clear indicators for battery life and for when they're fully charged. To measure and evaluate the power systems of each model, we fully discharged each model and then timed how long it took to achieve a full charge.

Models that included their own wall wart were charged using included equipment, while all other models that use a 5V USB cable were charged using a regulated 5V 3.1 amp power supply. Once fully charged, we timed how long each unit could operate until the battery was depleted. Many models reach a full charge in about an hour and forty minutes and run for over an hour and a half. Our testing doesn't put any load on the trimmers, except for reciprocating the cutting head, so it isn't a perfect representation of the actual shaving time you'll get, but it provides a good idea of the max run time you can expect. Superior models seem to all use lithium-ion batteries, while the budget-oriented ones still use NiMH batteries.

The Philips Norelco 9000 exhibited remarkable performance, running for over four hours. In ongoing testing and personal use, this model can be charged once, thrown in the drawer, and used a couple of times a week for a few minutes of trimming, and you likely won't have to charge it for months at a time.

We tested a couple of corded models — the Wahl Color Pro and the Wahl Peanut. These models lack the flexibility and versatility of rechargeable battery systems and cordless trimmers, but they're great trimmers if you don't mind being connected to a power source.

Some rechargeable models will operate while plugged in, so even if power starts running low, you won't be left with a half-finished, uneven trim. Waterproof models prevent this function to protect against electrical shock, although the Hatteker 5-in-1 has no safety cutoff, and will run while plugged in.

The models we tested exhibited a wide range of battery life and charging times. You can expect over four hours of operation from the Philips Norelco Multigroom 9000, more than three hours from the Philips Norelco OneBlade 360 Face + Body, and about three hours of operation from the Braun Series 9 13-in-1 Trimmer. Most of the trimmers we tested ran for at least 1.5 hours in our tests.

The Manscaped Beard Hedger was particularly surprising, as it has such a large construction and the space to fit a higher capacity battery, and carries a rather premium price tag that you'd think would translate to a better power source. The Wahl Groomsman was our low performer, running for only 72 minutes.

Maintenance

The easier it is to maintain a trimmer, the more likely you will do regular upkeep and get the performance you expect. Parts that are easily user-serviceable will keep your trimmer sharper, lubricated, cutting better, and lasting longer.

We primarily assessed the “cleanability” of the models we tested, but other factors we considered included lubrication and the ease of accessing the areas that needed cleaning. In general, we expect most models to require either a rinse, a brushing, occasional oiling, or some combination of the three. We were excited by the Remington 6000 Vacuum during the selection process, hoping it would make cleaning up after a shave a little easier and the shaving process just a little bit cleaner. Unfortunately, it failed to collect anywhere near as much hair as it advertised. Emptying hair from a collection bin, in addition to cleaning up around a sink, ended up adding more maintenance to shaving routines overall.

The Braun Series 9 13-in-1 Trimmer, Philips Norelco Multigroom 9000, Philips OneBlade, Manscaped Beard Hedger, Hatteker 5-in-1, Ufree Beard Trimmer, and Philips Norelco Multigroom 5000 all take an efficient approach to cleaning. These models are fully showerproof or fully washable, as opposed to trimmers that are not washable but include attachments that can be removed and rinsed.

Nearly all models include self-sharpening, non-corrosive blades, but all blades deserve the occasional oiling to achieve maximum longevity. The Philips OneBlade is an exception to the paradigm, and when the blades dull, they need to be replaced. Philips recommends replacing blades every twelve months if shaving twice a week. A three-pack of genuine Philips replacement blades costs about half the price of the trimmer itself. A wear indicator on the blades will become more apparent as the blades dull, indicating it is time to change blades. Your mileage will vary based on your beard maintenance routines.

Of the models we tested, none stood out as a groundbreaking advance in maintenance. You can almost always expect to dump stubble from foil shavers, brush the hair off cutting heads, and knock or rinse the hair off guards, although some manufacturers do not recommend tapping or knocking trimmers or attachments. While a few models we mentioned make cleaning easier with washable parts, nothing will change the fact that your daily or weekly routine will require a little cleaning and maintenance when you are done.

How to Choose The Best Beard Trimmer

We provided some key considerations, including your hair type, beard style, and lifestyle, to help simplify your next beard trimmer purchase.

Conclusion

While all the products in this review are designed to trim your beard, some proved better suited for full-body grooming or more serious haircutting and styling. Only a few are strictly focused on beard trimming. Our extensive testing shows that a few of the beard trimmers we tested were a cut above the others, and a few trimmers stood out for other tasks. We hope we've highlighted enough features and options for you to choose the best model, regardless of your exact needs, and achieve the results you expect.