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: June 08, 2021
Wise Pick is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here
What makes the best electric hedge trimmer? Is it the blade length, its sturdiness and sharpness, or lightweight design without compromising on impressive motor power? We bet you’re puzzled with the variety of options the market has to offer, but luckily here we are to help you out.
Out of all the array of models on the market, we’ve chosen six that are definitely worth your attention. During our research, we considered a couple of key factors, including the type of trimmer, the weight, and the blade length. Whether the model is corded or cordless will determine its versatility and ease of use, as well as the necessity of getting and regularly charging the batteries. The blade length is important to know to get the idea of the trimmer’s functionality – longer ones give you more versatility since you can use such a model for trimming trees as well. Finally, the weight will tell you how long you’ll be able to use it without feeling your hands fatigue.
The number one model on our list, and probably one of the best trimmers on the market is the WORX WG261 Electric Hedge Trimmer. It’s an incredible machine that deserves all the praise and hype it gets. Featuring a long 22-inch cutting blade, this hedge trimmer can easily handle tall hedges. Not only that, but it is also powerful in its operation, guaranteeing to take down any thick shrub or trees. It’s dual-action blades move forward and backward to provide a neat cut while keeping vibration to the minimum.
In view of that, it can be said that this unit is comfortable and easy to use. It also helps that it weighs only five pounds, so it can be operated by anyone without ever breaking a sweat. It comes with a D-shaped handle, which makes it easy to direct the blades to the sides and tops of shrubs. Another proof of the incredible ease of use of this trimmer is the fact that it has a very comfortable grip, so it’s not likely to bite into the hands of the user. You can also share its batteries with some other WORX tools, which is also a good option to have.
There will be some assembling to do on your part, but it’s not anything difficult at all. You just need to put the front handle and safety guard together, which will only take a couple of minutes. However, while the battery charges fast and lasts well, there is no indicator whatsoever. The implication of that is that you won’t know anything about the amount of power left. In general though, this hedge trimmer is a good product, at a reasonable price.
If you really want to enjoy the best of the best when it comes to electric hedge trimmers, you should be willing to pay for it. If that’s the case, then the DEWALT DCHT820B Hedge Trimmer might be the way to go. It comes with long and sharp blades that are produced using hardened steel, with a tooth design that helps deliver a clean and accurate cut. In the event that you need to handle sturdier foliage, you have to consider this trimmer. It will seamlessly cut through branches without feeling any strain.
Furthermore, the trimmer is powered by a high-capacity lithium ion battery. However, you need to bear in mind that the battery is separately sold, so you need to consider that as well. It’s also worth noting that the battery charges really quickly, it should be completely charged within one hour. While that is really impressive, it’s a pity that once charged fully, the battery doesn’t last for a lot longer than one hour. In fact, a lot of users are of the opinion that the battery doesn’t hold its charge after recurrent use.
On the positive side, the hedge trimmer is backed by a three-year warranty that servers as a reassurance. Apart from that, it’s also not too heavy, weighing 7.5 pounds. Thanks to this, it’s somewhat easy to maneuver, which is something not often associated with powerful machines such as this one. In terms of ease of use, you will be hard pressed to find an electric that is easier to use. It can even be operated one-handed, showing how superb its design is.
While a different product takes the top spot on this list the BLACK+DECKER HH2455 Hedge Trimmer is undoubtedly one of the most noteworthy on the market today. It’s such an incredible hedge trimmer that will make your garden the envy of the neighborhood. Offering a combination of balance, functionality, power, and simplicity, this machine is perfect for both beginning gardeners and experts alike. The unit comes with many noteworthy features, despite having a fairly reasonable price tag.
The machine’s inline design provides extraordinary balance. That added to the incredible lightweight design of the unit, then you have a super maneuverable hedge trimmer on your hands. Additionally, the handle can be rotated a complete 180 degree, making it a solid option if you’re looking for a machine that can efficiently handle your precision work. It will give you a highly professional finish on dense and tight shrubs like evergreens and boxwoods. Apart from its sleek and lightweight design, the device also has low vibration, which makes it more comfortable to use.
In general, this is a balanced garden tool that is offered at a very fair price. It’s been equipped with features that make it a great choice for beginners, while packing sufficient extra features to appeal to more experienced landscapers as well. The only compliant most users have is that the handle doesn’t seem firm in place enough as it still moves after screwing it unto its place.
Despite being a corded unit, the Earthwise CVPH41018 Electric Hedge Trimmer is packed with attractive features that will give cordless units a run for their money. Featuring a super-versatile two-in-one design, this amazing hedge trimmer can also serve as a pole hedge trimmer. And despite this incredible amount of versatility, this machine makes no compromise on power, so it’s always an appealing choice for both beginners and experts alike.
However, using this hedge trimmer can be really exhausting, thanks to its heavy construction. To make up for that, the machine comes with a 6.5 amp powerful motor, which allows it to serve as a multi-purpose trimmer. It also comes with an extending handle, which makes it easy to trim and get rid of the need for unstable ladders. Like we mentioned earlier, this machine performs a dual function. Apart from serving as a regular handheld hedge trimmer, it can also be converted into a pole trimmer, allowing you to effortlessly fine-trim tall edges. Not only that, but you can also trim hard-to-reach tree branches without using a step ladder.
It doesn’t stop there – the unit is also outfitted with a 150-degree oscillating head and as many as six cutting positions. This means you will be able to cut trees and hedges from nearly any angle. On top of that, the unit also comes with a two-year limited warranty, which is a further reassurance on its quality. We must, however, note that the pole is included isn’t as tall as advertised.
If you need a well-balanced trimmer with a very long telescoping pole, you can’t look beyond the Sun Joe SJH902E Hedge Trimmer. It doesn’t only have a long telescoping pole, but it also boasts of super-long cutting blades as well. In terms of weight though, it’s a bit heavy, weighing about 8.8 pounds. It’s the second heaviest hedge trimmer on our list, and that speaks volume. The unit features a remarkable 21-inch blade, which helps you to reach distant bushes and shrubs when trimming, so that you are able to achieve consistent and even results.
Despite weighing more than eight pounds, the unit has been designed in such a way that it doesn’t exert much strain on the hands and shoulders of the users. Its weight perfectly combines with the powerful four-ampere electric motor, and a sublime cutting capacity to produce high-quality cutting results. The trimmer has also been designed to be as flexible as possible, with its pole being capable of extending further than normal. This helps it to get to hard-to-reach and distant hedges.
While this hedge trimmer from Sun Joe is feature-packed and well-balanced, it comes with some design challenges that we must mention. First, the super-long design of the pole means you may need to awkwardly extend your arms for optimal grip. Also, the swivel-releasing button needs lots of force for activation and may even require you to utilize both hands. Despite these small problems, this hedge trimmer is a great tool.
The next hedge trimmer on this list is the hugely versatile Scotts Outdoor Power Tools LSS10172S Hedge Trimmer, which despite coming at a very affordable price, offers an incredible amount of value. It’s a high-quality unit with many exceptional features, making it one of the top choices on the market. If you really care about giving your lawn, garden, or patio an appealing look that will attract attention, this cordless hedge trimmer might just be your ideal choice. To provide convenience and versatility in one unit, it comes with a seven-inch dual-action steel shrub blade and a two-inch dual-action steel grass blade.
Impressively, you don’t need any tool to swap the two included blades. Another thing that makes sense is that the unit is equipped with an adjustable and pivoting cutting head, which makes it easy to trim difficult-to-reach regions without breaking any sweat. Apart from that, the unit has a compact and super-lightweight design, weighing only 1.6 pounds. It’s the most lightweight unit on this list and that’s by a very wide margin. On top of that, it comes with a well-cushioned handle, which allows for easy and convenient cutting.
The unit runs on a 7.2-volt 2Ah high-capacity lithium ion battery, which charges quickly and retains charge for a long time. It also comes with a charger, so you don’t have to expend extra money. Lest we forget, its rotating handle also means you can adjust the handle according to where you want to trim. However, the blades are somewhat too short, and that may cause some inconveniences for you. It’s also important to warn you that this unit isn’t as powerful as the other models featured here, so you may want to limit its usage to only small branches.
What do we love it for?
Includes two different blades
Includes a charger
Charges quickly
Rotating handle
Adjustable head
Compact and lightweight
Well-cushioned handle
What were we disappointed with?
The blades are short
Not the most powerful
Things to Consider
While a beautiful design makes a tool attractive, its functionality is the most important thing. In view of this, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to educate our readers on how to know which product is functional enough and which one is not.
Features to consider when choosing an electric hedge trimmer
As a first-time buyer, purchasing an electric hedge trimmer can be very difficult. There’re numerous factors that have to be taken into account if you really want to get the ideal tool for your garden.
If it’s corded or cordless
One of the biggest decisions you will have to make when shopping is whether you need a corded model or a cordless model. Each style has advantages and disadvantages, certainly. Cordless hedge trimmers (like the WORX WG261) are battery-powered, and thanks to the fact that they’re not attached to any outlet, they can be used anywhere around your garden. If there are hedges spread across your yard, this can be a big advantage. Cordless hedge trimmers don’t often come with strong batteries though, which can cause problems if there are lots of hedges that require manicuring. On the other hand, corded hedge trimmers, like the BLACK+DECKER HH2455 are restricted in range, but aren’t limited in runtime if there’s constant power supply. Corded hedge trimmers are also cheaper compared to their cordless counterparts.
Blade length
Of course, it is advisable to look for a long blade as it will help you complete your tasks on time, but we must warn you that it can increase the weight of the unit. If the unit is heavy, the user is likely to be getting fatigued easily. Besides, if the hedge you’re cutting has a complex or small shape, then a long blade may be useless. These days, a lot of hedge trimmers feature a double-sided blade, which increases the blade’s versatility. this way, it is more effective for trimming services and complex shapes. Additionally, a double-sided blade can be fairly heavy. If your blade is long, you will be able to cut effectively in one sweep. It’s also important to consider the tooth spacing.
Maximum cutting capacity
The maximum cutting capacity is the space between the blades’ teeth. The larger the space, the larger the capacity as the teeth aren’t likely to get entangled in a tall hedge. Therefore, the maximum cutting capacity you require depends largely on uncontrollable your hedges are.
If you maintain your hedges frequently, a moderate capacity blade will be enough for you. However, if your hedges have overgrown, you may have to look for a one-inch capacity blade.
Weight
When trimming your hedges, you are likely to be carrying your hedge trimmer for a long period. Because of this, it is important to think about the weight of the unit you’re buying before buying it. The weight is also important if you have a big yard or you are likely to be trimming at heights. Expectedly, a heavy hedge trimmer will get you fatigued in no time. In light of that, ensure you explore all your choices before settling for one. The biggest benefit that heavy hedge trimmers provide is powerful operation. The powerful operation allows users to complete tasks faster.
Battery capacity
The battery capacity is also one of the most crucial factors when selecting a hedge trimmer. Most cordless hedge trimmers come with lithium ion batteries, which are typically strong, light, small, and capable of holding power for a long time, in comparison to other kinds of rechargeable batteries. Some smartphones, laptops, and Tesla electric cars also use lithium-ion batteries.
Li-ion battery also has numerous advantages, but it comes with disadvantages as well. If you allow a lithium-ion battery to discharge past a particular level, it could be permanently damaged. Consequently, it should never be overcharged if you want to enjoy it for a long time. When charging them, make sure you adhere to the instructions of the manufacturers.
Additionally, we advise you against storing a Li-ion battery for a long time when it’s fully discharged.
When trying to determine the right one to choose, check if it charges quickly and lasts for a long period. The Scotts Outdoor Power Tools LSS10172S Hedge Trimmer is an example of a device like this. With this kind of device, you can clear a large area of land without running out of battery.
Warranty
It is normal to be worried about the longevity of the product you want to buy, but if your new hedge trimmer comes with no warranty, you may have to continuously treat it like a baby, so that it wouldn’t get damaged. Of course, this can get tiring, especially since these tools are meant to be designed to last, so checking the warranty of the product before buying can give you more confidence about your option. An option such as the WORX WG261 Electric Hedge Trimmer comes with a three-year warranty, which will surely ease your mind knowing that it’ll get fixed should anything go wrong. Besides, if you choose a costlier option, ensure that it’s backed by a warranty that matches its cost.
Safety considerations
While using an electric hedge trimmer is fairly easy, you can get injured if you’re not paying full attention. Whenever you are using a hedge trimmer, make sure you are wearing protective clothing, which includes safety glasses and heavy gloves to protect against the hedges that are being trimmed from entering your eyes. Before you begin work, check the region to make sure it’s free of obstacles such as debris or hoses as they could get you tripped when using the hedge trimmer. Also, place the tool on the ground when you are starting the motor of the trimmer and the carefully pick it up to start your work.
Typically, electric hedge trimmers operate quietly, especially when you compared them with gas-powered models. If you don’t like loud noises or you don’t want to disturb your neighbors at all, then you can’t look beyond an electric hedge trimmer.
Most cordless hedge trimmers charge quickly, which makes a lot of sense. Some models like the DEWALT DCHT820B Hedge Trimmer are capable of reaching full charge within one hour, which is decent. If you want your device to charge faster, there are some fast chargers you can buy to reach full charge as quickly as 30 minutes. You can check the nearest store in your area to make enquiries.
To prevent the blade of the electric hedge trimmer from rusting, you should make sure that the tool is always stored properly indoors. Besides, if the blade on your hedge trimmer comes in contact with moisture through damp hedges or rain, for instance, make sure you immediately dry them.
Our Verdict
Far gone are the days when you had to break your back to constantly maintain your garden or lawn. With incredible tools such as the WORX WG261 Cordless Hedge Trimmer on the market nowadays, the exercise has become as seamless as possible. It is a tool every homeowner should have. It doesn’t only offer a lot of power, but it allows you to be completely convenient while you trim your hedges. In our view, it’s the best electric hedge trimmer on the market, but it’s not without some capable rivals.
The second best is the DEWALT DCHT820B Hedge Trimmer, which with its cordless and powerful operation, fast charging, and overall efficiency, has danced its way into hearts of many homeowners across the world. Another worthy mention is the BLACK+DECKER HH2455 Hedge Trimmer, which was designed to cut through thick branches as if they are nothing. It can be effectively handled by both beginners and experts, which is probably why a wide range of users find it appealing.
As a first-time buyer, purchasing an electric hedge trimmer can be very difficult. There’re numerous factors that have to be taken into account if you really want to get the ideal tool for your garden.
