5 Best Shape Up Clippers For Men – Hair Tools For 2024

Like all the finer things in life, fresh shape-ups (also known as line-ups) require work. But the best shape up clippers make it pain-free, and dare I say, easy. A handy electric or battery-powered clipper with a sleek t-shaped blade will do the trick and leave you with the clean, razor-sharp lines you’re after.

The best clippers for shape up are easy to use on a weekly, if not daily basis. Many guys prefer a clean cut fade, detail, or line-up, and owning an easy to use trimmer makes it possible to do the work without running up a bill at the barber. It’s also helpful to be able to freshen up your cut as needed, like right before a big date or event.

That being said, shape up clippers have a lightweight body, sharp stainless steel blades, and a quick motor (with a quiet hum). Naturally, not all are created equal, so I’ve done the heavy lifting for you. I’ve researched the best of the best so you don’t have to.

Key Takeaways 

Most guys don’t want to think too much about clipping their hair. The right clippers save time, reduce stress, and help you achieve a barber-level cut in minutes at home.

Andis Outliner II is my top pick thanks to its light, compact, ergonomic body, high speed motor, and top-notch performance. If you’re new to the shape up game, check out Andis Slimline T-Blade Trimmer. Its light, cordless body makes it a great trimmer for beginners—and travel.

1. Best Overall: Andis 04603 Professional Outliner II

Sometimes simplicity is better than extravagance. Andis Outliner II doesn’t bother with extraneous attachments and unnecessary details. It might look basic, but it is far from it. Here is a top tier clipper with outstanding performance to get you the crisp, clean lines you crave.

It’s compact and portable, light in the hand, and comfortable too, thanks to its ergonomic design. Andis Outliner II comes with a heavy-duty 8 foot cable so you can easily maneuver it every which way.

The blades are stainless steel and constantly self-sharpening for a consistently clean cut. And you’ll be done in no time, thanks to its 7,200 spm high speed motor. Its precision and speed make it ideal for both the face, neck, and anywhere you need to complete quick, close-cutting jobs.

I debated ranking Andi Professional T-Outliner in the top spot, as it has a few drawbacks. While the T-Outliner is better for professionals and those hard to reach places, the Outliner II is easier to use on yourself. It’s ever so slightly lighter, making it easier to pivot.

And, because the blade is smaller on the II compared to the T, it’s quieter. Ultimately, I think Andis Outliner II makes for the best shape up clippers all around.

Motor Power: Electric | Material: Stainless steel  | Battery Life: Not applicable | Additional attachments: Square blade

2. Best Budget: Wahl Professional 5-Star Detailer with Adjustable T-blade 

Okay, so the Professional Wahl shape up clippers is not the cheapest out there, but it’s definitely affordable. And while Amazon does have some truly budget shape up trimmers, I was skeptical to highlight a product from an unknown brand. It’s just too risky.

That being said, Wahl is a highly reputable brand in the grooming world, and its 5-star detailer comes in at a great price point. It has a tiny, lightweight body, weighing in at just 6.9 ounces, and a seriously powerful rotary motor.

Perhaps its best feature is the adjustable t-blade, which is great for fades, lining, and artwork. It comes with an abundance of accessories, including a trimmer, 3 extra-wide trimming guides, a brush, oil, and blade guards.

Pro Tip: Oiling your blades before each use will give you the best trim and extend the life of your blades.

Motor Power: Electric | Material: Stainless steel  | Battery Life: Not applicable | Additional attachments: Extra-wide trimming guides

3. Best Luxury: Bevel Pro + Pro T-Blade

If it’s in your budget, take a gander at Bevel. While pricey, they just may be the best clippers for shape up out there, especially if you’re bald—or close to it. The brand is all about a cleaner, closer, and faster cut, and the Pro plans to get you there.

What makes the Bevel so attractive is that it’s all-in-one. Both a trimmer and a clipper for a short haircut, your beard, and of course, a crisp shape up. And you can go from trimmer to clipper in a matter of seconds, thanks to snap-lock modular attachments that adjust with just the  touch of a button.

The Bevel’s multipurpose qualities and luxurious features explain its higher price tag. It features  wider stainless steel blades, sleek graphite coating, and an LED display. Don’t forget the pivot lock magnetic guards, too. The Bevel also has the longest battery life of any of the cordless clippers, offering a whopping four hours of consistent power.

Motor Power: Lithium ion battery | Material: Stainless steel  | Battery Life: 5 hrs | Additional attachments: Styling comb

4. Best on Amazon: Wahl 9818 Stainless Steel Groomer

If you’re interested in the best shape up trimmer that can do it all, look no further than Wahl Stainless Steel Groomer. It has an attractive cordless brushed stainless steel body and three multi-purpose attachments for all aspects of your face.

Switch out that t-blade for a rotary personal trimmer or detail trimmer and get to work on those eyebrows and nose hairs in addition to your beard shape up. You can even touch up your haircut or beard while you’re at it, too. Nine individual guide combs make it easy to cut hair at virtually any length. With all these features, consider the Wahl Stainless Steel Groomer your complete grooming system.

Because it’s cordless and runs on a rechargeable battery, you get a decent 3.5 hours on a one hour charge. Or opt for a one minute quick charge for three minutes of run time.

Motor Power: Lithium ion battery | Material: Stainless steel  | Battery Life: 3.5 hrs | Additional attachments: Ear/nose trimmer

5. Best for Beginners: Andis Slimline T-blade Hair Trimmer

Unwieldy clippers is a big no-no for a beginner. Fortunately, Andis created a slim little trimmer, perfect for the guy who’s new to shape-ups. It’s light, balanced, and boasts an ergonomic design. Plus, it can be used cordless, so nothing gets in the way while you work.

At just 4.94 ounces, it’s the lightest of the bunch. This makes it great for newbies and globe-trotters. It’s used by professionals, so you know it’s top-notch.

The sleek, stainless steel T- blades are self-sharpening and work best when oiled first. The Andis Slimline also comes with just four attachments, including a t-blade and zero gapper, so beginners won’t feel overwhelmed. Because the Andis is slim, its battery life is the shortest on this list, at 2 hours and fifteen minutes. If you need clippers for travel or to save space, this is it.

Motor Power: Lithium ion battery | Material: Stainless steel  | Battery Life: 2 hours | Additional attachments: Zero gapper

What To Look For In The Best Shape Up Clippers

Brand

Nobody likes a label snob, but there’s a reason why the professionals turn to the big brands: they’re consistent. Wahl, Andis, Bevel…these companies have decades of experience crafting some of the best clippers in the world. Let their track records give you peace of mind when it comes to performance.

Blades

Speaking of performance, it’s the quality of the blades that matters most. The good quality clippers that are worth investing in should have stainless steel or titanium blades for strength and durability. And they should be self-sharpening for a longer-lasting life.

Power

Most professional shape up clippers come in either a corded or cordless variety, while a few can do both. Corded bodies are beloved because you never have to think about charging them and they offer steady, consistent power. They’re also more susceptible to wear and tear when compared to cordless bodies. Cordless shape up clippers, on the other hand, are better for travel and easier to maneuver around your face, especially for beginners.

Final Verdict 

When considering the best clippers for shape up, look no further than the Andis Outliner II. It offers superior performance, self-sharpening stainless steel blades, and a compact, lightweight body. Clippers with a strong motor, a quiet hum, and an ergonomic design should do the best job.