Best Beard Trimmer for Long Beards (2026 Guide)

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Growing a long beard takes patience. Maintaining one takes the right trimmer. Most beard trimmers are designed for stubble and short growth, with guards that top out at 10 or 12mm and motors that choke on anything longer. If your beard is an inch or longer, you need a trimmer built for the job: one with wide guard clearance, a motor that will not stall in dense hair, and blade geometry that cuts cleanly without pulling.

This guide covers the best beard trimmers for long beards, tested on real beards from one inch to full yeoman length. Every model here has been evaluated for how it handles thick growth, whether its guards actually reach the lengths they claim, and how reliably it cuts without snagging.

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What Makes a Trimmer Work for Long Beards

Not every trimmer that includes a 20mm guard is suited for long beards. The guard length is only one piece of the equation. Here is what actually matters when you are trimming one inch or more of facial hair.

Motor power. Long, thick beard hair creates significantly more resistance than stubble. Linear motors and rotary motors with high RPM ratings push through dense growth without slowing down. When a motor bogs down mid-stroke, it starts pulling hairs instead of cutting them, which is painful and produces an uneven result. Look for motors rated at 7,000 RPM or higher.

Blade gap and tooth spacing. The gap between the cutting teeth determines how much hair can enter the blade at once. Narrow-tooth trimmers, excellent for stubble precision, jam up on longer hair because too many strands enter at once and overwhelm the blade. Wider tooth spacing lets long hairs feed through cleanly, one section at a time.

Guard range and stability. Guards designed for long beards need to be rigid enough to hold their position against thick hair. Flimsy plastic combs flex under pressure, which changes the effective cutting length mid-stroke. The best long-beard guards are reinforced, snap securely into place, and cover the full length of the blade.

Blade sharpness and self-sharpening technology. Long beard hairs are thicker at the base and taper toward the tip. A dull blade compresses the hair before cutting, which pulls at the root. Self-sharpening blades or easily replaceable blade sets maintain a clean cut over months of use, which matters more with long beards than short ones.

Understanding the difference between clippers and trimmers also helps here. Some long-beard maintenance is better handled by a clipper with a guard than a trimmer pushed to its maximum length setting.

Quick Comparison Table

Best Beard Trimmers for Long Beards: Full Reviews

1. Wahl 9818 Stainless Steel Lithium Ion+ – Best for Thick, Coarse Long Beards

The Wahl 9818 is the default recommendation for men with long, dense beards, and for good reason. Wahl’s self-sharpening precision blades are ground from surgical-grade stainless steel, which means they stay sharp through months of cutting thick facial hair. The blade gap is engineered for longer growth, with wider tooth spacing that feeds hair through without jamming.

This trimmer includes 12 guide combs ranging from 1.5mm to 24mm, covering everything from neckline cleanup to full-length beard shaping. The longer guards (18mm, 22mm, 24mm) are notably sturdier than what you find in budget kits. They snap into place with a satisfying click and do not flex when pushed through a dense beard.

Wahl offers this as a corded/cordless hybrid. The lithium-ion battery delivers solid run time, but for a full long-beard session where you are working through thick growth systematically, using it corded ensures consistent motor speed. Long beards create more resistance, and even the best batteries deliver slightly less torque at 50 percent charge versus full. The corded option eliminates that variable.

Where the Wahl 9818 truly excels is on coarse, textured beard hair. Men with thick, curly beards report fewer snags and less pulling compared to other trimmers in this price range. The motor does not hesitate when it hits a dense patch, which is the hallmark of Wahl’s professional-grade engineering.

Max guard length: 24mm (approximately 1 inch).

Motor: High-torque rotary with consistent speed under load.

Battery life: 4+ hours cordless, or unlimited corded use.

Best for: Men with thick, coarse beards who need reliable power and the option of corded operation.

Pros: Self-sharpening blades. Corded/cordless. Sturdy long guards. Professional-grade motor.

Cons: Heavier than cordless-only models. Guard selection could include more increments between 18mm and 24mm.

2. Philips Norelco BT9810 – Best Precision on Long Beards

The Philips Norelco BT9810 approaches long-beard trimming from a different angle: precision first, power second. Its SteelPrecision blades are designed for clean, defined lines even at longer guard settings. For men who shape their long beard with specific angles and tapered zones, this is the trimmer to consider.

The zoom wheel provides 30 length settings from 0.4mm to 20mm in 0.5mm increments. That granularity is rare at the upper end of the range, where most trimmers jump from 15mm to 20mm in one leap. If you taper your beard from a shorter cheekline to a longer chin, the BT9810 lets you do that in precise, gradual steps rather than abrupt transitions.

Philips uses a linear motor that maintains a constant cutting speed regardless of hair thickness. Linear motors do not slow down under load the way some rotary motors do, which translates to a smoother cut through long hair. The double-sharpened metal blades create less friction, which further reduces pulling on longer hairs that have more surface area contacting the blade.

Battery performance is excellent at 120 minutes, with a quick-charge feature that provides a full trim from just five minutes of charging. The trimmer is fully washable and includes a charging stand that doubles as a storage solution. Build quality is premium, with a metal body that feels substantial without being fatiguing during extended sessions.

Max guard length: 20mm.

Motor: Linear motor with constant speed technology.

Battery life: 120 minutes, 5-minute quick charge for one session.

Best for: Men who sculpt and shape their long beards with precision tapering.

Pros: 0.5mm increments at all settings. Linear motor for consistent speed. Quick charge. Premium build.

Cons: 20mm max guard limits use for very long beards. Higher price point.

3. Panasonic ER-GB96-K – Best for Maximum Length Range

The Panasonic ER-GB96-K offers what no other trimmer in this category matches: a 30mm maximum guard length with 58 adjustable settings. If your beard extends well beyond an inch and you want a single tool that covers the full range from stubble to full growth, this is the one.

Panasonic’s 45-degree-angle honed blades are a genuine engineering advantage. The acute angle creates a sharper cutting edge that slices through hair rather than crushing it. On long, thick beard hair, this distinction matters. You feel less tugging, and the cut ends are cleaner, which reduces split ends and makes the beard look healthier between trims.

The quick-adjust dial moves through settings smoothly without requiring you to remove the guard. For long-beard maintenance where you might trim the cheeks at 15mm, the jawline at 20mm, and the chin at 25mm, this seamless adjustment saves time and frustration. The trimmer also works wet or dry, which gives you the option to trim after a shower when the hair is softer and more manageable.

Battery life is the one weakness at 60 minutes. For a quick maintenance trim, that is fine. For a thorough long-beard shaping session that includes multiple passes at different lengths, you may find yourself reaching for the charging cable. Fortunately, it charges relatively quickly and the cord is long enough to use while plugged in.

Max guard length: 30mm (approximately 1.2 inches).

Motor: Linear motor with high-speed drive.

Battery life: 60 minutes cordless.

Best for: Men with very long beards who need the widest possible length range.

Pros: 30mm max length. 58 settings. 45-degree blade angle. Wet/dry use.

Cons: Shorter battery life than competitors. Plastic body feels less premium than the Philips.

4. Andis Slimline Pro Li – Best for Detailing Long Beard Edges

The Andis Slimline Pro Li is not a primary long-beard trimmer. It is the precision tool you use alongside one. Where the Wahl 9818 handles bulk trimming and length maintenance, the Andis Slimline defines the edges: the cheek line, the neckline, the mustache border, and the sideburn taper.

Professional barbers use the Slimline for exactly this purpose. Its T-blade design cuts tight to the skin without a guard, creating the sharp, defined lines that separate a well-maintained long beard from a neglected one. The blade is chrome-plated and close-cutting, ideal for cleaning up the perimeter of your beard without disturbing the length.

Battery life is an impressive 120 minutes on the lithium-ion battery, which is remarkable for such a compact tool. The slim design fits comfortably in hand and allows for the fine motor control needed for detail work. If you have ever tried to edge your cheek line with a full-size trimmer and ended up removing more beard than intended, you understand why a dedicated detail tool matters.

For men who invest in growing a long beard, the Andis Slimline is the finishing tool that makes the whole look intentional rather than unkempt. Pair it with proper beard softening techniques and a quality beard oil, and your grooming routine covers all bases.

Max guard length: Zero-gap capable, custom guards available.

Motor: Rotary motor, quiet operation.

Battery life: 120 minutes.

Best for: Defining edges and lines on a long beard.

Pros: Professional-grade T-blade. Extremely precise. Lightweight. Long battery life.

Cons: Not a primary trimmer for length. Requires separate guards for length work.

5. Remington PG6025 All-in-1 Grooming Kit – Best Budget Option

The Remington PG6025 is the budget entry point for long-beard trimming, and it performs better than its price suggests. The kit includes a full-size trimmer with guards up to 18mm, plus a nose/ear trimmer and detail trimmer. For men growing their first long beard who want a capable tool without a significant investment, this kit makes sense.

The self-sharpening surgical steel blades handle medium to thick beard hair adequately. You will notice the motor working harder on very dense patches compared to the Wahl or Panasonic, but it does not stall or pull aggressively. The 65-minute battery life is sufficient for a trim-and-edge session, though you will want to charge it fully before a thorough grooming day.

Guard stability is where the budget shows. The longer guards (12mm to 18mm) have some flex when pushed through thick hair. This is not a dealbreaker, but it means your cutting length may vary by a millimeter or two depending on how much pressure you apply. Working with lighter, more deliberate strokes compensates for this. Think of it as a technique adjustment rather than a flaw.

At its price point, the Remington PG6025 competes with trimmers that top out at 10mm. Getting 18mm of range plus multiple attachments makes it strong value for men exploring long-beard maintenance. If you decide to invest in a premium trimmer later, this works perfectly as a travel backup. It pairs well with a set of cordless clippers for a complete home grooming setup on a budget.

Max guard length: 18mm.

Motor: Standard rotary.

Battery life: 65 minutes cordless.

Best for: Men on a budget who want capable long-beard trimming without a major investment.

Pros: Exceptional value. Multiple attachments. Self-sharpening blades. Decent guard range.

Cons: Guards flex under heavy pressure. 18mm max limits very long beard work. Motor labors on thick growth.

6. Brio Beardscape V2 – Best Quiet Power for Sensitive Skin

The Brio Beardscape V2 has built a loyal following among long-beard enthusiasts for its combination of motor power and low noise. Running at 7,200 RPM, it cuts through long, dense hair efficiently while producing noticeably less noise than comparably powered trimmers. For men who trim in the morning while others are sleeping, or simply prefer a quieter grooming experience, this matters.

The ceramic blade is the standout feature. Ceramic stays sharper longer than stainless steel, generates less heat during extended use, and is naturally hypoallergenic. For men with sensitive skin beneath their beards (a common issue with long beards that trap moisture and irritants), the reduced heat and friction of a ceramic blade make a noticeable difference in post-trim comfort.

Guard range extends to 19mm across multiple snap-on combs, with precise click-lock positioning that does not shift during use. The guards are made from a more rigid plastic than budget alternatives, maintaining their set length even when working through resistant growth. Battery life is a category-leading 240 minutes, which is enough for weeks of regular trimming between charges.

Where the Brio falls slightly short is in maximum length. At 19mm, it does not quite reach the range of the Panasonic or Wahl for very long beards. But for beards in the 15 to 20mm range that need consistent, gentle maintenance, the Beardscape V2 is difficult to beat.

Max guard length: 19mm.

Motor: 7,200 RPM rotary, quiet operation.

Battery life: 240 minutes (4 hours).

Best for: Men with sensitive skin and long beards who want quiet, gentle trimming.

Pros: Ceramic blade. Extremely quiet. 4-hour battery. Hypoallergenic.

Cons: 19mm max length. Premium price. Ceramic blades are more fragile if dropped.

Guard Size Guide for Long Beard Lengths

Selecting the right guard length is critical for long-beard maintenance. Here is a practical guide that maps guard settings to beard length and style.

One important note: the guard setting represents the minimum length your beard will be after trimming, not the maximum. If your beard is currently 2 inches long and you use a 24mm guard, you are trimming it down to approximately 1 inch. Always start with a longer guard than you think you need and work down. You can always trim shorter, but you cannot put hair back.

For beards longer than 30mm (1.2 inches), a trimmer alone may not be the best approach. Consider using barber scissors for length reduction and a trimmer for shaping and evening out. This combination is how professional barbers handle long-beard grooming, and it prevents the pulling and clogging that even the best trimmers experience on very long growth. Understanding clipper capabilities can also help you determine whether a clipper with a long guard is better suited for initial length removal.

Corded vs. Cordless for Long Beard Maintenance

This debate takes on extra significance for long beards because the trimming sessions are longer and the motor demands are higher.

Cordless advantages: Freedom of movement matters when you are trimming a long beard from multiple angles. You will hold the trimmer upside down, sideways, and at odd angles to reach every section. A cord restricts this movement and can snag on your arm during awkward positions. Modern lithium-ion batteries deliver consistent power for 60 to 120 minutes, which is enough for most sessions.

Corded advantages: Constant power. A corded trimmer does not slow down at 40 percent battery the way some cordless models do. For men with extremely thick, coarse beards who need every bit of motor torque, corded operation guarantees consistent cutting speed from start to finish. The Wahl 9818’s corded option is specifically designed for this scenario.

The hybrid solution: Several top-tier trimmers (including the Wahl 9818 and some Panasonic models) offer both modes. Use cordless for routine maintenance and switch to corded for heavy trimming sessions or when the battery is running low. This flexibility is worth prioritizing if you are investing in a premium trimmer. It is similar to the versatility you get with the best cordless clippers that also offer corded backup.

Long Beard Trimming Technique

Having the right trimmer is half the equation. Using it correctly on a long beard requires different technique than short-beard maintenance.

Comb through first. Before you turn on the trimmer, comb your entire beard in the direction of growth with a wide-tooth comb. This separates tangles and identifies areas where the beard grows at different angles. Long beards develop knots that can catch in trimmer blades, causing pulling and uneven cuts.

Work with the grain. Always trim in the direction of hair growth on the first pass. Against-the-grain passes on a long beard can catch and yank hairs that are not aligned with the blade path. Save any against-the-grain passes for final cleanup with a shorter guard or a dedicated shaver.

Section your beard. Divide your beard mentally into zones: cheeks, jawline, chin, mustache, and neck. Trim each zone at its intended length before moving to the next. This prevents the common mistake of trying to blend everything at once, which often leads to cutting sections too short.

Trim dry. Wet beard hair hangs straighter and appears longer than it is when dry. If you trim wet, your beard will look shorter than expected once it dries and the natural curl or wave returns. Always trim when your beard is completely dry for accurate results.

Use the trimmer as a finishing tool. For beards over 2 inches, use barber scissors to remove bulk first, then use your trimmer to even out the length and define the shape. This approach is easier on the trimmer’s motor and produces a more natural-looking result than trying to remove several inches of growth with a guard alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any trimmer handle a long beard?

No. Most budget trimmers are designed for stubble to short-beard lengths (under 10mm). Their motors lack the torque to cut through long, thick hair consistently, and their guards do not extend past 12mm. Using an underpowered trimmer on a long beard results in pulling, uneven cuts, and a frustrating experience. Invest in a trimmer specifically rated for longer guard lengths with a motor powerful enough to maintain speed through dense growth.

What is the best trimmer for coarse, thick long beards?

The Wahl 9818 is the strongest choice for coarse, thick beard hair at longer lengths. Its high-torque motor maintains cutting speed through the densest growth, and the stainless steel self-sharpening blades stay effective over months of regular use on tough hair. The corded option ensures you never lose power mid-session. For men with textured or curly beards, the wider blade gap is particularly important to prevent jamming.

What guard size should I use for a 1-inch beard?

A 24mm to 25mm guard produces approximately a 1-inch beard length after trimming. Start with a 25mm guard if your trimmer offers it, make a single pass, and assess the result before dropping down. Different beard textures (straight vs. curly) will look different at the same guard setting because curly hair compresses slightly under the guard and then springs back. Curly-bearded men should use a guard setting 2 to 3mm longer than their target length to account for this spring-back effect.

How often should you trim a long beard?

Most long beards benefit from a maintenance trim every two to three weeks. This involves evening out the overall length, shaping the neckline and cheek lines, and addressing any flyaway hairs that disrupt the silhouette. Full-length reduction (taking the beard shorter) should be done monthly or as needed. Between trims, daily combing and proper beard care products (oil, balm, and conditioner) keep the beard looking intentional and healthy. Regular beard softening also makes your next trim session smoother.

Is a beard trimmer or scissors better for long beards?

Both. The most effective long-beard grooming uses scissors for bulk length removal and overall shaping, followed by a trimmer for evening out the length, defining edges, and handling the neckline. Scissors give you more control on very long growth (2+ inches) and do not pull or snag the way a trimmer can on excessive length. A trimmer excels at creating uniform length across sections and producing clean lines that scissors cannot achieve as easily. Think of them as complementary tools rather than alternatives.