Verdict
All guidesResearchOpen dataMethodologyAboutContact
Head-to-head · Best Beard Trimmers

Panasonic ER-GB42 Wet/Dry Beard Trimmer vs WAHL USA Stainless Steel Lithium Ion 2.0+ Slate Beard Trimmer

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.
The short answer

WAHL USA Stainless Steel Lithium Ion 2.0+ Slate Beard Trimmer comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.5 vs 4.1). WAHL USA Stainless Steel Lithium Ion 2.0+ Slate Beard Trimmer is best for: users needing long battery life. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Panasonic ER-GB42 Wet/Dry Beard Trimmer
Ranked #2 in Best Beard Trimmers
Panasonic ER-GB42 Wet/Dry Beard Trimmer
1 source$59.99as of Oct 16

The Panasonic ER-GB42 is a compact wet/dry beard trimmer that sets length with a single dial across 19 settings from 0.5 to 10 mm and charges on a cordless stand. Shaving Advisor's tested roundup rates it 8.0 out of 10 and calls it its go-to recommendation for travelers and short beards, praising the grip and a motor so quiet it barely makes any noise, but notes the small cutting head needs extra passes, can clog, and the blades need regular oiling. In a video review, owner Jaytee's found it powerful without tugging and far handier than a box of separate guards.

Strengths
  • — Rated 8.0 out of 10 in Shaving Advisor's tested roundup
  • — 19 length settings from 0.5 to 10 mm on one dial, so there are no loose guards to keep track of
  • — Motor so quiet it barely makes any noise, per Shaving Advisor
Watch-outs
  • — Small cutting head means more passes and can clog with hair quickly, per Shaving Advisor
  • — Blades need regular oiling; Shaving Advisor finds once a week enough
  • — 50-minute battery and a slow recharge compared with modern lithium-ion units, per Shaving Advisor
$59.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
WAHL USA Stainless Steel Lithium Ion 2.0+ Slate Beard Trimmer
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Beard Trimmers
WAHL USA Stainless Steel Lithium Ion 2.0+ Slate Beard Trimmer
2 sourcesall derived$80.99as of Oct 11

The Wahl Stainless Steel Lithium-Ion+ Trimmer runs 3.5 hours on a charge and tops up quickly. Reviewers noted the ergonomic design and the spread of attachments: a T-blade, dual shaver, ear/nose trimmer, and precision detailer. Grip comfort divided opinion, and the blades need oiling regularly. Men who want one cordless tool that handles several jobs will be pleased; anyone prioritizing easy handling or minimal maintenance won't.

Strengths
  • — Includes 4 interchangeable trimmer heads: T-Blade, Dual Shaver, Ear/Nose Trimmer, and Precision Detailer
  • — Comes with 10 guide combs for even cutting lengths
  • — Rechargeable with world-wide voltage compatibility
Watch-outs
  • — Lacks a dedicated grip for comfortable handling, per Shaving Advisor
  • — Requires regular blade oiling maintenance, per HelpAtMyHome
$80.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Panasonic ER-GB42 Wet/Dry Beard Trimmer

The Panasonic ER-GB42 Wet/Dry Beard Trimmer and the Panasonic Cordless Precision Beard Trimmer both set length with a dial across 19 settings from 0.5 to 10 mm. The ER-GB42's linked listing is $59.99 against $134.99 for the Cordless Precision, and Shaving Advisor gives the ER-GB42 50 minutes of battery to the other model's 60.

WAHL USA Stainless Steel Lithium Ion 2.0+ Slate Beard Trimmer

The WAHL USA Stainless Steel Lithium Ion 2.0+ Slate Beard Trimmer runs 3.5 hours per charge, against up to 1 hour for the Norelco Philips All-in-One 3000 Series 13 in 1 Trimmer and 60 minutes for the Panasonic Cordless Precision Beard Trimmer. It sets length with 10 guide combs, where the Panasonic uses a dial with 19 settings. It costs more than the Norelco and less than the Panasonic.

Specs side-by-side

SpecPanasonic ER-GB42 Wet/Dry Beard TrimmerWAHL USA Stainless Steel Lithium Ion 2.0+ Slate Beard Trimmer
ModelER-GB42-K—
Length Settings19, from 0.5 to 10 mm, set by dial10 guide combs
Wet/DryYes, fully waterproof—
Battery50 minutes, per Shaving Advisor—
ChargingCordless charging stand—
In the BoxTrimmer, charging stand, cleaning brush and blade oil, per Shaving Advisor—
Blade Type—Stainless Steel Self-Sharpening T-Blade
Battery Life—3.5 hours
Charging Time—3 minutes
Power Source—Rechargeable
Trimmer Heads—4 interchangeable
Attachments—10
Dimensions—1.2 x 1.4 x 6.2 inches; 12.8 ounces
← See the full ranking of best beard trimmers