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Hedges create an attractive natural boundary between properties, walkways, and drives—but only if you keep them well manicured. For that, the best tool for the job is a battery-powered hedge trimmer.
These cordless power tools are lighter and easier to manage than gas-powered models and don’t restrict your range like corded electric trimmers do. They use a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and electric motor to power a bar of sawtooth-like reciprocating blades that can extend 20 inches or more and cut branches up to an inch thick.
Like any other yard power tools, there’s a list of factors to consider before you buy. For hedge trimmers, that includes details such as blade length, cutting diameter, and battery size, plus a host of nice-to-have features.
Ahead, our buying guide delves into everything you need to know about the tool, followed by our best hedge trimmer recommendations.
Similar to chainsaws, a hedge trimmer's cutting ability is partly defined by the length of the cutting bar. Blade length, which can range from 18 inches to 28 inches, determines not just how much vegetation you can shave off your holly bush or boxwood with each pass, but also how easy it is to shape your hedges evenly.
Trimmers with longer blades trim hedges more quickly and maintaining a consistent branch length along the entire hedge. The tradeoff is that longer blades can also weigh more. While a couple pounds may not seem like much, it can make the hedge trimmer difficult to operate when you’re holding it away from your body to make a cut.
Consider the size of the job when determining what blade length you need. For lower hedges and bushes, a 20-inch to 24-inch blade should suffice. If you’re trimming a tall hedge, go with a longer 26-28-inch blade.
A hedge trimmer's cutting diameter is the maximum thickness of branch it can cut through. Hedge trimmers can cut between 1/2-inch to 1-inch diameter branches. To determine what cutting diameter you need, examine the hedges you plan to trim and look at the diameter of branches, keeping in mind that you’ll only be trimming the outer portions of the hedge.
Cordless trimmers use large rechargeable lithium ion batteries to power their electric motors, freeing you from the constraints of a cord. They range in power from 20 volts up to 56 volts. Hedge trimmers with larger batteries (and hence motors) typically have longer blades and larger cutting diameters than those with smaller batteries. Since they use larger batteries and motors, they also cost more and tend to be several pounds heavier.
When deciding what voltage output to buy, consider your trimming needs. For small hedges and bushes, a 20-volt model will do. If you have a long hedge row running the length of your property line, go with a 40-volt or larger hedge trimmer.
Rotating handles make it easier to position the hedge trimmer blade to make cuts from various angles. Some hedge trimmers also come with hedge sweep bars that help brush trimmings out of the way as you go or reverse buttons that make removing jams from blades easier and safer. Keep these extra features in mind when comparing prospective hedge trimmers for your yard.
I’ve used various types of hedge trimmers to tame evergreens, shrubs, hedges, and bushes over the years. I applied this firsthand experience along with extensive research to help inform my picks. My selection process involved evaluating some two dozen different cordless hedge trimmers, comparing features and specs and pouring through customer reviews to identify the best of the best. Understanding that trimming demands vary from property to property, my list includes affordable models for light-duty trimming as well as the most powerful cordless models out there for properties with extensive hedges to manage.
This Husqvarna hedge trimmer gives you high performance in a cordless design without the exhaust and maintenance that comes with a gas-powered trimmer. It’s equipped with a brushless motor powered by a 40-volt battery that gives it enough juice to power a 24-inch blade that can cut branches up to an inch in diameter (other cordless trimmers are shorter and max out at a 3/4 inch cutting diameter).
We also like the design of this hedge trimmer. A tri-handle grip makes it easier to make cuts from various angles or with arms extended, plus there’s a convenient reverse button that opens the blades to remove jams and a removable sweeper that brushes clippings away. Given this Husqvarna’s steep price, it makes the most sense for those with longer hedges to manage.
This Greenworks cordless hedge trimmer offers similar cutting performance as the top cordless models out there but at a cheaper price. With its large 40-volt battery, it’s capable of chewing through sticks up to 1-inch thick and also features a 24-inch long cutting blade, so you can trim more vegetation with each pass. A rotating rear handle lets you make cuts from various angles.
This hedge trimmer is a more affordable option for those who have moderate trimming to do or who already have battery-powered tools in the Greenworks family and can save by purchasing a bare tool. The only caveat is that while there are several safety buttons to prevent accidental cuts, they can make the tool awkward to operate.
EGO’s made a name for itself by putting out cordless electric lawn mowers, chainsaws, and other yard care machines that produce a lot of power and this hedge trimmer is no exception. With its 56-volt battery and brushless motor, it’s the closest thing to a gas-powered hedge trimmer you’ll find.
It can cut through branches up to 1.2 inches in diameter and comes equipped with a long 26-inch blade. With a handle that rotates 180 degrees to five different positions, you can easily cut at various angles. It’s also equipped with a lightweight carbon fiber rail that helps to counter the weight of its large battery (though it’s still one of the heavier models we reviewed).
If you want as much oomph as you can get out of a battery-powered hedge trimmer and don’t mind a little added weight, this is it.
If you’re trimming a tall row of hedges or other large shrubbery, then you need a hedge trimmer with a longer reach. This pole hedge trimmer from Black+Decker stretches from 6-1/2 feet up to a max length of 11 feet, making it ideal for pruning high hedges or even small evergreen trees.
The Black+Decker weighs less than 7 pounds and has a head that pivots 180 degrees to five different angles, making it easier to shape bushes and trim the tops of tall hedges.
It’s lighter duty than other hedge trimmers since it uses a smaller 20-volt battery that only gives it enough juice to cut through branches up to 7/16 of an inch thick. Still, if you have tall hedges to manage, this pole hedge trimmer is a worthy solution.
Most cordless hedge trimmers give you maybe an hour of runtime before they require a recharge. This model from Skil gives you an estimated 25 percent more thanks to a brushless motor and advanced battery tech that keeps the battery cool during use. And, when it does finally run out of juice, there’s a fast charger included that charges the battery in just 15 minutes—a great feature for finishing up trimming jobs you couldn’t quite complete on a single charge.
It comes equipped with a long 24-inch blade so you can cover a lot of ground with each pass, and it can cut through branches up to 3/4 of an inch in diameter. If you’re looking for max runtime, this is the one.
If you only have a small row of boxwoods or shrubs to prune, then there’s no reason to splurge on an expensive hedge trimmer. This Worx hedge trimmer covers the basics to get the job done.
Its 22-inch blade provides enough length to handle most shrubs and hedges in a few passes. It’s also capable of cutting branches that are up to 3/4 of an inch thick, enough to handle most light-duty trimming jobs around the yard.
While it won’t match the performance of 40-volt and 60-volt hedge trimmers, it’s less expensive. Plus, it’s also one of the easiest hedge trimmers to handle as it only weighs 5.3 pounds, including the battery.
Tony Carrick is a full-time freelance writer who specializes in technology, home improvement, DIY, home security, and outdoor recreation. He’s tested and written about everything from home security systems to power tools to gas grills. His product guides, how-to articles, and feature stories can be found in such publications as Bob Vila, Angi, U.S. News and World Report, Field & Stream, Futurism, and Switchful. When Tony isn’t writing, he can be found working on his latest home improvement effort at his home in North Carolina.
Roy Berendsohn has worked for more than 25 years at Popular Mechanics, where he has written on carpentry, masonry, painting, plumbing, electrical, woodworking, blacksmithing, welding, lawn care, chainsaw use, and outdoor power equipment. When he’s not working on his own house, he volunteers with Sovereign Grace Church doing home repair for families in rural, suburban and urban locations throughout central and southern New Jersey.
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