The Best Beard Trimmer for Every Look

While plenty of guys still go for a clean-shaven look, beards are definitely here to stay. From a five o’clock shadow to a well-defined beard, the look requires a specific approach to grooming. You need a beard trimmer.

As beards have become more popular and beard styling has become more art than science, beard trimmers have had to keep up. Most trimmers these days are cordless and rechargeable via a cord or charging stand, made of stainless steel and waterproof (or at least water-resistant)—but that’s where the similarities end. There are many different styles of razor heads, from rotary razors that provide a more precise cut to foil heads that move up-and-down, keeping your skin safe when you’re going for a simpler, five o’clock shadow. It all depends on what you’re going for.

So whether you’re ready to sport more (or better) facial hair or you’re looking to upgrade your existing beard trimmer, you’ll want a best-in-class tool that’s right for your needs. Our list of standouts include foil shavers, rotary shavers, dual-shaving blades and staggered blades that can give you that perfect trim. Here’s what expert barbers from all over the country use on their clients—and themselves.

Outlining must-have

If you’ve got a well-defined beard—and want to keep it that way—this tiny powerhouse is a particularly good pick. Its T-blade enables you to outline and do precision work in tight areas around the mouth and ear, says Patrick Butler, technical director at Floyd’s 99 Barbershop in Greenwood Village, Colo. It’s also a reliable tool for cleaning up a mustache. And its powerful high-torque rotary motor doesn’t stall mid-shave.

For beginners

If you want an easy-to-use trimmer that shaves you down to your stubble, you’ll like the flexibility of the Norelco 5000. Mark Miguez, master barber at New York City’s Friend of a Barber, appreciates that its adjustment wheel and three included guard attachments let you go shorter (down to .4 millimeters) or longer (down to 20 millimeters). There are 40 settings so you can find your exact right look. If you’re new to beard trimming, Miguez recommends starting with the longest length—the 20 millimeters one—and working your way down.

Easy ergonomics

Why let bulky trimmers wreck your morning shave? The Slimline Pro is lighter than many models, at less than a pound, yet provides a textbook T-line trim. The ergonomic handle makes it easy to maneuver and be precise, says Waldwick, N.J.-based Adam Reyes, owner of Virile Barbershop. He also likes that the charging base is “small enough to keep on the countertop without occupying too much space.”

For thick hair

If traditional trimmers don’t hold up to your full beard, you need something professional grade. Wahl’s Detailer is designed for all-around tight detailing, but it’s especially adept at handling thick hair. The staggered tooth blade—two blades of different lengths that work simultaneously—enables you to make seamless blends and textures, explains Marcos Ramos, master barber at Steel Blade Men’s Salon in Albuquerque, N.M. That’s a key reason Ramos considers it a “great overall trimmer.”

Timeless tool

Like that old-time barber vibe? This timeless pick that’s part of Wahl’s professional line gives you the means to master classic, up-and-down shaves. “It’s just really good,” says Dane R. Casey, owner and barber at Venturemen Barbering Shoppe in Kansas City, Mo., who uses this compact model in his shop. “It looks old school, but it tidies up my clients’ cheeks and necks real nice.” While it’s ideal for grooming scruff and removing strays, it’s not the best option on our list if you have a thick, full beard.

Shadow maker

For a close-ish shave that leaves just enough for a five o’clock shadow, Andis’ Pro Foil Shaver is a best bet. “It won’t ruin the perfect lines your barber left for you to follow, like shaving with a blade will,” says Tony DiCaro, master barber at San Francisco’s Refinery Grooming Club and founder of Beardfather Beard Oil. While the Pro Foil Shaver is not quite the precision tool that the Andis T-Outliner is, it reliably pulls off neat trims. The staggered design of its two heads lets you keep close to the skin without cuts. And unlike many other trimmers, this one has a foil that’s hypoallergenic, so it’s a safe choice if you have sensitive skin.

Smooth finisher

Want to get as close as possible to a smooth shave without the hassle (and inevitable nicks) of a safety razor? Go with Wahl’s Finale Shaver, recommends Nick Steeves, barber at Marty’s Barber Shop in Minneapolis, Minn. This pro-favorite finishing tool “has a foil that helps the blades get extremely close to the skin, without any irritation or cuts,” he explains. Its rotary motor is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

For beyond beards

It’s not just beard hair that can be tough to tame. If you are having issues with other random hairs, Wahl’s kit makes the cut. Not only can you use it to trim your beard, but you can add an attachment and make sure your nose and ear hair are cleaned up too. “It’s awesome to pack into the travel kit for a trip,” Butler says. And it stays charged: The lithium-ion battery is among the best in the category, coming in at about 6 hours of use for a single one-hour charge.

Simple workhorse

The Kemei trimmer might not have brand-name pedigree, but if you’re looking for a basic trimmer that gets the job done, this one fits the bill. Reyes likes that it delivers a lot of bang for the buck—namely, features like an LED screen indicating battery life and the RPM of the motor speed (which is adjustable); four extra length attachments; a cleaning brush; and USB charging.