In Wahl’s KM range of animal/pet clippers, each of the clipper models offer something different in terms of their features.
We’ve put together a Wahl KM vs KM2 vs KM5 vs KM10 Animal Clipper Comparison Guide to outline these features, as well as the similarities and differences between each of them.
We’ve also linked you to individual reviews of each Wahl KM Clipper.
You should be able to get a quick idea of which clipper may or may not be good for you and your grooming needs.
Let’s take a look at them!
(NOTE: this is a general information guide only, and is not professional advice, or a substitute for professional advice. A qualified vet or animal expert is the only person qualified to give you expert advice in regards to your pet/s)
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Wahl KM vs KM2 vs KM5 vs KM10 Animal/Pet Clippers: Comparison Guide
If you prefer, you can go straight to viewing the Wahl KM clippers here:
- Wahl KM Cordless 2-Speed Pet Clipper (on Chewy)
- Wahl Professional Animal KM Cordless/Corded Clipper (on Amazon) – can be used as a corded brushless motor clipper, or a cordless lithium ion battery clipper. Has 2 speeds of 3000, and 3700 strokes per minute
- Wahl KM2 Pet Clipper (on Chewy)
- Wahl Professional Animal KM2 Corded Clipper (on Amazon) – a corded rotary motor clipper. Has two speeds of 3000, and 3400 strokes per minute
- Wahl KM5 Rotary 2-Speed Professional Dog & Cat Clipper Kit (on Chewy)
- Wahl Professional Animal KM5 Corded Clipper (on Amazon) – a corded rotary motor clipper. Has two speeds of 3000 and 3500 strokes per minute
- Wahl KM10 Brushless 2-Speed Professional Dog & Cat Clipper (on Chewy)
- Wahl Professional Animal KM10 Brushless Motor Clipper (on Amazon) – a corded brushless motor clipper (brushless motors are designed to last longer than rotary motors). Has two speeds of 3000, and 3700 strokes per minute
The main features, similarities and differences between the Wahl KM Clippers are…
Wahl Professional Animal KM Cordless/Corded Clipper
– Features
A 2 in 1 clipper – can be used as a corded brushless motor clipper (like the KM10), or a cordless lithium ion battery clipper
Designed for light through to heavy thickness animal hair
Designed for dogs, cats, horses & livestock
Wahl’s first cordless clipper with detachable blades
Has 2 speeds of 3000, and also 3700 strokes per minute that can be utilized for different types of pet hair
Combines the brushless motor technology of the KM10 with the detachable blade capability of other clippers
Has Constant Speed Control for consistent power and torque through each cut (so the power doesn’t die down in thick or matted hair)
Has a 10 foot long charging cord/power cord
The battery lasts roughly 2 hours and takes roughly 1 hour to charge
Battery/clipper also has a Quick Charge feature that provides 15 extra minutes of clipping for every 10 minutes it charges
Clipper measures 7.5” x 2” x 2” inches, and weighs 13.6 oz.
Comes with a Wahl #10 Ultimate Series Blade
Compatible with Wahl’s detachable Ultimate series blades
Has a 5-year limited warranty (but, make sure you check the warranty duration and conditions when you buy)
The whole kit comes with the clipper, a #10 Ultimate Competition Series blade, a 10-foot charging cord, a cleaning brush, blade oil, and instruction book.
– Potential Drawbacks
For USA use only – not for international use
The clippers are not cheap
Although the motor is powerful with good torque, it would be good to have a higher stroke speed for the top speed, up somewhere around the 4000 SPM mark. Although this would mean the clipper blades might heat up more quickly so it’s understandable Wahl have kept the speed down and the torque up
– Who Might The Clipper Be For?
Those looking for a cordless animal clipper that runs on a lithium ion battery
Those looking for a corded brushless motor clipper
Those who prefer Wahl over Andis or Oster
Those looking for a 2 speed clipper
Those looking for a detachable blade clipper
Those looking for a clipper with a big 5 year limited warranty
– Who Might The Clipper NOT Be For?
Those looking for a clipper with more than 2 speeds
Those who want a a clipper with a speed higher than 3700 SPM
Those looking for a cheap clipper
– Summary
The clipper is not cheap, but it is very unique with the fact it has a brushless motor corded operation and a lithium ion cordless operation 2 in 1 capability.
The motor is powerful and can be used for heavier coats.
Worth the money if you want a 2 in 1 clipper – just make sure you know the warranty and return duration and conditions in case you have any issues.
The Andis AGC2 UltraEdge 2 Speed Pet Clipper is also worth a look as a 2 speed animal clipper alternative, although the Andis is a corded clipper only.
– View Clipper
View the Wahl Professional Animal KM Cordless Clipper on Amazon
Wahl Professional Animal KM2 Corded Clipper
– Features
A corded rotary motor clipper
Has two speeds of 3000, and 3400 strokes per minute
Designed for dogs, cats, horses & livestock
Has a 16 foot long power cord
The clipper is 7.5 inches long, and weighs 13 ounces
Comes with a detachable Wahl #10 Ultimate Series Blade
Compatible with Wahl’s detachable blades and guide combs
Has a 2-year limited warranty ( make sure you check the warranty duration and conditions when you buy)
There’s also a KM2 Deluxe model that comes with a #30 Competition
Doesn’t have Constant Speed Control for more consistent power and torque through thicker cuts
Clipper is made in Hungary, and blades are made in the USA
The kit overall includes the clipper, competition series no.10 detachable blade, 2 extra drive tips, removal tool, cleaning brush, blade oil and instructions.
– Potential Drawbacks
For USA use only – not for international use
Although the motor provides good torque and power, the speed on the second setting could be quicker. It is 3400 compared to the the KM10’s 3700 SPM
The warranty is a 2 year limited warranty compared to the KM10’s 5 year limited warranty
– Who Might This Clipper Be For?
Those looking for a corded animal clipper
Those who prefer Wahl over Andis or Oster
Those looking for a 2 speed clipper
Those looking for a detachable blade clipper
– Who Might This Clipper NOT Be For?
Those looking for a cordless clipper
Those looking for a clipper with more than 2 speeds
Those who want a clipper with a speed higher than 3400 SPM
Those looking for a clipper for very thick or matted fur
– Summary
The clipper is good without being great. It’s probably more suited to thin to medium thickness fur. You might struggle with it for matted sections of fur.
For the price, we think you can find better value 2 speed clippers like the Andis AGC2 UltraEdge 2 Speed Pet Clipper
– View Clipper
View the Wahl Professional Animal KM2 Clipper on Amazon
Wahl Professional Animal KM5 Corded Clipper
– Features
A corded rotary motor clipper
Has two speeds of 3000 and 3500 strokes per minute
Designed for light through to heavy thickness animal hair
Designed for dogs, cats, horses & livestock
Has a rounded front housing to prevent hair clogging
Has Constant Speed Control for consistent power and torque through each cut (so the power doesn’t die down in thick or matted hair)
Has a 14 foot long power cord
The unit measures 7.5” x 2” x 1.75” inches, and weighs 12.9 oz., and comes in different colors
Comes with a Wahl #10 Ultimate Series Blade
Compatible with Wahl’s detachable blades and guide combs
Has a 2-year limited warranty (make sure you check the warranty duration and conditions when you buy)
Clipper is made in Hungary, and blades are made in the USA
– Potential Drawbacks
For USA use only – not for international use
Although the motor provides good torque and power, the speed on the second setting could be quicker. It is 3500 compared to the the KM10’s 3700 SPM
The warranty is a 2 year limited warranty compared to the KM10’s 5 year limited warranty
The clippers are not cheap
As of the end of 2017, there seems to be some (not majority) defective units going around. There is a chance you may get one. Make sure you know the return and/or warranty policy before you order.
– Who Might This Clipper Be For?
Those looking for a corded animal clipper
Those who prefer Wahl over Andis or Oster
Those looking for a 2 speed clipper
Those looking for a detachable blade clipper
– Who Might This Clipper NOT Be For?
Those looking for a cordless clipper
Those looking for a clipper with more than 2 speeds
Those who want a clipper with a speed higher than 3500 SPM
– Summary
The clipper is good in theory for beginner groomers who want a lower speed clipper.
However, for the price, we think you can find better value 2 speed clippers like the Andis AGC2 UltraEdge 2 Speed Pet Clipper
– View Clipper
View the Wahl Professional Animal KM5 2 Speed Clipper on Amazon
Wahl Professional Animal KM10 Brushless Motor Clipper
– Features
A corded clipper
Has a brushless motor for increased motor life
Has two speeds of 3000, and 3700 strokes per minute
Designed for light through to heavy thickness animal hair
Designed for dogs, cats, horses & livestock
Has Constant Speed Control for consistent power and torque through each cut (so the power doesn’t die down in thick or matted hair)
Has a 14 foot long power cord
The unit measures 7.5 x 2 x 1.75 inches, and weighs 12.3 ounces – the unit comes in either a berry or a turquoise color
Comes with a Wahl #10 Ultimate Series Blade
Compatible with Wahl’s detachable blades and guide combs
Has a 5-year limited professional warranty (make sure you check the warranty duration and conditions when you buy)
Clipper is made in Hungary, and blades are made in the USA
– Potential Drawbacks
For USA use only – not for international use
Although the motor provides good torque and power, the speed on the second setting could be quicker – although this might mean the blades get hotter
The clippers are not cheap
As of the end of 2017/start of 2018, there seems to be a few defective units going around.
There is a chance you may get one. Make sure you know the return and/or warranty policy before you order
– Who Might This Clipper Be For?
Those looking for a corded animal clipper
Those who prefer Wahl over Andis or Oster
Those looking for a 2 speed clipper
Those looking for a detachable blade clipper
Those looking for a clipper with good power and torque
– Who Might This Clipper NOT Be For?
Those looking for a cordless clipper
Those looking for a clipper with more than 2 speeds
Those who want a a clipper with a speed higher than 3700 SPM
– Summary
The clipper motor is consistent with it’s power/torque and has two speeds – one for lighter thinner cutting, and the second speed for thicker hair cutting.
It’s great for light to medium clipping, but can struggle on heavy hair if you don’t use the clippers the right way and tease your way into it.
For a 2 speed dog clipper alternative, you might look at the Andis AGC2 UltraEdge 2 Speed Pet Clipper
– View Clipper
View the Wahl Professional Animal KM10 Brushless Motor Clipper Kit on Amazon
Which Wahl Professional Animal Clipper Should You Get?
The KM2 is the most basic and lightest duty of the 4 models – it lacks Constant Speed Control, and has the lowest speed settings of the 4 models.
A lower speed setting does mean there’s less chance the blades heat up as quickly though.
The KM5, KM10 and KM models all utilise Constant Speed Control, so if you want a clipper that maintains it’s power and torque for thicker cuts, these are better options.
The KM10 and KM models are the only two that utilise brushless motors, which are designed to be harder wearing, stay cooler because brushless means less moving parts, and be more durable over the long term than a rotary motor in the KM5 and KM2 models.
Lastly, the KM is the only model that can be used as both a corded and a cordless clipper.
The Lithium-Ion battery is great compared to a NiMH battery, and it also has corded brushless motor capabilities.
Wahl Animal/Pet Clipper Blades & Combs
Other than clippers, there’s different clipper blades and combs for clippers to consider.
You can read more about the different Wahl animal and pet clipper blades and combs in this guide.
We discuss the types of blades and combs, what lengths they cut, compatibility with different clippers and more.
Other Animal & Dog Clippers
Some people may be interested in looking at brands of clippers other than Wahl.
You can check out what might be some of the best dog clippers on the market at the moment in this guide.
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