It’s common to want to take matters into your own hands when it’s time for a haircut. If you’re skilled enough to give yourself a buzz or prefer doing touchups to avoid the hassle of frequent trips to the barber, you can always improve your technique with a solid set of hair clippers. By doing so you’re already halfway to an even cut, says Julien Howard, a New York-based barber known as the Vélo Barber.
Whether your goal is to achieve a simple fade, switch up your hairstyle or try a layered, more complex look, there are a few factors to consider before getting started (think: grooming needs, hair type and desired look). We asked experts for their thoughts on the best hair clippers for various scenarios. We also added a couple top-rated ones to the list (including two customer favorites for efficiently and smartly managing the DIY buzz).
- Best Hair Clippers Overall: Andis Master Cordless Clipper
- Best Corded Hair Clippers: Wahl Professional Magic Clip
- Best Hair Clippers For All Hair Types: BaBylissPRO Barberology MetalFX Series Lithium Clipper
- Most Classic Hair Clippers: Andis BGRC Detachable Blade Clipper
- Best Hair Trimmer: Beard Trimmer By Bevel
- Best Hair Clippers For Fades: Cordless PowerSeries + Titanium Haircut & Beard Trimmer 5000, HC7130
- Best Hair Trimmer For A Close Shave: Wahl 5 Star Finale Finishing Tool
Best Hair Clippers Overall
A Versatile Option For Every Type Of Haircut
- Attachments: Length 000 to 1
- Cordless: Yes
Here’s your pick if you ever want to give your barber a gift—or if you want the best clippers for home use. “This has a masterfully designed aluminum body and powerful motor that can cut through any hair type,” says Howard. “The adjustable blade handle is perfect for precise fading or getting that five o’clock shadow just right. The 10-ounce weight reflects the power.” If desired, the device can also be zero-gapped, which means its teeth can be aligned to deliver the closest, sharpest cut possible (this is best avoided with sensitive skin, however).
Best Corded Hair Clippers
A Reliable Grooming Workhorse
- Attachments: 8 comb guards, 3 T-trimmers
- Cordless: No
Wahl’s Magic Clip is popular with barbers worldwide, according to Howard. “Many of my coworkers use them since they are comfortable to hold, but also strong [on all types of hair],” he says. The device weighs just one pound, which gives it the necessary bulk for trims while staying steady. It’s got eight comb guards and three T-trimmers, which allows for the customization and precision you need.
Best Hair Clippers For All Hair Types
The Ferrari Of Hair Clippers
- Attachments: 8
- Cordless: Yes
BaBylissPro’s cordless clipper is notable for its customization, since it has eight different attachments. You can navigate depth and detail while it steadily mows through the hair (no matter how coarse, thin, curly or coiled). Its power is owed to a Ferrari-designed engine, which holds a stunning three-hour charge.
Most Classic Hair Clippers
A Streamlined Yet Powerful Option
- Attachments: Detachable blades sold separately
- Cordless: No
A powerful alternative to the barber-beloved Oster Classic 76, these versatile Andis clippers work on any type of hair and can also be used cordless. While it’s not quite as bulky as the Oster, it’s still a tried-and-true favorite.
Best Hair Trimmer
Lightweight Clippers For All-Over Touchups
- Attachments: Square and T-blade
- Cordless: Yes
For clean lines and optimal definition, this lightweight, user-friendly pick features an easily adjustable blade that’s perfect for short, freshly-shaved looks—though it’s also versatile enough to tackle buzz cuts, body touch-ups or beard trimming. The ergonomic design will prevent the trimmer from slipping outside your palm. And thanks to its eight-hour charge, waiting 30 minutes after plugging in is a thing of the past.
Best Hair Clippers For Fades
A Totally Customized Clip
- Attachments: 16
- Cordless: Yes
Remington’s affordable clipper has an ergo-friendly design and piercing stainless steel blades. If you’re feeling more adventurous than a buzz, this has all the guards you need to taper and fade with ease. There are two adjustable combs, plus 16 different guard attachments for a totally customized clip. Lastly, its strong, lithium-powered battery carries a 60-minute charge—or you can use it while it’s plugged in.
Best Hair Trimmer For A Close Shave
A Great Alternative To A Straight Razor
- Attachments: Replacement foil and shaver sold separately
- Cordless: Yes
This classic tool is best described as a straight razor replacement. For the sharpest look, regional barber manager at Fellow Barber Raquel Fajardo suggests first trimming your hair down with an at-home device like the Wahl Peanut or the Bevel pick on this list. “Once you’ve taken as much hair off as you can, use the foil shaver to get down to a baby skin finish,” she says. “If you want a buzz cut or a shaved head but would rather avoid a razor, use this.”
What To Look For When Shopping For Hair Clippers
Grooming Needs
According to Howard, it’s important to think about your hair thickness and density. Men with coarse, unruly or curly hair require more power and force from clippers, compared to those with straight or thin hair.
Fajardo suggests first identifying your goal. “There are so many different types of clippers, so figure out what your desired result is,” she says. Though you shouldn’t technically use beard trimmers on your head, it is typically fine to use hair clippers as a beard and body trimmer, given their added power and speed.
Engineering
More weight often means more power. So while some guys might prefer a lightweight option for the ease of mobility, heft is considered a sign of high-quality engineering and can even give you a steadier hand during the haircut. Plus, clipping the hairs on your head requires more precision and force than those on your face, so don’t skimp on engineering.
Attachments
According to Fajaro, the best clippers use a lever with detachable clips and guards of various lengths—instrumental tools for guys looking to get a fade. In fact, experimenting with adjustable clippers and finding the blade that consistently delivers the same results is the key to achieving a sleek, professional look at home.
Corded vs. Cordless
Fajardo recommends cordless clippers, which are more user-friendly and universal. And if you’re new to at-home grooming, there are a whole slew of expert how-to tutorials on YouTube. A bonus tip? “Less is more,” Fajardo says. “The less grooming, the better. Start slow, using a clipper that’s first going to keep most of your hair on.”
