IT’S ALWAYS A good idea to have a good set of hair clippers in your grooming grooming product arsenal because, well, you never know when they’ll come in handy. You don’t even have to be a DIYer who regularly goes full-on G.I. Jane in their bathroom mirror to get use out of them. They can also be handy for keeping your cut looking fresh and extending time between haircuts. But with endless options available in the market, finding the right hair clippers is not easy.
To help you narrow down, we asked professional barbers and hairstylists which hair clippers and electric razors they use for the freshest fades and tightest lines—and even tested the best hair clippers for men out there. Designed with professional-grade at-home haircuts in mind, these hair clippers use high-quality blades that can cut through different hair types and textures, and many come with additional attachments such as comb guides that allow you to personalize your trimmings for different hairdos.
Best Hair Clippers for Men
BEST PROFESSIONAL HAIR CLIPPERSAndis Master Cordless Hair ClipperSHOP AT AMAZONREAD MORE
BEST CLASSIC HAIR CLIPPERSWahl Professional 5 Star Series Senior Clipper$136 AT WALMARTREAD MORE
MOST VERSATILE HAIR CLIPPERSWahl Professional 5 Star Cordless Magic Clip Hair Clipper$116 AT AMAZONREAD MORE
MOST TRAVEL-FRIENDLYAndis Slimline® 2 T-Blade Trimmer
$68SHOP NOWIn StockFree ShippingREAD MORE
BEST DESIGNBaBylissPRO Barberology SilverFX Clipper$210 AT AMAZONREAD MORE
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So whether you’re a professional barber, or are looking to buzz off your own hair at home, our picks of the 7 best hair clippers for men make it easy for you to sport a clean, fresh coif without spending a lot of money or time.
What to Consider
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.
Blades
Ideally, you should look for hair clippers with blades made out of stainless steel, ceramic or titanium because of the strength and durability those material offer. Some clippers will also feature self-sharpening blades which are a good idea for home use since they stay sharp and you don’t have to remember to sharpen them manually.
Cord or Cordless
Professionals typically favor corded clippers because they have more power—and don’t have to be charged between uses. 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 and can be more flexible to use.
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.
How We Selected
For the past three 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, 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.
BEST PROFESSIONAL HAIR CLIPPERS
Andis Master Cordless Hair Clipper
SHOP AT AMAZONCREDIT: ELI SCHMIDT
PROS
- Industry standard for hair clippers
- Easily clips hair without nicking
- Durable and lightweight build
- Powerful motor with high speed
CONS
- Does not include length guards
We’ve been using this product since 2017 and found the most valuable feature are the blades. Firstly, they are overlap blades, which means they’ll bring precision and details to your lines and edges. Secondly, they’re adjustable—from fine to coarse, or size 000 to 1, making them more versatile than ever.
“Some consider the Andis Master the greatest hair clipper ever,” says Pedro Rosario, Master Barber for AXE Hair. “They’re powerful, durable, and with proper maintenance (like cleaning and oiling) can last a lifetime.” Lately, he’s cutting the cord and loves the new cordless version of this old faithful.
From its high-speed rotary motor and quality blades to its timeless metallic look, these clippers rank first in its class and are treasured by a generation of barbers.
Read more: Best Head Shavers
| Motor | Rotary, 7,200 spm (strokes per minute) |
|---|---|
| Blades | Carbon steel |
| Cordless? | Yes |
| Attachments | None |
| Battery Life | Up to 90 minutes |
BEST CLASSIC HAIR CLIPPERS
Wahl Professional 5 Star Series Senior Clipper
$136 AT WALMARTCREDIT: ELI SCHMIDT
PROS
- Strong, durable build
- Trusted performance
- Long battery life
CONS
- May be too powerful for beginners
We’ve tested many Wahl clippers and understand why barbers rely heavily on them to get the job done. They make at-home grooming much easier with minimal maintenance and three attachment comb cutting guides. Eric Becker of Blind Barber says regardless if you choose “either corded or cordless, [it] is the best all around clipper for taking care of your hair or beard.”
Celebrity barber Vernon Scott has been using the Wahl Senior clipper for 25 years because “efficiency, accuracy, and weight are major factors when it comes to clippers.” This one checks all the right boxes and the newer cordless hair clipper version is a game changer. Whether it’s for on-scalp tapering and fading, it brings precision and speed to the table. With blades that are adjustable and zero-gap, let’s just say for close trims, this clipper doesn’t miss.
You really can’t go wrong with these for a professional-level cut, but they’re best at the hands of people who have used clippers before (they’re that powerful), so unless you’ve been cutting your own hair for years, you may want to opt for something a little more beginner-friendly or have someone show you how to use them safely.
Read more: Best Hair Conditioners
| Motor | Magnetic |
|---|---|
| Blades | Stainless steel |
| Cordless? | No |
| Attachments | 3 comb cutting guides, styling comb |
| Battery Life | Up to 70 minutes |
MOST VERSATILE HAIR CLIPPERS
Wahl Professional 5 Star Cordless Magic Clip Hair Clipper
$116 AT AMAZONCREDIT: ELI SCHMIDT
PROS
- Great at beard trimming too
- Long lifespan
- Will cut through most hair types
CONS
- May be too powerful for beginners
Maxime Bellemar, barber and founder of KRWN Barbershops in Montreal, Canada, loves this “sharp and easy-to-use” clipper because it’s a heavy-duty clipper that Bellemar says is “solid,” but cuts so cleanly that it can pull double duty as a detailer for crisp lineups and razor sharp beard lines.
Featuring crunch technology, a convenient taper lever, superior speed and a rechargeable battery, this clipper has all of the professional-grade features of its corded predecessor above, but in a sleekly designed, more modern cordless package. In addition, it’s versatile enough for different hair textures and haircuts, whether you’re aiming for line fading or removing your hair in bulk. In other words, the magic is truly in the blades.
Like the corded version, keep in mind that this is still a professional strength tool, though, so if you’re new to clippers, there is going to be a learning curve in order to use them well (and safely). The motor is powerful and blades are sharp, so be careful.
Read more: Best Shampoos for Men
| Motor | Rotary |
|---|---|
| Blades | Stainless steel |
| Cordless? | Yes |
| Attachments | 8 comb cutting guides |
| Battery Life | Up to 100 minutes |
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MOST TRAVEL-FRIENDLY
Andis Slimline® 2 T-Blade Trimmer
$68SHOP NOW
In Stock
Free ShippingCREDIT: ELI SCHMIDT
PROS
- Incredibly durable
- Can cut virtually any hair type thanks to efficient motor
- Portable and travel-friendly
CONS
- Motor takes 1-2 seconds to get to full speed
- Not as powerful as the Andis Master Clipper
This Andis model works wonders for every purpose: beards, mustaches, necklines, and edging around the ears. Its 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.
Keep in mind that this is actually a detailer, which is totally fine if what you’re usually using clipper for is to shape facial hair, clean up your lines between cuts and general detail work. One Men’s Health editor uses this every day to keep his mustache shape crisp, for instance. While the included guide combs are great for things like beards and touching up your fade, because it’s so small, it’s not ideal for a full haircut.
| Motor | Rotary |
|---|---|
| Blades | Stainless steel |
| Cordless? | Yes (can be corded, too) |
| Attachments | 9 comb cutting guides |
| Battery Life | Up to 2 hours |
BEST DESIGN
BaBylissPRO Barberology SilverFX Clipper
$210 AT AMAZON$123 AT WALMARTCREDIT: ELI SCHMIDT
PROS
- Sleek design that’s easy to hold
- Quality performance on all hair types
- Long battery life
- 5-detent taper control feature
CONS
- More expensive than other similar professional clippers
- All-metal casing makes it heavier than similar clippers
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.
What do buyers say? “I‘ve never had a shave so close with even a regular safety razor,” says one amazon.com reviewer. “Maybe it’s just me finally getting the hang of a proper shave. I’ve shaved my face so close with this, it felt like my skin was silky, baby smooth.”
| Motor | Brushless, 13,600 spm |
|---|---|
| Blades | Stainless steel |
| Cordless? | Yes |
| Attachments | 8 combs |
| Battery Life | Up to 2 hours |
BEST FOR BEGINNERS
Panasonic ER-SB40-K Cordless Hair Trimmer
Now 13% Off
$109 AT AMAZON$142 AT WALMARTCREDIT: ELI SCHMIDT
PROS
- All-in-one package
- Can be used on any part of your body
- Quick-adjust dial makes head-to-toe grooming easy
CONS
- Battery life not as long as some might prefer
- Expensive for not being professional grade
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.
We’ve been using the ER-SB40-K since 2021, and it still cuts closer and faster than some of the newest hair clippers on the market. That’s tanks to its powerful-yet-quiet motor that plows through even the thickest hair to get the exact look you want. In short, one tester called it, “the best trimmer I’ve ever used.”
You really can’t argue with the convenience of having a trimmer that can easily (and safely) trim everywhere on your body. Keep in mind, though, that what you sacrifice in the name of convenience is that, while this is powerful for an at-home trimmer, it’s not as powerful as a professional grade trimmer. That’s probably okay (because you’re not cutting your own hair multiple times every day), but if you have especially thick or coarse hair on your head, it’s something to keep in mind.
Read more: Best Beard Products for Men
| Motor | Linear, 9,800 cpm (cuts per minute) |
|---|---|
| Blades | Stainless steel |
| Cordless? | Yes (and corded) |
| Attachments | 1 (rotary dial gives 19 length options) |
| Battery Life | Up to 60 minutes |
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BEST HIGH-END HAIR CLIPPERS
Bevel Pro All-in-One Clipper and Trimmer
$291 AT AMAZON$330 AT BEST BUYCREDIT: ELI SCHMIDT
PROS
- Designed by pro barbers
- Easy to change guards and blades
- 4 hours of run time
- Good for cutting through coarse hair
CONS
- May be too advanced for beginners
- Expensive compared to similar professional grade clippers
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.”
One of the draws of this clipper is the sleek, modern design and luckily, that newfangled look doesn’t take away any of the cutting power or the features that you actually need to effectively cut hair. The shape is different from other clippers (it’s more bulbous), so it may take a bit of getting used to if you’ve been using an older style clipper before. That said, it’s an easy upgrade to both your bathroom counter and your haircut.
| Motor | Rotary, 6,000 rpm |
|---|---|
| Blades | Stainless steel |
| Cordless? | Yes |
| Attachments | 4 combs |
| Battery Life | Up to 4 hours |
More Hair Clippers We Like
Wahl Deluxe Corded Chrome Pro: 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.”
We should also note that, unlike the previous clippers on this list, this one is truly designed for home use, so you don’t have to be a professional to use it. That makes it ideal for beginners as well, since the motor and blades are powerful enough to give a great cut on all hair types, but it’s a little less scary (though, as with all clippers, you should still be careful). The plentiful amount of guards also help take out some of the guesswork, which is always welcome.
Limural PRO Hair Clippers Kit: 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: 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.
Remington Virtually Indestructible Haircut Clippers Kit: 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.
Andis inCRED Cordless Li Clipper Set: 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.
Andis Master Adjustable Blade Clipper: 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.
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.
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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.
Meet the Experts
- Vernon Scott, celebrity barber
- Eric Becker, barber at Blind Barber
- Maxime Bellemar, barber and founder of KRWN
- Vaughn Acord, hairstylist and founder of V76
- Marcus Harvey, celebrity barber
- Dan Castillo, barber at Fellow Barber
- Darrius Peace, barber
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