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The JRL Onyx and the TPOB Play are two of the clippers barbers ask about most. Both are cordless, both have a lever, and both get compared on price. We line up the listed specs, what barbers say, and which one fits which cutter. Here is where it all points.
JRL Onyx or TPOB Play? Both are cordless and both have a lever. Here is the quick split.
Pick if you want the longer record
JRL Onyx
- 12.7 oz (JRL)
- Up to 5 hours listed runtime
- 10 guards, #0.5 to #8
Pick if you like its shape and lower price
TPOB Play
- Up to 5 hours listed runtime
- 6 guards in the box
- Lever opens to a true #1 in 5 clicks (TPOB)
Several barbers say the two are close to the same clipper in a different body, and others disagree. Shape and warranty decide it.
In this article
Quick Answer
Quick verdict
- Pick the JRL Onyx if you want the longer track record and the owner reports of fewer failures, per a few barbers.
- Pick the TPOB Play if you prefer its body shape and want a lower price. Check the model: the Play Mini is a smaller version.
- Hold on: several barbers say the two are close to the same clipper in a different body. Others say the Onyx is better. The honest summary is that opinions split, so shape and warranty matter.
Quick take
Pick the JRL Onyx if you want the longer track record and the owner reports of fewer failures, per a few barbers.
Specs Side by Side
These figures come from the JRL Onyx page on jrlusa.com and the TPOB Play page on tpobusa.com, read October 12, 2026. These are the makers’ published specifications.
| Spec | JRL Onyx | TPOB Play |
|---|---|---|
| Motor | Smart-Clip motor, 6,000 and 7,500 RPM | ACME motor with constant torque, 6,000 to 7,500 RPM |
| Listed runtime | Up to 5 hours | 5 hours |
| Listed charge time | About 3 hours regular, or 5 hours in Reset IQ mode | 3 hours |
| Blade | Onyx Fade blade, stainless steel, adjustable 0.5 to 3.5 mm | XO Fusion blade, 32-tooth, with oil reservoirs; lever opens to a true #1 in 5 clicks |
| Weight / size | 12.7 oz; JRL lists 6 x 6 x 9 in | TPOB lists 6.69 x 1.61 x 1.54 in; no weight on the page we read |
| Guards in the box | 10 guards, #0.5 to #8 | 6 guards (1/2, 1, 1-1/2, 2, 3, 4) |
| Charging | Reset IQ charging dock with LED battery and speed display | Charging stand with cable |
| Extras | Blade protector, screwdriver, brush, oil, US plug adapter | Zero gap tool, oil, screwdriver, spare white grip and logo |
| Voltage | Dual voltage, 100 to 240V | Not listed on the page we read |
| Warranty | 1 year, manufacturing defects, bought new from JRL or an authorized seller | 1 year on non-moving parts |
On paper the two are close: same two speeds, same listed runtime, same kind of lever. The differences are in the box and the details. JRL ships ten guards and a travel-ready dual-voltage charger. TPOB ships six guards and a zero gap tool, and lets you swap the grip and logo.
What Each Maker Says Sets It Apart
JRL Onyx
JRL points to three things. Reset IQ charging, which it says gives a consistent 100% charge to protect battery life. Smart-Clip, which it says senses blade resistance and speeds the motor up so it does not drag on thick or textured hair. And the Onyx Fade blade, which it says is compatible with most pro clipper brands. JRL also lists an LED display for battery and speed. One practical note from JRL’s own page: orders ship about two weeks after purchase.
TPOB Play
TPOB describes a modular design with interchangeable rubber grips, a slim body with a thumb indent, and constant torque technology that raises motor speed under load. It also lists the XO Fusion blade with oil reservoirs and a cooling design. TPOB says the motor is quiet. We cannot confirm any of this ourselves, and both makers call their own clipper quiet, so treat that claim as marketing on both sides.
Weight, Shape and Everyday Use
JRL lists the Onyx at 12.7 oz. TPOB does not list a weight on the page we read, so we cannot compare weight head to head. TPOB lists a slim 1.61 inch width, and several barbers in the thread below prefer the Play body shape. If you cut all day, shape matters more than a spec line. Hold both if you can, or buy from a seller with an easy return policy.
Guards matter for different reasons. Ten guards from #0.5 to #8 covers more lengths out of the box. Six guards from 1/2 to 4 covers most fades and short cuts, but longer lengths need extra guards. Guard numbers are explained in our guard size guide.
Good to know
JRL lists the Onyx at 12.7 oz. TPOB does not list a weight on the page we read, so we cannot compare weight head to head.
Warranty and What to Check Before You Buy
Both list a one-year warranty, but the wording differs. JRL says its warranty covers manufacturing defects when the clipper is bought new from JRL or an authorized seller, and claims go through an RMA form and a receipt. TPOB says one year on non-moving parts, which would not obviously include a motor or a battery, so read the full terms before you rely on it. Check who the seller is on any marketplace listing, because warranty terms on both pages refer to buying new from the maker or an authorized source.
Before you buy, check these points on the listing:
- The exact model and edition (Play, Play Mini and Play Max are different clippers).
- Whether the seller is the maker or an authorized seller.
- What comes in the box, since guard counts and extras differ.
- The return window, because hand feel is personal.
Heads up
Both list a one-year warranty, but the wording differs.
What Barbers Say
Barbers in a June 2026 r/Barber thread split. Some said the two are basically the same clipper in a different body, so choose by how it feels in your hand. One said the Play body shape is better. One owner of the Onyx said they had no issues in years, and noted that people on that forum report Play clippers failing around the one-year mark. Another said they own both and the Onyx has better battery life and power. Another said the Mini beats the Onyx in every way. These are individual opinions, and some are about different models. YouTube comment sections tell a similar story: barbers praising the Play, plus a number of owners reporting charging or vibration problems after months. We read them as anecdotes, not failure rates.
Which Should You Buy?
- You want the safest pick: the Onyx, going by owner reports of long use. See our JRL guide.
- You care about shape and a lower price: the Play or Play Mini. See our TPOB guide.
- You are a new barber: see best clippers for barber school.
Check JRL Onyx on AmazonCheck TPOB Play on Amazon
Pick this if…
You want the safest pick: the Onyx, going by owner reports of long use.
List Prices From the Maker (Checked October 12, 2026)
- JRL Onyx Cordless Hair Clipper: $195.00 on jrlusa.com
- TPOB Play Clipper (Black & White): $134.95 on tpobusa.com
That is the maker’s list price on the day we checked, and it can change. Amazon and other stores can charge more or less, so check the current price:
.
Related guides
Curious how the Ghost differs from the Onyx? See JRL Ghost vs Onyx.
How We Researched This
Our verdicts come from the JRL and TPOB product pages, retailer and review pages cited in our brand articles, a June 2026 Reddit thread and public YouTube comments. Maker claims are attributed to the maker. Prices move, so check the current listing.
FAQ
Are the JRL Onyx and TPOB Play the same clipper?
Some barbers say they are close, others disagree. The listed specs are similar, but body shape, battery reports and warranty differ.
Which has the longer battery life?
Both list about 5 hours. One owner who has both said the Onyx lasts longer, but that is one report.
Which is better for a beginner?
Either can work. Choose by hand feel and by the return policy on the listing.
