Wahl vs Philips Norelco (2022): Comparing Top-Rated Trimmers And Grooming Kits

Hair and beard trimmers are essential tools for grooming. But the once routine task of our barbers has turned into a life skill everyone needs to have. If you plan to groom yourself at home, there are two brands worth considering — Wahl and Philips Norelco. Wahl’s range of lithium-ion trimmers is a favorite, but the Wahl 9864SS grooming kit is arguably the most in-demand.

Meanwhile, Philips Norelco’s Multi-Groom Beard Trimmer 7000 remains one of the most recommended models, vouched for by pros and novices. Across their respective catalogs, however, there are several other trimmers and shavers worth looking into. Below, we’ve narrowed them down to four categories to help you decide.

Wahl vs Philips Norelco Comparison Chart

Best Beard Trimmer

The Wahl Brushed Stainless Steel Lithium-Ion 2.0 Trimmer and Philips Norelco Multi-Groom Beard Trimmer 7000 are the best trimmers from both brands.

Grooming kits are a great way to have all the hair and beard styling and maintenance tools in one go. The Wahl Brushed Stainless Steel Lithium-Ion 2.0 Trimmer, for instance, has one of the best bundles. As an all-in-one tool, you get 4 different attachment heads — t-blade, dual shaver, ear/nose trimmer, and precision detailer. The t-blade head also comes with 12 comb guides for even beard trimming. Its biggest draw, however, is its impressive battery life. Wahl’s top-rated cordless trimmer uses lithium-ion 2.0 technology for an impressive 6 hours runtime. It even comes with a 1-minute quick charge option.

Like Wahl’s offering, the Philips Norelco Multi-Groom Beard Trimmer 7000 comes as a package. Out of the box, users get an impressive 23 pieces, including 5 attachments and 14 guards. All of these components are washable and work well with the steel frame of the trimmer. The Philips Norelco 7000 also features a rubber grip and a body that can be stored upright, saving users space. Beyond design, however, this best-in-class device offers just the right amount of power for precise grooming. The trimmer itself boasts what Norelco calls DualCut technology — two blades that self-sharpen for effective trimming years on.

Best For Thick Beards

The Philips Norelco Shaver S900 Prestige and Wahl Aqua Blade Wet/Dry Trimmer are the best models to get for those with heavy beards.

Not all beards are the same. For those with thicker facial hair, a little more power and versatility are needed. This is the specialty of the Philips Norelco Shaver S9000 Prestige. With its multi-directional heads, the shaver can work closely along the contours of your face. As a result, even the most stubborn and difficult hairs are caught. The heads also feature anti-friction SkinComfort rings, so the device glides across your skin. Aside from tackling heavy beards, the S900 Prestige also comes with a sleek digital display and an ergonomic grip.

Now, Wahl’s Aqua Blade Lithium-Ion Wet/Dry Trimmer is an affordable alternative to Norelco’s S900. With its large grip and waterproof design, the device is a pleasure to hold at the sink or in the shower. However, it’s the ultra-close t-blade that makes this an easy pick for those with thicker beards. Wahl shares this Extreme Precision Blade can trim up to 0.2mm. If that’s not enough, the Wahl Aqua Blade’s kit includes 8 individual guide combs and supports quick charging, too. It also uses a lithium-ion battery for an ample 2.5 hours runtime.

Best Corded Trimmer and Shaver

If you prefer a corded trimmer or shaver, consider the Wahl PowerPro or the Philips Norelco 1100.

For some people, grooming takes a while, so the battery life of a wireless trimmer can be a cause of concern. If this is your situation, a corded model might be a better option. The Wahl PowerPro Corded Beard Trimmer and Philips Norelco Corded Electric Shaver 1100 are two models worth considering. Wahl’s PowerPro, for instance, is a powerful clipper, trimmer, and detailer. The compact grooming tool comes with 17 individual guard blades for a variety of trimming lengths. It also features heavy-duty components for no-snag cutting.

Similarly, Philip Norelco’s 1100 shaver operates only when plugged in. Taking a cue from its premium sibling, the S900 Prestige, the 1100 is equipped with self-sharpening blades. It also features a 4-direction flex head system to better shave across the contours of your face. The best part about this device, however, is cleaning it. The Philips Norelco 1100 boasts a one-touch open system that allows for easy rinsing of the heads.

Best Budget Beard Trimmer

If you’re looking for an affordable trimmer, consider the Wahl Multi-Groom Beard Trimmer or the Philips Norelco Multigroom 3000.

While Wahl’s catalog of trimmers and shavers is generally more affordable than Philips Norelco, you can still find a budget option from the brand. The Wahl Multi-Groom Beard Trimmer 9684, for instance, is a solid entry-level trimmer under $20. For its price, you get a modest kit that includes 3 heads: detailer, trimmer, and ear/nose trimmer. Out of the box, the Wahl 9684 also comes with four guide combs, a cleaning brush, and blade oil. Battery life, however, is limited to just 80 minutes.

On the other hand, the Philips Norelco Multigroom 3000 is an affordable alternative to the pricier Norelco 7000 and 9000 series. Like its more premium counterparts, however, the Norelco 3000 enjoys DualCut technology for precision grooming. It also boasts self-cleaning and non-corrosive blades, along with a 13-piece attachment kit. Thanks to its full-metal motor, the 3000 also handles the wear and tear of regular use better than most entry-level trimmers. Unfortunately, just like Wah’s budget option, the Philips Norelco 3000 has an unexceptional 60-minute battery life.

Verdict

Opt for Wahl trimmers if you’re on a budget. Check out the Philips Norelco trimmers and shavers if you want to invest in quality grooming kits.

Wahl is arguably one of the top brands when it comes to trimmers. The company’s extensive catalog and affordable price points are just two reasons behind its success. Among the models reviewed, however, the Wahl Brushed Stainless Steel Lithium-Ion 2.0 Trimmer is still the best to get. From its premium build to its impressive battery life, it’s a value-for-money grooming kit.

Philips Norelco, on the other hand, is highly recommended for its durability and technology. But while more premium models clamor for attention, the midrange Philips Norelco Multi-Groom Beard Trimmer 7000 is undoubtedly the brand’s best offering. Out of all the trimmers compared, the 7000 simply has the best combination of power, accessories, features, and price.

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