Which hair trimmers are the best, and which should you avoid? We have compared 44 hair trimmers and ranked each from best to worst. Our comparison of hair trimmers is based on reviews by 464,628 users.
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Comparison method
About our comparison method
To provide the most accurate and unbiased picture of which products are the best, we do the following:
We gather user reviews from many different sources. Sources that have too many positive reviews are filtered out. You can view the source of each product review (note that in some cases, the reviews may be anonymous).
We collect expert reviews from various sources. Reviews about products received for free are removed. It is also important that the expert has physically tested the product.
A score is calculated based on this data. We do not modify product scores, and payment or products from brands to promote specific products are not accepted.
Biases
We are not perfect. There will always be biases that can affect the ranking of products. The following biases may arise:
If the brand or the sources we use in our reviews have employed aggressive strategies to receive positive reviews for certain products or if they delete negative reviews. We are aware of this and try our best to exclude these sources.
If most of a product’s reviews come from one source.
If the price has increased significantly since most reviews were submitted, we automatically try to remove these products. However, this is not always successful.
Some technological products, such as robot vacuums, quickly become outdated. Reviews may be several years old, making the products appear better than they are. We try to avoid this by downgrading or removing such products.
There may be errors in the data we use to calculate the score. Some data is collected automatically, and there can be errors in the information we receive. Other data is manually collected, and typos can occur.
In most cases, we collaborate with the largest and most popular retailers, although this is not true for all product categories. Our comparison includes only products from retailers we collaborate with.
Other important information about our comparison:
The reviews and scores are generally updated at the beginning of each month.
Prices are updated daily, typically in the morning (depending on the retailer).
Products no longer available are automatically removed from the ranking.
If the price we display does not match the actual price, it is either because the price has changed since our last update or because we have received an incorrect price from the retailer.
We can make mistakes. Therefore, you should always double-check information.
Brand
Cordless
Rechargeable
Run time
Charge time
Type of battery
Washable
No. of length settings
Min. cutting length
Max cutting length
Price
Best hair trimmer
Cheapest
( - of ) |
Updated February 2, 2025
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Best hair trimmer
Cheapest
( - of ) |
Updated February 2, 2025
Not sure which hair trimmer to choose? With the help of our buying guide, you can find out which one suits you best.
1
Corded or cordless
There are two main types of hair trimmers: Corded and cordless.
Corded hair trimmer
Advantages
Generally more powerful
No time limit on usage
Cheaper
Disadvantages
Requires an electrical outlet to operate
Limited mobility due to cord
Small selection
Price
£14-55 (Avg.: £24)
Battery hair trimmer
Advantages
Can move freely during use
Large selection
Disadvantages
More expensive
Limited operating time
The battery’s operating time decreases with use
Price
£20-414 (Avg.: £83)
2
Battery
Most people choose a battery-powered hair trimmer, the most common type.
These are some of the things you should pay attention to when choosing a battery-powered hair trimmer:
Type of battery
These are the most common types of batteries used in hair trimmers:
Lithium-ion batteries are the best but most expensive choice for cordless hair trimmers. They offer several advantages, including high energy density, which means they can store a significant amount of power in a compact size, have a longer lifespan compared to NiMH batteries, and tend to hold their charge well over time. Further, these batteries also typically have shorter charging times.
NiMH batteries are cheaper than lithium-ion batteries. However, they hold their charge less over extended periods compared to Li-ion batteries. This means that if you leave your trimmer unused for a while, you might need to recharge it before use.
Runtime
Look for hair trimmers with a battery life that meets your needs. Battery life can vary widely among different models, ranging from 40 to 160 minutes.
The following chart shows how the runtime varies across the hair trimmers:
Updated February 9, 2025
These are the five hair trimmers with the longest runtime:
Consider the trimmer’s charging time, which is the duration it takes to charge the battery fully.
Faster charging times can be advantageous if you use the trimmer frequently and don’t want to wait for an extended period before it’s ready for use.
3
Cutting length
Trim length shown on the distance comb
Most hair trimmers come with a set of guide combs that you can adjust to your desired cutting length. The numbers on each comb show how much hair it will cut. You can move the lever up for a closer cut and down for a longer cut.
The maximum cutting length for hair trimmers varies from 3 – 44 mm.
The distribution in maximum cutting length among the hair trimmers in our comparison is shown in the chart below.
Updated February 9, 2025
These are the five hair trimmers with the greatest maximum cutting length.
Having the right accessories is essential when choosing the right hair trimmer. Some models come with a wide range of accessories, while others only have a few basic ones. In general, the more expensive hair trimmers will have more accessories. Common add-ons include guide combs, smaller trimmer attachments, blade oil/grease, a hair comb, and a cleaning brush.
5
Blade
The blade
The blades of hair trimmers come in different sizes, materials, and degrees of durability and sharpness.
It might be a good idea to pick a device with removable blades so that you can replace them when they expire. Choosing blades made of stainless steel, aluminum, or any other rust-free material is best.
You can also opt for self-sharpening blades because they last much longer. This feature sharpens the blades by rubbing them against an interior piece of metal when the trimmer is on – like a knife with a grinding stone. Because it keeps your blades sharp, you won’t have to replace them as often.
A hair trimmer with a narrow cutting width is typically better for details, while a hair trimmer with a wide cutting width generally is more efficient.
6
Maintenance
Washable hair trimmer
Every hair trimmer needs regular maintenance. The maintenance consists of the following:
Cleaning: Regularly clean the trimmer to remove hair and debris that can accumulate in and around the blades. This prevents clogs and ensures efficient cutting.
Blade lubrication: Apply lubricating oil to the trimmer blades to keep them in good shape and maintain their sharpness. This prevents friction and wear. After lubricating the blades, wipe off any excess oil to prevent mess and ensure clean trimming.
Hair removal: Remove hair that gets stuck in the trimmer during use, as it can impede its performance and cause clogs.
Replacement parts: Consider replacing blades or other components if they become dull or damaged, as this can significantly extend the trimmer’s lifespan.
7
Price
As expected, the more expensive models have a more powerful motor, come with more accessories, and perform better overall. They typically offer more advanced features like self-sharpening blades and water resistance. If you want a simple, functional model, you can choose from a wide range of affordable hair trimmers.
The average price for a hair trimmer is £75. The cheapest model is the Philips QC5115/15 at just £14, while the most expensive is the Wella Xpert Chrome HS71 at £414.
This chart shows the price distribution among the hair trimmers on our list.
Updated February 9, 2025
The Philips HC5612/15 is the best budget hair trimmer, priced at £29.89.
If you’re looking for a cheap hair trimmer, check out the five cheapest hair trimmers on our list:
Multitrimmer: Multitrimmers are designed to handle various grooming tasks. These trimmers often come with various attachments and comb lengths, allowing you to precisely trim your beard, hair, body hair, and even facial hair.
Multitrimmers are versatile and convenient, making them a great choice for individuals who want a single tool for multiple grooming needs.
Beard trimmer: Beard trimmers are designed primarily for maintaining facial hair, such as beards and mustaches. They typically have a narrower trimming width and smaller size than hair trimmers, providing them with better precision. You can find the best beard trimmers here.
Some hair trimmers are designed to trim both head hair and beards. Here are the 3 best hair and beard trimmers:
Rank
Image
Hair and beard trimmer
Score
Verdict
Price
1
Braun BT3410
86
Good
£32
2
Wahl Detailer Cordless LI
86
Good
£100
3
Panasonic ER-DGP86
86
Good
£175
Which corded hair trimmer is the best?
For some users, a corded hair trimmer might be the best choice. Here are the 3 best corded hair trimmers:
Rank
Image
Corded hair trimmer
Score
Verdict
Price
1
Philips QC5115/15
88
Good
£14
2
Wahl Elite Pro 20106.0460
88
Good
£55
3
BaByliss E695E
88
Good
£16
Which professional hair trimmer is the best?
For the best experience with a hair trimmer, it might be advantageous to choose a professional model. Here are the 3 best professional hair trimmers:
Rank
Image
Professional hair trimmer
Score
Verdict
Price
1
Panasonic ER-DGP72
92
Good
£172
2
Panasonic ER1421S
92
Good
£145
3
Moser ChromStyle Pro 1871
92
Good
£126
Tests (3)
Haus & Garten Test
Test of 6 cordless hair trimmers.
Edition: 5/2019
Published: 8/2019
6 tested
1st place in test
Panasonic ER-SC60
"Very good"
"Meisterklasse"
Haus & Garten Test
Test of 10 hair trimmers.
Edition: 5/2019
Published: 8/2019
10 tested
1st place in test
Panasonic ER-GD51
"Very good"
"Test winner"
ETM Testmagazin
Test of 7 hair-and beard trimmers.
Edition: 8/2016
Published: 7/2016
7 tested
1st place in test
Panasonic ER-GB80
"Very good"
"Test winner"
"Best buy" overview
Overview of hair trimmers that have been awarded 'Best buy' or achieved first place in tests.
1st place in test
Panasonic ER-GB80
"Very good"
"Test winner"
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