The Best Beard Trimmers for Stubble, Full Beards and Everything In Between
The best beard trimmers for stubble, full beards and all-in-one grooming, plus which features are worth paying for.
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In this guide
Whether you're keeping a crisp three-day stubble or shaping a full beard, the right trimmer makes it faster and easier. Here are the trimmers worth your money, matched to the look you want.
What to look for
- Length settings: more guide comb options make it easier to keep a consistent length and fade.
- Battery runtime: longer runtime means less "dies mid-trim" frustration. Runtimes vary between versions, so check the listing.
- Blade quality: stainless or self-sharpening steel blades stay sharp longer and pull less.
- Waterproofing: a fully waterproof trimmer can be rinsed clean and used in the shower.
- Attachments: nice if you want one tool for nose, ears, head and body. Skip them if you only trim your beard.
The best beard trimmers
Best all-in-one
Philips Norelco Multigroom 7000
Best for One tool for beard, head and body
A do-everything trimmer kit with a pile of attachments for beard, stubble, hair, nose and body, plus self-sharpening steel blades and a multi-hour battery. It's the best all-rounder for most people.
Why we like it
- Lots of attachments
- Long runtime
- Self-sharpening blades
Worth knowing
- Lots of pieces to store
- Check the exact model for wet use, since specs vary between versions
For most people, this is the one trimmer to own. It covers beard, stubble, detailing, head and body. Just confirm the exact version's water rating if you plan to use it wet.
Best waterproof
Braun Series 7 All-in-One Trimmer
Best for Precise lines and trimming in the shower
Braun's all-in-one trimmer feels sharper and more refined than most rivals, and it's waterproof, so you can trim in the shower and rinse it clean. The trade-off is a shorter battery life than Philips.
Why we like it
- Very precise, sharp blades
- Waterproof
- Glides through dense growth
Worth knowing
- Shorter runtime than Philips
- Fewer attachments in some bundles
Best for thick beards
Wahl Lithium Ion+ Stainless Steel Trimmer
Best for Thick beards and heavy-duty use
A powerful, well-built trimmer from a barber-trusted brand. It powers through thick growth without snagging and has a sturdy stainless-steel body.
Why we like it
- Powerful motor for thick beards
- Durable build
- Good value
Worth knowing
- Not waterproof
- Heavier than plastic-bodied trimmers
Best for stubble
Philips Norelco OneBlade
Best for Stubble styles and quick edging
A hybrid that trims, edges and shaves with one blade. It's great for keeping a short stubble neat or for quick clean-ups, though it won't give you a baby-smooth shave.
Why we like it
- Trims, edges and shaves
- Gentle, rarely irritates
- Wet or dry
Worth knowing
- Replacement blades add up over time
- Not as close as a real shaver
The OneBlade has a cult following for a reason. It keeps stubble even, edges cleanly and rarely irritates. Just budget for replacement blades.
How to trim your beard like a barber
- Trim dry. Wet hair looks longer, so trimming it wet can leave you shorter than you meant once it dries.
- Start with a longer guard than you think you need. You can always go shorter.
- Trim against the direction of growth for evenness, and with the grain for a softer finish.
- Set your neckline about one to two finger-widths above your Adam's apple, and clean up below it.
- Clean the blade after every use, and oil it if your trimmer recommends it.
FAQ
What's the difference between a beard trimmer and a shaver?
A trimmer cuts hair to a set length using guide combs, which is ideal for beards and stubble. A shaver cuts hair at skin level for a clean-shaven look. Hybrids like the Philips OneBlade do a bit of both.
Should I trim my beard wet or dry?
Dry is usually better. Wet hair looks longer and straighter, so trimming it wet can leave your beard shorter than intended.
How long do beard trimmers last?
A good trimmer that's cleaned regularly can last several years. Battery capacity is usually what declines first.