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The Spruce / Chloe Jeong
Cordless hedge trimmers help you keep your yard looking neat and tidy by pruning hedges and shrubs into shape. These power garden tools have dual blades that move back and forth very quickly to evenly cut away excess foliage and twigs.
“Cordless hedge trimmers offer superior convenience, compared to corded or gas-powered hedge trimmers," notes Noah James, professional landscaper and owner of Liberty Lawn Maintenance. "You can easily prune those hard-to-reach spots such as high hedges or around garden furniture, and the cordless design also makes storage easier, since there are no cords to wrap up or tangle with other corded tools. Plus, cordless trimmers tend to be lighter in weight than their corded counterparts, making them easier to handle and less cumbersome when working on larger projects.”
We evaluated cordless hedge trimmers based on power, battery runtime, effectiveness, extra features, ease of use, and overall value.
Best Overall
DEWALT 22-Inch 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Hedge Trimmer
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Amazon
Compact and lightweight design
Hardened steel blades with hooked teeth
Long battery run time
Battery recharges quickly
Doesn't include blade cover for storage
If you are looking for a robust hedge trimmer that easily cuts through branches up to 3/4-inch in diameter, keeps your hedges looking evenly trimmed, chews through tall ornamental grasses such as fountain grass, and helps you shape and prune all manner of shrubbery, then we recommend the DEWALT 22-Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer. Our top choice has a 20-volt, 5 amp-hour battery that gives you plenty of power and a long run time. Depending on how you are using the tool, you can get up to an hour or so of battery power before needing to recharge. A battery-life indicator alerts you when the charge is running low. When it's time to recharge, it only takes around 90 minutes before your battery is ready for action once more.
The 22-inch, hooked-teeth, double-sided blades are made of hardened steel to stay sharp longer, so you can keep cutting without worrying about dull blades. The maximum speed of this trimmer is 2,800 strokes-per-minute (spm), but the speed is not variable. It's fast enough for power and slow enough for control, however, allowing you to shape your hedge or shrubs to your liking without accidentally removing too much foliage.
At only 7.5 pounds, this is a lightweight hedge trimmer that won't wear you out before your yard work is complete. It has a comfortable, wraparound handle that dampens some of the tool's already reasonably minimal vibration and provides a secure grip. One downside, however, is that this DEWALT hedge trimmer does not include a blade sheath to cover the blades when not in use, so you'll need to take extra care when storing it. The hedge trimmer comes with a battery and charger.
Price at time of publish: $198
Blade Length: 22 inches | Maximum Cut Diameter: 3/4 inch | Weight: 7.5 pounds
Best Budget
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX 22-Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer
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Amazon
Reasonable price point
Cuts up to 3,000 feet on a single charge
Reduced vibration handle
Battery is slow to recharge
Doesn't include blade cover for storage
This BLACK+DECKER cordless hedge trimmer combines a reasonable price with quality, making it a double winner. Its 22-inch double-sided blades slice cleanly through branches up to 3/4-inch thick, as well as large hedges and other shrubs. Designed for reduced vibration, the tool has comfortable, textured handles with a large trigger to reduce hand fatigue when your pruning sessions run long. And you'll be able to work for those long stretches without having to recharge the 20-volt, 1.5-amp-hour battery, as it can trim as much as 3,000 feet of hedge on a single charge. However, it does take quite a while to recharge the battery—as much as four hours for a full charge.
The speed of this hedge trimmer is a maximum of 2,400 spm, which is average for these tools and hits the sweet spot for accuracy and power. At 7.8 pounds, it's fairly light, and its compact size makes it easy to maneuver around your hedge. The hedge trimmer comes with a battery and charger, but it does not include a blade sheath, so be sure to store the tool where the sharp blades won't be exposed.
Price at time of publish: $109
Blade Length: 22 inches | Maximum Cut Diameter: 3/4 inch | Weight: 7.8 pounds
Best for Thick Branches
EGO Power+ HT2500 25-Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer
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Amazon
40-minute run time per charge
1-1/4-inch cutting capacity
Handle can rotate 360 degrees
Handle can be set to five different angles
Heavy
Expensive
This powerful hedge trimmer from EGO has 25-inch double-sided blades with a 1 1/4-inch cutting capacity, so you can quickly cut through even large branches on mature hedges, thick vines, or overgrown shrubs. The tool runs on a 56-volt, 2.5-amp-hour battery (sold separately) that provides up to 40 minutes of cutting time on a single charge. And with two speed settings—the maximum speed is 3,200 spm—you can go faster when you need more cutting power, and slower when you want to extend battery runtime or you are carrying out more precise cuts.
The handle can be rotated 360 degrees and set at five different angles, so you'll be able to adjust it to reach awkward spots or carry out tricky cuts. An electric brake-stop cuts the tool's action off almost immediately for increased safety. And the high-efficiency, brushless motor keeps the power coming until your yard work is done. With a 56-volt battery, the hedge trimmer weighs 12.8 pounds, making it a heavier option than many others listed here, considering that this is a larger tool with a large battery. It's also somewhat more expensive than many of our other picks, but we think the large cutting size and power are worth the price.
Price at time of publish: $230 without battery
Blade Length: 25 inches | Maximum Cut Diameter: 1-1/4 inch | Weight: 12.8 pounds
Best Extendable
WORX WG252 2-in-1 Power Share 20-Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer
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Amazon
12-foot telescoping pole
Head can be angled 10 different ways
Rotating handle
Small cutting capacity
For trimming the tallest hedges or the largest shrubs, we recommend this offering from WORX, which comes with a telescoping pole that provides up to 12 feet of additional reach. There's an on/off switch at the base of the pole, so no need to bring the running tool back down to shut it off. The head can be set at 10 different angles, and the handle rotated up to 180 degrees, so even when you are trying to reach into tight or awkward spots or trim intricate designs, you'll be able to configure this hedge trimmer just the way you need it. Its slim design makes it easy to maneuver between branches or around trunks. And at only 7.6 pounds, it's light enough so that you won't quickly tire out, even when working above your head.
The double blades are 20 inches long and can cut branches up to 5/8-inch thick. That's not the largest cutting capacity, but it's sufficient for most branches found in the typical backyard. Its top speed is 1,340 spm. The tool comes with a 20-volt, 2-amp-hour battery, and a charger. It also includes a protective sheath to cover the blades when not in use.
Price at time of publish: $150
Blade Length: 20 inches | Maximum Cut Diameter: 5/8 inch | Weight: 7.6 pounds
Best Lightweight
WORX WG261 20V Power Share 22-Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer
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Amazon
Lightweight design
Reasonable price
Handle is designed to reduce vibrations
Flimsy blade cover
It might only weigh 5.5 pounds, but that doesn't mean this cordless hedge trimmer is a lightweight when it comes to cutting power. The 22-inch double blades slice cleanly through branches up to 3/4-inch thick, leaving your hedges and shrubs looking well groomed. And since the tool is so light, you can easily lift and turn it to reach even the tough spots near the back of your hedge. The comfortable, thick handle makes it easy to keep a grip on the trimmer and helps reduce vibration. The maximum speed of this hedge trimmer is 2,600 spm.
The battery and charger are sold separately, so if you don't already own a 20-volt WORX battery, you'll need to purchase those as well. While runtime varies greatly, depending on how you are using the trimmer, you'll generally get 20 to 60 minutes on one charge. Be aware that unless you have the quick-charge charger, it can take several hours to recharge the battery. The trimmer does come with a protective blade cover, but some buyers complained that it is flimsy.
Price at time of publish: $86 without battery
Blade Length: 22 inches | Maximum Cut Diameter: 3/4 inch | Weight: 5.5 pounds
Best Battery
EGO POWER+ 56-Volt 24-Inch Dual Cordless Electric Hedge Trimmer
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EGO POWER
Built-in electric brake
Large 24-inch blade
Long runtime
Fast recharging
A handful of buyers have received older-generation battery
With a 56-volt, 2.5-amp-hour battery that runs up to 60 minutes before it needs to recharge, along with a high-efficiency brushless motor, this cordless hedge trimmer from EGO has plenty of power. And the 24-inch, hardened-steel double blades let you quickly prune and shape even large, mature hedges without much strain or fuss. The trimmer has a maximum cut capacity of 1 inch, which isn't the highest of our picks, but is certainly enough for most typical backyard hedges and shrubs. You can also use it to slice through overgrown decorative grasses and patches of overgrown weeds.
For extra safety, this hedge trimmer has an electric brake that stops the blades immediately, once you release the trigger. As those blades are moving at 3,000 spm, that's an impressive feature. The tool weighs just a bit over six pounds, so it's quite light for easy handling. It comes with a protective blade cover, the battery, and a fast charger that only takes 50 minutes or so to recharge the battery. Note that a handful of buyers have complained that they have received an older-generation battery that doesn't have quite as long runtime, so check your delivery as soon as you receive it.
Price at time of publish: $185
Blade Length: 24 inches | Maximum Cut Diameter: 1 inch | Weight: 6.1 pounds
Best for Tall Shrubs
RYOBI 18-Inch 40-Volt Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer
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Amazon
Pole extends up to 8 feet
Pivoting head
Includes shoulder strap
Only 5/8-inch cutting capacity
If you have an especially tall hedge or large shrubs, then a regular hedge trimmer might not provide enough reach to prune the tops. And perching on a ladder while working with a bladed tool isn't always safe. This pole hedge trimmer extends up to 8 feet, making it easy to reach up high. Plus, the head pivots so you can angle it just how you need it for reaching awkward spots or shaping your plants. The tool weighs 7.8 pounds, which is a bit heavy, but it comes with a shoulder strap that helps distribute the weight for more comfort when using the tool in lengthy sessions.
The blades of this trimmer are 18 inches long and double-sided, allowing you to work over long stretches of hedge quickly. The maximum speed is 3,000 spm, but with the variable speed control, you can set it to a slower speed if desired when you need better control, such as when shaping topiary. The tool is powered by a 40-volt battery, which is sold separately, so if you don't already own a Ryobi battery, you'll need to purchase one along with its charger. The trimmer has a 5/8-inch cutting capacity, which is not as large as many other hedge trimmers, although it's sufficient for most small-to-medium hedges and shrubs. It comes with a sheath to cover the blades when not in use.
Price at time of publish: $179 without battery
Blade Length: 18 inches | Maximum Cut Diameter: 5/8 inches | Weight: 7.8 pounds
Best Splurge
Makita GHU02M1 40V MAX 24-Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer
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Makita
Extremely long run time
Three speed settings
Five-position handle
Large cutting capacity
Expensive
Somewhat heavy
If you need or want a professional-quality tool that has exceptional power and can run for up to six hours on a single battery charge, then you might want to splurge on this cordless hedge trimmer from Makita, which is loaded with great features. To start, it has three speed settings with a maximum of a whopping 5,000 spm. Should the blades jam, there's a reverse setting that generally will clear the problem quickly. A tip guard protects the end of the bar from damage. The hedge trimmer is designed to withstand harsh weather, dust, and moisture, and resist overheating or overloading. That means this beast of a hedge trimmer can keep on working without a hiccup, tackling large hedges, overgrown shrubs, too-tall weeds and grasses, and branches up to an impressive 1 3/8 inch in diameter.
At 9.5 pounds with the included 40-volt, 4 amp-hour battery in place, this isn't the lightest hedge trimmer, but the five-position rotating handle and anti-vibration design help keep you comfortable while you work, and the 24-inch double blades get the job done quickly. Once you do need to recharge the battery, the included fast charger takes only 45 minutes or so before the tool is ready to work some more. All in all, this admittedly expensive hedge trimmer is an impressive tool that might be overkill if you only have a small hedge or a few shrubs, but it is a worthy investment if your yard is circled by big hedges or hefty shrubbery.
Price at time of publish: $549
Blade Length: 24 inches | Maximum Cut Diameter: 1 3/8 inches | Weight: 9.5 pounds
Best Compact
Sun Joe HJ604C 2-in-1 Cordless Grass Shear + Hedger
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Amazon
Only weighs 2.5 pounds
Grass shearer and hedge trimmer
Perfect for small gardens
Only for very small hedges or shrubs
Gears can strip if used on larger branches
Battery cannot be replaced
Not everyone has a big yard with equally large hedges and shrubs. If you just need to keep a small garden tidy, then the Sun Joe 2-in-1 Cordless Grass Shear + Hedger is just the ticket. This compact, lightweight tool easily converts from a hedge trimmer with a steel 6-inch double blade to a grass trimmer with a steel 4-inch shear blade, giving you two tools in one. This versatile option is ideal for grooming small hedges, shaping up shrubs, trimming lawn grasses and weeds, and other general yard-tidying tasks. The cutting capacity is only 1/3 inch and the top speed is 1,250 spm, so this isn't the right tool for large, woody shrubs or hedges, but it's enough for the shrubs in a typical small yard.
The trimmer is powered by a 7.2 volt, 1.5 amp-hour battery that is built into the tool, so while it can be recharged when needed, it is not replaceable. The charger is included, and when fully charged, you'll get up to 40 minutes of work time, depending on how you are using the trimmer. At only 2.5 pounds, this super-lightweight trimmer won't tire you out, but remember that it's only for very small shrubbery or grass. Try to cut large branches with it, and you'll find that the gears give way, or the tool jams.
Price at time of publish: $39
Blade Length: 6 inches | Maximum Cut Diameter: 1/3 inch | Weight: 2.5 pounds
If you want a powerful hedge trimmer that chews through branches up to 3/4 inch thick, runs for up to an hour before needing to be recharged and has hook-teeth blades that make smooth, quick cuts, then our top recommendation is the DEWALT 22-Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer. If budget is a concern, then we recommend the BLACK+DECKER 22-Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer, which also has a 3/4-inch cutting capacity, although not as much power as the DEWALT model.
What to Look for in a Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Before buying a cordless hedge trimmer, think about how you’ll use it. Do you have extensive rows of large hedges on your property, or do you only need to trim a small hedge or a few small shrubs? Are you generally cutting thick branches or thin stems? Do you spend only a few minutes pruning, or are you often carefully shaping your hedges for half an hour or more? The answers to these questions will help you narrow down your options to the cordless hedge trimmer that’s just right for your needs.
Blade Length
When it comes to choosing a cordless hedge trimmer, one of the most important considerations is the blade length. There are hedge trimmers with blades less than 12 inches long, and oversize hedge trimmers with blades that stretch over three feet in length, but for the average homeowner who is looking to tidy up the yard, a tool with blades between 18 and 22 inches is just right for tackling hedges, shrubs, and small branches. Our top pick, the DEWALT 22-Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer, is ideal for most gardens.
If you have a small garden with correspondingly small shrubs, you want to also use the hedge trimmer for clipping weeds or grass, or you mostly will use the tool to keep container plants looking their best, then a cordless hedge trimmer with blades shorter than 18 inches is sufficient. The Sun Joe Cordless Grass & Shrubbery Shear has a 6-inch hedging blade and combines the functions of a hedge trimmer and grass shear in one versatile tool.
Once you go much beyond 24-inch blades, you are generally entering the realm of heavy-duty tools used by professional landscapers, arborists, and gardeners who often need to prune seriously overgrown shrubbery with thick, woody branches. Unless you have a large property with many large shrubs or an extensive hedge, you probably won’t need a trimmer that’s more than 25 inches long. The longer the blade, the more awkward it can be to wield the tool easily.
Cutting Capacity and Strokes Per Minute
There are two numbers you’ll want to consider when choosing your battery-powered hedge trimmer: cutting capacity and strokes per minute (spm).
Cutting capacity refers to the thickness of the branches the trimmer is capable of handling. Most battery hedge trimmers have cutting capacities of 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch, but powerful models often have cutting capacities of 1 inch or more. The EGO Power+ 2500 25-Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer has an impressive cutting capacity of 1 1/4 inches.
Strokes-per-minute is a rating of the speed at which the tool’s blades saw back and forth. Generally, most cordless hedge trimmers for home use have an spm of 2,000 to 3,000. Noah James, professional landscaper and owner of Liberty Lawn Maintenance notes, “Cordless models sometimes come with adjustable speed settings so you can choose the right speed for different jobs. This allows you to work efficiently while still keeping your hedges looking neat and trimmed.” The Makita 24-Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer has three speed settings.
Weight
Because you’ll be holding your hedge trimmer without support for the entire time you are using it, a heavy tool can really wear out your arms. Luckily, most cordless hedge trimmers aren’t too heavy; as a general rule, their weights run between 5 pounds and 10 pounds, with heavy-duty, longer-bladed models being at the top of that range. The WORX 20-Volt Power Share 22-Inch Hedge Trimmer weighs a mere 5.5 pounds, making it one of the lightest full-size options.
Noah James notes, “Lighter hedge trimmers tend to be easier on your hands over extended periods of use than heavier ones do, while adjustable handles allow you to customize your grip for maximum comfort during use. Look for features such as soft grips and vibration-dampening technology which further reduce fatigue during use.”
Battery Power and Run Time
Most of today’s cordless hedge trimmers geared toward the average homeowner run off 20-volt batteries, although 40-volt options are also popular. Professional or heavy-duty tools might use batteries as powerful as 80 volts. While it’s easy to assume that a higher battery power is automatically better, it’s important to remember that generally, the more powerful the battery, the heavier it is, which can become a major factor during long sessions of yard work. Generally, if you just have a few shrubs or an average hedge to trim, a tool with a 20-volt battery is more than sufficient to get the job done.
According to Noah James, one of the most important considerations in a cordless hedge trimmer is the battery run time, which is the length of time the tool can run on one charge. It’s a number that can be difficult to pin down, as run time varies greatly depending on how you are using the tool. For example, the run time will be longer if you are cutting through softer foliage and very thin twigs than if you are muscling through thicker branches. As a general rule, most manufacturers of battery-powered hedge trimmers claim that their tools can run for 20 minutes up to an hour or so before needing a recharge. If you expect to often need longer than that to complete your yard work, it’s helpful to buy an extra battery so you can have one charging while the other is in use.
In general, if you are making a transition from gas to battery-powered equipment, make sure the brand you choose has all the equipment and tools you would like to switch over to and that can be compatible with other pieces you may want in the future. It is much more cost-effective to purchase battery-powered tools if you do not need to buy new batteries and chargers with every new piece of equipment.
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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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Which is better, a single or double-sided hedge trimmer?
There are two basic styles of hedge trimmer bars: those with teeth on only one side, and those with teeth on both sides of the bar. Most battery hedge trimmers are double-sided, but you can find a few models with a single-sided bar. Neither style is necessarily better; the right choice depends on your needs and how you’ll use the tool.
Double-sided trimmers let you prune with sweeping, back-and-forth movements over your hedge. That makes it easier to create precise shapes or neatly flatten the top of an unruly hedge. Double-sided trimmers are especially good for left-handed people. On the downside, because the blades are on both sides of the bar, it’s easier to injure yourself if you aren’t paying attention while you’re working.
Single-sided trimmers, which are most often used by professional landscapers, have blades on just one side of the bar. That gives the tool a little more power, which is helpful when tackling thicker shrubs or small branches. These trimmers are also a little bit better when you have a long, flat surface of hedge to trim. However, as a general rule, single-sided hedge trimmers are not as versatile as double-sided ones.
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What are the safety features on hedge trimmers?
Like any bladed tool, a hedge trimmer can cause injury if not used correctly. Always remain alert while using your hedge trimmer, and dress in fitted clothing that isn’t loose enough to become caught in the blades. Wear heavy work gloves and eye protection whenever you are using your hedge trimmer.
Today’s cordless hedge trimmers generally have several standard safety features worked into their design. Look for a tool with a front handle guard to prevent your hand from sliding forward, a blade brake that immediately stops the tool when you release the trigger, and a safety switch that must be pressed down before the trigger is squeezed to start up the trimmer.
Hedge trimmers with padded handles and vibration-damping mechanisms are also important features, as they can cut down on hand and arm fatigue.
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What size hedge trimmer do I need?
When choosing a hedge trimmer, use the following guidelines to determine the best size for your needs:
- Blades shorter than 18 inches are good for small hedges and shrubs.
- Blades that are between 18 and 24 inches are the sweet spot for most homeowners with average to large yards that have many established shrubs. These hedge trimmers are ideal for large hedges, big shrubs, and even small branches.
- Blades longer than 25 inches are ideal for large hedges, overgrown shrubs, and small branches.
- The longest hedge trimmers, which can be over 30 inches, are best left to professional landscapers and gardeners.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Michelle Ullman, who is a writer specializing in home and garden products. She has been writing for The Spruce since 2020, covering a wide range of home improvement products, including power and hand tools, painting supplies, landscaping tools, and tool organizers. To choose the best cordless hedge trimmers for this article, she consulted dozens of customer and third-party reviews and websites, and considered each product's power, cutting capacity, battery life, blade size, and price point. Noah James, a professional landscaper and owner of Liberty Lawn Maintenance, offered further input and advice.