The Ultimate Guide • ShaverCheck (2024)

In this article we’ll check out some of the best body hair trimmers you can currently buy.

You’ll be able to choose a groomer that’s effective, reliable and suitable for your needs, from shaving the groin to keeping body hair in check.

Using the right grooming tool will help you manscape with ease and actually get the result you’re looking for.

But apart from that, there are other things to factor in as well: the availability and price of replacement blades, battery life, durability and so on.

Here are my Top 5 Best Body Groomers for 2024:

I’ve personally bought and tested all the trimmers I recommend and I’ve been using most of them for years.

I’ll tell you all you need to know from the perspective of someone who owns and uses them regularly, pros and cons included.

Lastly, I am not endorsed or sponsored by any of the brands I recommend — I’m just a regular user sharing his personal experience.

With that out of the way, let’s dive right in.

Different types of body groomers for different needs

When it comes to manscaping, our preferences and needs vary a lotand a particular trimmer won’t be ideal foreveryone.

You’ve probably seen countless models, shapes and designs, all promising great things.

But if we look closely at how they work, we can narrow down the types of body groomers to only two.

It’s important to identify and understand them because the type will determine the groomer’s capabilities.

For example, the type of cutting system will make a certain groomer more or less suitable for trimming pubic hair at skin level.

So let’s check out the two main types of body hair trimmers for men.

Side note: this isn’t an official classification, it’s just my personal take on grouping all the different body groomers into two easy to grasp categories.

Body trimmers with shearing blades

This is the simplest type of body trimmer and one that you’re likely familiar with.

The cutting system consists of two overlapping blades: a static and a moving blade.

These blades shear against each other and cut the hairs captured by the teeth.

Trimmers with this cutting system are similar to hair clippers, but specifically designed for tackling body hair (which is different than the hair on our head).

This type of groomer has several specific pros and cons.

They can easily deal with hair of any length, they don’t get clogged easily, the blades can last longer before needing to be replaced and are very easy to clean.

As for the cons, groomers with such blades can (and most will) nick the skin if you’re not very careful, especially when trimming more sensitive areas (groin, armpits).

That is of course the case when using such a trimmer with no guard.

Most will come with guards of different sizes and some even have an integrated, adjustable guard (the latter is in my opinion more practical).

These guards allow you to get the desired hair length.

For example, you may want to only trim the bulk of the hair on your legs, but want a closer trim on your chest and abs.

Some body groomers with standard shearing blades have rounded teeth that minimize the nicks, but not all of them are as effective as the manufacturers claim.

For example, I found the Manscaped Lawn Mower 4.0 to be particularly unforgiving when used without a guard over sensitive areas.

Body trimmers with a foil element

This is a more advanced type of trimmer head, offering a couple of specific advantages.

The foil element uses blades that oscillate behind a thin, perforated metal screen.

This prevents nicks while allowing the blades to cut the hairs very close to the skin.

It is ideal for men who want a very close trim, even on sensitive areas like the groin and armpits.

Body trimmers that use a foil element usually have a second type of cutter that works together with it.

And that second cutter is usually a pair of shearing blades (like the ones in the first category).

Check out the shaving head of this Philips Bodygroomer:

You can see the perforated foil element flanked by a pair of shearing blades.

During a stroke the first blade (top arrow) will come into contact with the hair, cutting it relatively close to the skin.

The remaining stomp will poke through one of the holes in the foil and will get cut at skin level, resulting in a very close shave.

This is a very effective system for cutting body hair close to the skin since it’s fast and comfortable as the two blades usually have rounded teeth to prevent the skin from getting nicked.

And while a foil element can only deal with short hair, the two rows of shearing blades allow you to use it on longer body hair as well.

Here’s the head of a Braun Series XT5 which uses the same implementation (foil + a pair of blades) as the Philips Bodygroom above:

It does look a bit different, but it’s the exact same principle.

And that’s pretty much it with regards to the different types of cutting systems used by body hair groomers.

Regardless of brand and price, the groomer will use a variation of these cutters.

Push and pull-style body trimmers

Another aspect that gets way too little attention in my opinion is the way you use a body trimmer.

Specifically, you can either push it or pull it against the direction of hair growth depending on how you’re supposed to grip it.

And that has a surprisingly big impact on the effectiveness of the trimmer when shaving a particular body part.

For example, a body groomer with a foil+blades element will almost always be a pull-style trimmer.

The head is angled down and you pull it towards you (like you would with a rake when collecting fallen leaves) and thus against the hair grain.

This is ideal for trimming the groin area and armpits. It will of course work just fine on the rest of the body, but it’s really practical in those particular areas.

Not only is such a trimmer more effective at catching the hair, but it’s also more enjoyable to use and feels very natural and easy on the wrist.

Here’s a pic of my hairy leg getting trimmed with the Philips OneBlade (pull-style) and a 3mm guard:

Since the head of these trimmers has two rows of blades and it can work in either direction, you can also push it, but pushing it won’t be nearly as practical and effective.

And speaking of pushing, push-style body trimmers are usually the ones that only feature basic shearing blades.

As you can see in the image below, you hold them in a completely different manner and you push them toward the hair:

Trying to shave the groin with a push-style groomer is in my experience more cumbersome (you have less leverage) and more time-consuming.

Also, a push-style groomer will usually have shearing blades that can nick the skin when used on the groin area without a guard.

Push-style trimmers with shearing blades are better suited for shaving body hair at different lengths (for example, trimming the hair on your legs, arms, chest or back).

You can use a push-style trimmer with or without a guard as nicks are a lot less likely in those areas.

But in my opinion, a push-style trimmer with shearing blades is best used with a guard for trimming body hair at 2-3mm or more.

It’ll be fast, effective and enjoyable to use.

For a close, skin-level trim, regardless of the area, you’d be better off with a pull-style trimmer with a foil+blades head.

Now that we know the main variations, let’s see which type of body trimmer is best for you and your needs.

Choosing the right body trimmer

Just like with electric shavers, you should choose the trimmer that makes the most sense for your needs and budget.

I will discus my top 5 picks in the next section, but for now, let’s see the things you should be looking at when buying a body groomer.

Obviously, you’ll be using it to trim body hair, but we can further expand that to the pubic area and the rest of the body.

And that’s because the two imply different capabilities of the trimmer. Some can even do both successfully as you’ll see later on.

Men usually want a close trim in the groin area and a reasonably short to medium trim on the rest of the body.

Preferences can vary of course and I’ll address those use cases as well for each of the trimmers.

That said, if you need a body trimmer for a close and safe shave in the groin area, you should be looking for a pull-style groomer that uses a foil element + blades (like the Philips Bodygroom models).

These are the most effective and comfortable body hair trimmers to be used down there. They also work great for the armpits.

Some even come with guards of various lengths that go over the foil head, so you can use them on the rest of your body as well.

That way you’ll be able to get the desired hair length if you don’t want to cut it at skin level.

If cutting the hair at skin level (be it pubic hair or on the rest of the body) is not a requirement, then you can also consider a push-style groomer with different guards.

Also, some will even work as beard trimmers and hair clippers if you want a single do-it-all tool.

Other things that are really important when choosing a body trimmer are the availability and price of the replacement blades/heads.

Ideally, you shouldn’t need to change them very often and the price should be reasonable.

I’ll only be recommending body groomers for which you can easily source the original blades/heads.

Then there’s the price of the trimmer itself — some are just way too expensive for what they offer.

I think the cost should be a decisive factor and I only picked body groomers offer good value for money.

This again brings me back to the Manscaped Lawn Mower, a highly popular body groomer that’s being talked about a lot.

I think it’s too expensive, the replacement blade is pricy as well and it must be changed every few months.

It’s one of the reasons why the Lawn Mower — not even the latest Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra — didn’t make my list.

There are less expensive and better alternatives available.

Decent battery life is another hallmark of a quality body hair trimmer.

Ideally, you’ll want one that can provide at least 40 minutes of cordless operation (most trimmers will not work with the cord plugged in).

Forty minutes is in my experience the bare minimum for a comfortable, full-body grooming session.

A quick charge feature can be really handy when you’re caught off guard.

I’ll also be sharing a few of my favorite compact body groomers for a trip/holiday and the ones that make the least noise during use — in some cases, a loud trimmer can be a deal-breaker.

Finally, a body trimmer should be easy to clean and maintain and would last for years of regular use.

Luckily, I’ve been using most of the trimmers in this list for years, so I’m able to also evaluate their reliability as well.

Let’s now get to the fun part and check out some of the more compelling body groomers out there.

The best body groomers for men in 2024

1. Philips Norelco Bodygroom 5000

Best body trimmer for most men

See the price on Amazon

Also available on Walmart, Philips.com.

Side note: The European model is the Philips Bodygroom 5000 BG5021 (identical performance-wise).

My number one pick as the best body hair groomer for most men is the Philips Norelco Bodygroom 5000 (BG5025).

So what exactly makes the Bodygroom 5000 the best option overall and the number 1 choice on this list?

Well, it does almost everything right and will get you covered regardless of what you’ll be using it for.

It’s a great tool for the genital area, but also works well for trimming/shaving the hair on the rest of the body.

Moreover, it’s affordable, the replacement head is durable and readily available and the groomer even comes with a handle extension for hard-to-reach areas like your back.

It was a close battle between the Bodygroom 5000 and the number 2 pick on the list, but I ultimately had to choose the 5000 due to its lower price.

Here’s why I think it would be suitable for most men looking for a capable and reliable body trimmer.

Foil + shearing blades cutting system

The Philips Bodygroom 5000 is a prime example of a trimmer that uses a foil element + a pair of shearing blades.

This means it’s really effective at trimming long, even flat-lying body hair, but can also cut the remaining stubble at skin level.

The two shearing blades have rounded, blunt teeth that reduce the risk of nicks to a minimum, even when shaving the genitals or armpits.

Yes, it can still cut you if you’re sloppy, but it’s a lot more forgiving than most other groomers that use shearing blades (for example, the Manscaped Lawn Mower).

Great for pubic hair

The combo head of the Bodygroom 5000 makes it ideal for shaving the pubic area even without a guard.

It’s able to easily capture flat, curly hairs with the leading blade when you pull the head against the grain.

You can then angle it so the foil part of the head comes in contact with the skin, shaving any remaining stubble.

Out of all the different groomers I’ve tried, even the ones specifically designed for shaving the genitals, Philips’ hybrid head was the most effective and the most comfortable.

It’s the one that inflicted the fewest nicks when using it on the genitals (without a guard).

If you want an effective and comfortable trimmer for the pubic area that can cut the hair close, the Philips Bodygroom 5000 will give you precisely that.

I don’t think it’s quite the very best trimmer for the genitals because it has a fixed head (check out the number 2 on the list as an alternative), but it’s still easily one of the best.

Practical and effective when trimming body hair

We already know that the hybrid foil & blade head can cut the hair really close, but what if you don’t want that?

What if you only want to trim it to a certain length, one that you feel comfortable with?

Well, it can do that as well with the 3 included guards.

The guards fit securely over the shaving head and you can use the trimmer in either direction to get a precise trim.

That said, you’ll almost always use a pulling motion as it’s far more effective and natural.

The guards come in three sizes: 1/8”(3mm), 3/16”(5mm) and 9/32”(7mm). That is the length of the remaining hair after trimming it.

And while these removable guards aren’t as practical as an integrated adjustable guard that offers more granular control over the hair length, the ones that come with the Bodygroom 5000 have a few pros.

First of all, they’re sturdy and glide very easily over the skin, even if it’s a bit damp.

Secondly, this is a pull-style groomer, so it is in my opinion more practical and easier to use, especially when trimming the legs, armpits and the groin area.

I prefer a push-style body trimmer only for the chest and forearms (because it gives me more leverage).

Using the Bodygroom 5000 on the rest of the body is easy and enjoyable and the trimmer is pretty effective at cutting flat-lying hairs as well.

Some groomers will leave hairs behind when used with a guard, but that’s not the case with this one.

Also, because it’s a pull-style trimmer, it’s less likely to be affected by skin moisture and become jerky.

My only gripe is that I would have liked a smaller guard included as well (1 or 2mm) as I like to trim the hair on my abdomen and chest pretty short.

But other than that, the performance was great.

I didn’t get to use the back extension as I don’t have much hair on my back, but did a dry run and it seems like a very practical accessory should you need it.

Durable and inexpensive replacement parts

The trimmer comes with the BG2000 shaving head, a part that’s used by pretty much all the models in Philips Norelco’s Bodygroom line.

It’s a tried and tested foil head, widely available and inexpensive.

Philips Norelco BG2000 replacement head

See the price on Amazon

Moreover, it lasts a lot.

Philips recommends replacing it every 12 months, but in my experience it lasts even twice as long provided you clean it regularly.

Key takeaway

While the Philips Bodygroom 5000 isn’t perfect — I would have liked a flexible head and at least an extra smaller (or even a larger) guard — it’s a solid trimmer that will be a great option for the majority of men.

The battery life is pretty solid as well with 60 minutes of cordless use.

Because the trimmer is waterproof, you can quickly rinse it clean with tap water.

You can also trim the hair in the shower or with shaving cream/gel if you prefer so.

I always choose a dry trim as it takes me less time and the groomer is more effective when the hairs don’t stick to the wet skin, especially if you use a guard.

This groomer is adequately powerful and will have no trouble cutting dense body hair.

I also like that it doesn’t clog, so you won’t have to constantly stop and remove the hairs.

It’s an excellent trimmer for cutting pubic hair but also works well on the rest of the body.

Finally, it is pretty noisy during use (like most foil shavers/trimmers), emitting a loud hum and the vibrations are moderately high.

For more details, you can check out my full review of the Bodygroom 5000.

2. Philips Norelco Bodygroom 7000

Best trimmer for the groin area

See the price on Amazon

Also available on Walmart, Philips.com.

Side note: The European model is called Philips Bodygroom 7000 BG7025.

The Bodygroom 7000 is an improved variation of the Bodygroom 5000 above with a few key differences.

However, it doesn’t mean it’s better in all regards as you’ll see.

Let’s check it out and see why it’s one of the best groomers out there for the groin in particular, but also for the rest of the body.

Dual head design

What makes the Bodygroom 7000 stand out from pretty much all other trimmers out there is its dual-head design.

On one end it has the same hybrid foil & blades head as the Bodygroom 5000, great for cutting hair at skin level without nicks, including pubic hair.

But unlike the fixed head of the 5000, the Bodygroom 7000 has a flexible head, allowing it to swivel during a stroke.

This makes holding and using this groomer more natural, especially when trimming the genital area and the armpits.

On the other end, we have a full-fledged trimmer with shearing blades and an integrated adjustable guard (which can be detached as well).

This guard allows you to set a hair length between 3mm and 11mm.

It’s very practical and useful and you won’t have to deal with fitting and removing different size guards.

So far it looks like a winner and it is in most regards, so let’s see what makes the Bodygroom 7000 one of the better body trimmers in 2024.

The best groomer for the genitals

I can confidently say that the Philips Norelco Bodygroom 7000 is one of the best trimmers for pubic hair if not the best.

As mentioned earlier, it uses the same head as the Bodygroom 5000. However, it is mounted on a frame that swivels front to back.

And while I initially questioned its usefulness and it even took me some time to get used to it, I think it’s great, particularly for pubic hair.

It allows you to hold the groomer at an ideal angle in a more comfortable way — it’s difficult to explain, but take my word for it.

When trimming pubic hair I prefer using the Bodygroom 7000 over the 5000 for precisely that reason.

Other than that, it’s just as effective at cutting the hairs close, fast and without nicks.

In my opinion the Philips Norelco Bodygroom 7000 is the best pubic hair groomer out there.

So what exactly is a trimmer suitable for the genital area?

Well, it ultimately comes down to being able to use the trimmer safely for a close, comfortable and effective shave.

And the Philips Bodygroom 7000 checks those boxes.

The combination of rounded blades and a foil element for a close and gentle shave works great for pubic hair.

It’s my trimmer of choice for the genital area, with the Bodygroom 5000 a close second.

Integrated guard for different hair lengths

As we know, the Bodygroom 7000 has a second cutting system at the other end.

It consists of clipper-style shearing blades with an adjustable guard (that can also be removed completely).

However, unlike the pair of blades at the other end, this one does not have rounded teeth, so it will cut the skin if you use it without the guard.

I strongly recommend using the foil head instead if you need to cut the hair at skin level as that one is a lot safer and more comfortable.

This trimming head should only be used with the included guard at your desired setting for the hair length.

The lowest setting is again 3mm which is in my opinion a bit too long. Starting at 2mm would have been ideal but overall not a deal breaker.

The guard is sturdy and going through the different lengths is easy and convenient.

Once you set it, it’s a push-style trimmer that you therefore push against the hair grain.

The trimmer is effective and powerful and doesn’t clog with hair.

However, it does have some intrinsic disadvantages of a body groomer that you’ll be pushing instead of pulling.

It’s a bit fiddly to use on the hamstrings or behind the knees.

Also, if the skin is wet (from sweat or high humidity), it can get stuck and the stroke will be jittery.

This is made worse by the fact that the groomer is quite large and heavy, so not the most nimble.

That’s why I actually prefer the Bodygroom 5000 (pull-style) for trimming body hair even though it has fixed guards instead of the adjustable comb.

Also, because it’s a wet/dry groomer, you can use the 7000 in the shower as well.

Again, I do not recommend it as it’s just more difficult and time-consuming, especially if you use the trimmer with the guard.

Excellent battery life

The Bodygroom 7000 is fitted with a large Li-ion battery that’ll keep the trimmer going for almost 90 minutes.

That’s way beyond the official 80-minute run time.

Having good battery life is really important with cordless-only body trimmers like this one.

Inexpensive and durable replacement head

Just like the Bodygroom 5000, the 7000 uses the same BG2000 hybrid head, which means it’s durable, reasonably priced and easy to source.

The blade at the other end does not need to be replaced.

From my experience it will last for years with minimal to no maintenance.

You can lubricate it every once in a while, but mine still cuts great despite not doing that regularly and I’ve been using it for years.

As for cleaning, since it’s waterproof, you can quickly rinse it with tap water after your trimming session.

Key takeaway

My main gripe with the Bodygroom 7000 is that the push-style trimmer end isn’t quite as practical when cutting the hair on the rest of the body compared to the Bodygroom 5000.

It’s the main reason why I think the 5000 will be better in most cases. And it costs less.

Also, the 7000 is quite large and heavy so trimming hard-to-reach areas will be more fiddly.

Finally, there’s the noise during use. This thing is loud. It is by far the noisiest body trimmer on this list.

Moreover, it vibrates a lot, especially when using the flexible hybrid head (it has two motors and two separate power switches for each head).

However, the Philips Norelco Bodygroom 7000 would be my number 1 pick for trimming the genital area.

It also works reasonably well on the rest of the body when using the guard trimmer.

Just make sure the skin is dry for the trimmer to be effective and easy to use.

3. Philips Norelco Multigroom 7000

Best multipurpose groomer (all-in-one)

See the price on Amazon

Also available on Walmart, Philips.com.

Deal alert: There is a newer Philips Norelco Multigroom 7000 MG7910/49 that is pretty much identical, but can sometimes cost less.

The Philips Multigroom series has got to be the Swiss army knife of body trimmers.

The most popular and the best pick for most users will be the Multigroom 7000 variation.

This thing can do (almost) anything and it comes bundled with a variety of guards and cutting attachments, including a nose hair trimmer and a foil head.

It’s a sleek-looking trimmer as well, featuring an all-metal body.

Moreover, it’s quite light and compact, especially when considering its powerful motor and large battery.

Here’s why I think the Multigroom 7000 is one of the best versatile body hair trimmers out there.

All in one body, beard and hair trimmer

If you like keeping things simple and want a single tool to handle all your trimming needs, this is probably the one to get.

You can use the Multigroom 7000 to trim body and facial hair, but it also works as a hair clipper.

It’s a push-style trimmer that comes with two blades: a standard and a wider one and you can swap between them with ease.

The blade just clicks securely in place, no need to use a screwdriver.

You would use the standard blade with the appropriate guards for trimming your beard and body hair, and the wider blade for cutting your hair.

For trimming body hair, you get two guards, 3mm and 5mm:

The beard guards come in 5 different sizes: 7, 5, 3, 2 and 1mm:

The 6 wider hair guards fit only over the wider blade and there are 4 standard hair guards (16, 12, 9 and 4mm — pictured below) and 2 fading guards (4–9mm for cutting the hair around the ears).

There’s also a foil head attachment that cuts facial hair at skin level; its main use would be to clean up your neck/cheeks from stubble and get as close as possible to the beard line.

Powerful, quiet and easy to use

The Multigroom 7000 is one of the best push-style trimmers I’ve ever used (alongside the Multigroom 9000 — more on that one later on).

The blades are really sharp and the motor is torquey and silent and this groomer mows through the hair regardless of how thick and dense it is.

The trimmer is very fast and effective even with flat-lying hairs.

The guards are made of high-quality plastic, they don’t bend or buckle under pressure and glide easily over the skin.

The trimmer itself has excellent ergonomics and it’s easy to use and nimble regardless of what you’re doing.

It also doesn’t vibrate during use and it’s one of the quieter body trimmers out there.

Compared to the first two options (or any other model in the Bodygroom line), it’s a lot quieter.

Perfect for trimming body and facial hair

The Multigroom 7000 is a highly capable body hair trimmer, limited only by the inclusion of the two 3mm and 5mm body guards.

As I mentioned earlier, I think a smaller and a larger guard would have been useful.

There’s a workaround though: I’ve been using the 2mm and 1mm beard guards for body hair as well and they work perfectly fine.

I will however recommend being extra careful with the 1mm beard guard as that one leaves the blade exposed and you can nick the skin.

The Multigroom 7000 is my tool of choice for trimming body hair (but not for the groin as you’ll see).

It’s very effective, fast and easy to use, especially when trimming large areas like the legs and chest/abs.

The blade of the Multigroom 7000 doesn’t have skin-friendly, rounded teeth, so it will likely cut you if you use it without a guard and you’re not careful.

I would strongly recommend against using the blade with no guard over sensitive areas like the genitals or armpits — it will cut you and it will be extremely painful.

It’s one of the least forgiving trimmers in that regard.

I would only use it without a guard to trim my beard while still being very careful.

The beard-trimming capabilities of the Multigroom 7000 are impressive and you can use it to pre-trim the beard (before shaving), maintain it at a certain length or edge it with great precision.

Useful if you cut your hair yourself

The wide blade makes the Multigroom 7000 suitable for cutting the hair on your head as well.

I would however only recommend it for basic hairstyles like buzz cuts since it only has 4 guards (apart from the two asymmetrical guards) and doesn’t have a lever for adjusting the blade gap.

So you will not be able to get a seamless skin fade for example.

If you’re serious about cutting your own hair, it’ll be worth it to invest in a dedicated hair clipper.

The Philips Multigroom 7000 will be good enough for basic haircuts or for less frequent use — it can definitely come in handy.

For example, I used it to cut my hair during lockdown before getting a Wahl Magic clipper — the latter is a much more capable tool for haircuts.

But again, if you only need a tool for basic haircuts, it can handle that just fine.

Fantastic battery life, corded & cordless use

The Multigroom 7000 can go for 5 and a half hours on a single charge.

And on top of that, it will also work with the cord plugged in while charging (only the MG7750/49 model).

So it’s pretty much in a class of its own when it comes to battery life.

Philips somehow managed to squeeze in a large battery that charges from 0 to 100% in under 3 hours.

And you can also quick charge it for 5 minutes if the battery is completely drained — you’ll get just enough power for a quick trim.

Then again, you have the peace of mind that you can always use it with the cord plugged in.

Waterproof and easy to clean

Since you’ll be using the same blade for body and facial hair, you’ll want to clean it after every use.

Luckily, the Multigroom 7000 is fully waterproof and you can simply wash it with warm tap water (with the cord detached).

You can do so with all the attachments and guards and then just let them air dry.

The new and old Multigroom 7000

There’s a so-called new (MG7910/49) and old (MG7750/49) generation of the Multigroom 7000, so I wanted to quickly go over the differences.

Objectively, I think the old one (on which the above review is based) has a couple of pros:

• It works cordless & corded (the new one is cordless-only)
• It includes a foil head attachment (the new one does not)

The new one comes with two adjustable beard guards instead of 5 fixed beard guards, so you have more granular control over the beard length.

But that’s really it, everything else is exactly the same about the new and old Multigroom 7000.

I usually recommend buying the old one but only if it’s readily available and costs the same as the new one.

I think the price should be the decisive factor when choosing between the two.

Key takeaway

No trimmer is perfect and the Philips Norelco Multigroom 7000, despite its impressive performance in most use cases, is no exception.

Its Achilles heel is the ability to shave/trim sensitive areas at skin level.

Precisely, the genitals and armpits.

The blade of the Multigroom 7000 is very unforgiving and will inflict some nasty cuts if you try to use it on sensitive areas without a guard.

So if you want a close trim on your private parts, you won’t be able to get it with this trimmer.

You will need a second tool specifically for that.

There are some small, inexpensive groomers that would be perfectly suitable for that as you’ll see later on.

But the Philips Norelco Multigroom 7000 won’t be a good choice for trimming pubic hair close to the skin.

Even when shaving your armpits (with no guard) you must be extremely careful as the blade can easily nick the skin and trust me, it’ll be a nasty cut.

This is the main drawback of owning and using a single multipurpose trimmer.

The only workaround would be to use a guard, which may or may not be a deal breaker depending on your preferences.

For additional info, you can also check out my detailed review of the Multigroom 7000.

The Multigroom 9000

There is however another option if you still want a Philips Multigroom for absolutely everything — the Multigroom 9000.

See the price on Amazon

This is the top-of-the-line model in the Multigroom family and its main advantage over the 7000 (old or new) is the inclusion of a special trimmer head, a so-called Body Shaver attachment.

This head allows you to safely cut pubic hair and get a reasonably close trim — 0.3-0.5mm, so not quite as close as a Bodygroom 5000 or 7000 with a foil head.

It won’t be perfectly smooth, but is still quite good and this trimmer head is very comfortable and forgiving.

Everything else about the Multigroom 9000, including the metal body, fantastic battery life and the generous bundle of accessories, is identical to the 7000.

In fact, the battery life of the 9000 is a bit better at more than 6 hours and it also includes a nice travel case so you can neatly store everything.

The reason why I still picked the 7000 as the better option for most users is the price — the Multigroom 9000 costs more, but it’s still a fair price considering what you’ll be getting.

So if you need a single tool for everything, including a comfortable and fairly close trim on the groin, I think the Multigroom 9000 is worth the extra money.

Otherwise, you should still get the 7000 (old or new), as all the core features and traits are the same.

4. Braun Series XT5

Best compact/travel body groomer

See the price on Amazon

Also available on Walmart.

The trimmers on this list so far are highly capable with large batteries and while they perform great, aren’t the most practical for traveling or for a quick touchup.

So I’ve also been testing quite a few compact body hair trimmers and ultimately settled on the Braun Series XT5 as my pick.

The honorable mentions include the Philips OneBlade Face + Body and the Philips Bodygroom Series 1100.

The OneBlade had very limited accessories for body hair and was ineffective at trimming flat-lying hairs, particularly pubic hair.

The Bodygroom Series 1100, while very practical thanks to its dimensions and low weight, had really brittle guards (I broke two, even though I was very gentle handling it) and it clogged with hair way too often.

So overall, the Braun Series XT5 managed to edge ahead and it is in my opinion the best out of all these compact body hair trimmers.

It has the fewest shortcomings and performance-wise, it’s surprisingly good for a trimmer of this type (and size).

In fact, while I think it would be ideal as a second/backup/travel groomer, it can kind of work as your main (and only) trimmer as well.

Moreover, it’s both a beard and body hair trimmer, so highly versatile if you also need to edge or maintain/trim your beard.

So let’s see where the XT5 excels and where it’s not that great.

Side note: you’ll see a few variations of the Series XT5, namely the 5100, 5200 and 5300. The 5300 comes with a nicer travel pouch and an extra charging stand. Other than that they are identical.

Light, compact and very easy to use

The main selling point of the Braun XT5 has to be its size.

It’s a really small groomer, smaller than the Philips OneBlade and it’s just a joy using it compared to other bulky trimmers.

At 105 grams (3.7 oz), it’s half the weight of the Philips Bodygroom 7000.

Granted, it’s not as capable and I’ll get to that as well, but it’s so nimble and effortless to use, especially when trimming some less accessible areas (like the back of the legs/hamstrings).

Its shaving head is similar in design and function to the one on the Bodygroom line from Philips.

Precisely, it has a pair of shearing blades with a foil element between them.

However, the blades aren’t as forgiving and the Braun XT5 can cut you if you use it without a guard, especially when trimming pubic hair.

Also, the teeth are very close together and there are far fewer perforations in the foils, which means the cutting system isn’t as effective or as capable as the one of the Philips Bodygroom 7000 or 5000.

But even so, considering its size, the XT5 is quite good. It’s also quieter than the Bodygroom trimmers and doesn’t vibrate as much.

But the Philips Multigroom 7000 is still the quietest on this list.

Side note: the quietest trimmers I’ve used are the Manscaped Lawn Mower 4.0 and 5.0 Ultra. I did not however include them in my top 5 because of their high price and underwhelming performance.

Body (including the genitals) + face trimmer

The XT5 can trim body and facial hair and comes with appropriate guards.

The body hair guards are only two, a 0mm SkinGuard and a 3mm standard guard.

The SkinGuard attachment allows you to cut body hair at skin level in a safe and comfortable manner.

And it actually works.

Usually, a 0mm guard would still impact the closeness, but not in this case.

The hair is still cut at skin level since the foil element remains exposed and the guard sits flush with the blades.

It’s particularly useful when trimming the genital area; it cuts close and does a fine job, although it requires more work to get all the hairs compared to a Philips Bodygroom for example.

Also, it’s not as effective if the hairs stay flat on the skin and you will need to go over that area multiple times.

The other 3mm guard has the same issue, missing some flat-lying hairs.

But again, given the size of the Braun XT5, that was to be expected.

I do find the 3mm body guard and the 0mm SkinGuard a bit limiting for body hair trimming.

There are 5 beard guards as well: 1, 2, 3 and 5 mm but I’ve even used them to trim body hair and they worked fine.

Also, while you can trim up and down with the two-way head and guards, most of the time you’ll be pulling up towards you as that’s more effective and you have more leverage.

Decent battery life

The XT5 has a thin and compact body, so Braun could only fit a smaller battery.

When fully charged, it’s able to provide around 45 minutes of cordless-only operation, which is just okay.

In my case, it was barely enough to complete a full body trim and I’m not a very hairy guy.

The smaller battery, together with the fact that it takes more work for a clean trim means the Braun XT5 won’t be ideal for men with a lot of body hair.

Any of the first three options on the list would be a lot better in that case.

Waterproof and easy to clean

The Braun XT5 is a very basic, straightforward groomer and since it’s wet/dry, you can just rinse it clean with water.

The shaving head does tend to get a bit hot during use, so I would also lubricate it with a drop of clipper oil every once in a while.

Braun doesn’t mention this, but it does seem to help.

A lubricating spray for clippers or electric shavers is a perfectly fine alternative.

Ideal for traveling and touchups

In my view, the XT5 would make a great body trimmer to take with you on trips (or as a backup) for a quick trim.

It’s lightweight and only takes up a bit of space in your luggage.

The battery should be more than enough for a vacation (provided it’s 100% charged), so there’s no need to take the Braun charger with you.

And speaking of charging, it would have been great to have a USB-C port instead of the Braun proprietary connector.

That way you could simply use your phone’s charger and cable.

Travel Tip: You can buy a Braun to USB-A cable and take that one with you instead of the charger.

Replacement head

The replacement head for the XT5 (called the XT10) should be pretty easy to source in most countries and according to Braun, it should be replaced every 6 months.

That estimation is based on two full shaves per week.

Braun Series X XT10 replacement head

See the price on Amazon

If you’ll only be using it for traveling or touchups, the head should last a lot longer than that.

Cleaning and lubricating it regularly will also increase its lifespan.

The price is a bit higher compared to the OneBlade head for example, but it should (at least in theory) last more.

Key takeaway

This tiny groomer has got you covered if you need to trim your beard or body hair, even the groin area.

There are just enough guards to get the desired hair length and overall it’s a decent trimmer that can work great for traveling or as your main groomer if you don’t have a lot of body hair.

Because of its small head, an entire trimming session will take longer, so definitely keep that in mind.

Also, while I wouldn’t call the XT5 expensive, it’s rather on the pricier side. I think you should definitely wait for a discount on this one.

5. Panasonic ER-GK60-S

Best ergonomics for full body grooming

See the price on Amazon

Also available on Walmart, Panasonic.com.

Finally, there’s the Panasonic ER-GK60-S which takes a completely different approach compared to other body trimmer out there.

While the cutting system is a standard shearing blade, it is positioned in line with the body of the groomer in this V-shaped head.

The consequence of this design approach is that you can hold the trimmer in a very natural way with no strain on your wrist.

And in most cases, this works better than the traditional trimmer with the blade perpendicular to the handle.

Unique head design, great ergonomics

Using this Panasonic groomer feels natural and effortless, especially when trimming the hair on your legs, abs and arms.

I actually prefer this grip to the standard push or pull trimmers — it’s the best of both worlds.

The groomer itself is pretty slim and lightweight compared to a Philips Bodygroom and this further improves the positive experience.

The V-shaped head, especially when used without a guard is very nimble and you can easily trim some hard-to-reach areas, like behind the knee joint or the crease between the leg and groin.

Effective body hair trimming

The Panasonic ER-GK60-S comes with three guards:

• 2mm SkinGuard
• 3mm body hair guard
• 6mm body hair guard

Panasonic recommends the use of the SkinGuard comb when trimming sensitive areas like your groin or armpits.

However, unlike the SkinGuard that comes with the Braun XT5 above, this one will actually impact the closeness.

Precisely, the length of the remaining hair will be 2mm.

That’s perfectly fine on the rest of the body (I actually use it for that), but on the groin and armpits, most men would prefer a very short trim.

You could use the groomer with no guard, but the blade doesn’t have any special features to prevent nicks.

Panasonic does mention rounded tips, but the blade doesn’t seem to be more forgiving than regular shearing blades.

And unless you’re extremely careful, the ER-GK60-S with the exposed blade can cut you.

Panasonic recommends always using one of the three combs when trimming sensitive areas.

And that’s the main shortcoming of this trimmer in my opinion — just like the Philips Multigroom 7000, it’s not ideal if you want a close, fast and comfortable trim on the pubic area.

A Philips Bodygroom 5000 or 7000 will be a much better option in that case.

Also, I don’t find the grip particularly comfortable when trimming pubic hair — works great on the rest of the body, but is a bit awkward and fiddly when used on the genitals.

The guards included with this Panasonic are excellent.

They’re sturdy, easy to remove, fit securely over the blade and glide easily on the skin.

These are the best guards I’ve seen on a body groomer along with the ones that come with the Philips Multigroom 7000 and 9000.

They’re pretty effective even when the hairs stay flat on the skin and the blade never gets clogged.

I would not however use this Panasonic (with a guards) in the shower — if the skin is wet, it’ll miss a lot of hairs.

Apart from the 2mm guard (SkinGuard), the ER-GK60-S comes with two 3 and 6 mm guards.

That’s all you’re getting and for most men it should be enough.

Excellent battery life

The battery on the Panasonic ER-GK60-S is really good.

The weird part is that the manufacturer officially claims only 40 minutes of cordless use.

However, I constantly get around 80 minutes — that’s double the official number.

And I’m not the only one — I’ve checked other user reviews as well.

The bad part? Charging the groomer from 0 to 100% takes a lengthy 8 hours.

Moreover, you can only charge the ER-GK60-S via the included (and very bulky) charging stand.

The cord is non-removable, so you cannot plug it directly into the trimmer.

Luckily, if you take it with you on vacation, a fully charged battery will be more than enough.

Easy cleaning and maintenance

Since the ER-GK60-S is fully waterproof, you can of course rinse it clean with tap water.

The blade is easy to remove so you can use the included brush to get rid of any hairs stuck on the inside.

Panasonic also includes a small bottle of lubricant with the ER-GK60-S.

The user manual says you should oil the blade by placing a single drop of lubricant in 5 key spots (indicated below) before and after using the trimmer.

In my opinion that is a bit overkill and I personally only do it before using the trimmer.

The blade should be replaced every 3 years according to Panasonic, so it’s quite durable, at least in theory.

The blade has the part number ER9500 and should be available in most countries. The price is pretty reasonable as well.

Key takeaway

What isn’t so reasonable is the cost of the trimmer itself — the Panasonic ER-GK60-S is rather pricey. It’s probably the most expensive groomer on this list.

I actually had some doubts about including it precisely because of that.

It offers some compelling features and I think it’s a really good body trimmer, but I would only recommend getting it if you can find a great deal.

Otherwise, I would go with one of the other options above.

For more info, you can check out my Panasonic ER-GK60-S review.

And that concludes my top 5 body hair trimmers for 2024.

These should cover most users’ needs and hopefully by this point, you have a strong bias toward one.

I tried to pick the trimmers that offer good value for money, are effective, reliable and easy to operate/clean.

Now that you know which one is right for you, it’s time to put it to good use.

Trimming body hair: 6 tips for easy and pain-free manscaping

Whether you prefer a smooth, skin-level trim or just to reduce the bulk, here are a few simple, but highly effective tips you can implement right away.

1. Make sure your skin is dry

I’ve already touched upon this, but it’s one of those little things that can make the difference between a poor and a great experience.

Unless you’re using a trimmer in a very specific way that would favor the addition of water, you’d be better off using it dry.

Sweat can therefore be a major problem, especially if you use a guard attachment as the hairs will stick to the skin and the blade won’t cut them.

Moreover, the trimmer won’t glide smoothly and will constantly drag and skip over the skin.

A body groomer that must be pushed against the hair is usually affected to a higher degree by moisture and sweat, causing the motion to be jerky.

I for example suffer from Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweat) which is a lot worse during summer or humid days.

It’s a problem when I shave my face as well.

When trimming body hair, excessive sweat/moisture can be really annoying. There are a couple of ways you can sort of get around this.

First, a cooler environment definitely helps.

If there’s a cooler room you can use, definitely try that or crank up the AC during hot summer days before you start trimming.

Second, dry the skin with a towel and use a bit of talcum powder (baby powder).

I use some on my legs and forearms to absorb any remaining moisture — for some reason, those areas are affected to a higher degree.

Tip: if you use baby powder or any mineral-based powder, make sure you give your trimmer a thorough cleaning with water because mineral residue can lead to premature wear of the blades.

2. Trim your body hair in a well-lit room

I know this sounds trivial, but you just can’t underestimate how much of a difference good lighting makes.

You can easily leave behind patches of hair if the lighting is poor and it’ll also take you more time to get it done.

Natural light is by far the best, but let’s be real, most of us don’t have access to that while manscaping (for obvious reasons).

Using an extra light source — even the flashlight on your phone — can help.

On that note, the Lawn Mower 4.0 and 5.0 have a built-in tiny flashlight and it’s so useful. It’s a shame these trimmers proved to be underwhelming.

And here’s a bonus tip:

Once you’ve finished your grooming session, take a quick shower and swiftly inspect the results (in a well-lit room, of course).

There are probably a few stray hairs left, so you make sure to get those as well.

3. Ensure your trimmer has enough battery charge

This is something you’ll want to check before you start trimming.

It’s no fun to have your trimmer die on you mid-session. Most of the current models will only work cordless and charging can take a long time.

I try to charge my trimmers regularly even if there’s still some charge left, so I can always grab one and use it without any worries of the battery dying.

Also, most modern groomers use Li-ion batteries that you can charge whenever you want without any significant impact on the battery lifespan.

Ideally, you’d want the charge between 20% and 80% to get the absolute maximum out of it, but I wouldn’t stress too much about staying within those boundaries.

4. Take your time when trimming sensitive areas (groin, armpits)

Even though several trimmers like the Bodygroom models have skin-friendly blades, you can still get cut if you’re sloppy.

And wrinkly, thin skin is a lot more susceptible to cuts.

Use your free hand to keep it taut and move the trimmer slowly and in a controlled manner against the direction of hair growth.

You’ll want to be very thorough and careful, so I recommend starting with the genital area and armpits and then moving to the rest of the body.

Towards the end of a trimming session, my patience and focus are lower and I think that’s the case with most people.

So it’s generally a good idea to tackle the difficult areas first.

5. Clean (and lubricate) your trimmer regularly

Cleaning a body groomer after each use is not only good for hygiene, but also for the groomer itself.

Dirt buildups between the blades will impact the trimmer’s performance.

The motor will work harder just to keep the blade moving and the battery will also run out of charge faster.

All the trimmers I’ve recommended are waterproof and can be easily cleaned with tap water.

Just remember to let them air dry completely (with the head/blade detached) before storing them.

Proper lubrication is also important for optimal performance and the blades will stay sharp for a longer time.

Some brands will include detailed instructions in the user manual about how and when to do it — Panasonic will even include a bottle of oil with the ER-GK60-S — but some will not even mention lubrication.

If yours didn’t come with lubricant, you can use clipper oil or a spray lubricant for electric shavers.

I recommend Wahl clipper oil or Oster blade lube, these are inexpensive and effective oils that I’ve been using for years on all my trimmers, shavers and hair clippers.

As for spray lubricants, the Andis CoolCare Plus is effective and reasonably priced.

A good rule of thumb would be to apply a couple of drops on the blade/foil (they should be clean and dry), then let the trimmer run for 5 to 10 seconds to distribute the oil evenly.

Gently wipe off any excess with a tissue and you’re all set.

As for how often you should be oiling your trimmer, two or three times a month should be enough.

If you use it very often, you can increase the frequency to once or twice a week.

This isn’t some definitive rule that you must follow to a T — just some general guidelines that should work well in most cases.

6. Use a suitable trimmer for your needs

Last but certainly not least, you should use a body trimmer that best suits your needs.

With the ones I’ve presented here, I tried to emphasize their strengths and weaknesses so you can choose one that would be right for you.

For example, if you need a beard + body trimmer, the Philips Multigroom 7000 or 9000 are some of the best options out there.

For the groin area, the Bodygroom 7000 is in my opinion the one to get. It’s also good enough for the rest of the body, but it excels as a pubic hair trimmer.

So make sure to prioritize your needs and budget and when choosing your groomer.

How to trim/shave the groin area

Pubic hair deserves a separate section as it’s a very specific part of a man’s grooming routine and requires extra care.

Most of us prefer a close trim on the groin area, ideally without nicks and irritation.

And with the right tool and the right approach, it can be done.

All the above tips still apply, but I’ll share a few more specific recommendations that are key when trimming pubic hair with an electric groomer.

Here they are.

1. Use a trimmer with a skin-friendly blade/head

A very close trim basically means that there’s no guard/comb on the trimming head.

It’s therefore important to pick a groomer that is very forgiving as the skin on your private parts is very thin and you can easily cut it.

As I mentioned earlier, my favorites would be the trimmers in Philips Norelco’s Bodygroom range, like the 5000 or 7000.

You would still need to trim the hair carefully as any groomer will nick the skin if you rush through it.

The shaving head of these groomers is ideal for cutting pubic hair, with the rounded blades and the foil element for that extra close shave.

Side note: Braun and Manscaped introduced a similar foil head with some of their more recent groomers, but those are still not as good as the original Philips head.

With this type of groomer, you’ll want to first cut the long hairs using the leading blade by dragging it against the hair.

You then slightly increase the angle you’re holding the trimmer against the skin so that the foil will be flat on the skin, shaving any remaining stubble.

Tip: If you’re constantly getting razor bumps/pseudofolliculitis when trimming pubic hair, you may want to skip using the foil and just use the leading blade to cut the hairs.

Shaving hair very close to the skin will sometimes increase the likelihood of getting bumps.

2. Drying the skin is even more important when trimming pubic hair

The sensitive skin on your privates will make things a lot worse if there’s any moisture.

There are two solutions I found to be of great help for a comfortable and effective trim.

The first is to take a quick shower before you start grooming.

Make sure you dry everything thoroughly with a towel.

The skin is usually a bit dry after washing with shower gel or soap, so the trimmer head glides smoothly and the hair is easier to cut.

The second tip is again to use a bit of baby powder to absorb any remaining moisture.

If you use shaving cream/gel, you obviously don’t need to bother with drying the skin.

I prefer a dry trim as shaving cream is messy, takes more time and I can’t really see much with all that lather.

There are transparent/no-foam shaving gels as well, but I still don’t find the extra work to be worth it.

3. Be gentle and take your time

This is important especially if the hair is longer.

If you move the trimmer too quickly, there’s a higher chance the hairs will get snagged instead of being cut and it won’t be pleasant.

Also, you can get some nasty cuts if you’re not moving the trimmer in a slow and controlled manner.

4. Trim the groin area more often

On a related note, since short pubic hair is easier to cut, you might want to increase the frequency of your manscaping.

If you’re dealing with any skin irritation/razor bumps, then definitely allow a few days for the skin to heal.

But otherwise, more often is usually better: it takes less time, there’s a lower risk of the hairs getting pulled and they’re easier to cut.

5. Avoid the things that could irritate the skin

Really tight underwear for example can cause a rash and even bumps if your skin is sensitive.

Also, when showering right after trimming your groin, I recommend using only lukewarm instead of hot water as that can also irritate the skin.

Gently pat dry the skin with a clean towel and don’t rub it against the skin.

Conclusion

I decided to write this guide after reading quite a few articles on the best body hair trimmers.

However, a lot of the most popular pieces were written by editors who have never actually tried the trimmers they mention.

That fact is immediately obvious to someone who has been using those very trimmers for a long time.

Moreover, some of the recommended groomers were simply redundant or didn’t make any sense.

And there were way too many options that would only confuse the reader. More isn’t necessarily better.

For example, one such article recommended 17 body trimmers.

With this real-world guide, I tried to scratch my own itch and come up with something truly useful — things I would have liked to know before buying way too many groomers.

Hopefully, you won’t have to go through much trial and error to find a suitable one.

I’ve bought and used lots of them, so at least in that regard, I think this roundup will be more relevant and useful than most.

I will keep it updated in case there’s a better/more cost-effective alternative to some of the models I recommended.

If you have any questions or you’d like to share your experience with a particular trimmer, please leave a comment below.