In this article, we’ll check out some of the best body hair trimmers you can buy right now.
You’ll be able to choose a groomer that’s effective, reliable, and suited to your needs, whether it’s shaving the groin or just keeping body hair neatly trimmed.
Using the right grooming tool is key, as it makes manscaping less of a chore and actually gets you the results you’re looking for.
But performance and effectiveness aren’t the only things that matter.
There are other aspects to factor in as well: the availability and price of replacement blades, battery life, durability, and so on.
With all that said, here are my Top 5 Best Body Groomers for 2026:
I’ve personally bought and tested all the trimmers above, 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 my personal experience.
With that out of the way, let’s dive right in.
Different types of groomers for different needs
When it comes to manscaping, our preferences and needs vary a lot, and a particular trimmer won’t be ideal for everyone.
You’ve probably seen countless models, shapes and designs, all promising great results.
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 specific 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 probably 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 to tackle body hair (which is different than the hair on our head).
This type of groomer has several specific pros and cons.
PROS: They can easily deal with hair of any length, they don’t get clogged easily, the blades last longer before needing to be replaced, and they are very easy to clean.
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). The closeness is also not the best.
Nicks can happen when using such a trimmer with no guard.
Most will however come with guards of different sizes, and some even have adjustable guards (which are more practical).
These guards allow you to get the desired hair length.
For example, you may choose 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 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.
As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to use such a groomer with a guard, so they won’t be ideal for a skin-level trim.
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).
Let’s check out the shaving head of this old-generation Philips Bodygroomer:
You can see the perforated foil element flanked by the pair of rounded shearing blades.
During use, the first blade (top arrow) will come into contact with the hair, cutting it relatively close to the skin.
The remaining stubble 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 safe.
The two shearing blades usually have rounded teeth to prevent the skin from getting nicked (and they really do work).
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 regard 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, so it will exhibit those specific pros and cons.
Push and pull-style body trimmers
Another aspect that gets way too little attention in my opinion is the way you hold 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 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 or armpits with a push-style groomer can be 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 sensitive areas without a guard.
Push-style trimmers with shearing blades are better suited for cutting body hair at a certain length (for example, trimming the hair on your legs, arms, chest or back).
You could even use a push-style trimmer without a guard for a closer trim, as nicks are 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 1–3mm 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 expand on 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 discuss 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 break that down into 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 other use cases as well for each of the trimmers.
That said, if you need a body trimmer for a very 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 for the pubic area if you want a very close trim.
They also work great for the armpits.
Some models even come with guards of various lengths that go over the foil or trimmer head.
That way you’ll be able to get the desired hair length if you don’t want to cut the hair 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 should 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 aspects 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, so I only picked body groomers that 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 pricey as well, and it must be changed every few months.
It’s one of the reasons why the Lawn Mower, including the new 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, thorough, full-body grooming session with no “range anxiety”.
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 traveling 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 in top shape and should 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 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 2026
1. Philips Norelco Body Groomer 7000 (new model)
Best trimmer for most men (groin + body)
Also available at Walmart, Philips.com.
Pros
- Very close and mostly nick-free shaves
- Great for the groin area + body
- Foil head and shearing blade attachments
- Handy adjustable combs
- Excellent battery life
- Long handle for trimming back hair
- Durable (and reasonably priced) foil head
- Versatile and a safe pick for most men
Cons
- Not the most effective head flexing mechanism
- No large guards included
- Weak LED light
- Pricier than the old generation
- Noisy
European buyers: If you live in Europe, the Philips Body Groomer 7000 BG7480/15 is identical in terms of performance, features, and accessories.
My top pick as the best body hair trimmer for most men is the new Philips Norelco Body Groomer 7000.
This new generation was only released last year, and I’ve been using the BG7480 model regularly ever since.
It delivered solid all-around performance, handling most grooming tasks well and even excelling in several key areas.
That said, it does have a couple of quirks, which I’ll get to as well.
In fact, it was a close battle between the new Body Groomer 7000 and the old, which also has its own specific pros and cons.
I ended up picking the new model because it’s more versatile and user-friendly, and readily available.
It’s a great trimmer for the genital area, but also works well for trimming/shaving the hair on the rest of the body.
The replacement head is durable and easy to source, and the groomer even comes with a handle extension for hard-to-reach areas, such as your back.
Here’s why I think the new Body Groomer 7000 would be suitable for most men looking for a capable and reliable body trimmer.
Two different cutting attachments
The new 7000 comes with two interchangeable attachments:
- a foil element for cutting hair very close to the skin
- a trimmer head with shearing blades and adjustable guards for different hair lengths
This makes the 7000 a highly capable and well-rounded tool that can do pretty much everything.
It’s a 2-in-1, pull and push-style groomer that shaves safely at skin level but also trims the hair at a specific length.
The foil element is flanked by a pair of blades with rounded, blunt teeth that reduce the risk of nicks 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 only shearing blades.
Great for trimming pubic hair close to the skin
The combo foil head of the Body Groomer 7000 makes it ideal for a close, comfortable shave in the pubic area.
It’s able to easily capture flat, curly hairs with the leading blade when you pull the foil-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.
Because you use it as a pull-style trimmer, it also means it’s less likely to be affected by skin moisture and become jittery as you move the head over the skin.
Out of all the different groomers I’ve tried, even the ones specifically designed for shaving the genitals, Philips’ hybrid foil+blades head was the most effective and the most comfortable.
It’s the one that inflicted the fewest nicks when using it on sensitive areas.
If you want an effective and comfortable trimmer for the pubic area that can cut the hair close, the Philips Body Groomer 7000 will give you precisely that.
I don’t think it’s quite the very best trimmer for the genitals though.
And that’s because the new head flexing mechanism is poorly implemented.
The old Bodygroom 7000 featured a simple front-to-back tilt that allowed you to hold the trimmer in a more natural position and you had better leverage.
With the new generation, Philips changed the flexing to a side-to-side motion, and it proved to be of little to no use in the real world.
Moreover, the mechanism is very stiff to the point that the head is essentially fixed now.
It’s still a really good trimmer, just not quite as nimble as the old one despite the smaller form factor.
However, if you only need a body groomer for a very close trim, I think the old one (BG7030, BG7040) is actually a slightly better option (if you can still find one).
Practical and effective for trimming body hair
We already know that the foil head can cut the hair very 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 trimmer blade attachment and the companion guards.
The BG7480 model comes with a 1mm Intimate guard and two adjustable guards:
- 1–3mm
- 3–7mm
You would just change the foil head with the blade attachment and use it as a push-style groomer.
The 1mm Intimate guard allows you to trim the hair right above skin level, which can be very useful if you tend to get razor burn/irritation or even bumps.
The two adjustable guards, while a bit bulky, do work very well and you can set the desired hair length via the built-in dial/lever.
Apart from the fact that the teeth are a bit too pointy and scratchy at first, I didn’t have any major issues.
That said, I think Philips should have included a larger guard with the Body Groomer 7000.
For example, a 10mm or even a 15mm guard for men who prefer to only trim the bulk.
As a side note, the Philips (Norelco) BG7490 model, also part of the new generation, offers two extra guards that go over the foil head.
Unfortunately, those are also quite small, at 3mm and 5mm, so they don’t fix the problem.
You will, however, be able to use it as a pull-style trimmer with those guards, so it’s more practical when trimming the legs, armpits, and the groin area.
Using the latest Body Groomer 7000 is generally easy, and the trimmer is effective at cutting flat-lying hairs as well.
Some groomers will leave hair behind when used with a guard, but that’s generally not the case with this one.
I didn’t get to use the back extension as I don’t have much hair on my back, but it seems like a practical accessory should you need it.
It’s also a lot sturdier and better designed than the older extension included with the previous Bodygroom 5000.
Durable and inexpensive replacement parts
The new Body Groomer 7000 comes with a revised foil head called BG2010.
It replaces the BG2000 head of the old generation and it seems a bit more bitey, allowing it to shave even closer.
Fortunately, the price is still very reasonable and the head seems just as reliable as the tried and tested BG2000 (which also fits the new Body Groomer perfectly).
Philips BG2010 Replacement Head
Moreover, the BG2010 is backward compatible with the previous Bodygroom models.
So if you already own an older one, like the BG7030, you can give it a quick upgrade.
Philips recommends replacing it every 12 months, but in my experience with the previous BG2000, it lasts even twice as long, provided you clean it regularly.
Key takeaway
While the new Philips Body Groomer 7000 isn’t perfect — I would have liked a front-to-back flexible head and at least one larger guard — it’s a solid option that will be a great option for the majority of men.
It’s an excellent trimmer for cutting pubic hair but also works well on the rest of the body.
The battery life is impressive, with 120 minutes of cordless use; that’s 40 minutes more compared to the old model.
Unfortunately, the groomer is still fitted with a Philips proprietary port, so you will always need to charge it with the included Philips-to-USB-A cable.
Cleaning is very straightforward; because the BG 7000 is waterproof, you can quickly rinse it with tap water.
You can also use it in the shower or with shaving cream/gel.
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.
The Body Groomer 7000 Series 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 hair.
It is pretty noisy during use (like most foil shavers/trimmers), emitting a loud buzz, and the vibrations are moderately high.
Finally, if you don’t need a close, skin-level trim (so you would have no use for the foil head attachment), definitely get the All-in-one 9000 or even 7000 instead.
It’s quieter, more powerful, has an all-metal build and the battery life is fantastic (up to 5 hours).
For all the details, you can check out my review of the new Body Groomer 7000.
2. Philips Norelco All-in-one 9000 Series
Best multipurpose trimmer (beard, body, head)
Also available at Walmart, Philips.com.
Pros
- Extremely versatile (body, beard and hair trimmer)
- Plenty of attachments and accessories
- Excellent build quality (brushed metal body)
- Fantastic battery life (6 hours on a single charge)
- Quiet during use
- Durable and reliable
- Good value for money
Cons
- Not ideal for a very close trim
- Lacks large body hair guards
The Philips All-in-one series (formerly Multigroom) has got to be the Swiss army knife of body trimmers.
The most popular and the best pick for most users will be the range-topping All-in-one 9000.
There are other variations as well, like the All-in-one 7000, 5000 or 3000, which cost less, but in my opinion the 9000 is easily the most compelling option.
It offers the best performance, features, battery life, and accessories for a relatively small price increase.
The All-in-one 9000 comes in several different models.
Considering the current prices, availability and included accessories, the MG9575/49 is arguably the pick of the range (in the USA).
This thing can do (almost) anything, and it comes bundled with a variety of guards and cutting attachments, including a nose hair trimmer.
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 All-in-one-9000 is one of the best versatile 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 All-in-one 9000 to trim body and facial hair, but it also works as a basic hair clipper.
The blades and other cutting attachments just click securely in place, no need to use a screwdriver.
We can group the cutting accessories into 3 categories:
1. Face+body trimming
The accessories in the image above (from left to right) are:
- Standard trimmer blade
- Precision trimmer
- Foil shaving head
- Nose hair trimmer
- Eyebrows guard
- Adjustable guard (1–3mm)
- Adjustable guard (3–7mm)
The standard trimmer blade is what you’ll probably be using most of the time.
It turns the All-in-one 9000 into a highly capable push-style trimmer.
This trimmer blade pairs with the two adjustable guards (1–3mm and 3–7mm) and those work great on both facial and body hair.
I would not use this trimmer blade without a guard on sensitive areas (groin, armpits) as it will nick the skin.
There is a special attachment for that as we’ll see next.
The 1–3mm guard can be adjusted in 0.2mm increments, giving you precise control over the length of the hair.
The larger 3–7mm guard works in 1mm steps and it’s probably the most versatile and useful.
Philips lists it as a beard trimming accessory, but I constantly use it for body hair with excellent results.
Apart from these typical trimming attachments, the All-in-one 9000 also includes a nose trimmer, a small foil head, and a precision trimmer + guard (for eyebrows).
This kit should cover the grooming needs of most users; if you have a beard, the foil head can be used to clean up the top of the cheeks and neck.
2. Hair clipping accessories
The wider trimmer blade can be used with 5 hair combs (2–16mm) and 2 fading combs and this way you have a tool for basic haircuts.
I think it’s good enough for buzz cuts and touch-ups, although a dedicated hair clipper, with more guards and a blade gap lever, is a lot more capable.
I find the hair guards way too scratchy for trimming body hair, so unfortunately you won’t be able to use them for that.
You would use the standard blade with the appropriate guards for trimming your beard and body hair, and the wider blade+guards only for haircuts.
3. Body-specific attachments
The All-in-one 9000 offers a few key accessories that make it a highly versatile body groomer:
- Body shaver attachment
- 2 body guards (3mm and 5mm)
The Body shaver attachment in particular is a very interesting accessory that, according to Philips, can cut the hair at 0.5mm.
Moreover, it works on sensitive areas as well.
So while the closeness is not as good as in the case of the foil head from the Body Groomer 7000, it’s definitely a welcome addition.
With this attachment fitted, the Philips All-in-one 9000 is essentially a pull-style body hair trimmer that can cut hair reasonably close to the skin.
The MG9575/49 also includes a Skin protect guard that goes over the standard blade, but does pretty much the same thing as the Body shaver head.
For trimming body hair at a certain length, we’re getting only two dedicated guards, 3mm and 5mm:
However, as mentioned earlier, the beard guards will work for body hair as well.
Unfortunately, the maximum size is 7mm, which may be a bit too short for some users.
I would have liked to see a large 10mm or 15mm body hair guard as well.
Side note: The Panasonic ER-GK80-S at number 5 in this list does offer a 12mm guard setting.
Powerful, quiet and easy to use
The Philips All-in-one 9000 is one of the best push-style trimmers I’ve ever used.
The blades are 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 a Body Groomer 7000 fitted with a foil head, it’s a lot quieter.
Perfect for trimming body and facial hair
The All-in-one 9000 is a highly capable body hair trimmer, limited only by the inclusion of the two 3mm and 5mm body guards.
I already mentioned that using the beard guards will give you more options (1 to 7mm), although the lack of a large guard would still be a problem.
The All-in-one 9000 is currently my tool of choice for trimming body hair (but not for pubic hair).
The Body shaver attachment, while very comfortable, is not as fast, effective, or close-shaving as the foil head of the Body Groomer 7000 at number 1.
Therefore, if you want a very close, skin-level shave, regardless of the body part, the Body Groomer 7000 would be the one to get.
But getting back to the Philips All-in-one 9000, I think its main strength is the standard blade+guard and using it as a push-style trimmer.
It’s very effective, fast, and easy to use, especially when trimming large areas like the legs and chest/abs.
The blade of the All-in-one 9000 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 on 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 a beard while still being very careful.
The beard-trimming capabilities of the groomer 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 Philips All-in-one 9000 suitable for cutting the hair on your head as well.
I would however recommend it for basic hairstyles like buzz cuts since it only has 5 guards and doesn’t have a lever to adjust 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 All-in-one 9000 will be good enough for basic haircuts or for less frequent use.
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
The All-in-one 9000 can go for over 6 hours on a single charge.
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 a little over two 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.
If I were to nitpick, I would have liked to get a USB-C port instead of Philips’ proprietary connector.
But considering the fantastic battery life, we can let this one slide.
The models available in Europe are unfortunately fitted with smaller batteries (usually 2 hours of cordless use).
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 All-in-one 9000 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.
Key takeaway
No trimmer is perfect and the Philips Norelco All-in-one 9000, 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.
As we saw, the Body shaver attachment will still leave a bit of stubble and it’s not as fast or effective as a foil+blades head (available only with the Body Groomer models).
It’s decent, but not great in that regard. For a close trim, especially in the groin area, a Philips Body Groomer 7000 (old or new model) would be a better option.
Finally, I don’t understand why Philips doesn’t include a large body guard.
It would cost them almost nothing, but would greatly improve the versatility of this groomer.
If, however, these drawbacks aren’t deal-breakers, the Philips All-in-one 9000 is a fantastic groomer, and one of the most impressive I’ve used so far.
The battery life and build quality are outstanding, and the blades are very durable.
For more details, including links to replacement parts, you can check out my review of the Philips Norelco All-in-one 9000.
3. Philips Norelco Bodygroom 7000 (old model)
Best for close and fast skin-level trimming
Also available at Walmart, Philips.com.
Pros
- Very effective flexible hybrid head
- The best for a close shave on the groin area
- Very close and mostly nick-free shaves
- Integrated adjustable guard
- Powerful and versatile
- Very good battery life (around 90 minutes of use)
- Durable (and reasonably priced) foil head
Cons
- Large and heavy
- The push-style trimmer is clunky to use
- Very noisy
- Difficult to find in 2026
The Bodygroom 7000 BG7030/BG7040 is the predecessor of the trimmer at number 1 in our list and it’s still a viable option in 2026.
In fact, it’s arguably better in one specific case: if you’re only using it for close, skin-level trimming (groin or body).
Otherwise, the new generation will be a better, more versatile option.
Let’s check it out and see why it’s still one of the best groomers out there, particularly for the pubic area.
Dual head design
What makes the old 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 new Body Groomer 7000, great for cutting hair at skin level without nicks, including pubic hair.
But unlike the very stiff side-to-side flexing of the new model, the old one has a much better and more effective front-to-back swivel:
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-sized guards.
The largest setting is 11mm, which can be very handy if you prefer a bit more length on your legs for example.
The larger adjustable guard on the new Body Groomer 7000 (BG7480) only goes up to 7mm, which is one of my gripes with that one.
So far, the old Bodygroom 7000 looks like a winner, and it is in many respects.
Let’s see what makes the BG7030/BG7040 one of the better body trimmers in 2026.
The best groomer for the genitals
I can confidently say that the old Bodygroom 7000 is one of the best trimmers for pubic hair, if not the best.
Yes, better than the new one as well.
It also uses the foil+rounded teeth blades head, but 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 slightly prefer using the old Bodygroom 7000 over the new one for precisely that reason.
Also, while the body is clearly larger, the part right below the head is thinner on the older one and also features very grippy rubber inserts.
The new one is very girthy and the grip isn’t as good. Again, I am strictly referring to using the foil head of the groomers, not the trimmer blade+combs.
In my opinion, the Philips Norelco Bodygroom 7000 BG7030/BG7040 is still the best pubic hair groomer out there (for a very close trim).
If you only want to trim the hair down to a specific length, anything from 1mm up, there are better options, like the Philips All-in-one 9000.
So what exactly is a trimmer suitable for a close trim on the genital area?
Well, it basically comes down to being able to use the trimmer safely for a close, comfortable, and effective shave.
And this Philips Bodygroom 7000 checks all the 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 new model a close second.
Integrated guard for different hair lengths
As we know, the old 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 1–2mm 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 that stem from the large size of the groomer and its heft.
Pushing it against the grain feels a bit clunky and the experience is not the most enjoyable.
The new Body Groomer 7000 has better ergonomics when used in this manner.
The old one is especially 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 prefer the new Body Groomer 7000 for trimming body hair at a specific length.
Again, if you only plan on using the foil head end (on all body parts), I think the old BG7030 is actually a bit better.
Because it’s a wet/dry groomer, you can use it in the shower as well.
I do not recommend it as it’s just more difficult and time-consuming, especially if you use the trimmer with the guard.
Very good 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.
It’s less than the 120 minutes of the new generation, but still plenty.
Inexpensive and durable replacement head
The 7000 comes with a Philips BG2000 foil head, which means it’s durable, reasonably priced and easy to source.
However, you can also upgrade to the newer BG2010 from the latest Body Groomer 7000.
Apart from the teal blue frame that doesn’t quite match the aesthetics, it’s a perfect fit.
It seems a bit more refined and can shave even closer, so it makes sense to buy that one when it’s time to replace it.
Both the BG2000 and BG2010 are perfectly fine, and the price is usually very reasonable.
As of 2026, however, the old BG2000 head will probably be phased out, or we’ll see some price spikes, so the BG2010 remains the one to get.
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 old Bodygroom 7000 is that the push-style trimmer end isn’t quite as practical compared to the new one.
It’s the main reason why I think the new generation will be better in most cases. And it is easier to buy, while the old 7000 will probably be discontinued.
Also, this groomer 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 foil head (it has two motors and two separate power switches for each head).
However, the Bodygroom 7000 BG7030 or BG7040 would be my number 1 pick for trimming the genital area at skin level.
It also works decently 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.
For more details, here is my full review of the Bodygroomer 7000.
4. Braun Series XT5
Best compact/travel body groomer
Also available at Amazon.co.uk, Braunshop.co.uk.
Pros
- Compact and easy to carry/store
- Comfortable and surprisingly effective
- Nimble and easy to use
- Adequate for trimming pubic hair
- Beard + body trimmer
Cons
- Not great with flat-lying hair
- Battery life is borderline adequate
- No USB charging port
- A bit pricey
- Not as capable as a large groomer
- Difficult to source outside of Europe
Update 2026: If you can’t buy it anymore in the USA, the Philips Norelco OneBlade Face+Body is the next best thing.
The trimmers on this list so far are highly capable with large batteries, and while they perform great, they aren’t the most practical for traveling or a quick touch-up.
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 was not as effective at trimming flat-lying hairs, particularly pubic hair.
As a side note, if you still want to go with a Philips OneBlade, get the regular Face+Body linked above.
The new OneBlade Intimate (a version only for the body) is significantly less powerful than the regular model and will struggle with longer/denser body hair.
The Philips Bodygroom Series 1100, while very practical thanks to its dimensions and low weight, has really brittle guards.
I managed to break two, even though I was very gentle handling the groomer, 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.
Let’s see where the XT5 excels and where it’s not that great.
Side note: you’ll sometimes see a few variations of the Series XT5, like 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 old 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 Body Groomer 7000.
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 All-in-one 9000 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 very 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.
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 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.
This means there’ll be some uneven wear on the blades as you can only fit the head one way, and the lower blade will get a lot more use.
The other compact trimmers I’ve mentioned have this quirk as well.
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 good 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 or Braun to USB-C adapter and take 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
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 longer.
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-GK80-S
Best ergonomics for a quick full-body tidy-up
Also available at Walmart, Panasonic.com.
Pros
- Neutral grip, easy and enjoyable to use
- Fast and effective on large areas (legs, arms, abs)
- Very good build quality
- Practical adjustable guard
- Great to keep body hair in check
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Not suitable for a close trim on the groin area
- Just ok battery life (50 minutes)
- Pricey
Finally, there’s the Panasonic ER-GK80-S, which takes a completely different approach compared to other body trimmers 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 many use cases, this works better than the traditional trimmer with the blade perpendicular to the handle.
It’s the best of both worlds, retaining only the pros of conventional push and pull-style trimmers.
Unique head design, great ergonomics
Using this Panasonic groomer feels natural and effortless, especially for cutting the hair on your legs, abs and arms.
I actually prefer this grip to the standard push or pull when trimming those particular areas.
The groomer itself is pretty slim and lightweight, and this further improves the positive experience.
The V-shaped head 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-GK80-S comes with two guards:
- 2mm SkinGuard
- 3–12 mm adjustable body hair guard
This is a major upgrade over the older Panasonic ER-GK60-S, which only included two fixed guards (3 and 6mm) in addition to the SkinGuard.
Panasonic recommends using the SkinGuard when trimming sensitive areas such as the 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 or even more, since the hairs that stay completely flat on the skin will end up longer.
That’s probably fine on the rest of the body, but on the groin and armpits, some 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-GK80-S with the exposed blade can cut you.
Panasonic recommends always using one of the two guards when trimming sensitive areas.
And I would strongly recommend that as well, as the exposed blade will nick the skin.
So the main shortcoming of this trimmer is that it’s not ideal if you want a very close trim in the pubic area.
A Philips Body Groomer 7000 will be a much better option.
Also, I don’t find the grip particularly comfortable when trimming pubic hair; it works great on the rest of the body, but is a bit awkward and fiddly when used on the genitals.
The adjustable guard included with this Panasonic is excellent.
The part with the rotating dial is massive, but it won’t actually get in the way at all.
The guard is sturdy, easy to remove, fits securely over the blade, and glides easily on the skin.
It’s super easy to set the desired hair length without the need to switch to a different attachment.
The 3 to 12mm range is quite versatile and this groomer shines when using it to trim large areas.
The ER-GK80-S is my favorite for trimming leg hair, as the grip gives me a lot of leverage and the whole process is quick and effective.
It’s 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 guard) in the shower; if the skin is wet, it’ll miss a lot of hairs.
Decent battery life
The battery on the Panasonic ER-GK80-S provides enough charge for a complete grooming session.
That said, with 50 minutes of cordless operation, it’s nothing special.
The Body Groomer 7000, which is similar in size, provides more than double that.
Nevertheless, I was able to comfortably finish my trim with some juice left.
Charging takes one hour, and you must always use the provided cord with the Panasonic proprietary port.
And while that’s not the most convenient way, it’s a lot better than the old ER-GK60 that took 8 hours to charge via a very bulky charging stand.
The ER-GK80-K is quite compact and travel-friendly and with a fully charged battery, you could leave the Panasonic charger at home.
The included travel case is unfortunately very large.
Easy cleaning and maintenance
Since the ER-GK80-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-GK80-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 2 years according to Panasonic, so it’s quite durable, at least in theory.
The blade has the part number WER9500 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-GK80-S being rather pricey.
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.
And that concludes my top 5 body hair trimmers for 2026.
These should cover most users’ needs and hopefully at 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 shave or just to trim some of the length, 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 cool environment definitely helps.
If there’s a cooler room you can use, definitely try that or crank up the AC 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.
The LED light on the Body Groomer 7000 is a lot weaker and doesn’t do much.
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.
It’s no fun to have your trimmer die on you mid-session. All current models will only work cordless and charging can take a long time.
I try to charge my trimmers regularly even if there’s some charge left, so I can always grab one and use it without any worries of the battery dying.
Also, most modern groomers have 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.
Toward 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 buildup 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 bundle a bottle of oil with the ER-GK80-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.
These aren’t some definitive rules 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 All-in-one 9000 or 7000 are some of the best options out there.
For a close body hair trim, especially the groin area, the Body Groomer 7000 is in my opinion the one to get.
So make sure to prioritize your needs and budget 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 in the genital 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 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 (lower) 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.
Short, overlapping strokes, always against the grain, usually work best.
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 more 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 the pubic area, 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 on the skin.
Final word
I decided to write this guide after reading quite a few articles on the topic of the best body hair trimmers.
However, many 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 many trimmers, 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.
I bought the Philips 5000 and the 2-outer-cutters design is horrible for groin. It shaves close yes, but with with a constant danger of cuts from these outer cutters. If you are operating it, you cannot se the other blade to much, also if you press down a bit the cutters are right on the skin. Areas around the shaft are like Russian roulette! Safety wise, razor is much more safer to operate.
Maybe a different design like Panasonic Arc4 or something would be better, if you pre-shave long hairs.
Hi Nicholas,
Thanks for the comment.
If you’re constantly getting cuts from the outer blades I think a few tweaks may be needed. The skin, especially around and at the base of the shaft as you’ve mentioned must be taut, that is really important. You also shouldn’t press hard and use slow and controlled strokes. Any trimmer will cut you otherwise. I got used to not seeing the blade and after a few times, it won’t be a problem anymore.
For trimming body hair that is long/curly, flat-lying and not as dense as facial hair, the use of shearing blades is pretty much the only option — that’s why other types of cutters like the one on the Arc 4 wouldn’t work. And after trying pretty much everything, this Philips blade is the most effective and safe in my opinion. I’m sure that you can get a good result with a few changes to the way you use it.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
As everyone says, Thank you!
I’m currently thinking of buying electric shaver either the Braun 9+ or Phillips 9000
Are any of these any good for shaving my Groin area
Obviously you know your stuff,but to me it seems a shaver is a shaver……
Very interested in your thoughts
Richard,
Thank you so much for the comment.
I would strongly advise against using either of those to shave the groin area — it will NOT be a good experience.
Electric shavers like the Braun Series 9 or the Philips Series 9000 are only designed to work well on short, coarse hair that grows relatively straight on flat surface like your cheeks and neck. When used on the groin it will miss a lot of the hairs and will most likely pull some and even nick the skin. Not to mention that these shavers are expensive and it just doesn’t make sense spending so much money on them when there are trimmers that cost a lot less and work a lot better on pubic hair.
My personal pick would be a Philips Bodygroom 7000.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I have used my Panasonic Arc 5 and 6 in all of these areas with great nick free results. The outer blades on the specific groomers frighten me particularly in the teste area.
Hi Steve,
The Bodygroom 7000 for example has a foil element and two rows of shearing blades with rounded teeth that work really well (and are safe) even if the hair is long. Other groomers (like the ones from Manscaped) will indeed nick the skin and I don’t recommend them.
Foil electric shavers can work well on flat surfaces and if the hairs are short, but with long, curly hairs they will perform poorly.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu,
First, Kudos to you for writing the most informative column on the internet on this subject. Not only on product but also on technique. I do a full body trim on a regular basis and have used many diferent tools with varying degrees of success. For years my electric shaver was the Andis Profoil. In my opinion nothing shaves closer. I grew tired of their durability issues due to the entire unit being made of plastic and the poor quality and durability of their replacement foils. Based on your review I purchased the Panasonic Arc 5 shaver and so far am very impressed with the quality of the device and closeness and comfort of the shave. Again based on your review I ordered the Phillips Bodygroom 5000. I hope for similar results like with the Arc 5.
Thanks again. Keep up the good work.
Mark D
Hi Mark,
Many thanks for the comment, I really appreciate it. Durability is unfortunately an ongoing problem with all double foil shavers that use really thin, brittle foils (Andis ProFoil, Wahl Finale, etc). Panasonic is in a different class in that regard.
Hope you’ll enjoy using the Bodygroom 5000, considering its price and capabilities it should be a great option for most of us.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanx for your really helpfull texts :)
Im from Austria, i do have “hyperacusis”, is the Panasonic ER-GK60-S the most silent bodygroomeryou r knowin?
(Already had the Philips Multigroom Series 7000, only the Bodygroom-essay is loud, but i thats what i need … )
Many thanx, sorry for my bad english.
Peace and Love from Austria :)
You are very welcome, glad you found the info useful.
The Panasonic ER-GK60-S is definitely not the quietest out there. In fact, I’d say it’s slightly louder than the Philips Multigroom 7000. The ones in the Bodygroom line are definitely loud and vibrate a lot.
The quietest I’ve come across is the Manscaped Lawn Mower 4.0, but definitely check out my review of it as well before buying. I’d say it’s slightly quieter than the Multigroom 7000 so you can get an idea.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi,
What are your thoughts on these:
1. Manscaped The Lawnmower 4.0
2. Meridian Electric Below-The-Belt Trimmer
3. WAHL Manscaper
4. Braun BG5340
Hi,
The only one I have used from your list is the Manscaped Lawn Mower 4.0, but I’ll still share what I think about the rest. Also, it would have been useful to know in which way you’ll be using the trimmer for the majority of the time (groin, body, desired hair length etc).
1. I think the Lawn Mower 4.0 is overrated, overpriced (both the shaver and the blades), isn’t nearly as forgiving as claimed when used without a guard on the groin area and there are better and cheaper alternatives (I’ve mentioned them in the post above). I reviewed the Lawn Mower in great detail here if you want to check it out.
2. As mentioned, I haven’t tested it, but the Meridian trimmer looks extremely similar to the Lawn Mower and I suspect it’ll be pretty much the same performance-wise.
3. The Wahl trimmer looks solid and comes from a reputable brand. The adjustable guard is also very practical, but I can’t say anything about how sturdy or easy to use it is in practice. As for trimming sensitive areas without the guard, I doubt that blade won’t nick the skin, especially since it’s a push-style trimmer. Those are less forgiving on the genital area.
4. The Braun is similar to the Wahl in terms of features and capabilities, they even have the same 100 minutes battery life and come with adjustable guards. The Braun also has two additional fixed ones for trimming hair very short (the adjustable guard will leave the hair at 3 to 11mm). You would probably need to use the fixed guards when trimming the genital area as the blade seems to be just a regular one, so it can cut the skin. This means it won’t get as close as a Philips Bodygroom for example and it’ll probably take more time to complete as well.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for the great work you do!
I just wanted to add that there are versions of the Multigroom 7000 that come with a dedicated body trimmer attachment which is quite capable. For example, I have the MG7785/20 (European model) which has that attachment.
It’s a clipper-style trimmer with cutting elements on both sides and no foil element. However, it cuts surprisingly close. I’d say it’s about on par with the OneBlade in terms of closeness.
It has a safety guard which is removable but you are not supposed to be using it without it. It’s removable just so you can clean it better. I suppose you could try using it it without the guard to achieve better closeness but, as you’ve said on multiple occasions here, when shaving sensitive areas with this type of trimmer, it’s very easy to cut yourself. I’ve learned that the hard way.
In any case, it works great for my armpits. I’ve tried it on the groin area as well and it works great there too. In fact, it’s too close for what my skin can handle down there so I stopped using it for that because I’m getting ingrown hairs.
I got the Multigroom 7000 mainly as a hair clipper and beard trimmer and I wasn’t even planning on using the body trimmer attachment but I was very pleasantly surprised.
Hi Vesselin,
Thank you for the comment, much appreciated.
That is absolutely true and it’s an accessory that makes the Multigroom that much better and more versatile. Unfortunately it’s only available in a few select countries so I just recommended the one that can be easily purchased in most places. That attachment is extremely similar to the head of the Philips Bodygroom 1100 which I also found to shave very close, but I would definitely use it with the guard attached on sensitive areas.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for this frank and comprehensive article! It’s the best I’ve found on the topic.
I want to trim my groin for the first time and after carefully reading, decided to get a Philips OneBlade Face + Body, over your objections. Please double-check my logic:
– *If* it did the trick, I’d prefer something light and compact (e.g. Braun XT5) vs. a bulkier Bodygroom (your top two picks).
– As a newbie, I’m not sure I want skin-level, to avoid bumps. In which case one of your compact options might just do the trick? Perhaps with experience I’ll later change to skin-level.
– The OneBlade Face + Body is cheap and available everywhere here in Canada (CAD $49.96 https://a.co/d/4RhRopT). The XT5 is superior, based on your review, but less widely available.
Hi Jack,
Many thanks for the comment. That’s a really good analysis of your options and the OneBlade + guard should work really well for that. It’s definitely a lot lighter and more compact than any of the Bodygroom models.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I have the older version of the Bodygroom 7000, (BG2040) and it has served me well for years, and was the best of the 3 trimmers I tried back when I was shopping around. I’ve found as a vulva-haver, most of the tools marketed to men work just as well on me for pubic hair. My old Norelco is on it’s last legs, and I’m happy to see all of this thorough testing shows I should confidently replace it with the modern model. Maybe it’ll actually work on my pits, which my current one fails to do without nicks. Thanks for the comprehensive breakdown!
Hi,
Thank you so much for the comment, I’m glad you found the post useful.
If you were happy with the BG2040 I think you’ll like the Bodygroom 7000 which is better in every way. It will take some getting used to with the flexible head, but once you do that, I think you’ll enjoy using it. I actually like it the best for the armpits as well, but I’m trying not to get a super close trim there because of folliculitis (I can’t blame the trimmer for that). But no nicks whatsoever as long as I’m reasonably careful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Finally useful artilerijos, which does not seems like is written by AI. Thank you. Clear and informative.
Thank you so much for the comment, glad you found the post useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
By far the best article I’ve found on this topic, and maybe the best “Best ____” article I’ve read in a long time. Thank you for your in depth analysis on this subject! I’m going to try the Bodygroom 7000.
Alex, thanks so much for the kind comment. I’m glad you found the post useful and I hope you’ll like your new groomer.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu,
I am so grateful that I have stumbled upon such a great article on shavers/trimmers. I have been looking for sincere and first-hand experience with trimmers since I am looking for one to buy.
First, a note – those who wrote other reviews are mostly paid content writers (job title) and it is beginning to be really hard to navigate internet and find some honest information like you did. That’s why there are consumer associations trying to be fair and test as you did. Now, some of those forementioned content writers even started forming (or just plain faking) their own consumer associations in order to sound more credible and trustworthy.
First question. Your thoughts on Braun BS1000 BodyGroom? Small, affordable, wet/dry, the rest I leave to you. I am from Europe (Serbia to be exact) and I don’t know what the equivalent in Americas is if different.
Second question. I need a trimmer exclusively for groin and pubic hair grooming/cutting/manscaping at a 3mm length (up to 5mm). Which one would you recommend?
Third question. Why don’t you make affiliate links for Europe equivalents – I would gladly use it.
Thanks for this non biased reviews and guides, for the comprehensive insights, elaborate explanations and tutorials.
Sincerely,
Miki
Miki,
Thanks so much for the comment and appreciation, you’re very kind. I’m glad you found the post useful.
I am yet to try the BS1000, so I’m afraid I can’t share any thoughts on it from actual hands-on experience. I can say however that it’ll probably be very easy to use since it has a really compact size and the quality seems pretty good as well. Otherwise, any pros and cons of a push-style trimmer with shearing blades should still apply.
Regarding the second question, I would normally recommend any Philips Bodygroom for pubic hair trimming. But since you need a 3 to 5mm length, I’d say that the Philips Multigroom 7000 would be a suitable choice. The body trimming guards have precisely 3 and 5mm and the trimmer itself is highly capable. Arguably the most solidly built out there, powerful, quiet and with fantastic battery life. The Bodygroom models also have guards, but I wouldn’t say those are as good for this use case (I think the Bodygrooms work really well for skin-level manscaping).
The affiliate links should automatically redirect buyers to the European storefront depending on their location.
Thank you again for your support, much appreciated.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu,
I have purchased and tried BS1000. It is highly maneuverable since it’s small and my skin never got nicked while using guard (4mm included), but it lacks power (which can be a reason why it didn’t nick my skin). It has problems with picking flat-lying hair (both curly and straight). Finaly – the blades are unperforming when it comes to pubic hair removal – you have to go several times over it in order to cut it.
I have used it on primarily on dry body, but I had to test it on wet body and the results are same, with addition that stroke tends to be jumpy / jittery.
It’s hard to clean, it’s battery powered – which can be both an advantage and disadvantage – depends how you look at it.
Do not have high hopes in this one. It can be a great addition for curvy, hidden, hardly accesible joints and bends but even that is in my opinion – questionable.
Maybe I have used it in the wrong way… So I await your hands-on review.
Regards,
Miki
Miki,
Thanks so much for the follow-up. I honestly doubt you’ve used it wrong and that any tweaks to your technique would have improved your experience significantly. Those are rather specific drawbacks of small, underpowered trimmers.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I’m glad I’m seeing this info on push versus pull styles….I think push would be confusing for me.
I really want something that can cut hair on the face and body from a decent length down to nothing…something an electric shaver can’t do, and I’m beyond baffled. I’d almost settled on a Norelco Multigroomer 7000 or 9000, but I think the pull versus push thing would be hard for me.
Not a fan of consumable parts either, especially on the XT5 and OneBlade, though I’ve had a oneblade recommended to me.
Like someone else mentioned, this is the only “small” review site I’ve seen written by an actual human, which is awesome and at least I know SOMETHING now!
Thanks so much for the comment, glad you found the post useful.
For an all-in-one face and body groomer, I also think the Multigroom 7000 or 9000 would be the best option. The pull-style face&body alternatives with no consumable parts are pretty much non-existent. The Multigroom models are also some of the easiest to use push-style trimmers — compact, powerful, with a really good blade and high-quality guards.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu,
As always thank you for comprehensive in-depth reviews. I follow your direction and recommendation for shavers where I’m on my third Panasonic. I am searching for a nose, eyebrow, ear trimmer. I’m 60+ and don’t shave body hair but at this age the hair grows at an accelerated pace in the areas I listed. I got here by searching “nose hair trimmer” but none of these look to be for that purpose. I in no way desire to waste your time but I’ve had miserable luck with a versatile product that meets my needs. Do you plan to review into this niche type of a product? Please your recommendation means a lot. Thank You!
Paul,
Thanks so much for the kind comment, I really appreciate it.
You are right, in this article I only tackled body hair groomers, so there aren’t any specifically geared at trimming nose/ear hair and eyebrows. I’ve only used one such device, namely the Panasonic Panasonic ER-GN30 and it’s a really great tool for nose and ear hair. However, it’s not ideal for eyebrows (I personally use a pair of small scissors to keep them in check). The ones that are also suitable for eyebrows have a special attachment you would fit in place of the nose hair trimmer.
For example, the Wahl Micro Groomsman is one such all-in-one device. The problem is that almost all of these are rather flimsy and you must be extra careful not to break them.
I would consider the above-mentioned Panasonic as the build quality is a lot better and just use small scissors for the eyebrows. If that’s not an option, this all-in-one trimmer (non-affiliate link) from ConairMan looks to be better than the rest, but I cannot say that from personal experience as I haven’t used one yet.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu,
Thanks for the Panasonic recommendation. I will try the ER-GN30 especially due to your build quality comment and stick with small scissors for my eyebrows. Really appreciate your response. Thank You!
Paul
My pleasure, Paul, glad I could be of help. Hope you’ll enjoy using it.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Oh and thank you for your exceptional review. Seriously, it’s awesome.
The 9000 multigroom 9000 (Multi Groomer Mg7770/49-25) has a nose/ear attachment and an eyebrow guard.
And thank you for your impressive review. It’s the best article I’ve read on shaving products/tips.
Bravo
Hi Frank,
Thanks so much for the comment, you’re very kind. I’m glad you enjoyed the review.
That is correct, the Multigroom 9000 has both the nose and eyebrow trimmers (the 7000 only has the nose attachment).
I just thought that buying it only for the two attachments would be overkill. Paul above mentioned he only needed a device for the nose/ears and eyebrows (he doesn’t shave body hair) and it just didn’t make sense to recommend it just for that. Otherwise it’s a fantastic trimmer.
The 7000 would still be my pick simply because it costs less — unless of course you specifically need one of the extra accessories bundled with the 9000 (eyebrow attachment, bodyshaver, adjustable beard guard).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
I agree with everyone, thanks for your time and professionalism dedicating so much time to explain all this. Bravo.
My questions sis about the Philips 7000 that is your second most recommended choice. My main advantage of it as I see it wasn’t spoke about.
Since I need two machines, one for facial hair and one for body and not share the same blade for infections prevention, I think based on your review the 7000 should be a better choice.
A) as you’ve mentioned the groin trimmer is the best.
B) there’s still an extra facial trimmer that’s a different blade/machine but still in the same purchase. To me that sounds like a winner. I don’t need to buy another machine for the face and it’s safer as it doesn’t share the same blade. Yes, as you’ve mentioned it’s loud and even has only 3MM as the shortest attachment which is too long also to my opinion ,But it’s still a really good machine and if you use it gently and pay attention you can get a good use of it too.
I would love your opinion on this please. Thank you
Lastly, so you have a link to an article you wrote on the best facial groomer?
This is not me for it’s for my wife, haha kidding it’s also for me just wanted to add some humor to those that actually read till the end. thank you
I would love to
Hi,
Thanks so much for the comment, I really appreciate it.
That is correct, the Bodygroom 7000 does have two distinct heads with two blades. If you only intend to use the foil head for manscaping (that one will only cut the hair at skin level), I guess you can use the other one as a beard trimmer since it also has an adjustable guard. It was designed for trimming body hair, but I think it can work fairly well for the beard as well (I have never tried it in this manner).
Unfortunately I do not have an article on facial groomers as I prefer a clean shave so I can’t really try them. I’ve only intentionally let my beard grow a few times just so I can test the trimming capabilities of a few hybrid electric shavers (with trimming accessories) or the Multigroom 7000 in this post.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hey, love this article. Most you can’t even rely on. What trimmer would you suggest if I want to trim my body hair to skin level everywhere on my body, including private parts and armpits, but also want to be able to trim and shape my beard hair and trim my moustache to skin level aswell. And I will be using it to trim my nose hair as well. Any recommendations?
Hi Hussain,
Thank you for the kind comment, I really appreciate it.
I’m afraid you can’t really find such a device without any compromises in at least one of those scenarios.
However, the one that gets the closest to what you’d need is the Philips Multigroom 7000. It works well enough for cutting body hair at skin level (although you need to be careful when using it without a guard), it’s extremely capable as a beard trimmer and has a special attachment for trimming nose hair. The compromise is when using it on the private parts and even armpits — the blade can (and most likely will) nick the skin. I really wouldn’t use it for the groin without a guard. That’s the issue with this groomer that is again in my opinion the one that ticks most of the boxes.
Alternatively, the Philips BodyGroom 7000 is in my opinion the best for pubic hair and armpits. The foil head will also work really well on the rest of the body if you want to cut the hair at skin level. That head won’t work well as a beard trimmer though and you will need to rely on the other one (which uses shearing blades) in order to trim your beard at skin level. It was only meant to be used below the neck, so I can’t say with certainty that you’ll have the best experience with it as a beard trimmer (I have never used it in that manner). Finally, it doesn’t have a nose trimmer attachment, so you will need to have a separate device for that (I recommend the Panasonic ER-GN30, it is one of the best I’ve used).
These would be the two options I would consider. But regardless of which one you’ll be buying, there will still be a compromise. I haven’t come across this Swiss army knife of a trimmer yet. :-)
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
This was a good, clear, and very deep analysis of all options I’ve read all around the internet but couldn’t decide or even compare by myself, thank you!
Thank you so much for the comment, glad you found the post useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Very helpful guide! I appreciate you breaking down the reasons behind what makes a good trimmer for particular purposes. Seeing other “Top X Genital Hair Groomers for Men” lists promptly put up the Manscaped lawnmower as a top choice is very exposing of what little effort is truly put into many similar lists. I had to do very minimal searching on Reddit and forums to immediately learn the Lawnmower is all marketing.
Like you said, these editors have clearly never used the products they recommend. Which is an illuminating lesson, when I had previously trusted similar articles on selecting other electronics in the past… what a lesson in not believing all of what you hear online.
Thank you so much for the comment, Jeff, I’m really glad you found the post helpful.
I always buy the products with my own money and test them extensively. I would never recommend a shaver/trimmer that I wouldn’t feel confident using. That said, I’ve found the Lawn Mower to be overrated and overpriced and there are simply better groomers that cost less.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hey Ovidiu, thanks for this list of comprehensive reviews. I just linked it in my article on the 6 best pubic hair styles.
Hi Donevin,
Awesome, thanks so much for the mention.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu.
Just bumped into your article and like others others have mentioned, it’s the most helpful and comprehensive I’ve found. Thank you!
I haven’t used a body groomer before and am looking for a “safe” and affordable, yet long-term option. I have an average amount of body hair, not too much, and it’s rather fine in texture, not too dense or heavy.
I will mainly use it for manscaping and underarms, but can also make use of beard trimming etc. occasionally (but that’s just a bonus, good to have).
I’m choosing between two of your recommended options (Phillips Bodygroom 5000 and Braun XT 5100) as well as the Braun BG5350.
Can you please share your thoughts if the prices are as follow?
Philips Bodygroom 5000- £50
Braun XT 5100- £30
Braun BG5350- £42
The price and versatility is making the Braun XT5100 appealing (I also buy the XT200 for even cheaper. Any major differences?), but am wondering if it’ll be a big compromise in the manscaping department compared to the Philips Bodygroom 5000.
Your inputs would be greatly valued. Thanks again!
Hi Tanay,
Thanks so much for the comment, you are very kind.
I am yet to use the Braun BG5350, so I’m afraid I cannot really comment on it from actual experience. It does however seem to be the most versatile of the three because it can handle (at least in theory) all three areas: groin, the rest of the body and beard. I am however a bit wary of the claimed SkinShield blade, I’m not sure it can be used safely (without any guard) on sensitive areas. I will need to test it.
The Bodygroom 5000 is on the other hand among the very best for privates/armpits and will also work fairly well on the rest of the body. You can’t however use it as a beard trimmer.
As for the XT5100, it’s just as versatile as the BG5350, but being a compact trimmer, it’s not as fast or as powerful. It’ll be fine occasionally, but I don’t think it’s an ideal option as your main (and only) body groomer. The Philips Bodygroom for example is a lot more effective and faster.
So my pick would be the Philips Bodygroom 5000 with the mention that I haven’t yet used the Braun BG5350 — the unknown issue is its ability to safely trim sensitive areas without a guard. The Manscaped Lawnmower for example also uses a so-called skin-safe blade, and in practice, it proved to be far from safe.
If you’re referring to the XT5200 (not XT200), that one comes with an extra body comb.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks, Ovidiu.
I got what I thought was a good deal and went completely “left field”!
Given how you had also listed the Philips Multi Groom MG7750/49 as one of your preferred options, I pulled the trigger on a Philips MG7715/65, a 13-in-1 variant (apart from manscaping and underarms, I also needed an ear/nose trimmer).
A good deal to get a Philips 7000 series model for approx. £30, right?
https://www.philips.co.in/c-p/MG7715_65/multigroom-series-7000-13-in-1-face-hair-and-body
You are very welcome. It’s a great deal and if the manscaping and armpit limitation (without a guard) is not an issue, it’s a very solid groomer with loads of attachments. Also fantastic battery life, very powerful motor and a high-quality blade.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu.
First of all I want to thank you for this great article it was very helpfull.
but still as a hairy person if I want a groomer to likely remove sholders and back hair completely. and makes legs hair just little bit shorter which one would you recommend for me.
just one more question will removing hair regularly makes it less with time or same ?
Sincerely,
Ouss
Hi,
Thanks so much for the comment, glad you found it useful.
I think the Philips Bodygroom 5000 (with the back extension) would be a really good option. You can can safely use it without any guards to trim the hair on your back and shoulders at skin level. You can then just use one of the two guards — probably the 7mm one — to trim some of the length on the legs.
The extra long handle attachment makes it very practical for the hard to reach areas on the back.
Trimming body hair won’t make it grow faster, thicker, denser or less dense. There might be hormonal changes that occur as we age and can affect some of those aspects, but cutting the hair won’t have any influence at all. However, a hair that was cut short feels coarser and can even look thicker, but as it grows and the blunt/rough end softens, it will appear just as before.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
thank you so much for your help I really appreciate it.
Hi Ovidiu,
Great review as always! I’ve not found on your website any reviews on nose, ear, and eyebrow trimmers… have you had any experience with these? Amazon reviews are a hit and miss some will say a certain nose, ear, eyebrow trimmer is the best they’ve used while others say it’s junk or doesn’t work. I’m looking at the Panasonic ER-GN70-K which generally gets good reviews as a nose & ear trimmer but not sure about for eyebrows. While the cutting head design might work great for nose & ears I’m not sure it would be the best for eyebrows. There are others like the MANSCAPED™ The Weed Whacker with a similar single focus as the Panasonic but plenty more that go a different route. These have specific accessories guide combs (for eyebrows), different style cutting head & multiple cutting heads that could work better for your eyebrows. Some I’ve checked out online, Philips Norelco 3000 & 5000 nose trimmer, Wahl 5546-400, ConairMan PG7500, and many more. With a couple of different styles of cutting heads maybe one style works best for nose trimming/ears and the other works best for eyebrows. Possibly you need a trimmer for your nose & ears and another for eyebrows? Hoping you have some insight into these trimming devices. Can you make any recommendations?
Hi Mike,
Thanks so much for comment.
That is true, I haven’t reviewed any of these type of trimmers. But I have used some with mixed results.
I actually own a Panasonic ER-GN30 which is pretty much identical in function and design to the ER-GN70-K. It does the job as a nose and ear trimmer perfectly fine, although I personally don’t use it much because of a single reason. Precisely, when trimming nose hair, it leaves a small sharp stump even if the hair is cut as skin level. And it itches and to me that is just annoying enough not to use it. The issue is not specific to the Panasonic nose trimmer — any device that trims the hair, regardless if it’s a Wahl or Manscaped, will be the same.
For that reason I prefer using a pair of small tweezers to tackle nose hair. It’s more time consuming and plucking the hair is no fun, but there’s no itching and since the hair is plucked from the root, it’ll take a lot longer until it needs to be removed again.
As for using this device (a Panasonic ER-GN70-K) to trim the eyebrows, I would never use it in that manner. You need to be very conservative and precise when adjusting eyebrows and the round attachment just doesn’t provide any fine control. You can easily mess up the eyebrows and I think there are better options for trimming the length of your eyebrows.
One would be a device with a tiny blade and combs — so yes, you would need a separate one for the nose/ears and one for the eyebrows. I would start out with the largest comb as you can always use a smaller one and get the desired result. Again, I always recommend a bit of caution when taking care of the eyebrows. So unless a device comes with two attachments (one cylindrical cutter for the nose and a blade+combs for the eyebrows), I would consider two separate ones. They tend to be quite fragile though and the reliability is quite poor. The ones from Panasonic that I mentioned earlier are however pretty sturdy, but again, I wouldn’t use one on my eyebrows.
The second option and the one I prefer is to use again a small pair of tweezers to pluck the stray hairs from the eyebrows and give them a rough shape and then a tiny scissor to reduce the length of the hairs. You get the same advantage by plucking instead of cutting the hairs at skin level — it takes more time for the hair to grow. I’ve gotten pretty good in time at using the scissors and I get it done pretty quickly, but may seem cumbersome at first. You would need to push the hairs in the opposite direction with your finger, then trim the ones that stick out. I’m not sure if this makes any sense. Maybe some video tutorials on YouTube can better showcase this.
This comes down to personal preference, but I like the eyebrows to look more natural, I don’t like that crisp edge/shape, which is another reason why I don’t use eyebrow trimmers. I only want to take care of unsightly stray hairs — like the ones right between the eyebrows — and make sure the length is in check. And for this I find the tweezer + scissor technique just right. Again, just personal preference.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
I want to thank you about THE most useful review on the internet that I have found regarding trimmers.
I want to buy a combined trimmer for my nose area, shaping my beard and for my private parts ( trimmed to skin level or at least almost skin level).
Can you recommend a single device that can perform these three operations? Does such combined trimmer exist or it is better to use combinations of trimmers?
I would be very thankful for your opinion.
It seems based on your review and the comments below that most likely such single trimmer is a myth
However I was thinking about Braun MGK 7 series. It does the beard, has attachments for nose plus a separate foil shaver head that can be combined with the SkinGuard 0 mm guard which, as you explained for the Braun XT5 in your review, can do pretty good and safe job on the private area.
What do you think?
Hi again Ovidiu,
Little edit to my previous comment.
It seems that the Braun MGK 7 Series does not have SkinGuard 0 mm guard. It seems that this guard is only for the Braun XT5 series.
Anyway it does have (e.g. Braun MGK 7321) this foil shaver head (shaver head with two sets of teeth on either side of a foil) similar to Philips BodyGroom 5000
Hi,
Thanks so much for the kind comment, I’m really glad you found the article useful.
A shaver that does absolutely everything and without any major compromises is indeed difficult to make. Since I’ve originally posted this guide, I’ve bought and tested a few Braun groomers and I think some will make their way here. In terms of versatility, I think Braun will really cater to users that want a single tool for everything.
The MGK7 has pretty much all the attachments you’d want (I have the 5 Series which lacks the Bodygroom-type of foil head and blades but I did use it from another Braun groomer). I think the Philips Bodygroom head is better for the groin — the tips of the teeth are even rounder and the Braun head has these plastic guide teeth that are quite scratchy and get in the way. In fact, Braun explicitly says it should not be used on the groin as it can nick the skin. And I can confirm that.
The MGK7 doesn’t have a 0mm SkinGuard; the sensitive skin guard it comes with does add like half a millimeter, so it won’t trim quite at skin level. But it will still be pretty close.
I never really recommended these all-in-one groomers before as they came with some major shortcomings, but Braun managed to really put together some very compelling products. Solid battery life, good build quality, good blades and loads of useful attachments.
Again, I haven’t tested the MGK Series 7 (only the 5), but it should be suitable for what you need. I think they missed an opportunity by not making the foil head groin-friendly. But there’s no perfect trimmer.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Which product are you recommend for the groin area
The Bodygroom trimmers from Philips, either the Bodygroom 7000 or the 5000 (positions 1 and 2 in the guide above). Their foil&blades head is in my opinion the best for a safe and close trim down there. The 7000 is more feature-rich and has better battery life, but the 5000 usually costs less.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi thank you for detailed in-depth analysis ..
I am looking to buy a trimmer predominantly for pubic and body hair and not for beard so I really like your views on Philips 7000 but
I also have good reviews for olov groin trimmer which is cheaper than 7000 plus has additional nose/ear head and a stand for trimmer and most importantly Philips trimmer as you said is very loud which is really what I wanted to avoid so I am really confused between olov and Philips 7000 and also it would be nice if u can tell your views on olov if it’s really affective below the belt and won’t really cause any nicks and all..
Waiting for your views and help..
Thank you,
ANKIT
Hi Ankit,
Thank you for the comment.
I haven’t used the Olov trimmer yet ( I have one on order), so I cannot say anything with certainty. But I do believe it will be significantly quieter than the Bodygroom 7000 (the Olov has shearing blades and a slow rotating motor).
That said, I think its performance especially in the groin area will be very similar to the Manscaped Lawn Mower 4.0 that I reviewed here. Precisely, I don’t think it’ll be as good as the Bodygroom. A push-style trimmer with regular shearing blades is far from ideal when trimming below the belt. It’ll take longer to finish trimming, it won’t be as close (the Bodygroom has a foil element that cuts the hair at skin level) and the risk of nicks will be greater.
Again, this is only me speculating based on previous experience with similar trimmers like the Lawn Mower.
I will be posting a detailed review of the Olov trimmer once I get it and use it for a few weeks.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu, thanks for the excellent guide. I am looking for a shaver for the body and that is also good for pubic hair and I am undecided between the Bodygroom 5000 and 7000. Since I also have a good amount of hair on my back I would lean more toward the 5000, do you think it is the ideal solution?
Also, what would you recommend as a low budget electric beard trimmer for short beards?
Thank you in advance.
Hi Al,
Thank you for the comment.
Normally I would recommend the 7000 as I think it has the edge slightly when used on pubic hair — that swiveling head makes using it easier as you don’t have to hold the handle at a very sharp angle relative to the body for the initial strokes when you’ll first want the hairs to be cut by the leading blade and not the foil cutter. But the 5000 will nevertheless work great as well. And it’s the one I think you should get because of that back extension. If you also don’t want the hair on the back to be cut at skin level, the 5000 is really the only option as you can fit the combs over the foil head.
Regarding the beard trimmer, the Philips Multigroommer 3000 (MG3750) is the one that in my opinion manages to provide really good performance for a very affordable price. It usually costs les than the very compact/portable trimmers that are nowhere near as capable.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
I hope you are doing well.
I just saw two seemingly new models on the Philips USA website. More specifically, BG2038/41 (series 5000) and BG2040/34 (series 7000). I am wondering whether they are better than the two models you have mentioned. By considering these two models, what would be your first and second choice?
Thank you in advance for your consideration and time.
Best wishes,
Amirreza
Hi Amirreza,
I am very well, thank you, hope you are too.
The two models you mentioned are actually quite a bit older and I would still highly recommend the Series 5000 and 7000 models I’ve mentioned in the post above. Not only are the older models a lot more difficult to find nowadays (or they cost a lot), but they have a couple of shortcomings as well.
The BG2038/41 (Series 5000) can only be charged via a stand (you cannot plug the cord directly into the groomer) and the battery is a bit smaller compared to the newer BG5025/40 that I recommend. A charging stand is nice as an extra redundant feature, but I am personally not a fan if it limits you from charging the device directly.
The BG2040/34 (Series 7000) has the exact same charging perk — there’s no charging port on the trimmer and you are always depending on a specific charging stand. And the battery is also (a lot) smaller than the one in the BG7030 for example (50 vs almost 90 minutes).
For these reasons my top two picks would still be the ones in the article.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you very much.
Hi Ovidiu,
Great article !
Regarding the Panasonic ERGK60 (or newer 80S which you don’t mention), many reviews I have read on Amazon indicate the blades are very fragile and are often breaking. A second problem is that they require maintenance before every shave and it’s not so easy swapping blades without doing some damage. While it may be a great groomer with innovative design features, these durability issues are serious drawbacks to exclude the Panasonic, think. Wouldn’t you agree? With the Philips 7000 for example, it cuts great and is bulletproof.
Hi Charles,
Thank you so much for the comment.
I did see the reviews and it’s definitely something to consider — I was considering removing it from the list. Mine has the blade intact, so I personally haven’t experienced the issue despite using it quite a lot. I do take good care of it and lubricate the blade regularly, but of course that doesn’t mean it can’t still happen.
That said, I think the Multigroom 7000 is a better, more versatile tool and usually costs less. Both have the same main negative though — if you need a skin-level trim on the groin area.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi, Ovidiu…
I, like many of the others who have left a comment, having been looking for some reliable, unbiased information on private shavers. I started out with a Gillette blade razor but cut myself way too many times. Then I found an old Norelco Triple Header (the one Santa used to ride on, if anyone is old enough to remember those TV commercials around Christmas time from the 60’s and 70’s!) and it works a lot better but I still get regular nicks. However, the rotary heads seem like a good idea (in principle anyway) because they will cut hairs at any angle. Still, it was designed for the face, so I am looking for a more specialized product and your informative article has really helped to point me in the right direction. So I really appreciate your in-depth review of all of the items listed in your article.
But my question is actually not about shavers. I have been using Williams LectricShave before shaving and I’m wondering if that will be a good option with a BodyGroom; it has a lot of alcohol in it to help make the hairs stand up when shaving, thus eliminating the need to “dig in” to get any flat-laying hairs (in theory, anyway).
Related to that, and perhaps my main question, is to seek your input on what are the best post-shave, soothing balms/creams/lotions to calm the irritation. Any advice you can give on both the pre-shave and post-shave products will be appreciated.
Thanks again for the time you invested in this deep-dive article on personal shavers!
All the best,
Box
Hi Box,
Thank you so much for the comment, really glad you found the site useful.
I personally haven’t used a pre-shave lotion for anything except shaving my face with an electric razor (foil or rotary). I think the case for using it when trimming pubic hair with a Bodygroom isn’t as strong. Because the head has two shearing blades in addition to a foil element it can very easily cut even flat-lying hairs. So the main improvement would be absorbing any moisture so the head can glide smoothly. But some baby powder will work better in my opinion if excess moisture is an issue.
As for reducing irritation after trimming, in my case the things that made the biggest difference are the following:
— I avoid doing more passes than necessary or applying excessive pressure. That can lead to razor burn and bumps
— I never wash with warm or hot water afterward, only cool or maybe lukewarm water
— I try not to wear anything overly tight that would rub against the skin and cause irritation. Also, after taking a shower, I only pat dry the skin in that area, never rub the towel.
These 3 tweaks are usually enough. There are some products/lotions meant to be used post-shave, but I haven’t used any, so I’m afraid I can’t recommend anything specific from personal experience.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello Ovidiu,
Congratulations for this marvelous review article. The fact that you have evaluated it with an unbiased eye and according to completely objective criteria is very valuable for us.
I am writing from Turkey and I am particularly interested only in shaving the underarms and pubic area (no hair, no back, no beard, etc.). Unfortunately, the philips 5000 series is not currently on sale in Turkey. More philips bodygroom 3000 series and Braun Series XT 5100 are available.
Which one would you recommend for the underarms and pubic area only?
Best regards.
Hi Meric,
Thanks so much for the comment, you are very kind.
Between the two I would definitely recommend the Bodygroom 3000. It is actually very similar to the 5000 (it uses the same foil head) but can come with fewer accessories which I understand is not an issue. The battery is Ni-Mh though, so it will take more time to charge. But the performance is very similar and it’s a lot more capable than the XT 5100 which I would mainly recommend when traveling. I would pick the Bodygroom 3000 over it any day for armpits/pubic hair.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I have the Philips Bodygroom Series 1000 and I use it with the 0.5 mm comb on the genitals and armpits. Works great.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010XIGBUQ/?coliid=I2QH0Q1WAXC3KF&colid=4T5KWHPQO4B8&psc=1&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it.
Hi Alex,
I think I have like 3 of them. I agree that they work well for such a compact trimmer, but the problem is with the durability of that comb. It’s just so brittle and flimsy, I managed to break two and I’m really careful.
Compared to a Bodygroom with a foil+blades head (like the 3000, 5000 or 7000), my 1000 would also clog with hairs and I would need to stop and remove them, something I never had to do with the other ones.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hey Ovidiu,
Thanks for your great and comprehensive reviews. Could you recommend the safest razor for genital areas (particularly balls)?
I see that you have recommended the Philips Bodygroom 7000. Is it safe to use without the guards?
Hi Mark,
Yes, having used quite a few I have to say that the trimmers in the Philips Bodygroom line are the most forgiving for a close trim on the genital area. The Bodygroom 7000 has two heads, a hybrid foil head for a close shave and a regular head (with an adjustable guard). Only the foil head can be safely used on the groin area for a close shave; the other head must always have the guard on (and it’s usually meant for the rest of the body).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Finally purchases Bodygroom 7000 , hope it works well for me.
But i am still not clear the actual difference between 5000 and 7000.
As i understand, 5000 has an option for your back but 7000 doesn’t?
Hi,
That would be one of the differences. The other major ones are the following:
— the 7000 has a flexible foil head which makes it more natural and comfortable to use/hold. The one on the 5000 is fixed
— the 7000 has a larger battery (90 vs 60 minutes of cordless use)
— the 5000 comes with 3 different size combs you would fit over the head. The 7000 has a separate trimmer blade on the other end with an integrated adjustable comb.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I really thank your time making this comprehensive review. Definitely, it was more than useful to me for deciding and making my purchase.
You are very welcome, Manuel.
Thank you for your comment, I’m glad you found the article useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Have you tried this model from Babyliss: https://www.babyliss-romania.ro/trimmer/aparat-de-tuns-barba-t880e-triple-s-trimmer?
It says it can be used as a stubble trimmer and body hair trimmer.
Hi Alex,
I haven’t, but it seems to have the same trimming head as the Philips OneBlade, so I would guess the performance (with the specific pros and cons I mentioned in the article) would be similar.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Many different models of the Philips 5000 and 7000 on Amazon. Still trying to make up my mind between the two models
Hi Bernard,
Between several models in the 5000 or 7000 lines the performance will be the same, so it comes down to accessories/price. Between the 5000 and 7000, I prefer the 7000 slightly for the tilting foil head which makes it more natural/comfortable to hold.
I use it a lot for pubic hair and that’s where this advantage of a flexible head is more obvious.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi,
Kudos to the great review! Very much appreciated. ☺️
I’m looking for a trimmer that can:
1) Trim arm hair and legs up to 9-10mm (as shortest).
As I see the 5000 model is not able to do that?
2) To be able to shave my back.
(Seems like the 5000 model is the only available model having an extension long handle for this?
-3) Also looking for a beard trimmer being able to do fades, precise line
cuts, and up to 0,4 mm length as shortest comb. Do you recommend the 7000 model for this?
– Is it better to maybe buy a beard trimmer separate?
Thanks for your help!
Kind regards,
Sam
Hi Sam,
Thank you so much.
It would be really difficult for a single device to do all that. In my opinion you will need the 5000 for the back extension. The larger guard is however 7mm, so the hair will be a bit shorter than the desired 9-10mm. The adjustable guard on the Bodygroom 7000 does go up to 11mm, but it would be impossible to trim the hair on your back yourself with it.
My recommendation would be to go with the 5000 (7mm is quite okay and the final length of many hairs will actually be longer since they are lying flat and won’t get cut at exactly 7mm). In my opinion that would be the best compromise.
Like you’ve said, you will need a separate trimmer for edging and precise lines. I think a good option would be a dedicated beard trimmer like the Panasonic ER-GB42-K. That one has an integrated adjustable comb with very granular control which should allow you to get a smooth fade.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for awesome guide and review.I bought Phillips S738/15 8 years ago, it has 2-rotating blade for facial hairs, 1 beard-body trimmer and with adjustable comb(1 to 5mm) and foiled head for body and pubic hairs but the problem is i never bought a replacement head till now and its battery can barely last 20 minutes so i was considering to buy a new body groom but my 738’s body head is very similar to BG5000’s head and is its battery is hard-soldered is it possible to fix the battery problem?or it is hopeless?i really love this machine it does everything for me except for hair and nose-ear cutting(not that i need it them so much)
Hi,
Many thanks for the comment.
Unfortunately Philips doesn’t list the battery model on Encompass and I wasn’t able to find it elsewhere. So the only way would be to open it and hope the battery has a part number on it. Most shavers have the battery leads soldered and it is officially non user-replaceable. But someone with some electrician skills would be able to swap it easily.
Just a word of caution, after opening any shaver the waterproofing could be compromised.
An easier solution would be to buy an older Philips Series 5000 (like the Philips Norelco Shaver 5175) and just use the attachments of your S738, they will fit perfectly. The rotary head for facial hair has 3 cutters and should work even better. The new Series 5000 shavers will not work with your attachments though (the new one has larger, rectangular heads so it’s easy to identify).
And you are correct, the foil head of your S738 is the same one used by the BG5000, so you can replace it if needed.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
I found your site a week ago and since bought the Braun Series 9 Pro 9420s with a separate cleaning station, the Remington XR1500 and, just an hour ago I ordered the Philips BG7025/15. All with spare heads.
All thanks to your excellent reviews and valuable information.
I learned a lot here. Thanks!
Marcel
Hi Marcel,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share this.
I’m glad you found the site useful and I hope you’ll enjoy using your new groomer and shavers.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Jesus Christo thank you for this guide.
Thanks, Liam, glad you found it useful. :-)
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Great review. Thank you!
Thank you, Jari, really glad you found it useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for this detailed writing. The reviews are very helpful, and the tips plus instructions for shaving specific sections of one’s body are such a bonus to this writing.
Jon,
Thank you so much for the feedback and support, I really appreciate it. Glad you found the info useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Absolutely phenomenal review! Best coverage I’ve seen so far. Shows a lot of passion and dedication to body groomers. Great work!
Mido,
Thank you so much for the feedback — I’m really glad you found the info useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi! I am about to buy my first shaver ever and I am truly confused too many types and models. I just want a shaver for my body and face which one do think is better in my case? Also I want to know the difference between those body groomers like Xt5 and the other electric shavers like the 8 in 1 or series 3 from Braun.
Hi,
If you want a single tool for both the face and the body, it’s important to know that all of them are beard trimmers, not shavers, so you will not get a close, smooth shave on the face. They’re designed to trim and maintain a beard. If that’s what you’re looking for, then the new Philips Multigroom 7000 (MG7910/49) would be one of the more capable ones. I personally think it’s better than the All-in-one and other similar devices from Braun (better metal construction, much larger battery, cordless and corded use, more accessories).
The XT5 is, as I mentioned in the article above, only good enough for occasional use, I really wouldn’t recommended as your main trimmer.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
So if I am understanding your review correctly, are you saying you recommend the 5000 over the 7000 if using for chest, abs/stomach, and legs because it cuts the closest to skin?
As you can imagine for context, I am looking for a trimmer that can be used on chest, armpits, abdomen, and legs (quads/calves). I am NOT needing it for pubic/groin area or Beard. Additionally, I’m looking for something that is able to trim all the way to skin as possible (I prefer the aesthetic look where no hair is visible so I do full body shave every 1-2 weeks). Based on that context would you be able to confirm that the 5000 would be the better option for me, or would you recommend the 7000?
Hi Alex,
If you want a trim as close to the skin as possible, both the 5000 and 7000 would be able to provide that — using the foil head without any guard. Both will cut the hair equally close. I tend to recommend the 5000 because it costs less and also comes with a handle attachment for shaving the back which I think can be useful to you.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Amazing and really detailed review and by far the best review I’ve found. I’m looking to do my first ever pubic/arm pit shave and I’m quite intimidated. I was looking for some more advice if you could. Based off your view, I think I will be going with the Philips Bodygroom Pro Series 7000 as you’ve said it’s the best for pubic area specifically but also great for other parts.
My main focus is the pubic area which I’ve never shaved, and I don’t need a close smooth shave, but I definitely want to at the very least trim down there. I also want to avoid razor bumps so could I shave with the grain rather than against the grain? I’m okay with not getting a close shave. Another question is, should I shorten my pubic hair/arm pit hair with the trimmer end with a guard before using the foil end to shave it down? (have not yet to shave my hair in these areas so its quite long).
Hi Joe,
Thanks so much for the feedback, glad you found the review useful.
I think it would be best to first trim the bulk using the trimmer end + guard. Nicks usually happen when using the foil end if the hair is longer and it is pulled instead of getting cut — the hair will also pull the surrounding skin tissue toward the blade and will get nicked. So you should definitely trim the hair first using a guard setting of your choice, but the 3mm would probably be the best option if you also want to use the foil head after that for a smooth trim at skin level. If you feel the hair is too long and the 3mm guard tends to get stuck or pull some hairs, you can increase the length to 5 or 7mm and then to a second pass with the guard in the 3mm setting.
If you’re happy with the result you can just leave like that. There’s also minimal risk of bumps if you don’t shave it at skin level (with the foil head). And on that note, since this is the first time you’re doing it, there’s a high chance you will get razor bumps/Pseudofolliculitis if you’ll be using the foil head. Also, going with the grain doesn’t work — the hairs just won’t get cut and some may even get snagged.
The most important thing is to go slow and take extra care — especially since the hair is quite long. Also, when first using the foil head, make sure the hair has a reasonable length, you go slow against the grain and leading with the first blade (the foil shouldn’t really be touching the skin during the first passes). The middle foil should be used on short hair only to trim any remaining stumps once the hair got cut from the leading blade. You do that by angling the trimmer more towards the middle foil during the stroke. Hope this makes sense.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu, my man, my brother, you are a a lifesaver, best review out there, no bullshit sponsored proposed products ( excuse my language )
Your review, is 1000/10 but even WHAT BLEW ME AWAY, you literally gave me the European variant because I got confused about reading norelco
Thank you, forever, greetings from Belgium!!!!!
Matthew, you are too kind — thanks so much for the comment. I’m glad you found the article useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello!
I’m looking to do a trim on my pubic hair for the first time and I would like to know what razor you would recommend? I saw that you recommended the philips 7000 for the groin but I feel that it’s quite large and if I’m not looking for a close shave I don’t need the hybrid foil, I just need the trimmer with a guard right? I’m looking for something smaller as well, I feel like the 7000 would be too big for me?
Hi Mat,
That would correct, a trimmer + guard should suffice. The Braun Body Groomer Series 5 5360 for example or the Philips Multigroom 7000 are smaller and should be right for what you need. Anything smaller does come with some compromises. The Manscaped Lawn Mower is expensive and the blades don’t last, while the very compact models like the Braun XT5 or Philips OneBlade are just not capable enough to be used on a regular basis as your main trimmer.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for this great review! A couple comments as I have been doing this a long time.
I use and like the Bodygroom 7000 but always on the lookout for an improved model.
I use it with dry and wet. If you use it dry and want a very close and smooth shave, rub cornstarch on the area first. This allows the skin to be very dry and the shaver glides over with no resistance.
Now if you are looking for razor smooth, you can follow up with the ES412 Cleancut shaver. This is made in Japan and is very quiet. It can only handle stubble but what the Bodygroom doesn’t get, this one will. It’s quiet and uses C batteries. Continue using corn starch for best results and one and awhile scre the top off and blow the hair and corn starch out. They sell replaceable blades for this too.
Regarding using the bodygroom wet, this actually works really well with some conditioner. I like to rub conditioner into the hair which softens it. Sometimes I will follw with some Dr. Bronners peppermint soap to make it slippery. Once you have lathered up, leave sit for a few minutes and then shave. This is almost as effective as the corn starch.
I hope readers find these tips useful! I am a big fan of a smooth pubic area on men and women. It sure increases intimacy!
Hi Matt,
Thanks so much for taking the time to share this, those are some great insights.
A while back I wanted to try the Cleancut foil shaver but couldn’t find a vendor willing to ship it overseas. There are more buying options now and I will be getting one. I’m curious if I can get a really close shave with no razor bumps later on — I tend to get them if I overdo it for that perfectly smooth finish (regardless of the shaver).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for this very detailed review! I will be purchasing the multigroom 7000 based off your view. The only thing i’m missing now is a nose hair trimmer, do you have any recommendations for that?
Thank you for the feedback, Josh — glad you found the article useful.
The Multigroom 7000 does include a nose hair trimmer attachment, so it should be all good. No need to buy a separate device.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks a lot for the detailed comparison. How now the multigroom philips 9000 compare with the 7000 body groom only in regarding with body grooming quality?
Hi,
Thank you for the comment.
I’m currently reviewing the new Multigroom 9000 and I have to say that it is pretty much identical in that regard. The only real difference relating to body grooming is the inclusion of a so-called body shaver attachment that allows you to get a close trim even on sensitive areas (groin, armpits), something the Multigroom 7000 lacked. The closeness you get isn’t as good as in the case of a Bodygroom 5000 and 7000 with that foil head, but still pretty good.
If that’s not something you’d be interested in, I would still get the 7000. It costs less, it’s just as capable and will even work corded (in the case of the OLD Multigroom 7000 like the MG7750/49). The new Multigroom 7000 (for example the MG7910/49) only works cordless, just like the 9000. Not a big deal in my opinion since it has more than 5 hours of battery runtime, but something to consider.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Excellent review that goes into detail that other reviews do not! I just ordered the 7000 and should be arriving in a few days.
Thank you so much for the comment, Tommy. Hope you’ll enjoy using your new groomer.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hey Ovidiu,
thanks so much for the review, it is very clear and concise and it got me looking at the Phillips Norelco 7000 Bodygroomer, since i was looking for something for the pubic area.
My question are:
1). I did more research and see it is best to only use it below the neckline and not for your face. So best not to use it for your face?
2). Then there is the Phillips Norelco 7000 Multigroomer which you mentioned was good for both areas, however not for sensitive skin. Could you elaborate on that?
Hi Merlin,
Thanks so much for the feedback, glad the article was useful.
Regarding your questions:
1) That is correct, the Bodygroom 7000 should not be used as a beard trimmer. It is only meant to trim the hair from the neck down. It is in my opinion one of the best, if the not best for a close trim in the pubic area.
2) The Multigroom 7000 doesn’t include a cutting attachment that will allow you to get a close and safe/comfortable trim in the groin area. You will need to use one of the body guards (3mm or 5mm) which, at least for me, is not ideal as I prefer a very close trim. If that’s not a requirement, then it’s a non-issue.
A third, middle-ground option would be the Multigroom 9000 that I recently reviewed here. Unlike the Multigroom 7000, it comes with a special attachment called Body Shaver that is extremely comfortable and you can safely use it on the pubic area. Compared to the Bodygroom 7000, it doesn’t cut the hairs quite as close since it doesn’t have a foil element (I’d say 0.3mm to 0.5mm — the length of the remaining hair). It’s still quite good though, very comfortable and the risk of ingrown hairs is minimal.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hey, great article! This is definitely the most useful review about trimmers I’ve come across online.
I’m looking to buy a body hair trimmer with longer attachments (about 10mm), but that could also trim close to skin level. I don’t particularly need a trimmer guard below 3mm and my areas of focus would be the crotch, chest, arms and legs. On this basis, I think the Philips Norelco Bodygroom 7000 would be the most adapted option in my case. What do you think of that choice?
I also saw Braun sells a similar product (at least on paper), the bodygroomer 5000 series. Its trimmer guard ranges from 3 to 11mm and I noticed it also has a foil blade attachment. Do you think this might be a good alternative?
Best wishes,
Ethan
Hi Ethan,
Thank you so much for the comment and feedback, glad you found the review useful.
I own the Braun Body Groomer Series 5 as well and for this particular use case I think it would make more sense than the Bodygroom 7000. It’s more compact and a bit easier to maneuver when trimming the chest, arms and legs. I would say however that the foil + blades head (for a skin-level trim on the groin area) that comes with the Bodygroom 7000 is better than the one included with the Braun. The latter has like a plastic guiding comb that is a bit scratchy and gets in the way slightly. I prefer the Bodygroom 7000 for trimming pubic hair, it’s more effective and gets the job done faster.
So these would be the pros and cons of both, but it’s up to you to decide which one represents a better compromise. The price of the trimmers is more or less the same, but the Philips replacement parts are usually easier to source and they also cost slightly less.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
I am a cyclist who shaves his legs weekly once every two weeks with a traditional razor. I am looking for an electric razor that can do the job quickly and easily. Something that can skim over a week long hair growth to a smooth finish. Not necessarily as close as a razor but close to it. As much as I should shave every 2-3 days, I know the likelihood hood of that happening is slim.
Your knowledge of electric razors is amazing and I’m hoping you can point me in the right direction so as I don’t waste any more money purchasing an electric razor that isn’t up for the task.
Cheers Simon
Hi Simon,
Thank you for the comment, much appreciated.
I think a Philips Bodygroom (5000 or 7000) would be ideal for what you need. The closeness of that foil+blades head is among the best you can get from any electric body groomer. The leading blade also works well if the hair is longer, so a week of growth (and even more) shouldn’t pose any problems. You may need to go a bit slower if the hair is very dense, but that’s about it. You can control the closeness as well by adjusting the angle of the trimmer relative to the surface being trimmed so that the foil part will come into contact (or not) with the skin and cut any remaining hair stump at skin level.
Both the Bodygroom 5000 and 7000 are good options, but I would rather get the 7000 for the larger battery and flexing head.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Appreciate your thoughts. Will definitely look into it
Hi
I have read all the information you wrote about. I prefer to shave the groin area to a length of 3mm. That’s why I’m initially considering BG5025 or ER-GK60-S. You wrote that SkinGuard performs poorly in the groin. You also wrote that the 3mm shield works great on other parts of the body. Please tell me how the ER-GK60-S with a 3mm cover works in intimate areas?
Hi Arturro,
Thanks for the comment.
Regarding the ER-GK60-S SkinGuard, I was referring to the fact that it cuts the hair at 2-3mm, so it will only be a problem if someone wants a skin-level trim. But if you want a length of approximately 3mm, it works just fine. I’d say it’s even better on the groin area vs the 3mm guard because the blade will cut the hair at the optimum angle since the SkinGuard mimics the V-shape of the blade/head, so the blades cuts the hair at a very sharp angle which is ideal. With the 3mm guard, the blade will be more or less perpendicular to the skin and that will be a problem with flat-lying hairs.
The BG5025 (Series 3500) is the older model (currently replaced by the Bodygroom 5000), so I don’t know if you can still find it. I do like the guards of the 5000 more, they seem sturdier and glide easier on the skin. So I would rather get the 5000 instead.
Personally, I like the Bodygroom 5000 more when used on the groin vs the ER-GK60-S because the pull-style handle is more comfortable and feels more natural to use. The ER-GK60-S is more of a hybrid push/pull trimmer that works really well for example on the chest, abs or arms, but I don’t find the ergonomics that good when trimming pubic hair.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
thoughts on MG9730/40? cant choose between MG7750/49, MG7910/49 and 9730
Hi,
All three are similar groomers with a metal body and large battery (5 or 6 hours), so the differences are related to the accessories. Even though the MG7910/49 and MG7750/49 are part of the Multigroom 7000, the performance is identical to the MG9730/40 which is a Multigroom 9000.
If price is not an issue, here are a few things to consider:
— the MG9730/40 is the only one that includes a trimming head for a close trim on sensitive areas (groin, armpits). If that’s something you’ll need, this is the one to get. You can read more about that particular trimming head in my review of the Multigroom 9000.
— the MG7910/49 comes with two adjustable beard guards which are very handy for fading a beard. You may or may not need them for that. The MG9730/40 only includes one, so won’t be very easy to get a seamless fade. The MG7750/49 only has fixed beard guards.
— the MG7750/49 is the only one that works cordless & corded. You can read my review of it here.
My suggestion would be to get the one that makes more sense for your needs considering the above mentioned aspects.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
thx for answer! so 9000 one will not work corded u think? i see he has charger like old 7000 one
You are very welcome. No, the 9000 will definitely not work cored. Only the old Multigroom 7000 (MG7750/49) will operate cordless&corded.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
You have prepared a really great guide. thank you so much. Which of the Philips mg7000 series devices do you recommend? I am thinking of buying Philips MG7950. I am also undecided about buying Philips MG9710 instead.
Hakan,
Thank you so much for the feedback. Between those two models I would get the MG7950 — it comes with many useful attachments, including 4 adjustable guards and a Body shaver head.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Dear Ovidie,
Thank you very much for your interest. Apart from these devices, there are also braun’s MGK models. I could not see them on your web page. These models look quite functional. Would you like to say something about them?
Hi Hakan,
I would consider the MGK models if I was mainly be looking for a beard trimmer, I think they’re better for that use case. For an all-purpose body groomer, I just find the ones from Philips more capable and better suited. I would rather get a BG Braun trimmer instead of the MGK, like for example the BG5360. That one is a decent, compact, versatile trimmer with a fair price, but the foil head isn’t as good as the ones from the Philips Bodygroom models.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
hey there,
Great article, very informative.
Ordered Philips BG7042.
It’s a amazing device, Thanks for the recommendation.
Keep up the good work.
Love from India.
Hi Aditya,
Thanks so much for the comment — hope you’ll enjoy using your new Philips groomer.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi.
This article is a game changer for me. I just bought a Remington Body Groomer.
https://www.remingtonproducts.com/products/shave-and-groom/clippers-and-trimmers/face-and-body-trimmers/bht6455ff-shortcut-pro-body-groomer-with-handle.aspx
And I had some breakouts on my back and shoulder. ( I am a very hairy )
I do have
https://www.usa.philips.com/c-p/BG5025_40/norelco-bodygroom-5000-showerproof-body-groomer
https://shop.panasonic.com/products/body-hair-groomer-3-comb-attachments
And a body trimmer attachment of Braun series 7 new
Now I can follow your article as per your instructions.
But if you have anything to advise, kindly share me because I need it.
Thanks
Sheraz
Hi Sheraz,
Thanks so much for the kind comment.
Just to make sure I understand this correctly — did the breakout occur as a result of using the trimmer on the back and shoulders?
If so, you may want to use it with a guard when trimming the areas prone to breakouts. Your Philips Bodygroom 5000 for example has a 3mm guard that you can use and still get a reasonably close trim. If the hair is cut at skin level (no guard) that may cause some bumps.
I would also consider seeing a dermatologist as there are some simple and very effective products to keep the breakouts under control if the problem persists.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
What is the best shaver that can double as a good face shaver as well as for pubic hair?
Hi,
I don’t think you can find one that can work reasonably well for both. Facial hair is short, coarse, and grows relatively straight on flat surfaces with taut skin. On the other hand, a good trimmer for pubic hair will have to handle soft, long and short, flat-lying hairs that grow on difficult areas. So you will need a specially designed trimmer to handle that, like for example the foil+double blade head on the Philips Bodygroom models.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello Ovidiu!
Thank You for taking the time reading Our comments!!
I was curious if You knew of a body trimmer or two that was able to groom hair down to 1mm or .05 mm? I like the smoothness with a razor on My legs but I have course hair and ingrown hair is frequent.
Hi Darin,
Many thanks for the comment.
There are actually a few trimmers that would cut the hair just above skin level which can help with reducing ingrown hairs or bumps.
First of all, any push-style trimmer with shearing blades can probably cut the hair at that length (without a guard of course), but I don’t think that’s a viable option because the risk of nicks is a bit too high.
A better idea would be to use a Philips Bodygroom 5000 for example and only use the the first leading blade when you pull it against the hair grain (without the foil element touching the skin); that way you’ll likely be able to cut the hair at around .5mm above the skin.
The Philips Multigroom 7000 also has 1mm beard guard, but I’ve used it successfully on the rest of the body as well. So for 1mm, I think that one is a good option since the guards of most other groomers start at 2mm or 3mm.
Finally, the Multigroom 9000 (MG9510/60) has a specially designed head that while it’s designed to be used on sensitive areas, works well everywhere and in my experience cuts the hair just a bit above the skin (.2 to .5mm). You can read my review of it here.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for this website! I consulted your reviews and comparisons when looking for the perfect electric shaver and a body groomer. I found your thorough and comprehensive analyses very useful :)
Matti,
Thank you so much for the comment — glad you found the site useful. I hope you’ll enjoy using your new shaver and groomer.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello, this was a very in-depth read, thanks! I’ve never owned a body trimmer before and I think I’ve settled down on either Phillips Bodygroom 3000 or 5000 series, but I’m a bit overwhelmed with the choices available in Europe here.
If you don’t mind, would really really appreciate your input or advice, if possible. There’s so many different variants of the same series I’m a bit lost.
I’d for sure use the body trimmer for my pubic area and armpits. Although I’d like to have the availability of shaving the back and/or beard+head (even if there’s only a 10% chance I won’t use it for that purpose).
3000 series: BG3010/15 (36 Euro), BG3015/15 (43 Euro), BG3017/01 (34 Euro)
5000 series: BG5020/15 (54 Euro), BG5021/15 (51 Euro)
Hi Joe,
Thank you for the comment.
I personally would go with a 5000 Series mainly for the better battery. The 5000 uses Li-ion batteries, while the 3000 comes with old NiMH batteries that have some specific negatives and in the long run I think the price difference will be money well spent.
The only difference between the BG5020/15 and BG5021/15 is that the former comes with a standard Philips wired charger, while the latter only includes a Philips-USB-A cable, so you’ll need to use your own USB-A charger with it. Both come with 3 combs and the back extension.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
I really appreciate your page. I bought the Braun shaver upon your recommendation and also the 7000 for the groin area. Do you feel it is a “waste of money” to also buy BT9810 solely as a beard trimmer in combination with my braun shaver and then having the 7000 for the groin alone? (As i also heard it best not to use the same tool for groin and face). Just wondering your opinion about this.
To top it off im also gonna order the Braun Compact trimmer upon your recommendation as i also just threw out my old Philips Oneblade then i think i completed my shaver/trimmer collection for now.
Hi Mathias,
Thanks so much for the comment.
Just to make sure we’re referring to the same thing — did you buy the Multigroom 7000 or the Bodygroom 7000? If it’s the former, then getting the BT9810 is probably redundant. If however you got the Bodygroom 7000 for the groin, then it makes sense to buy a separate beard trimmer and the BT9810 is one of the more capable ones.
Also, by Braun shaver you mean a foil shaver like the Series 9? Do you usually alternate between clean shaven and a stubble beard?
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi again Ovidiu,
Thanks a lot for your reply.
It is indeed the Bodygroom 7000 i got for the groin and then i bought the BT9810 for the beard when i dont want a clean shave which im starting to move a bit away from.
And yes by Braun shaver i actually mean the Series 9 which i bought recently through your link.
So atm i got Braun Series 9, Bodygroom 7000 and Beard trimmer 9000 Prestige for when i don’t want a clean shave. All with the help from your guides as i have quite sensitive skin. :-)
My pleasure, Mathias, glad to hear it. :-)
I think those are excellent tools that also complement each other really well and should be enough for pretty much everything.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Thank you for all the work. I have a slightly different questions from others: I am looking for a trimmer (not a shaver, not close to skin) for body (chest, shoulders, back) hair – no pubic region or other more delicate parts. The idea is just to reduce the length of body hair, as my hair is very curly and gains a lot of volume.
From what I have been able to research, the foil trimmers work poorly for this (as the guides will not pick up the hair properly) and all the others seem to be very “detailing oriented” (not very wide blades) – do you know of any option with a wider blade, so it takes less passes, and ONLY for body hear trimming (no beard trimmer or hair shaver)?
Thanks a lot!
Hi Carlos,
Thank you for the comment, much appreciated.
You are right — a foil trimmer is about the worst type for this use case. You would need a push-style trimmer, ideally with a wide shearing blade and at least a few guards to get the desired length.
The Philips Multigroom 7000 should work well as it’s powerful, has great battery life and the blades cut really well without getting clogged with hairs. It comes with a wider blade and guards as well and even though those are intended for the hair on your head, they should work fine for body hair as well. That is of course if you don’t find the standard blade and its guards good enough.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
In comparison to your top picks, would the wahl 5 star detailer + the wahl 5 star finale shaver, be a good combo for , facial,body, private hair cutter? I like to have an almost razor shaved look.
Hey,
I’d say it’s not an ideal combo, certainly not for body/private parts.
The 5 star Finale is a double foil shaver that only works well on flat surfaces and if the hair is very short and grows relatively straight. You could use it for a clean shave (on your face and neck) but I think other shavers out there (like the Panasonic Arc 5 for example) are much better suited for this use case. While the 5 star does cut very close, it’s not very comfortable if you have sensitive skin and the very thin foils tend to wear out quickly, especially if you use it as your main shaver.
The Wahl detailer is a zero-gapped trimmer that’s perfectly suited for precise cuts, edging, blending a skin fade into the longer hair and so on. And while it could work as a beard trimmer, I would never use it to (pre) trim the hair on the groin area. It will most likely nick the skin.
If you’re willing to buy two separate devices for your shaving/grooming routine (I personally think that’s the right decision), you’d be better off with a Panasonic Arc 5 (like the ES-LV65 or ES-LV67) for your face and neck and something like the Philips Bodygroom 7000 for body/pubic area. The latter is able to provide very close (and safe) trimming, it can get the stray hairs easily even if the area is not flat and it’s much better suited for body hair than the 5 star detailer and shaver.
The Arc 5 is one of the best foil shavers out there, it cuts the hair very close, it’s fast, reliable, comfortable and you get a lot for your money. You do need to use it regularly to get the best results (that’s the case with any foil or rotary face shaver).
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
How long will the AA battery of the Philips Bodygroom Series 1000 last if I use the trimmer once a week on the armpits and groin area?
How long will the blade last if I use the blade once a week on the above mentioned areas? About 4 years?
Hi Alex,
A decent battery (like Varta/Duracell longlife/alkaline type) should last for 3 months — sometimes more or less than that depending on how long a trimming session lasts. I honestly haven’t used mine that much since the plastic guards broke, rendering it useless, but I seriously doubt the blade won’t get dull after a couple of years, maybe even sooner.
This is not the type of Philips trimmer you would use constantly for years (it costs less than a pair of replacement heads for the OneBlade for example, so it’s more or less disposable after a while).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you.
Hi Ovidiu
As my favorite shaver guy i need your advice again. I recently bought the BT9810 as a beard trimmer to supplement my Braun Series 9. But i do however feel that the BT9810 is a bit big and clumsy for my hands and need as i don’t grow A LOT of beard. But i still want a high quality product but in a more compact trimmer. Not neccesarily the actual compact trimmers – but definently also open for those – but what would you say could be a good pick for me? Basically instead of the BT9810 or maybe as a combination. I am looking for a comfortable shaving as i have sensitive skin aswell. Do you think Braun Series XT5 is my best option or are there a good option that isnt in the compact trimmer category but is still fairly compact and comfortable you wanna recommend?
Thanks a lot!
Hi Mathias,
You’re very kind — hope I’ll be able to help.
Can you tell me if you’ll generally be using the trimmer with or without a guard? What would be the final length of stubble you’ll be aiming for? As short as possible? Longer?
Also, how often do you recon you’ll be trimming your beard? Once a week? Less often?
These details would really help me narrow down some of the options.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi again Ovidiu,
Thanks i really appreciate it! I am using it without a guard as i like it fairly close shave just not always as close as when using the actual braun shaver. I like the length the BT9810 shaves tbh. And yes i would probably be looking to use it once a week.
Price is not really important to me it is more quality and comfort i would say. And don’t get me wrong i can feel that BT9810 is good quality etc and it trims the right length it simply feels a little too big and clumsy for me especially considered i don’t grow a lot of beard. But it was my expectations that was off i was just expecting something smaller.
Hi Mathias,
You are very welcome. Based on that I would check out the Braun Series 5 All-in-one Kit (5471). Here is a picture of it in my hand so you can get an idea of its size. It has a plastic body, so it weighs significantly less than your trimmer at only 136g. It should be more than enough for a weekly trim without the guard.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Could you please review the Gillette Intimate trimmer: https://www.amazon.com/Gillette-Intimate-SkinFirst-Waterproof-Cordless/dp/B0CGKJNW1C/ref=pd_aw_ci_mcx_mh_mcx_views_0?pd_rd_w=UgOZv&content-id=amzn1.sym.7f2d47c6-96e0-49df-9eed-025825f105c0%3Aamzn1.symc.2b06b7e8-a86c-4e6e-b02c-90d58278f4f1&pf_rd_p=7f2d47c6-96e0-49df-9eed-025825f105c0&pf_rd_r=VC5WW2J971CTJM37J25F&pd_rd_wg=XGY5E&pd_rd_r=701d1898-5746-4830-9969-83fc9364dbdf&pd_rd_i=B0CGKJNW1C?
It has great reviews.
Hi Alex,
Will do. The Gillette trimmer is essentially a Braun Body Groomer Series 5. P&G owns both the Gillette and Braun brands so it makes sense to take advantage of that. The trimmer itself is very decent for the money, effective, lightweight and easy to use.
The Braun 5360 variation (the one I have) also includes a foil head attachment (like the Philips Bodygroom) for a close, skin level trim on private and sensitive areas. It doesn’t work quite as well as the Philips, but it gets the job done eventually.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Thanks very much for your insightful reviews.
Do you know if there are any lightweight mains-powered beard trimmers available? I don’t need the complication/expense/weight/limited-life of a rechargeable battery as I will always be next to a standard UK shaver point.
I suspect not but would be grateful for the benefit of your wide knowledge.
Thank you,
Hi,
Thank you for the kind comment, much appreciated.
Unfortunately no, I don’t think there are any mains-only trimmers available. All of them have an internal battery, so I guess the next best thing would be a corded&cordless model. And even those are getting very difficult to find nowadays as the most trimmers are cordless-only. The old Multigroom 7000 that I mentioned at number 3 in my list is one of the last to offer this feature and it’s a USA model, so not so easy to source in the UK.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Absolutely incredible guide. ShaverCheck is really the gold standard for mens grooming.
I’ve been using the Multigroom for awhile and everything you said is spot on. Might get a Bodygroom for sensitive shaving sooner or later.
Thank you for the comment, you’re too kind. Glad the info was useful and you’re enjoying your Multigroom.
The Bodygroom (especially the 7000) would complement it very well if you also need a groomer for a close trim on sensitive areas.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Thanks for an exceptionally informative article.
You’ve mentioned that Braun’s foil+blades attachment isn’t as good as Phillips, could you elaborate on what exactly you meant? does it not cut as close? or is it not as gentle?
I am currently looking to get a versatile device that I could use on my body to get to skin level as well as on my beard to maintain the outline and retouch the fade, and I am thinking of either:
Braun MGK7321: comes with everything I need, namely:
– foil+blades attachment for a skin level finish on the body
– a separate precision foil attachment for a skin level finish on the face and neck.
– a good assortment of length guards ranging from 1 to 21mm.
Philips MG7920 + Philips BG3017: admittedly, this is a bit more expensive, but I get:
– What you believe is the better foild+blades implementation (from what I understand the difference between the BG 3000 and 5000 is the attachments and battery life).
– A better range of cutting lengths on the MG7920.
– The other Philips BodyShaver attachment which comes with the MG7920 (which I suppose I wouldn’t use much).
– Possibly better battery life from the MG7920 (unsure of this).
However, I lose the precision shaver attachment which leaves me to use either the BG3017 on my face and neck (very risky) or the maybe the other BodyShaver attachment(?).
Anyway, thanks for your time, I’d really value your opinion on this.
Hi Ahmed,
Thank you for the kind comment, much appreciated.
Can you please provide a few more details so I can get a better understanding on how you’d be using the trimmer(s)?
– Body hair: what’s the preferred hair length and how often you recon you would use the trimmer? Would you prefer a skin-level finish on the whole body or maybe just the groin/armpits etc?
– Facial hair: will you be needing a beard trimmer (to maintain a beard to a certain length), a shaver (for a clean shave) or just a tool to clean up the top of the cheeks and the lower part of the neck and get close to the beard line?
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for your reply.
– I prefer a skin-level finish on the whole body, specifically the groin and the armpits.
– For the beard I intend to use the tool to maintain the beard at a certain length and clean up the top of the cheeks and the neck beard.
Hi Ahmed,
Thanks for the additional info.
In my opinion the best groomer for a whole body, skin-level finish is a Philips BodyGroom, either the 5000 or 7000. I think the foil+blades head is ideal for this, it’s quick, effective, gentle and can get closer than any other blades-only trimmer. The Braun foil+blades head isn’t as good, especially when trimming pubic hair: requires more passes and changes of angle, it’s a bit scratchy and I think it also lags a bit behind in terms of closeness. Also, I know from personal experience that the Philips head is very durable, while I’m not so sure about the Braun one. And the price is usually lower as well for the Philips head.
You mentioned the BG 3000 as well and that one is essentially identical to the 5000 if you don’t care about certain accessories like guards or back extension. I personally would still buy the 5000 for its Li-ion battery that takes less than an hour to charge vs the Ni-Mh in the 3000. Li-ion is also maintenance-free, you never need to worry about when to charge it or discharge it.
The Bodygroom 5000 or 7000 can only be used below the neck, so you will need a separate trimmer for the face. I would never recommend using a BodyGroom on the face.
I think a Multigroom 7000 variation that includes a foil shaver attachment would be ideal as it can really do it all. The MG7920 doesn’t have that and you are right, you wouldn’t have much use for the BodyShaver attachment as it leaves behind just a bit of stubble and it should not be used on the face anyway. If the MG7920 is the only one available, maybe consider a Multigroom 9000 with a foil shaver attachment (if it doesn’t cost too much). The Braun MGK7321 is a decent trimmer as well, but I think the blade of the Multigroom is better.
I might be a bit biased, but a Multigroom 7000/9000 (ideally with a metal body) is just bulletproof and reliable, I am constantly impressed by mine.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hey dude,
Great, great read. Thanks for taking the time. Super informative and useful in a minefield of marketing and backhander promo.
Looking in to the Multi Groom 7000 series in 2025, it looks like they’ve ditched the 9000 series (at least here in the UK. You can still find them in a few places) and instead included the Body Trimmer attachment with 7920> series trimmers. Philips don’t make this easy to understand at all. Made more difficult by the fact that various iterations are still floating around on different retailer’s websites and subsequently there’s lots of conflicting information in reviews etc. I managed to find info on some of the differences between models on Price Runner:
https://pricehub.co.uk/m1_compare.php?items_=2579797%2C2600946%2C2579875&huid_=8d49cd47&m_=all
In a nutshell, any of these from the 7920> now include the Body Trimmer tool. There are then various differences between models – mostly around included attachments. For example, it seems the latter two have an all-metal body vs the metal/plastic body of the 7920/30. They also come with a few different attachments – goaty trimmer, nose trimmer etc.
May be worth updating the article, as the inclusion of the Body Trimmer attachment changes choices quite significantly depending on your needs. Personally, I don’t need a to-skin shave on the groin, so the Body Trimmer should do fine. I do however need something to level my beard, too. So the newer 7940/50 multigroom models appear to be the way to go for me personally as opposed to a separate Body Groom/beard trimmer.
Cheers,
Alex.
Hi Alex,
Thanks so much for the comment.
The Multigroom 7000 series in Europe is currently a big mess for the exact reasons you mentioned. I will be updating the article as well, hopefully soon.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi! I noticed for body grooming you did not list any electric foil shavers like Arc 5 for example – these are more expensive and I thought they’d offer me a better and quicker shaving experience than a bodygroom 5000. Or am I wrong? It’s actually better to just invest into the cheaper body groomers listed here which never have 4–6 foil blades? I’ll be shaving my very hairy legs and chest (not pubic hair, there I shave wet with razors) Thanks!
Hey,
The Arc 5 and pretty much any other high-end foil shaver only work well on very short (1.5-2mm max), coarse, stiff hairs that grow relatively straight — like the ones on the face. Using it below the neck will almost always not be ideal and will result in poor performance (hairs getting missed or pulled instead of being cut cleanly). The hair on the legs and chest is long, soft, thin, curly and an Arc 5 will do a terrible job on that type of hair.
The advantage of the Bodygroom 5000 for example is that it has the two rows of exposed blades in addition to the foil element. This will pre-cut the hairs close to the skin and the foil element will shave the remaining stump at skin level.
If you don’t want to trim the hair that close to the skin, then a groomer with shearing blades (and various guards) will be the best option, for example the Multigroom 7000 or 9000.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Ovidiu you’re amazing, thank you! I want to shave close to the skin, so I think the bodygroom 7000 is not necessary (it is in fact cheaper at the moment!) – but I worry it is even louder than the 5000 (like you wrote in the article), so I guess I will go with the 5000 since I do not need to shave the pubes. But I still wonder, maybe the flexible 7000 head will be better for the legs/chest and worth it even though I won’t use the other end of the shaver.
You are very welcome, glad I could be of help.
The 7000 is indeed louder as the flexible head rattles more while the trimmer is switched on. The tilting head is handy especially when shaving the pubic area as it gives you more leverage and holding the groomer is more comfortable and natural.
With the 5000, you must hold the groomer at an angle very close to your body so that the first (leading) blade would be in proper contact with the skin to pre-trim the hairs. Otherwise the foil element will be the first which is not ideal when the hair is longer than 1 or 2mm.
Because the head of the 7000 can tilt during a stroke, you don’t have to hold the groomer’s body so close to the skin. But on the other hand, you have to be more mindful because while it’s tilting, the head can snag a few hairs and learning to avoid that will take a bit of getting used to. I didn’t like it at first, but now I very much prefer the 7000. But again, if you’ll only be using it on the legs/chest, the 5000 should be just fine. It’s also smaller and lighter which is always a good thing.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
you’re honestly too good and too kind! omg thank you!! for your time and help :) i’ll tell everyone this is the website to be at when it comes to shaving, like wow
My pleasure. Thank you so much for the support, I appreciate it greatly.
Hi Ovidiu, thank you for this detailed article. It’s very informative, detailed and excellent!
I just have one question- I find BG 5021/15 and 5025/40 available online for me to buy. I need to choose between the two. 5025/40 is 2.5times more expensive than 5021/15. Which one do you suggest and why?
Hi,
Thanks so much for the kind comment.
No (meaningful) differences whatsoever, you should absolutely get the BG5021/15 — identical performance. The BG5025/40 is an older model, probably difficult for the retailers to find suppliers, hence the outrageous price in some countries. The BG5021/15 charges via a USB-A cable (included) while the BG5025/40 comes with the old Philips charger. That’s basically the only difference and it is related to accessories, not the groomers themselves.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hey Ovidiu,
Have you had a chance to try the new Philips Body Groomer 7000 series (BG7480) unit? It looks like a complete redesign of that series and now has multiple combs that go from 1mm to 7mm in length.
Hi Adam,
Not just yet, but already have one on the way. I will review it and also compare it to the outgoing models.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Any update on this? The old BG7025/13 and the new BG7485/30 are about the same price on Amazon at the moment – I’m especially interested in the performance on sensitive areas.
Actually update on this, both the models I mentioned above now appear to be discontinued/unavailable on EU Philips websites (.ie, .de etc.) but available on the UK website.
https://www.philips.ie/c-p/BG7025_13/bodygroom-7000-showerproof-body-groomer
https://www.philips.co.uk/c-p/BG7025_13/bodygroom-7000-showerproof-body-groomer
https://www.philips.ie/c-p/BG7485_30/body-groomer-7000-series-2d-flex-head-dual-trim-shave-system
https://www.philips.co.uk/c-p/BG7485_30/body-groomer-7000-series-2d-flex-head-dual-trim-shave-system
This is almost as confusing as the Panasonic shavers!
Hi,
The review is still a work in progress I’m afraid, I just couldn’t find the time to wrap it up. But I did use the new one quite extensively, so here are what I consider to be the most important pointers:
— it is noticeably more compact and easier to maneuver than the old generation; the body is however less grippy with no rubber-like sleeve
— the flexing of the head is unfortunately completely useless now, there’s just some side-to-side tilting, minimal range of motion and it takes a lot of force to move the head. So it’s essentially fixed now
— the adjustable combs are a bit scratchy when used on the body; they’re also quite bulky since the adjusting mechanism is built into the guards themselves, not into the trimmer
— it’s still great for a close trim on the groin area, though they definitely should have kept the up and down flexing of the older model. It’s just as fast, effective and forgiving, though you still need to go slower if there’s a lot of hair
— the light LED is very weak, like it’s not even there, especially when you use the foil head attachment and you turn it into a pull-style trimmer
— it’s quieter than the old model, that one would rattle and vibrate more when using the foil head
The European BG7025 is being discontinued, hence the spotty availability. It has a lot of quirks (particularly the size/bulk and noise), but it’s still a great trimmer especially if you can get it at a discount.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for your detailed reviews and followup responses! You are a wealth of knowledge and I tip my hat to you.
I am in search of the idle long term travel trimmer/shaver combo to save weight while providing options. I thought that the Bodygroom would be the perfect start. The foil shave is absolutely terrible! I now read that if you have “sensitive skin” with course hair that it basically rips the hair out.
The one thing that I love about this trimmer is the led light. You say it’s weak, though I find it’s enough to see stray hairs and anything else in the line of fire.
1) do you have any other recommendations for an alternative all-in-one system with an LED light?
2) do you have an ideas on how to make the BG7000 foil perform better? perhaps a replacement will perform better than the one in the box?
3) it would be nice to have a trimmer option for longer trips – do you know if the Multigroom 7000 and Bodygroom 7000 can swap attachments thus adding the trimmer capabilities to the Bodygroom? I’ve read yes, but want to verify.
Hi Thomas,
Thank you so much, you are very kind.
For a close (skin-level) trim, including the pubic area, the Bodygroom line is in my opinion still the best option. The foil head with the two blades with rounded corners is the best compromise for a close and comfortable trim. If it performed very poorly, my guess is that you can certainly improve the results. Can you provide more details so I can suggest some tweaks? For example, if the hair is long/dense and you don’t go methodically and slow, against the grain and leading with the lower blade, at least at first, it will snag hairs and might even nick the skin. You may need to first use the trimmer attachment + a comb to debulk before using the foil head.
Regarding your questions:
1) The alternatives are few and not necessarily better. The Manscaped 5.0 does have an LED, but it performed poorly and it’s very expensive to buy and to run. Braun recently released their Series 7 body groomer, with similar accessories and features to the Philips model, but I haven’t tested it yet. So the Philips BG 7000 still seems to be the one to buy. I do find the LED light to be weak (in a well lit room), especially when using the foil head, but that’s just me.
2) Another (replacement) foil head will perform the same as the one that came with the groomer. I mentioned above a couple of things that should improve the performance, if you can provide more details, that would be great.
3) Yes, the trimmer blade of the Multigroom will fit the new Bodygroom 7000 and also the combs, though the functionality is exactly the same, so you wouldn’t be gaining a lot. Other Multigroom attachments like the nose trimmer for example could be useful. You would need to remove just the blade from your Bodygroom when swapping (like this), not the entire plastic attachment.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Thanks again for the amazing work you do with your reviews and information you provide to us.
I’ve never used one of these foil body groomers before and I just wanted to ask about when using the leading blade before the foil (is this the bottom blade under the foil or does it depend on the direction you’re holding the body groomer to choose which leading blade to use?), do you just pull in the direction of that blade?
I’m confused about using the top blade above the foil. Do you still pull, but just when facing the body groomer in a different direction? Hopefully you can understand what I’m asking.
And the hair length on my arms, legs etc. is quite long (not sure how many mm, maybe 20-30mm in some areas if I haven’t used a body groomer in a while), would the philips 5000/7000 BG still be OK for this if using the foil with the leading blade, or do I need to use a trimmer first? I’d like to use a foil BG as I want to get it as close as possible.
Hey John,
Thank you for the comment, you’re very kind.
Those are some excellent questions.
In the vast majority of time, I’d say more than 90%, the bottom blade under the foil will be the so-called leading blade, as you will pull the groomer toward you. There are only a handful of scenarios where you might want to push with the top blade against the hair grain. For example, when trimming the crease between the leg and groin — hope that makes sense.
Also, the foil head fits both ways, so when you remove it for cleaning and then fit it back in its place, any of the two blades can become the bottom leading blade, so the wear will be even.
As for trimming longer body hair, it might just work to start directly with the foil and leading blade. But this will greatly depend on how thick and dense the hair is and you may need to go slower to avoid the hairs getting pulled. If that happens, you will probably need to use the trimmer end to pre-trim the hairs — or a comb over the foil head in the case of the Bodygroom 5000. You will need to try it yourself though to see what works best. Subsequently, if you’ll be trimming the hair more often, you will be able to only use the foil head.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
Thanks for the quick reply. I wasn’t expecting one so soon. That’s what I was thinking in regard to the bottom/leading blade, but wasn’t sure. What you said makes sense. I was sort of thinking to top blade wouldn’t get much use, but I didn’t think about turning it around when you refit it after cleaning to keep the wear similar. Thanks for pointing that out as I didn’t realize it fits both ways.
I also do plan to use it more often so the hair should be much shorter after the initial time using it, but just wanted to know if I could use without a trimmer the first time around. I guess I’ll see how I go depending on which model I get. I think I will try what you said and start with the foil and leading blade and see how I go. I’d rather do it that way if possible. If it doesn’t work so well that first time, I’ll have to just use a trimmer to get the hair down a bit.
Now for the models/brand, I’ve been looking at Philips. One thing I really like about Philips it says “Maintenance free – No blade oil required.” Is that true that you don’t need to use any oil (should you put some on periodically), if so, I really do like that as it makes it a lot easier.
It also seems they have new/different models compared to when I last looked at their products. Also, our AU versions (for example the multigroomers don’t seem to have anywhere near the battery life of the ones you’ve reviewed here [only 120 mins for the MG7940/15 for example]). Why would that be? Just different for different countries?
It doesn’t seem that the BG7025/15 is still for sale here, seems they have different BG (newer models?) of the Body Groomer series. What would be the difference of these newer models compared to the BG7025/15, and would they be as good? Hopefully this link shows https://www.shavershop.com.au/men/body-groomers/all-body-groomers/?prefn1=brand&prefv1=Philips
I don’t know what model to get yet. I was looking at the 7000 series Multigoom as I loved the idea of the 5 hour run time, but it doesn’t have that with the AU models, so no reason to get that. I think I’ll likely go with a 7000 series Body Groomer. Also, would the replacement foil be the same? For example, can you use the TT2000/43 on the BG7470/15 (colour wouldn’t match, not that I would care about that, though) https://www.shavershop.com.au/philips/series-7000-waterproof-body-groomer-013520.html?cgid=all-body-groomers
Not sure if I need to email Philips to ask?
Hi John,
You are very welcome.
Your plan sounds great and if you’ll be using the groomer more often, you most likely won’t have any issues going directly for the foil head.
Philips unfortunately hasn’t released the Multigroom models with the large battery units worldwide. For example, here in Europe we also get just the 120 min version. That said, the Multigroom wouldn’t have been ideal for a close shave as it doesn’t come with the foil head (it can only include a super small attachment that’s only good for small touchups). The Bodygroom line would still be the best option.
There is a new Bodygroom generation, you can easily tell the new models apart as they are smaller, all-black (or grey), and the foil frame is now a teal blue. Speaking of which, the new replacement foil head is now called BG2010, but you can still buy and use the old one, it will fit as well. I find the new one more bitey and it shaves a tad closer, though you will need to be a bit more careful when trimming very sensitive areas like the groin.
As for the performance of the new vs old (dual head) Bodygroom 7000, here are a few thoughts after using both:
— the new one is noticeably more compact and easier to maneuver than the old generation; the body is however less grippy with no rubber-like sleeve
— the foil head attachment and the single-blade trimmer head are now detachable. So instead of having a dual-head and dual-motors, the new one now uses these swappable attachments. It’s therefore lighter, smaller and more user-friendly
— the flexing of the head is unfortunately completely useless now, there’s just some side-to-side tilting, minimal range of motion and it takes a lot of force to move the head. So it’s essentially fixed now
— the adjustable combs are a bit scratchy when used on the body; they’re also quite bulky since the adjusting mechanism is built into the guards themselves, not into the trimmer
— it’s still great for a close trim on the groin area, though they definitely should have kept the up and down flexing of the foil head from the old generation. It’s just as fast, effective and forgiving, though you still need to go slower if there’s a lot of hair
— the light LED is very weak, like it’s not even there, especially when you use the foil head attachment and you turn it into a pull-style trimmer
— it’s quieter than the old model, that one would rattle and vibrate more when using the foil head
I think both the old and new are still perfectly viable options, but it comes down to their specific pros and cons — hopefully what I mentioned above will help you decide.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Dear Ovidiu,
I suppose there are no words to express our appreciation towards you and your full dedication which resulted in such a comprehensive and useful material for body groomer fans :-)
As for my personal experience:
I’ve owned Philips BG 7000 series 7039/42 (the model which is previous of previous generation BG 7030/49 or 7040/42) for many years and it served with honor. However as discovered in previous week, foil head, namely the motor stopped working.
Now after browsing the internet about the recommendations, I generally remained on Philips as for the brand of new groomer to buy.
However there were clear comparison between Philips Bodygroom models themselves – which is better for what – 5000 or 7000 series, which generation is superior in terms of quality of hair cutting, and of course, skin safety.
Thankfully I saw this unquestionably the best article about close-up review and comparison among vast variety of the body shavers.
I have read everything on this page including article and the comments.
Thanks for it, since I prefer both shaver and trimmer depending on the body zone, I chose and bought BG 7040/42 (the older generation 7000 series Bodygroom model with travel case and extra foil head).
As I’ve summarized from the comments here as well as in other articles, newest 2025 generation (the blue one with one removable head) is not as effective as previous model and its more expensive, what makes no sense to chose it.
Thank you again my friend and best wishes.
Kind regards,
Giorgi
Hi Giorgi,
Thank you so much for the comment, you’re very kind. I’m glad the info was useful and I think you made the right choice.
I also owned the first dual-head Bodygroom (BG2040/49), as well as the second generation (like the one you just bought) and the current 2025 model. The latter does come with a few improvements (it is smaller and lighter), but also has some quirks and cons, like the redesigned head which makes the flexing pretty much useless. I prefer the previous one especially for trimming the groin area. And with the nice case and an extra foil head, it’s pretty much unbeatable.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi Ovidiu,
thanks for your blog. I have learned quite a lot.
I have seen, that the new Braun BG Series 7 is out, which includes both a light on the shaving head for better seeing what hairs you missed and also includes a new foil shaving head like the Philips.
What’s your opinion on it? I know that you didn’t quite like the older foil head of the Braun Bodygroomers as much as the foil head of the Philips. But from what I can see on the images they improved it
Hey Peter,
Thanks so much for the comment. I will be updating this article soon and include a detailed comparison between the new and old Bodygroom generations. I have been using both extensively for the last few months. Here’s a quick summary:
— the new one is noticeably more compact than the old generation; the body is however less grippy with no rubber-like sleeve. Also the girth of the body is quite substantial toward the foil head, so despite the smaller size of the overall trimmer, it’s not really more nimble.
— the entire foil head attachment and the shearing-blade trimmer head are now detachable. So instead of having a dual-head and dual-motors, the new one now uses these swappable attachments. It’s therefore lighter, smaller and more user-friendly when using the trimmer blade+combs.
— the flexing of the head is unfortunately useless now, there’s just some side-to-side tilting, minimal range of motion and it takes a lot of force to move the head. So it’s essentially fixed now (similar to a Bodygroom 5000).
— the adjustable combs are a bit scratchy when used on the body; they’re also quite bulky since the adjusting mechanism is built into the guards themselves, not into the trimmer.
— it’s still great for a close trim on the groin area, though they definitely should have kept the up and down flexing of the foil head from the old generation. It’s just as fast, effective and forgiving, though you still need to go slower if there’s a lot of hair.
— the light LED is very weak, like it’s not even there, especially when you use the foil head attachment and you use it as a pull-style trimmer.
— it’s quieter than the old model, that one would rattle and vibrate more when using the foil head.
— the new foil replacement head (now with a blue frame, part number BG2010) is backward-compatible with the old Bodygroom and to me it’s a bit better (shaves a bit closer), so that’s a quick upgrade in case you decide to get the old one.
I think both are still perfectly viable options, but it comes down to their specific pros and cons — hopefully what I mentioned above will help you decide.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you for your answer. The Philips Bodygroom Series is also of interest to me but I was specifically asking about the Braun BG Series.
I have read in other comments that you also have a Braun Bodygroomer, and the new Braun Bodygroomer Series 7 has an updated Foil Shaver. Any thoughts on this? Currently have a Braun Bodygroomer Series 5 and I like the Skinsafe blade but my Series doesn’t have the option for a Foil Head. Was wondering whether the Philips Bodygroom or Braun Bodygroom series would be better, considering that I like the trimmer blades of Braun but want Foil.
Also, what do you think, is the new Philips Bodygroom 7000 or a Braun BG more quiet?
Hi Peter,
My bad — I guess I was thinking about the Philips BG as I got many comments on it and I simply glanced over the text without paying too much attention. I am yet to test the new Braun BG7 generation. I’ve only used the older ones (including the Series 5) and the foil head of those was not quite as good as the one from Philips. It also had a few weird and pointy plastic prongs that got in the way instead of solving anything. With the new one they dropped them and I actually expect it to be very good. Braun has extensive expertise in the design of foil elements, definitely more than Philips.
Regarding the noise of the groomers with the foil heads attached, it is about the same in terms of decibels, but a bit different: the Phillips is more rattly while the Braun is deeper/harsher. I think most users will find them similar. But when fitted with the trimmer head (and combs), the old Braun is a bit quieter than the new Philips Bodygroom. Things might be a bit different with the new Braun though, but I will have to try it first.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you so much for your insights, they really help a lot. Will probably upgrade to the new Braun BG Series 7, as it is cheaper than the Philips Bodygroom 7000 in Germany.
Another question, you recommend the Braun XT instead of the Philips OneBlade. In product reviews I have often read that the users find the OneBlade more powerful and overall better than the Braun XT, have you also noticed that or is the Braun XT as powerful as the OneBlade?
Sincerely, Peter
You are very welcome, Peter. I’d say it’s similar, but somehow the XT feels more substantial and I prefer the foil + blades head vs the OneBlade head. As a side note, the OneBlade Intimate, which is intended to be used exclusively as a body groomer (no beard trimming), is noticeably slower than both the regular OneBlade and the Braun XT. It is very lightweight and thin, but not worth the compromise.
All of them however lack a USB-C port which is a big minus, but there aren’t really any viable alternatives.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Philips has launched a new range of body groomers: https://www.amazon.com/Norelco-Bi-directional-Waterproof-Attachment-BG9485/dp/B0FWFZWVTH/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=25YE7Y8WX7U7I&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.O8AC5fpFlSGeAvtxQ2jDMfb0mdYqu4ifsJSrdzW-d507YLe9O3O35ZJBPKRlH8_A-hOF-gKU7voxsLKCRYEx9q0Tgct1no11oBGfxfmdBRIyzRBaOhiryDcUdYAV-eeOSSaWYuOESLK7fxFFHOGid3cpzf6iSLZwerw0fNWI8ZCatjKayPwK5nycKypRLdOpLFhZMqFansfwAzQImqYKCg.1cdFHZ703OIMy-iMnxXP9EbwbXI7WPPhbP3CGKHZTK0&dib_tag=se&keywords=Philips+Bodygroom+9000+series&qid=1767466021&sprefix=Philips+Bodygroom+9000+serie%2CnoNav%2C294&sr=8-3.
The 9000 series even has a cleaning cube.
Hi Alex,
I’ve been using the new Bodygroom 7000 for a while now, will be updating the article soon. I don’t particularly like these UV cleaners, to me they’re not very practical or effective. You would still need to clean the trimmer regularly with water as the UV cube doesn’t clean dirt, it only tackles microscopic germs/bacteria. And in that regard, the foil head for example is super intricate, and the UV light is only effective against microorganisms in the direct light. I personally prefer to wash the trimmer with liquid soap and water every once in a while, it is super effective and quick.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thank you.
Thank you for your dedication.
You’re very kind, Alex, thank you. Glad the info was useful.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks for this post, incredibly helpful. The new Philips BodyGroomer series seem very hard to find detailed information on.
Can I just ask, did you notice much difference between the Body Groomer 5000 and Body Groomer 7000? I’m trying to work out the difference between the two new models and if one is better than the other.
Hi,
Thanks so much for the comment, glad the info was useful.
There’s really not much performance difference between them, even though on paper it might seem like it is. The 5000 Series has a fixed head, but that won’t matter much, since the flexible head of the 7000 has a very limited range of motion and it’s quite stiff. It also moves sideways, not front to back, which would have been a lot more useful (like the old generation).
The 5000 lacks the LED light, but I personally find it quite weak, so again I don’t know how much of a deal breaker would that be if at all. The battery on the 5000 is smaller though (100 vs 120 minutes).
All things considered, I think you could choose the 5000 Series if you can buy one for significantly less money than the 7000 and it comes with similar accessories (guards).
I reviewed the 7000 in great detail here if you want to check it out.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks so much. Honestly rare you find such helpful guides these days and even moreso helpful responses in the comments. Really appreciate it.
Seems hard to find the guards separately. The 7000 doesn’t seem available here yet while the 5000 is weirdly enough. Difference is about £20
Hey,
Thank you for the feedback, you’re very kind.
Availability of certain Philips series has always been spotty, with some models missing from specific countries without a very clear reason. But the 5000 will essentially perform the same because the flexing on the 7000 is there mainly for the specs sheet.
It will probably be a while until the guards will be available separately, maybe from specialized retailers that sell these parts. A quick workaround would be to buy the guards for the Multigroom 7000 or 9000, those should fit just fine and are usually available on Encompass.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
My wife insists that I shave the hair inside the area between the buttocks. It is hard to do manually. Do you recommend any of these shavers?
And yes, the question is a bit embarrassing.
Hi,
That’s a perfectly legitimate question, nothing to be embarrassed about. Most manufacturers explicitly mention not to use the trimmers in that area without a guard, which is inconvenient as the guards are usually bulky and it also means the hair won’t be cut very close. The Panasonic ER-GK80 with its V-shaped trimmer head and SkinGuard would be the most practical, but again it’s important to note that the hair will be trimmed at 2-3mm, so it won’t be a close shave. If that’s not a deal breaker, I think it’s a solid option. But never use it without the guard as it will definitely nick the skin.
The Philips Body Groomer 7000 with the foil head will cut the hair closer, but again the manufacturer says it should not be used in that manner as the skin is so thin and sensitive and it can cause injuries. You would need to be super careful and apply only gently pressure and really take your time.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
For the closest possible shave which one is the best?
As I see for the bg7025 Philips states “as close as 0.2mm” while for Panasonic EK-80 it says “0.1mm”
Hi Roger,
I would take these claims with a grain of salt. And in this particular case, it’s a comparison that doesn’t really have any practical implications. The foil head of the BG7025 is meant to be used without any guard, while the Panasonic EK-80 should always be used with a guard because it’s just not forgiving enough (I know that from personal experience). So even if it were to theoretically cut closer, it can’t really be used in a manner that would allow you to obtain that closeness in a safe and effective fashion.
The Philips Body Groomer series on the other hand is designed with that in mind. The combination of a foil element plus the two shearing blades with blunt teeth represent the best current implementation that can safely cut body hair as close to the skin as possible. That said, the new Body Groomer generation (the one that replaced the BG7025) comes with an updated foil head that shaves a bit closer (part number BG2010, also backward compatible with the BG7025 should you buy that one). So getting the new generation (at number 1 in this article) would probably allow you to get a slightly closer shave.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi,
I’ve been using One Blade face and body edition for maybe 4 or 5 years for my spotty and short facial hair. For my armpits it’s really not that great. If I let the hair to grow a bit too much, One Blade has a hard time dealing and clogs fast. I was thinking it’s time to get a better shaver for everything, so only Multigroom suits my needs. But is it really suitable? I’d need to get the same shave as one blade, trim armpits and private parts. Could use the nose/ears attachment too. Seems a bit too much to expect from MG9000? I’m currently looking at this exact model MG9557/15 which costs 70 euros (cheapest 9000 model). Would it really suit my needs? Have doubts about the body attachment in this version as I have never seen it anywhere else.
Or should I just use my old One Blade and buy Bodygroom 5000/7000?
Would really love to hear your opinion.
Hi,
I think the Body Groomer 5000 or 7000 would be much better suited for what you need. The foil+blades head is extremely effective at cutting armpit hair fast and close to the skin, with no irritation. The Multigroom MG9557/15 doesn’t have such an attachment and you would need to use the trimmer blade (push style) and a guard. And that combo just isn’t as effective, easy to use as the foil head of the Body Groomer 5000/7000, and it will never cut the hair as close to the skin.
The Body Shaver attachment that some Multigroom 9000 models include would work better, but it would still not be as good as the foil head of the Body Groomer.
That one is also better suited for trimming the private areas (close to the skin). And I think it would last longer too, and it’s inexpensive and easy to replace (which can’t be said about the Body Shaver attachment).
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Thanks! Will check for BG models instead and maybe look for a new one blade.
Is there any real difference between BG 5000/7000 or a specific set which is best to get? These different combinations are crazy in Europe.
You are very welcome.
I would buy the 5000 unless you can find a 7000 that doesn’t cost a lot more. The flexing of the 7000 head is now pretty much useless, while the LED light is weak and even less effective when you’re using the foil attachment as it will get obscured by the trimmer’s body. So in terms of real world performance and features, the 5000 and 7000 are very similar.
As for the different versions, the most important accessories are the two adjustable combs for the trimmer blade attachment. Those, along with the foil head attachment are all you’ll need. Unless of course you need the back extension or a charge stand as those are not included with all the different models.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hi,
I’ve been using One Blade face and body edition for maybe 4 or 5 years for my spotty and short facial hair. For my armpits it’s really not that great. If I let the hair to grow a bit too much, One Blade has a hard time dealing and clogs fast. I was thinking it’s time to get a better shaver for everything, so only Multigroom suits my needs. But is it really suitable? I’d need to get the same shave as one blade, trim armpits and private parts. Could use the nose/ears attachment too. Seems a bit too much to expect from MG9000? I’m currently looking at this exact model MG9557/15 which costs 70 euros (cheapest 9000 model). Would it really suit my needs? Have doubts about the body attachment in this version as I have never seen it anywhere else.
Or should I just use my old One Blade and buy Bodygroom 5000/7000?
Would really love to hear your opinion. Thanks!
Hello! Thank you so much for taking the time to go through this in such great detail!
I had one question about the trimmers you ranked at #1 and #2.
You claim that the BG7030 trimmer is «arguably the better option for close, skin-level trimming».
If you were to rate the BG7030 a 10/10 for trimming pubic hair as short as possible, what would you rate the BG7480 model?
Im looking for a product that can trim my body (including the pubic area) as short as possible.
Hi Hektor,
Thank you so much for the comment, I appreciate it.
For closeness, I would actually rate both the same. The only reason I said the BG7030 was the better option is its front-to-back flexing, which gives you more leverage and makes more sense for this use case, unlike the side-to-side stiff head of the BG7480.
The new foil head of the BG7480 is in my subjective testing, able to cut the hair a bit closer, but you could of course buy the BG2010 foil head and use it on the BG7030 as well.
If you’re only concerned about closeness, I think you can safely buy the BG7480. It’s also the more versatile trimmer of the two.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
So appreciate this site. Only feedback I have is I wish you would be a bit more direct in referencing body parts. I understand the need to keep this respectful as a trusted source but I was left wondering at times “is he talking about the balls or something else?” Felt like an unnecessary game for a significant factor to making a purchase.
Hey,
Thank you so much. Noted the suggestion, and I will try to be more precise in future updates. Some words could be erroneously flagged as inappropriate by search engines, so I always have to take that into account as well.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu
Hello from Korea. Thanks to your post, I was able to save money by purchasing just the Nevo cassette—instead of the full Nevo unit—and attaching it to my Series 9 shaver; it works great. I’m really pleased that I could start using Nevo products affordably so soon after their release, all thanks to your article. Let me get straight to the point: you recommended the new Body Groomer 7000 as your top pick. However, while shopping on Amazon, I noticed a “Body Groomer 9000” that looks very similar to the new 7000 model—I’m referring to the Body Groomer 9000, not the All-in-One 9000. Does this model share the same specifications as the Body Groomer 7000? Their designs are strikingly similar. For context, I’m looking for a product to trim underarm and groin hair as short as possible. I found the ER-GK80 limiting for trimming the groin area, so I’m searching for an alternative. Since the older Body Groomer 7000 isn’t available for purchase in Korea, I’m planning to buy from Amazon US, but the existence of the similar-looking Body Groomer 9000 is causing some confusion.
Hey,
Thanks so much for the comment. Glad the info was useful and that you’re enjoying your upgraded Series 9.
Regarding the Body Groomer 7000 and 9000, they are absolutely identical in terms of shaving performance. The 9000 only includes more stuff in the package:
– a UV cleaner that I don’t consider necessary
– fixed guards that go over the foil head, but the cutting action isn’t optimal, like it is in the case of the trimmer head + adjustable guards that the 7000 also offers
– an extra foil head; useful, but I wouldn’t buy it solely for that
Therefore, unless you can get a good deal on the 9000, I think the 7000 offers better value for money. I do compare them in greater detail in my Body Groomer 7000 review if you want to check it out.
Hope this helps.
Sincerely,
Ovidiu