Buying Guides
The Best Cordless Hedge Trimmers for 2021: Who Makes the Best Trimmer On the Market Right Now
If you’ve got a garden then chances are that you’ve got at least one hedge. Hedges are a great way of marking your property boundary in an attractive way, but they do have one issue: upkeep. Hedge maintenance can be costly (if you employ someone to do it for you) and time-consuming (if you do it yourself), which is why you might want to consider getting a cordless hedge trimmer. Which of the many products should you buy? We’re here to tell you all you need to know about hedge trimmers, as well as to give you some of our favourite model recommendations.
Table of Contents
Why You Need a Cordless Hedge Trimmer?
The obvious plus of having a cordless hedge trimmer is that you can do your own garden maintenance and can keep your property looking neat and nice. Trimming your own hedges with a specifically designed tool will be pretty fast, as well as cheaper in the long run than hiring someone to do it for you.
But the pros of cordless, rather than corded, hedge trimmers are maybe a little less obvious. They give you better mobility, since you won’t need to be close to a plug socket. They’re safer, since you won’t need to have an extension cord running through the garden, and there’s no risk of electrocution through cutting that cord.
Cordless hedge trimmers are a great addition to your tool shed, and one that will see plenty of use, making them a great investment.
What Are My Options?
There are plenty of cordless hedge trimmers on the market, so you’ve got plenty of choice. But that choice can get a little overwhelming. We can divide hedge trimmers into three classes, depending on what they’re designed to cut and how much power they have, narrowing down your options a little like so:
Small
Smaller hedge trimmers tend to be around 10 volts or so, which isn’t a lot of power. They’re designed only to cut small, thin branches, and are suitable for light garden work, trimming shrubs and the like. They’re nice and light though, which means you don’t need to be particularly strong to use them, and tend to be cheaper than other options.
Pros: Lightweight and affordable.
Cons: Only suitable for light work, won’t do much for serious gardeners, or those with bulky hedges that need trimming.
Best For: Those who want to do only light garden work, and who don’t have serious hedges to trim with thick branches.
Medium
Medium hedge trimmers tend to get around 18 volts of power or so. These are a great compromise option. They’re a little heavier and a little costlier than small trimmer versions but are a lot more capable. A medium powered trimmer should be able to handle most regular garden maintenance and cut through medium sized branches. So if you’ve got a regular old hedge that needs trimming, this is the choice for you.
Pros: Capable of handling most normal garden maintenance, still fairly affordable, and not too heavy.
Cons: More expensive and heavier than small trimmers, you’ll be making more of an investment here.
Best For: Most normal gardeners find that medium powered trimmers are a perfect choice.
Large
Finally, there are large hedge trimmers, usually powered at around 36 volts. These are serious machines, and are both heavy and expensive, making them not the ideal choice for most home gardeners. However, they are capable of cutting through most things, so if you’re clearing a garden or have a thick, woody hedge that needs taming, you might need one of these monsters.
Pros: Cuts through pretty much anything.
Cons: Heavy and expensive, these devices tend to be directed towards professionals rather than amateur gardeners.
Best For: Those who want to clear a garden, those with wild, untamed hedges that need serious work.
What Do I Need to Think About Before Buying?
When making your initial decision, there are really only a couple of things that you need to think about:
What Am I Cutting?
The obvious first question to ask yourself is what exactly you’re going to be cutting. Since larger, more powerful machines are better for cutting thicker branches but are more cumbersome and more costly, you’ll want a clear idea of what you’re planning to use your trimmers for. Take a look around your garden, measure a few branches, and have a realistic think about what size trimmers your really need. Bigger and more powerful might sound good, but all that weight means that big trimmers aren’t ideal for everyday maintenance.
What is My Budget?
Your second question is about finances. How much can you afford to spend? There are tons of trimmers on the market, and there should be a device to fit most budgets. More expensive trimmers tend to be bigger and more powerful and have more features, but smaller trimmers are cheaper and more compact. Set yourself a budget before shopping, and don’t get tempted into buying something with features that you do not need!
What Features Should I Be Looking For?
Once you’ve decided what class of trimmer you’re looking for, then you’re going to want to look at specs and features. And there are quite a few things to consider here:
Battery Size
The larger the battery, the more cutting time you’ll get, which is a good thing, since no one wants to run out of juice halfway through a job. However, do keep in mind that larger batteries tend to take longer to charge, meaning you’ll have to wait longer before getting back to work. It’s a bit of a trade-off, so consider the choices carefully.
Teeth
Different trimmers have different spaces between their teeth, and the bigger the gap the bigger the branches they can cut. It’s no good having a super powerful trimmer with a narrow tooth gap, since despite all that power it won’t be able to grip thick branches to cut through them. Tooth gap tends to go from about 15mm to about 22mm.
Weight
Yes, weight does have to be something that you look at. Heavier is just harder to use, especially if you’re likely to be reaching upwards to cut tall hedges. You do want power, of course, but you also want to keep weight down as much as you can.
Noise
Cordless trimmers tend to be quieter than their gas-powered cousins, but you’ll still want to look at the noise rating for a device before you buy. In general, battery-powered trimmers get to around 90 decibels, much more than that and you’re looking at something that’s just too noisy.
Safety Features
There are all kinds of different safety features seen on trimmers, some of which could be deal-makers for you. Look for things like automatic brakes (which will stop blades as soon as the off switch is hit), handguards (to protect your hand from debris flying backwards), and dual switches (which require you to use both hands to turn the trimmer on, reducing the chance of you accidentally powering up).
Clipping Collectors
Some trimmers do come with collectors or containers which store the trimmings and can be emptied later (rather than just spraying them all of your garden). These are pretty convenient, but they do add to the overall weight of your trimmers, and you’ll likely need to interrupt your work to empty your collector from time to time.
Maintenance and Safety
Hedge trimmers aren’t the safest of tools to use, and it’s essential that you have the right protective equipment. You’ll need eye protection (an eye mask or goggles), hand protection (gardening gloves), and ear protection (earplugs or headphones) to muffle noise. Going without protective gear can result in serious injury.
In terms of maintenance, you’re not looking at doing a lot of work. Clean blades with a dry cloth after use, and then lubricate them with a light machine oil to prevent rusting. Once lubricated, run the trimmer for a couple of seconds to make sure that the lubricant gets all around the blade. And don’t forget to keep your battery charged!
How We Selected Our Top Models
Before we get to our recommendations, however, a quick word about how exactly we chose our favourites. We looked at specs, prices, and features. We also looked at budget to ensure that there was something for every wallet.
We looked at customer feedback to see what kind of experience others had had with specific models. And since we spend most of our time surrounded by garden professionals, landscapers, and the kind of people who use these tools every day, we got plenty of professional feedback as well. We've also used the Bosch Advanced Hedge Cut extensively when prepping for our wheelie bin store photo shoot which is why it's included in our list despite being a good bit more expensive than some of the other models on the market.
So, let’s get down to business. \here are our top favourite cordless hedge trimmer models.
The Top 8 Cordless Hedge Trimmers for 2019
You should have a clearer idea now of exactly what you’re looking for, but there are still plenty of choices out there for you. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, then we’ve put together a list of our favourite cordless trimmer models to help you out.
The Bosch AHS 50-20 LI Cordless Hedgecutter (Medium)
Price: ~£80
Power: 18 volt
Tooth Gap: 20 mm
Bosch is one of the most recognisable names on the gardening tool market, and it should be no surprise that several of our picks are from the manufacturer. This is one of our favourites. It’s basic, sure, but it gets the job done. You get 18 volts of power and a 20 mm tooth gap, so this should be more than capable of handling everyday gardening jobs, and it’s affordable too.
The Bosch AHS has anti-block technology, as well as specially formed teeth at the front of the blade, to give you smooth, continuous sawing action. You’ll need to supply your own battery, but it’s compatible with all other Bosch power tool batteries, so that shouldn’t be a huge problem. You get fast battery charging too. And at just 3 kilos, this isn’t a heavy tool at all. You even get a three-year warranty.
On the downside, you do have to buy a battery if you don’t have one already. And there aren’t a lot of bells and whistles here. But if you’re on a budget and looking for a basic, yet a capable set of hedge trimmers, then this is the device you’ve been looking for.
Pros
Plenty of power
Anti blocking technology
Very affordable
Cons
Battery not included
Not many extra features
The Dewalt DCM563PB-XJ 18v (Medium)
Price: ~£135
Power: 18 volt
Tooth Gap: 19 mm
If you’ve got a little more to spend, then the Dewalt 18v set of hedge trimmers is a great investment. You get a few more features for you money here too. Firstly, this is a great medium powered device, 18 volts, so enough for most everyday jobs. You get a 19 mm tooth gap, so suitable for all but the biggest branches.
In terms of features, the Dewalt has special power efficiency that should give you more cutting time per charge, which is always nice. The wrap around handle makes the unit more secure and easier to use, and a two-handed on switch means you won’t power up accidentally. The unit is also balanced between blade and handle, making it comfortable as well as safer. And it weighs in at just two kilos, so it should be a cinch to use.
However, this unit does not come with a battery, and you’ll need to buy your own. But that’s the only bad thing we can say, this unit has stellar customer reviews, though it could be a bit pricey for some.
Pros
Plenty of power
Lots of safety features
Very lightweight
Cons
Battery not included
Could be a bit pricey for some
The VonHaus Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer (Large)
Price: ~£80
Power: 20 volt
Tooth Gap: 14 mm
In terms of value for money, this VonHaus set of trimmers is a bargain, it’s just loaded down with features that you’re going to love. First, the basics though. This is a powerful 20-volt machine, with a 14 mm tooth gap. That’s a lot of power, however, the smaller tooth gap means that you won’t be able to cut big branches, unfortunately.
There are tons of features though. One hour of charge time gets you 50 minutes of cutting time, so battery power is excellent. The adjustable telescopic handle lets you extend to up to 2.4 metres, so you’ll be able to reach even the tallest of hedges. And the head itself rotates at 45-degree angles letting you reach the toughest of places. You get a hand protector, a shoulder strap for comfortable carrying, and there’s a two-handed on switch to prevent you accidentally turning the device on.
However, this isn’t a lightweight tool, coming in at a whopping 3.8 kilos. And that smaller tooth gap means that despite all the extra power, you’re probably not going to be able to tackle big jobs with it.
Pros
Lots of power
Shoulder strap and comfort grip handle
Rotating head and telescopic handle mean good reach
Cons
Small tooth gap size
Relatively heavy
The Bosch EasyHedgeCut 12-35 Cordless Hedge Cutter (Small)
Price: ~£90
Power: 12 volt
Tooth Gap: 15 mm
If you’re more in the market for something smaller and lighter, then the Bosch EasyHedgeCut is a clear winner in the small trimmer category. Sure, it’s not as cheap as some, but it’s great quality, and should more than give you your money’s worth. With 12 volts of power and a 15 mm tooth gap, you should be more than able to take care of light maintenance with this.
The anti-blocking tech should ensure a continuous sawing motion, and the comfort grip handle has a hand protector as well. The unit is small and lightweight at only 1.9 kilos, so it’s easy to use and easy to store as well. The included battery gives you around a half hour of cutting time, and it’s a memory battery meaning it won’t lose it’s charge while in storage.
However, this is a little pricey for a small unit, so it might not be everyone’s choice. And with that low power and small tooth gap, it is only suitable for the lightest of tasks. There are a few negative customer reviews, but these all seem to be from people who have attempted larger gardening tasks that this unit isn’t designed for.
Pros
Comfortable to use
Anti blocking technology
Light weight and portable
Cons
A little pricey for a smaller unit
Not for anything other than light maintenance
The Ryobi OHT1855R One+ (Medium)
Price: ~£80
Power: 18 volt
Tooth Gap: 22 mm
We’re a big fan of Ryobi’s One system of tools, and the cordless hedge trimmers found in their range are a great mid-ground choice. You get 18 volts of power, which is more than enough for regular gardening work. But you also get a large 22 mm tooth gap, meaning that you can get away with cutting the odd thick branch as well (though there isn’t really enough power to do this regularly).
The handle has a comfort grip and a handguard, and it also rotates, giving you easier access to more difficult areas and the ability to better trim corners and edges. There’s an anti-jamming system to prevent blockages, and a special HedgeSweeper attachment to let you better clear debris off cut hedges.
The only real downside here is weight. Weighing in at 2.8 kilos, this isn’t the lightest hedge trimmer around. The battery isn’t included either, although all One System tools use the same battery and charger, so if you have other tools from the range, you may have a battery already.
Pros
Large tooth gap means you can cut bigger branches
Anti-jamming technology
Plenty of power
Cons
Battery not included
Relatively heavy
The Bosch Advanced Hedge Cut (Large)
Price: ~£220
Power: 36 volt
Tooth Gap: 20 mm
If you’re looking for serious power, then the Bosch Advanced Hedge Cut is going to be the tool for you. With tons of power at a whopping 36 volts, and a decent 20 mm size tooth gap, this is one monster of a machine. For those looking to clear wood, or to do serious taming of a hedge, this is the grand-daddy of hedge trimmers.
Anti-blocking technology ensures that you don’t stall or jam and the two-handed power switch means you can’t accidentally start the device running. You get a decent battery on board that gets a full charge in just 45 minutes, and that should give you around an hour of cutting time. And the trimmer even comes with goggles, a ground sheet, and lubricant.
This isn’t a lightweight machine though, coming in at 3.5 kilos, which could be a strain for some people. And it’s definitely pricey. But if you need a serious machine to do a serious job, then the Advanced Hedge Cut is exactly what you’re looking for.
Pros
Plenty of extras
Tons of power
Anti-blocking tech
Cons
Very pricey
Pretty heavy
The Gtech H20 Hedge Trimmer (Medium/Small)
Price: ~£150
Power: 18 volt
Tooth Gap: 15 mm
We’ll be the first to admit that the Gtech H20 isn’t for everyone. But if you’re looking to do maintenance work on tall hedges, then this is absolutely the tool that you’re looking for. It’s not particularly powerful, though it gets 18 volts that tooth gap is a mere 15 mm, so it’s really for light maintenance only.
However, the long handle and rotating head make this the perfect tool for those tall hedges. Even doing edges and corners is a breeze. And should you need to do more intensive work, there is an optional branch cutter attachment available (for an extra cost). The battery is pretty impressive too, with a solid 45 minutes of run time, though the charge time is a little lengthy at four hours. And it’s none too heavy at 2.25 kilos.
On the downside, there is no hand guard or other safety features, so you’ll need to bring your own protective gear. And without that extra attachment, you’ll struggle to do more than light maintenance.
Pros
Extra long reach
Rotating head
Solid battery life
Cons
No hand guard or safety features
Heavier work requires an extra attachment
The Tacklife Cordless Hedge Trimmer (Large)
Price: ~£130
Power: 40 volt
Tooth Gap: 20 mm
You need power, we’ve got power. At a massive 40 volts, this is one of the most powerful hedge trimmers around and priced at only £129.99, the Tacklife cordless hedge trimmer is probably one of the best bargains that you’re going to get. It’s got great power and a 20 mm tooth gap means that this is capable of the toughest of gardening jobs.
There are tons of extras as well. Like a comfort grip, loop handle to give you comfort and stability. A two-handed starting switch, giving you extra security and preventing accidental power up. There’s a blade tip guard to prevent damage if you’re cutting next to a wall or down against a path. And that 40-volt battery has a charge time of just one hour, giving you 50 minutes of cutting time.
At 3.4 kilos though, this is no lightweight, and some users may have problems working for extended periods of time. Also, some reviews indicate that the battery charger is occasionally faulty, though it appears that Tacklife have no problems replacing chargers where necessary.
Pros
Tons of power, perfect for big jobs
Great battery life and fast battery charging
Competitively priced
Cons
Relatively heavy
Some user report problems with the battery charger
Got a question or your own experience with any of the cordless hedge trimmers we've recommended in this post? Please leave a comment below.
Anyone know of who can repair an almost brand new Tacklife 40 v cordless hedge trimmer – used fine 3 times, battery charges OK but now the motor just clicks but does not start.
It should be under warranty?
I’ve had 3 cordless hedge trimmers for many years now, the best one for my needs is an own brand sold by ‘Homebase’. I’ve now had two of these and to my mind they are excellent.
I can now see why many trimmers don’t come with batteries, because not only are the batteries expensive but are unusable after about a year, when you’ve charged them up, you get approximately one half hour of ‘on/off use. The 18w batteries are unusable after about 15 months, they just don’t hold any more charge.
The two machines I have at the moment are rendered useless because the batteries won’t hold there charge for more than 10mins, Even if you charge it up over night, it won’t maintain it for more than 10 minutes. I’ve had to replace the Batteries 5 times, enough is enough.
The trimmers are great but the batteries are useless. I refuse to buy another cordless.
good info, know where to come next time
Any reviews for Makita hedge trimmer cordless
Having had a Gtech hedge trimmer for 3 years ,and so many replacements, I am qualified to say that these trimmers are really only for light work on very thin tender hedge growth, start to tackle anything remotely woody or over 10 mm thick and it jams continuously, It should cut up to 14 mm, but it won’t,and the additional branch cutter of which I have had three replacements ,is next to useless, each stopping working after attempting to cut 1” thick branches.
Positives are, Lightweight,( for the very lightest of trimming jobs) great swivel head design, Long running 18w battery, great customer service, but only for the lightest
Hi Calvin your right my gtech ht20 may have just give up the ghost, tried to cut into neighbours small tree branches, doing her a favour but knackered up something inside. It’s not the cutting head this time but could be motor,fed up with buying useless spares,need a new telescopic, maybe electric though. Don
We are currently on our 3rd stihl hedge trimmer in the park where i work. Same problem with them all. Battery not charging. They sent us a replacement trimmer 1st time but same thing happened within a few months. Bought a third and so far its ok but not had it long. Stihl need to investigate this problem !
Thought that you might have included the, Greenworks G40HT61K2 40V,
One of the best trimmers out there, Gardners world BBC award as well.
I would like a trimmer where I could take my finger off the trigger, particularly for long jobs. This rarely gets mentioned in specifications odr reviews. Does any trimmer have this facility? Many thanks.
Thanks for a great website. I have a free works 40v extendable trimmer, not it is plastic and has broken several times under the workload. Pole trimmers seem to suffer from stress at the joint when used for high hedge tops, ie where vertical and horizontal stresses meet. So I am looking for something designed appropriately.