BaBylissPRO FX870 vs Wahl Magic Clip — Which Fade Clipper Wins?

If you're picking your first pro cordless or replacing a tired daily driver, the BaBylissPRO FX870 and the Wahl Cordless Magic Clip are almost always the final two in the bag. They're built around different motor philosophies — and the right pick depends entirely on the hair you cut most.

Motor and torque

The FX870 runs a ferromagnetic motor with raw, dense torque — it cuts through coarse, thick hair without slowing down. The Magic Clip is rotary with a softer, more forgiving feel that excels on fine-to-medium hair and on blended fade work.

Blade and blend

The Magic Clip ships with a stagger-tooth blade that lifts hair into the cut — this is exactly why it's the trade default for blending. The FX870 runs a flatter, more aggressive blade that prefers crisp guide lines and bulk removal.

Runtime and battery

Both deliver roughly 90–120 minutes of cordless runtime on a full charge. The FX870's battery historically holds up longer at the 12+ month mark; the Magic Clip charges faster on its dock.

Verdict

• Coarse / dense hair, bulk removal, guide lines → FX870
• Blended fades, fine-to-medium hair, apprentice-friendly → Magic Clip
• Most working barbers eventually run both — Magic Clip for blend, FX870 for setup

Compare both in the clipper catalog →