The 7 Best Cordless Hedge Trimmers of 2020

• 01 of 07

  Best Overall: Black + Decker LHT2436 Hedge Trimmer

  Very Good

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  Our overall pick features 24-inch dual action blades that claim to cut with 40% less vibration, giving you smooth and accurate results. Thanks to its cordless design, this hedge trimmer has no limits when it comes to cutting hedges, shrubs and bushes all around your lawn.

  The 40-volt lithium-ion battery is a much more dependable battery than the typical NiCad battery, allowing you to handle up to 6000 square feet of action per charge. Getting as much yard work done as possible per charge is a big influence in whether or not to purchase a cordless landscaping device. This model has one of the best battery lives on the market.

  Cutting with this model takes less effort, and is easy to use. Because of its ability to kill more vibrations during use, your arms won’t get as tired, and you can get much more done. 

  Black & Decker 40V MAX* Lithium 24 in. Hedge Trimmer Review
• 02 of 07

  Best for Small Gardens: Sun Joe HJ604C Hedge Trimmer

  Very Good

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  Gardening is a popular hobby, and one that can really change the image of even the simplest of homes. If you’re in the market for a hedge trimmer to use in your garden, then a compact option is all you need to make the biggest difference. The Sun Joe HJ604C is perfect for keeping and maintaining a small garden, and grooming tight areas that a typical mower couldn’t get to.

  If the compact size doesn’t thrill you, then the fun color choice should. The model is available in dark blue, green, purple, red and platinum. You can also change out the blades between hedger or grass shear to really personalize your garden shrubbery. Touching up post-mowing is also painless.

  This model easily powers up with the push of a button for instant results. While it’s accompanied by a 7.2-volt lithium-ion battery—smaller than most other cordless hedge trimmers. However, it’s perfect for the compact size of the model, and keeps it from being too heavy in your hands.

  Sun Joe HJ604C 2-in-1 Hedge Trimmer
• 03 of 07

  Best Splurge: DEWALT DCHT860M1 Hedge Trimmer

  Excellent

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  If you have some extra cash to spend, then the DEWALT DCHT860M1 Hedge Trimmer is a great choice.

  The 40-volt max lithium-ion battery guarantee a long battery life, and an easy to read indicator so you know when your hedge trimmer is charged, as well as how much battery you have left throughout use. This model also sports a safety sheath to protect you and others from the dual blades.

  Of course, this model and its large battery run on the heavier side, weighing about 12-pounds. So yes, there’s a good chance this tool will take two hands to handle. This model is great for using professionally and personally. It also boasts a great three-year limited warranty, accompanied with one-year of free service, and a 90-day money back guarantee.

  DeWalt 40V MAX* XR 22” Cordless Hedge Trimmer Review
• 04 of 07

  Best Budget: Black + Decker HT20 Hedge Trimmer

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  The Black + Decker HT20 is a basic affordable option for those who are looking for a fantastic hedge trimmer without all of the bells and whistles that usually lead to a steeper cost. This model has a 20-inch blade with dual action texture on either side, and it has also been pre-hardened meaning the blades are rust resistant and stay sharper longer.

  It features a mighty 3.8-amp motor that lets you take on basic and difficult tasks with one tool. It’s lightweight and compressed layout is what makes it special. It is easy to use, and only weighs about 5.4 pounds so you won’t become fatigued by a day of outdoor work with this model.

  The HT20 boasts a lock-off switch which hinders the hedge trimmer from accidentally starting up. Plus, you'll get a two-year warranty which will allow you to put this tool to the test. Shaping your hedges has never been easier.

  Continue to 5 of 7 below.
• 05 of 07

  Best Extended: GreenWorks 22242 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer

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  If you are constantly detailing your growing lawn, then you may need assistance on the vertical side of things to customize your yard. The GreenWorks 22242 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer offers an extension pole to make trimming, shaping, and cutting simple and effortless.

  This model holds the features of a standard cordless hedge trimmer with extended capabilities. The 20-inch blade is made of steel and is ready for dual action. The extension pole allows the head to move in three positions, able to pivot and adjust the head so you can trim at multiple angles. Even the strangest angle gets trimmed.

  Your outside DIY projects deserve to be taken seriously, and this tool is a perfect one to get the job done. At almost $100, it’s not the cheapest option, but it can really get those custom jobs finished and polished up with ease. If you only need a handheld device though, there are more affordable options out there.

• 06 of 07

  Best for Long Battery Life: Worx WG291 Cordless Hedge Trimmer

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  Those in the market for a cordless hedge trimmer should definitely be taking into account the longevity of battery life. Because when you are working on your lawn, you don’t want to be left in the dust all because you forgot to charge your hedge trimmer.

  Worx’s WG291 Cordless Hedge Trimmer comes with a 56-volt max lithium battery that assures it will work just as good as it’s gas powered competitors. The transparent hand guard makes it easy to see what you are doing. This model also comes with a blade tip protector that keeps you from accidentally cutting anything you want to keep intact.

  This hedge trimmer weighs in at 10.1-pounds, so it is on the heavier side. Other options usually weigh a little over half as much. However, the large battery is what draws you, but also weighs it down.

• 07 of 07

  Best Noise Reduction: Makita XHU02Z Hedge Trimmer

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  Being woken up by tools is not only annoying, but rude if it’s without warning. Thankfully, Makita set out to scrap this worry with their XHU02Z Hedge Trimmer. The anti-vibration design is smartly engineered with 5 different cushions in the motor housing that minimizes the vibrations.

  This model is 25% quieter than most other cordless hedge trimmers. The quick 1,350 SPM motor also increases cutting speed to make the most out of each use. The 18-volt lithium-ion battery also claims the fastest charge time in its category. Instead of waiting for hours to charge, you can take a short break, and get right back to work.

  Makita also offers Star Protection Computer Controls with this model. Meaning communication technology within the hedge trimmer exchanges data in real time to monitor and report conditions for improved performance and battery life. It also comes with a three-year warranty on the tool and its battery. 

Products Tested by The Spruce

How We Tested

Our reviewers spent three hours testing one of the most popular cordless hedge trimmers available. We asked them to consider the most important features when using this trimmer, from its efficiency to its battery life. We've outlined the key takeaways here so that you, too, know what to look for when shopping.

What to Look for in a Cordless Hedge Trimmer

Blade size Blade sizes vary greatly — from 13 to 40 inches — but 26-inch blades can cut branches up to ¾ inches wide and are sufficient for most tasks.

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. For optimal battery life, look for lithium-ion batteries and consider getting an extra battery pack to help you make it through bigger jobs.

Test Results: Black + Decker LHT2436 Hedge Trimmer (Best Overall)

Very Good

Buy on Amazon

What We Like

• Easy to use

• Lightweight

• Makes clean cuts

What We Don't Like

• Only has one speed

• Tricky to secure the battery

This cordless hedge trimmer was a hit with our testers because it was lightweight, easy to use, and effective. “The trimmer made very clean cuts,” one reviewer observed. “I was trimming different types of hedges with varying leaf types — some with soft leaves, others with harder needles. It handled new saplings with ease and there was one moment where the cut was so straight I felt as if I were harnessing my inner Edwards Scissorhands.” On the other hand, our testers wished it had more than one speed, and one also had some trouble securing the battery.