New beard shape. 10 Best Stubble Trimmers for a Sexy Look This 2019

This post was most recently updated on April 16th, 2019 Men's stubble styles.

Go back some years and anybody would find bathroom shelves occupied by a clunky stubble trimmer that snagged at hairs unless held at just the right angle. Those were loud and corded up to the nearest power outlet and most weren’t even waterproof.

These days, stubble trimmers have improved by leaps and bounds compared to my dad’s time. With streamlined designs and multiple settings, the devices are only a few steps behind from looking like something out of the latest sci-fi film.

We’ve gathered the cream of the crop! Make way for the top 10 best stubble trimmers for 2019!

A Closer Look at Some of the Best Stubble Trimmers in the Market Today

Ah, Philips! The electronics brand that’s been etched into our skulls since the days we set our eyes on the TV screen. And now it made it into our list!

As expected of such a household brand, their Series 5100 stubble trimmer promises a lot of things, including 17 length settings, long battery life, and a lift-and-cut technology. But don’t they all promise one thing or another?

So here’s our verdict on the 5100.

At first, the abundance of precision length settings that come with the Series 5100 almost seems like too much. But were we wrong? The range of 17 length options allows for a very versatile grooming experience. We tried it on our beards (those who have them) and sacrificed all to the trimmer deities.

And did it pay off! The precision settings let us cut beards down to stubbles anywhere between half an inch to almost 3 quarters of an inch, sometimes even taking away the need for a second closer shave.

The 5100 is also completely waterproof, which more than proves useful when someone keeps swiping it under running water now and then out of habit.

The trimmer comes away clean, or something close to with a few shakes, and it’s back to being fully functional.

Once done with our research, we let the device buzz away on its own. Overall, it took the Series 5100 an estimated hour-hour and a half before needing to be recharged, exactly as promised.

The trimmer then had to be corded up for an hour for the battery to power up again, which is impressive considering how some trimmers out there can take half a day. The 5100 can also be used attached to the cord if it’s running out of juice.

All in all, we would say the Philips Norelco Series 5100 is a very powerful device, and is the best beard trimmer for stubbles for the more versatile man of the bunch, someone in need of a different cut with the different moods.

Stubble comb setting from 0.4-7mm

For the more advanced stubble groomers out there, the 5100 crosses all the boxes without too much added bells and frills on the side. The 5100 is lightweight, waterproof, and doesn’t require the hair to be moisturized or lubricated to start working.

When we say this works for stubbles, apparently this works for stubbles only. Hairs on the longer side are prone to snagging and make for an uneven, patchy trim.

Wahl, Wahl, Wahl…would you look who’s next on our list.

Lousy wordplays aside, another popular brand of trimmers to make it into our recommendations is the Wahl Clipper Corporation’s Lithium Ion Plus #9818.

The precision settings compared to the Philips Norelco are lesser in options but the Ion Plus still comes with 12 attachment guards. That’s more than enough for the regular Joe if you ask us.

After the Series 5100, the precision settings seem lacking if you’re really looking to experiment with your stubble length but on paper only. Not that many of us are really in need of this many stubble lengths so if it includes the length setting you want, you’re good to go.

Something to note once done trimming away beards and sculpting fine lines, which in itself a feat, is that one hardly ever has to switch to a shaver to clear away the mess.

The Ion Plus doubles as a razor as well and users just have to change the settings for a close and clean-cut shave. It should also be added that nose hairs can also be trimmed and maintained with the Ion Plus, which is an excellent bonus.

After that, it took our team a while to come to a conclusion about the battery life, mostly because it wouldn’t run out as fast. We had to wait a whole 4 hours for it to stop buzzing around.

It’s safe to say that the Wahl’s Lithium Ion Plus is a pretty multi-purpose, do-it-all trimmer in our books. Short of trimming the hedges, it seems to be a pretty well-rounded stubble trimmer/shaver.

12 precision settings, 1”-1/16”

Lithium ion+ rechargeable battery

Extremely fast charging

If you’re lazy like us and have a strange attraction towards multi-purpose items, the Ion Plus could be the best shaver for stubbles that we recommend. Adding to this is its long battery life, not to mention it’s fast charging! Folks can be out the door faster than ever!

After some days of use, a couple of the models started breaking down. A couple of parts here, a light fuse there and we eventually had to pull out some of the warranty papers. However, we should add that the other trimmers are doing a-okay.

Making an impressive comeback (just like our beards) is another stubble beard trimmer from Philips Norelco called the Bodygroomer BG7040/42.

Actually, it would be wrong of us to just call it a beard trimmer since this is structured for full-body use thanks to its dual-sided design.

Stubble, beard and body hair: the whole package

Men's beard and goatee styles

The precision settings have a whole lot less lengths compared to the trimmers listed before (only 5), but we can’t sort of get it. Why is that? Because a general trimmer shouldn’t require as many settings as one of the more specialized, beard trimmers.

The battery life is a bit longer than the Series 5100 but not by much, although we’re not complaining since the Bodygroomer is supposed to be for the entire body. Can always use that extra time.

We used it under running tap water, and lo and behold, the Bodygroomer is perfectly water-proof and ergonomically designed, not budging from our grip even once.

Trying it out between bends and curves, like around the jaw, and on softer skin, like the underside of the chin, we can vouch for the stubble/body trimmer’s skin-friendly quality, optimal for tricky and sensitive areas.

5 trimmer settings, from 3mm to 11mm

Full-body trimmer and shaver, all in one? Count us in. But the easy maneuvers and sensitive technology helps too since we didn’t want nicks and cuts peppering our backs.

It might not be ergonomic enough for all hand positions.

Remember when I talked about my dad’s trimmers and how the whirring almost gave me a heart attack? Wahl apparently somehow found out about that and made the Detailer Trimmer specifically to combat that.

This is one of the quietest trimmers we’ve come across on the path to hairlessness and is also very lightweight.

Suited for shorter hair, the trimmer’s T-blade is built for a sharper and more precise cut around nooks and crannies, like behind ears and under the jaw.

We also discovered that the Wahl Detailer works better on dry beards to reduce snagging, eliminating the need to wet and lather up when using this model.

The product comes with 3 attachable comb settings (which was something we needed getting used to), getting as close to the skin as possible.

3 attachable trimming combs, ranging from 1/16 inch to ¼ inch

The Detailer is for those who look for maintenance more than adventure. Honestly speaking, most folks are, and with the payout and precision of the trimmer, this is especially for those trying to avoid the fancier models and just need a handy clipper every now and then.

If you’re somebody who finds joy in taking care of their tools now and again, investing time to make it last in the long run, don’t read this part. But if you aren’t and would rather not bother, the detailer is much too high-maintenance for that and will rust if left to its own devices for too long.

If you thought the first Philips Norelco on this list had the highest precision setting out of the bunch, we present to you our fifth recommendation, the Series model comes with over 20 length settings for so many customizable stubbles that most customers don’t know what to do with them.

Did we really need that many settings? No, not really, but we had the peace of mind that no matter which length we liked a stubble, there would be a setting for that in the Series 3500.

With so many features similar to the Series 5100, one thing that we liked particularly about the 3500 is the removable head. It made the hairs accessible and the job of cleaning them out a whole lot easier.

20 precision setting, ranging from 0.5mm to 10mm

We found a setting on the Series 3500 that worked for everyone, whether it was someone who wanted a suave, lumberjack look or just the five o’ clock shadow.

Some of the devices under this model that we got didn’t last as long as we’d hoped while the rest were pretty durable. We would advise you to urge your friend to buy it for themselves than going ahead and buying it for them.

Okay, so we’re taking a short break from all the Philips and Wahl’s of the world and introducing the Panasonic Trimmer into our list.

First of all, right off the bat, this trimmer is somehow designed for hair everywhere, even in places we didn’t even know hair could grow.

With 39 built-in precision settings (yup, 39), we eventually had to take their word for it because the accentuation was too smooth for our eyes to pick up.

The Panasonic Trimmer also comes with a slide-up clipper for better control over grooming smaller strips of hair, like mustaches and sideburns.

Of course, the trimmer isn’t just for facial hair. As it says on the can, it’s for removing and shaping hair all over the body and from head to toe. It’s even designed for folks with sensitive skin.

When using it under water, we also found that the trimmer is not prone to slippage because of its rubber grip. So we didn’t have to worry about it shooting out of hand and go buzzing on the wet floor.

39 precision setting, from 0.5 mm to 20.0 mm

50 minutes of battery life

3 different combs for the head, facial and body hair

Quiet as a mouse but powerful enough to last us through every shower so far.

We sometimes had to keep removing hairs after one or two swipes to get that sharp trim all over again. Not something you would like to keep spending time on while pruning under the water.

Types of shaving styles

Looks like we’re back to Wahl again, people! Not surprising considering so many of their trimmers have made it through our auditions.

For the cost-effective stubble troubles.

We admit, this is advertised more towards people interested in DIY at-home stubble maintenance and haircuts but that didn’t stop us because we were intrigued.

The trimmer ran for the longest out of all the ones we tested out so far and the fast charging is no joke. The lithium ion power keeps the trimmer going for a long while.

Something to note is that the trimmer is rechargeable but the charging cords are only compatible with American electrical outlets. When travelling or just using the clippers outside the States, any adapter would do just fine.

Long battery life (2 hours)

Eliminates the need for hair touch-ups (if you can manage that)

The power cord can act up with some of the models.

Holding charge can be an issue at times

First of all, let’s get one thing straight: this model is NOT designed to be waterproof. Some of the other entries in the list are more than capable to handle the wet works but this isn’t one of them.

Is this a drawback? To some yes, but read on if a wet trim/shave was never on your agenda.

A thing we noticed while playing around with the buttons was that the blades came away. This really cut down on the cleaning time. We didn’t even have to put it under a faucet; brushing the loose hairs off worked fine most of the time.

The blades themselves are titanium coated, making them hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin. You can rotate between the 9 blade settings available using the browsing wheel on the trimmer.

Again, the Remington MB4040 is Lithium-ion powered like many on our list and therefore holds the charge for a very long time (around an hour and a half) while not attached to the cord.

But the charging time for the device left us a bit disappointed, with the instructions requiring the MB4040 be charged for more than half a day.

This is more than 8 times the charging time our other picks require, but we still held out because the trimmer’s other redeeming qualities managed to pull it by the bootstraps.

9 precision settings, from 1.5 mm to 18 mm

120 minutes of run time, cordless

Changing blades is one of the easiest things ever on this model and the powerful motor makes for quick works on any beard or mustache.

The Remington MB4040 needs to be left hooked up to a power source for over 14 hours at least.

The wheel can sometimes slide around and change settings when there’s nothing holding it in place.

This list was going on for too long without another Philips Norelco so here you are.

Just joking because this trimmer, like all the others on here, made it here fair and square.

Starting from general stubble trimming and shaving to nose hair and eyebrow trimming, the Multigroom 7000 apparently could manage any hair that sprouted within the range of our faces.

Sounds too personal, we know, but this trimmer was willing to do the nitty-gritty work for us so we could sit down and write this, a fresh breeze on our faces.

There are 23 adjustable parts on the Multigroom; with different shaving strokes for different grooming folks! The lithium-ion power core also increases the longevity of the charge, pushing it to a whopping 5 hours.

23 pieces for a more customized grooming

The thing catered to every groom-worthy piece of hair on our unworthy mugs. It didn’t leave us wanting.

The Multigroom is not very easy to carry around and it sometimes snagged at hairs in sensitive areas.

Lithium seems to be the money-word on this list as even the last entry seems to be powered by it. And it shows, as our PG6171 lasted almost 3 hours before slowing down. And even then, a quick 5-minute charge fired it up for one more round of trimming.

We also found the device to be completely waterproof, being able to wash it under a faucet and even take it for a little trip to the shower.

A stubble trimmer at heart, the PG6171 still manages to push through some of the thickest tufts we have to offer, but we had to switch to turbo mode for that. The manufacturers have mentioned that the trimmer is specially designed for facial hair needs.

Men's facial hair styles 2016

Safe to say, it did just fine when it came to basic trimming here and there and we recommend not to go for stray hairs around the body to be disappointed. Best if you go back to some of the full-body clippers if that’s what you’re going for.

The outstanding battery life requires an honorable mention but what we really want to focus on the simplicity of the gadget. Nothing takes the cake like the ease of use. Also, the ear/nose pieces are really nifty.

Sadly, the power button can act up now and again. A call to customer service can get you a replacement but it’s worth mentioning.

What to Look for When Buying Trimmers

So more options within options.

That’s what you get from this review. Sure, maybe it’s more narrowed down but still, they all have their particular selling points.

To save the readers from future tirades (hopefully not) regrets, here are some features and factors to look out for when shopping for trimmers.

Beard/Stubble Styles

Everyone has particular hair grooming styles and trimmers are made to compliment that, not the other way round.

Keep an eye out for the blade settings depending on your stubble length and if confused or thinking about experimenting, go with the trimmers that provide a wide variety of styles.

Battery life/Rechargeability

Some trimmers work long hours after a full charge-up while others need to be plugged up for the entire duration of the trimming. Look up battery life and charging times to see which trimmer suits you best.

Cord/Cordless

Having a cordless option is useful when traveling but if a cord is what keeps you grounded, then by all mean, go for it.

Maintenance

Trimmers need their blades sharpened, oiled and cleaned up every now and then. Some trimmers are self-sharpening and come with built-in oil systems that can cut down on a lot of the upkeep.

A few models can be washed up under running water while some only have detachable waterproof heads. Based on what you decide to buy, make sure to clean and gear up the trimmer as required for longer life.

Budget

Ah yes. The one factor all of us wish we didn’t have to worry about but eventually, we do. Investing in a good stubble trimmer is a wise decision regardless of circumstances because the right one can last you years.

However, it’s important to compare prices with similar trimmers on the market and keep an eye on how much you’re comfortable spending.

After all, there’s no need to go spending on a top-notch full-body trimmer when you’re only looking to maintain a close-shaved head.

Best Stubble Trimmer – FAQs

Do I need a trimmer with so many precision settings?

A: If you’re someone who knows what they like and are not prone to switch beard styles every now and then, then you probably don’t need a trimmer multiple blade settings.

Is the trimmer supposed to snag at my hairs?

A: Absolutely not. No trimmer should cause you pain unless you’re using it against the directions and recommendation that come with the device.

Is there a difference between waterproof trimmers and trimmers that can be cleaned under a faucet?

A: The two phrases may be used interchangeably based on context but it’s always best if you read the descriptions carefully. Some washable trimmers are not meant to be used until dry.

My trimmer keeps shutting down after a short while. What do I do?

A: With a lot of cordless, rechargeable trimmers, you can either let the battery fully charge over the recommended period or quick charge for a single shave or touch ups. It might help to let it charge fully and see if the problem persists. If so, we advise you to contact customer service.

Do I need a full-body trimmer or will a regular stubble trimmer work?

A: This is not so simple to answer. A lot of folks don’t bother investing in full-body trimmers and claim their regular trimmers work just fine as one. This might be true but what also might be true is the individual’s grooming habits.

Full-body trimmers are designed for expansive clippings while facial trimmers are more streamlined and specialized. It all comes down to personal habits and if you’re just looking for a bit of upkeep here and there as an added bonus, you might do with a regular trimmer just as well.

Conclusion

Every few years, I change my look for the simple reason that I get bored. If you Google Image me, you will see so many different looks: long hair, short hair, clean shaven, beard, etc.

Hair or no hair, I have yet to meet anyone who doesn’t like to make a statement through how they look. Most men out there let it happen through their facial hairs, whether it’s fathers, brothers, friends or even strangers on the street. From the closest shave to the tightest scruffs, everyone needs a little upkeep to maintain that look.

Electric trimmers have been around for decades but they have never been as catered to customer demands and advanced tastes as today.

And it’s a take away for the Best Choice in our list, Philips Norelco Beard & Head trimmer Series 5100. What can we say? This unit is the perfect compliment to your sexy stubbles! We’ll leave it at that!

Can anyone guarantee that your life will fall into place once you buy the right trimmer?

No, and they shouldn’t be trying to. But it’s a good place to try as any in my humble opinion.

With fast deliveries and product policies, any self-respecting manufacturer will be willing to tend to whatever possible complaints about your products, but I sure hope you don’t have any.

If you prefer one of the stubble trimmers/shavers we reviewed in this list, do let us know about your experience and if you came across any problems we haven’t mentioned.