The 13 Best Stubble Trimmers (2023) - Get the Perfect Shave

There’s at least one visually obvious (and scientifically proven) reason why guys might want to find the best stubble trimmer on the market:

Stubble stands out.

A study published in the Journal of Evolutionary Biology showed women photos of men’s faces with various levels of facial hair, from completely clean shaven to a shaggy full beard.

And the study’s authors were unambiguous in their findings:

“Stubble was judged as most attractive overall,” they wrote.

“Ladies love that sexy stubb.” – Science (I mean, I’m paraphrasing, but that’s basically the gist of it.)
Photo: image: kiuikson / Shutterstock

But while stubble may be the most sought-after facial hair style, it can also be pretty annoying for a lot of us to achieve.

Wet shaving with a razor blade results in a clean shave that leaves you looking too baby-faced, and waiting days (or for some guys, weeks) for your facial hair to grow back.

On the other hand, regular beard trimmers and electric shavers don’t always get close enough, and they’re often too big and bulky to navigate the contours of your face.

That’s where a good stubble trimmer comes in.

The best stubble trimmers provide the perfect close-but-not-too close shave, and are designed to leave you with a perpetual (and perpetually handsome) bit of scruff or 5 o’clock shadow.

To help give your facial hair the right mix of rugged and refined, in this post I’ve rounded up some of the best stubble beard trimmers on the market.

The 13 Best Stubble Trimmers

Breaking Down the Best Beard Trimmers for Stubble & 5 O’Clock Shadow

Overall Best Trimmer for Stubble ↓

Philips Norelco Trimmer 7000

4.7 Stars on Amazon
- 38,894 Ratings

It’s not a shock to see a member of the Philips Norelco Multigroom series coming in as the best beard trimmer for stubble, especially if you’re familiar with the various brands of body hair clippers on the market.

(A couple Multigroom products also made the cut on our list of the best ball trimmers, but I definitely wouldn’t recommend using the same product for your beard hair that you use for your… well, other most important body parts.)

This particular Norelco stubble trimmer is billed as a “multigroom tool,” but it’s perfect for stubble because it has sharp blades that can be adjusted to multiple different lengths, allowing you to achieve just the right amount of facial hair.

In addition to the stainless steel blades, it comes with 14 different comb attachments that allow you to trim down to your preferred length and a lithium-ion battery that provides long battery life and runs for up to five hours on a single charge.

Plus, the different attachments go beyond just stubble, allowing you to use it as a general body trimmer or even a nose hair trimmer.

Promising Review:

“This is by far the best body trimmer/razor beard trimmer I have ever bought. Very good quality and it feels nice in your hands…

I usually don’t make reviews but I have bought many of these trimmers and they have all sucked compared to this one. I would put this trimmer on it’s own level.”

– Alex

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Conair Men’s Super i-Stubble Trimmer

4.2 Stars on Amazon
- 2,394 Ratings

Conair’s products are right up there with those of the Philips Norelco beard trimmer series, and this cordless trimmer gives the Norelco 7000 a serious run for its money.

But where the Norelco gives you lots of attachment combs so you can trim your hair down to different lengths, the i-Stubble is a better option for guy who just want to get the perfect stubble look every time:

It has 15 settings, but all of them are in tiny mm increments that range from 0.4 mm up to 5 mm at the longest setting.

It boasts both a floating head and ergonomic design that make it easy to maneuver – which is especially helpful for doing precise trimming – and the battery has enough power to last for more than four hours.

Promising Review:

“Finally something that can maintain the stubble look I’ve had for 10 years now.

I’ve had 3 beard trimmers in that time and I sort of accepted that the stubble look was actually more effort than just shaving…

Heads up this is more for stubble than beards, even the longest 5mm setting is relatively short compared to most beard trimmers, but I like the precision at small lengths which those other trimmers lack.”

– Shockwave562

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Wahl Lithium Ion Trimmer

4.4 Stars on Amazon
- 7.927 Ratings

While the Wahl Aqua Blade is a more versatile trimmer if you need to cut through long hair or longer beards, this model is a better option for guys who want to keep a short beard or perpetually short stubble.

In addition to the solid build quality Wahl is known for, the main blade has a small head that’s easy to maneuver.

It’s also great for those with sensitive skin since it comes with a detail trimmer that allows you to do more detailed work while avoiding skin irritation.

The titular lithium ion battery lasts a long time (six hours of run time from a one-hour charge), but what’s cool about this one is that if you just need a quick hit, you don’t have to charge it forever:

A 60-second charge time will give you three minutes of use, allowing you to make a few quick adjustments before heading out the door, then plug it back in to give the rechargeable battery a full charge.

Promising Review:

“This thing is very impressive. When you first hold it in your hand, you immediately notice the high quality…

It also has a nose hair trimmer and a close shave attachment for your neck stubble. I couldn’t be more pleased with this product and would highly recommend it to anyone.”

– GK

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Hatteker Mens Beard Trimmer

4.5 Stars on Amazon
- 11,515 Ratings

Hatteker’s trimmer is another one that can do it all, coming with three different blade and attachments and a complete adjustable comb set.

In addition to the different length settings offered by the various guide combs, it also boasts self-sharpening ceramic titanium blades and a powerful motor that can bring any length of beard down to short and sexy stubble.

(No matter how much hair you happen to be sporting!)

Promising Review:

“I actually love this beard trimmer…

The two main things I love about this is that it comes with different attachments for what I want to use it for, especially the detail one cause it makes lining up my beard super easy and it’s super precise.”

– Chase Daniels

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Remington MB4700

4.6 Stars on Amazon
- 2.713 Ratings

If you like to keep different parts of your face or beard at different lengths, but hate fussing with dials, guards and settings, this is the right trimmer for you.

It offers a lot of great features, including 175 different settings for length and a water resistant blade that’s fully washable under the tap.

But the most important factor here is the memory:

The MB4700 comes with memory settings that literally allow you to set it and forget it.

You can save up to four different settings/lengths, and always get the perfect shave (or leave the right amount of scruff) when alternating between them.

Promising Review:

“I don’t usually take time to write reviews but this trimmer works so well, I had too.

I love that you can make such small and precise changes to the trimming height so easily.”

– J. Auld

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Andis 17150 Foil Shaver

4.4 Stars on Amazon
- 31,335 Ratings

Foil shavers are often used for shaving heads in barbershops, but they’ve kind of fallen out of favor for beard trimming over the past decade or so.

With that said, some guys still swear by their ability to quickly and effectively bring your beard down to a tight five o’clock shadow.

And with a score of 4.4 stars on Amazon after more than 31,000 reviews, the Andis 17150 is arguably the best foil shaver on the market.

It’s the right beard trimmer for anyone who wants a close shave every time:

Instead of using multiple attachments that let you trim your stubble to different hair lengths, the 17150 provides a precise cut that leaves you with just enough stubble.

Promising Review:

“This is an awesome shaver. I am a stylist and use it on my clients all the time for bald fades and beard trims.

It shaves super close and is easy to sanitize between clients. I also got one for my husband for him to use at home. He loves it.”

– Jon Wagner

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Braun MGK3980

4.5 Stars on Amazon
- 8,276 Ratings

This trimmer from Braun is a multi-groomer that provides nine different options and can handle pretty much every aspect of your grooming, from stubble and short beards to hair clipping and nose hair trimming.

It’s a great choice for anyone who wants a single, all-in-one electric razor, instead of buying (and having to store) multiple tools for various body parts.

Promising Review:

“I’ve had a well groomed beard for years with various lengths and also owned many trimmers. This has been one of the best.

High quality, great balance, looks great and the right attachments for face and body grooming.”

– KRoki

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Panasonic ER-GB42-K

4.5 Stars on Amazon
- 9,607 Ratings

Sporting an innovative design, this Panasonic is another example of a multigroomer that can do it all, but also happens to work really well for stubble.

Its adjustable dial has 19 different settings, so you might have to play around with it a bit the first time you use it, but once you understand the length each setting provides you’ll be able to get the perfect stubble length every time.

Promising Review:

“These buzzers are powerful and sharp. I used them for about 45 minutes total on and off and still at a half almost full charge. Didn’t pull a hair once…

The best I’ve personally ever used at home. Pay the money and get a pair. You will love them!”

– JP

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Brightup Beard Trimmer

4.4 Stars on Amazon
- 5,878 Ratings

Brightup’s beard trimmer comes with all the accessories you need, including an adjustable guide comb in five different sizes, six interchangeable trimmer heads that can cut your hair down to any length you like and a cleaning brush to clear out the excess hair.

Promising Review:

“This is the best trimmer I’ve ever owned. It came ready to go out of the box.

Plenty of attachments for EVERYTHING beard trimming and shaving. Super value and very stylish!!”

– Otis

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Beardscape Beard and Hair Trimmer

4.7 Stars on Amazon
- 1105 Ratings

Beardscape’s trimmer may not be the flashiest one on this list, but it’s one of the best.

It offers a wide cutting range that runs from 1 mm in length up to 18 mm, so it’s great for the longer stubble/scruffy look and will work just as well if you want to grow a long beard.

It also comes with four different guards and has five speed settings that combine to provide a super precise shave of just about any length.

Promising Review:

“This trimmer is absolutely AMAZING!! I’ve spent a TON of time researching trimmers and deciding which one would be the best for my beard.

Then saw someone recommending this on YouTube and decided to give it a go. And it’s A-MA-ZING!!!”

– Tim Soulo

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OPOVE Xmulti 3

4.3 Stars on Amazon
- 54 Ratings

As its name implies, the Xmulti 3 is another multi-use trimmer that has enough settings and attachments to trim beards, stubble and scruff to just about any length.

It features self-sharpening non-corrosive blades, two different speed settings and has an IPX7 waterproof grade, meaning both the trimmer and its attachments are fully washable.

(And fortunately it has much better reviews than X-Men 3, the 2006 sh*t show directed by Brett Ratner. But I digress…)

Promising Review:

“I use this for beard trimming, I like a close, short beard and it does this trimming well.

I also like the razor attachment for constant shaving around my beard. It comes with many length attachments so if I wanted my beard longer I could still keep it trim.” – KenOfTheLake

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Sharper Image 20-Setting Beard & Stubble Trimmer

Sharper Image 20-Setting Beard and Stubble Trimmer

4.7 Stars on Amazon
- 15 Ratings

Shaper Image is well known as a go-to for cool gadgets, so it’s no surprise to see one of their trimmers popping up on this list.

Their stubble trimmer offers 20 different settings and has a detachable comb that can easily be snapped on and off to address different parts of your beard.

Promising Review:

“Five stars. Bought as a gift and my son uses the product and enjoys it! What more can I say?”

– Sue

(Editor’s Note: I’ll shoot you straight here, Sue – you could have said quite a bit more. We’re glad that your son enjoys it and all, but come on. Be better, Sue. Be better.)

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Hangsun HC360 Beard Trimmer

4 Stars on Amazon
- 897 Ratings

This sleek trimmer from Hangsun looks sexy as hell, and the minimalist design provides ease of use that will leave your face looking the same.

It has five different levels ranging in length from three to seven millimeters and precise steel blades that allow you to create clean lines around the edges.

Promising Review:

“Size and lengths come out as perfect as they should, the blade doesn’t struggle whatsoever and it is so easy to use.”

– Luis C. Villarreal

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You Know the Best Trimmers for Stubble

Now Find Out How to Optimize Your Whole Appearance

Now that you know the best beard trimmers for stubble, you can easily find the right tools to maintain the perfect amount of ruggedly handsome (yet refinedly well groomed) facial hair.

But while stubble can certainly help you stand out, it’s far from the only thing that makes a man look attractive.

If you really want to look sharp and stand out, you need to know how to optimize your entire look.

I’ve put together a (totally free!) checklist that walks you through the nine most important details you need to nail to make a major impact on your overall appearance—and a major impression on anyone who happens to see you.

Enter your email address below and I’ll send it straight to your inbox.

Just enter your email address below, and we’ll send the (totally free!) guide to stepping up your style straight to your inbox.

Learn How to Look Your Best

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More Resources ↓

More Advice on How to Look Your Bearded Best:

More Men’s Grooming Advice From Irreverent Gent:

The Summary

Overall Best Trimmer for Stubble

Dave Bowden

Philips Norelco Trimmer 7000

Summary

The Norelco 7000 is perfect for stubble because it has sharp blades that can be adjusted to multiple different lengths, allowing you to achieve just the right amount of facial hair every time.

4.5

📷
Banner Image: wavebreakmedia / Shutterstock

About the Author

Geoff Hayes

Resident Irreverent Gent beard expert Geoff Hayes is a Toronto-based writer, baseball fan and craft beer aficionado (though not always in that order).