Best Dog Clippers for Grooming: Our Top Choices

Written by Austin S.
Updated: November 15, 2022
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It’s important that you keep your dog’s coat neat and trim, not just because it makes them look good. Pet grooming is vital to ensuring your pet’s health and wellbeing by preventing fur from tangling and matting while removing debris and dirt. Even light trims help keep the hair out of your dog’s eyes and help them stay comfortable when the weather heats up. Moreover, a trim coat avoids skin problems and also allows you to easily check for any health issues that may not be visible through a thick coat. 

However, a regular appointment with your groomers can cost you a pretty penny. So, many owners choose to take on the task themselves and purchase their own equipment. One of the most useful grooming tools is grooming clippers. There are plenty types of dog clippers available, both for home and professional use. You can choose between cordless, rechargeable models or corded models. Some dog clippers are strong enough to shave off large portions of matted fur and easily deal with thick coats while others are more for touch-ups. If you want to get the best overall dog clippers that fit your and your dog’s particular needs, you’ll need to learn more about what features to look for.

  1. oneisall Dog Clippers for Grooming for Thick Heavy Coats

    •Heavy duty clippers for thick coats

    •Low noise

    •Durable stainless steel blades

    •6 blade guard sizes

    Check Amazon
  2. Andis AGC2 2-Speed Pet Clipper

    •Powerful, durable clippers with detachable blade

    •Quiet use

    •Great for thick or matted coats

    Check Chewy Check Amazon
  3. oneisall Dog Shaver Clippers

    •Sturdy, cordless clippers for dog grooming

    •Rechargeable even during use

    •Low noise

    •Stainless steel blades

    Check Amazon
  4. CEENWES Pet Clippers

    •Bundle of grooming scissors, clippers, nail trimmers, and comb

    •Great for low budget

    •Best for small or medium dogs

    •3 different color options

    Check Amazon

The Top Picks for Best Dog Clippers: Ranked

#1 Best Overall: oneisall Dog Shaver Clippers

The oneisall Dog Shaver Clippers are our choice for best overall not just because so many people love it. We found that these fit all of our requirements including our budget!

A major perk of these clippers is that you won’t lose time charging it because you can plug them in while using them. While the clippers only have a single speed, but they are super quiet for stress-free use.

The blade is made of stainless steel, both sharp and durable. The clippers come with six guard combs, so trimming fur at different lengths is easy.

Moreover, the design of the clippers is quite ergonomic. They are light and comfortable even after running it for 30 minutes. The battery lasts 80 minutes after a full charge. The model is suitable for home use and travel. The only drawback to this oneisall model is that it’s not really ideal for dense, thick coats like a husky’s

Pros and Cons of the oneisall Dog Shaver Clippers

ProsCons
You can plug these clippers in while using them.They’re not made for trimming thick, dense coats.
The battery lasts for 80 minutes after being fully charged.
They’re extremely quiet so the noise and vibration is less likely to stress your dog.
The stainless steel blade is sharp and durable
Six guard combs are included so you can trim your dog’s fur at any length you choose.
These clippers are ergonomically designed to be light and comfortable to use.
Best Overall
oneisall Dog Shaver Clippers

•Sturdy, cordless clippers for dog grooming

•Rechargeable even during use

•Low noise

•Stainless steel blades

Check Amazon

2. Best for Poodles: Andis 2-Speed Detachable Blade Pet Clipper

If price is not a consideration and you’re willing to splurge to get the best pair of dog clippers for your pooch, then we recommend the Andis 2-Speed Detachable Blade Pet Clipper.

This premium model is exactly what you need to keep doggo’s hair neat and trim. It’s what professionals use and we found out why. 

The clippers only produce a low sound, making them great for pups that may be more adverse to loud noises/vibrations. This is a bit surprising because we know the motor on this one is quite powerful. It needs to be in order to shave thick coats and matted fur. However, the clippers are quite heavy, making it hard to hold them for a long time. Though durable, the product might be too hefty to be held comfortably in small hands for long periods of time. 

The power of the motor is definitely beneficial but does mean that the clipper blades become hot after a period of time. Usually a cooling spray or cool water (if waterproof) are enough to cool them down. The device comes with two speeds which makes it perfect for dealing with coats of varying lengths. This is a good choice if you have different breeds in your home like a poodle and a shih tzu. And the 14-foot-long cord will offer you more mobility than some other corded models.

Additionally, the blade of the clippers is detachable, which makes for easy changing and cleaning of the blade.

Pros and Cons of the Andis 2-Speed Detachable Blade Pet Clipper

These premium clippers are the choice of many professionals.They are heavy and not comfortable for extended use, especially by people with small hands.
They produce very little sound, which makes them a good choice for dogs that are sensitve to noise and/or vibrations.The powerful motor overheats the blades.
The two-speed motor is powerful enough to shave matted fur and thick coats.
The blade is detachable so you can easily change or clean it.
Best for Poodles
Andis AGC2 2-Speed Pet Clipper

•Powerful, durable clippers with detachable blade

•Quiet use

•Great for thick or matted coats

Check Chewy Check Amazon

3. Best for Thick Coats: oneisall Dog Clippers for Thick/Heavy Coats

Our choice for the best clippers for grooming large dogs and those with thick or matted coats goes to oneisall again for their heavy-duty clippers. The 600 rpm motor allows cutting through thick fur with ease while avoiding snagging fur in the process. Not only do these clippers come with six guard sizes, but they are waterproof, making them easy to clean with just a quick rinse or two. Stainless steel blades also provide a safe shave with minimized cleaning effort. Additionally, the clippers are cordless and easy to travel with, including a lock for traveling so they don’t accidentally turn on during transport.

The heavy duty clippers are made to last for around four hours with minimized charging time. An LCD display shows you how much power is left in the clippers and also other controls for a better grooming experience. Low noise is also helpful for keeping dogs calm during grooming sessions.

oneisall also provides a 1,001-day warranty for their clipper blades — if the blades no longer work within 1,001 days, they will replace the clippers at no charge! If all of this wasn’t enough, the clippers run at about $40, which is a steal for such an incredible product and accessories.

Pros and Cons of the oneisall Dog Clippers for Thick/Heavy Coats

ProsCons
Cutting thick fur without snagging is easy thanks to these clipper’s 600 rpm motor.None
The set includes guards in six sizes, plus they’re waterproof for easy cleaning.
The stainless steel blades are also easy to clean
This cordless unit is perfect for travel.
You can use these clippers for about four hours with minimal charging time.
They’re low-noise so your dog can remain calm while being groomed.
The manufacturer offers a 1,001-day warranty for their clipper blades.
At approximately $40, the price is right for these high-quality clippers and accessories.
oneisall Dog Clippers for Grooming for Thick Heavy Coats

•Heavy duty clippers for thick coats

•Low noise

•Durable stainless steel blades

•6 blade guard sizes

Check Amazon

4. Best Budget Dog Clippers: CEENWES Professional Low Noise Pet Clippers

The CEENWES Professional Low Noise Pet Clippers have a little bit in common with our overall pick but are a more budget-friendly option.Not everyone has the money to splurge on an entire grooming kit. Fortunately, CEENWES offers one at a price that would fit most budgets. You can use it with or without the cord. The rechargeable battery can run for 70 minutes which should be enough to groom a small to medium-sized dog with a light to medium coat. However, charging takes longer than most other models — a whole five hours.

The clippers are easy to grip and the titanium and ceramic blade that came with it are pretty sharp and thought to cut through fur easily. The motor does run pretty loud, just at 60dB, so they might be a better option for less anxiety-inclined pups.

Along with the clippers, we also received a cleaning brush, four comb attachments, a pair of stainless steel scissors, a stainless steel comb, a nail clipper kit, and a nail file. You really get a lot of bang for your buck with this one!

While this grooming kit is a worthy investment, we don’t recommend it for dog breeds that have thick coats or those that have matted fur. The clippers can get through them with some help from the comb and scissors. But we don’t think the motor is strong and durable enough to frequently deal with that kind of grooming, as the blade overheats and the battery dies too soon to finish.

Pros and Cons of the CEENWES Professional Low Noise Pet Clippers

ProsCons
These quality dog clippers are budget-friendly.Charging takes five hours.
You can use these clippers with or without the cord.At 60dB, the motor is relatively loud and may trigger anxiety-prone dogs.
The unit’s rechargeable battery can run for about 70 minutes.The motor isn’t strong or durable enough to cut thick coats or matted fur.
The clippers come with the following accessories: four comb attachments, a cleaning brush, a stainless steel comb, stainless steel scissors, a nail clipper kit, and a nail file.The blade overheats with extended use and the battery doesn’t last long enough to trim thick or heavily matted coats.
Best for Budget
CEENWES Pet Clippers

•Bundle of grooming scissors, clippers, nail trimmers, and comb

•Great for low budget

•Best for small or medium dogs

•3 different color options

Check Amazon

Our Criteria for Buying Dog Clippers

Corded or Cordless?

Corded dog clippers need to be plugged into a wall outlet. Cordless models, on the other hand, are free to travel, as they feature a rechargeable battery. The main benefit of getting a cordless dog clipper is that you are able to trim your dog’s coat anywhere he’s willing to stand still. Corded models limit your grooming locations to places that have a nearby outlet and have to deal with maneuvering the cord during use. Another advantage that cordless models have is that you don’t need to worry about getting tangled on the cord or having difficulty getting it out of the way as you trim your dog’s ears or other hard-to-reach areas.

That being said, cordless dog clippers tend to be less powerful compared to their corded siblings. Rechargeable models can handle light to medium coats but not all are great for shaving off thick coats, not to mention matted fur. In addition, you’ll need to charge them quite frequently since many models only last as long as 45 minutes. If you plan on grooming more than one pup, you’ll need to space out your grooming time in between charging sessions.

Noise Levels

Dogs have very heightened hearing, meaning loud noises as well as vibrations can make your dog nervous and even cause anxiety attacks. You need to make sure that you get a pair of dog clippers that operate at 60 decibels or lower.

Speed

Dog clippers come in two variations — single speed or variable speed. It is often recommended that beginners stick with a single-speed device until they get used to grooming their dog. This type of dog clippers is typically lightweight and easier to handle. 

Variable-speed dog clippers, on the other hand, provide versatility. Generally, there are anywhere from two to five speeds to choose from, allowing you to easily trim different types of coats of varying lengths. This type of device is usually more effective in trimming matted fur and thick coats.

Ergonomic Design

Grooming your dog does take time, especially if your dog has a thick coat (like a Saint Bernard) and/or matted fur. The best overall dog clipper will allow you to hold the device for a long period of time without experiencing any discomfort. The handle should feel comfortable in your grip, preventing hand and wrist fatigue. You should also consider the size and weight of the dog clippers as these can also influence level of comfort.

Blades

The blades of dog clippers must be durable, rust-resistant, and stay sharp for an extended period of time. The quality of your blades is important to prolong the life of your clippers. Most importantly, sharp and well-kept clippers are less likely to lead to injury during use.

Aside from quality, you need to consider the type of blades the clippers use. Finish cut blades are perfect for touch-ups between your actual grooming sessions. Wide T-blades are perfect for big dogs, those that have double coats, and also what you need if you plan to completely shave off your dog’s fur. Skip-tooth blades are the blade type needed for precision trimming and shaping. 

Price

The cost of dog clippers ranges from budget-friendly to utter luxury. The price will vary depending on several factors, such as if they’re corded or cordless. Single-speed models usually cost less than $40. Models that come with accessories such as combs and built-in dampening features can cost anywhere from $35 to $85. If you want to splurge on your dog, the most expensive models typically cost from $85 to $350. Lavish features include variable speeds, extra-long cords, snap-on combs, a powerful motor, and extremely quiet operation.

How to Use Dog Clippers Safely

For the safety of your dog, you need to make sure that it gets used to the sound of the clippers before you start trimming. Let the motor run without using it on its coat. Once it’s used to the noise, it will be less likely to get anxious while you’re trimming.

Before you start your first grooming session, make sure that you read the instructions provided by the manufacturer and any tips they offer about safely operating the device. You may want to even watch some tutorial videos if you are going for a specific look or shape. Once you’re familiar with the device, make sure to wash your dog and brush away any tangles. Then, dry your dog’s fur.

Check the blades to ensure they’re sharp. You don’t want them to snag your dog’s hair. In addition, you need to regularly check the temperature of the blade during your grooming session and make sure it’s not overheating. If it is, use cold water to cool off the blade. (Remove it from the clippers first.) You can also change it to a new one.

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About the Author

Growing up in rural New England on a small scale farm gave me a lifelong passion for animals. I love learning about new wild animal species, habitats, animal evolutions, dogs, cats, and more. I've always been surrounded by pets and believe the best dog and best cat products are important to keeping our animals happy and healthy. It's my mission to help you learn more about wild animals, and how to care for your pets better with carefully reviewed products.

Best Dog Clippers for Grooming: Our Top Choices FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What are the best dog clippers for home use?

It depends. As you can see, there are a number of great dog clippers available. While we did choose one as the best overall clippers for home use, what’s ideal for your dog will also depend on the kind of hair you’re going to be trimming. Poodles, for example, have a single-layer dense, thick coat. The hair is typically curly and coarse in texture. Their fur can easily get matted and tangled if not regularly groomed. For pet parents of poodles, the best dog clippers will need to be very powerful. A pair of dog clippers that are designed to trim light to medium coats won’t do any good, even if they’re a crowd favorite.

In short, to find the best dog clippers for your home use, you’ll need to take several considerations into account. These are:

  • Speed
  • Noise level
  • Operating temperature
  • Blade quality
  • Cordless or corded
  • Ergonomic design

What kind of dog clippers do groomers use?

Professional groomers require dog clippers that have variable-speeds because they allow them to trim different types of coats. The ideal pair would also need to have a high RPM motor to allow them to easily trim thick or coarse hair and even dogs with double coats. In addition, a powerful motor will allow them to cut hair more quickly.

A professional pair of dog clippers should also have built-in dampening features and ergonomic grips. This ensures that the groomer will be able to use the clippers longer without feeling any discomfort. At the same time, these dampening features should be able to keep the noise level to a minimum to avoid stressing out their furry customers.

Last but not the least, a pair of professional dog clippers requires high-quality blades. These should be durable and stay sharp longer. In addition, blade replacements should be easily available.

Can I use human hair clippers for my dog?

It might be tempting to use your own clippers on your dog. After all, every penny counts these days. However, your dog will appreciate it if it  has its own. Human hair clippers can get very noisy which can make your dog nervous or even cause anxiety attacks. Obviously, you don’t want that.

In addition, human clippers are not designed to run for a long period of time. This means that the motor can overheat or the blade will become too hot if you use it for too long. A dog’s skin is more sensitive than a human’s. An overheated clipper can easily injure your pooch.

Moreover, human clippers aren’t designed to cut through thick matted hair. You’re more likely to pull off your dog’s hair than cut it. While all clippers tend to look the same, your pet deserves a grooming kit of his own.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.