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The Spruce / Chloe Jeong
Whether you're a professional landscaper or just want to give the bushes in your backyard a more manicured look, a cordless hedge trimmer gives you the unrestricted mobility to prune, trim and shape.
We researched dozens of hedge trimmers from leading brands, evaluating battery life, effectiveness, and ease of use. Our top pick, the DEWALT 20V MAX* Cordless Hedge Trimmer, stands out for its high-output motor, pre-hardened blades, and lightweight design.
Here are the best cordless hedge trimmers.
Best Overall: DEWALT 22 in. 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Hedge Trimmer
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Courtesy of Tractor Supply
High-output motor
Pre-hardened blades
Compact and lightweight design
Doesn't include blade guard
What do buyers say? 86% of 7,000+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 5 stars.
The DEWALT Cordless Hedge Trimmer has a strong motor and low-maintenance blade, as well as a lightweight and durable design that’s easy to maneuver, making it our first choice recommendation.
This hedge trimmer’s blade measures 22 inches long, is capable of cutting branches up to 0.75 inches thick, and has an impressive cutting speed of 2,800 strokes per minute. Plus, the blade has hooked-teeth and is pre-hardened, so it doesn’t dull as quickly or require as frequent maintenance as other models. It doesn't come with a guard or sheath for the blade, which is a shortcoming in terms of safety and storage.
This model relies on a 5.0Ah lithium-ion battery, and you have the option of purchasing the it with or without the battery and charger. Its straightforward assembly, 7.5-pound weight, and anti-vibration technology all work together to make it easy to use.
Best Budget: BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Hedge Trimmer
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Courtesy of Home Depot
Reasonable price point
Power-cut feature helps cut through jams
Good battery life
Not as powerful as more expensive models
High-end cordless hedge trimmers can cost upward of $200, but this compact, budget-friendly model from BLACK+DECKER retails for less than $100, making it an unbeatable value. The tool has a 22-inch dual-edge blade that can cut through branches up to ¾ inch in diameter, and it’s designed with comfort in mind, featuring a premium grip and additional handle for stability.
This hedge trimmer runs on a 20-volt battery, and its power-cut feature provides a boost of power to cut through thick areas and jams. It’s able to cut up to 3,000 square feet in a single charge and vibrates less during operation to reduce arm fatigue.
Best Lightweight: WORX WG261 20V Power Share 22-Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer
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Courtesy of Amazon
Lightweight design
Built-in safety guard
D-grip allows you to cut at multiple angles
Reasonable price
Can get stuck on thick branches
Can't use one-handed
Hedge trimmers can be quite heavy, making them challenging to operate for long periods of time, but the WORX Power Share Cordless Hedge Trimmer weighs just 5.5 pounds, making it one of the best lightweight options out there. It has a 22-inch dual-action blade that will slice through branches up to ¾-inch thick, and it is ergonomically designed for user comfort and safety.
The WORX Hedge Trimmer runs on a 2.0Ah battery, and it has a built-in safety guard that will keep debris off of you during use. The tool features a soft rear handle that reduces vibration, as well as a front D-grip that allows you to cut hedges from any angle, and it’s a budget-friendly choice, even with the battery and charger included.
Best Battery Life: Makita 22 in. 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Hedge Trimmer Kit
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Courtesy of Home Depot
Long battery life
Built-in safety guard
Lightweight and easy to manage
Cut capacity not specified
For those with lots of hedges to trim, the Makita Cordless Hedge Trimmer Kit delivers an impressive 120 minutes of runtime on its lowest setting. The tool has a 22-inch blade that can deliver up to 1,350 strokes per minute, and it weighs just over 7 pounds, making it easier to wield.
This hedge trimmer has an anti-vibration design with several cushions in the motor housing, and it’s quieter than most trimmers, operating at just 87 decibels. The tool features quick-change blades, a battery capacity warning system, and electric brake, and its battery charges up in less than an hour, allowing you to get back to work faster.
Best for Thick Branches: RYOBI 24 in. 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Hedge Trimmer
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Courtesy of Home Depot
1-inch cut capacity
Hedge sweep clears debris during operation
Rotating handle allows trimming at multiple angles
Battery not interchangeable with other RYOBI tools
If you need to cut through thick branches in your yard, you’ll need a tool like the RYOBI Cordless Hedge Trimmer. This tool has a 24-inch dual-action blade with a 1-inch cutting capacity, and its rotating handle lets you comfortably trim at all angles.
The RYOBI Hedge Trimmer delivers cutting speeds of 3,200 strokes per minute, and it features a wrap-around front handle for superior control. It also features the brand’s “Hedge Sweep” design, which clears debris and clippings while you’re working.
Best for Shrubs: CRAFTSMAN 20-Volt Max 8-in Dual Cordless Electric Hedge Trimmer
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Courtesy of Amazon
Includes two blades
Easy to change attachments
Extremely compact
Low cut diameter
Grass blade gets bogged down easily
You probably don’t need a full-size hedge trimmer if you just have shrubs in your yard, and the CRAFTSMAN Cordless Electric Hedge Trimmer is a compact model that’s perfect for smaller applications. It comes with two different blade attachments—an 8-inch shrubber and a 4-inch grass sheer blade—and its small size and light weight allow you to operate it using just one hand.
The shrub blade on this tool can cut through branches up to 5/16 inch in diameter, and it has a convenient blade-swap system that doesn’t require any additional tools. The trimmer weighs just 5 pounds, and it’s compact enough that it won’t take up too much space in your workshop or garden shed.
Best 24-Inch: EGO POWER+ 56-Volt 24-in Dual Cordless Electric Hedge Trimmer
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Courtesy of Lowe's
Built-in electric brake
Large 24-inch blade
Blades are fully serviceable
Requires two hands for operation
Most hedge trimmers have a 20- or 22-inch blade, but if you have larger hedges, the EGO Power+ Hedge Trimmer’s 24-inch dual-action blade will help get the job done quicker. This tool has a 1-inch cut capacity and delivers 3,000 strokes per minute, and its hardened steel blades will give you clean and precise cuts.
The trimmer has a high-efficiency brushless motor that extends its runtime per charge, and it features an electric brake that stops the blade action quickly. The blades themselves are fully serviceable, making it easier to sharpen them, and despite packing a powerful punch, the tool weighs just 6 pounds.
Best 26-Inch : Kobalt 80-Volt Max 26-in Dual Cordless Electric Hedge Trimmer
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Courtesy of Lowe's
Extra-long blade
Good battery life
Powerful motor
Fairly heavy
One of the longest blade lengths that’s commonly available is 26 inches, and if you’re looking for a trimmer with this extra-large blade, consider the Kobalt Cordless Hedge Trimmer. It has a 26-inch dual-action laser cut blade that operates at 3,600 strokes per minute, and it can cut through even the thickest shrubs thanks to its ¾-inch cut capacity.
This tool runs on a professional-grade lithium-ion battery that delivers up to 70 minutes of runtime per charge, and its brushless motor provides more torque for tough applications. It has a push button start that makes it easy to operate, but it is on the heavier side, weighing just over 9 pounds.
Best Extendable: RYOBI 18-inch 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer
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Courtesy of Home Depot
Pole extends up to 8 feet
Pivoting head
Includes shoulder strap
Battery/charger not included
Weight makes it tiring to use
If you have tall hedges or want to trim high branches, you’re going to need an extendable hedge trimmer like this one from RYOBI. The pole trimmer extends up to 8 feet, allowing you to reach even the highest branches, and it has an 18-inch dual action blade that has a cut capacity of ⅝ inches.
This extendable trimmer has a pivoting head that lets you trim at multiple angles, and it comes with a shoulder strap for safe operation. It has a variable speed trigger for superior control, but keep in mind that the battery and charger aren't included, so you’ll have to purchase them separately.
The DEWALT 22 in. 20V Cordless Hedge Trimmer (view at Amazon) is a solid choice for most homeowners—it can cut branches up to 3/4-inch thick and weighs just 7.5 pounds, making it easy to handle for long periods. For greater cutting capacity, consider the RYOBI 24 in. 40-Volt Cordless Hedge Trimmer (view at Home Depot), which can cut through branches up to 1-inch thick.
What to Look for in a Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Blade size
Blade sizes vary greatly—from 8 to 40 inches—but 22-inch blades are arguably most common and they can typically cut branches up to ¾ inches wide, making them sufficient for most tasks. However, if you have oversized hedges or just a lot of ground to cover, a tool with a larger blade can help you complete the job faster.
Extension
If you need to reach tall bushes or hedges, spend a little bit more and get a hedge trimmer with a telescoping pole to extend your reach. However, be aware that it’s not safe to operate these devices without steady balance.
Battery life
Batteries have greatly improved in recent years, and electric hedge trimmers now have batteries up to 80 volts and can provide up to two hours of operation on a single charge. For optimal battery life, look for lithium-ion batteries and consider getting an extra battery pack to help you make it through bigger jobs.
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What can you use a cordless hedge trimmer for?
As their name suggests, hedge trimmers are typically used to cut hedges and bushes, quickly slicing away unruly branches and restoring them to a neat, clean shape. They can also be used for clearing overgrown grass and weeds, as well as managing small vines, but you’ll always want to keep your trimmer’s cut capacity in mind. To cut through thick branches, it’s safer and more efficient to use a chainsaw.
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What are the benefits of a cordless model vs. a gas trimmer?
There are several reasons you might want to choose an electric hedge trimmer over a gas-powered model. For one, electric units are typically lighter, making them easier to hold, and they’re often quieter during operation as well. They don’t require any fuel, and they’re also eco-friendly, as they don’t give off any emissions.
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How often do you have to charge a cordless hedge trimmer?
The battery life of your cordless hedge trimmer will depend on factors like the type of battery it uses and what you’re cutting with it. In general, you’ll want to charge your hedge trimmer between uses so you’re starting out with a full battery every time, but you may have to charge in the midst of your trimming sessions if you have a lot of foliage to maintain. (To avoid this inconvenience, many homeowners keep a spare battery on-hand.)
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How long do cordless hedge trimmer batteries last?
Like most power tools, cordless hedge trimmers typically use lithium ion batteries. These last for 300 to 500 charge cycles, which equates to two to three years. Remember that even though this is the battery's overall life expectancy, its ability to hold a charge will also degrade over time.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Camryn Rabideau, a freelance writer who has contributed to The Spruce since 2017. She's done firsthand testing of battery-powered tools, and she herself owns a number of RYOBI products that she uses for lawn maintenance and projects around her home.
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