Whether you’re a barber or someone who started visiting barbershops at a young age, you definitely have the memory of the ‘bzzzzz’ sounds of heavy-duty hair clippers.
Andis has always been one of the very few brands to contribute to this sound in the industry. Due to their longevity and performance, groomers these days tend to lean on these products even for personal use.
Whether you prefer the steady humming sound of the Master, or the surgical precision delivered by the T-Outliner, this brand has something for everyone.
My Andis clipper review therefore is going to introduce you to the most revered, most preferred and the highest performing tools library you can choose from!
4 Best Andis Clippers to Make the Perfect Barber’s Combo
I’ll discuss my four top choices of Andis clippers in this section as it’ll help you gain some ideas about how each might stack up.
| Product | Verdict |
| Andis Master | Best for Generic & Heavy-Duty Work |
| Andis Fade Master | Perfect for Fading & Blending |
| Andis T-Outliner | Ideal for Precision Trimming & Outlining |
| Andis Envy Li | Great Budget Option |
Andis Master Cordless Clipper
Let me briefly go over the cordless variant of the Andis Master cordless clipper as it’s recently been trending among prominent groomers for the convenience.
Master cordless weighs 13.2 ounces, much more lightweight than its corded counterpart. The blade is the same - carbon-steel 000 to 1 adjustable unit with a rotary magnetic motor.
However, it severely underperforms at 6,500 SPM and offers a battery life of 90 minutes. Mostly, the Master cordless is used for fine-tuning, rather than bulk trims.
As for convenience, there’s a charging dock available for the tool that barbers love so much! It renders keeping the battery replenished a straightforward affair.
Andis Master Corded Clipper
Moving our focus back to the main device in this listing - the Andis Master corded variant. It’s the OG of all top hair clippers with a metallic build and classic design.
It’s generally a heavy-duty clipping device that can go on and on relentlessly - not just through one grooming session, but for years and years turning into a decade!
Highlight Features
- Extra-sharp carbon-steel 000 to 1 blade
- 14,400 SPM 1-speed magnetic motor
- Aluminum casing with 5-deter lever
- 23 ounces of professional-grade weight
- Surprisingly quiet despite powerful motor
The blades on the corded Master are sharp indeed! These blade units are made with carbon-steel that gives the extra robustness and character.
You get the span of 000 to 1 with the 5-deter taper lever. One of the great design elements for Andis is that the lever locks into 5 specific spots, allowing the barbers to work their finesse each time.
Its single-speed 14,400 SPM motor is magnetic and powerful enough for everything you wish to throw at it.
This motor is surprisingly quiet as it runs but the blades do create crunching sounds while trimming off hair.
As you may have noticed, Andis Master’s housing is made with aluminum and it’s a one-handed design to save you time. I sometimes find it disorienting, having the power slider always in the way of my full grip.
Another factor about the aluminum handle is that there’s no extra ergonomic padding and you might struggle if you have sweaty palms.
Otherwise, the shape and 23 ounces of weight are sufficient enough for it to remain firmly stuck to your fingers and generate those confident strokes on the hair.
Also, the metalling housing implies it’s bound to heat up after a prolonged use. Therefore, you’ll have to let it breathe every time you’re at the idle state within a haircut.
Personally, I wouldn’t dare to use such a robust tool for self-grooming. I’ve closely experienced the Master either in the hands of a barber, or one I tested it out on my subjects.
It does feel great to glide over hair because the outcomes are always impeccably precise! With the 000 to 1 blade gap, longer blends and fades are quite easy to craft out!
Things I Like
- Can style out almost any haircut
- Surprisingly comforting on skin
- Made to last a very long time
Areas for Improvement
- Quite heavy
- Can heat up
Andis Fade Master, 01820
The sibling to the Andis Master in the grooming industry has always been the Andis Fade Master - a dedicated, zero-gap tool that’s precisely made as a fading device.
Barbers usually don’t buy the Fade Master as their primary device, rather it’s more specialized for secondary usage. If you’re an avid fading fan, you can consider it to be your first clipper anyway!
Highlight Features
- Carbon-steel 00000 to 000 blade can be zero-gapped
- One-handed design to aid professionals
- Has 7,200 RPM/ 14,400 SPM magnetic motor
- 23 ounces of aluminum housing
- 5-deter taper lever with 2.4 power cord
What sets the Fade Master apart from the Master is its carbon-steel 00000 to 000 blade. This blade alone tells you how close your trims are going to be!
Also, the fine blade teeth lets you blend hair so neatly and smoothly that varying length cuts always look pro-grade when it’s done with the Fade Master.
Other than creating bald fades, zero fades, shorter blends, tight tapers and whatnot, the blade can also be used to treat receding hairlines and outlining your hair fringes.
Like Master, Fade Master too offers a 5-notch taper setting for that extra precision with the fading work you want to do.
However, despite being one-speed in the motor department, the power numbers remain waiting to be interpreted.
Meaning, you’ll generate 14,400 SPM or 7,200 RPM on finer hair as the cutting actions are restricted by the type of the blade. The raw torque matches Andis Master.
Fade Master’s magnetic motor is also very quiet and radiates an aura of professional capacity even at the sound department.
The aluminum handle itself is almost identical with Master and weighs similar - 23 ounces that make it a hefty tool to work around with.
It shares similar issues with the Master - one-handed design, lack of ergonomic spots and one-handed design that caters mostly to barbers.
In general, I believe both the Master and Fade Master will satisfy professionals more than personal groomers because of the learning curve, heavy-use nature and maneuverability.
I had the pleasure of crafting some short fades and zero tapers with the Fade Master. It takes time to master the pullaway move since the handle is so heavy.
But there’s an immaculate satisfaction of running the blades through hair because trimming feels effortless, especially when it’s done with such a compact yet powerful tool!
Things I Like
- Ultra-thin blade & taper lever meant for a wide array of fades
- Variable motor power offers grooming comfort
- Can be used on balding hair or outlining
Areas for Improvement
- Heavy
- Can heat up
Andis T-Outliner, 04710
Followed by the full-time hair clippers, I’m not introducing you to a T-Blade device that can also be used like a trimmer - the Andis T-Outliner.
The T-Outliner is also a barber’s choice tool for very particular types of grooming actions that other grooming devices are still trying to match.
Highlight Features
- Wide, carbon-steel T-Blade for perfect outlines
- High torque 7,200 SPM magnetic motor
- Robust plastic housing with textured ergonomics
- 14.5 ounces of weight offers stability
- 2.4 meter cord to support relentless power
One of the most remarkable things about the T-Blade is that it’s really wide, whereas other line up tools offer you narrower heads.
That implies you’re going to get faster trimming work over a larger body of hair. The Carbon-steel blade is just perfect for direct skin contact.
However, you need to hold the T-Outliner at the right angles to avoid redness on the trimmed skin. Excessive pressure can cause discomfort on sensitive skin areas.
This blade is powered by a 7,200 RPM rotary magnetic motor - quite the industry standard. The motor itself can be loud at times.
Another factor that’s associated with this motor is heat generation. It can heat up the housing if you let it go on for a while.
Despite the robust plastic build, the heat often reaches your fingers. Since it’s not a bulk grooming tool, your operations are most likely going to take chunks of time with a lot of idle spaces in between.
For grip, there are some plastic lines on the handle that let you have a greater ergonomic value. Also the shape itself plays part in ensuring higher grip levels.
Since the T-Outliner is a corded tool, there’s no threat of running out of power. The cord is 2.4 meters in length, and the socket can be quite fragile at times.
The T-Outliner weighs 14.5 ounces, which is quite a handful for such a compact device. It speaks to the quality of the materials and helps anchor down your precision grooming strokes.
When I use this clipper, I make sure to be precise about how much pressure I’m putting on the skin and the animations I’m generating. Even the delicates of touches seem to trim off a hair area very neatly - that also applies to your beard as well!
Things I Like
- Sharp & neat outlines with least effort
- Very powerful motor, enough for all types of hair
- Durable and ergonomically superior
Areas for Improvement
- Can be quite loud, also heat up if turned on for longer periods
- Power socket quality leaves a little to be demanded
Andis Envy Li
The final Andis hair clipper in my list is one that’s slightly more budget-friendly compared to the two metallic clippers - it’s the Andis Envy Li cordless tool.
Unlike its siblings, Envy Li is made with plastic, offers a blade that’s synonymous with the Master and offers lightweight, cordless functionality.
Highlight Features
- Carbon-steel 000 to 1 blade for generic to slightly versatile grooming
- Rotary motor torquing at 5,500 SPM
- 2 hour battery life ensured by lithium-ion battery
- Complete grooming kit with 11 guide combs
- Weighs 9.9 ounces with plastic housing
In general, Envy Li is employed for the blends and fading abilities, with some otherwise generic capabilities of the blade.
Mark that Envy Li is not the tool for bulk trimming a hair body, rather its carbon-steel 000 to 1 blade mimics the sort of gradients you can expect out of the Master.
You’ll make sense of its capabilities if you see its motor power - 5,500 SPM, ranking it toward the bottom of raw performance.
The grooming capacity is mostly restricted to fine or less dense hair, because anything that’s kinky or denser is going to stress out this rotary motor unit.
Envy Li has a good battery life though - 2 hours with a full charge, credit is due to the lithium-ion battery unit. There’s a few variants of Envy and Envy Li in the market, the one I’m showcasing is the latest one.
Let’s discuss housing. While from the offset, the looks are killer to say the least, once you grab it, the realization seeps in that it’s basic plastic.
It doesn’t resemble the premium build like the other Andis tools, although the durability isn’t compromised due to this tactile feeling.
Also, the grip is ensured by the wider top and narrower bottom design, but it somehow messes up the weight balance and presents a head-heavy tool that weighs only 10 ounces.
Envy Li is for those who are looking for a good hair clipper from a premium brand with a full kit design - a carry case, 11 guide combs, scissors, combs and whatnot.
This is a distinguishing factor from the other two Andis tools. Professional tools don’t usually come with a kit, therefore, Envy Li suggests it’s meant for personal use.
I’ve had my fair share of self-grooming experience with Envy Li because it’s easy to maneuver and the blade isn’t aggressive enough to threaten any cuts or tugs.
The adjustment lever is smooth and doesn’t have deter levels like Master or Fade Master. I’m not pleased with the guard quality - they work but not really top class.
Things I Like
- Easy to learn, use and maneuver
- Beginner and budget-friendly tool
- Good design with borrowed performance from top Andis products
Areas for Improvement
- The plastic in the housing is not premium
- Not satisfied with guide comb quality
What Makes My Opinion Valid?
Even though I’m not a barber, I’ve owned these four Andis clippers for a long time now, and have used them on different occasions.
For instance, I take the Envy Li and T-Outliner out even now for some self-grooming or applying haircuts on my brother’s hair.
As per the Master and Fade Master goes, I’ve used them first-hand quite a few times but mostly observed them closely at my neighborhood barbershop, aside from running them through my assessment toolkit.
With my knowledge and time-investment in the grooming world, especially dealing with hair clippers, I believe my verdict on Andis clippers has depth and value for groomers across the world.
My Tests & Findings: Picking the Best Andis Clipper
In this section, you’ll get to learn the results of my tests with a side by side comparison of each important factor for the Andis clippers.
It should help you understand the tools better and guide you to refining your expectations for the next purchase!
Key Features: Blade Type, Motor Performance, Ergonomics, Corded/Cordless Usage, Versatility
Types of Blades
In terms of material, all four of the Andis clippers listed here contain blades made with carbon-steel. These blades are usually very sharp, durable and can be used directly against skin.
That said, Andis Master and Envy Li offer a more generic blade teeth gap ranging between 000 to 1, adjustable using the lever.
Andis Fade Master offers the closest gap with its 00000 to 000 blade, also adjustable, followed by the only fixed-blade clipper on the list - Andis T-Outliner with its T-Blade.
Grooming Efficiency & Comfort
From what I’ve experienced, Andis Master has the most powerful motor when it comes to raw performance - 14,400 SPM.
Fade Master seems to be able to match that performance in terms of the motor torque, but their blade type variances render them applicable to different types of hairs.
Andis T-Outliner generates 7,200 SPM (arguably RPM in this particular case) and the performance never seems to be lacking - minimum strokes generate the crispiest lines and smooth clearing.
Envy Li torques the least out of the four - 5,500 SPM as it caters mostly to home groomers for generic trims or fades. Over coarser hair, it might either drag or take longer.
Grip Levels & Ergonomics
Ergonomics feel like personal preference-based when it comes to Andis clippers. While I prefer the rough, plastic handle of the T-Outliners, barbers seem to prefer the metal housing of the Master or Fade Master.
Also, to some self-grooming enthusiasts, I offered all four of these Andis devices to share their opinion of the grip levels. 5 out of 8 said they preferred the Envy Li for its lighter weight.
Barbers generally say the opposite - that a solid build with a compact design not only gives you better value for money in the long run, but also it helps you refine your trimming strokes.
Battery Life/Cord Length
There’s very little to discuss here as Andis Master, Fade Master and T-Outliner are all corded tools and connected to a standard 2.4 meter power cord.
However, it was quite disappointing to see their power socket - the one that plugs into the wall - to be made of cheap material that feels flimsy and can bend pretty easily.
Envy Li and Andis Master cordless are both lithium-ion backed tools lasting 120 minutes and 90 minutes respectively.
Versatility
Andis Master is probably the most versatile tool in the lot. Using its 000 to 1 blade and 14,400 SPM motor, it can bulk trim, do combover cuts, draw fades and even craft stubble-length tapers, among other things.
Fade Master on the other hand relies on various dynamics of fade haircuts - be that high or low, or even tapers of different lengths - all thanks to the 00000 to 000 blade.
Envy Li was supposed to perform like the Andis Master, given that they share similar blades, but is restricted to fine and less dense hair due to the 5,500 SPM motor power.
T-Outliner is a niche hair clipper that outlines the hell out of hair and beard, apply precision trims on any hair textures and can even bulk trim over beards.
Which Andis Clipper Will be the Best for You?
It might be a lot of information to take in, so let me streamline all of that for you just to help you pick the perfect match from the world of Andis.
For Professionals: If you’re a barber and want to go the extra mile in grooming, nothing beats Andis Master and its overall performance. Those who want it to the next level, Fade Master will up your fading game like never before!
For Beginners/New Barbers: Andis Envy Li is a great tool to start your grooming journey with. It’s lightweight, cordless and comes with a full kit, sparing you extra investment in the early stages.
For Intermediate/Passionate Groomers: Andis T-Outliner is actually a necessary tool for barbers to fine tune a haircut. You may also consider buying it for personal grooming.
FAQ
Let me answer a few queries on Andis clippers to help you learn a bit more about these heavy-duty grooming devices.
Q: Can I use Andis clippers while charging?
Ans: For most parts, yes! If you have a cordless Andis clipper like the Envy Li or Master cordless, you should be able to use it while the charging cord is connected. Still, there are different variants of these models and you should check before buying whether that specific variant supports this feature.
Q: How long do Andis clippers last?
Ans: If you properly take care of your Andis clipper and perform all the maintenance tasks like rituals, they should easily last you between 5 to 10 years. You’ll only need to replace the blades once they’re dull. Andis Master is renowned to be the longest-surviving tool in a barbershop, lasting decades with minimum to no repair requirement.
Q: How often should I oil my Andis clippers?
Ans: It depends on the sort of usage with your Andis clipper. For instance, if you use it for personal grooming, oiling only after your grooming session is done and you’ve cleaned up the blades should suffice. For a more demanding, barbershop performance, it’s ideal to brush the blades and apply oil every 10 minutes during the grooming, and finally once after you’re done for the day.
Concluding Remarks
All four of the Andis clippers in my review are vetted personally and recommended by professionals for a wide variety of usage.
My personal favorite is of course, the Andis Master - the corded variant, because it has the longest history in the grooming industry and a fan-favorite due to a number of reasons.
It can bulk trim, apply fades, blends, tapers, combover cuts and whatnot. This tool has everything to generate the trendiest cuts, and even the traditional ones.
The prices for each of the Andis clippers seem well-placed in my opinion, and at times, the value for money is better considering the longevity and build quality!
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