Nowadays, nothing is stopping you from grooming your dog at home, but in this case, you need to get the best tools. Find out the best dog clippers for home use in this updated 2022 guide.
With home grooming, you can save tons of money and also strengthen bonding with your dog. But for that, you need to know which is the best pet clipper you can use with confidence at home.
With my many years of experience and the help of various experts (vets and groomers), I spent 40 hours reviewing dog clippers. I found the Andis UltraEdge Super 2 to be the best choice for anyone looking for a home dog clipper. This tool is versatile durable, and its powerful engine makes home grooming easy and successful.
My picks for the best dog grooming clippers that you can use at home
Dog Clipper | Name And Benefits | Pet Worshiper Rating | Where To Buy? |
---|---|---|---|
Overall Best | 1. Andis UltraEdge Super 2-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper For those looking for the most reliable and durable option
| 9.7 | Check on AmazonCheck on Chewy |
Runner Up | 2. Andis ProClip 2-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper If the overall best option is not available
| 9.5 | Check on AmazonCheck on Chewy |
Best Budget Option | 3. Wahl Lithium Ion Pro Series Cordless Animal Clipper If you are on a tight budget
| 8.5 | Check on AmazonCheck on Chewy |
Best Cordless Option | 4. Wahl Bravura Professional Dog Clipper If mobility and portability is important for you
| 9.1 | Check on AmazonCheck on Chewy |
Best Durable Option | 5. Oster Golden A5 Two-Speed Animal Grooming Clipper If you want to use your clipper for years
| 9 | Check on AmazonCheck on Chewy |
Best Premium Option | 6. Andis Pulse ZR II Detachable Blade Cordless Clipper If you want to groom your dog like a real pro
| 9.7 | Check on Amazon |
Best for small and anxious dogs | 7. Wahl Professional BravMini+ Dog Clipper If your little pup is often nervous
| 8.5 | Check on AmazonCheck on Chewy |
Best dog clippers for home use: Detailed reviews
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced home groomer, you need to get the best dog clipper possible. These tools can be handy in many situations, but you need to pay attention to the excellent quality.
I compiled the list below through about 40 hours of continuous research and testing. Make sure you consider all the options before making a choice.
1. Andis UltraEdge Super 2-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper – Overall Best
The Andis UltraEdge 2-speed dog clipper is clearly my best-recommended grooming tool. You can’t really find a more versatile dog clipper on the market, and it’s perfect for home use.
Key features:
- Blade type: Detachable UltraEdge blade (#10)
- Colors: Burgundy, Blue, Green, Orange, Purple
- Cord: Corded (14”)
- Best for: All coat types and breeds
- Speed: Two-speed, 3400-4400 SPM
- Durability rating: 9.4
- Ease of use: 9.4
- Price range: $$$
The clipper comes with a #10 detachable UltraEdge blade. This blade provides an excellent cutting experience and makes cleaning easy due to its detachable design.
Although you must purchase them separately, the product is compatible with all Andis UltraEdge and CeramicEdge blades.
The rotary motor is extremely advantageously designed. It runs quietly and quietly, and the option of two-speed levels gives users versatility.
The 3400 SPM speed level is quiet and gentle so that you can use it on delicate parts. If you really want a big task for the clipper, you might want to switch to the second 4400 SPM level.
In my experience, this speed and strength are plentiful enough to handle even the roughest matted coats. But of course, you don’t have to worry about lighter coats either. This clipper is entirely usable with all kinds of breeds.
Housing is quite durable, which is a significant advantage for me. I love when a product stands the test of time, and Andis UltraEdge is exactly such a product.
For many, however, a durable design can be a bit bulky. Well, I don’t have big hands, but I didn’t have a problem using UltraEdge. With a bit of practice, anyone can get used to it.
The tons of features mentioned above come at a price, literally. This product is not cheap, but you can rest assured. While you’re going to make a serious investment with your purchase, believe me, you get exactly what you pay for.
Pros
- High-quality detachable blade
- Wide range of colors
- Strong 2-speed motor
- Quiet and cool
- Heavy-duty cord
- Durable
Cons
- Some may find it bulky
- Pricey (but worth it)
- Steel blades can heat up (but can cool down soon)
- You need to purchase additional blades separately
Pet Worshiper Rating: 9.7
2. Andis ProClip 2-Speed Detachable Blade Clipper – Runner Up
The performance of the Andis ProClip 2-speed model lags only slightly behind the UltraEdge, so it deserves second place on my list. If the overall best option is not currently available, feel free to choose this chipper.
Key features:
- Blade type: Detachable UltraEdge blade (#10)
- Colors: Burgundy, Black, Green
- Cord: Corded (14”)
- Best for: All coat types and breeds
- Speed: Two-speed, 2700-3400 SPM
- Durability rating: 9.4
- Ease of use: 9.4
- Price range: $$$
The most significant difference lies in speed. The ProClip also has a 2-speed rotary motor capable of 2700-3400 SPM.
Don’t worry; this SPM number is enough to do any grooming task with this clipper. In addition, lower speeds mean lower noise levels. This is quite good news for frustrated and anxious dogs. (Plus, you know that slower gears tend to trim more delicate parts.)
Another negligible disadvantage of the ProClip is the lower color range. For me, it’s usually not a deal-breaker. I don’t think the product’s color needs to be an essential consideration for a dog clipper used at home.
In all other respects, ProClip knows the same as UltraEdge: housing, cord, detachable blade, and blade compatibility. Plus, this model is usually more affordable, so you might want to consider buying a clipper.
Pros
- High-quality detachable blade
- 2-speed motor
- Quiet and cool
- Heavy-duty cord
- Durable
- More affordable than the UltraEdge
Cons
- Some may find it bulky
- Lower speed levels than UltraEdge
- Steel blades can heat up (but can cool down soon)
- You need to purchase additional blades separately
Pet Worshiper Rating: 9.5
3. Wahl Lithium Ion Pro Series Cordless Animal Clipper – Best Budget Option
I recommend the Wahl Lithium Ion Pro Series clipper for those who want a home grooming set. This kit is perfect for learning how to groom your dog, all at an affordable price.
Key features:
- Blade type: One standard blade
- Colors: Black, Silver
- Cord: Corded and Cordless
- Best for: All coat types and breeds
- Speed: Single speed
- Durability rating: 8.5
- Ease of use: 8.8
- Price range: $
Of course, the Wahl Lithium Ion Pro isn’t perfect and isn’t in league with the two clippers above, but it’s pretty unbeatable in terms of value for money. Because of its respectable features, you should consider it.
This is a cordless dog clipper which makes it an excellent option for those who don’t like to bother with a long cord while grooming.
In addition, the ratio of charge time to run time is also compelling. You need to charge the device for 60 minutes before using it for 120 minutes.
This means a grooming session, which is good news for those who have more than one dog. But you don’t have to worry about the clipper running low: it can still be used while plugged in.
The blade is of good quality and minimally adjustable. However, additional cutting lengths are available thanks to the attachment combs.
In addition to the combs, other accessories come in the package: scissors, a blade brush, and blade oil. You can see that this is a perfect starter kit for any novice groomer.
However, you should be aware that this clipper has several drawbacks due to its advantageous price. One such drawback is the design.
The housing is bulky and not as durable as a premium Andis tool. Plus, the sound of the motor is a lot louder than average, so if you have an anxious dog, it’s not the best choice. Plus, in my experience, this clipper isn’t the best for thick coats.
Considering the above, though, I say you should give Wahl Lithium Ion Pro a try.
Pros
- Affordable
- Many accessories come in the package
- Great charge time-run time ratio
- Suitable for all kinds of grooming tasks
Cons
- Bulky and heavy
- Louder than advertised
- Not the best for really thick fur
Pet Worshiper Rating: 8.5
4. Wahl Bravura Professional Dog Clipper – Best Cordless Option
Cordless pet clippers can be helpful in many cases. With their help, dog parents do not have to deal with the cord and can enjoy mobility and portability. The Wahl Bravura will not disappoint you as it has a good value for money and can be used reliably for any coat type.
Key features:
- Blade type: 5-in-1 adjustable blade (#9, #10, #15, #30, #40)
- Colors: Pink, Berry, Gunmetal, Purple, Turquoise
- Cord: Corded and Cordless
- Best for: Light and medium grooming, finishing, small and medium breeds
- Speed: Single speed, 5500 SPM
- Durability rating: 9.1
- Ease of use: 9.2
- Price range: $$$
Most premium Wahl clippers have adjustable blades that can be set to #9, #10, #15, #30, and #40. The Bravura also has an adjustable blade, allowing for more cutting styles. Of course, if you want more lengths, you can also get compatible Wahl attachment combs.
The product’s motor is capable of 5500 SPM, which is fast enough to handle a wide variety of coat types.
The manufacturer clearly claims that Bravura can cut thick coats as well. However, he also points out that this clipper may not be the best choice for really thick coats. My experience, too, is that you need to use a heavy-duty corded clipper for heavier tasks.
Otherwise, Wahl Bravura can be used while plugged in, so you don’t have to rely entirely on battery power. The single-speed engine is not suitable for everyone.
The Bravura clipper is reasonably quiet, but you might want to choose a tool that can be switched to lower speeds for really anxious dogs.
Overall, I think the Wahl Bravura is an excellent cordless dog clipper that solves many problems for home groomers.
Pros
- Provides versatility, portability, and mobility
- Reliable, fast, and durable motor
- Great run time and charge time ratio
- Vast color range
- Works while plugged in
Cons
- The single-speed motor is not suitable for everyone
- Ideal for thick coats, but better for light grooming
Pet Worshiper Rating: 9.1
5. Oster Golden A5 Two-Speed Animal Grooming Clipper – Best Durable Option
The Oster Golden A5 2-speed clipper is designed for home users who love durability and confidence. In addition, the performance of the rotary engine is excellent for this grooming tool.
Key features:
- Blade type: Detachable CriogenX blade (#10)
- Colors: Black, Blue
- Cord: Corded
- Best for: All coat types and breeds
- Speed: Two-speed, 2100-2700 SPM
- Durability rating: 9.6
- Ease of use: 9.2
- Price range: $$
The clear advantage of the Oster Golden A5 is durable housing, which is virtually unbreakable. This way, you can be sure that you will be using this clipper for years without any problems.
In addition, the rigged grip prevents accidental slipping and accidents. Total protection against breakage!
But there will be no problem with the performance of this clipper. Although the motor’s 2100-2700 SPM speed levels are lower than the Andis clippers above, experience has shown that this tool cuts all of its breed coat perfectly.
In addition, the lower SPM also results in lower noise levels, which is good news for more anxious dogs.
The package includes a #10 Detachable CriogenX blade which is as good quality as the UltraEdge. Additional blade sizes are available separately.
Due to the lower SPM, the Oster Golden A5 clipper is not the best for the thickest coats, but it offers a confident and long-lasting solution for those who want to start grooming at home.
Pros
- Incredibly durable
- Ribbed grip
- High-quality sharp blade
- Two-speed motor
Cons
- Not the best for really thick coats
- The blade can heat up quickly
- You need to purchase additional blades separately
Pet Worshiper Rating: 9.0
6. Andis Pulse ZR II Detachable Blade Cordless Clipper – Premium Option
The Andis Pulse ZR II gives you everything you need to feel like a professional groomer at home, even as a beginner. The stunning design is accompanied by a razor-sharp blade and a very powerful multi-speed motor which makes it easy to cut any fur.
Key features:
- Blade type: Detachable UltraEdge blade (#10)
- Colors: Black, Purple Galaxy
- Cord: Corded and Cordless
- Best for: All coat types and breeds
- Speed: Five-speed, 2500-4500 SPM
- Durability rating: 9.4
- Ease of use: 9.4
- Price range: $$$$
The clipper comes with a size 10 blade, not the usual UltraEdge, but the CeramicEdge. This material heats up less than the steel version.
The rotary motor is impressive: the number of speed levels is 5! You can switch between 2500 and 4500 SPM, so you can easily cut both delicate and more challenging parts with this clipper. Real professional groomers use such tools too!
The biggest disadvantage of this product is the price tag. You have to pay for the aforementioned features, but believe me, this investment is worth every penny.
Pros
- Extra-long run time (cordless operation)
- Cool design
- Works while plugged-in
- Reliable detachable CeramicEdge blade
- Multi-speed motor
Cons
- Pricey (but worth the cost)
Pet Worshiper Rating: 9.7
7. Wahl Professional BravMini+ Dog Clipper – Best for small and anxious dogs
If you have a toy breed, you may not be a good choice for a bulky clipper. The small and sleek design of the Wahl Professional BravMini+ fits perfectly in anyone’s hand. With this tool, every grooming task is easy and safe.
Key features:
- Blade type: Size #30 detachable blade
- Colors: Purple
- Cord: Cordless
- Best for: Small tasks like finishing, touch-ups, ears, faces, paws
- Speed: Single speed 5350 SPM
- Durability rating: 8.7
- Ease of use: 9.6
- Price range: $$
The cordless design gives portability and mobility to beginners, and the 5350 SPM motor cuts hair easily on small breed dogs.
Don’t be fooled by the high SPM number. This dog clipper is relatively quiet, so this product will be a good choice if your dog is nervous about sharp noises.
Of course, Wahl Professional BravMini + is not suitable for more serious tasks. But you can easily do regular touch-ups with it.
Pros
- Perfectly fits in anyone’s hand
- Quiet
- Reliable and fast motor
- Impressive run time
- Perfect for regular grooming tasks
- A great clipper for toy breeds
Cons
- Not suitable for thicker coats
- You need additional combs for different coat lengths
Pet Worshiper Rating: 8.5
Benefits of buying a dog grooming clipper for home
If your dog has a constantly growing long fur coat, you obviously know that regular grooming is inevitable. However, you can save money in the groomer with an adequately selected dog clipper in the long run.
I listed below all the benefits of getting a high-quality clipper for home use.
Strengthening bonding
Any activity with your dog will strengthen the bond between the two of you. It’s no different with grooming, either. If you start introducing the clipper in time, your dog is less likely to be afraid of it. Clipping can even be a pleasant pastime, so why entrust it to a “stranger”?
Your dog will be less afraid
Many dogs have grooming anxiety. This is no wonder, as the sharp noise and vibration will frighten them unless you have a quiet clipper. Your little pup knows and loves you best. So it’s clear that he’s going through grooming with you more easily than with a groomer.
You may reveal some skin problems in your pup
Skin irritation, allergies, razor burn. These are just a few skin health problems that can come to light during home trimming. Please don’t get me wrong. A professional groomer can also notice these issues, but you will know the exact health status of your dog best.
Therefore, if you get rid of his thick coat with a dog clipper at home, skin diseases that have not been known so far can be quickly revealed.
You will save a ton of money
Yes, high-quality dog clippers are not cheap. But believe me, you’re going to spend a lot more money at the groomer over the years. Choose the best tool possible, learn the proper clipper care techniques, and enjoy that you save the cost of groomer visits.
You can cut your dog’s fur more regularly
Some coat types benefit from more frequent cuts. Poodles, for example, have a single coat, so short hair is good for them. If you have a dog clipper at home, you don’t have to keep logging in to the groomer all the time. Just prepare the grooming environment and start the session.
What to look for when buying a dog clipper for home use?
If you want to trim your dog’s coat at home comfortably, you need to find the best clipper possible. But which is the best dog clipper for home use?
Anyone who delves into the topic a bit can see that the manufacturers are writing tons of features, and we users need to decide how useful these features are for us.
Well, you don’t have to worry. Below I’ve gathered the most important things to keep in mind when buying clippers.
Reliable brand
You can find plenty of brands in the store and at online retailers. I do not doubt that most brands make good quality products. However, if you are sure you want the best, choose from companies that have already made millions of customers happy.
There are three such brands in the dog clippers market: Andis, Wahl, and Oster. My personal favorites, for example, are Andis dog clippers, among which you are sure to find the right product for every breed and coat type.
Blade sizes and types
The biggest brands add high-quality blades to their clippers. In terms of material, the most common are steel and ceramic blades. The ceramic conducts much less heat, so it heats up later.
Detachable blades make cleaning and maintenance easier, but you must purchase other blades separately for additional sizes. There is no such problem with adjustable blades, as the cut length is adjustable.
Check out my dog clipper blade size chart if you want to know what blade size each breed needs and what coat length is achievable with different sizes.
Speed
Speed is commonly referred to as SPM (strokes per minute). The higher this number, the faster (and in many cases more efficient) the motor.
For a lighter hair dog, a lower SPM is also appropriate. Otherwise, however, you’ll need to look for a more heavy-duty clipper for thick fur, with a more efficient motor and a higher SPM.
I also have to mention the speed level. Many modern dog clippers have multiple speed levels that provide versatility for pet parents at home. The lower levels are quieter and ideal for more delicate parts. Higher speed levels are for parts where more power is needed.
Corded vs cordless
There is no clear answer as to whether corded or cordless clippers are better. It would be best to decide on your dog’s coat type and your individual preferences.
Cordless dog clippers give users plenty of freedom, portability, and mobility. You don’t have to stick to an electrical outlet, and you don’t have to deal with the cord all the time.
However, the performance of these clippers generally lags behind that of high-quality corded clippers. If your dog’s fur needs high performance, I suggest you choose a corded clipper.
Noise
Many dogs dread the sound of the clipper. If your pup is like that, you might want to get a silent dog grooming clipper. This way, you can avoid the inconvenience for both of you. You don’t have to be a professional to do grooming tasks at home.
Design and ease of use
Ease of use is an important consideration if someone wants a dog clipper for home use as a non-professional groomer. Examine the clipper. Products with a sleek design and ergonomics fit easily in anyone’s hands. So long grooming tasks won’t bother you either.
Heat
During the operation of the dog clipper, friction and heating of small parts are inevitable. The blade can also become hot over time, leading to dog clipper burn. The blades can also become dull because of the high temperature. To avoid overheating, sometimes take a break while grooming or choose ceramic blades.
Your dog’s breed and coat type
Different breeds have different coat types. Of course, you need to take these differences into account and choose the best clipper accordingly.
Can You Use Human Clippers On Your Dog?
So you have decided that you want to groom your dog yourself. This is when many dog parents think about using a human clipper on their little friends.
After all, the thing would be simple: many people have hair clippers at home, and it would be very practical to use the same for dog grooming.
However, experts unanimously agree that while human clippers do their job perfectly, it’s not worth trying them on dogs. There are several reasons for this:
- 1. Human hair does not regulate body temperature and does not protect it from external contaminants. On the other hand, the coat of dogs is capable of the above, making it completely different in thickness. The teeth of the dog clipper blades are spaced farther apart to handle the coarser hairs in the canines.
- 2. Dogs’ skin is extremely sensitive, which is not considered by human clipper manufacturers. Dog clippers blades are designed to become less hot and later become dull. Hot and dull blades pull the hair better and irritate it.
- 3. Dogs’ ears are much more developed than humans, making them more sensitive to noise. Pet supplies manufacturers know this, and they manufacture grooming tools accordingly.
Can anyone groom their dog at home?
Professional groomers have plenty of equipment to groom any dog’s fur. But that’s not the only thing that sets them apart from regular pet parents.
Groomers learn this craft for months and often get years of routine by the time your pooch gets to them.
But I think it all shouldn’t discourage you from starting home grooming yourself.
There are plenty of how-to guides on the internet. And if you buy the best dog clipper possible, believe me, you’ve already done a lot to make your little canine friend’s fur perfectly and healthy.
Of course, you will need a lot of practice to perfect your knowledge. However, if you start as soon as possible and keep improving, believe me, nothing wrong can happen.
How do you know your dog’s coat needs to be clipped?
At first, everyone tends to say that every dog with thick and lush fur needs clipping. However, this is not always the case at all.
The so-called double coat is especially beneficial for dogs not only in winter but also in summer. The extra layer has excellent thermoregulatory properties.
So if you cut the fur of a dog like this in the summer, not only are you not doing him any good, but you’re even downright at risk.
This increases the risk of heat stroke, which is not pleasant and safe for dogs.
However, regular clipping is essential if your pup has a single coat that tends to grow long. Many mats and tangles are formed on an untreated single-coat, which is not beneficial from either an aesthetic or health point of view.
Before cutting into your dog’s home grooming, it’s worth talking to an expert. This could be your vet or a groomer. They will surely be able to tell you if you should buy a clipper for your little pup.
Frequently asked questions
I think I have described in detail everything related to the topic. However, below I will answer questions that often arise in pet owners.
How do I choose a dog clipper?
There are several factors to consider when choosing the most suitable dog clipper. These include your dog’s breed, coat type, budget, noise level, and what design you prefer (sleek or bulk). It is also an important question whether you want a cordless product or not. If so, you might want to look at the clippers’ charge time vs. run time ratio.
Is there any difference between dog clippers and dog trimmers?
Many people don’t differentiate between dog clippers and trimmers, which I don’t think is necessarily a problem. However, it is good to know that we use clippers to bulk cut the fur on larger areas. On the other hand, trimmers are more preferred on paws, muzzles, ears, and hard-to-reach areas.
Do you cut a dog’s hair wet or dry?
Although wet cutting is better for human hair, dogs’ situation is entirely different. Before clipping, you may want to bathe your pup, however, be sure to dry his hair completely before beginning the procedure.
How often should dogs be groomed?
The frequency of grooming, of course, depends primarily on the breed of your dog. Some breeds need more grooming a month, but some dogs can endure for months after a session. But the exact grooming activity is also an important issue. Brushing, for example, is a daily necessity for many dogs.
Final words
You can see from my article that there are dog clippers suitable for home grooming. Their use can be learned not only by professionals but by anyone.
The overall best dog clipper I chose for home use is the 2-speed model from Andis UltraEdge. With this clipper, you can cut any coat type and create professional conditions even at home.