Home » Best Wahl Hair Clippers in 2023

Best Wahl Hair Clippers in 2023

Lately, short haircuts for men are all the rage, especially those that are shorter on the sides and have some length on the top. But to get a good and detailed short haircut, you need a good hair clipper. This is why in this article, we are going to talk about the best Wahl clippers on the market.

We will talk about why you should consider getting a Wahl clipper, how to choose the perfect model for your needs, and examine the hottest Wahl clippers, so keep reading!

Our Top Picks Overview


wahl 5 star senior cordless

Best Wahl Clipper Overal: Wahl 5-Star Senior Cordless


wahl cordless magic clip

Best Wahl Clippers For Fades: Wahl 5-Star Magic Clip


wahl li ultimate clipper

Best Cordless Wahl Clippers: Wahl Li Ultimate Clipper


wahl 5 star detailer

Best Wahl Clippers For Lineups: Wahl 5-Star Detailer


wahl 5 star balding hair clipper

Best Wahl Clipper For Bald Heads: Wahl 5-Start Balding


Wahl Clipper Fade Cut Haircutting Kit

Best Budget Wahl Clipper: Wahl Clipper Fade Cut Haircutting kit


wahl clipper pro kit

Best Wahl Family Clipper: Wahl Clipper Color Pro Complete Haircutting Kit


Why Should You Choose a Wahl Clipper?

Look on any list of best hair clippers, and the Wahl name is guaranteed to come up. This happens because Wahl is one of the oldest clipper manufacturers in the USA and knows a thing or two about how to make a high-quality clipper. 

As a professional barber, I have used a variety of clippers over the years, and Wahl is always a great option. Wahl clippers are long-lasting, easy to work with and give you the detailed results you need day in and out. 

While there are tons of great clippers on this list, my choice for the best Wahl hair clipper is the Wahl Senior Cordless

I might be a bit biased as it has been my go-to clipper for years, but I really like this model because It’s heavy-duty yet comfortable to use. 

But the Senior may not be the best Wahl clipper for everyone. Your favorite clippers will depend on your hair type, the hairstyle you prefer, and your personal preferences.

For example, someone might prefer power over ergonomy, while someone else might prefer the opposite.

This is why in this article, we will review a variety of Wahl clippers so you can find the one best suited to your needs. 

Best Wahl Hair Clippers

Best Overall: Wahl 5-Star Senior Cordless

wahl 5 star senior cordless

Blades

The straight surgical blades (#2191) are one of the best things about the Wahl Senior clipper. They are sharp enough to do bulk hair removal and, at the same time, do fades with ease. Finally, the fact that they are zero-gapped means you can get a very close cut.

Motor

While the Senior cordless hair clippers version doesn’t use the V9000 motor, the corded clipper version uses it still has a very strong rotary motor that can generate 6700 rotations a minute. This makes it 25% faster than the Magic Clip, which is already a very fast professional clipper, and when combined with the ultra-sharp blades, it can cut hair like a hot knife through butter. 

Battery/Cord

The clipper is cordless and runs on a lithium-ion battery that offers 70 minutes of run time after a 70-minute charge. While it is not the best-performing battery on the market, the 70 minutes is impressive considering Senior’s strong motor. 

Materials and Design

The senior clipper has a half-plastic, half-metal composition. The metal side is ergonomically designed, providing the perfect fit for your fingers. It also has a thumb rest on the front that offers greater control. 

Finally, the taper level on the side makes it ideal for fades.

The weight is 13 ounces, so it’s heavier than most other clippers. But this gives you a feeling of control as you clip your own hair. 

Sound

It’s not uncommon for people to become annoyed by the loud sounds of clippers when they are doing their thing. And while the sound of Senior is on the loud side, we have to acknowledge that Wahl has made improvements to keep the noise level down. 

Accessories

The clipper comes with three premium metal clip attachment comb cutting guides, 1/16”, 1/8”, and 3/16” attachments, a charger, a comb, a small brush, clipper blade oil, and operating instructions. 

Heat Level

The biggest con of Wahl Senior is that it overheats easily, and there are two primary reasons for this. The first reason is that it has a very powerful motor, and generally speaking, all clippers with powerful motors tend to overheat as more power equals more heat. The second reason is that the casing is half metal; if you remember from school, metal is a good heat conductor. As you can understand, because this is a professional model, Wahl chose to go for power and durability and sacrifice coolness.

Click here to read our full Wahl Senior cordless clipper review.

Pros

  • Good grip
  • Sharp blades
  • Powerful motor
  • Capable battery

Cons

  • Overheats easily
  • High vibration level

Best For Fades: Wahl 5-Star Magic Clip

wahl cordless magic clip

Blades

The most distinctive characteristic of the 5-Star Magic Clip is its stagger-teeth blades. This means it alternates between short and long blade teeth, which allows you to create textures, making it one of the best clippers for fading

They are made of very sharp stainless steel, so be careful when using this clipper. Finally, the blades can be zero-gapped if you want to get a close cut.

Motor

Just like the Senior, the Magic clip uses a very strong rotary motor. The strong motor makes it easy to cut through any type of hair and causes less heat production and vibration than the V9000 motor the corded version uses (do you see the pattern?).

Battery/Cord

The battery is a lithium-ion variety that can last up to 90 minutes after a 120 minutes charge.  Considering this ratio, it’s about the best you can get from a professional cordless clipper. 

Materials and Design

The clipper features an ergonomic vintage design. It is very lightweight (just .62 lbs.), yet it is sturdy enough to give you full control. It has indents at the back that fit your fingers, providing a firm grip. 

It comes in a hard, shiny burgundy plastic case that has a luxurious look. The plastic case not only looks good but also stays cooler than metal, making the clipper less likely to overheat. 

Accessories

The Magic Clip comes with eight attachment combs ranging from 1/8” to 1”, a recharging transformer, a cleaning brush, clipper blade oil, and operating instructions. 

You can read our detailed cordless Wahl Magic Clip review here.

Pros

  • Powerful motor
  • Stagger tooth blades
  • Ergonomic design

Cons

  • Does not come with a storage case

Best Cordless: Wahl Li Ultimate Clippers

wahl li ultimate clipper

Blades

The detachable blades on the Wahl Li are very, very fine, and along with the high-precision blade grinding technology, will give you high-precision cuts. Finally, because they are detachable, they are very easy to clean and maintain. The only con of Li’s blades is that they are not a great choice for bulk cutting and are better used for detailing.

Motor

Wahl Li motor is not as powerful as other Wahl clippers, but it will get the job done for home use. However, if you are a professional, you will probably need a more powerful clipper.

Battery/Cord

The most impressive feature of the Wahl Li is its lithium-ion battery (this is why we have listed it as the best cordless Wahl clipper). The clipper charges quickly and runs longer than most cordless clippers. 

It also has a quick charge function that allows you to charge the clipper for one minute to get three minutes of use which is ideal for last-minute touch-ups. 

You can also use the trimmer with a cord if it runs out of battery power. The smart light indicator will tell you when your battery is running low. 

Materials and Design

The clipper’s dimensions are 3.15 x 6.3 x 10.24”, which is the perfect size for most hands. It has a curved body that allows for an easy grip. 

It weighs 1.68 lbs. So it is not too heavy but not so light as to make it difficult to control. 

Sound

While the manufacturer claims that it is a very quiet clipper, there have been many complaints about the noise levels of this clipper.

Accessories

The Wahl Li comes with a variety of accessories. Most notable is its trimmer, which comes with a handy spotlight making it ideal for ear and nose hair trimming. 

It also comes with scissors, a hair comb, lubricant, a brush applicator, eight attachment combs, and a case. 

Pros

  • The high-quality lithium battery charges quickly and retains charge
  • Fine blades
  • Powerful motor
  • Variety of accessories

Cons

  • Some models come with a European power cord which is not ideal for American households. 
  • The design is flimsy.

Best For Lineups: Wahl 5-Star Detailer

wahl 5 star detailer

The 5-Star Detailer is rated among the best Wahl hair clippers due to its sharp performance. It is specifically designed for producing clean, crisp lines. This makes it ideal for lineups (this is why we have included it in our best clippers for lineups article) as well as facial hair detailing and design. 

Blades

The 5-Star Detailer has a wide stainless steel #2215 blade, which was specially designed for this clipper. Wahl made this blade wider than your average T-blade, meaning it covers a greater area and allows you to shave and cut hair quicker, which is ideal on busy days. 

The blades are ultra-sharp which makes them ideal for highly detailed styles, and can be zero-gapped for very close cuts. 

Keep in mind that we are talking about very sharp blades, so if you are not familiar with hair clippers, you should probably choose another more beginner-friendly model.

Motor

The clippers feature a very powerful rotary motor. Because the motor is rotary and not electromagnetic, it is not prone to overheating. Of course, if you are using it for a long time, it will get hotter, but compared to the average electromagnetic motor, it will stay cooler for longer. 

Battery/Cord

Unlike other clippers on this list, the 5-Star Detailer is corded and does not run on a battery. However, the cord is 8 feet long, so you can move around when using it. It’s also professional grade, chemical resistant, and operates at 120V/60Hz. 

Materials and Design

The 5-Star Detailer is exceptionally stylish with a vintage-inspired silver and burgundy exterior.

The clipper is also small and lightweight, making it easy to operate. Its dimensions are 1.75 x 1.75 x 5”, weighing just 9.5 ounces. It tapers at the bottom, so it fits easily in your hand. 

Sound

One of the biggest pros of this clipper is its quietness.

Accessories

The clipper comes with a variety of accessories, including a trimmer, three guides (1/16”, 1/8”, and 3/16”), a cleaning brush, a blade guard, and blade oil. 

Pros

  • Great for detailing
  • Sharp wide blades that cut hair quickly
  • Ergonomic design
  • Great vintage look

Cons

  • The blade is very sharp and can easily cut you.

Best for Bald Heads: Wahl 5-Star Balding Clipper

wahl 5 star balding hair clipper

Wahl recognized the need for quality clippers among balding men, and they answered the call. The Balding Clipper is one of the best clippers for bald heads due to its ability to cut closely and in bulk. It is intended for professional use only and provides the performance great stylists demand. 

Blades

The clipper features a #2105 blade designed specifically to provide a close cut and get through hair quickly. It is very sharp and cuts down to 0.1mm – 0.2mm, just about as close as you can get with a #000000 blade (or any clipper). 

Motor

The Balding clipper runs on an electromagnetic V5000 motor. While this is not as powerful as a V9000 motor, it is still quite powerful and cuts at twice the speed of pivot motors. 

Battery/Cord

The clippers feature an 8-foot professional-grade, chemical-resistant cord. While some may prefer the freedom of a cordless design, the 8-foot cord gives you plenty of room to move around while you work. It also ensures more reliable power. 

Materials and Design

The clipper is 6.25” long and weighs one pound, which is a bit on the bulkier side, the biggest con of the Wahl Balding clipper.

The ergonomic design ensures the clipper won’t slip out of your hand. It comes in an attractive burgundy casing that has a terrific vintage appeal. 

Accessories

The package includes two attachment combs, oil, a cleaning brush, instructions, and a red blade guard. 

Pros

  • Cuts close, making it ideal for bald men
  • Cuts well through thick hair
  • Powerful motor 
  • Relatively quiet

Cons

  • The design is somewhat bulky.
  • Only comes with a cord.

Best Budget: Wahl Clipper Fade Cut Haircutting Kit

Wahl Clipper Fade Cut Haircutting Kit

The Wahl Clipper Fade Cut Haircutting Kit comes with everything you need to get great looking fades without breaking the bank as it comes with a variety of accessories, so you end up paying less for all that’s included. 

Blades

The Fade Cut clipper comes with self-sharpening “Xtreme precision” blades with a gentler blade angle than other clippers that cut 40% more surface area than standard blades. 

Motor 

The clipper features a PowerDrive cutting system that cuts thick hair with 35% more power than standard Wahl electromagnetic motors. But to be honest with you, it is not as powerful as Wahl professional models that have rotary motors.

Battery/Cord

The fade clipper is corded and does not offer a cord-free option. The cord is sturdy and chemical resistant. It is 7’ long, so even though it does not provide the freedom of cordless, it gives you plenty of room to move. 

Materials and Design

When it comes to the design, it is sleek and modern. The body narrows as you go down, offering handheld comfort. The front is textured, offering a superior grip. 

At 7.72 x 11.22 x 3.35, the clippers have a good fit. They weigh 2.23 pounds, so they are heavier than most, which is the biggest con of fade cut kit. 

It also features an adjustable fade lever that lets you change the closeness of your cut. This makes it ideal for producing a customized fade aesthetically. 

Sound

Another con of the Wahl fade kit is that the motor can be a bit noisy, so if you are looking for a quiet model, you should look elsewhere.

Accessories

The kit has 18 pieces, including a clipper blade cover, ten attachment guards, a styling hair comb, scissors, and a cleaning brush. The attachments come in small sizes, which makes them ideal for fading. 

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Comes with a variety of accessories.
  • Features make it perfect for fades.
  • Powerful blades and motor

Cons

  • Clipper is corded only.
  • Not as high quality as some pricier Wahl products

Best For Families: Wahl Clipper Color Pro Complete Haircutting Kit

wahl clipper pro kit

The Complete Haircutting Kit is a great item for the whole family. The color coding makes it easy to remember whose hair needs to be cut at which setting. It also comes with a variety of accessories, making it suitable for a wide range of cutting applications. 

Blades

The clipper contains self-sharpening blades and a taper level (which is a bit stiff) that’s great for creating fades. 

Battery/Cord

The Wahl kit is corded but long enough to provide freedom of movement as you trim. 

Materials and Design

The clippers feature a contoured body and thumb rest. At 2.81 x 3 x 8.1”, they fit in most hands.

However, the most notable design feature on the clippers is the color-coded guide that makes it easy to find the color-coded attachment guards that will cut your family member’s hair to the perfect length. 

Sound

Like other low-budget clippers, the motor can be a bit loud. 

Accessories

The kit includes twenty six pieces, including a clipper blade cover, 14 guards (color-coded), scissors, a barber comb, a neck duster, a barber’s cape, a big cleaning brush, a small brush, a bottle of blade oil, and a storage case. Overall, it is a solid home-use choice but not something you would consider for your shop.

Pros

  • The color-coded guide allows you to cut everyone’s hair at the right length.
  • Comes with a variety of accessories.
  • Affordably priced
  • Quality motor and blades

Cons

  • Clipper is corded only.
  • Not all parts are as high quality as some pricier models.

What to Look for When buying a Wahl Clipper

Here are some features to look for when you are buying your best Wahl hair clippers:

  • Blades: The blades of the clipper should be sharp to cut through hair easily. 
  • Motor: A strong motor will assist in the cutting process. But keep in mind that the stronger the motor, the more heat it will produce. 
  • Adjustability: Adjustable settings such as a taper lever will allow you to change the height and angle you are cutting at. 
  • Accessories: Clippers may come with a variety of accessories such as cases, comb attachments, etc. It’s advisable to find ones with the accessories you need to provide a convenient cutting experience. 
  • Sound: Most people prefer their clippers to run quietly, but you will probably have to choose between power and noise levels. 
  • Ergonomics: It’s important to find clippers that fit comfortably in your hand and allow for a sturdy grip. 
  • Price: Everyone wants to get the best deal, but it’s advisable not to just look at the price tag cause a clipper is an investment that will last for years if chosen wisely. 
  • Corded/Cordless: Some people may prefer corded clippers, while others would rather have ones with a battery. If you opt for a cordless variety, make sure the battery charges quickly and holds the charge for a long time. If you go for a corded model, make sure it has a long heavy-duty cord.

Conclusion

There are a ton of great products listed in this article, but if we had to pick the best Wahl hair clippers, we would choose the Wahl Senior Cordless. 

The Senior Cordless has sharp blades and a strong motor, an attractive ergonomic design, features a strong lithium-ion battery, and comes with a variety of convenient accessories. 

The Wahl Clippers are a great overall option, but the one you choose will depend on your hair type, clipper needs, and personal taste. Which one do you feel is the best Wahl hair clipper for you? Let us know in the comment section!

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