None can replace an electric shaver or a razor blade for closeness, but some people like the stubble that beard trimmers deliver, and many trimmers do an adequate job of eliminating the stubble at the bottom of a beard, around the neck. Ability to shave: Any beard trimmer can be used as a shaver by simply removing the guide comb.

We liked some, but none ended up being picks. Still, we did try many trimmers with adjustable guides in our latest round of testing. This design is more convenient than having to change combs all the time, but many adjustable guides are flimsy, and most do not offer enough range for thick, long beards. Many trimmers, especially inexpensive models, have a single, adjustable-length guide comb. Rigid, fixed-length guide combs: Earlier versions of this guide favored trimmers with multiple, fixed-length guide combs, which determine how much beard is left after a pass of the trimmer.A slim design offers more visibility in front of a mirror and allows you to better monitor where you’re cutting, but a too-slim design can be difficult to grip securely. A slim, robust design: We like trimmers that are slender in shape but also durable enough to last years without breaking if dropped.A powerful motor: We wanted a tool with enough oomph to cut through the coarsest hair, without pulling and without requiring multiple passes.

Norelco beard trimmer t770