The Best Beard Trimmers of 2023 for a Smooth, Clean Look

Man using beard trimmer


Whether you're shaping up a month's long masterpiece or trimming down to handsome peppery stubble, the best beard trimmer is one device you'll find behind just about any man's mirror cabinet—or on it. From small travel-friendly all-in-one models to corded professional groomers, kit and all, there is a trimmer for any need.

We rounded up the best beard trimmers we could vouch for and organized them according to need. Overall, we considered cutting power, versatility, and longevity when selecting our top picks. And while they can't hold up to blade razors for baby-bottom shaves, we did consider just how close they could trim. From a professional-grade model to a shower-friendly all-in-one trimmer, we think we've found something for everyone.

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The Best Beard Trimmers - Our Top Picks

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Best Beard Trimmer Overall - Gilette Styler

Gilette Styler

SPECS

  • Attachments: 2", 4" and 6" trimmer plus manual shaver attachment
  • Battery life: 1 to 1.5 months before replacing its AA battery

CHECK PRICE

If you just want a cordless, waterproof no-brainer grooming device to throw in your suitcase, the Gilette Styler may be your new go-to tool. Use it to trim, take off the guard to etch out tight lines, and then swap in the razor attachment for a proper shave with or without vibration. Plus, it's waterproof.

It only requires one AA battery which means it lasts longer between replacements and you don't have to worry about packing—or losing—your charger. While it may not have the power and premium sharpness of higher-end trimmers, this is a must-have for the traveler.

What We Like

  • A trimmer that can also shave properly
  • Runs on AA battery
  • Waterproof; can use it in the shower
  • Very affordable

What We Don't Like

  • Not many trim lengths
  • Not very powerful

BUY: Gilette Styler

Best Professional Beard Trimmer - Andis 74100 GTX-EXO Professional

Andis 74100 GTX-EXO Professional

SPECS

  • Attachments: 4 attachments
  • Battery life: 100 min.

CHECK PRICE

Barbers have leaned on Andis for trimmers for a while now and the 74100 GTX-EXO does not disappoint. Use it cordless for ease of movement or use it corded to keep it going through the day. If you've never used a trimmer like this, you'll notice how easily the high, consistent power cuts through the coarsest hair and leaves no straggler behind.

Its angled design and T-shaped trimmer mean you can see what you're doing. However, we were a bit disappointed it only comes with four trim attachments, and its versatility as a hair trimmer may be a negative for those hoping for tighter lines or hard-to-reach places.

What We Like

  • Consistent power, plugged or unplugged
  • Corrosion resistant gold coating
  • High visibility, plus a T-shaped trimmer
  • Good value for the price

What We Don't Like

  • Only 4 trim attachments and no fine-tuning
  • Too wide for some uses, too narrow for others

BUY: Andis 74100 GTX-EXO Professional

Best Beard Trimmer for Stubble - Wahl Stainless Steel Clippers

Wahl Clippers Stainless Steel

SPECS

  • Attachments: 1/2 through 4.5" (including half sizes), plus precision trimmer, nose/ear trimmer, and 1 adjustable clipper ranging from 2mm to 11mm.
  • Battery life: 6 hours

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Wahl's stainless steel clippers are somewhere in between budget and professional options—call them the working man's trimmer. Its timeless finish will hold up for decades and it comes with all the attachments you could need. You can't use it while charging but we don’t think that matters much considering you get months of daily grooming per charge and six minutes of shaving for two minutes of waiting.

What We Like

  • Wide array of trim lengths
  • Long battery life
  • Simple, stainless steel look
  • Quick charge

What We Don't Like

  • On-off switch tends to deteriorate after about 6 months
  • Plastic guards can bend or break over time
  • Too rough to use for close trimming

BUY: Wahl Stainless Steel Clippers

Best Cordless Beard Trimmer - Bevel Beard Trimmer for Men

Bevel Beard Trimmer for Men

SPECS

  • Attachments: None
  • Battery life: 180 "days", according to their website

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Luxury brand Bevel delivers fresh clean lines without water and shaving cream. While those looking to keep their beards long should look to their clippered version, this dedicated trimmer specializes in close-to-skin edging. With quick thumb fine-tuning, you can get your desired closeness without tools and the blades detach easily for cleaning. It's easy on the eyes and lasts for a whopping 180 sessions.

What We Like

  • Quiet, close edging with limited irritation
  • Power output doesn't fade with battery drain
  • Elegant minimalist design
  • Quick fine-tuning with your thumb
  • Easy to clean

What We Don't Like

  • Not compatible with clipper attachments
  • Not comparable to a true shave

BUY: Bevel Beard Trimmer for Men

Best Beard and Body Trimmer - Philips Norelco Multi Groomer 29-Piece Set

Philips Norelco Multi Groomer 29 Piece

SPECS

  • Attachments: 14 guards from 1 to 16mm, plus foil shaver, precision trimmer and nose/ear trimmer
  • Battery life: 60 min.

CHECK PRICE

The cordless Philips Norelco is perfect for those looking for a beard trimmer that doubles for hair and body sprucing. The motor power strikes a balance between the needs of a barber and that of the groggy morning groomer, powerful enough to cut quickly but not so much that any flinch will create a regrettable patch.

Detach the guards and you can also get a decently close shave. Not too heavy, not too light, it feels sturdy in hand, and it sits upright and uncluttered on the shelf.

What We Like

  • Just the right amount of power
  • Attachments galore
  • Doubles as a hair and body trimmer
  • Self-sharpening blades

What We Don't Like

  • Versatile wide trimmer may be a drawback for some
  • Not enough sizes or fine-tuning for fades
  • Plastic attachments have hard to read labels

BUY: Philips Norelco Multi Groomer 29-Piece Set

Best Vacuum Beard Trimmer - Remington MB6850 Vacuum Trimmer

Remington MB6850 Vacuum Stubble

SPECS

  • Attachments: 1 adjustable guard with 11 lengths from 2-18mm
  • Battery life: 90 min.

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If you're tired of clogging the sink, reach for the Remington Vacuum Trimmer for mess-free grooming. It's lightweight and lasts quite a while on one charge. It's also free of attachments to keep track of, thanks to its single adjustable guard.

What We Like

  • Mess-free grooming
  • Great battery life for a vacuum trimmer
  • Operates plugged in or not
  • Lightweight

What We Don't Like

  • Not suitable for fades
  • A bit loud

BUY: Remington MB6850 Vacuum Trimmer

Best Adjustable Beard Trimmer - Remington PG6171 The Crafter

Remington PG6171 The Crafter

SPECS

  • Attachments: 1 adjustable guard with 9 lengths, plus traditional clip-on guards, nose/ear trimmer, foil shaver, and precision trimmer
  • Battery life: 180 min.

CHECK PRICE

If you want a fret-free trimmer without all the stray parts, grab the Remington Crafter. With its single adjustable guard, you won't have to think twice during a groggy morning grooming. While it's likely you'll use "turbo" mode exclusively, it can be nice to have two speed settings. Plus, it's waterproof so you can use it in the shower or give it a quick rinse without worry.

What We Like

  • Turbo mode cuts through thick growth with ease
  • Single adjustable guard, or multiple attachments—take your pick
  • Waterproof

What We Don't Like

  • No fine-tuning
  • Plastic attachments could fail over time
  • Not as powerful as "turbo" suggests

BUY: Remington PG6171 The Crafter

Best Beard Trimmer for Long Beards - Blackout Beardscape Trimmer

Blackout Beardscape Trimmer

SPECS

  • Attachments: 24, from 1-20mm, plus a zero blade sold separately.
  • Battery life: 240 min.

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Whether you're looking for a handsome peppering of stubble or want to shape a lumberjack's grizzly beard, you might consider a newcomer brand, Brio. Its unique double-direction guards provide accurate back-and-forth trimming for lengths as long as 18 millimeters. Plus, the ceramic blades are durable, create less friction and heat, and are ultra-quiet.

What We Like

  • Long battery life
  • Digital display gives motor speed and available trim time
  • Double-direction guards
  • Super quiet and stays cool

What We Don't Like

  • Slows as the battery drains
  • May not be powerful enough for coarse beards

BUY: Blackout Beardscape Trimmer

Best Waterproof Beard Trimmer - Ufree Beard Trimmer for Men

Ufree Beard Trimmer for Men

SPECS

  • Attachments: 5 guards from 1-12mm, plus nose/ear trimmer, micro shaver, foil shaver, and body trimmer
  • Battery life: 90 min.

CHECK PRICE

Ufree makes grooming in the shower easy for less than the price of a trip to the barber. And for the price, you get a decent trimmer with loads of attachments. The LED display is a helpful indicator of battery life. We also like that its motor is quite powerful and it lasts long between charges.

What We Like

  • Works underwater
  • LED display
  • Very affordable

What We Don't Like

  • Blades are not as sharp as professional trimmers
  • You cannot purchase replacement guards

BUY: Ufree Beard Trimmer for Men

Best Beard Trimmer for Short Beards - Philips Norelco OneBlade

Philips Norelco OneBlade Face

SPECS

  • Attachments: 4 stubble combs (1, 2, 3, 5mm), plus click-on skin guard and click-on body comb
  • Battery life: 60 min.

CHECK PRICE

The Philips Norelco OneBlade has been out awhile now but it still impresses with its versatility, providing quite a close "shave" for a beard trimmer, thanks to its precision-engineered single blade running behind the thin, smooth protective comb. For those with short beards or in need of easy back-and-forth hassle-free shaving, wet or dry, this may become your only device.

The four stubble combs are perfect for just a bit of trim and the click-on skin guard and body comb make this suitable to roam over other parts of your body. You will have to replace the blades once a season, though.

What We Like

  • Close shave without using a razor
  • Small, lightweight, and great for traveling
  • Waterproof

What We Don't Like

  • Won't shave as close as a razor
  • You have to keep replacing the blades

BUY: Philips Norelco OneBlade

FAQs About Beard Trimmers


What do professionals use to trim beards?

Barbers and stylists alike most often opt for corded trimmers, but not just for fast client turnover—a powerful and consistent motor ensures the best quality control for even the coarsest beards. And they never have to worry about the inevitable decline in a battery's life. The next criterion has to be sharp, resilient blades so they never have to worry about painful snags.

Are beard trimmers good for shaving?

As long as you don't have an important date, job interview or modeling gig, they can work in a pinch—think 5 o'clock shadow. Some are better than others, but no trimmer can compare to a dedicated shaver whether electric or manual. If a quick and dirty shave is something you're after, you should definitely seek out a versatile trimmer known for a close (and safe) trim.

Is a beard trimmer the same thing as a hair trimmer?

While we know many men who opt to use one device to trim both beard and hair out of convenience, they are not quite the same. Beard trimmers have a smaller head for more precision and access to hard-to-reach areas like the mustache. They're also designed to trim closer to delicate facial skin, safely. But, if you don't need to trim tight or detail your mustache, there isn't really a downside to using a hair trimmer: just find one with sharp blades for consistent trim and to avoid snags.

Are electric trimmers better than razors?

For trimming—of course. For shaving, no. Nothing can compare to the tight shave of a manual razor—not even a dedicated electric shaver (though they come close). If you're just looking for a short stubble look or to trim between shaves, then an electric trimmer can do fine. That being said, some trim closer than others.

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