8 Best Beard Trimmers For Short Beards – Stylish Stubble In 2023

Long beards, short beards, up beards, down.

Soft beards, rough beards, gray beards, brown.

No matter the beard, no matter the street, you need a trimmer to keep it neat.

…

Shit.

So sorry about that. Sometimes I spontaneously go full Dr. Suess when I talk about the best beard trimmer for short beards, tall beards, left beards, rig…

It’s a very weird, very specific problem and I’m working on it. Moving on—if your beard is on the shorter side, you know how tricky it can be to keep things looking clean, even, and crisp around the edges. That’s where my best beard trimmers for short beards come in. They’re packed with thoughtful and useful features designed to help you achieve the handsomest and most comfortable shave possible.

And as fate would have it, here they come right now.

Key Takeaways 

To find the best beard trimmer for short beards, I began by poring over dozens of products, considering and comparing length settings, included guide and stubble combs, trimming accessories, motor power, customer reviews, and my own experience.

The resulting eight picks are the best of the best based on factors that include but aren’t limited to performance, precision, durability, and value for money. Checking all the boxes is my top pick of the Wahl Groomsman Beard Trimmer Kit, followed by my budget pick, the Phillips Norelco All-In-One Multigroomer 3000.

Why it’s great: The Wahl Groomsman Beard Trimmer Kit isn’t the “fanciest” product on the market. Nor does it feature endless bells and whistles. But what it lacks in general sexiness, it more than makes up for in utility, build quality, comfort, and convenience. You’re working with the waterproof trimmer with self-sharpening stainless steel blades itself, plus a standalone nose hair trimmer, eight trimming guides, and a few other thoughtful accessories. The wallet-friendly price tag doesn’t hurt either.

How to use it: From filling in for hair clippers to keeping your beard short and crisp, this kit can do it all. Mix and match the multiple guards and accessories to dial it in to your liking.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: While the fully charged battery life of one hour will be more than adequate for most guys, it’s not as powerful as some other options on this list.

Material: Stainless steel | Battery Life: 1 hr | Additional Attachments: Nose hair trimmer, 8 trimming guides, mustache comb, cleaning brush, blade oil | Waterproof/Water Resistant: Waterproof

Why it’s great: After using this outstanding shaver for years, I recently switched to another product to try something new. Which… didn’t work out. My next move? You guessed it—tucking my tail between my legs and crawling right back to the Philips Norelco All-in-One Multigroomer 3000. Using it without a guard results in the perfect length for those who prefer a slight shadow, and the multiple included hair guards cater to multiple short beard lengths. There are several newer iterations of this trimmer, but the budget-friendly 3000 is a powerful, reliable, comfortable option that’s served me well for years.

How to use it: My preferred use for the 3000 is as a stubble trimmer. I have relatively sensitive skin and it doesn’t cause irritation or bumps. But if you’ve got some length to your beard and want to keep it tight and even, dip into the beard guards and let the powerful motor take it from there.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Like my top picks, the Wahl Groomsman, this trimmer’s one-hour battery life isn’t the longest out there.

Material: Stainless steel | Battery Life: 1 hr | Additional Attachments: Precision trimmer, nose and ear hair trimmer, 3 hair guards, 3 beard guards, 1 stubble guard, storage bag, cleaning brush | Waterproof/Water Resistant: Water resistant

Why it’s great: It wouldn’t be a conversation about the best beard trimmer for short beards without BaByliss joining the party. The highly regarded brand’s GoldFX Outlining Trimmer wears more hats than its name might suggest. Sure, you can zero-gap its t-lining blade to straighten the lines of your fade. You can even use it to clean up certain areas of your head if you’re starting to lose some hair. But you’re here for that short beard of yours. And yes, this trimmer’s powerful motor and all-metal construction will keep that face mane of yours in fighting shape for years.

How to use it: This isn’t the trimmer you reach for if you’re new to shaving. It’s the one you reach for when you’ve already gone through the other options and are ready to treat your face to the best.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The beard trimmers and hair clippers in the GoldFX series are professional-grade tools that come at a cost. You’ll want to look elsewhere if you’re on a budget or if you prefer a more universal or waterproof option.

Material: Metal | Battery Life: 2 hrs | Additional Attachments: Zero-gap tool, hanging hook, cleaning brush, blade oil | Waterproof/Water Resistant: No

Why it’s great: Not only does Bevel’s Cordless Beard Trimmer have a durable all-metal body, a tool-free, magnetic, zero-gapped blade, and a whopping eight-hour battery life—it’s also pretty damn good looking. Bevel’s tools are staples in barbershops for cutting hair, beards, and for comfortably shaving bald heads.

How to use it: This is just as much a showpiece as it is a powerful workhorse. Prop it up on your vanity and reach for it every day for years (and years).

Flaws but not dealbreakers: A theme with many professional-grade trimmers, Bevel’s beard trimmer isn’t waterproof, so shower shavers need not apply.

Material: Metal | Battery Life: 8 hrs | Additional Attachments: Blade oil, microfiber bag, cleaning brush | Waterproof/Water Resistant: No

Why it’s great: I’ve said it before, but the everyday version of almost any product should be durable, reliable, affordable, and made using quality materials and processes. King C. Gillette’s Cordless Beard Trimmer checks all of those boxes and throws in three short-beard-friendly guards for good measure.

How to use it: Don’t overthink this one. Just know that you can count on it every day for any number of shaving activities (you heard me… activities) from beard maintenance to body maintenance.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Along with that “affordable” part up there inevitably come some hits to the construction DNA of a beard trimmer. In this case, the battery typically lasts up to 50 minutes on a full charge, which is a less-than-competitive unplugged run time.

Material: Stainless steel | Battery Life: 50 minutes | Additional Attachments: 3 guide combs, cleaning brush | Waterproof/Water Resistant: Water resistant

Why it’s great: If you’ve spent any time in a barbershop, you’ve definitely seen a Wahl product or 20 floating around. Products run the gamut in terms of construction and pricing, but if you’re looking for something that’s both accessible and amateur-friendly, Wahl’s 5-Star Unicord Combo is a solid play. You’ll get a Magic Clip clipper, Razor Edger, and a single cord capable of charging both.

How to use it: Between the eight guide combs and the Razor’s t-lining blade, you’ve got everything you need to reach short-beard supremacy at home.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Being a barbershop-friendly pair of products, the Unicord Combo isn’t waterproof.

Material: Stainless steel | Battery Life: 1.5 hrs | Additional Attachments: 8 guide combs, 3 t-blade guards, blade oil, cleaning brush | Waterproof/Water Resistant: No

Why it’s great: One of Manscaped’s newest products, The Beard Hedger Beard Trimmer’s integrated dial can be set to 20 lengths without having to switch out multiple guide combs. Pop the included guard onto the unit, turn the dial to your desired length, and you’re good to go. It’s waterproof and has a one-hour battery life which is more than enough time to get a shower shave in. At least it damn well better be.

How to use it: Take full advantage of The Beard Hedger’s waterproof construction and use it as your go-to shower shaver. It’s also a handsomely designed product that wouldn’t be out of place under the tree or in your dad’s stocking.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: If you need grooming must-haves like a nose hair trimmer, you’ll have to buy it separately.

Material: Stainless steel | Battery Life: 1 hr | Additional Attachments: AC adapter, USB cable, length-setting comb attachment, water-resistant travel case | Waterproof/Water Resistant: Waterproof

Why it’s great: This compact, multi-application Philips Norelco trimmer is exactly what you’re looking for if you want to maximize your dopp kit space while traveling. It comes with four stubble comb attachments, face and body blades, and a guard for body shaving.

How to use it: Toss it in your carry-on for shorter trips away. The blade’s surface area is smaller than most standard trimmers (think cartridge razor) which requires more time than you’re likely willing to spend if you shave every day.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The OneBlade 360 Face and Body does not come with longer guide combs, making it less-than-ideal for short beards that err on the bulkier side.

Material: Stainless steel | Battery Life: 1 hr | Additional Attachments: Face blade, body blade, 4 stubble combs, 1 guard for body, 1 body comb | Waterproof/Water Resistant: Waterproof

Buying Considerations For Short Beard Trimmer

Material & Durability

As you would with safety razors, straight razors, and other quality grooming tools, you’re typically going to get the most comfort and mileage from stainless steel blades. And though even some of the best razors and trimmers use plastic parts, metal body construction will last for years. The best beard trimmer for short beards in the durability category is ultimately the one that fits your budget and how tough you need it to be.

Ease Of Use

There’s nothing worse than buying a new trimmer only to find out that it’s too heavy, too light, or is designed in such a way that feels cumbersome. Manufacturers are constantly tinkering with designs, ergonomic features, and other bells and whistles. It may take some trial and error, but over time you’ll be able to dial in what works for you.

Additional Accessories

Whether you plan on shaving your head, beard, or body with your trimmer, you’ll need to consider the included guide combs and other accessories. Shorter beards often need fewer or no guides, depending on the look you’re going for. Some trimmers even come with beard combs, scissors, and other accoutrement to help keep your short beard crisp and tight.

Why You Should Trust Us

As a fashion and grooming writer at FashionBeans, I compare, test, and research the products that make a gentleman a gentleman. If it can be worn, carried, or used in a way that elevates your look and feel, I’m into it.

For this comparison, I researched dozens of products, taking into account motor speed, amount and length of included guide and stubble combs, material quality, customer reviews, and my own personal experience to find the best beard trimmer for short beards. After comparing over 40 corded and cordless trimmers, I chose the resulting eight based on considerations like performance, precision, durability, and overall value. Ultimately, I want to see everyone find the best beard trimmers for short beards that work for them. 

Final Verdict

In addition to accommodating a wide range of length settings and being able to zero-gap on a dime, the best beard trimmer for short beards should feel right in your hand and provide a comfortable overall shaving experience. And if it happens to be accessibly priced and come with dozens of accessories like the Wahl Groomsman Beard Trimmer Kit, all the better.