With so many clipper models to choose from it can get a bit overwhelming working out what the differences are, and which clipper is right for you. 

Whether you're a professional groomer tending to multiple dogs daily, an occasional home groomer, or in need of a clipper suitable for horses, we've curated a list of all our cordless and corded clippers below, to assist you in making an informed choice.

The following clippers are reviewed below:

ANDIS models: AGC 2 Speed, AGC Super 2 Speed, Excel 5, Pulse ZR II, & Vida 5 in 1 

HEINIGER models: Xplorer, Xplorer Pro, Opal, & Saphir (corded and cordless)

WAHL models: KM2, KM10, Harmony 5 in 1, & Wahl Bravura 5 in 1

Before you start

Before you jump in, keep in mind clippers and trimmers are NOT the same.

Clippers come in 4 levels. Light use, medium duty, heavy duty, and super duty. Super duty being the top level, telling you the clipper would be rated for all coat types including wool, fleece, double, non-shed, matted and more. Some super duty level clippers are also rated for horses.

5 in 1 Clippers sit between a clipper and a trimmer. They are not as powerful as a full sized clipper, so are not suitable for full body clipping on thick coats, however can be used as a clipper for very thin, light coats. We have included our most powerful 5 in 1 Clipper/Trimmers in this list, as they are suitable as full body clippers for puppies, cats and rabbits, and can be used on some breeds of dogs with lighter, thinner coats.  

Andis Clippers

Andis AGC clippers - Corded

A very popular model. Often tops our best sellers list as our #1 selling corded clipper. The AGC's all have a brushless motor and weigh just 299 grams, making them the lightest clipper rated Super Duty for all coat types. Being brushless, the motor also runs quieter, cooler and smoother, yet offers more power and torque for difficult coats. Brushless motors do not need the brushes replaced (brushes on a rotary motor wear down over time), for less maintenance, and have a longer motor lifetime.

Andis Excel 5 Speed - Corded

The Andis Excel 5 Speed is available in gloss black. It's an A5 model clipper which fits all brands of A5 blades from size 50 (under 1mm coat length), up to size 3 (over 1cm), and all brands of universal comb attachments (for coat lengths under 3mm to over 3cm). They come with one #10 blade. Additional blades and comb attachments available separately.

The Andis Excel 5 is the new model of the old, discontinued Andis Excel 2, with new-tech, 5 speed motor. It's rated Super Duty for all coat types, including matted, thick or difficult coats. It has a smaller, slimmer sized clipper body than most, but without a reduction in power, and still fit all standard blades. It's slimmer in the hand and also shorter. Popular for smaller hands, or fans of smaller clippers. Where the average clipper is around 18cms long and 4.5cms wide, the Excel is 15cms long and about 3.5cm wide at the slimmest area of the housing.

The Excel 5 model has the same top speeds as a 2 speed clipper, but adds 3 extra, lower speeds. The lower speeds reduce blade heat, noise and vibration for sensitive areas and anxious pets, and for use in areas where skin is thinner and vibration is more noticeable against the bone, such as legs, feet and face. The Excel 5 is also rated for full-body clipping for horses.

Andis Pulse ZR II - Cordless 

This is the best selling, highest rated cordless clipper Andis makes. Available in original Black as well as the unique Galaxy and Flora colourways. A unique 5 speed model for maximum user control. Same, fast, top speeds as a standard 2 speed clipper, plus 3 additional lower speeds for delicate, sensitive or injury prone areas. The lower speeds give the added benefit of reduced blade heat up, quieter running and reduced vibration, which is great when leaning to groom and when working with puppies, seniors or anxious pets.

Rated Super Duty for all dog coat types. Also rated for horses and cattle. Batteries are lithium-ion, removable and replaceable. Comes with 2 batteries and a hard carry case included. Each battery has up to 3 hours cordless run-time (depending on speed selected), from a 2 hour recharge. At the base of each battery there's a charge indicator light, so you don't get a surprise and run-out of charge mid-clip!

The charging station charges batteries individually, or the entire clipper. Comes with hard-sided storage carry case with handle and moulded compartments inside for storage and transport. 

A5 model that fits the widest range of blades and accessories. Comes with one #10 blade or #40 blade (#40 blade included with Vet Pack only).

Fits all brands of standard blades, from size #50 to #3, for coat lengths under 1mm to over 1cm, available separately. Fits all brands of universal comb attachments for coat lengths under 3mm to over 3cms, available separately. Also compatible with wide A5 horse and livestock blades, including the popular T10 and T84 horse blades, available separately. 

Andis Vida 5 in 1 - Cordless Trimmer/Clipper

NEW from Andis, comes the Vida Cordless 5 in 1 Trimmer and Clipper, featuring a slim, lightweight design to help reduce hand fatigue as well as ergonomic ribbed housing to ensure grip. Available in Forest Green or Raspberry Pink. This is a midi size cordless clipper and trimmer in one that sits between a mini trimmer and full size clipper. Has a single speed of 5,500SPM, and weighs only 278 grams. The rechargeable lithium-ion battery delivers 90 minutes of cordless run time from a 60 minute charge. Runs both corded or cordless, and charges via USB-C. 

Comes with a unique, easily adjustable 5 in 1 blade for five different coat lengths from 0.25mm to 2mm, and 6 plastic comb attachments for lengths up to 25mm. Replacement silver blades, gold coated blades and stainless steel comb attachments are available separately. 

Watch a review on the New Andis Vida 5 in 1 Trimmer here: 

Heiniger Clippers

Heiniger Xplorer - Equine and Livestock Cordless Clipper

The Heiniger Xplorer Cordless Clipper for horses and cattle provides smooth, powerful clipping in a lightweight clipper that's extremely quiet - just 65 decibels (a running shower is around 70dB for comparison). Ergonomic handle with a slimmer shape for an easier grip for smaller hands, and easy one-handed, thumb operation, weighing just 990 grams. Very powerful, long-life 10.8v Lithium-ion rechargeable battery.

Comes complete with 2 batteries so you can clip and charge at the same time for endless run-time. A generous 120 minutes clipping time per battery from a quick 60 to 70 minute recharge. Increased cutting power compared to other clippers in its class with a single speed setting at 2,450 double strokes per minute. LED power indicator shows battery charge level.

Clipper comes with adjustable 31F/15 (1-2mm) blade. Other blade sets available separately. 

Heiniger Xplorer Pro - Equine and Livestock Cordless Clipper

The new and improved version of Heiniger's best selling Xplorer Equine Clipper. The all new Heiniger Xplorer Pro Cordless Clipper is ideal for professional horse and cattle clipping. With even more power than the Xplorer, the Xplorer Pro has 2 speed settings of 2450 and 2900 double strokes per minute and an integrated shearing pressure indicator. Also lighter than the original Xplorer, (weighing just 975 grams) and quieter. The first clipper to date to include a patented tension indicator which provides more precise clipping than ever before and extends the clipper’s life. Due to it's unique double gear wheel, power is optimally transferred from the motor to the clipper head, providing low vibration. Very powerful, long-life 10.8v Lithium-ion rechargeable battery to deliver 120 minutes of clipping time per battery from a 90 minute recharge.

Comes complete with: Xplorer Pro cordless clipper with wrist loop, 2x 10.8v Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries with LED power indicator, 35F/23 standard horse and cow blade set, hard-sided storage carry case, charging dock, power pack with NZ plug, full size oil, Heiniger screwdriver (for easy blade changes), cleaning brush, detailed operating instructions.

Clipper comes with adjustable 35F/23 (1-2mm) blade. Other blade sets available separately. 

Heiniger Opal - Cordless

Heiniger's latest cordless A5 clipper. Available in a turquoise blue design. The Heiniger Opal is a 2 speed cordless clipper with a new-tech brushless motor. Like other brushless motor clippers, that makes it lighter and quieter, and the motor runs cooler with less vibration. The Opal weighs 415 grams.

Rated Super Duty for all dog coat types. Also rated for full body clipping and trimming for horses. Cordless battery run-time of up to 4 hours (on low), and up to 3 hours (on high), with a 60 minute charge time.

Comes with a lithium-ion rechargeable, removable, replaceable battery. Available with 1 battery, or with 2 batteries and hard carry case. 

A5 model that fits the widest range of blades and accessories. Comes with one size 10 blade included.

Fits all brands of standard blades, from size #50 to #3, for coat lengths under 1mm to over 1cm, available separately. Fits all brands of universal comb attachments for coat lengths under 3mm to over 3cms, available separately. Also compatible with wide A5 horse and livestock blades, available separately. 

Heiniger Saphir - Cordless

Heiniger's most well-known cordless clipper for dogs. Available in purple. The Heiniger Saphir is a single speed clipper. High torque yet lower speed to handle difficult coats but with slower blade heat up.

Rated Super Duty for for all dog coat types. Also rated for full body clipping for horses. Cordless battery run-time of 1.5 hours / 90 minutes, with a 60 minute charge time.

Available with 1 battery, or with 2 batteries and case included. Both options come with one size 10 blade included. If you start with the Saphir with 1 battery, extra Saphir batteries are available for separate purchase later.

A5 model that fits all brands of standard blades, from size #50 to #3, for coat lengths under 1mm to over 1cm, available separately. Fits all brands of universal comb attachments for coat lengths under 3mm to over 3cms, available separately. Also compatible with wide A5 horse and livestock blades, available separately. 

Heiniger Saphir - Corded

Heiniger may be better known for their cordless clippers, but they do also have a corded clipper in their range. Their Heiniger Saphir Corded Clipper is unique in that it can be changed from corded to cordless later (charger and battery needed, available separately).

The Saphir Corded is rated Super Duty for all coat types. It is a single speed model with a slower, lower speed for reduced blade heat. Rated for full body clipping for all coat types including thick or matted. Also rated for full body clipping for horses.

Available in Black with the trademark Heiniger swirled design. An A5 model clipper that fits all brands of A5 blades from size 50 (under 1mm coat length), up to size 3 (over 1cm), and all brands of universal comb attachments (for coat lengths under 3mm to over 3cm). Comes with one #10 blade. Additional blades and comb attachments available separately.

Wahl Clippers

Wahl KM2

Wahl's KM2 is an entry-level clipper designed for home users. Can be used as a lower-cost, back-up clipper for groomers to keep on hand for when their main clipper is being serviced / out of action. Though Wahl recommend this clipper for most coat types, we know they will struggle on thick, matted, or mixed texture coats. For this reason, we do not recommend this clipper for Oodles, Poodles, Bichons, mix-breed, or matted dogs. 

This clipper comes with a standard #10 Wahl Blade, and 4 comb attachments for lengths up to 13mm. This clipper has a rotary motor with 2 speed settings. An A5 model clipper that fits all brands of A5 blades from size 50 (under 1mm coat length), up to size 3 (over 1cm), and all brands of universal comb attachments (for coat lengths under 3mm to over 3cm). Comes with one #10 blade. Additional blades and comb attachments available separately.

Rated Medium - Heavy Duty for the majority of coat types, excluding oodles and mixed-texture coats. For difficult or matted coats, upgrading to the Andis AGC or Wahl KM10 is recommended. Although the KM2 can handle most coat types, proper coat prep and deshedding matters more.

Wahl KM10

The top of the Wahl range in New Zealand. The Wahl KM10 is a brushless motor clipper (same motor type as the Andis AGC) that is rated Super Duty for all coat types, even matted and difficult coats. Also rated for full body clipping for horses.

A brushless motor runs quieter, is lighter, and offers more power and torque for even very thick areas of coat. There's less maintenance (no brushes to replace), and a longer motor lifetime. The lightest yet most powerful corded clipper in Wahl's range. Weighs just 348 grams (compared to a KM2 at 600gms or KM5 at 365gms). 

2 speed corded available in Blue. An A5 model clipper that fits all brands of A5 blades from size 50 (under 1mm coat length), up to size 3 (over 1cm), and all brands of universal comb attachments (for coat lengths under 3mm to over 3cm). Comes with one #10 blade and 4 stainless steel comb attachments for lengths up to 13mm. Additional blades and comb attachments available separately.

Wahl Harmony 5 in 1 Cordless Clipper and Trimmer 

The Wahl Harmony 5 in 1 Cordless is a clipper and trimmer combo. It has a midi sized blade, but has more power than other midi sized trimmers. Smaller, lighter & quieter than a clipper, just 275 grams. Ideal for anxious pets. Can be used corded or cordless as a full body clipper on puppies and dogs with lighter, tangle free coats, or as a powerful trimmer for dogs with thicker coats.

Lithium battery provides a 2.5 hour run-time from a 60 min recharge. The unique 5-in-1 blade replaces buying 5 separate blades, meaning you can change lengths on-the-go. Smart Monitoring LCD display shows how many minutes of cordless run-time left and sound notification for low power & clipper maintenance (cleaning, oil, malfunction.)

This clipper comes in a stunning gold sheen, and has a unique adjustable 5 in 1 blade. It also includes a starter kit with 4 stainless steel comb attachments, a cleaning brush, a full sized bottle of oil, and a carry case.

The Wahl Harmony takes unique 5 in 1 blades specific to this model, which you can find here. 

Wahl Bravura 5 in 1 Cordless Trimmer/Clipper

The Wahl Bravura Lithium Cordless 5 in 1 in Sapphire is a lightweight cordless clipper and trimmer in one. This model sits between a mini trimmer and full size clipper, called a midi. The rechargeable lithium ion battery give you 90 minutes cordless run time from a 60 minute charge, and can be used both corded or cordless. 

It comes with the unique Wahl 5 in 1 adjustable blade which replaces buying 5 separate blades, meaning you can change lengths on-the-go. Smaller, lighter and quieter than a clipper, ideal for anxious pets. Weighs just 300 grams. 

Also comes with 6 plastic comb attachments for lengths up to 25mm, charging dock, cord, cleaning brush & small starter oil. 

Just the Specs

Lastly, here are the specifications compared. 

Still Unsure? 

Take our clipper quiz below and we'll help you narrow down your options: