The difference between an eye-catching haircut and an ordinary one is the fineness level of detail.
In any haircut, the finishing touches count the most and that’s why professional stylists and barbers always have a liner clipper as part of their styling arsenal.
Liner clippers are versatile tools that can edge, trim, contour, dry-shave, and perform many other functions for both individuals who prefer grooming themselves, and professionals who groom others.
Check out our best liner clipper review to discover and help you choose the models that will meet all your grooming and custom hair cutting demands.
In this post:
- What To Check Before Buying the Best Liner Clipper?
- 10 Best Liner Clippers Reviewed
- 1. Andis 01557 (Best Overall)
- 2. Wahl 9686-300 (Best Budget)
- 3. Wahl Professional 43917814810 (Best Professional)
- 4. Wahl 9818 (Best Battery-Powered)
- 5. Andis 32400 (Best Lightweight)
- 6. Wahl 79602 (Best Precision)
- 7. Andis 04710 (Best Dry-shaving)
- 8. Wahl Professional 8051 (Best for Edging and Trimming)
- 9. Wahl 79600-2101 (All-Body and Grooming Kit)
- 10. Andis 29775 (Best for Facial Hair)
- Conclusion
What To Check Before Buying the Best Liner Clipper?
1. Cord or Cordless
Your liner clipper will either be corded or cordless, during operation. Corded clippers will only run while plugged into a power supply.
Cordless clippers have batteries you can charge for a given period, and then unplug it for use without hooking it to an external power source.
There is another special category of liner clipper known as corded/cordless, such as the Wahl Professional 43917814810, which have a built-in battery but support both corded and cordless use.
2. Mighty Motor
Clipper razors are powered by electric motors. For liner clippers, magnetic motors are the most preferred because they are compact units that can produce a lot of power.
Motor power translates into the number of cutting strokes (SPM) a clipper’s blade (s) can deliver in a minute. The most powerful clipper, Andis 01557, delivers 14,000 SPM, which is great for all-round use.
Clippers with SPMs of at least 7,200 are considered powerful and will deliver the performance that even professional styling demands.
3. Blades Quality
Blades are, arguably, the most vital components of liner clipper, because they are responsible for cutting, trimming, edging, countering, and many other styling techniques.
You’ll be pleased to learn that most of the leading clipper brands such as Wahl and Andis have invested a lot in creating high-performance blades, especially of the T-blade style.
Blades made of carbon-steel are considered reliable. You can also opt for self-sharpening precision blades, which are available across different brands.
4. Safety
Safety applies to both the user and the tool. You can safeguard the tool and prevent it from damage by using blade guards.
Some clipper models also come with hard cases, which protect them from mechanical damage, such as that caused by falls.
For your safety, always ensure the clipper is switched off and stored away from reach when not in use.
5. Design & Look
Most clippers assume a universal look, but there are some design tweaks they adapt to enhance certain functionalities, and operational convenience.
Clipper design is not just about aesthetics. For example, a sleek or slim clipper, such as the Andis 32400, is considered ergonomic and easy to handle.
When choosing the clipper design, it’s best to consider functionality as well and get one that will offer the most convenience for your operating requirements.
6. Accessories
The most versatile line clippers come with a ton of accessories, which support additional grooming beyond the usual haircuts or trimming.
Accessories such as blade guards, guide combs, and brushes, are valuable to both the individual, and the professional barber and stylist. The more the accessories, the more the value your clipper offers.
Oil is another handy accessory that supports regular maintenance, while a carry case will help protect your clipper from mechanical damage.
7. Maintenance
Liner clippers, like any other tool, require regular maintenance to ensure they are constantly running efficiently, and to prolong their life.
The most common recommended form of clipper maintenance that won’t require professional skills, is oiling.
Because the clipper’s metallic blades are constantly rubbing against each other, oiling them before every use reduces friction, thus minimizing wear.
10 Best Liner Clippers Reviewed
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. Andis 01557 (Best Overall) |
|
 | 2. Wahl 9686-300 (Best Budget) |
|
 | 3. Wahl Professional 43917814810 (Best Professional Clipper) |
|
 | 4. Wahl 9818 (Best Battery-powered) |
|
 | 5. Andis 32400 (Best Lightweight) |
|
 | 6. Wahl 79602 (Best Precision) |
|
 | 7. Andis 04710 (For Dry-shaving) |
|
 | 8. Wahl Professional 8051 (For Edging & Trimming) |
|
 | 9. Wahl 79600-2101 (All-body Liner Clipper & Grooming Kit) |
|
 | 10. Andis 29775 (For Facial Hair) |
|
1. Andis 01557 (Best Overall)
Photo: Andis
- Power Source: Corded
- Cutting Strokes/Minute: 14,000
- Blade Material: Carbon-steel
- Weight: 20 ounces
Coming in first is Andis 01557, the best overall liner clipper. It is a high-performance clipper designed for all-round styling professional and personal tapering, cutting and shaving.
This clipper has been delivering to deliver immense power under all operating conditions. It has a powerful magnetic motor, which delivers a superior speed of 14,000 cutting strokes per minute, which helps to achieve precision and fine cuts.
To help you achieve even more controlled cutting, the clipper’s blade is adjustable from size 000 (fine to coarse) to size 1. It can also be zero-gapped.
Control convenience is another feature we loved in Andis 01557. It has a thumb-controlled side switch that supports one-hand on/off operation.
The clipper is housed within an aluminum housing, which is durable and unbreakable, guaranteeing you years of reliable service.
We didn’t like the fact that Andis 01557 is not offered with blade guide combs like some of its rival models.
Pros:
- Powerful high-speed motor
- Adjustable clipper blade
- Easy to operate
- Durable build quality
Cons:
- Blade guides are not included
2. Wahl 9686-300 (Best Budget)
Photo: Wahl
- Power Source: Corded
- Blade Material: Carbon-steel
- Weight: 18.1 ounces
Coming in second is Wahl 9686-300, the best budget liner clipper on our list. This pocket-friendly is ideal for male grooming.
You’ll love the fact that this clipper is value-packed and optimized for men’s grooming. Its diverse grooming kit allows edging of beards, mustaches, ear and nose hair.
This clipper will help you achieve crisp and clean edging lines and sharp edges because it features Wahl’s renowned zero-overlap T-style 0.2mm blades. Combined with the easy-to-hold form factor, the blade promises to leave crisp ash lines.
You don’t need to worry about razor bumps with this clipper. It delivers bump-free trimming through the T-blade zero-overlap precision, which combined well with the clipper’s high-torque rotary motor.
Its carbon-steel blade is durable and stays sharp for long. You get 12 individual blade guides, which also offer a similar number of cutting lengths.
We didn’t like the fact that the Wahl 9686-300 clipper blade is not adjustable for cutting flexibility.
Pros:
- Reasonably-priced
- Blade optimized for clean edging
- Bump-free trimming
- Comes with blade guides
Cons:
- The blade is not adjustable
3. Wahl Professional 43917814810 (Best Professional)
Photo: Wahl Professional
- Power Source: Corded/cordless
- Blade Material: Carbon-steel
- Weight: 10 ounces
Wahl Professional 43917814810 takes the crown for the best professional liner clipper. This clipper is designed to deliver the performance demanded by expert barbers and stylists.
This corded/cordless clipper is designed for professional use but has proven to be an all-round workhorse, especially because it runs with the freedom of a cordless clipper. You can use it cordless because its powerful li-ion battery will offer a 90-minute run-time per charge.
It features Wahl’s high-performance zero-overlap 2161 precision blades, which are designed to deliver superior cutting speed, ease of use, and excellent precision. You can use the handy taper level to control the blades across different styles such as blending and fading.
You get a wealth of accessories that the everyday professional requires, including 8 attachment combs, a cleaning brush, a blade guard, and lubricating oil.
We also noted that the entire clipper unit is lightweight at only 10 ounces, for maneuverability and ease of handling.
A slight disappointment about the Wahl Professional 43917814810 is that it has no low-battery indicator, and will just shut off with no warning when its charge runs out.
Pros:
- Supports cordless operation
- High-performance precision blades
- Comes with many accessories
- Lightweight unit
Cons:
- No low-battery indicator
4. Wahl 9818 (Best Battery-Powered)
Photo: Wahl
- Power Source: Battery-powered
- Blade Material: Carbon-steel
- Weight: 18.2 ounces
Wahl 9818 stands out from the pack for being the best battery-powered liner clipper, which delivers performance that rivals that of corded clippers.
It runs on a powerful lithium-ion battery which delivers impressive run times. With just a 1-hour charge time, the clipper will run for 4 hours. If you want to complete a quick shave, a 60-second charge will power the unit for 3 minutes.
The clipper is packaged as a complete grooming system offering 4 multipurpose attachments: a T-blade, a detail shaver, a rotary ear/nose trimmer, and a precision detailer. These shaving options make the unit versatile and capable of supporting multiple touch-ups. You also get 12 guide combs.
A neat feature you’ll love in this clipper is its self-sharpening precision blades. Prolonged blade sharpness ensures the clipper delivers consistent superior cutting for all hair and beard lengths.
Also, we can’t fail to recognize that this clipper supports dual voltage. The lithium ion-powered units can be used with both 110V and the international 220V, making it a great travel companion.
An issue you may find disappointing about Wahl 9818 is that you cannot use it corded or while it’s charging.
Pros:
- Long battery life
- Superior grooming versatility
- Self-sharpening blades
- Supports dual voltage
Cons:
- Not usable while charging
5. Andis 32400 (Best Lightweight)
Photo: Andis
- Power Source: Corded/cordless
- Cutting Strokes/Minute: 6,000
- Blade Material: Carbon-steel
- Weight: 4 ounces
Andis 32400 is the best lightweight liner clipper on our list. It is ideal for individuals and professionals who desire a unit that runs for extended periods without causing hand strain.
Weighing only 4 ounces, the clipper is not only lightweight, but it is also slim and ergonomic, providing you with greater operating flexibility while minimizing the risk of developing hand stain or general arm fatigue especially with extended usage.
It is tailored to deliver light-duty touch-ups and for trimming necklines. That said, it packs a decently-powered motor with high speeds of 6,000 strokes per minute for your everyday trimming tasks.
The clipper comes with a close-cutting T-blade, which is highly-favored by barbers for their efficiency in delivering crisp outlines. You get 4 guide combs for more refined clipping.
We didn’t like the 2-hour, 15-minute charge time of Andis 32400, which we consider long especially because it will offer only 2 hours of run-time per charge.
Pros:
- Lightweight unit
- Slim and ergonomic design
- Powerful motor
- High-performance blade
Cons:
- Long charge time
6. Wahl 79602 (Best Precision)
Photo: Wahl
- Power Source: Corded
- Cutting Strokes/Minute: 7,200
- Blade Material: Stainless-steel
- Weight: 40 ounces
Wahl 79602 is the best precision liner clipper on our list. Designed for men’s grooming, this high-performance clipper offers unrivaled precision and high cutting speed.
This is not your average clipper. It comes equipped with precision blades, which are self-sharpening to not only deliver but also retain their sharpness for long.
Combined with a high cutting speed of 7,200 strokes per minute, Wahl 79602’s blades will cut hair 40% faster than the standard clipper. In addition, 10 guide combs have been included for safe and smooth hair cutting.
A bonus feature we loved in this clipper is its hardened storage case, which protects the unit from mechanical damage, especially from falls.
The corded clipper comes with an 8-foot industrial cord to offer superior reach and flexibility, especially in professional settings. Barber and stylists will especially love this feature.
Because Wahl 79602 is a premium clipper, it is pricey and is not the most appealing to buyers on a budget.
Pros:
- Self-sharpening blades
- Powerful and durable motor
- Strong storage case
- Long power cord
Cons:
- Pricey
7. Andis 04710 (Best Dry-shaving)
Photo: Andis
- Power Source: Corded
- Cutting Strokes/Minute: 7,200
- Blade Material: Carbon-steel
- Weight: 11.2 ounces
Andis 04710 is a liner clipper optimized for dry-shaving. This trimmer sets the standard for professional fading, all-around outlining, and dry-shaving.
It is a powerful liner clipper, which packs a powerful motor delivering 7,200 cutting strokes per minute. This power combines well with the clipper’s carbon steel T-blade, which can also be zero-gapped to deliver close and precise cuts.
The magnetic motor in this Andis clipper, which belongs to the Outliner series, is not only high-speed and powerful but also runs quietly. We were impressed by the quietness of the clipper considering how loud some models can get.
Also, to maximize reach and flexibility, this trimmer comes with a heavy-duty 8-foot cord, which has a hanger loop attached to simplify storage. Simply use the loop to hang the clipper when not in use.
We did notice, however, that the casing of Andis 04710 can get uncomfortably hot, especially with extended usage.
Pros:
- Optimized for dry-shaving
- Powerful magnetic motor
- Runs quietly
- Long power cord
Cons:
- May get uncomfortably hot
8. Wahl Professional 8051 (Best for Edging and Trimming)
Photo: Wahl Professional
- Power Source: Corded
- Blade Material: Carbon-steel
- Weight: 9.3 ounces
Wahl Professional 8051 is a heavy-duty liner clipper, which is designed to deliver professional-grade trimming and edging that is often demanded by expert stylists.
This clipper is suited for precision edging and trimming, especially because it is powered by a strong electromagnetic motor, which drives Wahl’s renowned carbon-steel blades for razor-close cuts.
Also, we noted that this model does not suffer from heat build-up, a common shortcoming of most standard clippers. You can operate it for long durations without worrying about the uncomfortable heat that can get in the way of your work.
For added convenience, this clipper comes with a complete set of accessories, including 3 T-blade guards, a cleaning brush, a red blade guard, and a professional set tool. Also, it has an 8-foot-long cord to superior reach.
Because Wahl Professional 8051 is considered a professional clipper, it does not come with instructions that would favor novice users.
Pros:
- Delivers professional edging and trimming
- No heat buildup
- Comes with many accessories
- Long power cord
Cons:
- No instructions for beginners
9. Wahl 79600-2101 (All-Body and Grooming Kit)
Photo: Wahl
- Power Source: Battery-powered
- Blade Material: Carbon-steel
- Weight: 37.4 ounces
Wahl 79600-2101 is a unique all-body liner clipper and grooming kit. This function is especially supported by the clipper’s cordless operation.
It is packaged and offered as a trimming and clipping combo. You get a complete grooming kit, which includes 10 smooth cutting attachment guards, ear taper guards, combs scissors, hair clips, a blade brush, and oil.
For superior and custom cuts, this clipper features Wahl’s high-performance self-sharpening precision blades, which work on all hair types while retaining their sharpness for long.
Because this clipper is battery-powered and cordless, it is not only convenient to handle, but also offers superior maneuverability compared to corded models. When not in use, this clipper can retain its charge for up to 12 months without any memory issues.
An issue you’re likely to find disappointing about Wahl 79600-2101 is its awfully long charge time of 3-5 hours. This clipper is not the best for professional work.
Pros:
- Full grooming kit
- High-performance precision blades
- Cuts many hair types
- Convenient cordless operation
Cons:
- Long charge time
10. Andis 29775 (Best for Facial Hair)
Photo: Andis
- Power Source: Corded
- Cutting Strokes/Minute: 7,200
- Blade Material: Carbon-steel
- Weight: 12.8 ounces
Andis 29775 is a liner clipper optimized for removal of facial hair using its ultra-close cutting capabilities.
The clipper’s excellence in ultra-close cutting is supported by its super-fine T-blade, which is great for dry shaving, contouring, sculpting, and trimming. You can also use it to achieve skin-close shaving and fading.
All these functions are supported by a powerful magnetic motor, which delivers an impressive speed of 7,200 strokes per minute, further enhancing functions such as close-cutting.
You’ll love the fact that this clipper is offered as an 11-piece kit. Alongside the clipper, you get 4 blade guards, 2 combs, brushes, oil, and a carry case for your convenience.
This clipper is one of the affordable models we have on our list, so if you’re on a budget and look for a full grooming kit, there is a lot of value being offered here.
We did notice, however, that during extended usage, the Andis 29775 may get hot, making for an uncomfortable experience.
Pros:
- High-performance T-blade
- Powerful motor
- Multi-piece kit included
- Pocket-friendly price
Cons:
- May get hot with extended usage
Conclusion
Our best line clipper review demonstrates the value-packed in these tools, for both individuals and professionals. You can use them for edging, trimming, contouring, shaving and much more.
If you’re looking for the best clipper from our lineup, pick Andis 01557. It is powerful, has an adjustable blade, and is enclosed in a heavy-duty aluminum casing.
For those on a budget, Wahl 9686-300 is a great, value-packed clipper that will meet your everyday edging needs.
We recommend Wahl Professional 43917814810 to expert barbers and stylists, who demand performance, versatility, and reliability from their line clippers.