We Tested 21 Dog Clippers and Found The Best For Your Dog (2024)

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Whether your dog gets a full trim every 6-8 weeks or just needs touch ups around the feet, dog hair clippers are likely to come in handy at home. You might be tempted to grab the same trimmers used in your household for beards or personal grooming, but that’s not a great idea. “Dogs generally have more hair compared to the hair on our heads, so a human clipper is not designed to handle that,” veterinarian Dr. Amy Fox, DVM, shared with The Spruce Pets. “Human clippers could just glide over the fur and not actually cut the hair or the tool will get clogged too quickly to be effective.”

We tested 21 dog hair clippers on real dogs with a variety of grooming needs. All human participants are dedicated pet parents, but not professionally trained in dog grooming, so they relied on the instructions supplied by the manufacturer of the product they tested along with our testing methodology.

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The Winners

After two rounds of testing with real dogs, the Wahl Professional Animal ARCO Cordless Pet Clippers remain our top choice for most at-home dog grooming. We love that the fur clippers are lightweight, easy to use, and have a five-way adjustable blade with four simple-to-remove guide combs. For an even more affordable pick, we recommend the Oneisall Cordless Dog Clippers. The cord free tool is extremely quiet, comes with six guide combs, and can be used to efficient trim a dog's paws, rump, ears, and more. Depending on the size of your dog, your familiarity with at-home trims, and your dog's needs, you might find one of our other winners more conducive.

What We Like: Easy to hold and maneuver; five-in-one adjustable blade; four plastic guide combs; leaves fur even and smooth; suitable for all breeds; includes Wahl one-year warranty
What We Don’t Like: Not the quietest clippers tested

There’s so much to like about these clippers. The Wahl Professional Animal ARCO Cordless Pet Clippers are lightweight, easy to grip, and battery powered. The clippers have five lengths for trimming—#9, #10, #15, #30, and #40, if you know what you’re looking for—along with four plastic guide combs. As with all clippers, the larger number will cut a shorter length. It allows for precision and careful grooming of ears, faces, and paws on dogs of all sizes with all kinds of coats.

The Arco is 6.75-inches long and easy to maneuver, making it easy for beginners to ease into the process of trimming their pet at home. The sharp blade, made of carbon steel, provides an even and smooth cut through medium coats and did not heat up during our testing, as other clippers often do.

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No clippers are truly quiet and these make some noise. One of our testers said their dog is very dramatic and will often shriek around uncomfortable sounds, but the pup didn’t protest with these. They don’t vibrate much, which makes them easier to use and maneuver.

The device is cordless so you can trim your dog from the location of your choice. It's powered by a rechargeable battery which requires 75 minutes for a full charge and runs for 80 minutes. Two NiMH batteries are included along with a storage case, charger, cleaning brush, blade oil, and instruction book. It is slightly more expensive than other clippers, but it's well made, easy to clean, and offers versatility that we feel justifies the price point.

5-in-1 blade has four included guide combs

What We Like: Easy to use for touch-ups in between professional grooming sessions; includes six guide combs; cordless; very quiet
What We Don’t Like: Battery life may not be long enough to groom a big dog in one session; blades could be sharper

The Oneisall Rechargeable Cordless Dog Clippers set comes with everything you need to get started with at-home canine trims. The six guide combs—which are made of sturdy plastic and easy to snap on and off—will help you trim your dog's coat to the desired length.

The base is lightweight and comfortable to hold, and the absence of a cord on the clippers removed the possibility of our dog chewing on the cord—a concern that comes with any dog that loves to chew. It also makes it easy to maneuver when you don’t have to worry about the cord getting in the way or slapping against your pet.

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Our biggest issue during testing was the battery life. We had to stop halfway through trimming the dog to recharge the clippers, but that was with a large 65-pound goldendoodle who had a lot of fur that needed trimming. The battery is sufficient for most touch-ups without the need to recharge. We also think the blade could be slightly sharper because it would occasionally get stuck in thick fur sections.

Overall, the clippers are sturdy and well-made, and we were impressed with how quiet they operate when compared to other clippers on our list. In addition to the charger and guide combs, the clippers include scissors, a cleaning brush, and blade oil.

Cordless and very quiet

How We Picked

Testing: We purchased 21 dog clippers and trimmers for use on real dogs with their own parent, not professional groomers. The canine participants had a variety of needs, coats (curly, thin, double, long), and areas of interest—including paws, ears, behinds, and full body trims. We considered how easy and efficient each product was to use, to clean, to charge or power, to maneuver along with how loud it was and what the finished results looked like

What To Look For

Type

What type of clippers you buy should depend on how and how often you plan on using them. If you have several dogs with different kinds of coats, it can be helpful to have clippers with several comb guide attachments. If you’re only grooming small areas like between the paw pads, you might only need a trimmer, like Ruri’s Cordless Low-Noise Electric Pet Trimmer. “Trimmers work well for trimming delicate areas like around the ears, paws, and faces. They also work for dogs with thin hair,” Dr. Claudine Sievert, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and board-certified veterinary nutritionist shared with The Spruce Pets. "These clippers are quieter than others, so they could work well for puppies and thinner-coated pets when used with guard combs.”

Corded vs. Cordless

Both have their advantages and disadvantages, which is why the choice of corded vs. cordless is mostly a matter of what you prefer to use. Cordless clippers allow you to move around your dog a little easier without having to worry about the cord bothering your dog. They’re also more portable for trips because you don’t have to be near an outlet in order to trim your dog’s fur—but their batteries die—sometimes right in the middle of your grooming session.

That’s why Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM, veterinarian, says she prefers corded clippers. “I like clippers that plug into the wall better than battery powered. Battery powered clippers do not last as long and I think that clippers that are plugged in have a stronger motor for trimming your dog's thick hair." Dr. Amy Fox, DVM, agrees. “In my experience it is the plug-in ones that are more powerful and effective.”

Weight vs. Durability

Some clippers are lighter than others, which makes them more comfortable to hold and maneuver, especially when you’re working in sensitive areas. However, lightweight can also mean flimsy—and you don’t want to invest in a clipper that if dropped, would shatter and break. So make sure you’re looking for clippers that are lightweight enough for you to hold comfortably without your wrist starting to hurt, while also being durable and well made.

Speed

Single-speed clippers generally only work well on smaller dogs with finer fur. If you have a bigger dog with more dense fur or you have several dogs, look for multiple motor speeds. Even if you do end up thinking you only need one speed, make sure the clippers get to the right speed for your dog’s fur. “For bigger dogs and ones with thick fur, you'll need a higher speed to get through their hair,” explains Sievert.

Blade Material, Size, and Guides

The size of a blade determines how short or long your pet’s fur will be once cut with that blade. Most clippers come with guide combs of various sizes so you don’t cut shorter (or longer) than you planned. “You may want some parts of the body clipped closer than other parts and you may need a different attachment,” says Fox.

Finally, make sure you pick a blade from stainless steel or other durable metal so it lasts a long time.

More We Recommend

What We Like: Professional quality; durable; easily detached blade; not terribly noisy

What We Don’t Like: No guide combs included; more expensive than some

Best Corded: The Andis 24675 UltraEdge 2-Speed Clipper has a two-speed motor and a detachable blade that can be removed easily, which makes it easy to clean.

If you’re not used to using corded clippers, learning to maneuver around your dog can be a bit challenging. There’s a sturdy spot where the cord connects to the clipper body. While that reinforced connection makes the clippers more durable, it makes them less agile to use, particularly when working around the belly and feet.

The clippers aren’t the quietest and did get a little warm while in use, but nothing extreme or too different from other dog clippers we tested. Our main gripe with this choice is that the clippers don’t come with any guard combs, which would allow you to move more confidently, knowing you won’t get too close to the skin. They can be purchased separately but, at this price point, it would be nicer if they were included.

Easy to clean after use

What We Like: Coat guards are metal and labeled with sizes; sturdy and well-made; resulting coat is smooth and well-blended

What We Don’t Like: Metal blade can be difficult to remove for oiling

Best Upgrade: After testing several sets of clippers, our tester found the Wahl KM Inspire to be superior to many. It feels substantial and well-made and creates a smooth, well-blended coat. The clippers come with four guards which are made of metal, not plastic. They don’t catch on a dog’s coat or pop off easily like plastic ones can. The guards are also labeled with the sizes so it’s easy to choose the one you want.

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The clippers were warm and made some noise, but no more so than any other clippers. Because they were heavy, they might be difficult to maneuver for people with very small hands. They’re powerful and sturdy and feel like they’d last a long time. Because professional grooming sessions can be $100 or more, these might be worth the investment if you want to do touch ups in between or want to try grooming at home.

The clipper has two speeds, a hanging loop for storage, and comes in mint green. There’s a substantial 14-foot power cord, which gives you plenty of room to maneuver, but can be a hassle if you’re used to working with cordless clippers.

Blade guards are metal and marked with sizes

What We Like: Two blades and one guide comb included; slender head for precision around delicate areas; very quiet and affordable
What We Don’t Like: Battery (one AA) not included

Best For Paw Trims: When you have to maneuver around small, delicate areas like the face and the fur between paw pads, Ruri’s Cordless Low-Noise Electric Pet Trimmer is the best choice. It has a slender, narrow head designed specifically for precision trimming in small areas. Two blades and one guide comb are included.

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Our testers found them very comfortable to hold and the clippers did not heat up with use. They are very quiet compared to many other clippers, but they do vibrate slightly. They are cordless, so they are particularly easy to get up close. They require one AA battery which isn’t included in the package. The clippers are available in two colors: black and silver or white and gold.

Comfortable and easy to use

Other Dog Clippers We Tested

In addition to our winners and recommended dog clippers, we also tested:

Hansprou Clippers: These are a decent budget pick if you’d rather have corded clippers so you don’t have to worry about constantly recharging batteries. There’s an adjustable wheel on the trimmer, which comes in handy, and it comes with six guides. It’s a good trimmer, but just not our favorite.

Oneisall Rechargeable Cordless Dog Clippers: Another pick for delicate areas like paws and the face, these clippers are reasonably priced and come with two blades, a cleaning brush, and a charging cord. They are relatively quiet and have a charge that lasts about two hours.

Holdog Dog Clippers: These clippers come with an adjustable blade cutter head and six guide combs. The battery has 3-4 hours of run time, but the clippers are louder than most of the other ones we tested.

Wahl Bravura Lithium Ion Clippers: Like our top pick, also from Wahl, these have a five-in-one blade. You can use it with or without the cord, as long as you keep the battery charged. Price varies depending on color.

FAQ

  • How do I shave a dog with clippers?


    Before trimming your dog's fur with clippers, Dr. Sievert strongly recommends beginning with a bath. "Bathe your dog first, dry them thoroughly, and brush them to make sure all the tangles are out of their hair,” Sievert told The Spruce Pets. “Then find a place where you can secure your pet, so they can't jump down or run off."

    “Start with a size ten blade to trim your pet's sanitary area. Don't tilt the blade, and make sure it's firmly against the body,” Sievert said. “Once this area is cut, you can trim your dog's other sensitive areas like the ears and eyes. When clipping your pet's ears, hold the ear flat and work from the center toward the edges.”

    Then, when you cut their body fur, decide how long you want their fur to be, use the appropriate guide and blades, and get started. If this is your first time trimming your dog’s fur, you might want to start simple and keep their fur a little longer.

    “When you are shaving your dog it is best to keep the blade parallel with your dog's body. I also recommend going in the same direction,” Ochao told the Spruce Pets. “So either go head to tail or tail to head. This will help keep your dog's fur looking even.”

    To avoid accidents, "you should always clip with the grain of the pet's hair and pay special attention to sensitive areas with extra folds such as the neck, behind the ears, the groin, and the legs," Sievert said.

    Once they are fully clipped, you’ll want to brush them again to make sure there are no long hairs or uneven spots.

  • What are the best grooming techniques?

    Be sure to regularly brush your dog’s coat to avoid matting — this will make it easier to groom your dog and trim their fur. Check their skin while you groom too, looking for sores, allergies, parasites, and other signs of irritation.

    Behavior during grooming is also important. Try to keep your pup as calm and relaxed as possible while you use clippers or scissors. Some pups might benefit from calming treats to keep them calm. This is also where quieter clippers might come in handy with nervous dogs.

    Finally, check your clippers regularly to make sure they’re not getting too hot. Use the best quality clippers which make no noise and ensure the clips don’t get too hot.

  • Can you cut dog hair with human clippers?

    “While human and dog clippers may appear the same, they aren't,” Sievert said. “Human clippers should not be used for grooming your dog because there is an increased risk of injuring your pet.”

    “The motor is not made for long uses, and its noise and vibrations can scare your pet,” she continues. “Plus, the clippers aren't designed to cut thin or thick fur like pet grooming ones are.”

  • How do you sharpen dog clippers?

    “You can sharpen dog clippers on a flat stone which is the most affordable of all sharpening tools,” Sievert told The Spruce Pets. “It's easy to use and convenient - all you have to rub the blades back and forth against the smooth stone.”

    Another choice is the grinding wheel. “With this method, you have to use a wet or dry solution in its ridges,” Sievert explains. “You insert the blade into the wheel with the applied solution on edge and turn it,”

    You can also get a lapping wheel, which contains cast iron, with its surface surrounded by grooves. Its wheel rotates slower than the grinding wheel but provides a smoother finish.

    Sharpening dog clippers isn’t for everyone though — so if you’re nervous or don’t have the right tools, it’s okay.

    “There are people who can sharpen your dog clippers,” Ochoa said. “You can ask your local dog groomer who they use [or] often I find it is just as easy to purchase a new blade for your clippers.”

Why Trust The Spruce Pets?

This roundup was updated with our latest testing data by Mary Jo Dilonardo, a contributor for The Spruce Pets who has fostered over 80 dogs and puppies, and Anna Mejorada, an editor for The Spruce Pets, who shares her home with a lovely pomeranian named Gidget and uses Ruri's Cordless Low-Noise Electric Pet Trimmer to keep Gidget’s paws trimmed.

For this article, we consulted with three veterinarians, Dr. Amy Fox, DVM, Dr. Claudine Sievert, DVM, and Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM.

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