The Best Andis Clippers: Hype or Hope?

In the world of clippers, you’ve got some big names: you’ve got Wahl clippers, which has been around forever; you’ve got Oster clippers, which a lot of people like but isn’t a brand that’s quite as well-known; and you’ve got BaByliss, with the weird name and the sleek products, which people love to hate and hate to love. So how does Andis fit into all that, and what are the best Andis clippers?

Here we’ll get into all the details. Andis has been around for a LONG time, and there are a lot of professional barbers and salon-owners who only use Andis clippers. That’s impressive, when you think about it…

BUT, when you compare Wahl vs Andis clippers, you’ll find that Andis products are specialty tools, and they’re not all the same.

Some models are great for certain jobs, and not great for others.

Here we’ll go over the Andis models we love, and what they’re good for. First up:

Our Andis Clipper Picks, Summarized

We’ll get into the details in a moment, but here’s a quick overview of the Andis clippers we like the most, along with what they’re good for:

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Alright! There you have it. Let’s dive in:

Andis Clippers: In-Depth Reviews

Alrighty, let’s dive in and discuss with are the best Andis clippers for your needs:

The Andis 66215 Professional Envy Hair Clipper

Summary: With an adjustable blade and an easy-to-use set of trim guards, the Andis Professional Envy Hair Clipper provides professional-quality clippers for those who may be new to the tool.

Pros:

• 7,200 SPM
• Adjustable blade
• Ergonomic grip
• Hanger loop
• Red finish

Cons:

• Noisy
• Heavy

The Andis 66215 Professional Envy Hair Clippers are one of Andis’s basic hair clipper models that can work great for someone who needs a quality trim without any extra frills. The most impressive feature is probably the magnetic motor that runs the adjustable blade at 7,200 cutting strokes per minute—that’s powerful enough to take on thick heads of hair without yanking on hairs or, even worse, getting stuck.

Speaking of the blade, it has a single-lever adjustment that’s straightforward to use but still lets you change the cutting length between fine and coarse. The set comes with 6 guide combs—which is good for a basic pack, but as you gain skill, you may want more—and it’s plenty to learn with.  

The only downside to this model, in our humble opinion, is that it’s a little noisy, and at 17 ounces, a little heavy, as well. However, despite the weight, it’s actually easy to hold relative to other clippers due to the ergonomic grip. This is especially important when you’re trying to get neat lines / line-ups. You can hold the clippers more steadily and accurately.

Plus, it’s easy to store thanks to the hanger loop. This is definitely convenient in professional settings, but it’s also great for at-home use since you can save precious space in the bathroom.

Lastly, the Envy even stands out among other Andis clipper models in that it has a red finish. This gives it a slightly less “industrial” look, which can be more suitable for professional use in a stylish salon or barbershop as well as at home where it will match the more personal setting.

The Andis 04710 Professional T-Outliner

Summary: The Andis 04710 Professional T-Outliner is a durable set of clippers designed specifically for making sharp lines, line-ups, outlines, and fades, and it’s also great for beards.

Pros:

• Wide T blade
• Carbon-steel blade
• Zero-gapped blade
• Ergonomic grip
• 8-foot cord
• Durable design

Cons:

• Fragile blade
• Gets hot with too much use

Well-groomed trims require neat, sharp lines, and it helps a lot if your clippers have a T-outliner. There are a few good ones out there, but we like The Andis 04710 Professional T-Outliner. It has an extra-wide but extra-fine blade, allowing you to get straight, sharp lines, while also letting you look at the “big picture” and deliver a solid haircut.

We’re big fans of double-use clippers, and this can be a great tool for haircuts, but also for beards—the carbon-steel blade is zero-gapped and cuts closer to the skin than normal blades, and that’s great for fades but also for beard work. The only downside of its design is that the blade is a bit more fragile, so make sure you take care of it by oiling it before each use and storing it correctly.

The only other issue with this model is that it heats up a bit during long-term use. Otherwise, the 04710 is comfortable to use and hold. The weight is about average at 11.2 ounces, and it has a contoured housing that’s easy to hold onto for precision if you’re trying to get a chiseled outline.

It also has an eight-foot cord which helps you work around your hair or beard at different angles without tripping over the cord or accidentally ripping it out of the wall. The cord is thick and tough too, and along with the polymer casing, this increases the life of the device. This is a solid little guy, and one we’re happy to recommend.

The Andis 73000 Envy Li Cordless Adjustable Blade Clipper

Summary: If you want a set of cordless clippers to conveniently style your hair and beard wherever you want, the Andis 73000 Envy Li model, which its 11 guide combs, can be a good match.

Pros:

• Cordless design
• 2-hour battery life
• 11 guide combs
• Carbon-steel blade
• Relatively quiet

Cons:

• Low SPM
• Fragile guards

The first thing to mention about the Andis 73000 Envy Li Cordless Adjustable Blade Clipper is that it’s cordless: it runs on a lithium-ion battery that lasts for around two hours but only takes 90 minutes to charge. The cordless design gives you a lot more flexibility with where and how you cut your hair or trim your beard. Want to stay in front of the mirror? Drop anchor and set yourself. Want to roam around the house and get whiskers everywhere? That’s up to you, amigo.

In a lot of cases, the cordless design can even make shaving more comfortable and less irritating. With a corded trimmer, you’re likely to accidentally pull out the cord, which cuts the power and causes the blade to scrape against the skin. With a battery that doesn’t happen. Plus, it’s a lot quieter than corded designs so you don’t bother your family or roommates when you’re shaving or trimming.

The problem with the lithium-ion battery is that despite lots of advancements in the technology, the clippers just can’t get as much power out of the battery as when they’re plugged into the wall. Relatively speaking, though, the 73000 is still pretty powerful for a cordless model, the rotary motor delivering 5,500 cutting strokes per minute.

Finally, these clippers are an excellent option if you want to trim your hair or beard into elaborate styles. This is because it comes with 11 different guide combs that give you different lengths with easy attachment and removal in addition to a sharp and precise carbon-steel blade. Just take care of the guards as the plastic is durable but can break if you’re not careful.

The Andis 01557 Professional Master Hair Clipper

Summary: Few clippers on the market are stronger and more durable than the Andis 01557, which has a carbon-steel blade and an aluminum housing to give it a longer life.

Pros:

• 14,000 SPM
•  Adjustable blade
• Tough aluminum housing
• Carbon-steel blade
• Thick cord

Cons:

• Heavy
• Slippery grip

The first thing we should mention about the Andis 01557 Professional Master Hair Clippers is that it’s incredibly powerful: the magnetic motor produces 14,000 cutting strokes per minute, which almost twice as many as your standard set of clippers. That makes it capable of giving haircuts on VERY dense hair, and it’s great for trimming thick and even knotted beards (so you may want to consider it if you’ve been growing out that mountain man mane but need to get it under control for work or school).

On top of that, though, a strong motor can make for a faster and more comfortable shave or trim. It can reduce irritation since it doesn’t pull or yank on the hairs as much and cuts them more exactly, and that feature is complemented by the adjustable blade, which you can change to fine and zero-gapped for a close shave.

One unique feature of the 01557 is its aluminum housing. This is noteworthy and adds to the model’s flair, but it does have a couple of disadvantages. Namely, it’s a little heavier than plastic models, and smoother, which can make it harder to grip accurately. That’s a little disappointing, BUT, it does make the clipper set much more durable and resistant to damage if you drop it. If you’ve had problems in the past with clippers breaking down, this model is likely to last you a bit longer.

Also speaking of durability, both the cord and the blade on this set are designed to be super tough. The blade is carbon steel, meaning it stays sharp longer and resists corrosion, especially if you take care of it by oiling it before each use (or using an oil substitute), and the cord is thick so that the wiring inside doesn’t get damaged by all the twisting and turning—a great thing if you’re going to be working on yourself or someone else.

The Andis 12470 Professional Master Hair Clipper

Summary: If you want the power and durability of an Andis Master clipper set with the convenience and versatility of a cordless design, the Andis 12470 can be a great option.

Pros:

• Corded or cordless operation
• 7,200 SPM
• 2-hour battery life
• Charging stand
• Extra-long charging cord
• Aluminum housing

Cons:

• Heavy
• No guide combs

The Andis 12470 Professional Master Hair Clippers made our list because it has the power and quality of Andis’s Master line of clippers in addition to the convenience of a cordless design. Specifically, despite using a lithium-ion battery, the motor generates 7,200 cutting strokes per minute. That’s certainly enough to take advantage of the adjustable blade, which you zero gap and change between a fine or coarse cut. This makes it ideal for both hair cuts and beard trims, and if you’re a barber—or just an at-home user who cuts a lot of hair—we think these are the best Andis clippers you’ll find.

The blade isn’t the only part of the 12470 that’s versatile, though, and unlike a lot of clippers, you can actually use this model plugged in as well. This is nice because if you accidentally forgot to charge it, you don’t have to wait before you can cut your hair or trim your beard. That’s not likely to happen, though, because the battery lasts up to two full hours, which is very good. Not AMAZING, but very good.

As for charging, the 12470 comes with a convenient charging stand that holds the clippers upright so that they don’t get wet or dirty sitting on your bathroom counter. Additionally, the extra-long cord lets you more conveniently store the clippers while still keeping them fully charged. You can avoid setting them in a spot where they might get knocked over or soaked with water and damaged.

Lastly, it’s a durable device. The aluminum housing, while a bit heavy, is much tougher than other types of housing. This model can stand up to a lot more abuse than other clippers. This may be a bit much if you’re looking for something to use on yourself or your family/friends, but if you’re looking to give a lot of haircuts or trim a lot of beards, this can be a great option.

The Andis 79005 Supra ZR II Cordless Clipper

Summary: The Andis 79005 Supra ZR II is one of the most technologically advanced set of clippers out there, and can be a good choice for anyone who travels frequently or just needs maximum versatility and convenience.

Pros:

• Cordless design
• 3-hour battery life
• Worldwide voltage compatibility
• 5 blade speed settings
• Easily detachable blades

Cons:

• Doesn’t look “traditional,” and some guys don’t like that

The Andis 79005 Supra ZR II Cordless Clipper is one of the Andis’s most advanced models, bringing all the most innovation to a convenient but powerful package. For starters, it’s a cordless model, which gives you versatility of use. You can cut your hair or trim your beard in the bathroom, kitchen, even outside if you want. In fact, the battery lasts up to three hours, which is WAY more than most cordless clipper models, giving more shaves without having to worry about recharging. There’s a lot we like about this model, but that’s probably the most impressive aspect of it—that battery is a stand-out among clippers.

The long battery life also makes the Supra ZR II great for traveling because you may not even need to take the charger on short trips. It has other travel features, as well—in addition to being compact and lightweight, it has a voltage range of 100-240V, meaning you can use it in most countries in the world without a converter.

Furthermore, the Supra ZR II features a versatile clipper set—you can actually adjust the blade speed between five settings, from 1,800 to 3,800 cutting strokes per minute, and that’s very good for a battery-powered device. It allows you to trim both wet and dry hair, so you can use it after you shower. It would be nice if the model had a higher cutting strokes per minute, but honestly, 3,800 is more than enough for most haircuts.

Similarly, the blades are easily detachable. You can change the carbon-steel blade that comes with the clippers for one of over 20 Andis blade sizes to get the most comfortable and precise shave or trim for your needs. These other blade sizes may be sold separately, though—you’ll need to check.

This is a luxury model, and it’s not for everyone, but it’s got a lot of fantastic features if you’re looking for a high-performing, high-end model.

And… that’s it! Those are the Andis models we know and love. There are others out there, but these are the ones we like the most and recommend. Questions? Jump over to our “Contact” page and drop a line.
If you’re still here, and you’d like to learn more, let’s dive even deeper, and ask…

Are Andis Trimmers Worthwhile?

We think so, yes! There are some other great clipper brands out there (with Wahl being our other favorite – we compared Andis vs Wahl here if you’re interested), so why is Andis noteworthy?

Part of the reason is the company itself. The Andis Company traces its history back over 100 years to Mathew Andis who originally worked at Mitchell Motor Car Company in Racine, Wisconsin, before breaking out on his own to start his own manufacturing business in 1920. At first, his company was dedicated to tool and die, including frequent contracts to make hair clipper blades.

Eventually, the company began specializing in hair clippers, making their own devices using fractional horsepower motors. Because they were smaller yet more powerful and consistent than other brands, Andis hair clippers caught on and started to dominate the market.

Nowadays, Andis is one of the preferred brands of professional barbers and hairdressers because of their clippers’ power, high performance, accuracy and reliability. Walk into any barbershop around the country and you’re likely to see an Andis device hanging on the wall, some dating back decades due to the impressive durability of these machines.

In other words, Andis trimmers can be worthwhile because they offer professional quality from a machine that’s been fine tuned over 10 decades with advanced technology and tough construction. They provide versatile shaving, trimming, and haircutting with various models specialized for different applications. You can get the shave or cut you need with the confidence that your trimmer is unlikely to break down unexpectedly.

How to Choose Andis Clippers

Andis makes a lot of different models, and since they’re generally all high quality, it can be hard to pick between them. To find the right Andis Clippers for you, consider the various features and choose a model that’s designed for your specific needs. First you should ask…

What Do You Need Them For?

Many Andis clipper models are better suited for one type of use or another. For example, professional versus personal use. Consider this before deciding on a model.

Professional Use

Many hair-care professionals like barbers are loyal customers of the Andis brand. Many Andis models have the consistency, power, and durability required for salon use. If you’re a professional barber or hairdresser and looking for a set of Andis clippers, these are the important features to check for:

• Powerful motor: You want clippers that can handle any client that comes in, no matter how thick their hair or beard. For this, you need a powerful motor. Plus, a powerful motor can more easily handle hours of use each day without breaking down.
• Tough housing: Unlike a private individual who may only use their clippers for a few minutes every few days, a professional is going to use their clippers day in, day out multiple times a day. This means they’re going to see a lot more abuse, accidents, exposure to chemicals, etc. They need a strong housing and durable construction to handle this, which is why many professional Andis clippers are made of aluminum instead of plastic.
• Hanger loop: In a professional setting, the easiest way to store your clippers is by hanging them on the wall. This provides easy access and keeps them clean and out of the way of other things you need to store. For this reason, many Andis models have hanger loops that you can easily drop over a hook or nail installed in the wall.
• Long cord: As a professional barber or hairdresser, you’ll have to walk around your client and use the clipperson them from multiple different angles. As a result, you need a long cord that won’t get tangled around the chair or under your feet and that won’t prevent you from manipulating the clippers as needed. You may think that a cordless model would be the way to go here, but we actually recommend a corded design for professionals because they tend to have more power and will work consistently all day without having to recharge.

Family Haircuts

A lot of people like to save money by giving haircuts to everyone in the family. Andis has plenty of clipper models that work great for that too. There are just a few features you should look for:

• Multiple guide combs: It’s unlikely that everyone in the family is going to want the exact same haircut. You need guide combs that let you trim at multiple lengths so that everyone will be happy.
• Cordless design: You can certainly cut your family’s hair with a corded clipper set, but a cordless design just makes things that much easier. For instance, you can cut your kids’ hair on the back patio where they’ll be more relaxed and cleanup will be more convenient. Most cordless Andis models have the battery life to handle multiple haircuts in a row.

Haircuts and Beard Trimming

You may want your Andis clippers to serve two purposes: cutting the hair on your head as well as the hair on your face. You definitely don’t need two devices for this since there are plenty of Andis models that can do both. Here are some of the features to keep in mind:

• T-Blade: T-blades and outliners are ideal for hair and beard trimming because they allow you to make fades and straight lines.
• Detachable blades: These are blades that you physically remove from the clipper—if you want to adjust the length of the cut that the blade will give, you remove the blade and install another one. It takes very little time, but it can be a hassle. That’s why many people prefer…  
• Adjustable blades: Clippers with adjustable blades will have a lever on the side of the unit that allows you to change the length of the cut. Being able to “zero gap” the blade is also ideal. This means you can adjust the cutting blade to be completely flush with the top blade, allowing you to cut the hair closer to the skin.
• Guide combs: If you’re trimming your hair into specific styles / fades / line-ups, etc. or trimming your beard into specific styles like Van Dykes, goatees, ducktails, etc. you need guide combs to get neat, consistent trims where you need them. You’ll even need them for balding cuts where you’re not shaving the entire head, but instead trimming the hair that remains. You can get all the looks above without guide combs, but it’s VERY difficult, and takes a great deal of practice. Most people need guide combs.

With a Cord or Without a Cord…

Andis makes both corded and cordless clippers, so this is one of the biggest decisions you have to make when choosing between various models. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so either may be more appropriate for your personal needs.

In general, corded clippers are more powerful and reliable but more restricted as to where you can use them since you always have to be within reach of an outlet. Long-corded models help with this problem but don’t totally solve it. Meanwhile, cordless clippers are more agile and can be used anywhere, but they’re usually less powerful, and you can unexpectedly run out of juice. Plus, you have to remember where your charger is.

Due to these factors, we usually recommend corded clippers for professionals, those who want to cut and style their hair as well as their beard, and those with thick hair who need as much power as possible. Cordless clippers, on the other hand, are better for frequent travelers and those who only need the clippers for quick/less-challenging haircuts and light beard trimming.

Blade Adjustability / Zero-Gapping

Clipper blades are pretty straightforward, but many times they can be adjusted between fine and coarse. On Andis clippers, this is usually done via an easy switch on the side. In some cases, Andis clippers can even be “zero gapped” which means the two blades are lined up perfectly resulting in a super close (but potentially irritating) shave. “Zero-gapping” is a topic all its own, and clippers will usually disclose whether or not they can be zero-gapped.  

Guards Included with the Set

Some Andis clippers come with guide combs and guards, while just about all models are compatible with them if bought separately. These guide combs are essential if you want to create a stylish haircut or shape a clean-looking beard. They allow you to trim or cut your hair at different lengths in different places—and that’s pretty important when it comes to haircuts and beards!

T-Blade / T-Blade Capable

A T-blade is a special kind of clipper blade that’s very fine but extra wide, sticking out beyond the sides of the clipper casing. Its primary purpose is to help you cut straight edges and outlines into your hair or beard. It also helps with detailing and fades.

Because T-blades produce such a fine shave, they’re ideal for anyone who primarily wants to use their clippers as a shaver. While only a few Andis models come with T-blades already installed, they can be purchased separately and then switched out for the original blade on a number of models.

Motor Type: Important for the Pros (But Other Folks Too)

There are three types of motors used in modern electric hair clippers: magnetic, rotary, and pivot.

The majority of standard Andis clippers have a magnetic motor. This type generates the fastest blade speeds for smooth shaves with less irritation. More significantly, it has few moving parts meaning little internal maintenance is required, and the motor is less likely to break down. This is great for use at home or in boutique salons or barber shops.

Some Andis clippers also use a rotary motor. While rarely as fast as magnetic motors, this type allows for changing the speed of the motor. This is essential for cutting adjustments.

Pivot motors are rarer because they have high amounts of power but lower blade speeds. This makes them better for trimming really thick hair. For instance, they’re more commonly found on animal grooming clippers.

Cutting Strokes per Minute (Sometimes Called CPM or SPM)

Cutting strokes per minute, which you may see abbreviated as CPM or SPM (for strokes per minute), refers to how fast the blades move, a direct result of the speed of the motor. In general, faster blades mean not just a faster shave or trim, but a smoother one as well. The blades cut cleaner and are less likely to pull or yank on the hairs, which can cause irritation. For most purposes, faster is better.

Blade Material: More Important Than You Think

Clipper blades naturally wear down over time after which they must be sharpened or replaced. As they get duller, they’ll cut less effectively and may even start to irritate the skin.

Most Andis models have carbon-steel blades with ceramic edges, a great feature to look for. These stay sharper longer, in part because they resist corrosion. This means they trim and shave comfortably for longer.

Weight: Also More Important Than You Think

Clipper weight can make a difference when it comes to how easy the clippers are to hold and manipulate, especially over long periods of time. Professionals especially will find that lighter clippers are a lot more comfortable to use repeatedly all day long. That said, even for personal use, a lighter set of clippers can be better for making elaborate designs since you can move it around more agilely.

The only thing to keep in mind is that lighter-weight models often have weaker casings that aren’t quite as durable. Let’s take a look at that now.

Casing: Durability / Toughness

The clippers’ casing protects the machinery inside the device and provides a handle for you to grip during use. As a result, the material it’s made from and its quality are important features to consider when looking for the best Andis clippers.

Many Andis clipper models made for personal use have casings constructed from plastic polymers. These are tough but lightweight and provide a stable grip for regular use.

Other models have aluminum casings. Aluminum is a lot tougher yet still lightweight, albeit not as lightweight as polymer. It really protects the clippers from damage and can help them last a lot longer.

How to Maintain Andis Clippers

Andis clippers are quality devices that require care and maintenance. Luckily, this is pretty easy. These are some of the most important things to do.

Brush Off Excess Clippings

After you’ve shaved or trimmed your hair or beard, brush off as much of the clippings as you can from the blades. If your clippers didn’t come with a cleaning brush already, you can use a soft toothbrush.

Clean the Blades

It’s always a good idea to fully clean the blades on your Andis clippers. However, you should avoid using water as this can corrode the blades and make them dull. Instead, look for a specific clipper-cleaning solution that you can spray on the blades.

Oil the Blades

One of the most important things you should do to maintain your Andis clippers is oil the blades before each use. Most clipper models come with the oil which you can lightly apply along the length of blades, letting it run between both. Then turn on the clippers for about 30 seconds. This will help distribute the oil evenly across both blades.

Replace or Sharpen the Blades When Necessary

Even though Andis uses top-quality carbon-steel blades, they still get dull eventually. When this happens, you should replace them with other compatible Andis blades or get them sharpened. You can do this by sending them in to Andis. Just call customer service at 800-558-9441 or email [email protected] to arrange it.

Store the Clippers Appropriately

Storing your Andis clippers correctly keeps them safe from damage and can increase the life of the blades and the device itself.

One of the most popular ways is to hang them from the wall using a hanger loop. This keeps them away from water and other chemicals. Plus, it puts them high up and out of the way of accidents.

If your clippers are cordless, another option is to keep them upright in the charging stand. Again, this keeps the blades out of water, and the blades and casing are less likely to get bent due to contact with the ground.

If neither of these options are available, you should make sure to store your Andis clippers in a safe, cool place away from water and other liquids.

Avoid Damaging Voltages

Lastly, you shouldn’t use your Andis clippers with a voltage they’re not compatible with. Many countries use different voltages. For example, the US uses 120V while Europe uses 230V. If a set of clippers is rated for 100-140V, plugging it in in Europe without a voltage converter could damage the motor. Some models of Andis clippers are compatible with worldwide voltage, meaning you can use them everywhere. Many aren’t, though, so make sure you check.

Clipper FAQs

Have questions? We’ve got answers. And more questions… but also answers:

Can I Send My Andis Clippers for Repair?

You’ll have to check the warranty—see the next question—but it looks like yes, the Andis Company repairs their clippers themselves, and there are multiple third-party dealers that will repair their devices. To repair the clippers with Andis, call customer service or email them at the address we listed above. If the clippers are out of warranty, fees vary based on what’s required and the model in question.

Do Andis Clippers Have a Warranty?

Yes, most Andis clippers bought directly from the company or authorized third-party dealers come with a one-year warranty. As per the time of this post and the info we received from Andis, Andis will repair or replace defective clippers free of charge except shipping and handling. Modifying the clippers voids the warranty, and the warranty doesn’t cover parts that naturally wear down like blades or foil heads. For questions about the warranty or for repairs or replacement, call customer service or email them.

How Do You Calibrate Andis Clippers?

You can easily calibrate or “zero gap” Andis clippers by adjusting the blades. This is not recommended for beginners because you can adjust the blades too far forward, causing them to cut or scrape the skin. Additionally, it can potentially void your warranty. If you decide you want to zero gap your Andis clippers, follow these steps:

1. Loosen the screws on the back of the blade until you can slide the top guide blade up and down.
2. Make sure the clippers’ adjustment lever is in the closed or fine position, then set the blades as close as possible and even with one another.
3. Tighten the screws slowly, making sure the blades don’t come unaligned again as you do so.

Can My Andis Clipper Blades Be Sharpened?

Unless the blades are broken or rusted, Andis and many third-party dealers will sharpen the blades on Andis clippers for a small fee. To send them to Andis for sharpening, call customer service or email them.

We’re Going to Be Honest and Admit Something…

When we got started in the barbering game, we thought “Andis clippers” were “Andy’s Clippers.” We thought the company was named after some guy named “Andy” who really liked to make clippers. How embarrassing for us.

Anyway! Hopefully there’s something here that’ll help you. Andis is a great company with many, many years of experience making clippers, and while some people don’t like them, there are a lot who do. Good luck, have fun, and happy clipping!