WITH EACH YEAR that passes, a beard sounds like a better idea. Forget fashion for a moment—a beard can help hide the destruction of a jawline, and distract people if you’re follicularly challenged up top. But whether your beard is a mitigator or a fashion statement, it’s a good idea to keep it in check with one of the best beard trimmers available.

WIRED has tested beard trimmers from all the top models to highlight the standouts at every budget. And in doing so we’ve compiled a list of all the things you need to think about when shopping for a beard trimmer in 2024.

Unlike many areas of beauty technology, beard trimmers are relatively simple devices. Yes, we’re sure someone is working on an “AI beard trimmer,” but mercifully that day is not today, and designs from respected brands including Panasonic, Braun, and Philips should serve you well for years. Cheap beard trimmers will prove a false economy, with blades that dull faster and disappointing battery life. And not every design will work well with every type of hair, style of beard, or even temperament of user.

Updated June 2024: We’ve added a new design from Philips, plus updates from Panasonic and social media favorite Manscaped.

For more grooming guides, check out the Best Creams and Tools for Removing Hair, the Best Hair Dryers and the Best Hair Straighteners.

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