Adam holds a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Linguistics, and creative writing has always been his greatest passion. For more than 25 years he's been working for several well-known automobile and travel magazines as an editor and expert consultant, but when Adam started his writing path here, at WisePick, it turned out that he's capable of writing practically anything about everything.
Initially being an engineering specialist, Tom has never stopped learning and acquiring other knowledge and skills. Now he’s involved in technical support for a well-known household appliances manufacturer, so no wonder he knows everything about almost everything you buy for your home.
Last updated: July 07, 2021
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The average person grooms their lawns, hedges, and bushes multiple times a year. For most people, this means trimming the hedges every few weeks or months. The best cordless hedge trimmer will help you keep your hedges neat and maintain your ornamental trees and bushes. They’re among the most versatile outdoor tools and are a must-have if you’re to trim and groom the bushes in your compound quickly and neatly. Because it’s cable-free, the cordless hedge trimmer doesn’t need to be connected to a power supply, is highly portable, and can be used anywhere in the outdoors.
Cordless hedge trimmers come in different sizes, and, in all, there are standard features that determine how effective the hedge trimmer is. For our review, we considered all the important features like size and blade length, battery and runtime, overall performance, and weight. We explain why each of these matters, and how to choose the best of each when buying a cordless hedge trimmer.
We’ve sampled the different cordless hedge trimmers mentioned in this review and compared how they performed in different hedge orientations. We used them in different seasons over the past year, and we can safely say we’ve come to a sound conclusion. We’ve carefully laid out our research findings in an easy-to-follow structure, which includes a comparison table, in-detail review of each product, and a detailed buying guide to help you find the best cordless hedge trimmer for your needs.
The BLACK+DECKER LHT2436 is a 24-inch hedge trimmer that uses dual-action blades. This means you’ll trim quickly and possibly get finished in half the time it takes you to trim your hedges using a single-action blade hedge trimmer. You should get most of the overgrown branches through the ¾ inch teeth gaps with ease, and this makes it an ideal trimmer for all kinds of hedges and bushes.
It comes with a 40V lithium-ion battery which, when fully charged, renders up to 6,000 square feet of trimmed hedges. Also included is a fast charger which will give you a full charge in one hour.
Black & Decker uses its Power Drive transmission mechanism in this hedge trimmer to help deliver powerful and swift cuts. Coupled with the dual-action system, it gets more branches cut, saving you plenty of time.
A wraparound front handle provides a firm but comfortable grip, with soft rubber grips offering a secure way to handle the hedge trimmer during operation. It’s also very light, even with the battery on, and you can use it for long periods at a time without its weight becoming cumbersome.
Black & Decker issues a 3-year warranty on this model, so you have the confidence that the company will handle any technical problems that may arise during this period.
Why are we impressed?
Includes 40V battery
Fast one-hour charger
Light
Wraparound front handle
Soft rubber grips
What negatives must you be aware of?
At 2400 strokes per minute, it doesn't give a very fine finish
This affordable and lightweight cordless hedge trimmer lets you manage the biggest home landscaping jobs without ruining your budget. At just 4.6 pounds, the WORX WG261 Cordless Hedge Trimmer features a robust 22-inch dual-action blade designed to deliver smooth, even cuts without wearing out your hands and arms, especially when taking into account a D-shaped handle, which makes it easy to direct the blades to the sides and tops of shrubs. This grip handle allows you to hold the tool from any angle, providing the leverage needed to reach any place, hedge or shrub you need. And with the speed of 2,600 spm you just will be done in a matter of seconds, easy as a game.
Overmold construction on the grips absorbs vibrations to reduce fatigue and improve the overall user experience. The 20-volt lithium-ion battery can be used interchangeably with most 20- and 40-volt WORX cordless tools, thanks to the WORX PowerShare technology. And when it’s time to recharge, the efficient charging station gets you back up and running within a couple of hours. The only inconvevience might be that this model doesn’t have a battery indicator, but all in all it doesn’t affect the performance.
And for you to feel safe when purchasing the WORX offers 3-year limited warranty, so, if something happens you know that you are covered.
If you need to trim a large hedge whose branches turn out to be quite thick, and you want to be mobile, the Dewalt DCHT820P1 perfectly suits you. It is both comfortable to use and powerful. First note the dimensions of the device: it measures 98.2 x 23.9 x 20 cm, which is equivalent to 38.66 x 9.41 x 7.87 inches. Its weight is 3.99 kg or 8.8 lb. It is relatively easy to hold straight to get a clean cut. Meanwhile, it can be a bit heavy for some user profiles.
However, it is very ergonomic to use. The rear handle and the front handle have both been designed to facilitate grip. It wouldn’t let your hands feel the pressure too much. Hence, it is possible to trim your hedge without feeling tired. It’s indeed a bit expensive, but knowing that it’s impossible to trim a hedge without power, the price is justified!
As is often the case with cordless products, unfortunately, you have to purchase the battery separately. This model is used with a Dewalt 20V and 5 Ah battery, which gives it a reasonable power autonomy. It is, therefore, suitable for regular maintenance. In terms of pure performance, it offers a double-action cut: the two blades are movable for increased efficiency. The blade length is 55.88 cm or 22 in. You can cut branches with a maximum thickness of 1.91 cm. You can hope to keep the hedge trimmer long before you have to replace it. Just follow the rules of maintenance and care of the blades.
The EGO Power+ 24-inch Hedge Trimmer is one of the more powerful cordless hedge trimmers in the market. It uses a 56V lithium-ion battery and smoothly cuts through any type of hedge or bush. At full charge, the battery lasts up to one hour, which is more than ample time for most of us to get our hedges trimmed. Should you need more time to work on your hedges, simply recharge the battery to continue or buy a supplementary battery with which to swap when the first battery runs out of power. EGO Power has made the battery in this hedge trimmer compatible with all EGO Power+ ARC lithium batteries, meaning if you already own one of these or come across them at the store, you can get and use them on the hedge trimmer.
The EGO Power+ 24-inch Hedge Trimmer supports a maximum twig diameter of ¾ inches, which is wider than most of the hedges, shrubs, and bushes you’ll be trimming, and this makes it ideal for cutting all kinds of hedges. The blades are 24-inch dual-action pieces, which will get the job done swiftly and neatly.
EGO Power offers a 5-year limited warranty on the hedge trimmer and a 3-year limited warranty on the battery. These two are possibly the most extended warranties among competing models currently, which is a major plus.
What makes it stand out?
Electronic brake instantly stops blades from cutting
5-year warranty
3-year battery warranty
IPx4-rated for weather resistance
Compatible with all EGO POWER + ARC Lithium batteries
The GreenWorks 22262 is not a monster of efficiency. But it is nevertheless powerful enough for the maintenance of small hedges. If you have a rather small garden and a hedge whose maintenance does not present any particular challenge, this may be your choice, thanks to its very affordable rate.
On an entry-level device, it’s best to pay attention to design and durability. If you are not expecting the same lifespan as a high-end product, the device is very sturdy and has a 14-inch steel blade. You can use it without fear of breaking it. The model is backed by four years warranty.
The dimensions of the hedge trimmer from the box are 39.5 x 7.5 x 9.5 inches. As for the weight, it is 8.3lbs. With this weight, it turns out to be light enough to reduce the effort required. The steel blade, measuring 24 inches, is a double action and effective blade. It provides optimal cuts at a more reduced level of vibration. It has a cutting capacity of ⅔-inch. This ensures it gets through the hedges and bushes with minimal efforts exerted.
The shape of the handles allows for efficient grip and easy straightening. So yes, it is really cheap, but it is only and exclusively for fine hedges. If your branches are solid and thick, choose another model.
The Makita is a considerably lightweight hedge trimmer (at 7.4 lbs) with a 22-inch blade. Makita uses an anti-vibration design to make this hedge trimmer comfortable and friendly to use. To achieve this goal, they include five cushions inside the motor housing to minimize vibration.
The XHU02Z uses a two-hand operation, where you have to grip the top handle and the switch to activate the motor. This two-hand engagement boosts safety during use as you’re unlikely to cut yourself while running the machine. It’s best suited for smaller hedges and bushes, as it has a maximum twig diameter of only ¼ inches (about 10mm), and 1,350 strokes per minute.
Incorporated herein are lots of innovative technology and features. We particularly liked the Star Protection Computer Controls, which ensure the trimmer doesn’t overload, over-discharge, or overheat. There is also a low battery warning system, which stops the motor and turns on a light indicator to notify you that it’s time to recharge the battery. Other notable features include an electric brake and battery-cooling fan.
Makita gives a 3-year limited warranty on this hedge trimmer. The only bummer is that the battery isn’t included in the kit; you have to order it separately. Good thing is that the 18V Makita battery is also covered by warranty, and it’s compatible with all other 18V lithium batteries with the Star symbol.
What makes it special?
Anti-vibration design
Low battery indicator
Star Protection Computer Controls
Built-in battery cooling fan
Electric brake boosts productivity
Battery compatible with 18V Makita batteries with Star symbol
Now that you’ve learned about some of the best models in the market today, let’s move on to the intricacies of how to pick a cordless hedge trimmer and what to look for when buying one.
What’s different about cordless hedge trimmers: pros and cons
The most obvious identifier in cordless hedge trimmers is the absence of a cord. This alone has significant pros and cons, which we address below.
Pros
One of the best things about using a cordless hedge trimmer is that you can use it anywhere. With corded trimmers, the length of the cord dictates how far you can trim. Likewise, you don’t need to connect the trimmer to a power source, and this makes the cordless variety ideal for working in the far corners of the yard.
There is no risk of tripping over the cord or accidentally cutting it with the trimmer.
Cordless hedge trimmers use DC battery power and don’t have emissions of any kind. They’re health- and environment-friendly.
They run quietly.
Cons
They have limited battery power. You have to stop using the trimmer and recharge the battery when power runs out.
Most cordless trimmers lose their cutting power as the battery begins to fade, meaning you can still use them but they’re slower and less efficient.
Features to consider while choosing a cordless hedge trimmer
What makes one cordless hedge trimmer different from another? It comes down to specific features and the distinct characteristics of each feature. We look at the main ones below.
Battery and runtime
Most cordless hedge trimmers use lithium ion batteries. When choosing a hedge trimmer, consider the battery life as this will determine how long you’ll use the trimmer before running out of power. Consider also the time it takes to recharge. The quicker it does, the faster you resume your yard work. It’s a good idea to have a spare battery or two, which you can use as the depleted battery recharges. This way you don’t unnecessarily stall your trimming duty.
Choose a battery with a higher amp as this will store more energy than batteries with lower amp, and you’ll use the hedge trimmer longer before power starts fading.
Blade type and length
Hedge trimmer blades can be one-sided or double-sided. With one-sided blades, the teeth are all placed on one side of the blade, and so only this side is used to trim and shape hedges. Double-sided blades have teeth on both sides of the blade and can be more versatile when it comes to cutting and shaping.
They can also be dual action or single action. Dual-action blades have two moving blades that cut in opposite direction, while single-action blades have only one moving blade.
Short blades tend to be lighter and easier to use. They are also easier to manipulate when shaping your bushes in intricate patterns. The only disadvantage with short blades is they don’t have enough reach to trim tall hedges or bushes.
Because of their longer reach, long blades get more done. You’ll cut more with a long blade in one stroke than you would with a short blade.
Strokes per minute
Strokes per minute indicate cutting speed and can be as few as 1,300 or as high as 5,000. Obviously, you want to go for a hedge trimmer with more strokes per minute if your hedge is big or you have plenty of bushes in your garden. The strokes may also be designed to match the tooth spacing of your blade. Blades with wide-spaced teeth may have fewer strokes per minute to give a coarse finish to the hedge. Hedge trimmers whose blades have the teeth close together tend to have a higher strokes-per-minute ratio and give a finer hedge finish.
Maximum twig and branch diameter
The cut capacity of the blade will determine the maximum twig and branch diameter you can cut using your cordless hedge trimmer. The ¾-inch cut capacity, standard in many cordless hedge trimmers, allows you to trim the new growth when sculpting shrubs and can be used to cut many small to mid-sized twigs. If you need to cut larger branches or twigs, you’ll need to get a hedge trimmer with a corresponding higher cut capacity.
Trimmers with low cut capacity are designed to trim small and thin bushes and will not cut thicker branches.
Weight
As a guide, trimmers with short blades are lighter than those with long blades. Likewise, trimmers with one-sided blades are lighter than those with double-sided blades. Still, the individual weight of the hedge trimmer will vary from one brand to the next and even from model to model. Choose a hedge trimmer that is light enough for you to operate, especially if you’ll be cutting hedges at height level or taller. If you pick a model that’s too heavy, you may get tired before finishing your bush trimming chore.
Warranty
The hedge trimmer is one piece of equipment you need to have on standby at all times; the more reason why you should have a warranty on it. It’s fair to say that when it comes to hedge trimmers, manufacturers are generous with their warranties. The average warranty period for a new hedge trimmer is two years, and scores of manufacturers give a far lengthier warranty period.
How to use a cordless hedge trimmer?
Cordless hedge trimmers are arguably the easiest-to-use hedge trimmers. They have no fuel tanks or cords attached. All you have to do is insert the fully-charged battery, switch on the hedge trimmer, and clip away at your hedges and shrubs. Ensure that the battery is at full charge before using it on the hedge trimmer so that you don’t stop to recharge after a few minutes. Having a spare battery ensures that you only stop trimming your hedges for a few minutes to swap the battery and that you don’t waste time waiting for the battery to recharge before you can resume trimming the hedges.
How to maintain a cordless hedge trimmer?
Your hedge trimmer will stay in good shape for much longer if you take good care of it. These maintenance tips will help make a difference:
Lubricate the blades regularly or after every use. This preserves their form and keeps rust at bay.
Clean the hedge trimmer after every use, following the cleaning procedure recommended by the manufacturer. Most importantly, don’t use water, solvents or strong detergents to clean the hedge trimmer as these may interfere with its operating mechanics.
Protect the blade from hard objects that may damage it.
Store the hedge trimmer in a cool, dry place, away from children.
Safety considerations
As with any piece of equipment, there are safety precautions that you can take to make your hedge trimmer safe to use. Most manufacturers include a couple of safety features to aid in this as well. Let’s look at the most common.
Off lock – The off lock feature ensures that the hedge trimmer can’t be accidentally turned on when not in use. This is a useful feature to have, especially if your kids’ curious hands are often rummaging through the tool shed.
Tooth extensions – These increase the distance between the blade and your body, reducing the risk of a blade cut.
Dual switch – Hedge trimmers with dual switches require you to use both hands when operating the trimmer. Consequently, there’s minimal chance of you cutting yourself.
Handle shield – Some hedge trimmers have a front handle shield to keep your hands from moving too close to the blade.
Safety wear – Use gloves and eyewear whenever you’re operating the hedge trimmer to protect against flying twigs and similar bits which might be injurious.
In most cases you can. Just make sure than any replacement batteries you buy are the same type, size, and have the same voltage as the original ones. The manufacturer will often indicate which batteries to use in the user guide, so pay attention to that as well.
Yes, but this increases the risk of injury. The safety guard is there to protect you and make the hedge trimmer safe to use. Try as much as possible to buy a hedge trimmer with a safety guard, and, subsequently, ensure the safety guard works fine each time you use the hedge trimmer.
It varies from model to model. Runtime can be anything between 20 minutes and 120 minutes. Let the amount of trimming you need to do be your guide here. If you have plenty of trimming to do, a hedge trimmer with a longer runtime will serve you better. For light trimming, a hedge trimmer with a short run time, say 20–30 minutes or so, will suffice.
Yes, if it’s powerful enough. The size of the dry twigs matters too. Most hedge trimmers can cut small dry twigs, but may not be powerful enough to cut bigger dry twigs. See manufacturer ‘recommendations for use’ of the specific model you have.
Yes. With regular use, it’s inevitable that the blades will get blunt. It’s okay to sharpen them as needed, and save replacing them for when they get nicked, dented or otherwise damaged and ineffective.
Our Verdict
The BLACK+DECKER LHT2436 is our best performer. With its long-ish blade, you can tackle taller hedges with ease. The Power Drive transmission makes it a powerful trimmer, and because it comes with a fast charger that gives a full charge in one hour, you can quickly recharge and finish trimming your hedges if you have a bigger yard.
Our second-favorite piece is the WORX WG261. With its long-ish blade, you can tackle taller hedges with ease. And the 20-volt lithium-ion battery can be used interchangeably with most 20- and 40-volt WORX cordless tools, thanks to the WORX PowerShare technology.
Our number three best cordless hedge trimmer is the DEWALT DCHT860M1. It’s swift and operates with laser-cut precision. We also like the fact that DeWalt gives a full year of free service with every purchase, in addition to the manufacturer’s warranty.
Without a doubt, this is the best review I’ve ever read about trimmers of any type, much less one focused on cordless hedge trimmers. Absolutely sharing with both friends and clients!! While my heart belongs to Stihl, your article could make me change my mind!
Thank you for your kind words, Lee! Stihl is no doubt one of the renown names among hedge trimmer makers, but unfortunately, we’ve had no opportunity to try them out. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts!
Pros
Battery and runtime
Hedge trimmer blades can be one-sided or double-sided. With one-sided blades, the teeth are all placed on one side of the blade, and so only this side is used to trim and shape hedges. Double-sided blades have teeth on both sides of the blade and can be more versatile when it comes to cutting and shaping.
Strokes per minute indicate cutting speed and can be as few as 1,300 or as high as 5,000. Obviously, you want to go for a hedge trimmer with more strokes per minute if your hedge is big or you have plenty of bushes in your garden. The strokes may also be designed to match the tooth spacing of your blade. Blades with wide-spaced teeth may have fewer strokes per minute to give a coarse finish to the hedge. Hedge trimmers whose blades have the teeth close together tend to have a higher strokes-per-minute ratio and give a finer hedge finish.
Cordless hedge trimmers are arguably the easiest-to-use hedge trimmers. They have no fuel tanks or cords attached. All you have to do is insert the fully-charged battery, switch on the hedge trimmer, and clip away at your hedges and shrubs. Ensure that the battery is at full charge before using it on the hedge trimmer so that you don’t stop to recharge after a few minutes. Having a spare battery ensures that you only stop trimming your hedges for a few minutes to swap the battery and that you don’t waste time waiting for the battery to recharge before you can resume trimming the hedges.
As with any piece of equipment, there are safety precautions that you can take to make your hedge trimmer safe to use. Most manufacturers include a couple of safety features to aid in this as well. Let’s look at the most common.
Without a doubt, this is the best review I’ve ever read about trimmers of any type, much less one focused on cordless hedge trimmers. Absolutely sharing with both friends and clients!! While my heart belongs to Stihl, your article could make me change my mind!
Thank you for your kind words, Lee! Stihl is no doubt one of the renown names among hedge trimmer makers, but unfortunately, we’ve had no opportunity to try them out. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts!