Review: I tried the Philips Norelco OneBlade 360 Pro
As the headline of this review suggests, I’m a huge fan of the Philips Norelco OneBlade 360 Pro. It’s the only beard trimmer that I use at this point, and I’ve gone through a lot of them. But what makes it my favorite over more advanced (and more expensive) trimmers?
For starters, the OneBlade 360 Pro is small and easy to travel with. It fits perfectly in my dopp kit, and it’s far easier to pack along with other grooming products compared to bulkier, professional-style trimmers. I do wish it had a travel lock — it once turned on while I was on an airplane and was dead by the time I landed — but hopefully that’s something they can add to the next iteration (and that’s about as negative as this review is going to get).
The OneBlade 360 Pro passes every test I’ve given it. I’ve personally never been able to get a shave this close without using a traditional razor. Every other trimmer I’ve used has been just OK, but the OneBlade truly gets you that smooth, baby-face finish — no straight or safety razor needed. I also love the 360 blade that flexes in all directions. It really contours with your face, allowing you to shave up, down, and across without cutting or irritating your skin, even during rush jobs — it’s especially helpful when shaving your neck. (Beware, though, if you’re pressing too hard into your skin, you can still nick yourself.)
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What if you don’t want a clean shave, though? The OneBlade 360 Pro is also great at trimming down bulk and stray hairs thanks to the included comb attachment, which has five different length settings that attach to the 360 blade in either direction. I’m even able to get a decent fade going on my stubble by slowly working my way down each setting. Those with longer beards may not find as much use with the comb attachment, but the regular blade is still great for cleaning up your neckline and cheeks, even if you’ve got a Gandalf-length beard situation.
The only attachments you’ll need.
Credit: Dylan Haas / Mashable
This battery indicator will save you from unwanted stubble.
Credit: Dylan Haas / Mashable
The blade is a star at detailing, too. Turning it perpendicular to your face lets you fine-tune the edges of your beard and mustache, and it performs almost as well as the sharp, zero-gap blades you’d find in a barber shop. The lightweight design of the trimmer is also super helpful during detailing, giving you much more control and keeping your hand from getting tired.
The OneBlade 360 Pro also has a few small, quality-of-life details that make it even more of a must-have. One of my personal favorites is the battery indicator on the front that lets you know when it’s time to charge — it’s kept me from ending up with a half-shaved face on numerous occasions. The arrow indicator on each blade is also a nice touch, which signals to you when it’s time to replace your blade. The blade replacements aren’t cheap, but each one tends to last me three to four months at a time, so it’s not a dealbreaker.
I’ve been using the Philips Norelco OneBlade 360 Pro and its predecessors for years now, and to this day, I still haven’t found a better daily driver trimmer. And for under $60, it does not get better. I don’t see myself switching it up anytime soon.
The Philips Norelco One Blade Line
