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.
Top 6 Cordless Hedge Trimmers Review 2020
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.
A powerful hedge trimmer with a laser-cut blade for flawless operation and fantastic 70 min of runtime
A popular and highly rated hedge trimmer that is powerful and light at the same time
Extremely powerful hedge trimmer boasting of weather resistance and electronic brake
A solid hedge trimmer coming with great quality for the price and a long runtime
An affordable hedge trimmer with a small and lightweight design, which is easy to use
A small hedge trimmer featuring an anti-vibration system and advanced features boosting productivity
DEWALT DCHT860M1 – Editor’s Choice
- Battery: Lithium Ion, 40V max
- Blade type: dual-action, laser-cut
- Blade length: 22 in
- Strokes per minute: 3100
- Max cutting capacity: 3/4 in
- Weight: 11.9 lbs
- Warranty: 3-year limited
More features: 70 minutes of runtime on a single charge
The DEWALT DCHT860M1 has 22-inch, dual-action blades and gets double the work done, thanks to its dual cutting mechanism. The laser-cut blade gives a fine finish whatever the hedge orientation. You’ll be able to cut most small and medium-sized hedges with ease, as it supports a maximum twig diameter of ¾ inches.
The hedge trimmer comes with one 40V lithium-ion battery and runs for 70 minutes straight on full charge. This is more than enough time for most people to get their hedges trimmed and bushes spruced up. If you usually take longer to trim your hedge, buying a supplementary battery will ensure that you keep going when the power runs out in the first battery.
The hedge trimmer weighs 11.9 lbs with the battery on and may begin to feel heavy as you use it longer. A few breaks between cuts should help give your arms the rest they need to finish the task at hand.
Other features that caught our eye are the charge indicator, which lets you know how much battery power you have left at all times, and the wraparound handle, which gives a comfortable, non-slip grip. DeWalt offers a 3-year limited warranty, with 1 year of free service for this model.
- Includes a 40V battery
- Charge indicator
- 70-minutes runtime
- Wraparound handle
- Quiet
- Heavier than some competitors
BLACK+DECKER LHT2436 – Best-Rated
- Battery: Lithium Ion, 40V max
- Blade type: dual-action
- Blade length: 24 in
- Strokes per minute: 2,400
- Max cutting capacity: 3/4 in
- Weight: 6.9 lbs
- Warranty: 3-year
More features: fast charging in 1 hour, up to 6000 sq ft of trimmed hedges per charge, Power Drive transmission
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.
- Includes 40V battery
- Fast one-hour charger
- Light
- Wraparound front handle
- Soft rubber grips
- At 2400 strokes per minute, it doesn't give a very fine finish
EGO Power+ 24-inch Hedge Trimmer – Most Powerful
- Battery: Lithium Ion, 56V max
- Blade type: dual-action
- Blade length: 24 in
- Strokes per minute: 3000
- Max cutting capacity: 3/4 in
- Weight: 6.24 lbs
- Warranty: 5-year limited
More features: up to 1-hour runtime on a full charge, weather-resistant construction, electronic brake to stop the blade immediately
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.
- 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
- Pricey
Greenworks G-MAX – Best Value
- Battery: Lithium Ion, 40V max
- Blade type: dual-action
- Blade length: 24 in
- Strokes per minute: up to 3000
- Max cutting capacity: 2/3 in
- Weight: 8.3 lbs
- Warranty: 4-year
More features: up to 60 min runtime, rotating rear handle
Greenworks G-MAX uses 24-inch, dual-action blades for faster trimming. With the blade cutting both ways, it trims more branches faster so you spend less time cutting your hedges and bushes.
The hedge trimmer comes with a 40V lithium-ion battery which has a 60-minute runtime when fully charged. Going by industry standards, this is on the upper end and allows you to get most of your hedges done uninterrupted.
A rotating rear handle allows you to trim hedges at different angles, so you’re not limited to only vertical and horizontal sweeps. This is a plus when shaping bushes in complex patterns as you can maneuver the trimmer however you like. The wraparound auxiliary handle provides a comfortable grip, allowing you to trim for long periods at a time without soreness creeping in.
At 8.3 lbs, it lies somewhat in the middle of the scale and isn’t so heavy. But it’s not light either. You’ll probably begin to notice its weight, but only after you’ve been using it for half an hour or so.
This hedge trimmer is reasonably priced and with Greenworks throwing in a 4-year warranty, it is a safe purchase. You’ll no doubt use it a lot in these four years and, throughout this time, you’ll be eligible to get replacement parts and repair work for any parts that malfunction. The battery comes with a 2-year warranty.
- Long runtime
- Rotating rear handle
- 4-year warranty
- Good pricing
- A little heavy
Worx WG255 – Budget Pick
- Battery: Lithium Ion, 20V max
- Blade type: dual-action
- Blade length: 20 in
- Strokes per minute: 2200
- Max cutting capacity: 9/16 in
- Weight: 5.3 lbs
- Warranty: 3-year
More features: handles 1/4 acres per charge
The Worx WG255 is small, compact, and lightweight, so much that you can use it for lengthy stretches of time without putting it down. It uses 20-inch, dual action blades to deliver swift and clean cuts, maxing at 2200 strokes per minute.
It comes with a 20V lithium-ion battery, which despite the low voltage, is sufficient to get the hedges on a standard yard size done on a single charge. Recharge is quick as well and, even better, you can swap your battery with any other 20V Worx battery. Worx has made all its batteries compatible regardless of the tool used. You just have to make sure that the voltage is the same, in this case 20V, and you’re good to go.
This Worx hedge trimmer has a full, D-grip front handle that makes it possible to trim hedges from all sides, and will turn your bushes into the shapely shrubbery you’re looking to create. The overmold soft-grip handle offers good grip and ensures your comfort while you use the hedge trimmer.
The manufacturer gives a 3-year battery on the hedge trimmer, so you’re covered should any parts become defective during this time.
- Comes with a 20V lithium-ion battery and charger
- Super lightweight
- Small, compact design
- Full-wrap front handle
- Battery compatible with all WORX tools batteries
- 3-year warranty
- 30-day money back guarantee
- Great pricing
- Short blade, not ideal for trimming tall hedges
- Low voltage battery can't trim hedges on large yards without recharging
Makita XHU02M1 – Best Small
- Battery: Lithium Ion, 18V max
- Blade type: 22 in
- Blade length: 22 in
- Strokes per minute: 1350
- Max cutting capacity: 0.4 in (10mm)
- Weight: 7.4 lbs
- Warranty: 3-year limited
More features: up to 120 min of runtime under no load, anti-vibration design, electric brake, 87 dB(A), Star Protection Computer Controls
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.
- 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
- 3-year limited warranty
- Less powerful than competitors
- Tricky to activate
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.
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.
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.
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.
FAQ
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 DEWALT DCHT860M1 is our best performer. 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.
Our second-favorite piece is the BLACK+DECKER LHT2436. 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 number three best cordless hedge trimmer is the EGO Power+ 24-inch Hedge Trimmer, a lightweight hedge trimmer with massive battery power that makes cutting thicker bushes a breeze. Producing 3,000 strokes per minute, it's perfect for creating a finely-finished hedge. It also comes with a lengthy, 5-year warranty and an equally lengthy 3-year warranty on the battery.
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!