Sporting facial hair takes more than just choosing to stop shaving. Unless it’s the goal to look like Sasquatch, a beard and mustache trimmer is going to be a required tool.
Trimmers are common enough it’s probably possible to buy one at the local gas station. Buying one which works well and runs for years will require a little more legwork. But not much if you stick to the following best beard and mustache trimmers recently reviewed by our more hairy contributors:
MSRP: 25.99
Pros: Superior low-cost option, wide-variety of included accessories.
Cons: Flimsy pieces, life expectancy >3 years.
The Takeaway: The ideal choice of beard and mustache trimmer for college students and others living on minimum income in need of cleaned up facial hair. If you can though, hold out for something above this lowest price range model.
MSRP: 39.99
Pros: Long-lasting lithium battery, durable construction, precise action.
Cons: Good luck keeping track of all the add-ons, narrow head, hard to clean.
The Takeaway: This is the best choice for guys who tend to not know their own strength: the accessories can take abuse and the trimmer itself is solid. Not the best for perfectionists and clean freaks.
MSRP: 47.24
Pros: Safe to use and lightweight.
Cons: Difficult with coarse hair, poor battery life over time.
The Takeaway: Beard beginners probably want to give this one a try over the rest. The design keeps accidental nicks and tears to a minimum and the mid-range price reduces risk if the whole hairy face thing doesn’t work out. As mentioned, thicker haired males will have a harder time with this product than others.
MSRP: 69.99
Pros: Easy to clean, easy to use.
Cons: Pricey, high-maintenance.
The Takeaway: This trimmer has the most polarized of perspectives from users. Half of contributors loved it for its superior accuracy despite its constant oil applications. The other half hated it for the latter despite the former. Both agreed it’s the best out there under $100, in terms of end results.
Philips Norelco 7300 Series 7000
MSRP: 59.99
Pros: Easy to use, long-lasting battery, includes a nifty vacuum feature.
Cons: Difficult to clean when clogged, loud during operation, poor ergonomics.
The Takeaway: Guys with girlfriends tired of finding the sink littered with little hairs will be happy to knock one less nag off the daily grind thanks to the vacuum feature. It doesn’t get everything though – so be on the lookout for hair buildup in the trimmer parts. Overall the accuracy is what one would expect from one of the more reputable brands in the business. At the same time, inferior handle design makes you wonder what all that industry experience has done for Norelco, if not help them improve user comfort.
Beards and mustaches are like a farm. Just letting it grow on its own won’t get the desired results. Like a farmer, bearded men need the right tools to get the job done. Stick to one of the aforementioned beard and mustache trimmers to ensure the desired look is achieved.
