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.
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 efficiently 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.
- Best Corded: Andis 24675 UltraEdge 2-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper
- Best Upgrade: Wahl KM Inspire
- Best for Paw Trims: Ruri's Cordless Low-Noise Electric Pet Trimmer
- Popular on Reddit: Heiniger Opal Cordless Clippers
Our Top Choice for Dog Clippers
Wahl Professional Animal Arco Cordless Pet Clipper Kit
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 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.
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 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, including six guide combs—made of sturdy plastic and easy to snap on and off—to help you trim your dog's coat to the desired length, a charger, scissors, a cleaning brush, and blade oil. The lightweight base is comfortable to hold, and the absence of a cord removes the possibility of your dog chewing on it—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.
Our biggest issue during testing was the battery life, which caused us to stop halfway through trimming the dog to recharge the clippers—but that was with a large 65-pound Goldendoodle with a lot of fur in need of trimming. We think the battery is sufficient for most touch-ups without the need to recharge, though 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 quietly they operate compared to other clippers on our list.
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, clean, charge or power, and maneuver along with how loud it was and what the finished results looked like.
What To Look For
Type
The 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, DVM 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 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, 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." Fox 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 would shatter and break if dropped. 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
Best Corded: The Andis 24675 UltraEdge 2-Speed Clipper has a two-speed motor and a detachable blade that can be removed, making it easy to clean. However, 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, so while that reinforced connection makes the clippers more durable, it also 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, with a substantial and well-made feel and producing a smooth, well-blended coat. The clippers come with four guards made of metal, not plastic, so they don’t catch on a dog’s coat or pop off as easily, and they are labeled with the sizes so it’s easy to choose the one you want. Plus, it has two speeds and a hanging loop for storage, and it comes in mint green.
The clippers were warm and made some noise, but no more so than any other clippers. Because they were heavy with a substantial 14-foor cord, they might be difficult to maneuver for people with very small hands and can be a hassle if you’re used to working with cordless clippers. Since professional grooming sessions can cost $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.
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
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. Available in black and silver or white and gold, it has a slender, narrow head designed specifically for precision trimming in small areas and comes with two blades and one guide comb.
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. Because they're cordless, they are particularly easy to get up close, though they do require one AA battery, which isn’t included in the package.
Comfortable and easy to use
What We Like: Lightweight, ergonomic design; up to two-hour run time and fast recharge; powerful even on lower speed
What We Don't Like: Not the best to use on very small dogs or small areas
Popular on Reddit: Several Reddit users in the dog grooming forum swear by Heiniger Opal clippers, with one commenter declaring, "Heiniger till I die. Everything else sucks and doesn't last 5 years like mine have." This model features a lightweight ergonomic design, a run time of up to two hours, and a quick recharge. It's powerful even on the lower of two speeds, though it might not be ideal to use on very small dogs or small tight areas, as another Reddit user, a professional groomer, shares.
Good battery life and fast recharge
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, 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 three to four 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, 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 10 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. Hold the ear flat and work from the center toward the edges.” 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,"
To cut their body fur, decide how long you want their fur to be and use the appropriate guide and blades. 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,” Ochoa told The Spruce Pets. “So either go head to tail or tail to head. This will help keep your dog's fur looking even.”
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?
Regularly brushing your dog’s coat will prevent matting and make it easier to groom your dog and trim their fur. Also check their skin while you groom for sores, allergies, parasites, and other signs of irritation.
Behavior during grooming is also important, so try to keep your pup as calm and relaxed as possible while you use clippers or scissors. Some pups might benefit from calming treats. Quieter clippers might come in handy with nervous dogs.
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 option 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 [the] edge and turn it,” You can also get a lapping wheel, which rotates slower than the grinding wheel but provides a smoother finish.
Sharpening dog clippers isn’t for everyone. “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," said Ochoa.
Tested Grooming Essentials
This ultra-absorbent microfiber towel significantly cuts down drying time.
The tool gently and effectively works through tangles while preventing knots from developing.
The stainless steel pins with polished tips gently and effectively pass through a variety of dog coats.
This sleek and streamlined handheld vacuum is amazing at picking up pet fur, especially off upholstery.
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.
The 11 Best Dog Leashes, Tested With Real Dogs