Every man’s grooming routine includes some kind of trimming or shaving. Beard trimmers are the best way to keep your beard looking sharp.
Trimming your beard at home can save you money and gives you complete control over your style.
However, with so many options on the market, it can be hard to find the product that is right for you.
In this article, we take a look at some of the best beard trimmers in Australia. If you’re still not sure what makes a beard trimmer great, after the reviews we break down everything from precision to handling so you can find the option that best meets your specific needs.
1. Wahl Lithium Ion Beard Trimmer (Top Pick)
One of the most popular beard trimmers on the market, this Lithium Ion Beard Trimmer from Wahl is easy to use and trims cleanly and consistently.
It comes with attachments that cover just about every conceivable grooming task such as trimming your mustache, eyebrows, and nose hair.
With the right attachment, it is more than serviceable as hair clippers too. If you have a long beard, the combs that come with it enable you to trim different areas to different lengths for optimal shape.
It has a nice weight to it, and together with the all-metal exterior, it feels like you are using a quality piece of machinery. The operating sound is low too; it is one of the quietest beard trimmers around.
On the downside, it isn’t waterproof, so you can’t just start trimming your beard after stepping out of the shower. You will also need to add a dab of oil to the blade now and again to keep it running smoothly and prevent rust.
What We Like:
- Precise trimming
- Many attachments
- Quiet
What We Don’t Like:
- Isn’t waterproof
- Requires oil once in a while
2. Philips Multigroom Series 5000 Beard Trimmer (Best Value)
The Philips Multigroom Series 5000 is a good quality trimmer that does everything you would expect from a home grooming kit. It comes with a range of attachments that will cover most jobs that you might need it for.
The trimming action is soft on your skin and the attachments don’t scrape or get caught, which makes trimming and shaving a pleasant experience. The rubber grip makes the Philips Series 5000 easy to handle and the unit is reasonably light as well. It is also waterproof so you can just rinse it under a tap to clean it.
The unit doesn’t shave as close as some other trimmers, so you may not be able to achieve that really fine stubble beard. Some people may find the charging a little slow as well. Otherwise, this is a great quality beard trimmer.
What We Like:
- Waterproof
- Soft on skin
- Easy to handle
- Comprehensive grooming kit
What We Don’t Like:
- Doesn’t shave close
- Slow charging
3. Braun Beard Trimmer BT5070
The Braun Beard Trimmer is a solid device that will work well for most people. It has dual batteries and a relatively quick charge time; you can use it after a ten minute quick charge or use it on the cord if you like.
The precision dial works great, allowing you to quickly adjust the trim setting, and it has a button to lock the setting so you won’t lose it if the trimmer gets knocked.
The slide-out mustache trimmer is handy but some people have complained that it doesn’t shave down to the skin. If you want really precise detail for men, you may have to use a razor to achieve it.
Some people have found that with a thick, bushy beard, the trimmer may struggle. Use this for light trimming or as a short beard or stubble trimmer and it will last you a long time.
What We Like:
- Fast charging
- Dual batteries
- Precision dial
What We Don’t Like:
- Detail trimmer is average
- Not for thick beards
4. Brio Beardscape with Travel Case
American company Brio has been quietly gaining a reputation for producing high-quality grooming products. Their flagship beard trimmer, Beardscape, is one of their most popular items. This beard trimmer combines an elegant, stylish design with exceptional build quality and impressive functional performance.
It features an integrated 1.0 – 1.9mm blade height adjustment along with interchangeable guards ranging in size from 1mm to 18mm. It also features 5 speed levels to help you find the perfect settings to suit your facial hair thickness and style.
The blade is rock solid ceramic and produces less friction, heat, and noise when compared to metal-based trimmers. The battery life is an incredible 4 hours meaning less mucking around with regular charging. This makes the Beardscape a great option for ease of use and convenience.
What We Like:
- Frictionless ceramic blades
- Great quality for the price
- Multiple precise length settings
- Extra-long run time
What We Don’t Like:
- More expensive than entry-level options
5. Wahl Superior Performance Li Ion Trimmer
This stainless steel lithium ion trimmer is another great product from Wahl. The trimming action is really precise and gives sharp, crisp lines like you would get from a professional shave. With the T blade attached you can trim to just 0.13 mm for that five o clock shadow look.
It comes with all the combs you will ever need and can be used for just about every grooming task you can think of. The battery on this is superb and lasts for ages, which makes it good for traveling.
The feel of this Wahl beard trimmer is a little light; some people may prefer this, but a nice heft usually feels better quality. Some people have found that it struggles with thick hair, but for most people, this will be a solid, reliable trimmer.
What We Like:
- Precision trimming
- Long-lasting charge
What We Don’t Like:
- Struggles with thick hair
- A little light
6. Philips One Blade Rechargeable Wet and Dry Electric Shaver
The Philips OneBlade is not as sharp as some of the other trimmers here, but you can press it into your skin to get as close a shave as possible. It doesn’t shave as close as a safety razor, but it will clean up a neck beard nicely. It is good enough that most people can use it for their shaving needs.
It is especially good for a thick beard, or hair that grows in different directions. You can get a full shave without worrying about ingrown hairs or razor burn. It is also a great option for edging and precision work.
The battery life is good for this type of unit, but charging can take a while. The replacement blades can also be on the pricey side, so try to get them when they are on sale.
Overall, the Philips OneBlade is a solid electric shaver. It isn’t an all in one grooming solution, but for shaving and precision edging it is very good.
What We Like:
- Can be pressed into skin
- Good for thick hair
- Good as a hair shaver
What We Don’t Like:
- Long charge time
- Replacements blades are pricey
7. Philips Beardtrimmer Series 3000 Beard and Stubble Trimmer
Another super popular product, this affordable beard trimmer is marketed as a “3-day beard made easy”. It’s best for short – medium length beards, this trimmer has 20 different length settings (0. 5mm – 10mm) and high-quality stainless steel blades.
It features a handy and innovative feature called Lift & Trim, which is designed to capture more low-lying hairs to achieve an even, consistent result. The Philips Series 3000 is ergonomic, user-friendly and includes a battery light indicator that lets you know if the battery is low, empty, charging or full.
The self-sharpening feature means the steel blades stay sharper for longer, while rounded tips make them skin friendly and suitable for contouring. The set also comes with a travel and storage pouch so you can keep the beard trimmer protected when not in use.
What We Like:
- Low price
- Lift & Trim feature captures low-lying hairs
- 20 precise length settings
- Skin friendly, self-sharpening blades
- Detachable head for easy cleaning
- Suitable for body hair
- 2 year world wide warranty
What We Don’t Like:
- More noisy than other trimmers
- Lacks precision of high-end trimmers
Beard Trimmer Buyer’s Guide
There’s nothing more frustrating than picking up a beard trimmer that leaves your skin irritated and your beard patchy. The best beard trimmer cuts evenly and easily so you can create the exact look you want. There are lots of factors, features and setting to consider when choosing between beard trimmers. Use the guide below to help you find the best beard trimmer for your facial hair.
Beard Type
First things first, the best beard trimmer for you will depend on your beard type. People with shorter beards will prefer a different trimmer and shaver compared to people with longer beards. Think about the type of facial hair you have (or want to grow) so you can buy a beard trimmer that suits the length and style you are going for. Make sure the trimmer you choose also offers accessories and attachments that suit the length of your facial hair.
Quality
If you want to maintain your beard, a beard trimmer is something you will use every few days, so you should aim to get the best quality you can. Purchasing a cheap unit may seem like a good deal, but you will never get that nice, professional trim, and it is unlikely to hold up for the long-term.
Quality beard trimmers will be more expensive in the beginning, but because they are more durable and last longer, they usually end up being cheaper overall. A good beard trimmer will far outlast a cheap one and they are easier to maintain too.
Also, consider that your face is the part of you that everybody sees, it’s worth the investment to make sure you get the best groom possible. A quality beard hair trimmer can give you professional results at home.
Corded Vs Cordless
One of the other key considerations when choosing a beard trimmer is whether you want a corded or cordless model. Each option has its pros and cons:
Corded
If you choose a corded beard trimmer you don’t need to worry about battery life or charge time but you will only be able to use it near a suitable power plug. The beard trimmer won’t ever run out of power halfway through your trim which makes them the best option for longer trimming sessions. You also don’t need to spend any time waiting for the trimmer to charge. As well as this, corded options tend to offer more power than cordless trimmers.
Although they are versatile, there are downsides to corded trimmers too. These include not being able to use the trimmer when in the shower and the restriction that the cord itself can cause. Some people find the cord gets in the way and restricts their movement when they are trying to trim their beard.
Cordless
If you are looking for flexibility then a cordless trimmer is ideal. You can easily manoeuvre when using a cordless option and you will be able to use the trimmer anywhere. For ultimate convenience, some cordless beard trimmers can be used while plugged in too. Many trimmers have a display or indicator light that lets you know how much battery life is left so you can keep track.
The downside is that they need to be charged. If choosing a cordless trimmer, keep in mind that the battery life offered on a single charge varies a lot from model to model, as does the charge time. You can usually expect around 1 hour of usage from several hours of charging.
Some models offer a quick charge that gives you around 10 minutes of run time so you can still have a quick trim even if you have forgotten to charge the hair trimmer. If you are prone to forgetting to plug the trimmer in, look for a model that offers this quick charge feature.
Size
Trimmers for men come in all shapes and sizes. Some are easier to hold and use than others. The best beard trimmers feel comfortable and secure in your hand. These trimmers are a good size and weight to give you accuracy and control.
A trimmer that is too large or heavy is going to be awkward to use, especially for longer beard trimming sessions. If it is too small it will be more difficult to control and getting precise cuts can be a challenge. This is why the size and shape of the trimmer you choose are such important factors.
Clipper Length
Trimmers can adjust the clipper length in two ways, by snapping on combs, or a built-in trimmer adjustment. If you can’t get the precision you want, your trimmer won’t be much use. A trimmer with a built-in adjustment can be more expensive but offers added convenience as you don’t need to pack extra guide combs and trimmer blades to trim your beard to the right length.
Before you buy a beard trimmer, check the range of sizes available in the guards that are included and ensure they are suitable for your needs. Most trimmers include a wide range of guide combs so you can easily achieve the desired trim length. Using the beard trimmer without the adjustable comb attached will give you a close shave but if you want a really close shave you may want to opt for an electric shaver.
RELATED: The Best Hair Clippers for Men
Power
Battery life is important, particularly for travellers as you may not have the option to charge your trimmer as often as you would like. The charge time is also a consideration as some trimmer need to be on charge for several hours before they are fully charged.
If you only use the beard trimmer at home, then you probably don’t need an expensive, long-life battery. In general, one charge should give you a run time of at least 1 hour. Some options such as the Philips Norelco Series 7000 offer a quick charge feature where a 5 minute quick charge offers enough power for 1 shave.
One thing to note is that a rechargeable trimmer usually won’t have as much power as a corded trimmer. Depending on your needs, look for a cordless trimmer that has enough power to handle your hair type.
Easy Clean Vacuum
Beard trimmers can even include vacuum technology that sucks up the trimmed hair and holds it in a chamber for emptying when you are finished. This is an easy clean method that makes trimming your beard hair less of a messy chore. Rather than having to clean a sink covered in hair after a shave, you will simply have to empty out the vacuum chamber on the trimmer.
Dry Or Wet
Another alternative to having to clean the sink after a shave is shaving in the shower. Any trimmer can be used for a dry shave, but if you have sensitive skin or you just like a wet shave, you will need to look for a waterproof unit. Finding a wet and dry trimmer gives the freedom and flexibility to shave wherever and whenever you prefer. Some units are not fully waterproof, but the head can still be rinsed under a tap. This may be enough for most people.
If you prefer a wet shave, the blades need to be cleaned and patted dry after use to keep them in the best condition.
Any trimmer can be used for a dry shave, but if you have sensitive skin or you just like a wet shave, look for a waterproof unit. Some units are not waterproof, but the head can still be rinsed under a tap. This may be enough for most people.
Attachments and Accessories
- Foil Shaver – if you want to achieve a close shave, look for a foil shaver attachment. The foil shaver has oscillating blades underneath a mesh cover and this allows the blades to follow the natural shape of your face to achieve a close shave.
- Edge Trimmer – an edge or detail trimmer is best if you want to neaten your beard and carefully trim your moustache, goatee or sideburns. This is perfect for those finishing touches after a beard trim.
- Nose trimmer – if you want to trim nose hair use a nose trimmer instead of scissors. Many beard trimmers will come with a nose trimmer for easily trimming nose hairs. You can also get ear trimmers to deal with ear hairs. Nose and ear trimmers are both quick and easy to use making them great for every man’s grooming kit.
- Cleaning brush – some beard trimmers come with a cleaning brush to make it easier to remove hairs from the blades after use. Cleaning the blades is important for keeping the beard and stubble trimmer clean and in good condition.
- Stand – having a beard trimmer stand in the bathroom can be useful. A stand can help keep the trimmer in good condition and some double up as charging stands for cordless models too.
- Case – a case is necessary if you will be taking your beard trimmer travelling or if you have many accessories you want to store together.
Beard Trimmer Maintenance
Even the best beard trimmers need some regular maintenance to keep them at their best. It may be tempting to continue using the beard trimmer over and over without cleaning it but this is going to have an impact on the cleanliness and performance of the trimmer. Use these cleaning and maintenance tips to keep your beard trimmer at its best:
After Each Use
Gently shake the hairs out of the blade. Use a cleaning brush to help remove any caught hairs. If the trimmer you are using is waterproof (or the head of the clipper can safely be rinsed under water) then do this to give it a more thorough clean. Never put the trimmer away when it is still wet, pat it dry and place it somewhere where it can fully dry before putting it into storage.
Some beard trimmers come with a spray that can be sprayed on the blades after cleaning. It is also worth applying a few drops of oil to the trimmer blades every couple of uses to keep them sharp and working well.
Full Clean
You don’t need to do this every time you use the beard trimmer but a regular cleaning routine helps keep them in good shape. Take care when following these steps:
- To fully clean the beard trimmer, turn it off and unplug it.
- Take the trimmer apart by carefully removing the trimmer head and remove any hair or dirt from inside the trimmer.
- Use a blade wash solution (or a mix of water and gentle soap) and the cleaning brush to clean the trimmers. If you haven’t cleaned the blades in a while it can be good to soak them in a mixture of water and antibacterial liquid or vinegar for 10-15 minutes.
- While the blades are soaking you can give the rest of the trimmer a wipe clean, using the brush to remove any dirt or hair that has built up over time.
- Pat dry the trimmer parts or let them air dry before reassembling the beard trimmer.
- Check the blades and head of the trimmer have been reassembled properly.
- Oil the blades to reduce friction, prevent overheating and help keep them sharp.
Beard Trimming Tips
Got your trimmer and ready to get to work? Keep the following things in mind when getting set with your facial hair grooming routine.
Start with some length. While it can be tempting to start trimming and styling right away, you’ll get the best results if you first grow a bit of length. This will allow your beard to cover the face more evenly and provides a better base to start from.
Clean and Brush. Use a beard shampoo to ensure your beard is clean and soft before you start to work on it. Washing not only keeps your beard clean and voluminous, but also helps maintain the health of the skin underneath and prevents it from drying out.
Use a beard brush to detangle and ensure all facial hair is pointing outwards, not sideways. This should capture any stray hairs and make easier work for the guide combs when you come to trimming.
Choose your beard style wisely. There’s a wide range of beard styles out there, and choosing the best one for you will depend on your face shape and personal preference. Be sure to browse some galleries of popular beard styles to find something that you think would work well.
Trim with care. Ensure you are using high-quality beard trimmers that offer a range of lengths. Self-sharpening blades are also a great feature if you want your clippers to last a long time.
Popular beard styles often involve shorter hair on the sides of the face and neck, with slightly longer hair around the chin. Take care when trimming and don’t rush the process, particularly if it’s a style you have not tried before.
If you are starting out, it’s a good idea to start with a longer guard first to get the general shape. Remember, you can always trim your beard shorter, but never longer!
Be careful with the neckline. For you’re neck, you’ll want your clippers to be a couple of settings shorter than your beard length.
The biggest decision is whether to draw your line above or below the Adams Apple. You can try both and see what you prefer but just don’t go directly over it.
Use beard oil. Finding the perfect oil to suit your beard can be a game changer. Beard oil can make your facial hair more manageable, reduce itching, and improve the condition and appearance of your beard. It also can encourage healthy growth.
Looking for more tips on beard styling? Check out the handy video below:
