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
Can be used as a corded brushless motor clipper, or a cordless lithium ion battery clipper
Wahl’s first cordless clipper with detachable blades
Combines the brushless motor technology of the KM10 with the detachable blade capability of other clippers
Has 2 speeds of 3000, and 3700 strokes per minute
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
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
Designed for light through to heavy thickness animal hair
Designed for dogs, cats, horses & livestock
Read the Wahl Professional Animal KM Cordless/Corded Clipper Review
Wahl Professional Animal KM2 Corded Clipper
A corded rotary motor clipper
Has two speeds of 3000, and 3400 strokes per minute
Has a 16 foot long power cord
The clipper is 7.5 inches long, and weighs 13 ounces
Comes with a Wahl #10 Ultimate Series Blade
Compatible with Wahl’s detachable blades and guide combs
Has a 2-year limited warranty
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
Designed for dogs, cats, horses & livestock
Read the Wahl Professional Animal KM2 Corded Clipper Review
Wahl Professional Animal KM5 Corded Clipper
A corded rotary motor clipper
Has two speeds of 3000 and 3500 strokes per minute
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.
Comes with a Wahl #10 Ultimate Series Blade
Compatible with Wahl’s detachable blades and guide combs
Has a 2-year limited warranty
Designed for light through to heavy thickness animal hair
Designed for dogs, cats, horses & livestock
Read the Wahl Professional Animal KM5 Corded Clipper Review
Wahl Professional Animal KM10 Brushless Motor Clipper
A corded brushless motor clipper.
Has two speeds of 3000, and 3700 strokes per minute
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
Comes with a Wahl #10 Ultimate Series Blade
Compatible with Wahl’s detachable blades and guide combs
Has a 5-year limited professional warranty
Designed for light through to heavy thickness animal hair
Designed for dogs, cats, horses & livestock
Read the Wahl Professional Animal KM10 Brushless Motor Clipper Review
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.
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