Overview
I typically buy a trimmer for one purpose – a straightforward haircut – and then stick to a single attachment.
Still, each new kit reminds me how much it actually offers.
And that raises a question: Are all these extra parts there because we truly need them, or are they just a reflection of modern trends and the spirit of the times?
Over the years, I’ve tried quite a few trimmers and shavers, and pretty early on I found myself consistently preferring Philips Norelco. Their design, ergonomics, and overall reliability just work for me. The last model I reviewed was the Philips Norelco Multi Groomer MG9520/50, a premium option from the same lineup.
This time, I’m testing a more affordable version, and I want to find out whether the lower price means noticeable compromises – or if this kit actually offers the best balance between performance, versatility, and price.
In this review, I go over the full experience, including:
Unboxing – what’s inside the box and what’s included in the kit
Close-up look at the machine, blades, and attachments
Comparison to similar kits in the same series
Real-world demo – haircut, nose trimming, and beard shaping
Before we get into specs, pros and cons, and everything else, I recommend watching the video first, featuring the OVR Guy – with a guest appearance by the OVR Bird.
Please note: I may look a bit wilder than usual in this one — I intentionally didn’t shave for a few weeks so the before/after results would be more noticeable.
Product details
All-in-One wireless Trimmer, suitable for face (beard/mustach/nose), hair and body grooming.
It is part of the Philips Norelco Multigroom 5000 Series.
This specfic model (MG5970/49) includes: Beard Trimmer and Hair Clipper, 18-Piece Men’s Grooming Kit for Beard, Face, Nose, Ear, Body, with Titanium Blades, Travel Pouch.
It has Titanium-coated steel self-sharpening blades, including an extra-wide T-blade for hair and beard trimming across large areas.
They require no oiling and are supposed to remain sharp as day one for long-lasting performance.
Length settings range from 0.5 to 16 mm. With the nose and ear hair trimmer attachment, you can easily remove unwanted nose and ear hair. Llithium-ion battery provides up to 3 hours of runtime.
The lithium battery is supposed to provide up to 180 minutes of runtime with 5-minute quick charge option, and 6 week performance on a single charge (Based on 2.3 times trimming facial hair per week, each session on av. 11.5 minutes).
USB-A charging cable included (wall power adapter not included).
The trimmer has a battery light indicator to know when the battery is low and it’s time to charge (orange color), and is on during the charging process (white color, while charging and when the battery is full).
Easy to use, clean and maintain: blades and combs easily detach for fast cleaning – just rinse it under running water; impact-resistant guards don’t bend or buckle.
Fully washable. 100% showerproof. you can use the trimmer both wet and dry trimming and shaving. The no-slip rubber grip improves comfort and control.
Specifications
Power
Design
Maintenance
Wet & Dry
Operation
Service
Inside the box
Main unit
Styling tools
Combs
Accessories
Documentation
Pros
Diversified and Practical All-Body Kit: Compared to previous trimmers I’ve owned, this kit offers “only 18 attachments.” On one hand, I didn’t want to settle for less, but on the other, these tools must be functional. Otherwise, there’s no point in having them sit unused. This trimmer genuinely provides a diversified array of accessories designed for everything: head hair trimming, beard, mustache, nose and ear hair, and additional body parts. In my case, I felt the machine fully addressed every grooming requirement I had.
Safe and Smooth Shaving Experience: During use, I have never experienced nicks, cuts, or hair pulling at any point. This trimmer feels exceptionally secure and delivers reliable, surprise-free performance. This high level of confidence has consistently accompanied my use of all the Multigroom machines I’ve owned to date, marking one of the most significant differences between lesser-known alternatives and these higher-quality trimmers.
Powerful, Focused Trimming Action: The motor delivers robust cutting power, yet it remains well-controlled and never feels erratic or overwhelming. This strong, directed action provides an efficient and reliable cut when I use the trimmer.
Comfortable Handle: For me, the machine is excellent in terms of size and component placement. Its design strikes an ideal balance; its size is great and it never feels cumbersome. The power button is optimally positioned for thumb engagement, and I did not experience any accidental presses of the button during use. The textured, non-slip surface is placed on both sides, making the grip feel sturdy and practical – not at all like a meaningless design gimmick. Importantly, the ergonomics support long trimming sessions, preventing the fatigue or aching fingers common with less considered designs.
Durable and Zero-Maintenance Blades: The claim regarding the blades is ambitious, but they certainly do the job well as of now. Based on my past experience with the blades from the same series, they maintain their quality over a long period, so I have every reason to believe that this will be the case here as well. The best news here is that they require no oiling, which is a significant practical benefit that eliminates a tedious and messy maintenance step completely.
The Machine is Waterproof: Although the company claims the machine is fully waterproof, I have not tested that claim to the extreme. I personally avoid wetting the charging port connection. However, I easily rinse the head itself (as shown in the video).
Fast Charging Capability: The machine’s initial full charge took about an hour, which felt very quick to me. Although I haven’t yet tested the 5-minute quick charge option, it is certainly good to know that this feature is available for when I might need it.
Easy and Secure Head Switching: Switching the heads is done quickly and easily, as you can see in the video I presented. Once a head is secured, it is stable, does not wobble, and the trimmer performs well. When necessary, the head can be removed easily for cleaning and/or rinsing the machine.
Very Light: The listed weight of 6.7 ounces (just under 200 grams) refers to the entire package, but the machine itself is very light, even considering its size. This makes it extremely easy to pack and carry when you take it with you on trips or business travel.
Cons
The Absence of a Wider Trimming Head: Although I noted that the kit covers most needs with its 18 attachments, I believe a wider trimming head would be a practical accessory to include.
Questionable Power Button Placement: the placement did not bother me personally, likely because the machine is ergonomically suited for my specific hand size. However, I acknowledge that the location of the On/Off button is a design flaw that could potentially cause problems for some users, such as discomfort or accidental presses.
Lack of Precise Battery Indicator: The sole indication of the battery status is the single light, which makes it impossible to determine the remaining power level. The user can only know if the battery is fully charged or if it requires charging, which lacks the precision often expected from premium devices.
Limited Runtime: Three hours of runtime is adequate for most trimming needs. However, I recognize this as a downgrade when compared to the 6-hour runtime available on models like the Philips Norelco Multi Groomer MG9520/50. This compromise must be acknowledged as part of the deal, especially since spending a little more money provides a significant upgrade in battery life.
Overall verdict
The Philips Norelco Multigroom 5000 Series (MG5970/49) is a solid, well-performing all-in-one tool positioned as the second-tier option in the Multigroom family (above the 3000 series). It delivers everything necessary for full head-to-toe grooming and maintenance.
The machine’s core strength lies in its practical performance: It is comfortable, powerful, and, most importantly, provides a safe trimming experience – a factor I value highly. I was thoroughly satisfied with the variety of heads, which completely covered all my grooming needs.
The main compromises to consider for those weighing more premium options (7000/9000 series) are the plastic body construction (less durable and visually striking than a metal body), and the shorter battery life (3 hours vs. 6 hours). These trade-offs are significant for users seeking top-tier longevity and performance. Additionally, this model comes with fewer accessories overall, and the included travel pouch is more basic, factors that might affect the perceived value of the deal.
In my specific case, I had everything I needed and did not feel I compromised on essential functionality, despite the slightly simpler accessories and travel bag. The final verdict, therefore, depends heavily on the pricing.
Final Recommendation: If you are interested in this trimmer, go for it-you are not buying a pig in a poke. If you find similar models from the 5000 series or the higher tiers (especially the 7000/9000) on sale, weigh the price difference carefully to see if the upgrade in battery and build quality justifies the cost.
Note: In my case, the packaging was simple, unbranded, and slightly damaged. This is not a dealbreaker for me, but it may affect your overall impression of the purchase.
Where to buy
Below are links to purchase the Philips Norelco Multigroom 5000 Trimmer (MG5970/49) or similar models:
Photos
User manual
Additional links
FAQ
Q: What is the white grease showing when removing the trimmer?
The grease found as you remove the trimmer head is there to ensure consistent trimming performance over time, so you’ll have a trim that’s as smooth as day one
Got questions about the Philips Norelco Multigroom 5000 (MG5970/49)?
Feel free to drop them in the comments – I’ll do my best to help.
And if you’ve already tried the Philips Norelco Multigroom 5000 (MG5970/49), I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Your feedback might help others decide whether this all-in-one trimmer is the right fit for them.
Comments
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