Last Updated: August 5, 2022
Are you tired of the buzz and vibration of clippers? Does your kid dread a running clipper?
Well, you can fix this annoying noise with a few tweaks to the taper lever.
Been there and done that?
Then, it's high time you got a quiet hair clipper. However, it can be an enormous task to choose the right one from the sea of clippers online.
So, we took the liberty of compiling an exhaustive list of only the six quietest hair clippers on the market through thorough research.
In a rush?
The Wahl Professional 5-Star Series Senior Clipper is our top pick for its superior performance and unexpected quiet operation.
Top 6 Quietest Hair Clippers
1. Wahl Professional 5-Star Series Senior – Best Of The Bunch
Indeed this clipper is five-star in every aspect. It's a powerful clipper built to trim all hair types efficiently – it's highly recommended for professional barbers.
What makes Wahl Professional #8545 an incredible feat is how it operates powerfully, so it's not like giving up one.
Obviously, the quiet operation of the 5-Star Series Senior is the catch here. So it's also preferable to barbering children's hair without alarming them.
It has such a solid build that you'd think will make it heavy. Rather it's astonishingly lightweight, weighing only a little over 1 pound. It has a metal bottom that handles rough use in a salon okay.
Remember, Wahl Professional #8545 clipper delivers an incredible 14,000 strokes per minute. What's more, its battery lasts as long as 90 minutes on a full charge. But also operates while charging.
More importantly, the Wahl Senior is excellent at styling and edging. Its sharp blade is zero-gapped and also comes with three cutting guides. Unless you’re cutting a zero fade, fading is a breeze.
Pros
- Perfect for bulk hair removal, trimming, and edging
- Easy to use, even for rookie barbers
- Lightweight
- Impressive battery life
- Silent and powerful rotary motor
Cons
- Expensive
- No battery indicator
Takeaway
I believe the Wahl 5-Star is one of the best quiet hair clippers online. It has a powerful rotary motor, is easy to use, cordless, and, of course, silent.
But you’ll save almost a hundred bucks on the corded version.
2. Remington Virtually Indestructible – Best Budget Clipper
Just as its name implies, it's genuinely virtually indestructible.
How?
The Virtually Indestructible (VI) clipper has a high-impact polycarbonate casing and rubber grip. It might look like regular plastic housing, but it does an excellent job of protecting the volatile components when dropped.
The Virtually Indestructible has an impressive lineup of accessories for its price. It has nine cutting guides, an easily removable blade (for cleaning) with lubricating oil, a styling comb, and one I really appreciate, a beard brush.
Overall, the VI clipper is an all-around quiet clipper. It's perfect for bulk hair removal, shape-ups, kids' hair, and as a facial hair trimmer. However, it heats up fast, bogs down on thick hair, and is second-rate for blending.
Pros
- Built to last
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Inexpensive hair and beard trimmer
- Easy to clean
- Portable
Cons
- Underpowered for thick hair
- Heats up under heavy use
Takeaway
Remington Virtually Indestructible, by power, isn’t among the best quiet hair clippers on this list. But, it's an excellent inexpensive trimmer for easy DIY haircuts, shaving, and trimming kids’ hair.
3. Andis 01557 Professional Master – Best Corded Clipper
With a noise rating of 75 decibels, the Andis Master surely isn’t among the quietest hair clippers on this list, but it’s arguably the best performer.
It has a reliable single-speed magnetic motor that hits a pro-grade 14,000 cutting strokes per minute. That's on par with our top pick, the Wahl 5-Star Series Senior.
Better yet, it accepts customizable blades that are only available for Andis Master clippers. You can switch between Master size (000-1), Fade Master (00000-000), and Phat Master (1A-2) blades.
The Master clipper only comes with the Master blade, and you'll have to buy others separately. Nonetheless, it’s precise for cutting hair close to the skin, fading, and edging. You can adjust to a zero-gap setting to better handle the latter.
Finally, Andis added a nice touch with the on/off switch that makes the clipper easy to operate in one hand.
Pros
- Durable stainless steel frame
- Customizable zero-gap blade
- Ideal for any type of hair
- Clean cuts without pulling and snagging
Cons
- The stainless steel may heat up fast but also cools down quickly
- Weighty
Takeaway
It’s simple. The Andis Master is a premium quiet hair clipper for standard haircuts at home or for professional use.
4. Oster Professional Fast Feed Clipper – Best Pivot Motor
The Oster Fast Feed is the perfect budget alternative for a premium heavy-duty clipper like the Andis Master.
It cuts at a cracking 14,000 strokes per minute like our top picks. But it doesn't cut thick hair as good as the Oster 76 model, which is much louder and expensive anyways.
That's almost as quiet as our quietest hair trimmer pick - the Senior Series.
Its blades are adjustable from 000 to 1 taper levels to give you better control over styling. This clipper particularly works exceptionally for fades.
The clipper housing has a textured grip that gives a comfortable and natural feel. It has four clipper guards: blending, 1/2", 1/4", and 3/8" for an even fade.
At its price, you won’t find a clipper that comes near to its efficiency. The only gripe is that it only has clipper guard accessories. But that shouldn’t be a dealbreaker if you’re looking for a powerful clipper.
Pros
- Quiet running pivot motor
- Adjustable blades. Notable for fades
- Smooth and fast cutting
- Good bang for the buck
- Multiple color options for personalization
Cons
- Flimsy guards.
- May bog down when faced with thick hair
Takeaway
The Oster Fast Feed is a jewel if you get buzz cuts or fade haircuts. It’s economical and right up there at the top with the best-quality no-noise hair clippers you’ll come across.
5. Wahl Corded Color Pro Clipper Kit – Best for Accessories
With an unmatched 26-piece kit and decent noise level, the Wahl 79300-1001 Color Pro Clipper Kit can’t be overlooked.
Moreover, this makes it an obvious choice for families, including furry buddies.
Plus, the Wahl Color Pro Clipper Kit features long-lasting carbon steel blades. It's also self-sharpening, so you can expect it to stay fierce as long as you oil it regularly. Even better, the blade comes off easily for cleaning.
In addition, this clipper is exceptionally easy to handle. There's a groove on the bust that fits the thumb for a professional-like grip.
Its many accessories include 13 color-coded attachment guards, a color guide, scissors, 3 hair combs, blade cover, blade oil, hair clips, cape, detail cleaning brush, a storage case, and a neck duster.
All in all, the Wahl Color Pro Clipper Kit is a steal for its full grooming kit and easy operation.
Pros
- Easily identifiable clipper combs
- Complete barbing accessories with storage case
- Suitable for family use
- Easy to clean, handle, and operate
- Good value for the money
Cons
- Not the most powerful clipper out there
- Sometimes it gets hot.
Takeaway
The Wahl Color Pros is a no-brainer if you want a decent, affordable clipper and appreciate the ton of accessories it offers.
6. Wahl Color Pro Model 9649 – Affordable Cordless Clipper
The main difference between the Wahl Color Pro Model 9649 and the corded version we just discussed is that it has fewer accessories.
That’s still a sweet deal if you ask me.
And, of course, this model is battery-powered. A full charge can last an hour, which is excellent for a quick shave or travel. If your barbering will take longer, it also operates while charging.
As you probably know, the color-coding on the clipper and guards make it easier to cut fades. Even the few seconds of shuffling through a set of guards discourage me. With the Color Pro, you just need to memorize the color of the appropriate guard.
The Model 9649 equally guarantees hygienic grooming since the blades are removable and safe to wash in a sink.
Relax, the blades are carbon steel – so they won't rust, at least not for a long time. Well, as long as you clean and oil regularly. Also, the blades are self-sharpening and will cut efficiently for years to come.
Overall, this Wahl Color Pro model made the cut (again) for its dirt-cheap price, convenience, quiet operation, and ease of cleaning.
Pros
- Good bang for your buck
- Color code on clipper on guide combs is remarkable and aesthetic
- Reliable battery life
- Easy to clean.
Cons
- Color coding design may appear gimmicky to adults
- No full charge indicator
Takeaway
The Wahl Color Pro is one of the cheapest cordless clippers with value. It operates silently and is perfect for family use.
Factors To Consider When Picking A Quiet Clipper
Before you swipe your card for a set of clippers, consider these factors:
1. Safety First
While it’s unlikely clipper blades will cause a bloodbath, ensure it has durable clipper guards for protection.
Also, ensure the clipper you choose doesn’t heat up unnecessarily. This causes redness and leaves you prone to blade marks during shape-ups.
2. Accessories
While clipper guards are essential accessories, it’s worth having some other goodies come with your clipper.
The Wahl 79300-1001 Color Pro, for instance, is a 26-piece kit, including clipper guards, styling combs, down to a neck duster.
So you might still have to buy them separately or share them with the barber if the quality is a top priority.
Notwithstanding, you can expect most clipper models to include guide combs, blade oil, a cleaning brush, and a storage case.
3. Efficiency
Consider the overall construction of a clipper while shopping for quiet hair clippers. This includes the weight, design, and size.
What satisfaction do you get if a clipper is powerful and noiseless, but handles awkwardly if you want to give yourself a haircut? Or if your hands become weary after half an hour into cutting your family’s hair?
A lightweight model might be a little underpowered, but it’s the best choice if you’re cutting your own hair. Just a few ounces on a clipper will quickly tell on your hands an hour in. So, pick what works for you.
4. Motor
The type of motortype of motor a clipper uses is a surefire way to tell how noisy it gets. But it also plays a hand in the cost, power, and durability of a clipper.
Magnetic
The magnetic motor is the least expensive and most reliable clipper motor. It’s not the most powerful but it’ll suffice for home use quiet hair clippers.
Rotary
Rotary motors are also widespread but found in higher-end clippers. They power most cordless clippers, however, the AC version used in corded clippers is more powerful. Pick this clipper if you have thick and coarse hair
Pivot
The pivot motor is similar to the magnetic motor but generates more torque with less blade speed.
As such, it cuts through wet or dry hair like a knife through butter. It’s the best choice for styling or everyday use.
Unfortunately, the more powerful a clipper, the noisier it likely will be. The most silent hair clippers are usually the underpowered ones that bog down or leave razor bumps after a haircut.
5. Blades
Cheap clippers, most times, have dull blades or are underpowered. And a blunt clipper blade will frustrate your efforts at getting a neat trim. You’ll often experience pulling, snagging, and uneven tapers.
If you don’t want to deal with regular maintenance to keep an edge, carbon blades are the best option. Also, a ceramic cutter attachment on a regular stainless steel blade works.
6. Affordability
If you have a fat budget or are a professional, you can’t go wrong with the expensive models. They are more reliable, quieter, and come with all the bells and whistles.
Otherwise, there are lots of decent clippers that get the job done and won’t cost you a fortune. Keep an eye for only features and accessories you need and you'll save some bucks.
Frequently Asked Questions
My 3-Year-Old Hair Clipper Makes Noise Now. How Do I Fix It?
The first thing you should do is oil the clippers if you’ve not been doing so.
Now, turn on the clipper, then turn the power/voltage screw anti-clockwise until the noise reduces to standard running noise. Further, adjust it a further quarter of a turn and it should be quiet.
Also, check that the blades are properly aligned and screw them back in place if otherwise.
Watch the full process in the video below:
How To Maintain The Quiet Operation Of A Hair Clipper?
The rule of thumb is to regularly clean, oil, and sharpen the blades. Also, have a routine check to ensure that the blades are properly aligned.
What Makes Hair Clippers Noisy?
The major causes of noisy clippers are misaligned blades or an out of place power voltage screws.
When you hear a rattling noise, it’s most likely some screws have come off the clipper.
Final Thoughts
While the quiet hair clippers we’ve reviewed aren’t exactly soundless, they sure operate at acceptable (some are quiet) noise levels.
As a reminder, our top pick is the Wahl 5-Star Series Senior Clipper. It's powerful enough for home or commercial use, yet operates in a pleasing low hum. Although it’s the most expensive in the review, it’s well worth the money.
Alternatively, if you’re looking for an inexpensive clipper that won’t tear down your ears, go for the Remington Virtually Indestructible. It’s portable, easy to clean, and operates silently.
Lastly, don’t sacrifice power for quiet operation, especially if you’ve got coarse hair.