Pro-level power and runtime for family haircuts — with a few small compromises.
Tired of cordless clippers that die mid-cut or struggle with thick hair? For busy households, a reliable, powerful tool with a sensible guard kit and long battery life can turn a stressful DIY haircut into a quick, consistent chore.
The Wahl Lithium Ion Pro Rechargeable Cordless Clippers (Model 79470) promises a high-torque motor, up to 2 hours of runtime, a 22-piece snap‑n‑lock guard set, smart LED charge indicator, and self-sharpening blades. In this review I’ll walk through the features that make it a solid choice for home use and the small ergonomic quirks to watch for.
Best Value Home Clippers
Wahl Lithium Ion Pro Cordless Clippers
Best cordless home clipper for DIY cuts
8.8/10
EXPERT SCORE
A solid, professional-feel cordless clipper built for families and home users — it balances power, runtime, and a generous accessory kit at a sensible price. Small ergonomic quibbles and guard preferences won’t outweigh the overall convenience and performance for most people.
The Wahl Lithium Ion Pro (Model 79470) is a cordless hair clipper designed for home and light-professional use. It combines Wahl’s long-standing reputation for barbershop-grade hardware with modern lithium-ion technology and a smart charge indicator. The package is intended to be an all-in-one kit so families, beginners, and experienced DIYers can cut hair at home with confidence.
What’s in the Box
Cordless clipper body with attached blade
12 snap‑n‑lock cutting guards (from 1/16″ to 1″) and left/right ear taper guards
Scissors, barber comb, styling comb, and cleaning brush
Blade oil and blade cover
Instruction manual and storage case
Key Features Explained
The Lithium Ion Pro focuses on three practical pillars: power, battery convenience, and a complete accessory set.
Power: The clipper houses a high‑torque motor designed to pull through thicker textures without snagging. That means fewer passes and less irritation when you’re tackling dense hair.
Battery: A lithium‑ion cell gives up to two hours of cordless runtime on a full charge. The battery also boasts long-term retention, holding charge for months when not in use.
Smart Charge: A simple LED ring communicates battery state — flashing red for low, solid red while charging, and solid green when fully charged. This removes guesswork before a haircut session.
Blades: Self‑sharpening, precision‑ground blades remain effective over long periods and are easy to maintain with the included oil.
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Performance & Real-World Use
The clipper’s motor is reliable for most household cutting tasks: full heads, fades, edging, and trimming. It feels slightly heavier and more substantial than budget clippers, which many users like for control. Expect clean passes on dry hair across multiple hair types, including straight, wavy, and coarse textures.
Cutting speed: Efficient enough to reduce the number of passes compared to low‑end cordless clippers.
Noise: Moderate — not whisper-quiet but not overly loud either; typical of mid-range professional clippers.
Heat: After extended use, the body remains reasonably cool; blades can warm slightly with continuous long sessions.
Blade System & Maintenance
The blades are self‑sharpening and designed for long life: regular light maintenance keeps them performing well.
To maintain blade life:
Wipe blades clean after each use with the included brush
Apply 1–2 drops of blade oil along the blade edge before/after use
Store the clipper with the blade cover to protect the edges
Guard System & Versatility
The kit includes 12 snap‑n‑lock guides from 1/16″ up to 1″ plus left/right ear taper guards. This range covers close buzzes through basic scissor-over-clipper blending. The adjustable taper lever on the side also provides micro-length control, allowing you to fine-tune fades or achieve intermediary lengths without changing guards.
Guard sizes provide safe, repeatable lengths for families and beginners.
The taper lever extends versatility by enabling in-between lengths and smooth blends.
Battery & Charging Details
Rated runtime: up to 2 hours on a full charge — ample for multiple cuts in one session.
Charge retention: the lithium-ion cell can retain charge long-term when stored, making it great for infrequent users.
Smart LED: instant visual feedback on charging and ready status.
Ideal Users
Families who want to save on frequent salon visits
DIYers cutting their own hair who prefer cordless convenience
Barbers or stylists looking for a backup cordless unit
Travel users who appreciate a compact, long-holding battery
Comparison Table (Quick Specs)
Feature
Spec / Note
Model
79470
Battery
Lithium‑Ion, up to 2 hours runtime
Blades
Self‑sharpening precision ground
Guards
12 snap‑n‑lock guards (1/16″ to 1″) + ear tapers
Kit Pieces
22 items (clipper + accessories)
Charge Indicator
LED: flashing red / solid red / solid green
Pros and When to Buy
Buy this if you want a dependable cordless clipper with professional feel and an all-in-one kit. The strong battery and retention make it great for households or travel.
Limitations & What to Watch For
The on/off system uses a side-mounted taper lever that doubles as the power mechanism — some users find it awkward when doing self-cuts, especially reaching the back of the head.
If you insist on an exact mid-size guard (for example a specific 2mm), you may need to rely on the taper lever and experimenting with guard combinations to match a preferred length.
Tips for Best Results
Start with a longer guard and work shorter — it’s easier to remove more hair than to put it back.
Use the taper lever to blend between guard sizes and create smoother fades.
Keep blades oiled and clean after every few uses to preserve performance.
Charge fully before long sessions; the LED makes that simple.
Final Thoughts
This Wahl Lithium Ion Pro unit is a thoughtfully packaged clipper that brings together long battery life, a capable motor, and a comprehensive accessory set at a competitive price point. It won’t fully replace a high-end professional clipper for heavy commercial barbershop use, but for at-home haircuts, travel, and occasional professional touch-ups, it’s an excellent balance of performance and convenience.
Apply a drop of blade oil after every few uses — ideally after cleaning off hair with the included brush. Oiling reduces friction, helps blades stay sharp longer, and prevents rust.
Use the supplied blade oil or a light clipper oil. Do not use household oils.
After cleaning, put one small drop along the top row of blade teeth and one drop between the blades. Run the clipper for a few seconds to spread the oil, then wipe away excess with a soft cloth.
For heavy or daily use, oil after each session. For occasional home use, oil every 3–5 uses.
Can I use the clippers while they’re charging?
This model is designed for cordless operation and is intended to be used unplugged for best safety and freedom of movement.
The manufacturer describes plugging in to charge and then unplugging to use cordless. The unit is not advertised as a corded replacement.
Using a clipper while charging can create cord interference and may increase risk if the clipper or cord gets wet.
If your manual explicitly states corded use is allowed, follow those instructions and take extra care with the cord. When in doubt, charge fully and use cordless.
What9s the easiest way to get a smooth fade at home?
Work slowly and blend in small steps. Check symmetry often.
Start with a longer guard for the top and the longest side length you want.
Move to progressively shorter guards on the sides and back, working from the bottom up.
Use the taper lever to make small length adjustments for smoother transitions.
With the clipper slightly angled and the blades tilted, make light, upward flicking passes to blend lines.
Finish by removing the guard for very light edge work if needed, and use a comb and scissors for final blending around the crown and hairline.
Can the clipper cut wet hair?
Cutting slightly damp hair is usually fine. Very wet hair can clump and give uneven results.
Towel-dry hair until it is just slightly damp. Comb to remove tangles before cutting.
For the most consistent results, cut dry hair or only lightly damp hair. Drying also shows the true fall of the hair for fades.
Do not use the clipper on dripping hair. Keep blades and the clipper body dry to protect the motor and battery.
How do I store the clipper for long periods?
Prepare the clipper before storing to protect blades and battery.
Clean hair from the blades and guards, oil the blades, and attach the blade cover.
Remove detachable guards and accessories and store them in the case.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
For lithium-ion batteries, its best to store the clipper with a partial charge (around 40–60%). Top up the charge every 3–6 months for long-term storage.
What if I lose a guard or accessory?
Replacement guards and parts are available through official channels.
Check the manufacturers website, authorized retailers, or contact customer support. Have your model number (79470) ready for compatibility.
Many retailers sell genuine replacement guards, scissors, combs, and blade parts.
Avoid generic guards unless you confirm the fit and safety. Genuine parts ensure proper locking and cutting lengths.
Is this clipper suitable for kids haircuts?
Yes. The included range of guards and straightforward controls make it a good choice for children.
Use longer guards and work in short passes to reduce mistakes and keep sessions brief.
Keep the child comfortable and distracted. Have someone help hold younger children if needed.
Take extra care around ears and the neck. Use scissors for small detail work if the child is fidgety.
Sanitize blades and guards between uses to keep haircuts hygienic.
Daniel
Daniel Foster, a veteran barber with over 8 years of experience, is passionate about sharing his expertise through insightful articles and reviews.
16 Comments
Love the price-performance ratio, but small nitpick: packaging had a dent when it arrived from Amazon. Product was fine though. Customer service didn’t seem necessary.
Otherwise: fast charge, comfy grip, and plenty of accessories — especially good if you have family members with different hair needs.
Thanks for the note, Michael. Shipping damage is unfortunate but good to hear the unit itself was fine. We didn’t receive many reports of packaging issues in the review cycle, but it’s useful to know.
I once got a dent too but everything else was OK. Amazon replacements were quick when I actually needed one.
Same — minor packaging issues don’t bother me if the product works well.
Wanted to point out a small thing that might save someone time: the clipper’s case is not very rigid — it flowers open if you toss it into a bag. I started using a small pouch.
Also, the smart charge is cool but the charging base wobbles on my countertop, so I put a non-slip pad under it.
Good to know about the case — I thought mine was just wonky. I’ll grab a pouch too.
Noted — thanks. Small fixes make a big difference in everyday use.
Thanks Priya — practical notes like case durability and base stability are useful. The article didn’t dive into accessories/case quality in depth, so this helps readers.
I had the same wobble. A little rubber pad fixed it for me.
I bought the Wahl Lithium Ion Pro last month for home haircuts and it’s been great so far. Battery life really holds up — I can do the kids and my husband on a single charge.
The guards are plenty, but I did wish there was a guard between 1 and 2.5 for a slightly shorter taper.
Overall, solid value for the price ($76.99 IMO).
Thanks for the hands-on feedback, Sarah. The article mentioned guard preferences as a common quibble — good to hear the runtime lived up to expectations in real use.
Agree on the guards — I ended up buying a set of third-party guards that fill the gaps. Not ideal but works.
Which third-party set did you get, Tom? I’m not great at finding compatible guards.
Solid review. I love the ergonomic feel — it actually doesn’t slip in my hand when cutting my toddler’s hair which is a miracle 😂.
One tip: keep the blades oiled. It runs smoother and stays quieter.
Good practical tip, Tom and Ethan. The expert verdict in the article also highlights the ‘professional-feel’ — maintenance like oiling helps preserve that.
Agree about the oil. I skipped it once and the motor sounded rough. A tiny bottle of blade oil goes a long way.
Love the price-performance ratio, but small nitpick: packaging had a dent when it arrived from Amazon. Product was fine though. Customer service didn’t seem necessary.
Otherwise: fast charge, comfy grip, and plenty of accessories — especially good if you have family members with different hair needs.
Thanks for the note, Michael. Shipping damage is unfortunate but good to hear the unit itself was fine. We didn’t receive many reports of packaging issues in the review cycle, but it’s useful to know.
I once got a dent too but everything else was OK. Amazon replacements were quick when I actually needed one.
Same — minor packaging issues don’t bother me if the product works well.
Wanted to point out a small thing that might save someone time: the clipper’s case is not very rigid — it flowers open if you toss it into a bag. I started using a small pouch.
Also, the smart charge is cool but the charging base wobbles on my countertop, so I put a non-slip pad under it.
Good to know about the case — I thought mine was just wonky. I’ll grab a pouch too.
Noted — thanks. Small fixes make a big difference in everyday use.
Thanks Priya — practical notes like case durability and base stability are useful. The article didn’t dive into accessories/case quality in depth, so this helps readers.
I had the same wobble. A little rubber pad fixed it for me.
I bought the Wahl Lithium Ion Pro last month for home haircuts and it’s been great so far. Battery life really holds up — I can do the kids and my husband on a single charge.
The guards are plenty, but I did wish there was a guard between 1 and 2.5 for a slightly shorter taper.
Overall, solid value for the price ($76.99 IMO).
Thanks for the hands-on feedback, Sarah. The article mentioned guard preferences as a common quibble — good to hear the runtime lived up to expectations in real use.
Agree on the guards — I ended up buying a set of third-party guards that fill the gaps. Not ideal but works.
Which third-party set did you get, Tom? I’m not great at finding compatible guards.
Solid review. I love the ergonomic feel — it actually doesn’t slip in my hand when cutting my toddler’s hair which is a miracle 😂.
One tip: keep the blades oiled. It runs smoother and stays quieter.
Good practical tip, Tom and Ethan. The expert verdict in the article also highlights the ‘professional-feel’ — maintenance like oiling helps preserve that.
Agree about the oil. I skipped it once and the motor sounded rough. A tiny bottle of blade oil goes a long way.