Top Picks
Best Cordless:
RYOBI Lithium-Ion Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Best Corded:
CRAFTSMAN Electric Hedge Trimmer
Best Pole:
Ryobi Cordless Battery Pole Hedge Trimmer
Best Gas:
Husqvarna Gas Hedge Trimmer
Best Small:
Worx 8-Inch Cordless Electric Hedge Trimmer
Best Safety Features:
Ego Power+ Battery Hedge Trimmer
Another Cordless Option We Like:
Milwaukee M12 FUEL Lithium-Ion Hedge Trimmer
What We Tested
To find the best hedge trimmers, we tested seven models in our own yards. Each model was evaluated based on performance, ease of use, design, safety features, power, and value.
Best Cordless
RYOBI Lithium-Ion Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Why You Should Get It
- The dual-action blades reduce vibrations and help limit fatigue.
Keep in Mind
- The runtime of about 25 minutes may not be enough for larger yards.
The Ryobi cordless hedge trimmer is lightweight and well-balanced. The dual-action blades provide minimal vibration, making it comfortable to use for longer periods. The battery takes about an hour to charge and provides around 25 minutes of runtime.
The trimmer can be operated one-handed, making it easier to reach the tops of tall bushes and work in tight spaces. It can cut branches up to ¾ inch thick.
Product Details:
Blade Type: Dual action
Power: 19V 2 Ah battery
Speed: 3200 SPM
Blade Length: 22 in.
Blade Gap: 0.75 in.
Weight: 6.4 lbs.
Best Corded
CRAFTSMAN Electric Hedge Trimmer
Why You Should Get It
- Lightweight and balanced for small trimming tasks and cleaning up bushes.
Keep in Mind
- Requires an extension cord.
The 22-inch corded hedge trimmer is suitable for trimming and shaping shrubs and branches. Its extended blade makes it easier to work on tall shrubs, while the stabilizing handle provides good control.
The trimmer operates relatively quietly and can be used continuously without worrying about battery runtime.
Product Details:
Blade Type: Dual action
Power: 3.8 amp motor
Blade Length: 22 in.
Cutting Capacity: 1.5 in.
Weight: 6.82 lbs.
Best Pole
Ryobi Cordless Battery Pole Hedge Trimmer
Why You Should Get It
- Pivoting head and variable-speed options provide versatile cutting.
Keep in Mind
- At nearly 10 pounds, it can be tiring to hold overhead for long periods.
The Ryobi 40V Pole Hedge Trimmer extends up to 8 feet, making it useful for tall bushes and hedges. Its pivoting head allows trimming at different angles, while the pressure-control trigger provides adjustable speed.
The 18-inch dual-action blades are suitable for branches up to ⅝ inch in diameter. It has a battery runtime of more than an hour.
Product Details:
Blade Type: Dual action
Power: 40V battery
Blade Length: 18 in.
Cut Capacity: 5/8 in.
Weight: 9.7 lbs.
Best Gas
Husqvarna Gas Hedge Trimmer
Why You Should Get It
- The engine position directs exhaust fumes away from the user.
Keep in Mind
- It is the most expensive and heaviest option on the list.
This heavy-duty gas-powered hedge trimmer is suitable for larger yards and extensive shrubbery. Its 26-inch stainless steel dual-action blades provide long reach and clean cuts in both directions.
The model starts quickly and provides enough power for thick, leafy hedges and small branches. However, it requires more maintenance than electric models and is heavier.
Product Details:
Blade Type: Dual action
Power: 25.4cc X-Torq engine
Blade Length: 26 in.
Blade Gap: 0.94 in.
Weight: 13.5 lbs.
Best Small
Worx 8-Inch Cordless Electric Hedge Trimmer
Why You Should Get It
- It is the lightest option tested at just over 3 pounds.
Keep in Mind
- It struggles with tougher woody sections of shrubs.
The compact Worx hedge trimmer is easy to maneuver and can be operated with one hand. Its short dual-action blade works well in tight spaces.
The tool can be switched between a grass shearer and hedge trimmer. It works well on softer shrub growth but struggles with tougher woody sections.
Product Details:
Blade Type: Dual action
Power: 20V battery
Blade Length: 4 in.
Blade Gap: 5/16 in.
Weight: 3.2 lbs.
Best Safety Features
Ego Power+ Battery Hedge Trimmer
Why You Should Get It
- Powerful, convenient, and equipped with safety features suitable for maintaining multiple shrubs and large hedges.
Keep in Mind
- Slightly heavy for extended use and moderately loud.
The Ego Power+ cordless hedge trimmer combines cordless convenience with professional-level cutting performance. Its rotating handle allows both large-scale shaping and precision work.
The three-button safety system helps prevent accidental operation. The dual-action blades provide consistent cutting performance on thin twigs and thicker branches while producing little vibration.
Product Details:
Blade Type: Dual action
Power: 56V 2.5 Ah battery
Blade Length: 26 in.
Blade Gap: 1.2 in.
Weight: 13.34 lbs.
The Bottom Line
The lightweight and easy-to-use Ryobi Lithium-Ion Cordless Trimmer is a strong choice for average-sized lawns without a lot of tough shrubbery. For thicker branches and woodier shrubs, a gas-powered model such as the Husqvarna Gas Hedge Trimmer is better suited.
Our Testing Process
The hedge trimmers were tested on large and small bushes, boxwoods, arborvitae, Japanese spirea, weigela bushes, ornamental grasses, branches of different thicknesses, dense hedges, and dead branches.
The testing evaluated:
- Performance
- Safety features
- Power
- Design
- Weight and balance
- Ease of use
- Battery charging time
- Battery runtime
- Noise level
- User fatigue
The trimmers continue to be used for everyday landscaping tasks to evaluate their long-term performance.
What to Know About Hedge Trimmers Before Shopping
Type
- Dual-Action: Uses double-sided blades that can quickly change direction. They are popular and can reduce strain and fatigue.
- Single-Sided: Has teeth on only one side and is well suited for long, straight hedges.
- Pole: Provides extended reach for trimming tall bushes, trees, and hedges. These models are generally heavier.
Power
Hedge trimmers are available in gasoline, corded electric, and cordless battery-powered models.
- Gas-powered: Powerful but generally heavier and require more maintenance.
- Corded electric: Lightweight and suitable for smaller yards, but require an extension cord.
- Battery-powered: Offer cordless mobility but may require additional batteries for longer jobs.
Blade Size
Blade length and cutting capacity vary depending on the type of hedge trimmer. Blades can range from about 5 inches on small electric trimmers to 26 inches on heavy-duty models.
Most hedge trimmers can cut branches up to approximately ¾ inch thick.
Choose a blade size that you can safely control. Longer blades can cut more at once but may be harder to maneuver.
Safety Features
Residential hedge trimmers may include:
- Blade protectors
- Hand guards
- Front-handle shields
- Extendable components
- Safety switches
A hedge trimmer should feel balanced and comfortable in your hands. Lighter equipment can reduce strain, especially during extended use.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and maintain proper hand and standing positions while operating the tool.
Another Cordless Option We Like
Milwaukee M12 FUEL Lithium-Ion Hedge Trimmer
This lightweight cordless hedge trimmer was found to be comfortable and easy to use, including with one hand. It cuts overgrown shrubbery smoothly and operates without excessive noise.
The setup is simple and the battery charges quickly. However, it is more expensive than some other cordless models that performed similarly.
Your Questions, Answered
Can Hedge Trimmers Cut Branches?
Yes. Most hedge trimmers can cut branches up to about ¾ inch thick. Larger branches should be pruned with a more precise tool such as a pole saw or chainsaw.
What Maintenance Is Required for Hedge Trimmers?
Hedge trimmers should be kept clean and sharp. Dull blades can damage plant tissue.
Blades should be cleaned between uses. Power trimmers may also require gear-case oiling or greasing, while manual trimmers may need hinge lubrication.
Store the tool with the blades covered. Gas-powered models should have their air filters checked and fresh fuel used regularly. Cracked or bent blades should be replaced.
How Wide Should a Hedge Trimmer's Blade Gap Be?
Blade gap determines the approximate branch size the trimmer can safely cut. For residential use, the blade gap should generally not exceed ¾ inch.
