Best Hedge Trimmers of 2023: Electric, Cordless, and Gas Trimmers

• Best overall: DEWALT DCHT820B Hedge Trimmer
• Best gas-powered: Poulan Pro Gas Powered Dual Sided Hedge Trimmer
• Best corded electric: Greenworks Corded Hedge Trimmer
• Best cordless: BLACK+DECKER Cordless Hedge Trimmer
• Best lightweight: WORX Power Share Cordless Hedge Trimmer
• Best manual: TABOR TOOLS B212A Telescopic Hedge Shears
• Best battery life: Makita Lithium-Ion Cordless Hedge Trimmer Kit
• Best for thick branches: Ryobi 24 in. Lithium-ion Cordless Hedge Trimmer
• Best for Shrubs: CRAFTSMAN Cordless Electric Hedge Trimmer 
• Best Extendable: RYOBI Cordless Attachment Capable String Trimmer

1. Gas hedge trimmers

This is the most vital trimmer type that is suitable for large yards. They can run for a longer time without refueling or recharging batteries. If the tool needs maintenance, it is easier to repair. However, the cost of these gas hedge trimmers is a bit more expensive due to their efficiency and strength.

2. Electric hedge trimmers

These tools need the cord to run, so you will need to prepare a power outlet, which should be near the hedge. You may get some restrictions like the wire tangled in obstacles, or the cord isn’t long enough. However, these electric trimmers work silently, and you will never worry about the power limitation.

3. Battery-powered hedge trimmers

Battery-powered hedge trimmers may be the most efficient solution that you should consider. The battery power has no impact on the environment and uses no wires. However, if you have a large yard to trim, you may need a secondary battery so that your work will not be interrupted.

• Blade size: There are various blade sizes, from 8 to 40 inches. The 22-inch blade is the most popular. They can cut branches up to ¾ inch wide, so they are the best solution for most duties, from light to heavy. If you have a large hedge, a larger blade can help you finish the work faster.
• Hedge trimmer with a telescoping pole: The standard blade may be too short if you own a high hedge. This is the time you can consider a trimmer with a telescoping pole to extend your reach. However, You need to stand stably with a steady balance to use the tool safely.
• Battery life: Look for lithium-ion batteries to get the optimal battery life, and consider buying another battery to finish the work faster. Batteries have been greatly improved these years, and cordless hedge trimmers with 80-volt batteries can operate for two hours on a single charge.

How we tested

We rated hedge trimmers through 4 main specifications: design, blade length, tooth spacing, and battery quality (with battery-powered tools). First, we look at the design and analyze the shape and handle to clarify if it is suitable for right-handed and left-handed people. The design also affects the comfort when people hold the machine for a long time.

Secondly, the blade is one of the most important parts of a hedge trimmer. Its length decides the weight and power of the machine. In the review below, you will see we mainly recommended 22-inch blades because it fits most hedges.

The tooth spacing is relevant to the size of the branches. We gave you detailed information on the FAQs section; you can read it to see which one you should choose.

Regarding the battery, we measure the time it takes to work and charge. We also pay attention to the connection among batteries of one manufacturer. Many products use the same battery system, which is convenient for you, like BLACK+DECKER products.

Here are the 10 best hedge trimmers of 2021

1. DEWALT DCHT820B Hedge Trimmer

Best hedge trimmer overall

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Specification

• Blade Length: 22 inches
• Maximum Cut Diameter: ¾ inch
• Weight: 8.8 Pounds
• Battery: 20V

Reasons to buy

• High strokes per minute: 2800 SPM
• Lightweight and compact design
• Strong motor

Reasons to avoid

• Blade guard not included

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The DEWALT hedge trimmer delivers lightweight and power; it is suitable for anyone to use. This trimmer is powered by a 5.0Ah lithium-ion battery and a 22-inch blade to cut branches up to ¾ inch. Moreover, it has a pre-hardened hooked-tooth blade design, which means that you can use the blade longer before maintenance.

The DEWALT hedge trimmer provides up to 2800 strokes per minute so that you can finish your work quickly. The anti-vibration technology helps you manage and operate it efficiently. There are two options for this trimmer: battery included and not included.

2. Poulan Pro Gas Powered Dual Sided Hedge Trimmer

Best gas-powered hedge trimmer

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Specification

• Blade Length: 22 inches
• Maximum Cut Diameter: 1 inch
• Weight: 11.1 Pounds

Reasons to buy

• Durable stainless steel blades
• High efficiency
• Easy operation and management
• Anti-vibration

Reasons to avoid

• Quite heavy
• Loud noises

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Poulan Pro 2-Cycle Gas Dual-Sided Hedge Trimmer has a powerful 2-cycle motor and a 22-inch blade that can cut branches up to 1 inch. It can help you deal with even challenging tasks in a large garden. This tool has a rotating rear handle that makes it easy to manage at any angle.

The stainless steel dual-action blade can cut limbs up to 1” in diameter. It also features anti-vibration technology to reduce fatigue and control easily.

If you need a larger blade, you can take a look at Husqvarna Gas Dual Action Hedge Trimmer that can help you handle denser bushes and hedges.

3. Greenworks Corded Hedge Trimmer

Best corded electric hedge trimmer

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Specification

• Blade Length: 22 inches
• Maximum Cut Diameter: ⅝ inch
• Weight: 5.8 Pounds

Reasons to buy

• Ultra-quiet
• Super silent
• Lightweight and compact design
• Reasonably priced

Reasons to avoid

• The capacity is not as strong as gas and battery trimmers

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If you’re worried about running out of battery or gas while cutting the hedges, a traditional electric hedge trimmer like Greenworks is the ideal choice. A strong engine with a steel 22-inch blade can cut branches of ⅝ inch wide.

It’s light and easy to use for anyone. It doesn’t make annoying loud noises, and all it needs is a long wire. The cord also has a lock to keep it plugged in. Plus, the innovative rotating rear handle helps you to trim your hedge at any angle.

4. BLACK+DECKER Cordless Hedge Trimmer

Best cordless battery-powered hedge trimmer

Today’s best deal: Check Price on Amazon

Specification

• Blade Length: 22 inches
• Maximum Cut Diameter: ¾ inch
• Weight: 5.9 Pounds
• Battery: 20V

Reasons to buy

• Lightweight and compact design
• Wraparound auxiliary handle + Full-length trigger: easy control
• 20V lithium-ion: high efficiency
• Interchangeable battery with other BLACK+DECKER battery-powered devices

Reasons to avoid

• Pay attention to the power when charging to prevent damage to the battery

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BLACK+DECKER Cordless Hedge Trimmer features a powerful 20V lithium-ion battery that delivers power and run-time for your trimming job. The 22-inch dual-action steel blade reduces vibration and can cut branches of ¾ inch wide.

In terms of control, the full-length trigger gives you complete management to operate the trimmer. Plus, you will have maneuverability with the wraparound auxiliary handle.

Primarily, you can take advantage of the compatible battery system of BLACK+DECKER, where you can use the battery of one device for another device.

5. WORX Power Share Cordless Hedge Trimmer

Best lightweight hedge trimmer

Today’s best deal: Check Price on Amazon

Specification

• Blade Length: 22 inches
• Maximum Cut Diameter: ¾ inch
• Weight: 5.5 Pounds

Reasons to buy

• Lightweight and compact design
• D-grip handle: cut at multiple angles
• Reasonable price
• Built-in safety guard

Reasons to avoid

• May get stuck in thick bush or hedge

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If you’re looking for a lightweight hedge trimmer that can still handle a medium workload, WORX is definitely a suitable choice. It just weighs 5.5 pounds, so you can move the tool up high and down low without getting tired or uncomfortable.

The extra-long 22-inch blade is churning out 2600 revs/min, clearing all excess branches. Moreover, the D-grip handle also allows you to cut at multiple angles; you will not have to move too much. With the built-in safety guard, you can rest assured that it will not hurt you or anyone nearby.

6. TABOR TOOLS B212A Telescopic Hedge Shears

Best manual hedge trimmer

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Specification

• Dimension: 25.59 x 9.06 x 1.97 inches
• Handle material: metal
• Shock guard bumpers: yes

Reasons to buy

• Sharp wavy blade
• Shock guard bumpers
• Adjustable blade tension
• Environment-friendly

Reasons to avoid

• Hard to cut thick branches

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If you have a small hedge with thin branches, it’s unnecessary to buy a trimmer machine. You can consider a manual tool instead to save money and protect the environment. Although trimming the hedge by hand, some people will find it relaxing to connect with nature.

These scissors have built-in features to optimize your comfort, like shock-absorbing bumpers and nonslip grips on the handles. Plus, you can adjust the blade tension for easier control. Shape your hedge with the manual TABOR tool right away!

7. Makita Lithium-Ion Cordless Hedge Trimmer Kit

Best battery-life hedge trimmer

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Specification

• Blade Length: 22 inches
• Maximum Cut Diameter: not mentioned
• Weight: 12.8 Pounds
• Battery: 4.0Ah

Reasons to buy

• Long battery life
• Built-in safety guard
• Quieter than corded version: 87dB
• Interchangeable battery with other 36V and 18V LXT tools

Reasons to avoid

• Cutting capacity not specified

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If you have a long hedge, it’s essential to get a trimmer that can work for a long time. An electric machine can solve this problem, but it has annoying cords. Therefore, a hedge trimmer with long-life batteries may be a better solution. Makita Lithium-Ion kit is our top pick.

It can operate in 120 minutes on its lowest setting. The 22-inch blade delivers 1,350 strokes per minute, and it just weighs 7 pounds, easy to use.

Furthermore, this Makita hedge trimmer has anti-vibration cushions, making it run quieter. The lowest noise we measured is 87 decibels, 25% quieter than corded. It just takes less than an hour to recharge Makita, allowing you to get back to work quickly.

8. Ryobi 24 in. Lithium-ion Cordless Hedge Trimmer

Best hedge trimmer for thick branches

Today’s best deal: Check Price on Amazon

Specification

• Blade Length: 24 inches
• Maximum Cut Diameter: 1 inch
• Weight: 8.1 Pounds
• Battery: 2.0Ah

Reasons to buy

• Ability to cut thick branches
• Hedge sweep debris shield: clear all debris while operating
• Rotating handle: easy to control

Reasons to avoid

• Expensive
• Battery and charger not included

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If you need to cut thick branches and hedges, you may need a powerful tool like Ryobi 24 in. Lithium-ion Cordless Hedge Trimmer. This machine has a dual-action blade that can cut branches 1 inch wide. The rotating handle allows you to move the tool comfortably at any angle.

The Ryobi cordless trimmer delivers cutting speeds of 3,200 strokes per minute, faster than standard machines. Last but not least, Ryobi is convenient as it features a hedge sweep debris shield to clear debris.

9. CRAFTSMAN Cordless Electric Hedge Trimmer

Best hedge trimmer for shrubs

Today’s best deal: Check Price on Amazon

Specification

• Blade Length: 15 inches
• Maximum Cut Diameter: not mentioned
• Weight: 13.37 Pounds
• Battery: 4.0Ah

Reasons to buy

• Two blades: shrub trimmer and grass shear
• Lightweight and compact design
•  Quick blade change

Reasons to avoid

• Short blade
• Grass blade can get bogged down

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You may not need a standard hedge trimmer with a long blade if you just have small shrubs in your yard. In this case, a compact design with a grass shear option may be more suitable. The package comes with two blades: an 8-inch blade trimmer and a small 4-inch grass shear blade.

This shrub trimmer can cut branches of 5/16 inch in diameter, and you can swap two blades easily without any help from additional tools. It weighs just 5 pounds, and you can hold it with one hand. It will not take too much space in your shed or workshop.

10. RYOBI Cordless Attachment Capable String Trimmer

Best extendable hedge trimmer

Today’s best deal: Check Price on Amazon
Specification

• Blade Length: 8 inches
• Maximum Cut Diameter: 5/16 inch
• Weight: 5.1 Pounds
• Battery: 1.5Ah

Reasons to buy

• Pole extends to 8 feet
• Pivoting head
• Variable speed trigger
• 13 - 15 inch adjustable cutting width
• Battery and charger included

Reasons to avoid

• Heavy
• Expensive

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You have a tall hedge, and you’re finding a solution to cut the high branches? RYOBI Cordless trimmer may be the perfect tool for you. The machine can extend up to 8 feet, allowing you to reach up the highest branches. You can adjust the cutting width from 13 to 15 inches, depending on your purposes.

Moreover, you can easily control the trimmer as it has a speed trigger. With this hedge trimmer, you can trim the high branches and the grass cover, saving you much effort.

1. How powerful a good hedge trimmer should be?

The hedge trimmer’s blades measure from 15 to 30 inches in length. The length of the blade will decide the weight and power of the hedge trimmers and should be chosen carefully to be suitable for your hedge.

The tooth gap size refers to the space between the blade teeth and determines the size of branches that the trimmer can handle. They divide tooth spacing into three types:

• 0.5 - 0.7 inch
• 0.8 - 1 inch
• 1 - 1.5 inches

2. How to use the hedge trimmer safely?

Hedge trimmers are designed to use with both hands: one holds the switch handle, and one locates behind the blade. The tool must be sturdy and have a high grip to reduce the risk of injuries.

Some hedge trimmers are just suitable for right-handed, so left-handed people need to look at the design carefully to make sure they can use it comfortably and easily.

Besides, you should wear protective gear like goggles/a visor, protective gloves, or safety shoes. They are critical to keep you safe and avoid injury.

3. Can I use hedge trimmers on weeds?

In theory, you can use hedge trimmers to cut weeds; however, they are not the best tools to do this task. The sharp blades can cut through many organic matters. If you tried it and felt it was convenient, just use your hedge trimmer to cut weeds. However, if you need more special and professional care, you better use specialized lawnmowers.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best hedge trimmers is never easy, so feel free to ask us more questions if you want to clear some points. Now you know which hedge trimmers are most popular and which one is suitable for your needs. If you need a leaf blower to blow away shredded leaves left after pruning, you can take a look at our list of best leaf blowers.

For more information and tips related to garden care, I also provide you with various detailed articles.