A hedge trimmer is an essential garden power tool to keep hedges, privacy screens, foundation planting, and shrubs looking tidy. The best hedge trimmers effortlessly slice through plant foliage and small branches or stems to make gardening easier. Investing in a powerful trimmer allows you to get the toughest hedge trimming jobs done in a faster time.
Choosing the best type of hedge trimmer can be challenging. First, you need to consider the kinds of shrubs in your garden, hedge height, power source, and yard size. For example, a hedge cutter with a long, dual-action blade will cut through more foliage in less time. However, the larger blades can be more challenging to control.
It is also vital to pick the right powered hedge trimmer for your needs. Typically, hedge trimmers fall into three categories:
- Gas-powered hedge trimmer
- Cordless hedge trimmer
- Corded hedge trimmer
This article reviews all types of hedge trimmers to help you choose the best for your needs. You will learn the pros and cons of each model to help you make an informed choice before buying an outdoor power tool.
Review of the 8 Top Hedge Trimmers
1. BLACK+DECKER LHT2436 Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Black and Decker are a top brand when it comes to high-quality garden tools. The LHT2436 cordless model has a 24-inch double-sided blade that effortlessly slices through branches up to 3/4 inches thick. The heavy-duty 40V rechargeable lithium-ion battery holds its charge and trims up to 6,000 sq. ft. of hedgerows.
The best features of the Black & Decker cordless trimmer are its wrap-around handle, full-length trigger, ergonomic grip to reduce strain, and safety guard.
Pros:
- Powerful 40V rechargeable battery
- Up to one-hour runtime
- Low vibration, dual-action blade
- Comfortable to use and ergonomic design reduces strain
Cons:
- Noisier than other battery-powered models
2. WORX WG284 40V Cordless Hedge Trimmer
The WORX WG284 is an excellent battery-powered hedge cutter with a long 24-inch dual-action, hardened steel blade. The head has a swivel action, turning 180° to make it easy to trim all types of hedges. The dual-battery system delivers an impressive 40V and a super-long runtime of up to one hour.
The excellent features of the WORX WG284 are the full wrap, front-grip handle, rotating rear handle, and safety blade guard. This is one of the most powerful cordless trimmers on this list.
Pros:
- The sharp steel blade easily cuts branches up to 3/4 inch thick
- A comfortable handle reduces jarring vibrations
- 40V powerful lithium-ion battery
- The two 20V batteries recharge extremely fast
Cons:
- Heavy due to the dual battery system
3. Scotts HT10020S Corded Electric Hedge Trimmer
The Scotts HT10020S electric hedge trimmer is a cost-effective option for trimming hedges, shrubs, and foundation plantings. The advantage of this hedge trimmer is its lightweight, hardened steel blade and durable build. The 3.2-amp motor powers 20-inch double-sided blade that easily slices through small hedge branches and foliage.
The best feature of Scotts HT10020S is its weight, as it only weighs 4.8 lbs. So if you have a small to medium-sized garden, this trimmer has a price tag to suit all pockets.
Pros:
- Weighs 4.8 lbs
- Maintenance-free operation
- Protective blade cover included
- A built-in cord retention clip
- Full-length trigger grip
Cons:
- No wrap-around padded front handle
4. Greenworks HT04B00 Corded Hedge Trimmer
Greenworks HT04B00 electric hedge cutter is an excellent budget-friendly power tool to keep shrubs and hedge plants tidy. This corded model features a 22-inch dual-action steel blade, a convenient extension cord hook to prevent accidental unplugging, and a built-in safety guard. An advantage of this model is its smooth operation and low-noise motor.
The Greenworks model is available in two options. The cheaper 18-inch blade with a 2.7-amp motor or the more expensive 22-inch blade with a 4-amp motor. If choosing between the two, the 22-inch corded hedge trimmer is worth the extra money.
Pros:
- Powerful 4-amp motor
- Dual-action blades reduce vibration
- Comfortable grip front handle and rotating rear handle
- Excellent value for money
- Eco-friendly
Cons:
- It tends to be noisy
5. Poulan Pro PR2322 Gas Powered Dual Sided Hedge Trimmer
The Poulan gas-powered hedge trimmer features a lightweight 2-cycle, 23cc engine that cuts through thick hedge branches. The 22-inch dual-sided trimming blade can cut branches up to 1-inch thick—one of the best on this hedge trimmer review. To make trimming hedges easy, a rotating rear handle and comfortable grip front handle on the unit make this possible.
The Poulan Pro PR2322 features anti-vibration technology to help reduce fatigue during prolonged use. Additionally, the lightweight design makes it suitable for most users.
Pros:
- Cuts branches up to 1-inch thick
- Powerful 23cc, 2-cycle gas engine
- It only weighs 11.1 lbs.
- Anti-vibration to reduce hand fatigue
Cons:
- It has a cheap, plasticky feel to the overall design
6. BLACK+DECKER Electric Corded Hedge Trimmer
If you want to buy a budget-friendly hedge trimmer, then the Black+Decker BEHT200 is ideal. The trimmer features a robust design that includes a comfortable wrap-around handle, full-length trigger, and cord retention system. The lightweight hedge trimmer weighs 4.5 lbs. and 3.5-amp motor powers a respectable 18-inch blade.
Although the blade is shorter than other models, it makes the corded trimmer easy to handle and control. If you are looking for a quality electric Black and Decker with a longer blade, then look for the HH2455 model.
Pros:
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Ergonomic cushioned grip and full-length trigger to reduce fatigue
- Lower vibration than other models on this review
- Cord lock feature to prevent accidental unplugging
Cons:
- It doesn’t cut thicker branches easily
7. EGO Power+ HT2400 Cordless Hedge Trimmer
One of the best cordless hedge trimmers is the EGO Power+ HT2400. The trimmer is fully weather-resistant, and the 56V lithium-ion battery provides extended runtime. In addition, the long 24-inch blade copes well with cutting branches up to 3/4-inch thick. Compared to electric trimmers and some gas models, the EGO Power+ rivals them in terms of performance.
There are a few excellent safety features on this battery-powered trimmer. For example, the electric brake instantly stops the hardened steel blades when letting go of the full-length trigger. Additionally, a large safety guard protects your hands from flying debris.
Pros:
- Long-lasting 56V lithium-ion rechargeable battery
- Performs as well as some gas-powered models
- Delivers 3,000 strokes per minute
- Electric brake halts blade action instantly
- Five-year warranty
Cons:
- Heavier than some electric and gas models
8. Toro 51490 Corded Hedge Trimmer
Toro has a reputation for high-quality garden tools, and this electric hedge trimmer is an excellent power tool. The hedge cutter features a 4-amp motor that powers a 22-inch hardened steel dual-action blade. The corded trimmer only weighs 6 lbs., so it is suitable for most gardeners. Additionally, the soft grip, wrap-around handle, and full-length trigger help reduce hand and shoulder fatigue while trimming.
The Toro 51490 hedge trimmer is incredibly easy to use, thanks to its design and weight. In addition, the trimmer features an anti-vibration design to reduce vibration up to 40 percent. This makes the trimmer easy to use above your head on tall hedges.
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Cord lock system to prevent accidental unplugging while working
- Powerful 4-amp motor
- Two-year warranty
Cons:
- It lacks a rotating rear handle
The Best Features of a Gas Hedge Trimmer
Gas models are best for commercial use rather than residential use. Typically, gas trimmers are ideal for slicing through thicker branches and dense foliage. In addition, gas hedge and shrub trimmers are for prolonged use. This is because the size of the fuel tank is the only limit to the operational time. However, gas-powered models are noisy and give off emissions.
The Best Features of a Cordless Trimmer
Cordless models give the flexibility of a gas model without having to inhale toxic fumes. The best battery trimmers can be just as powerful as electric trimmers. Cordless trimmers tend to be heavier, more expensive, and are limited by battery life. However, many top-brand cordless trimmers have interchangeable batteries with other power tools. As a result, cordless trimmers are ideal for small to medium-sized residential yards.
The Best Features of a Corded Trimmer
Electric hedge trimmers are the cheapest and lightest type of hedge cutter. The only restriction with an electric model is the power cord length, typically up to 100 feet long. Like cordless hedge cutters, electric models are ideal for small to medium-sized residential gardens.