5 Best Ball Trimmers for Men in 2026: Tested on My Own Balls
Updated 21st of September 2026: I’ve added the Manscaped Lawn Mower Go after several weeks of hands-on testing and reassessed my recommendations.
Let's be honest — intimate grooming isn't a taboo subject anymore, and it shouldn't be.
I started shaving my balls nearly 25 years ago, back when nobody really talked about it. Once I tried it, I never went back. There's something about that clean, smooth feeling that I prefer — particularly in the summer when sweat and irritation can become more noticeable.
And yes, there is a sexual side to it too. For me smooth balls make sex and oral sex more enjoyable. It feels more inviting, more playful and simply better. It's one of those grooming habits that isn't really about how anybody else sees you. It's about how you feel yourself.
Before becoming a full-time blogger, I worked as a healthcare assistant in a pharmacy, which made me pay attention to things like skin irritation, small cuts and why you shouldn't treat delicate skin in the same way you treat your chest or beard. That's the lens I bring to every trimmer in this guide.
I've personally tested every product on this list — on my own balls and groin, not just on paper. I'm looking at control, comfort, how the blade handles loose skin and whether I walk away irritated or pulled at.
Power matters less to me here than confidence.
No brand has paid to be placed higher in this guide, and these are the trimmers I actually trust enough to keep using after the review is finished, not simply on the day I test them.
For this update, I've added the Manscaped Lawn Mower Go after several weeks of real use and reshuffled my recommendations accordingly.
Best Overall: Manscaped Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra
Best Affordable: Manscaped Lawn Mower Go
Best Value: Maxgroom All-in-One
Best for Beginners: Philips Norelco OneBlade Intimate
Best for Body + Balls: Philips Norelco Bodygroom 7000
Best Manual Alternative: Gillette Intimate Razor
How I Tested the Best Ball Trimmers
For this guide, I used each trimmer around my balls, the base of the penis and the surrounding groin area. Where it made sense, I also tested them on larger areas such as my chest, stomach and underarms to see how versatile they really were.
The main thing I look for is control. Loose skin and awkward angles make intimate grooming very different from trimming a beard or chest hair.
I paid attention to how comfortably each blade moved across the skin, whether I experienced pulling or irritation, how secure the grip felt and how confident I was using the trimmer around more delicate areas.
I also considered battery life, waterproofing, attachments and value for money, but for this guide comfort and control below the belt matter more to me than outright cutting power.
1. Manscaped Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra – Best Overall
I've tested a lot of trimmers around my balls over the years, but the Manscaped Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra is still the one I trust most.
For me, the biggest reason is control. When you're trimming loose skin, outright power isn't everything. I want a trimmer that feels predictable in my hand and doesn't make me nervous when I'm working around awkward areas. The 5.0 Ultra does that extremely well.
I use it across the scrotum, around the base of the penis and through the surrounding groin area. The head feels comfortable against the skin, there's very little pulling, and the built-in light is genuinely useful when you're working underneath rather than simply looking straight down.
I also like having two heads. I normally trim everything down first and then use the foil head if I want a closer finish.
No ball trimmer can make cuts completely impossible, and I would never rush when using one around loose skin. But used slowly, with the skin stretched where necessary, the Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra is one of the most confidence-inspiring trimmers I've tested.
Its biggest weakness is the price. If you only groom occasionally, there are cheaper options that make more sense. But if below-the-belt grooming is something you do regularly, I think the extra control and versatility justify the cost.
Best for: Men who want the most complete and confidence-inspiring ball trimmer I've tested.
What I like
Excellent control around loose skin
Comfortable blades
Very little pulling
Two useful heads
Built-in light
Waterproof
Premium build quality
Could be better
Expensive
Probably more than you need for occasional grooming
You still need to be careful when going very close
2. Manscaped Lawn Mower Go – Best Affordable Ball Trimmer
The Manscaped Lawn Mower Go is the newest addition to this guide, and after testing it properly around my balls and groin, I think this is actually where the little trimmer makes the most sense.
It costs considerably less than Manscaped's premium models, and you can feel the difference in power. The Go isn't as fast or as strong as the Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra.
Surprisingly, though, I didn't dislike that when trimming my balls.
Before testing it, I deliberately allowed the hair around my groin to grow longer than usual. With the guard on its lowest setting, the Lawn Mower Go handled the longer growth better than I expected. I needed a couple of passes, but it felt very manageable around delicate areas and gave me a close, tidy finish.
I also used it around the base of my penis and without the guard in a few areas where I wanted to get closer. Again, it worked very well.
A few days later I tested it again for normal maintenance and actually liked it even more. That's where I think the Lawn Mower Go is at its best: keeping everything short and tidy regularly rather than tackling large amounts of body hair.
The rubberised body gives me a secure grip, it's compact enough for travelling, and the LED light is genuinely useful.
There is one important limitation. I wouldn't buy the Lawn Mower Go as your main body trimmer. When I tested it on my chest, the lower power became much more obvious and I experienced some pulling.
Around my balls and groin, however, it is a completely different story.
For under $50, I think it is one of the easiest ball trimmers to recommend.
Best for: Men who want a compact and affordable trimmer primarily for their balls and groin.
What I like
Very good control around the balls
Small and easy to manoeuvre
Secure rubberised grip
LED light
Good for regular maintenance
Compact enough for travel
Much cheaper than the Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra
Could be better
Requires more passes than the 5.0 Ultra
Not powerful enough for larger body areas
Doesn't feel as premium as Manscaped's flagship models
Read my full Manscaped Lawn Mower Go review →
3. Maxgroom: Best Value
The Maxgroom All-in-One is probably the most versatile option in this guide, particularly considering the price.
Unlike a dedicated ball trimmer, it comes with several heads and attachments, which means I can use one device for most of my grooming routine.
If the hair has grown longer, I normally start with the clipper. I then switch to the V-shaped body trimmer when I want to work more carefully around my groin.
That V-shaped head is the part I particularly like below the belt. It gives me good visibility and control around the base of the penis, the balls and other awkward areas without feeling aggressive against the skin.
Personally, I like the area around the base completely smooth while leaving a very short, neat amount of hair above. The Maxgroom makes that kind of routine particularly easy because I can switch between attachments rather than expecting one blade to do everything.
It doesn't have the premium feel of the Manscaped 5.0 Ultra, and if you only want something specifically for your balls, all those attachments may be unnecessary.
But as an affordable grooming kit that can handle intimate areas as well as the rest of the body, it offers a lot for the money.
Best for: Men who want one affordable kit for balls, groin and general body grooming.
What I like
Excellent value
Lots of useful attachments
V-shaped head works particularly well around the groin
Good visibility and control
Useful for the rest of the body too
Could be better
Doesn't feel as premium as Manscaped
More attachments mean more cleaning
Overcomplicated if you only want to trim your balls
4. Philips Norelco OneBlade Intimate – Best for Beginners
If you've never taken an electric trimmer anywhere near your balls before, the Philips Norelco OneBlade Intimate is probably where I'd start.
It's small, light and much less intimidating than a large body groomer. That matters more than you might expect. When you're learning to groom this area, feeling comfortable with the tool is almost as important as outright performance.
I've found the OneBlade particularly easy to manoeuvre around the groin. The small head follows the contours nicely and doesn't feel overly aggressive against sensitive skin.
I can use it to keep everything neatly trimmed or work closer when I want a smoother appearance.
It's also waterproof, simple to clean and small enough to throw into a wash bag when travelling.
Where it falls behind the Manscaped options is power and overall refinement. If you've allowed thick hair to grow for a long time, you'll probably want to take things slowly and make several passes.
For regular maintenance, however, it's uncomplicated and forgiving.
Best for: Beginners or anyone wanting a straightforward ball trimmer without lots of settings and attachments.
What I like
Very easy to use
Small and manoeuvrable
Gentle around sensitive areas
Waterproof
Easy to clean
Affordable
Could be better
Slower with thick or long hair
Less powerful than the Manscaped options
Doesn't feel as substantial as more expensive trimmers
5. Philips Norelco Bodygroom 7000 – Best for Body + Balls
The Philips Norelco Bodygroom 7000 is the one I'd choose if you don't want a separate trimmer for every part of your body.
I've used mine on and off for several years, and it remains one of the most dependable all-body groomers I've tested.
Balls, groin, bum, stomach, chest, underarms and legs — it handles pretty much everything.
The clever part is the double-ended design. There's an adjustable trimmer at one end and a foil shaver at the other, so I can shorten longer hair first and then turn the device around for a closer finish.
Around the balls, it's comfortable enough when used carefully, although the larger body isn't quite as nimble as the Lawn Mower Go or OneBlade Intimate. That's why I wouldn't place it higher in a guide dedicated specifically to ball trimming.
Where the Bodygroom 7000 wins is versatility. The motor has enough power for thicker body hair and larger areas, while the foil end still allows you to get reasonably close below the belt.
It's waterproof, the battery life is very good and the whole thing feels extremely solid.
If you want just one body groomer in the bathroom, this is probably the strongest option in this guide.
Best for: Men who want one powerful groomer for both their balls and the rest of their body.
What I like
Excellent all-body performance
Powerful enough for thicker hair
Trimmer and foil shaver in one device
Comfortable around sensitive areas
Waterproof
Strong battery life
Very solid build
Could be better
Fairly bulky around tight areas
Less specialised for ball trimming
Overkill if you only groom below the belt
Bonus: Gillette Intimate Razor – Best Manual Alternative
The Gillette Intimate Razor isn't technically a ball trimmer, which is why I've moved it outside my main top five.
But I still think it deserves a place in this guide.
When I want an extremely smooth finish, a manual razor still gets closer than any electric trimmer. The Gillette Intimate is designed specifically for this area, and I find it particularly good when used in the shower with shaving gel.
Technique matters, though.
I always shorten longer hair with an electric trimmer first, stretch the skin carefully and use short, gentle strokes. Going straight into long pubic hair with a razor is something I'd avoid.
Used properly, however, the result is difficult to beat.
Best for: Men who want a completely smooth finish rather than a short electric trim.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I prepare my balls before trimming or shaving?
If the hair is quite long, I always trim it down first with a guard rather than trying to go straight for a completely smooth finish. It makes the whole process easier and reduces pulling.
I also make sure the area is clean, I have plenty of light and, most importantly, I don't rush. When I'm working directly over the scrotum, I gently stretch the skin with one hand while using the trimmer with the other. Loose, folded skin is where things can become uncomfortable very quickly.
If I'm planning to finish with a manual razor, I trim everything short first and only then move on to shaving.
Is it better to trim your balls wet or dry?
Personally, I prefer trimming my balls dry.
I find dry hair easier for an electric trimmer to pick up, and I can see exactly what I'm doing. Wet hair tends to sit against the skin, and for me it makes the process a little less precise.
That doesn't mean you can't trim in the shower if your trimmer is waterproof. Some men will prefer it. But even with waterproof models, I normally do the actual trimming before I get in the shower and then wash everything afterwards.
If I'm using a manual razor for a completely smooth finish, that's different — I'll normally do that in the shower with warm water and shaving gel.
Should I shave my balls completely smooth?
That's entirely personal.
I've preferred a smooth finish for many years, particularly on the balls themselves and around the base of the penis. I like how it feels, and for me and my partner it also makes intimate moments more enjoyable.
But you certainly don't have to go completely bare. In fact, if you're new to intimate grooming, I'd start by using a short guard and see how you like it. A neatly trimmed groin can look and feel just as good while being easier to maintain.
You can also mix the two. I often prefer the balls and base completely smooth while keeping the surrounding pubic hair very short rather than removing everything.
How can I avoid cuts and irritation when trimming my balls?
The biggest thing is slow down. Don't use the same technique you would use on your chest or beard.
I stretch loose skin before passing the blade over it, use short controlled movements and avoid repeatedly going over the same area when it isn't necessary. If the hair is long, I shorten it first rather than forcing the blade through everything in one pass.
Afterwards, I wash the area gently and avoid heavily fragranced products if the skin feels sensitive.
And no matter what a manufacturer says about skin-safe blades, I never assume a trimmer makes cuts impossible. Technique still matters.
Final Thoughts: Which Ball Trimmer Should You Buy?
After testing all of these on my own body, the Manscaped Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra is still my favourite. It gives me the best combination of control, comfort and versatility, and it's the one I trust most when I'm working around loose skin.
The real story of this update, though, is the Lawn Mower Go.
It's not as powerful as the Ultra, and it's not trying to be. But around my balls and groin, that smaller size and more manageable power actually work in its favour. For under $50, it's now the affordable option I'd happily recommend to a mate.
If you want more attachments for the money, I'd go with the Maxgroom All-in-One. Nervous about doing this for the first time? Start with the Philips OneBlade Intimate — it's forgiving, simple and doesn't ask much of you.
And if you want one device to handle your whole body, balls included, the Philips Norelco Bodygroom 7000 still does that job better than anything else on this list.
Whatever you choose, take your time. Trim longer hair first, stretch the skin and use slow, controlled movements. No trimmer can make cuts completely impossible.
For me, the best ball trimmer was never simply the one that cuts closest.
It's the one I trust enough to use without flinching every time the blade gets near something important.
Jerome
Hi, I’m Jerome. I’ve been reviewing men’s skincare and grooming products for over 12 years, testing everything myself and sharing honest, experience-based recommendations on Dapper & Groomed.
A practical guide to pubic hair styles for men — from natural trim to full shave. Tools, maintenance, pros and cons, and aftercare advice from a former pharmacy assistant who's tried most of it.