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Beard Trimmer Reviews

6 Best Beard Trimmers in 2024 – 11 Tested and Reviewed

At Shaving Advisor we pride ourselves on making sure to test and review our beard trimmers rigorously. We put a great deal of work into writing each experience-based professional reviews.

However, we also recognize that sometimes you, the reader, just want to know if the trimmer in question gets a pass or a fail on our scale.

To that end, we have taken a look back at all the trimmers we have reviewed throughout 2023 and 2024 and broken down our reviews in condensed format with rankings to help you make the best choice.

1. Philips Norelco Series 9000 Prestige Beard Trimmer – Best Overall Performance
2. Panasonic ER-GB42 Beard Trimmer – Best Travel Trimmer
3. Remington Vacuum Beard and Stubble Trimmer 6000 – Most Unique (and Useful) Design 
4. Philips Norelco Series 3000 Beard & Stubble Trimmer – Best Budget Option
5. Manscaped Beard Hedger Trimmer – Most Adaptable Design
6. Philips Norelco Series 5000 Beard Trimmer – Best for Length Variety
7. King C Gillette Beard Trimmer
8. Wahl Stainless Steel Lithium-Ion Beard Trimmer
9. Panasonic ER240 Beard and Mustache Trimmer

1. Philips Norelco Series 9000 Prestige Beard Trimmer – Best Overall Performance

Starting off as strong as possible, with one of the best trimmers I have tried. 

I call this one a lightsaber just by how it looks: stainless steel with a circular tube design. Also with some serious heft to it.

Philips Norelco Series 9000 Prestige Beard Trimmer on its box brand new

Brief Description and Features

Stainless Steel Blades

Waterproof

Comes with a carrying case, adjustable guard, cleaning brush, and blade oil

2-hour battery life

30 length settings

Philips Norelco Series 9000 Prestige Beard Trimmer unboxed with all components
holding the Series 9000 Prestige Beard Trimmer in the hand to display how it looks
holding the Philips Norelco Series 9000 Prestige Beard Trimmer at an angle
close up of Philips Norelco Series 9000 Prestige Beard Trimmer comb attached
Trimmer Comb Attached
close up of the numbered dial on the Philips Norelco Series 9000 Prestige Beard Trimmer
Numbered Dial
pressing the on and off button on the Philips Norelco Series 9000 Prestige Beard Trimmer
The On and Off Button
close up of Philips Norelco Series 9000 Prestige Beard Trimmer blades
cleaning the Philips Norelco Series 9000 Prestige Beard Trimmer under the tap

The circular design of the unit fits extremely well in the hand.

The on button is slightly recessed into the housing, so you aren’t going to accidentally hit it while you are shaving. You’d be surprised how often that has happened to me while I am trying out a new trimmer.

The settings wheel is also slightly recessed so you aren’t going to hit it on accident either. It has some very fine settings, measuring 0.2mm between each of the settings. With the provided guide, you are going to get 30 different length settings for your beard. More options are always better.

The whole unit is waterproofed, so cleaning the unit is extremely easy as well.

The one downside when it comes to the design is the unit is heavy. After shaving with this trimmer, I seriously feel like my wrist has got a pretty good workout.

Performance

Have you ever mowed a lawn with a freshly sharpened blade? Cuts through the grass and weeds like a dream.

collage of author Robert trimming his beard with the Philips Norelco Series 9000 Prestige Beard Trimmer

This is like that, but smaller and on your face. I am the king of tortured metaphors.

This trimmer cuts like a dream. The blades move easily over the face, and there is no need to make any second or third passes. It cuts everything on the first try and doesn’t leave any stray hair left behind. I was seriously impressed.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this is my favorite trimmer that I have ever had the opportunity to use. It cuts well and has a sturdy frame. It charges fast and is durable enough to survive rigorous use.

The one downside is that it is expensive. You are looking to spend at least USD 100 to get this unit. That 10 pizzas for scale. That might be more than someone wants to spend on a beard trimmer.

Philips Norelco Series 9000 Prestige Beard Trimmer — Check Price & Full Review

2. Panasonic ER-GB42 Beard Trimmer – Best Travel Trimmer

This one and the Philips Norelco 9000 were rivals for the top spot. I had a hard time deciding which one I liked better, but overall it came to the quality of the trim.

Panasonic ER-GB42 Beard Trimmer on its presentation box

Brief Description and Features

50-minute battery life

Cordless charging stand

Waterproof

Rubberized grip

19 possible length settings

Extra sharp blades

It comes with a trimmer, charging stand, cleaning brush, and blade oil

Panasonic ER-GB42 Beard Trimmer unboxed with all components
All Components
cleaning the Panasonic ER-GB42 under the tap
close up of Panasonic ER-GB42 dial and moving settings
close up of Panasonic ER-GB42 Beard Trimmer charging dock
Charging Dock
close up of Panasonic ER-GB42 Beard Trimmer blade
Trimmer Blade With No Comb
close up of Panasonic ER-GB42 rubberized grip
a close up of the Panasonic ER-GB42 Beard Trimmer dial settings and guard

One of the first things that come to mind when I use this trimmer is the amount of curves. If the Philips Norelco Series 9000 is a smooth lightsaber, then the Panasonic ER-GB42 is a sports car.

It’s got the best kind of curves and a rubberized grip so it is a dream to hold and use.

The charging stand is very unique when it comes to most trimmers. There are no charging cables to get tangled or cluttered, which is a huge plus for me.

The only real downside is that you do need to make sure to keep up with the maintenance. The blades are very close together and designed for a tight cut, therefore according the the manual, you need to re-oil them after every use.

I have found that to be somewhat annoying. You should be okay if you just oil it once a week.

Performance

When using the Panasonic ER-GB42, the first thing that always strikes me is how quiet it is. I am so used to trimmers that let out this loud buzzing that sounds like an angry cicada. In this case, it is so quiet that it barely makes any noise.

collage of reviewer Robert using the Panasonic ER-GB42 Beard Trimmer

It cuts like a dream as well. The tight, extra-sharp blades make sure to cut deeply into your beard, making sure to get any matted or curled-up hairs. 

The only issue is that the cutting head is somewhat small, so you are going to need to make more passes than normal to make sure to get your entire face.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this trimmer is a really solid option for guys with shorter beards who want a professional flourish on their facial hair.

The Panasonic ER-GB42 is a great option if you are traveling often. It can be packed away easily and carried in any kind of bag without the need to worry about the cords getting tangled.

Panasonic ER-GB42 Beard Trimmer — Check Price & Full Review

3. Remington Vacuum Beard and Stubble Trimmer 6000 – Most Unique (and Useful) Design 

The Remington Vacuum Beard Trimmer is a huge leap forward when it comes to design features in beard trimming. The vacuum chamber collects all the stray hairs that normally end up in the sink.

If you are anything like me, that will help you keep a cleaner bathroom and a less clogged drain.

brand new Remington Vacuum Beard and Stubble Trimmer on its presentation box

Brief Description and Features

An adjustable cutting guide that has 11 possible settings

90-minute battery on a full charge

Light and maneuverable weighs only 7 ounces or 198 grams

It comes with the trimmer, the adjustable guide, charging cable, detailing blade, and cleaning brush

Remington Vacuum Beard and Stubble Trimmer unboxed with all components laid out
Remington Vacuum Beard Trimmer 6000 held in the hand to display how it looks
removing the vacuum chamber on the Remington Vacuum Beard and Stubble Trimmer 6000
vacuum chamber from the Remington Vacuum Beard and Stubble Trimmer 6000 after being used
close up of the Remington Vacuum Beard and Stubble Trimmer 6000 trimmer blades
Remington Vacuum Beard and Stubble Trimmer 6000 charging showing its green light held in the hand

The Remington Vacuum Beard Trimmer is very light in the hand, it feels light so it is very easy to use. Unlike the Philips Norelco Series 9000 which is very heavy, this Remington option is light and easy to use without any worry of fatigue in your wrist.

The vacuum chamber is the real selling point of this trimmer. I don’t know why more trimmers don’t have this option. It collects almost all of the hair cut by the trimmer goes right into that vacuum chamber and it is so much easier to clean up after a good trimming session.

Unfortunately, the vacuum chamber itself is somewhat awkward to empty. Not difficult, but awkward. You aren’t going to be able to just shake it out over the trash. You will need to get some kind of tool to scoop out the hairs.

Performance

Where this trimmer does take a hit is in the performance area. It is not stellar. The two trimmers above this (Philips Norelco 9000 & Panasonic ER-GB42) cut so much better. 

collage of reviewer Robert using the Remington Vacuum Beard and Stubble Trimmer

You will need to go over your beard multiple times to make sure to get the best and most even trim. 

Maintenance is very easy though as long as you rinse the blades and keep the vacuum chamber empty, this trimmer will work well.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this trimmer is only this high on the list because of the cool attachment in the form of the vacuum. Honestly, it makes clean-up so much easier and quicker.

If I could somehow combine this with the Series 9000 cutting blades, then I would have the perfect beard trimmer.

Remington Vacuum Beard and Stubble Trimmer 6000 — Check Price & Full Review

4. Philips Norelco Series 3000 Beard & Stubble Trimmer – Best Budget Option

So far we’ve looked at some of the more expensive options available for guys looking to improve their trimming game.

However, you don’t have to drop a fortune to get a good trim. Philips Norelco has you covered when it comes to solid option that won’t break the bank.

Philips Norelco Series 3000 beard trimmer held in the hand on white background

Brief Description and Features

“Lift-and-Trim” system designed to trim shorter hairs tangled in your beard

90-minutes runtime

Rubberized plastic grip

20 total blade settings

Comes with: trimmer, cleaning brush, charging cable, cutting guide, and burlap carrying bag

Philips Norelco Series 3000 beard trimmer unboxed with all components and trimmer
close up of Philips Norelco Series 3000 BT3210 beard trimmer dial for settings
close up of Philips Norelco Series 3000 BT3210 beard trimmer blades
Philips Norelco Series 3000 beard and stubble trimmer held in the hand ready to use
close up attaching the guard on the Philips Norelco Series 3000 beard trimmer
close up of rubberized grip on the Philips Norelco Series 3000 beard trimmer
close up of Philips Norelco Series 3000 BT3210 beard trimmer attachment on the trimmer

Unlike the Series 9000, the Philips Norelco Series 3000 is smaller, blockier, and more compact than the heavier Series 9000. 

That isn’t to say it is fragile, though. The compact design is more economical and lighter, but it also feels much more solid than something made of plastic.

The lighter weight also allows for a much more maneuverable trimmer when shaving, so your wrist won’t get so tired. 

It is also easy to disassemble to clean. Just be careful that you don’t get it too wet, as it isn’t completely waterproof.

The exterior is also rubberized plastic, so it is very easy to hold on to.

Performance

With all of the positives I have said before, then why isn’t this number one?

Unfortunately, the Philips Norelco Series 3000 fails in the performance department. 

collage of author Robert trimming with the Philips Norelco Series 3000 BT3210 beard trimmer in the bathroom

The dual-cutting “lift-and-trim” system is great at making an even cut, but it has issues with longer straggling beard hairs. You will need to make multiple passes to get everything.

This doesn’t mean it won’t work at all; you just need to spend much longer getting the correct trim compared to other options on this list.

Final Thoughts

The Philips Norelco Series 3000 has a few faults when it comes to the performance department, but there is nothing that is deal-breaking. 

What is great is the price line: which is at the time of writing is about 30 to 40 USD on Amazon. That is an amazing price for a trimmer whose only downside is you have to go over your face a few more times than with the others.

Philips Norelco Series 3000 Beard & Stubble Trimmer — Check Price & Full Review

5. Manscaped Beard Hedger Trimmer – Most Adaptable Design

Manscaped is a relative newcomer to the shaving scene compared to the other big names on this list.

And it certainly holds its own against the big boys. You can tell that because it is on this list.

Manscaped The Beard Hedger on its presentation box

Brief Description and Features

Adjustable wheel rather than a scroll wheel

Waterproof

Removeable head for easy cleaning

60-minutes runtime

20 different length settings

USB-C charging cable

It comes with a hard shell carrying case, that holds trimmer and charging cable

Manscaped The Beard Hedger unboxed with all components including the beard trimmer
animation of clipping on the Manscaped The Beard Hedger comb
close up of Manscaped The Beard Hedger zoom wheel for settings
Manscaped The Beard Hedger held in hand to display its ergonomics and grip
Manscaped The Beard Hedger inside travel case
Manscaped The Beard Hedger on charge with cord in bathroom
close up of Manscaped The Beard Hedger blades

The Manscaped Trimmer is a very blocky design with clean lines that make it look extremely angular.

You’d think that would make it uncomfortable to trim with, but actually it is quite comfortable in the hand. It is nice and light as well, so it doesn’t wear out your wrist at all.

The charging port and cable are USB-C, which is a huge plus. That means it should be easy to find a replacement cable if you lose or misplace the one that comes with it.

The only problem I have with the design is that it takes a few trims for you to find the angle for the regular cutting edge. You need to find the right index to make sure to trim correctly.

Performance

Performance-wise, the trimmer did the job of cutting and trimming my beard hair quite well.

collage of reviewer Robert using Manscaped The Beard Hedger on his beard

It didn’t leave any strays or mess up along the way, but it wasn’t a one-and-done either. I needed to go back over a few times to make sure I got an even cut over my beard.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Manscaped trimmer is a pretty good option for most guys. I had some issues with finding the correct cutting edge for the blade was somewhat awkward. My only real reservation is the asking price (80 USD). You could get the Panasonic ER-GB42 for 50 bucks.

Manscaped Beard Hedger — Check Price & Full Review

6. Philips Norelco Series 5000 Beard Trimmer – Best for Length Variety

For when you really need a solid product that has all the length settings possible.

The Philips Norelco Series 5000 has the best options if you want to experiment with different beard lengths.

holding the Philips Norelco Series 5000 Beard trimmer in the hand to show how it is held

Brief Description and Features

40 different length settings, ranging from 0.4mm to 20mm

90-minute battery life with 1 hour charge time

Dual Blade system lets you trim even very dense beards easily

Power light is easy to see and know if you have a full charge

Comes with: the trimmer, 3 length guides, charging cable, and cleaning brush

USB-C charging cable

It comes with a hard shell carrying case, that holds trimmer and charging cable

Philips Norelco Series 5000 Beard trimmer with accessories unboxed
close up of Philips Norelco Series 5000 Beard trimmer blades
close up of Philips Norelco Series 5000 Beard trimmer double blades
Philips Norelco Series 5000 Beard trimmer with big comb attachment
close up of the Philips Norelco Series 5000 Beard trimmer with an attachment attached
close up of Philips Norelco Series 5000 Beard trimmer dial for settings
close up of triimmer guard on Philips Norelco Series 5000 Beard trimmer attached
close up of Philips Norelco Series 5000 Beard trimmer gray attachment

The Philips Norelco Series 5000 is the middle child between the Series 3000 and the Series 9000. It is slightly larger than the Series 3000, but not as heavy as the Series 9000.

It has so many settings that it outstrips most of the other entries on this list. So why is it so far down?

Well, the outside looks sleek and nice, but it feels like cheap plastic. When I was shaving with this trimmer, I honestly felt like it was going to break in my hand and fall apart. 

It feels hollow like there is a great deal of space inside of the trimmer. The seems of each piece of molded plastic are loose and you can almost see into the trimmer.

This also applies to the plastic guides, which all felt like they were going to snap if I put too much pressure on them.

Performance

I will say that the Philips Norelco Series 5000 did the job of trimming my beard, and it had a huge amount of options for length. 

collage of author Robert trimming and using Philips Norelco 5000 Series beard trimmer

The actual trim was nice and even, but I did find that I had to make at least 2 or 3 passes to make sure and get all the stragglers. 

The major takeaway while using the trimmer was how loud it was. I could hear this trimmer going off multiple rooms away from it.

Not so bad if you are living alone, but if you live with family or roommates then EVERYONE in the house knows you are trimming your beard.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this isn’t a bad option, but there are better options on the list already. 

The Philips Norelco Series 5000 is basically just an oversized version of the Series 3000. I would recommend the Series 3000 much more than the 5000, hands down.

Philips Norelco Series 5000 — Check Price & Full Review

7. King C Gillette Beard Trimmer

Those of you who are regular readers here on Shaving Advisor know that I am a fan of most King C Gillette’s beard supplies.

King C Gillette Beard Trimmer Box with Trimmer on the top

Just check out my reviews for King C Gillette Beard Oil, King C Gillette Soft Beard Balm, and King C. Gillette Beard & Face Wash.

But as for this trimmer from the company that claims it is “the best a man can get,” there are better options.

Brief Description and Features

11 different beard length settings

50-minutes runtime — 10 hour charge time

Lifelong blades never need replacing

Comes with: Trimmer, charging cable, three length settings, cleaning brush, canvas carrying case

King C Gillette Beard Trimmer and all of its components laid out
holding the King a C Gillette Beard Trimmer
close up of King C Gillette Beard Trimmer settings
13mm – 21mm
the King a C Gillette Beard Trimmer attached to power cord
removal of King a C Gillette Beard Trimmer blades for cleaning
close up of King a C Gillette Beard Trimmer rubberized grip
close up of King a C Gillette Beard Trimmer stubble comb attached
1mm Stubble Comb Attached

The King C Gillette Beard Trimmer has some issues in its design.

It is not very comfortable to hold, with weird angles that make it just awkward to handle.

The power button has issues because it is very delicate and can be turned off mid-trim. 

The guides are also hard to use, having to hold down the button and slide it up and down. It is very easy to miss the setting you want and have to go back and forth until it slides into the length you like. Not deal-breaking, but very annoying.

Performance

This trimmer has problems in the power department.

collage of reviewer and tester Robert using the King C Gillette Beard Trimmer

While it will cut and trim your hair, you need to go slow. Especially if you have thick beard hair. If you don’t go slow, it will clog and even slow down the motor inside of the trimmer. I almost had it stop on me at one point.

I also had to run over my beard multiple times to get all the straggling hairs.

Final Thoughts

King C Gillette is great for other products, but it falls at the finish line with this trimmer.

The only real benefit I could see in getting this product is, it is actually inexpensive (around 30 USD). However, even the Philips Norelco Series 3000 is about the same price for a much better trimmer.

King C Gillette Trimmer — Check Price & Full Review

8. Wahl Stainless Steel Lithium-Ion Beard Trimmer 

Wahl is a known brand in the shaver and trimmer sphere, but not as well known as Philips or Panasonic.

Wahl Stainless Steel Lithium-Ion 2.0 Beard Trimmer leaning against its box

This work-a-day trimmer isn’t too bad, but it has one MAJOR downside that made it the bane of my existence.

Brief Description and Features

3.5 hours of battery life on 1 hour of charge

Interchangeable attachments

Self-sharpening blades

Comes with: trimmer, 9 different attachable combs, adjustable cutting attachment, nose hair trimmer attachment, charging cable, blade oil, cleaning brush, heavy-duty carrying case

Wahl Stainless Steel Lithium-Ion 2.0 Beard Trimmer unboxed with all components
holding the Wahl Stainless Steel Lithium-Ion 2.0 Beard Trimmer to display its ergonomics
close up of Wahl Stainless Steel Lithium-Ion 2.0 Beard Trimmer blades
close up of Wahl Stainless Steel Lithium-Ion 2.0 Beard Trimmer power button
close up of Wahl Stainless Steel Lithium-Ion 2.0 Beard Trimmer adjustable comb settings
Wahl Stainless Steel Beard Trimmer inside travel bag
attaching a comb on Wahl Stainless Steel Lithium-Ion 2.0 Beard Trimmer
Wahl Stainless Steel Beard Trimmer held in hand

I like the way this trimmer feels in the hand is nice, though there is no place to grip it. So it feels good, but it also feels like it is going to slip out of your hand constantly. Make sure your hands are dry before you start shaving.

The major downside I mentioned above comes in the fact that not only is it not waterproof, it has plenty of small cracks that will almost immediately collect water as you clean the trimmer.

When water leaked into the trimmer, it caused a short in the power button. The trimmer kept turning itself on and off all on its own. That or I have a ghost in my bathroom.

Performance

The shave itself was nice and pleasant. I had no issues with the trim other than the fact that the motor felt somewhat underpowered. Not as much as the King C. Gillette option, but it did have trouble when I let my beard grow longer than normal.

Reviewer Robert trimming with Wahl Stainless Steel Lithium-Ion Beard Trimmer

The great part is the amount of attachments that come with the trimmer. It works great as a nose hair trimmer, and it has so many options for trimming lengths you can style your beard however you want.

Final Thoughts

Does the amount of options on offer overcome the design flaw of being leaky?

Perhaps.

Maybe I just got a one-off fault on the production line.

That being said, I cannot justify spending almost 90 USD on this trimmer, when other options for less money would give me a better trim.

Wahl Stainless Steel Lithium-Ion Beard Trimmer  — Check Price & Full Review

9. Panasonic ER240 Beard and Mustache Trimmer

Finally, we come to the last option for Panasonic.

Panasonic ER240 trimmer seated on its box

This is the most recent review I have penned, meaning memories of this trimmer are more fresh in my mind.

That could be a good thing…or a bad thing.

Brief Description and Features

45 minutes battery life on 2 AA batteries

5 length adjustments

Batteries Not Included

Comes with a trimmer, a cutting guide, a mustache comb, and a cleaning brush

close up of Panasonic ER240 trimmer settings and guard
close up of Panasonic ER240 trimmer battery section
close up of Panasonic ER240 trimmer side displaying the power button and grip
holding a Panasonic ER240 trimmer without guard attached
Panasonic ER240 trimmer inside its box

This trimmer is a tiny little pocket rocket of a beard trimmer. It is like what you would get if you took an average beard trimmer and cut out every extraneous option until you got just the basics.

It only has 5 length settings, but those settings are easy to use.

It is also pretty robust. I like that this trimmer feels like it could be dropped multiple times.

The size plus the fact that it doesn’t use lithium Ion Batteries means it can travel very easily.

The Double As is both a good and bad thing.

The good is no charge time, and easy to replace when power runs out.

However, I am always weary of Double As around the sink. Where I grew up in Texas, we had hard water with more than our fair share of dissolved solids. That meant any batteries that would get wet could and would corrode on us with a nasty blue crust on everything.

You also will need to keep changing out the batteries when they run dry. Multiple Batteries in this Economy?!

Performance

The Panasonic ER240 is small, but it does the job. I got a decent trim during the few weeks I used to review it.

reviewer Robert trimming his beard with the Panasonic ER240 trimmer

The major problem is that it is underpowered and tended to clog very quickly. 

Even if I didn’t space out the trims, I still had issues where I had to stop multiple times during the trim just to clean out the guide so I could keep going.

I honestly just wished I was using a different trimmer the entire time I was using this trimmer.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Panasonic ER240 would be great if you wanted just a no-frills trimming option that you can travel with everywhere.

This trimmer is not for guys who need to trim regularly and have access to better options. It is about the same price as the Philips Norelco Series 3000. You can tell which one I would choose if given the option.

Wahl Stainless Steel Lithium-Ion Beard Trimmer  — Check Price & Full Review
  • Robert an author of shaving advisor

    Robert Knowles is a Freelance Author living in Boston (MA). He spends his days writing articles and his nights running various nerdy games for his friends. He has also been testing, using and reviewing men's grooming products for Shaving Advisor since 2022.