The 7 Best Hair Clippers of 2026, Compared Spec by Spec
By Elias Becker · Licensed barber, ten years behind the chair · Updated October 3, 2026 · 12 min read
NOVAH makes our top pick and says so in its entry. No other brand paid to appear.
Links to other brands' products on Amazon are paid links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
OUR TOP PICKBest clipper + trimmer set
NOVAH Pro Clipper + Trimmer
★ 4.5 stars from 12,000+ Amazon reviews
- A cordless clipper and a detail trimmer in one set
- 5+ hours per charge on standard speed, both tools
- Brushless clipper motor: 6,000 RPM standard, 6,500 RPM turbo
- 6 clipper guards, 1.5 to 13 mm
Our top pick is the NOVAH Pro Clipper + Trimmer. We make it, so read its entry with that in mind. It is our pick because it is the only one here that comes as two tools: a brushless clipper for the cut and a trimmer for the edges, each running 5+ hours on standard speed.
If you want a single clipper, the Wahl Magic Clip is a barber-shop staple built for fading and blending, named Best hair clipper overall by The Strategist and Most versatile hair clippers by Men's Health. On a tighter budget, the Wahl Cordless Color Pro lists at $78.99 with 12 color-coded guards, and the corded Wahl Elite Pro lists at $69.99 (both checked September 28, 2026). Wirecutter names the Elite Pro its Top pick, the best home hair clipper.
Below: what to look for, all seven picks with who each one suits and who should skip it, one table comparing every spec, and a second showing where Wirecutter, The Strategist, Forbes Vetted and Men's Health agree.
Our picks at a glance
- 1Best clipper + trimmer setNOVAH Pro Clipper + Trimmer5+ hours on standard speedCheck price
- 2Best for blending fadesWahl Professional 5 Star Cord/Cordless Magic Clip100 minutes$144.99See details
- 3Best budget cordlessWahl Cordless Color Pro Lithium-Ion Hair ClipperUp to 2 hours$78.99See details
- 4Best corded kit on a budgetWahl Elite Pro Corded High Performance Hair Clipper Kit$69.99See details
- 5Best all-in-one groomerPhilips Norelco All-in-One Trimmer Series 9000Up to 6 hours$99.96See details
- 6Premium pick: all-metal and brushlessBaBylissPRO SilverFX+ All-Metal Lithium ClipperUp to 3 hours$249.99See details
- 7Best for experienced cuttersAndis Master Cordless Clipper1 hour 30 minutes$229.99See details
Other brands' list prices as each maker listed them, checked Oct 5, 2026.
Build your own comparison
Tick up to three. Figures are each maker's own unless a guide is named, from the table below.
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OUR TOP PICK
Best clipper + trimmer set: NOVAH Pro Clipper + Trimmer
A clipper and a detail trimmer, 5+ hours per charge on standard speed for both.
Best for
- Cutting your own hair: the clipper takes the length, the trimmer cleans the neckline and around the ears
- One purchase that covers fades and lineups
- Getting two tools for less than several single clippers on this list cost alone
Skip it if
- You only ever buzz to one length and never touch the edges; a single clipper is enough
- You want a corded machine that never needs charging
We make this set, so weigh that as you read. It is our top pick for one reason the others here do not share: it is two tools in one box. The clipper does the bulk of the cut and the trimmer does the detail work.
The clipper runs a brushless motor at 6,000 RPM, with a turbo setting at 6,500 RPM, inside an all-metal housing, with a taper lever for blending between guard lengths. Both the clipper and the trimmer run 5+ hours on standard speed per charge, so a full haircut, or several, fits comfortably in one charge. Turbo uses more battery.
Check today's price for both tools on Amazon. For comparison, Wahl lists the Magic Clip alone at $144.99 (checked September 28, 2026).
Check price on AmazonLongest bar = longest published runtime. Makers' own figures, not our tests; corded models and runtimes we could not confirm are left out. NOVAH's is our own figure for standard speed.
#2
Best for blending fades: Wahl Professional 5 Star Cord/Cordless Magic Clip
The Strategist: Best hair clipper overall. Men's Health: Most versatile hair clippers.
Best for
- Fading and blending, with its stagger-tooth blade
- Anyone who wants a clipper that two of the big guides name as a pick
Skip it if
- You want a trimmer for lineups in the same box
Two of the four big guides name it: The Strategist as Best hair clipper overall and Men's Health as Most versatile hair clippers. Wahl lists a rotary motor, a 100 minute runtime from a 60 minute charge, and 8 guides in the box, at 10.2 oz.
It is a barber-shop staple built for fading and blending, with a stagger-tooth blade. It does not include a trimmer for the edges. Wahl lists it at $144.99.
Also named by The Strategist (New York Magazine): Best hair clipper overall; Men's Health: Most versatile hair clippers. Specs from wahlpro.com, checked Sep 25, 2026. List price re-checked Oct 5, 2026.
See the Wahl Professional 5 Star Cord/Cordless Magic Clip on Amazon (paid link)
#3
Best budget cordless: Wahl Cordless Color Pro Lithium-Ion Hair Clipper
Forbes Vetted: Best value hair clippers. 12 color-coded guards.
Best for
- First-timers: matching guard colors to lengths removes the guesswork
- A cordless clipper with a taper lever at a low list price
Skip it if
- You want a trimmer for the edges in the same box
- You want a professional barber machine rather than a home clipper
Wahl lists up to 2 hours of runtime, self-sharpening blades, a taper lever and 12 color-coded guards from 1/16 in to 1 in. A 15 minute quick charge gives 5 minutes of use.
It is a home-use clipper whose color-coded guards take the guesswork out of lengths. Forbes Vetted names it Best value hair clippers. Wahl lists it at $78.99.
Also named by Forbes Vetted: Best value hair clippers. Specs from wahlusa.com, checked Sep 25, 2026. List price re-checked Oct 5, 2026.
#4
Best corded kit on a budget: Wahl Elite Pro Corded High Performance Hair Clipper Kit
Wirecutter: Top pick, the best home hair clipper. The lowest list price here.
Best for
- People who never want to charge a clipper
- A complete corded home haircut kit at $69.99 list
Skip it if
- You want to cut away from an outlet
Wirecutter names the Elite Pro its Top pick, the best home hair clipper, and Wahl lists it at $69.99, the lowest list price on this list. It is corded with self-sharpening blades, and Wirecutter reports 10 guide combs in the kit.
Corded is the whole trade. It will never die halfway through a cut, and it will never follow you further than its cord. We could not confirm several of its specs on Wahl's page, so those cells in the table below read Not confirmed.
Also named by Wirecutter (The New York Times): Top pick, the best home hair clipper. Guards from Wirecutter (page updated Mar 28, 2025); other specs from wahlusa.com, checked Sep 25, 2026. List price re-checked Oct 5, 2026.
#5
Best all-in-one groomer: Philips Norelco All-in-One Trimmer Series 9000
21 pieces for face, head and body. Forbes Vetted: Best hair clippers for fades (All-In-One 9000).
Best for
- One kit for head, beard and body
- A long listed runtime: up to 6 hours
Skip it if
- You want a dedicated hair clipper rather than an all-in-one trimmer kit
- You want a taper lever for blending fades: we could not confirm one on Philips' page
Philips lists the All-in-One Series 9000 as a cordless stainless-steel trimmer with 21 pieces for face, head and body, up to 6 hours of runtime and a 2 year warranty.
It is the pick for someone who wants one kit for face, head and body rather than a dedicated hair clipper. Forbes Vetted lists it as Best hair clippers for fades (All-In-One 9000). Philips lists it at $99.96 on its own product page.
Also named by Forbes Vetted: Best hair clippers for fades (All-In-One 9000). Specs from usa.philips.com, checked Sep 25, 2026. List price re-checked Oct 5, 2026.
See the Philips Norelco All-in-One Trimmer Series 9000 on Amazon (paid link)
#6
Premium pick: all-metal and brushless: BaBylissPRO SilverFX+ All-Metal Lithium Clipper
Wirecutter's upgrade pick: all-metal, brushless, up to 3 hours per charge.
Best for
- Cutting several heads in one session, with up to 3 hours per charge
- USB-C charging
- People who want an all-metal housing
Skip it if
- Budget matters: at $249.99 it has the highest list price here
- You want a full guard set: it ships with 6 combs
BaBylissPRO lists a brushless motor at 6,800 RPM, up to 3 hours of runtime, USB-C charging, a zero-gap adjustable stainless-steel taper blade and 6 combs, in an all-metal body. BaBylissPRO backs it with a 2 year warranty.
That runtime suits someone who cuts for a household rather than one person. Wirecutter lists it as its Upgrade pick. The trade-offs are price and a smaller guard set than the home kits. BaBylissPRO lists it at $249.99.
Also named by Wirecutter (The New York Times): Upgrade pick; Men's Health: Best designed hair clippers (SilverFX). Specs from babylisspro.com, checked Sep 25, 2026. List price re-checked Oct 5, 2026.
See the BaBylissPRO SilverFX+ All-Metal Lithium Clipper on Amazon (paid link)
#7
Best for experienced cutters: Andis Master Cordless Clipper
A professional fading clipper that ships with no guide combs.
Best for
- Skin fades and close work with the adjustable carbon-steel blade
- Barbers and experienced home cutters who already own guards
Skip it if
- You are new to clippers
- You need guards in the box: Andis includes none
Men's Health lists the Master as Best professional hair clippers. Andis lists a rotary motor at 6,500 strokes per minute, a 1 hour 30 minutes runtime, an adjustable carbon-steel blade from 000 to 1, and an aluminum body at 13.2 oz. Andis backs it with a 2 year warranty.
It is a professional fading clipper sold without guide combs, so a beginner would need to buy them separately before the first cut. Andis lists it at $229.99.
Also named by Forbes Vetted: Best luxury hair clippers; Men's Health: Best professional hair clippers. Specs from andis.com, checked Sep 25, 2026. List price re-checked Oct 5, 2026.
See the Andis Master Cordless Clipper on Amazon (paid link)
Every Pick Compared Side by Side
Scroll the table sideways to see every column.
| Clipper | Power | Motor | Runtime | Guards | Blade | List price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOVAH Pro Clipper + Trimmer | Cordless | Brushless, 6,000 RPM standard, 6,500 RPM turbo (clipper) | 5+ hours on standard speed (clipper and trimmer) | 6 clipper guards, 1.5 to 13 mm | Clipper with taper lever, plus a detail trimmer | Check today's price on Amazon |
| Wahl Professional 5 Star Cord/Cordless Magic Clip | Cord/cordless | Rotary | 100 minutes | 8 guides | Stagger-Tooth blade | $144.99 |
| Wahl Cordless Color Pro Lithium-Ion Hair Clipper | Cordless | Not confirmed | Up to 2 hours | 12 color-coded guards, 1/16 in to 1 in | Self-sharpening blades, taper lever | $78.99 |
| Wahl Elite Pro Corded High Performance Hair Clipper Kit | Corded | Not confirmed | Corded | 10 guide combs (per Wirecutter) | Self-sharpening blades | $69.99 |
| Philips Norelco All-in-One Trimmer Series 9000 | Cordless | Not confirmed | Up to 6 hours | In the kit: 21 pieces for face, head and body | Stainless-steel trimmer | $99.96 |
| BaBylissPRO SilverFX+ All-Metal Lithium Clipper | Cord/cordless, USB-C charging | Brushless, 6,800 RPM | Up to 3 hours | 6 combs | Stainless-steel taper blade, zero-gap adjustable | $249.99 |
| Andis Master Cordless Clipper | Cordless | Rotary, 6,500 strokes per minute | 1 hour 30 minutes | None included (blade guard only) | Adjustable carbon-steel blade, 000 to 1 | $229.99 |
Other brands: from each maker's own product page, checked on the dates shown in each entry, except where a cell names a guide. "Not confirmed" means we could not confirm it on the maker's page. NOVAH's figures are our own.
Shortest bar = lowest list price. Makers' list prices on the dates shown in each entry; store prices vary.
Our top pick: NOVAH Pro Clipper + Trimmer, a clipper and a trimmer in one set.
Check price on AmazonWhat the Big Guides Named
This table shows what four guides, Wirecutter, The Strategist, Forbes Vetted and Men's Health, named these machines.
| Clipper | Wirecutter | The Strategist | Forbes Vetted | Men's Health |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wahl Professional 5 Star Cord/Cordless Magic Clip | Not a pick | Best hair clipper overall | Not a pick | Most versatile hair clippers |
| Wahl Cordless Color Pro Lithium-Ion Hair Clipper | Not a pick | Not a pick | Best value hair clippers | Not a pick |
| Wahl Elite Pro Corded High Performance Hair Clipper Kit | Top pick, the best home hair clipper | Not a pick | Not a pick | Not a pick |
| Philips Norelco All-in-One Trimmer Series 9000 | Not a pick | Not a pick | Best hair clippers for fades (All-In-One 9000) | Not a pick |
| BaBylissPRO SilverFX+ All-Metal Lithium Clipper | Upgrade pick | Not a pick | Not a pick | Best designed hair clippers (SilverFX) |
| Andis Master Cordless Clipper | Not a pick | Not a pick | Best luxury hair clippers | Best professional hair clippers |
As published by each guide (page dates: Wirecutter 2025-03-28, The Strategist 2025-05-06, Forbes Vetted 2026-09-29, Men's Health 2026-03-30). Model years and editions can differ slightly between guides.
What to Look For in a Hair Clipper
Motor
The motor decides whether the clipper cuts in one pass or drags. Rotary motors are the everyday workhorse and handle thick hair well. Magnetic motors are common in home kits and run fast but lighter. Brushless motors are the newer design: less friction, less heat, and more of the battery goes into cutting. Speed figures are useful within one brand, but makers measure them differently, so treat them as a guide rather than a race.
Blade and Taper Lever
Steel blades, kept oiled, last for years. A taper lever lets you open and close the blade without changing guards, which is how smooth fades are blended. Zero-gapping, setting the blades almost flush, gives the closest cut but is for experienced hands.
Guards
At home, the guards matter as much as the motor. Look for a full run of lengths, clear labelling, and guards that clip on firmly. A guard that flexes or shifts leaves uneven patches. Some professional clippers ship with no guards at all, which suits barbers and frustrates beginners.
Corded or Cordless
Cordless is easier to move around a head, especially your own. Corded never runs flat. If you go cordless, check the published runtime and whether the clipper will run while charging.
Do You Also Need a Trimmer?
A clipper removes length. A trimmer has a narrower, finer blade for the hairline, the neckline, sideburns and around the ears. If you only buzz to one length you can skip it. If you want clean edges, you need both, which is why some kits pair them.
How We Chose
We did not run our own lab test of these machines, and we are not going to pretend otherwise. Here is what we did instead.
We read four best hair clipper guides, from Wirecutter, The Strategist, Forbes Vetted and Men's Health, and listed the machines they name as picks. We favored the ones people actually search for, using Google Trends, and mostly the ones in a similar price range to ours, with two premium options for comparison. Every spec and list price comes from each maker's own website on the date shown in each entry, except where an entry names a guide as the source. Where we could not confirm a figure on the maker's page, the table says so rather than filling it in.
NOVAH's set is on the list because we make it, and it is our top pick. Its entry follows the same template as the others, including who should skip it.
What changed: First published September 2026. Other brands' specs were read on September 25, 2026 and their list prices on September 28, 2026, as shown in each entry.
Also Worth Knowing About
- Wahl Professional 5 Star Series Senior. Men's Health: Best overall hair clippers (5 Star Series Senior). Wahl listed the cord/cordless version at $184.99 when we checked on September 28, 2026.
- Andis reVITE. Forbes Vetted: Best hair clippers overall. A cordless clipper that ships with a full set of 12 metal-clip combs.
- Remington Virtually Indestructible Haircut and Beard Trimmer. Wirecutter: The best clipper for cutting your own or a kid's hair.
- Bevel Pro. Forbes Vetted: Best hair clippers for design. Men's Health: Best hair clippers for fades.
Which One Should You Buy?
Cutting your own hair, edges included: a clipper plus a trimmer, which is the NOVAH set, our top pick.
Fades and blends, with some experience: the Wahl Magic Clip or, if you already own guards, the Andis Master.
Head, beard and body in one kit: the Philips All-in-One Series 9000.
Lowest spend: the Wahl Cordless Color Pro if you want cordless, the Wahl Elite Pro if you do not mind a cord.
How Do You Look After Any Clipper?
Brush the hair out of the blade after every cut. Put 3 drops of clipper oil on the teeth, one at each corner and one in the middle, run it for a few seconds, and wipe off the excess. Store it dry, with the blade guard on.
A dry blade runs hot and pulls hair. Before blaming the motor for a clipper that drags, clean and oil the blade.
NOVAH Pro Clipper + Trimmer
★ 4.5 stars from 12,000+ Amazon reviews
A cordless clipper for the bulk of the cut and a trimmer for lineups, edging and detail work, sold together as one set.
Check price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Which brand of hair clipper is best?
There is no single answer. Of the machines on this list, the four big guides name Wahl's most often, then Andis's, and Wirecutter's Upgrade pick is BaBylissPRO's SilverFX+. The right machine depends on the job: a home kit with plenty of guards, a professional fading clipper, or a clipper and trimmer pair for doing your own edges.
Is Wahl or Andis better?
Neither wins outright. Both make home and professional machines. On this list, the Wahl picks are the budget and fading options and the Andis pick is the professional fading clipper. Choose by the job, not the badge.
What is the difference between a hair clipper and a trimmer?
A clipper has a wider blade and a stronger motor for removing length. A trimmer has a narrower, finer blade for lines and edges: the neckline, sideburns and around the ears. If you want clean edges as well as an even length, you need both.
How much should you spend on hair clippers?
The machines on this list range from $69.99 to $249.99 at list price (checked September 28, 2026). For occasional home haircuts, a well-reviewed home kit is enough. Spend more for cordless runtime, a metal body, or a professional blade if you cut often or cut for others.
Are cordless clippers as good as corded?
For home use, yes. Modern cordless clippers have enough power and runtime for a full haircut. Corded machines still suit anyone who never wants to think about charging.
What clippers do barbers use?
Professional clippers, with a separate trimmer for lineups. On this list, Men's Health lists the Andis Master as Best professional hair clippers, The Strategist names the Wahl Magic Clip its Best hair clipper overall, and Wirecutter's Upgrade pick is BaBylissPRO's SilverFX+. Our pick, the NOVAH Pro Clipper + Trimmer, pairs a brushless clipper with a trimmer in one set.
Sources
- NOVAH Pro Clipper + Trimmer (Matte Black) product page, https://novahpro.com/products/novah-professional-barber-hair-clippers-trimmers (motor figures confirmed by NOVAH on 2026-09-28)
- Wahl Professional 5 Star Cord/Cordless Magic Clip product page, https://www.wahlpro.com/shop/cordcordless-magic-clip-08148 (checked 2026-09-25; list price re-checked 2026-10-05)
- Wahl Cordless Color Pro Lithium-Ion Hair Clipper product page, https://wahlusa.com/shop/cordless-color-pro-lithium-ion-rechargeable-hair-clipper-3025769 (checked 2026-09-25; list price re-checked 2026-10-05)
- Wahl Elite Pro Corded High Performance Hair Clipper Kit product page, https://wahlusa.com/shop/elite-pro-corded-high-performance-hair-clipper-kit-3029684 (checked 2026-09-25; list price re-checked 2026-10-05)
- Philips Norelco All-in-One Trimmer Series 9000 product page, https://www.usa.philips.com/c-p/MG9510_60/all-in-one-trimmer-series-9000 (checked 2026-09-25; list price re-checked 2026-10-05)
- BaBylissPRO SilverFX+ All-Metal Lithium Clipper product page, https://www.babylisspro.com/silverfx-clipper/FX870NS.html (checked 2026-09-25; list price re-checked 2026-10-05)
- Andis Master Cordless Clipper product page, https://andis.com/shop/detail/12660/master-cordless-clipper (checked 2026-09-25; list price re-checked 2026-10-05)
- Wirecutter (The New York Times), best hair clippers guide, https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-hair-clippers-for-home-use/ (page updated 2025-03-28)
- The Strategist (New York Magazine), best hair clippers guide, https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-mens-hair-clipper.html (page updated 2025-05-06)
- Forbes Vetted, best hair clippers guide, https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbes-personal-shopper/article/the-best-hair-clippers/ (page updated 2026-09-29)
- Men's Health, best hair clippers guide, https://www.menshealth.com/grooming/g32053511/best-hair-clippers/ (page updated 2026-03-30)
Related Reading
NOVAH Grooming publishes this guide. We make and sell the NOVAH Pro Clipper + Trimmer, and its link goes to our own Amazon listing, tagged so we can see which guides help people. We do not sell, and are not paid by, any other brand named here. Other brands' details are from their own websites, or from the guide named next to a figure, on the dates shown and can change. Links to other brands on Amazon are paid links, marked "(paid link)". As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. No brand chose or paid for its place on this list.
