If you purchase clippers, you can trim your dog's fur without having to go to a professional groomer every month. But there are many to choose from, including manufacturers Wahl and Andis, so how can you know which are the best for you and your pampered pooch?
We bought dog clippers from Amazon, Walmart, Target and other retailers, and put them to the test to find out which are the best.
We tested each product for the following:
Take a look at our product ranking to see which made the top of the list, and check out our buying guide to learn how to choose the right dog clippers for your furry family members!
Jun is an experienced professional in the pet supply industry, with a strong background in sales and small breed care. Having previously worked for a major pet store, Jun was in charge of serving pet owners and understanding their pet-related concerns, and within half a year, Jun was appointed head of small breeds. Currently, Jun serves as the head of pet food and pet supply articles at mybest. She strives to promote products that enhance the lives of pets and communicate on behalf of pets to pet owners with information that will make their days more comfortable and enjoyable.
We asked six of our staff who are dog owners to trim the hair on a wig. They rated the clippers on whether they could trim a lot of hair smoothly without the clippers getting snagged. For adjustable clippers, we used the longer blades and attached the 1/4-inch guard.
Our six testers also had to see if the clippers were easy to use for detail-trimming, such as the rump, paw pads, and face.First, we checked the finish of the shortest blade setting with no guard.Our testers used the clippers around those tight areas on a dog mannequin. They reported if they felt they'd be able to trim with confidence.
Most dogs don't like getting their fur trimmed. They especially dislike the noise and the heat the blades give off, so we checked for that next.We held the clippers about half an inch from a decibel meter and recorded the noise levels.We measured heat output using thermal imaging. We measured after 10 minutes of use, and again after 20 minutes.
Our six dog owners checked how easy the clippers would be to use, with emphasis on the following points:Are they easy to maneuver?Are they comfortable to hold?Is the on/off button within easy reach?Are they light or heavy?
You should clean your clippers after each use. This is important for both hygiene purposes and for extending the life of the clippers. So we asked our testers if the clippers were hard to clean and whether the blades could be changed out easily.
We tested the battery life through continuous use under the following conditions:Cordless, rechargeable clippers were charged until they were full.We set them to run at their highest setting until they stopped.We gave corded types a perfect score for this test.
All product tests
were conducted in-house at mybest
Table of Contents
There are clippers sold for humans, dogs, and cats. What's the difference? Aren't they interchangeable? Let's tackle these common questions first.
The fineness of the blades differs on clippers designed for humans versus those for dogs. This is because dog fur is generally softer and finer than human hair.
It is impossible to cut fur as neatly with human clippers. Using them on your dog could even injure their sensitive skin.
Dog clippers have blades designed for trimming soft fur and are less likely to hurt your dog. Stick with these for your furbaby.
Here are the points to keep in mind when choosing the best dog clippers.
The most important factor when choosing dog clippers is how sharp they are. Let's look at some of the ways you can tell if clippers have good blades or not.
All clipper designs were effective during our testing, but ceramic blades sometimes got snagged. They didn't do as well when cutting matted fur, and we weren't confident in the sharpness of their edges.
On the other hand, clippers with a pair of metal blades rarely felt snagged and were easy to work with. Most of them cut matted fur cleanly, and in general, they felt powerful and reliably sharp.
Clippers often come with various-sized guards to control how short the hair is cut.
We found that if the guard and blade were flush together, the clippers cut smoothly without any snags. The trimmed fur fell away neatly. If there was a gap, fur could get caught in it, and trimming was more difficult.
We've explained our results in the descriptions for each product. If you have a dog with a lot of fur, pay particular attention to this point.
Oneisall, Wahl, and Andis are some of the bigger names in dog clippers. Their products in general are sharp, cut easily, and don't get snagged.
They are also more likely to offer reliable customer support and replacement blades. If you plan on using the clippers for years to come, we recommend considering these manufacturers.
In addition, Wahl and Andis offer products designed for specific fur types. Check the details on each clipper to see which breeds they're recommended for.
You can find both types of clippers available, but cordless is far easier to use overall.
Each grooming session will probably take you about 20 to 30 minutes. Since one hand will be doing most of the work, go for lightweight clippers if possible.
Cordless clippers range from about three and a half to seven ounces and are also easy to manipulate. They're more compact than corded models and less likely to tire you out.
Not to mention, they can be used anywhere, like in the backyard or garage, provided you've charged them.
We measured the noise the clippers made when in use, and overall, cordless models are quieter.
Anything over 80 decibels will sound loud even to human ears. Some corded clippers we tested were very powerful but had noise levels over 80 decibels.
However, cordless clipper noise levels, while generally lower, did vary. Make sure to check each product's description to see our assessment.
If you have a big dog or more than one dog, aim for clippers with a battery that won't die on you mid-trim.
The amount of time you'll get per charge varies depending on the product. Some can be used continuously for four to five hours. Even if you won't be trimming that long, this means you won't have to charge them every time. Note that the time listed on a product may differ from your actual results depending on what mode you use.
An ergonomic shape is important, considering you may be holding the clippers for up to 30 minutes at a time. A rounded bulbous shape will sit in your hand securely and feel light to hold.
You'll also want to check where the on/off button is. Ideally, it should be near your thumb for easy use. Trimmers are often held and moved like using a pencil.
If the button is within easy reach, it's faster to turn the clippers off when you're done. Not only that, but you'll be able to react immediately if your dog becomes skittish. It's a minor detail, but an important consideration.
If you want to be able to trim everything from your dog's neck and rump to its paws and ears with one set of clippers, look for adjustable blades.
You should adjust the length of the blade based on how long the fur is in the area you're cutting. A longer blade means you can trim closer to the skin on a long-haired pup and take off more fur at once. With a short blade, you'll only be trimming the ends or going for a precision cut.
Some clippers come with blades that can be adjusted by a fraction of an inch. This gives you fine control over the length of fur you cut without having to change to a different blade. This way you can trim your dog's whole body to perfection with only one tool.
For big jobs, such as trimming the whole body, a blade length of about 2 inches is appropriate. On the other hand, use a blade under 1 inch to cut more carefully in areas where hair grows unevenly, such as the soles of the feet and around the face.
When you're dealing with areas that require precision, you need a small trimmer head. The body of the clippers should also be easy to maneuver. Make sure you have complete control over the clippers when doing the paw pads or a sanitary trim. This goes double for areas near your dog's eyes, ears, and muzzle.
A cutting edge with no parts sticking out is a must to maneuver the clippers in tight areas and cut smoothly. In addition, this allows you to clearly see what you've cut, making your job easier.
If the blade is two or more inches across, you'll be able to trim more at once. This saves you time and is less stressful for your dog.
Again, if the blade is longer than two millimeters, it goes deeper into the fur, allowing you to cut more at once. Choose a clipper with a blade length of two millimeters, or buy two-millimeter replacement blades as needed.
One reason dogs don't like clippers is that they can feel the heat from the blades when they're working. To keep your dog from getting overly stressed out, stick with clippers that don't get too warm.
We checked the heat output of each pair of clippers once after 10 minutes of use and again after 20. Only clippers by Wahl and Oneisall stayed within 99.5 to 103 degrees Fahrenheit (the normal range of a dog's body temperature). We recommend these brands for beating the heat.
You'll need to clean out fur from the blades after each use to prevent the clippers from getting clogged. This is easier to do if the blade detaches easily.
Usually, you need a screwdriver to remove metal blades and replace them, and it's a bit tricky to do.
We checked how easy it was to change the blades as well as how hard it was to clean the clippers. Make sure to check our product descriptions to see how they fared.
These dog clippers from Oneisall are designed to be as quiet as possible. Nervous dogs won't be afraid during their grooming sessions. We found them to be super sharp and had no trouble trimming body fur smoothly even with a guard attached. They're also compact, so trimming around small areas like the face was a breeze, too.
They did get a bit hot to the touch after 20 minutes of trimming. We measured them at 127 degrees Fahrenheit. But their noise level was 69 decibels, which is very quiet for clippers. We would recommend them for dogs who are afraid of loud noises.
The simple design is intuitive. Cleaning is fast since the blade detaches and attaches with ease. Getting into the device to clean out fur isn't tough. Being cordless is convenient, but you'll only get about 64 minutes per charge. This was a bit short compared to other clippers we tested.
Overall, these clippers should be easy for anyone to use and would help to put your dog at ease during their trim. We were very happy with how they performed.
Width | 7.52 in. |
---|---|
Length | 2.36 in. |
Height | 8.58 in. |
Weight | 1.23 pounds |
Blade length | - |
Blade length adjustable | N/A |
Blade width | - |
Power supply | Cordless |
Charge time | 80 min. |
Continuous use time (nominal value) | 80 min. |
Noise level | 50 dB |
Blade temperature after use | - |
Water washable blade | ✓ |
Accessories | A stainless steel scissor, a stainless steel comb, a oil bottle and 6 guide guards (3mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm,15mm and 18mm) |
Adjustable speed | N/A |
Removable blade | ✓ |
Blade material | Ceramic |
Suitable breeds | - |
These dog clippers have a simple design. There's just a power button, battery level indicator, and blade length adjustment. The blade is detachable and washable. They cut smoothly through fur. The small tip has a neat design and you can move them precisely around tight areas. There's a gap between the guard and the blade, so they can get caught up if the gap gets full of trimmed fur, however.
They didn't get too warm with use, maxing out at 109 degrees, which is about the normal body temperature of dogs. And at 70 decibels, they aren't too noisy either. We would recommend them for noise-sensitive dogs. The user-friendly design and easy-to-operate buttons earned high scores from us. Attaching and reattaching the blade doesn't take any force and the inside is easy to clean. Also, the battery will last about two and a half hours, or long enough to fully trim a small to medium-sized dog.
Width | 7.5 in. |
---|---|
Length | 2.5 in. |
Height | 9.5 in. |
Weight | 1.26 pounds |
Blade length | 0.8 mm, 1.4 mm, 2.0 mm |
Blade length adjustable | ✓ |
Blade width | - |
Power supply | Cordless |
Charge time | 180 min. |
Continuous use time (nominal value) | 200 min. |
Noise level | 55 dB |
Blade temperature after use | - |
Water washable blade | ✓ |
Accessories | Pet Hair Trimmer, USB cable, 3mm, 6mm, 9mm,12mm, Left oblique and Right oblique comb, Cleaning brush, long tooth comb, Scissors, oil |
Adjustable speed | 2 Speeds |
Removable blade | ✓ |
Blade material | Stainless steel |
Suitable breeds | All Kinds of Pets |
These dog clippers are simple and have basic functions. But they have one standout feature according to our tests: their battery life. They kept going for a full four hours and 56 minutes, the longest of any clippers we tried.
They cut smoothly when you first start and they're compact enough to handle easily. We felt like the cutting edge was good. However, there's a small gap that can get tangled full of fur as you work.
They do get hot, up to 130 degrees, after 20 minutes of trimming. But the noise (72 decibels) is quiet enough for dogs who are afraid of loud noises. Beginners will find them intuitive, and the blade comes off and goes back on with ease. They're accessible for cleaning and comfortable to hold. The ergonomic body is the perfect thickness.
Width | 6.69 in. |
---|---|
Length | 2.17 in. |
Height | 10.04 in. |
Weight | 1.27 pounds |
Blade length | 0.8 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.78 mm, 2.0 mm |
Blade length adjustable | ✓ |
Blade width | - |
Power supply | Cordless |
Charge time | 120-180 min. |
Continuous use time (nominal value) | 240 min. |
Noise level | 50 dB |
Blade temperature after use | - |
Water washable blade | ✓ |
Accessories | Animal hair trimmer, 8x Removable guide combs, Cleaning brush, Stainless steel scissors, Stainless steel comb, Empty oil bottle(Not include the oil), USB cable (Not include charge adapters ) |
Adjustable speed | N/A |
Removable blade | ✓ |
Blade material | Titanium Alloy Blade and Ceramic Blade |
Suitable breeds | - |
Wahl is one of the top makers of hair clippers and the choice of many professionals. This model, the Pet-Pro+, has a motor designed for thick coats. They cut body fur with no problems. The blade feels sharp when cutting. Using a light touch with the edge allows for precision cutting.
The cutting edge is thick and has a lever next to it for adjustments. The clippers can be a little tricky to maneuver until you get used to them. They're not the most beginner-friendly ones we tried. They also can get snagged cutting with a guard comb attached. But of all the corded clippers we tested, these were the quietest, coming in at 73 decibels.
Although the body of the clippers felt hot in our hands, they didn't go much over the normal body temperature of a dog. After 10 minutes they were at 105 degrees; they hit 113 after 20 minutes. They were lightweight, not too big, and comfortable to hold, but the power button is in an awkward place to push. You'll also need a screwdriver to remove the blades for cleaning.
Width | 9.30 in. |
---|---|
Length | 3.00 in. |
Height | 9.88 in. |
Weight | - |
Blade length | - |
Blade length adjustable | ✓ |
Blade width | - |
Power supply | Corded |
Charge time | N/A |
Continuous use time (nominal value) | N/A |
Noise level | - |
Blade temperature after use | - |
Water washable blade | N/A |
Accessories | Wahl Multi-cut corded dog/pet clipper, 4 guide combs, cord wrap, comb, scissors, blade guard, blade oil and cleaning brush, and hard storage case |
Adjustable speed | - |
Removable blade | N/A |
Blade material | - |
Suitable breeds | - |
These cordless dog clippers from Wahl have two cutting modes and a five-year warranty. They're sharp, and the edge of the blade left clean cuts even with a guard attached. They didn't get snagged, making a full-body trim easy. Fine details could be achieved with a very light touch of the tip. However, since the clippers are a bit large, it may be hard for beginners to get the same effect.
They don't get overly hot. We measured them at 96 degrees Fahrenheit after 10 minutes and 105 after 20. But they're a bit loud. 81 decibels could be uncomfortable for dogs who have noise sensitivity.
The on/off switch needs to be pushed pretty hard to operate it and the thick body means they might be hard to handle for some users. They lasted 20 minutes beyond the listed two hours of use per charge, which was nice. Note that you'll need a screwdriver to remove the blades.
Width | 9.26 in. |
---|---|
Length | 3.01 in. |
Height | 9.84 in. |
Weight | 1.6 pounds |
Blade length | - |
Blade length adjustable | ✓ |
Blade width | - |
Power supply | Cordless |
Charge time | 180-300 min. |
Continuous use time (nominal value) | 120 min. |
Noise level | - |
Blade temperature after use | - |
Water washable blade | - |
Accessories | Multi-Cut Lithium Ion Clipper, Blade Guard, Charger, Hard Storage Case, Styling Comb, Cleaning Brush, Blade Oil, Scissors, 1/8 Guide (3mm), 1/4 Guide (6mm), 3/8 Guide (10mm), 1/2 Guide (13mm) English & Spanish Instructions " |
Adjustable speed | N/A |
Removable blade | N/A |
Blade material | Ceramic |
Suitable breeds | - |
These clippers from Oneisall have two speeds, so you can choose based on what part you're trimming. We found that they worked well and the sharp blades dealt with even matted fur effortlessly. The clippers glide smoothly with a guard attached, so they're great for full-body grooming. But because they're cumbersome, it's tough to move them around for fine details. You may need to practice.
The blade temperature went from 96 degrees after 10 minutes to 103 after 20. This was within our parameters. They also were quieter than we expected at 75 decibels. But those with small hands may find them hard to grasp, and their weight may cause fatigue for any user. With a three-hour, 20-minute continuous use time at high speed, they'll last long enough to get the job done. Note that removing the blades takes a screwdriver.
Width | 6.69 in. |
---|---|
Length | 2.95 in. |
Height | 9.41 in. |
Weight | 13.26 ounces |
Blade length | 0.8 mm to 2.0 mm |
Blade length adjustable | ✓ |
Blade width | - |
Power supply | Cordless |
Charge time | 180 min. |
Continuous use time (nominal value) | 300 min. |
Noise level | 55 dB |
Blade temperature after use | - |
Water washable blade | N/A |
Accessories | Pet clipper, AC power adapter, Charger stand, Cleaning brush, Stainless steel scissors, Stainless steel comb, Oil bottle, 8 x Guide guards(3, 6, 10,13,16,19,22, 25mm) |
Adjustable speed | 2 Speeds |
Removable blade | - |
Blade material | Stainless steel |
Suitable breeds | - |
These plug-in dog clippers from ConairPro have five adjustable blade lengths and a turbo mode. Considering that they have a cord, they're lightweight and easy to maneuver. The anti-slip grip gives them a secure feel in your hand. They're also quieter than most corded models with noise levels of 75 decibels. This makes them acceptable for use with dogs who dislike loud noises.
However, fur tends to get caught in the gap between the blade and the guard. This makes them slow down and lose cutting power. The wide blade and inadequate sharpness make it hard to do precision cutting. After 20 minutes, the blades measured 119 degrees Fahrenheit, which is noticeably hot to the touch. The blade comes off and goes back on easily. But cleaning the interior is a bit of a nuisance since so much fur gets inside.
Width | 5.12 in. |
---|---|
Length | 4.5 in. |
Height | 9.5 in. |
Weight | 1.8 pounds |
Blade length | - |
Blade length adjustable | ✓ |
Blade width | - |
Power supply | Corded |
Charge time | N/A |
Continuous use time (nominal value) | N/A |
Noise level | - |
Blade temperature after use | - |
Water washable blade | N/A |
Accessories | Clipper/trimmer, detachable, ground steel, diamond sharpened clipper blade, detachable trimmer blade, blade guard, 7 × clipper comb attachments (1/8", 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", 7/8"), 2 × trimmer comb attachments, comb, cleaning brush, lubricating oil and soft storage pouch |
Adjustable speed | N/A |
Removable blade | N/A |
Blade material | - |
Suitable breeds | - |
These dog clippers have three speeds and an LCD battery indicator. We liked their compact cutting edge and they were sharp enough. But since they often got fur stuck between the blade and guard, we couldn't say they were easy to cut with overall.
They got to an uncomfortable 136 degrees after 20 minutes. The noise clocked in at 78 decibels with a high-pitched whine. Since the shape of the body is straight, it's hard to get a secure grip on them. You need to use some force when removing and attaching the blades, although you won't need a screwdriver to do it. They'll only last 78 minutes at high speed, which is a bit short. But we did like how lightweight and compact they were.
Width | 6.77 in. |
---|---|
Length | 2.48 in. |
Height | 9.96 in. |
Weight | 8.11 ounces |
Blade length | 0.8 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.7mm, 2.0 mm |
Blade length adjustable | ✓ |
Blade width | - |
Power supply | Cordless |
Charge time | 180 min. |
Continuous use time (nominal value) | 180-240 min. |
Noise level | 50 db |
Blade temperature after use | - |
Water washable blade | ✓ |
Accessories | a stainless steel scissor, a stainless steel comb, an oil bottle, a small cleaning brush and 6 attachment combs(3mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm, 15mm, 18mm). |
Adjustable speed | N/A |
Removable blade | ✓ |
Blade material | Ceramic |
Suitable breeds | - |
The Pro-Animal kit from US manufacturer Andis is designed for medium-length coats and wire-haired breeds. These high-powered clippers made quick work of even knotted fur. We could trim the dog's whole body with ease. We wish that the blade was adjustable, though. That would make it able to cut more deeply for trimming detailed areas.
We also found that they got up to 136 degrees after only 10 minutes, which is uncomfortably hot. And the deep, 81-decibel drone it emits was pretty annoying. Like other corded types, it's not as easy to maneuver around, and being large and heavy doesn't help. You can take off the blade to clean inside simply enough. But if you hit it the wrong way, you'll need a tool to put the insert back in place.
Width | 10.2 in. |
---|---|
Length | 3.1 in. |
Height | 10.3 in. |
Weight | 1.5 pounds |
Blade length | - |
Blade length adjustable | N/A |
Blade width | - |
Power supply | Corded |
Charge time | N/A |
Continuous use time (nominal value) | N/A |
Noise level | - |
Blade temperature after use | - |
Water washable blade | - |
Accessories | Powerful rotary motor clipper, 4 attachment combs: 1/2, 3/8, 1/4, and 1/8 inches, blade oil and a hard storage case |
Adjustable speed | N/A |
Removable blade | ✓ |
Blade material | Ceramic |
Suitable breeds | - |
The UltraEdge from Andis are corded clippers with a strong motor designed for all breeds. They glide through even knotted fur and would be suitable for a body trim. But because the blade is large and can only be set to 1.5 millimeters, trimming with precision is tricky.
With a low-pitched 85-decibel drone, some dogs may not like the sound they make. They also get rather hot: 116 degrees after 10 minutes and up to 129 after 20. The blade comes off and goes back on without tools, unless you turn the inside part sideways, in which case you'll need a screwdriver to push it back. And since it's big and heavy and the cord can get in your way, they're not very beginner-friendly.
Width | 2 in. |
---|---|
Length | 1.7 in. |
Height | 7.1 in. |
Weight | 2.05 pounds |
Blade length | - |
Blade length adjustable | N/A |
Blade width | - |
Power supply | Corded |
Charge time | N/A |
Continuous use time (nominal value) | N/A |
Noise level | - |
Blade temperature after use | - |
Water washable blade | - |
Accessories | - |
Adjustable speed | 2 Speed |
Removable blade | ✓ |
Blade material | - |
Suitable breeds | - |
We tested out dog clippers from Amazon, Walmart, Target, and other retailers to find out which are the best.
Products we tested
We asked six of our staff who are dog owners to trim the hair on a wig. They rated the clippers on whether they could trim a lot of hair smoothly without the clippers getting snagged.
For adjustable clippers, we used the longer blades and attached the 1/4-inch guard.
Our six testers also had to see if the clippers were easy to use for detail-trimming, such as the rump, paw pads, and face.
Most dogs don't like getting their fur trimmed. They especially dislike the noise and the heat the blades give off, so we checked for that next.
Our six dog owners checked how easy the clippers would be to use, with emphasis on the following points:
You should clean your clippers after each use. This is important for both hygiene purposes and for extending the life of the clippers. So we asked our testers if the clippers were hard to clean and whether the blades could be changed out easily.
We tested the battery life through continuous use under the following conditions:
It's not uncommon for a dog to be nervous during its first time around clippers. Here's some things to keep in mind for a stress-free trim.
Even if you've trimmed your dog before, when using new clippers, give them time to hear and feel them.
Try turning them on when the dog happens to be nearby, so it can hear the noise. You can hold the blunt end of the vibrating clippers against the dog's backside so they see that it doesn't hurt. Making a plan in advance and being patient will help your dog stay calm during the trim.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
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