Line up, shape up, edge up—no matter what you call it, you’ll need the best line up clippers to achieve the crispiest cut. As you might already know, this precise line doesn’t happen on its own. It takes a steady hand and one powerful tool to sharpen that hairline to perfection.
While separate line-up clippers aren’t a must, it’s crucial that the trimmer you do have can accomplish the task. Fortunately, all of the clippers I’ve highlighted below are capable of fulfilling all of your clipping and trimming needs.
Line up clippers aren’t just for your hairline. You can use them to edge your beard, trim your hair, and even buzz away those pesky nose hairs. These clippers are great for a variety of grooming tasks, and the best ones do it efficiently and quietly. Some even make it luxurious—looking at you, Bevel.
Key Takeaways
The best choice for clean line-ups should be lightweight, durable, and come with self-sharpening stainless steel blades – all factors that make the job easier. BabylissPRO Outlining Trimmer is my top pick because of its revolutionary high-torque, energy-efficient motor, gold knurled grip, and the best zero gap T-blades in the line up game.
An easy second runner up is Andis II Outliner because its simple with no attachments, corded for a constant charge, and highly precise.
Our Top Picks
Not a licensed barber? Doesn’t matter, these clippers will make you feel like one. Enter BabylissPRO, a powerful trimmer boasting a groundbreaking high-torque, Italian designed brushless motor (brushless = energy efficiency). It’s sexy, it’s fancy, and it T-lines to absolute perfection.
In fact, thanks to 360 degree view exposed T-blades, it performs even better than Andis. If you’re familiar with Andis high level of precision, then you’ll understand that’s a pretty big feat.
That’s because you can adjust its zero gap length with the tools included for an extremely close shave—though I recommend being extra careful when doing so. There’s absolutely no need to finish up the job with a manual razor.
Blades aside, its overall performance deserves accolades. Because the body is cordless and lightweight, it’s easy to hold at any angle. If the knurled barbell grip looks serious, that’s because it is. You’ll love the way it feels in your hand: comfortable and secure. Plus, with all that torque, it stays cool and quiet. A pleasant hum you won’t be rushing to get rid of.
Sure, it’s double the price of most on this list, but considering all you’re getting, the precision it accomplishes, and the ease in which it trims, you truly cannot go wrong. I just wish the charging port was included and not a separate purchase.
Motor Power: Lithium ion | Material: Metal | Battery Life: 2 hrs | Additional attachments: Zero gap
If the BabylissPRO wasn’t such a beast, the Andis Outliner II would’ve made my top pick. Like the BabylissPRO, Andis II comes with a quiet, high-torque motor and accomplishes an incredibly precise trim job at a fraction of the price. At a mere 11 ounces, it happens to be lighter making achieving neat lines that much easier.
The Andis II is simple yet highly versatile. I can appreciate that the only attachment here is a heavy duty cord permanently fixed to the trimmer. When I mentioned that a pair of quality clippers can do it all, I was specifically thinking about this one.
The zero gapper makes it perfect for bald heads, fades, even intricate designs, and of course, a fresh cut. You can thank the torque and high-quality, self-sharpening stainless steel blades for that.
Light, compact, and precise—what more can you want from the best clippers for line ups?
Motor Power: Corded | Material: Stainless steel | Battery Life: Not applicable | Additional attachments: none
Ah, the Bevel. It may be pricey, but there’s a reason it’s been dubbed “the one tool to rule them all.” Here is one seriously powerful all-in-one clipper with all the trendy, high-tech details. It might even cut closer than a straight razor.
First, I want to mention that what sets it apart from other clippers is security and efficiency. Wider T-blades mean a cleaner, closer, and quicker cut with increased control and safety. The graphite coating over stainless steel blades makes them a top choice for those with sensitive skin while also prolonging the life of the blades.
Now to the fun part: all the luxury details. You can go from eyebrow trimming to beard styling in a matter of seconds thanks to snap-lock modular attachments. It’s pretty cool that they’re secured by powerful pivot lock magnetic guards. And with a mere touch of the button, you can adjust the gap in tiny increments until it’s perfect for you. You’ll see it displayed in a neat little LED window.
But wait—don’t forget about the run time. One charge will give you 4 leisurely hours of consistent cordless power. Now that, my friends, is luxury.
Motor Power: | Material: Stainless steel | Battery Life: 4 hrs | Additional attachments: Styling comb
If you’re going to keep one tool in your bathroom, this should be it. Probably the best feature of the Wahl 9818A is the three interchangeable heads—a T-blade for line ups and trimming, a rotary trimmer for whirling away ear and nose hair, and a detail trimmer for details and clean up. Plus, 9 individual guide combs for cutting every hair length imaginable. Phew.
So this trimmer has a lot of pieces, but it does come with a case for storing it all pretty easily. As for the body of the clippers, it’s nice and sleek but doesn’t slip out of the hand.
For a cordless trimmer, it gets a lot of charge time at 3.5 hours, almost as much as Bevel. It even comes with a quick-charge option too. A 1 minute charge gets you 3 minutes of run time.
Motor Power: Lithium ion battery | Material: Stainless steel | Battery Life: 3.5 hrs | Additional attachments: Precision detailer, ear/nose trimmer
When you’re constantly on the go, the last thing you need to stuff in your bag is a bulky trimmer. Fortunately, Andis makes one of the top choices that’s both slim and cordless—perfect for your toiletries kit. At a mere 4.95 ounces, it’s the tiniest on the list.
No need to be skeptical about its performance though. This is Andis, afterall. Even though the Slimline is small, these clippers have a great reputation. It’s well balanced and fits nicely in the hand, which is probably why it’s used by professionals. So you know it’s got to be good.
It might not have quite as many strokes per minute as the BabylissPRO or Andis II, but it comes close. I still say it’s one of the best line up clippers because it has a zero gapper and sharp, stainless steel self-sharpening blades for trimming your hair and lining up that beard in a flash.
Motor Power: Lithium ion battery | Material: Stainless steel | Battery Life: 2 hrs | Additional attachments: 4 styling combs
If you’re new to trimming or second-guess your steady hand, you’ll appreciate Wahl 5-Star Detailer. Not only is it powerful and adjustable with zero overlap (also known as zero gap), it comes with three different extra wide trimming guides to help you control the length of the hair you’re cutting.
This is great for achieving that super crispy lines with confidence, regardless of hair texture. No cartridge razor clean up required.
What makes the 5-Star Detailer so great for everyday use is its lightweight, compact design. This makes lining and detailing a breeze. This electric trimmer is corded, but long—8 feet, to be exact. Plus, it’s chemical-resistant. This thing isn’t going anywhere.
Motor Power: Corded | Material: Stainless steel | Battery Life: Not applicable | Additional attachments: T-blade trimming guides
What To Look For In The Best Line Up Clippers
Power
Corded or cordless clippers really comes down to preference. Cordless bodies are easier for travel and easier to maneuver around the head, especially if you’re new to the clipper game. They don’t hold a charge for longer than a few hours at most, though. Corded bodies can be unwieldy, but should be fine once you get the hang of things. They also provide constant power.
Additional Attachments
If clippers are doing their job right, you shouldn’t need much else besides a wide T-blade. However, I can appreciate attachments like guide combs, especially if you need more control and want to trim the hair on top of your head. Some of the best line up clippers will also come with blade oil—a must between trims.
Material
Without a doubt, the best line up clippers should have stainless steel blades. Stainless steel is a durable, high-quality metal that will reduce beard snagging. Additionally, keep an eye out for words like ‘self-sharpening’ because this will keep the blades fresh and sharp each time you use them, without any work required on your end.
Final Verdict
With the best line up clippers, you should be able to shave your head, line your beard, and trim up with easy and safe close-cutting precision. BabylissPRO does a fantastic job because it’s ergonomic, lightweight, and gives the closest, crispiest cut.
FAQ
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Professionals use the best line up clippers from BabylissPRO, Andis, and Wahl for the sleekest, closest shave.
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You should use clippers for a fresh line up because they possess a T-blade designed specifically for the job. They may also come with full-service attachments for head shaving, trimming, and edging.
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A crispy line up is achieved using T-blade line up clippers and guide combs for maintaining a straight line.
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