Andis Slimline® 2 T-Blade Trimmer

Most Travel-Friendly

Andis Slimline® 2 T-Blade Trimmer

$70 at Sally Beauty

Pros

Incredibly durableCan cut virtually any hair type thanks to efficient motorPortable and travel-friendly

Cons

Motor takes 1-2 seconds to get to full speedNot as powerful as the Andis Master Clipper

This Andis model works wonders for every purpose: beards, mustaches, necklines, and edging around the ears. It’s sleek, ergonomic design make it effortless to maneuver in your hand and fit into your travel kit for the next excursion.

“The battery life is amazing—I can legit cut 10 clients on one charge,” says celebrity barber Vernon Scott, which translates to less charging time at home. The hair clipper and blade never get hot, he says, thanks to the efficient motors that don’t transfer heat and allow this trimmer to cut any hair type. But most important is the “consistent precision cutting of the blades” whose fine teeth are designed for close cutting.

BaBylissPRO Barberology SilverFX Clipper

Best Design

BaBylissPRO Barberology SilverFX Clipper

$210 at Amazon$130 at Walmart

Pros

Sleek design that’s easy to holdQuality performance on all hair typesLong battery life5-detent taper control feature

Cons

Takes AA batteries (batteries included)Expensive

In our testing, we found the BaBylissPRO SilverFX Clipper has the ultimate trifecta of power, design and cutting performance. It may be on the pricey side, but you get a bang for your buck. Not only does it arrive with a high-carbon stainless steel blade and brushless motor, but it takes care of all hair textures.

The versatility of this cordless hair trimmer makes it a favorite of hairstylist Vaughn Acord. “The performance—namely the speed and sharpness—is unparalleled,” he says. Since he moves around a lot, the fact that it’s a cordless hair clipper is a huge plus for him and a bonus for anyone using it at home. “If you’re trimming or cutting at home, it allows you to move without limitation which is imperative for getting an even cut,” he says.

Whether you’re a barber or new to using clippers, it is the perfect addition to your stash of grooming tools. Just think—it features a 5-detent taper control, Ferrari-designed engine and multiple comb attachments.

Wahl Chrome Pro Complete Haircutting Kit for Men

Best corded Hair Clipper

Wahl Chrome Pro Complete Haircutting Kit for Men

$45 at Amazon$47 at Walmart

Pros

Excellent valueWorks for most hair typesLong lifespan

Cons

Corded, not wireless

Wahl is obviously a professional barber go-to brand, but if you don’t have professional-level skills or want something more foolproof, this hair clipper kit is for you. The high-quality clippers are the star, of course, but it comes with a variety of guards that ingeniously snap on for extra security and self-sharpening blades. It’s essentially a haircut in a box and, according to one Men’s Health editor who used it during the COVID lockdown, “it’s great.”

Panasonic ER-SB40-K Cordless Hair Trimmer

Best for Beginners

Panasonic ER-SB40-K Cordless Hair Trimmer

$125 at Amazon$142 at Walmart

Pros

Can be used on any part of your bodyQuick-adjust dial makes head-to-toe grooming easy

Cons

Battery life not as long as some might prefer

We gave this a Men’s Health Grooming Award for its prowess as a beard trimmer, but it brings the same power and ease of use to cut the hair on top of your head, too. It’s not the kind your barber uses, but if you’re looking for a clipper that can cut literally head to toe, you can’t go wrong with this one. The quick-adjust dial gives you 19 length options without switching guards, and the powerful 9,800 cuts-per-minute motors can chop through even the thickest of hair with ease. You even have the option to use it with the cord or without, depending on your preference.

Read more: Best Beard Products for Men

Andis inCRED Cordless Li Clipper Set

Best Affordable

Andis inCRED Cordless Li Clipper Set

$40 at Walmart

Pros

Specifically designed for home useKit comes with 10 length combsCan be used corded or cordless

Cons

Lifespan not as long as other clippers on this list

Whether you’re just keeping your fade fresh between visits to the barber or you’ve fully adopted the post-pandemic DIY haircut lifestyle, this trimmer kit is designed specifically for at-home use. It’s similar to the ones professionals use, but lightweight and designed for smaller hands, still with an adjustable blade and easy-to-change length comes. The kit comes with 10 different length comes and a variety of other goodies to make home cutting a breeze. Use it corded or cordless with two hours of battery life per charge.

Read more: Best Nose Trimmers

Philips Norelco Multigroom All-in-One Trimmer Series 7000

Best all-in-one

Philips Norelco Multigroom All-in-One Trimmer Series 7000

$59 at Amazon$59 at Walmart

Pros

Travel-friendlySelf-sharpening blades that last up to 5 yearsPlenty of attachments for all types and areas of hairSteel blades for thick hair

Cons

Might not be the most hygienic if you use it for all areas of hair

This one can cut hair anywhere: head, face, nose, eyebrows, chest, body, and even—you guessed it—hair down there with all kinds of trimming attachments and comb guards, each for different grooming needs and spots. Which is why hairstylist Tim Lehman calls this all-in-one trimmer an essential everyman should own. “This clipper can be used at home to clean up a beard or remove any unwanted random hair and yet it gives a strong, fresh cut for me to use on men’s hair in the salon,” says Lehman.

Plus, the Series 7000 comes with the brand’s DualCut tech that offers precision, torque, and power to the max. Whether you’d like a fade, a light trim, and a complete buzz cut, it can do it—even on the go as well since it’s easy to charge and pack up, according to Lehman.

Andis Master® Adjustable Blade Clipper

Best Adjustable blades

Andis Master® Adjustable Blade Clipper

$91 at Amazon$90 at Walmart

Pros

High speed at 14,000 spmGreat for detailed, precise cutAdjustable blades for hair from fine to coarseUsed by master barbers

Cons

Corded, not cordless

Comb guides? This hair clipper doesn’t know them, or frankly need thanks to its blades that can adjust for lengths 000 to 1, and types from fine to coarse to deliver precise cut and smooth trim without using any attachment. And the motor that delivers 14,000 cutting spm is no joke. Hairstylist and barber Darrius Peace says that power can aid in longevity while cutting and, combined with their excellent blades, makes this model an ideal tool for creating precision, cuts, and lines on the hair. Moreover, it’s quiet and practically indestructible, so you can rely on it for years to come.

Bevel Pro All-in-One Clipper and Trimmer

Best High-End

Bevel Pro All-in-One Clipper and Trimmer

Now 18% Off$271 at Amazon

Pros

Designed by pro barbersEasy to change guards and blades4 hours of run timeGood for cutting through coarse hair

Cons

May be too advanced for beginnersExpensive

This clipper and trimmer from Bevel were designed with the help of professional barbers who packed it with all the most advanced features possible. Unlike the previous Bevel trimmer, this one comes with four different magnetic length guards to help you achieve the perfect fade. You can also adjust the blade gap with a touch of a button and purchase a T-blade separately for the crispest lineups. One charge gives it a whopping 4 hours of run time, too, so you never have to worry about running out of juice mid-cut.

The Bevel Pro is beloved by many expert groomers including celebrity barber Marcus Harvey, who has been putting the clippers to work for roughly two years now. After testing them out, he found “there is indeed a learning curve of using one tool instead of multiple. However, once you get past that challenge, you’ll get the hang of it and know your settings.”

Read more: Best Men’s Hair-Loss Treatments

Andis Slim-Line Pro Li Rechargeable T-Blade Trimmer

safest hair clippers

Andis Slim-Line Pro Li Rechargeable T-Blade Trimmer

$80 at Amazon

Pros

Corded and cordless useWorks for most hair typesGreat blades for crisp, clean lines and sharp edges

Cons

Motor takes 1-2 seconds to get to full power

As a first-timer, you’ll love the two-hour battery life on these clippers, or how the blade never gets hot thanks to the efficient motors that don’t transfer heat and allow this trimmer to cut any hair type. With robust sharp blades, these clippers also won’t pull your hair while offering a precise cut or a crisp line if you’d like. What’s more, these T-blades allow you to trim dry without causing bumps or irritation. And the motor is super quiet too.

“It’s travel friendly, so you can take your grooming on the go, giving you a fresh look for every occasion,” says Dan Castillo of Fellow Barber. The Andis Slim-Line has been a prime tool in his kit for over two years. Despite its cutting edge, he’s tested it on several customers with the sensitive skin and they’ve never seen any sign of blemishes.

Remington Virtually Indestructible Haircut Clippers Kit

Most durable hair clippers

Remington Virtually Indestructible Haircut Clippers Kit

Now 18% Off$39 at Amazon$39 at Walmart$43 at Ulta Beauty

Pros

Robust buildGenerous price pointSuitable for cutting most hair types

Cons

Corded, not wireless

The special impact-proof casing of this hair trimmer is designed to withstand a lot of wear and tear without breaking (think of it as an Otterbox for your hair). It has a supercharged motor that cuts hair quickly and efficiently and, even though it’s corded, the low price makes it a good model for beginners.

Yet, despite a beginner-friendly build, the blades of these clippers can make for superb professional cuts. With the brand’s exclusive Powercut Blade system, there won’t be no snagging or pulling for a smooth, even cut. And the teeth of these blades are sharp enough for even the thickest hair.

Limural PRO Professional Hair Clippers and Trimmer Kit

Best hair clipping kit

Limural PRO Professional Hair Clippers and Trimmer Kit

Now 40% Off$60 at Amazon

Pros

Long battery lifeLED display feature22-piece complete grooming kit

Cons

Plastic guards can feel flimsy

If you’re not sure how committed you are to the home haircut, or don’t want to shell out a lot of dough right away, this professional-quality clipper is a steal. It comes with multiple attachments (plus a barber cape), and has some of the features you’ll usually find in clippers twice as expensive—it’s cordless with a 5-hour run time per charge, an LED screen that tells you how much cutting time you have left, and a rotary motor to minimize pulling and snags while you cut. And as one of the few pivot motor clippers, it’s excellent for cutting long, thick hair to perfection.

Red Pro Titanium Hair Clipper

Best value hair clippers

Red Pro Titanium Hair Clipper

$55 at Amazon$69 at Walmart

Pros

Strong performance that cuts through most hair typesGreat for beginnersAdjustable bladesGreat for transitioning from long to short hair

Cons

Corded, not wireless

This clipper is the best of both worlds: you get a professional style clipper (you know, like the kind your barber uses), but it also comes with guards that make at-home cutting easier. There aren’t too many bells and whistles to figure out either, so you can basically open the box and get the right cut. And while it’s not cordless, the swivel cord moves with you to avoid awkward tangles. Best of all, it’s priced far lower than other professional-style clippers, making it a great intro.

How to Choose the Best Hair Clippers

Motor power: “Without motor power, you will get pulling, dragging, and perhaps some nicking,” says celebrity hairstylist Gregory Patterson. For electric hair clippers, there are three types of motors that make the blades oscillate so they can cut through hair: magnetic, rotary, and pivot.

Rotary: Often considered the best for hair clippers, the rotary motor uses electrical current to put out an equal amount of power and blade speed, and can operate at multiple speeds, in a circular as well as side-to-side motion.

Magnetic: Magnetic motor uses magnetic forces to move the blades from side to side at a very high speed, though its power is considerably less, which means it’s great for a cleaner, more detailed haircut.

Pivot: “From a professional standpoint, the fact that the guards have a magnetic pivot lock on the actual guard is really important,” says celebrity barber, Lauren Owens. Also using magnetic forces to push the blades, the pivot motor operates at a lower speed than the magnetic motor but is far more powerful, making clippers with a pivot motor great for cutting thick, heavy hair. And since they move less, they’re also quieter, and easier to use and control for beginners.

Patterson also recommends investing in the highest power motor your budget is comfortable with, since the more powerful a motor is, the smoother the cut is, and the more versatile the clippers are for cutting any type of hair. In addition, clippers with higher motor power tend to be better for unruly, curly, and coarse hair that is harder to cut.

Cord or Cordless: “Corded clippers usually provide more power, but cordless ones are more convenient as they allow for more flexibility of use,“ says men’s lifestyle blogger Michael Morris. That is also why professional barbers tend to go for corded options because of the power—and also because they won’t lose power and don’t have to be charged after each cut; you just have to make sure an appropriate wall outlet is close by. For at-home haircuts, however, cordless can be more convenient to maneuver.

For those who would like a cordless option, Richard Mendoza — owner of Filthy Rich Barbershop, suggests the brand new All-in-One Series 9 Trimmer from Braun. “This is perfect for everyday touchups, can be used by everyone at home [and] has an impressive 180 minutes of cordless runtime,” says Mendoza.

Attachments: The most essential attachment for hair clippers is the comb guide guards, which can be snapped on the blades to allow for different cutting lengths. These comb guards set the blades back a specific length away from your skin, and then cut the hair to that length. If you’d like to sport a fade, for instance, cutting with combs attached is important.

Blades: “Look for hair clippers with high-quality blades made from stainless steel, ceramic, or titanium materials,” says Morris. But hair clippers with self-sharpening blades, such as Wahl’s Self-Cut Pro Corded Hair Clipper 79467, are also worth considering since they can keep the blades sharp over time.

Hair Clippers vs. Beard Trimmers

When cutting your hair at home, actual hair clippers—like the professional kind a barber uses—should be used instead of trying to take your beard trimmer upstairs. Typically, hair clippers are more powerful than beard trimmers and are better for trimming all different kinds of hair types easily (though some trimmers are specifically designed for both). Investing in the best hair clippers if you’re going to do some at-home upkeep is essential if you want a haircut that looks good rather than homespun.

Additionally, hair clippers are designed to be used on longer, thicker hair, whereas beard trimmers are meant for shorter, thinner trims. Which is why while you can certainly put hair clippers to work on your jaw or chin, the same can’t be said otherwise. It all depends on the length and thickness of the hair.

How to Maintain Hair Clippers at Home?

Hair clipper oil—which probably already comes in the hair clipper set you purchase—is vital for upkeeping the blades. Oiling them can curb friction which might corrode the blades, prevent them from overheating, and ensure that they’ll last longer. To use hair clipper oil, simply wipe-clean the blades then apply the oil directly onto the blade, and turn on the motor for a few seconds.

How to Cut Your Own Hair with Hair Clippers

If you want to cut your own hair at home, there are some things you need to know.

1. Decide on what style you want. Buzz cuts are a general style and have a ton of variations, so before firing up the clippers, consider the final outcome you’re hoping for.

2. Buy a hand mirror or create a dual-mirror setup. This is especially important if you’re doing this on your own because you’ll need to be able to see the back of your head.

3. Use your bathroom as a barbershop. Make sure it’s well-lit and you’re comfortable in front of the mirror. Go shirtless (or nude). It will make cleanup easier when you’re done.

4. Go slow and start with the longest guard. Gradually work with lower and lower guards till you get the length you want. Don’t rush and look at your head carefully as you go so you don’t miss any spots.

5. If you’re doing this yourself, stand up. You’ll need to be comfortable, but also be able to lean into the mirror to inspect the details. Don’t try to do this while sitting in a chair.

6. If all of this stresses you out, or you get stuck during the process, call up a professional to troubleshoot or watch a virtual haircut tutorial to guide you through the process.

7. Be prepared for upkeep. Just because you’re doing your cut yourself doesn’t mean you get a free pass on maintenance. Be prepared for touch-ups at least every two weeks and sometimes more depending on how fast your hair grows.

But a word of caution: “professional tools require upkeep and attention and may have a learning curve as you learn to use them,” says hairstylist Vaughn Acord. “They can also cut you or irritate your skin if you’re not familiar with how to sanitize or adjust them.” He recommends being cautious before taking matters into your own hands since barbers and hairstylists are trained in giving you a cut that’s right for your face and head shape.

How We Selected

For the past two years, we consulted with Men’s Health‘s Grooming editors and writers on the top hair clippers for men. Experts including our Grooming Editor Garrett Munce and Senior Commerce Editor Christian Gollayan put different hair clippers through the wringer to evaluate their durability, battery life, motor, convenience, and, of course, how well they cut our hair.

In addition, we’ve done extensive research by interviewing professional barbers and hairstylists who use regularly use different hair clippers and made our picks from their curation. We also considered top-reviewed men’s hair clippers that have rave reviews on e-commerce websites that we trust