(checked 2026-10-10)Small sample: 462 ratings (9% 1-star, 3% 2-star) on the FX+ (FX870NS) listing.
Wirecutter's upgrade pick and Men's Health's best-designed clipper. It makes precise cuts, runs quietly, lasts about 3 hours cordless and has a five-position taper lever. It is expensive, the included guards are only average, and the warranty is 2 years. Some owners report heat and early failures.
Top complaints
- Expensive, with only average guards
Wirecutter calls the 8 included guides average quality and says they snap on so tightly that removing them can be hard for people with limited hand strength. Men's Health says it costs more than similar pro clippers, and Amazon's summary says some owners call it a high-priced bummer.
- Heat and mixed reliability
Wirecutter says some customers report the clipper getting hot, though its testers didn't see this. Amazon's summary lists heat as a topic, says cutting performance is mixed, and notes some owners report it breaking after the second use.
- Shorter warranty; heavier metal body
Wirecutter notes the 2-year warranty falls short of its other picks. Men's Health says the all-metal casing makes it heavier than similar clippers.
What owners love
- Precise, clean cuts with a 5-position taper
Wirecutter found it cut more precisely than its other picks and excelled at straight lines and full shaves. A barber tested it on many hair textures, and the taper arm changes length without a guard. Men's Health praises its speed and sharpness on all hair types.
- Long cordless runtime, USB-C
Wirecutter confirmed about 3 hours per charge, and it can switch to corded use and charges by USB-C. Amazon owners say the battery lasts 4-5 cuts.
- Quiet and grippy
Wirecutter says the dual-ball-bearing motor is quiet and the knurled metal body keeps it from slipping. Amazon owners say it runs quieter than other brands.
- You're on a budget
- You have weak hands (the guards snap on very tightly)
- You want a long warranty
- Frequent haircuts in one household
- Cordless use with a long runtime
- Fades and close cuts without swapping guards
Scores (tap for why)
What experts say
- Wirecutter (NYT): Upgrade pick (updated 2025-03-28): a pro-level clipper with precise cuts and up to three hours of cordless runtime, but its guide combs aren't the best.
- Men's Health: Best designed (published 2026-03-30): unmatched speed and sharpness for all hair textures, but pricier and heavier than similar pro clippers.