Ever wonder how some yards just have that pop which makes them look extra sharp? The secret tool is a hedge trimmer. For the longest time I thought this was just a surplus tool but it has become a key staple in many tool sheds.
There are other options to consider such as sheers or gas hedge trimmers but manual sheers take way too long to get anything done and gas hedge trimmers are so loud and annoying. The best option for immaculate hedges is an electric hedge trimmer. Plug in the cord or battery and off you go. Forget about mixing fuel or sharpening your sheers.
If you want a 5-star yard, discover this guide to the best electric hedge trimmers.
This post includes affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission on purchases made at no additional cost to you.
In a rush? Here are our top picks!
Why you need an electric hedge trimmer
An electric hedge trimmer just makes your life so much easier. When compared to a gas hedge trimmer you don’t have to worry about mixing fuel with the oil additive, any toxic fumes, multiple attempts to start the motor, loud noise, or spilling gas everywhere. Electric hedge trimmers are just hassle free. Simply plug in, cord or battery, and start trimming!
Selecting power tools can be intimidating, and getting the wrong hedge trimmer for the job is frustrating. That’s why we’re here to help with these electric hedge trimmer reviews and a buyer’s guide so you have the knowledge and confidence to select the best electric hedge trimmer for your needs.
Electric hedge trimmer reviews
WORX Cordless Hedge Trimmer
This WORX battery hedge trimmer is the only hedge trimmer you’ll ever need. You’ll never have any issues keeping your bushes and hedges will trimmed with this hedge trimmer. Plus, there is no oil or gas to worry about.
This hedge trimmer has plenty of well thought out design features which make your life easy such as the D shaped handle allows you to use the trimmer at any angle for vertical, horizontal, and anything in between. The design also incorporated a vibration reduction feature which keeps your hands fresh so you can make it through the rest of the day.
This hedge trimmer is also super lightweight, at just 5.5 pounds, it is a manageable piece of equipment which won’t wear your out.
You might think this tool is too good to be true for the bargain price offered. I would like to refer you to some customers who find that WORX tools are as durable as they claim: “I’ve had a number of these power share products for years including the trimmer and blower. They have all held up and got the job doI didn’t want anything that was harder to operate than an electric toothbrush. I didn’t want to deal with cords, or gasoline, or having to read instructions. I didn’t want anything heavy or unweildy. This fit the bill perfectly. I charged up the battery, put on some safety goggles and went to town. This trimmer was so light and easy to use; you can switch directions and hands at will, and it cuts through bushes like butter.ne.” Read the full review here.
If you’d like something larger you can try the 24inch 40V version with more umph.
WORX has other great tools to suit your yard and garden which is why this is such a great hedge trimmer to own. Much like other major brands, the batteries are interchangeable between the tools saving you money, time, and shelf space in your shed. Be sure to check out the rest of WORX’s tool inventory.
DEWALT 20V Cordless Hedge Trimmer
The DEWALT 20V Cordless Hedge Trimmer is a great tool to add to your shed. DEWALT is highly trusted and obviously made out list. DEWALT has made a it a point to focus on electric tools and their dedication shows. This hedge trimmer is among the best in quality especially because of their brushless motors.
This hedge trimmer has a typical 22 inch cutting bar which cuts up to 3/4 inch branches.
Though 3/4 inches is the advertised cutting thickness there are those who’ve been quite surprised at what this hedge trimmer can do, like this customer, “Right out of the package this thing was ready to go. Add charged battery, remove blade cover, annihilate blackberry bushes. It easily cut through the very tough runners, some over 3/4″ thick. Then it was just a matter of raking up the debris and throwing it on the burn pile.” Read the full review here.
- Powerful high output motor of the cordless hedge trimmer is designed for cuts up to 3/4-inch thick
- The battery powered hedge trimmer has 22-inch laser cut, hooked-tooth blade design
- Trimmers for plants have a compact and lightweight design
- Part of the 20V max system of tools
Greenworks Pro Cordless Hedge Trimmer
The Greenworks Pro cordless hedge trimmer is a a heavy-duty hedge trimmer with great performance. The 80V battery should help you rest easy because that is enough to cut through the toughest of brush. This hedge trimmer is truly meant for hard work considering most other hedge trimmers use a 20V battery.
Keep in mind the larger battery does add quite a bit of extra weight. This hedge trimmer weighs 11.23 pounds which can get fairly heavy to carry around which is why the hedge trimmer is designed with ergonomics in mind. One great feature of this hedge trimmer is that the rear handle rotates to allow you to comfortably cut vertically or horizontally. That is a feature with the customer in mind.
This tool has an outstanding warranty. The tool comes with a 4 year warranty and a 2 year battery warranty.
With a 24 inch cutting surface, that makes this hedge trimmer a great choice for your yard. Forget uneven hedges and the mohawk down the middle, you’ll have expert hedges in no time.
- Brushless motor provides more torque, quiet operation, and longer life
- 24-Inch Dual Action Blades
- Rotating rear handle provides easy trimming at multiple angles
- Up to 60 minutes run-time with fully charged 2Ah battery (battery and charger not included)
- 4-year tool warranty and 4-year battery warranty protects your investment
Craftsman Cordless Hedge Trimmer
The Craftsman battery hedge trimmer is a great quality hedge trimmer. This hedge trimmer will last you way longer than other low quality hedge trimmers. With Craftsman, you know you are receiving a piece of history with great quality.
This hedge trimmer cuts branches way thicker than what hedge trimmers are supposed to be able to cut. It can cut branches up to 1-1/2 inches thick. The unique L-Shaped tip allows you to brace a branch and basically saw a branch off. If you tried this with any other hedge trimmer you would simply shake the branch and not actually cut anything.
Craftsman has also developed it’s own unique wall storage system which all of its tools fit well on. Check out the Craftman’s VersaTrack wall hanging system.
Be sure to check out Craftman’s yard tool lineup.
Toro Corded Hedge Trimmer
The Toro corded hedge trimmer is a base model styled hedge trimmer but don’t discredit it’s ability to get the job done. This trimmer is a corded trimmer which is why it is so lightweight.
This trimmer is highly reliable and it has the guarantee to prove it. Check out this customer’s review here who lays out the process quite succinctly “This trimmer is well balanced, and was comfortable to hold/operate. It comes with a two year manufacturers guarantee….so just be sure to go online at toro.com and register your purchase.”
If weight is a problem, you should seriously consider this hedge trimmer. Weighing in at 6.5 pounds, the Toro corded hedge trimmer is among the lightest hedge trimmers making it really easy to use for any situation.
This hedge trimmer is the best budget trimmer available today. Go for it and check out the price, you’ll be surprised what a bargain you get for such a work horse.
- Corded hedge trimmer with a powerful 4 amp motor
- 22-inch-long cutting bar; hardened steel blades
- Easily cuts through branches up to 9/16-inch thick
- Dual-action cutting system reduces vibration; cord-lock system
- Measures 8 by 8 by 36 inches; 2-year warranty
SunJoe Corded Hedge Trimmer
The SunJoe corded hedge trimmer is a simple and inexpensive hedge trimmer but do not discredit its capability to work hard. This hedge trimmer is just as capable as any other on the market.
These hedge trimmers are easy to use but they won’t go above and beyond what you expect. Read this customer’s review, “Blades are sharp and motor has ample power to cut through hedges of bushes with little effort. Branches over 3/8″ diameter were difficult so be sure to carry a hand pruner for those thicker areas.” Check out the full review here.
This is the cheapest hedge trimmer we reviewed which makes it great for strict budgets or if you are on the fence of even getting a hedge trimmer. It is also super lightweight weighing in at only 5 pounds making it one of the lightest hedge trimmers around.
- Sun Joe HJ22HTE-PRO 20-Inch 3.8 Amp Electric Hedge Trimmer, Green
- Lawn and garden product
- Outdoor accessories
- A quality product
Hedge Trimmer Buyer’s Guide
Are you confused about all the features hedge trimmers boast of? And what’s the big deal about the cutting length, anyway?
This guide demystifies hedge trimmer styles and features and lets you know about important safety considerations you need to know while using any hedge trimmer.
Corded vs Cordless hedge trimmers
Cordless (battery) electric hedge trimmers
Battery operated tools are allow you to be 100% portable.
The one major shortcoming of a battery operated hedge trimmer is the battery life. This may not be such a bad thing though. The typical battery life of these tools is about 2 hours. That is a significant amount of time for anyone to work continuously with a hedge trimmer. If you feel you need to work for more than two hours without a break then consider getting an extra battery.,
You should also consider the weight of a battery operated hedge trimmer. The tool with battery inserted is usually upwards of 10 pounds. Depending on the style of hedge trimmer, those 10 pounds can get really heavy after a while, especially if you are making intricate cuts to shape your hedges.
Corded electric hedge trimmers
The one limiting factor of corded hedge trimmers is, can you get to where you are trying to work? An extension cord of sufficient length will solve you problem. Remember that most corded hedge trimmer draw around 3.5 amps of current, meaning you should use a mid-grade extension cord. Here’s a good example of a suitable extension cord, 12/3 Heavy Duty Outdoor Extension Cord
- HEAVY DUTY OUTDOOR/INDOOR POWER CORD: The 12 AWG (Gauge – 12/3) extension cord is rated to utilize 125V Receptacle (300V insulation) at 12A
- EXTREMELY DURABLE (SJTW): The heavy duty power cord is rated with a SJTW Vinyl allowing you to use the extension cord indoors or outdoors, in a flexible manner and in temperatures of -40° to 140° F.
- 100 FT: The heavy duty 3 prong extension cord extends your reach up to 100 feet
- COMMON TOOLS TO USE: This extension cord is suitable for heavy duty tools such as chain saws, circular saws, shop vacs & Air Compressors
- SAFETY LISTING: This extension cord has been independently tested by Intertek (ETL) ensuring the extension cord is safe for its rated use
Will you be able to maneuver safely? Trimming hedges or bushes is not quite a dangerous as chain sawing but you can still find yourself in some tricky situations. If you need to get out of the way quickly, the extension cord may pose a hazard.
Safety Note: Please be conscientious of where you place the electrical cord. Cutting into your own extension cord is bad news.
With a corded hedge trimmer you can work as long as you’d like. There are some folks who can work for 9 hours straight. You’d need multiple batteries to get this sort of work schedule with a battery operated hedge trimmer.
Trimmer Length
Most hedge trimmers are 22 to 26 inches. Honestly, this small difference does not matter, 22 inches is more than enough to trim even the largest of hedges. If don’t quite get all the branches on the first pass just come back and remember to try to blend the cut to prevent gouges or level changes.
Electric hedge trimmer safety considerations
Always remember that electric hedge trimmers are still power tools. We recommend wearing appropriate PPE whenever you use a hedge trimmer.
Eye and ear protection are a must. It is too easy to lose an eye to yard work, don’t risk it. A favorite among yard workers are the DEWALT face goggles, these help keep wood chips and flying material from getting in your eyes.
You may also want to wear cut resistant gloves, chaps, and/or a face shield. Because you may have to pickup and move the fallen branches you should consider a good pair of gloves.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of which hedge trimmer you end up choosing, I hope you now feel confident in choosing your next hedge trimmer. These tools may not be a highly essential tool but having the right one is key. Make sure that you choose the one which suits your needs.
Leave a Reply