The Best Hair Clippers

For the cost of a haircut, get the Wahl Elite Pro, our top pick after testing 11 clippers. Sharp, quiet, and versatile, with the best guide combs for easy styling.

The Wahl Elite Pro stands out for its sturdy combs, secure fit, durable build, 8-ft cord, and great value, making it our top choice for home haircuts.

 

The Wahl Color Pro Plus rivals the Elite Pro, with playful color-coded combs and a different grip. It’s durable, useful, and more affordable but less often in stock.

The Oster Fast Feed, a durable barbershop favorite, is ideal for buzz cuts and fades. Quiet, powerful, and long-lasting, it suits homes needing regular trims.

The Remington Virtually Indestructible Trimmer is lightweight, easy to maneuver, and perfect for self-cuts or kids’ hair. It features secure guide combs, a quiet motor, and a long cord.

How we picked

Hair clippers may seem simple, but guide combs are key to a good cut. Stiff, well-labeled combs that attach securely are crucial for clean, precise results.

Clipper combs vary in size from 1 (⅛ inch) to 8 (1 inch) with some brands offering additional sizes. Combs are often brand-specific, making them incompatible across different models.

Combs made from rigid ABS plastic perform best, avoiding breakage or bending. Clipper blades are typically stainless or carbon steel, with some self-sharpening. A taper lever allows finer adjustments for blending hair lengths, though its value depends on skill level.

Clippers vary in size, with larger models like the Wahl Color Pro Plus less comfortable than smaller ones like the Remington Virtually Indestructible. Pro models typically have durable, long cords and more powerful motors. Most home users won’t notice motor differences, but magnetic motors are common. We focused on clippers with high-quality blades, sturdy cords, ergonomic design, and good reviews.

How we tested

We tested clippers on various hair types and textures, involving a panel of seven testers with different experiences. They evaluated comfort, performance, guide combs, cleaning, and accessories, ultimately choosing their preferred model.

Our pick: Wahl Elite Pro High Performance Hair Clipper Kit

The Wahl Elite Pro outperformed all other models, with reliable guide combs, sturdy housing, and a pro-grade power cord. Its 10 guide combs, including half-sizes for fine control, and durable build make it a top choice.

The Wahl Elite Pro kit includes 10 clearly labeled combs, making it easy to organize. Its compact, durable hard-plastic case with quality clasps and hinges adds to its value.

The Wahl Elite Pro is covered by a five-year warranty.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The Wahl Elite Pro lacks a T-blade for detailed cuts around the ears and face. It’s slightly heavy (15⅞ oz) but comfortable to hold, with a quieter motor than the Remington Virtually Indestructible.

Budget pick: Wahl Color Pro Plus Haircutting Kit

The Wahl Color Pro Plus offers a similar experience to our top pick, with color-coded, easy-to-find guards. While its combs are flimsier than the Elite Pro’s, testers preferred the Color Pro Plus for its convenience.

The Wahl Color Pro Plus is highly rated for its value and compact size, though its storage box is smaller and less sturdy than the Elite Pro’s. It has a 7-foot cord and a lighter, “toy-like” design. The cordless version offers 60 minutes of use but with fewer guards. Both versions are backed by a five-year warranty.

Upgrade pick: Oster Fast Feed Adjustable Pivot Motor Clipper

The Oster Fast Feed is a powerful, reliable clipper used in barbershops. It’s easier to use and more affordable than other pro models, weighing less than the Wahl options at 14⅝ ounces.

The Oster Fast Feed is comfortable, easy to maneuver, and has a pleasant hum. It includes four rigid plastic guide combs, with a thick 8-foot cord. However, its 1-year warranty is shorter than those of Wahl and Remington models.

Also great: Remington Virtually Indestructible Haircut and Beard Trimmer

The Remington Virtually Indestructible is lightweight (7½ oz) and easy to maneuver, making it ideal for self-haircuts, especially for smaller hands. It includes eight durable guide combs, a quiet motor, and a flexible 8-foot cord. However, it doesn’t cut as close as other models.

The Remington Virtually Indestructible lacks a taper lever and has fewer, sharper guide combs that can be uncomfortable if not angled properly. It doesn’t provide the closest shave (smallest guard is ⅛ inch) and lacks specialized ear combs. However, it comes with a lifetime warranty (blades excluded).