A long hedge can swallow a Saturday. Trimming it by hand with shears is satisfying on a small border, but when you face twenty or thirty feet of privet or a tall screen of laurel, your wrists give out long before the job is done. An electric hedge trimmer is the tool that makes the work manageable, and in many cases enjoyable.
Electric trimmers are also very different machines from the loud, smelly gas ones many people remember. They start with a button, they are quieter, they produce no exhaust and they need no mixing of fuel. Modern battery models are strong enough for most home hedges, while corded ones offer unlimited runtime at a modest price.
We compared six well-known electric hedge trimmers, a mix of corded and cordless, using manufacturer specifications, retailer listings and owner feedback. Below you will find what each does best, what to watch for and how to pick between cord and battery, blade length and power.
Best overall cordless: the DeWalt DCHT820P1 combines a 22-inch blade, a 3/4-inch cutting capacity and a 20V MAX battery that fits other DeWalt tools. Best for big hedges: the EGO HT2400, with a 24-inch blade and a high-voltage battery.
Best budget corded: the BLACK+DECKER HT22. Best corded power: the Makita UH6570. Best for existing battery owners: the Ryobi ONE+ and the Greenworks, which share batteries with other tools in their ranges.
Corded or cordless: which one should you buy?
Corded
Unlimited runtime, lower price and lighter weight, because there is no battery. The downside is the cord, which limits your reach, has to be kept out of the blade’s path and needs a weather-rated extension cord.
Cordless
Freedom to move around the whole yard with nothing to trip over. You pay more, you are limited by battery life, and you need to keep the battery charged, though one battery can power many tools.
Battery voltage and amp-hours
Voltage tells you about power and amp-hours about runtime. A 5.0Ah battery lasts roughly twice as long as a 2.5Ah battery of the same voltage.
Blade length and cut capacity
Longer blades cover more hedge per pass but are heavier and harder to control. Cut capacity, often 3/4 inch, is the thickest branch the blades can handle.
The six trimmers at a glance
| Trimmer | Power | Blade | Cut capacity | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCHT820P1 | 20V MAX battery | 22 in. | 3/4 in. | Strong all-round cordless |
| BLACK+DECKER HT22 | Corded, about 4 A | 22 in. | 3/4 in. | Budget corded trimming |
| Makita UH6570 | Corded, 550 W | About 25.6 in. (per listing) | See listing | Long runs and big hedges |
| Ryobi ONE+ | 18V ONE+ battery | 22 in. | 3/4 in. | Owners of Ryobi ONE+ tools |
| EGO Power+ HT2400 | 56V battery | 24 in. | See listing | Power and a long blade |
| Greenworks GHT1802 | 40V battery | 18 in. (per listing) | See listing | Light, easy handling |
Specifications come from manufacturer and retailer listings and are updated often, so check the exact model, battery and what is included before you order.
Our top picks, in detail
1. DeWalt DCHT820P1 20V MAX Cordless Hedge Trimmer
DeWalt’s hedge trimmer is the one many gardeners with a cordless toolkit end up buying. A high-output motor drives 22-inch hardened steel blades with laser-cut, hooked teeth at around 2,800 strokes per minute, and the blades are rated to cut branches up to three-quarters of an inch thick. That is enough for most privet, laurel, boxwood and conifer hedges.
The trimmer weighs about 7.5 pounds with the 5.0Ah battery, which is a comfortable load for short to medium sessions, and listings quote up to about 75 minutes of runtime on a charge. It is part of DeWalt’s 20V MAX system, so the battery fits a long list of other DeWalt tools, which can save money if you already own some.
The kit costs more than a basic corded trimmer, and the weight is noticeable on long overhead cuts. Check the listing carefully, since kits and availability change and some sellers sell the bare tool without a battery.
- Power: 20V MAX battery (5.0Ah in the kit)
- Blade: 22 in. laser-cut, hooked tooth
- Cutting capacity: 3/4 in.; about 2,800 strokes per minute
- Weight: about 7.5 lb.
- Strong cutting for a cordless trimmer
- Long runtime with the 5.0Ah battery
- Battery fits other DeWalt 20V MAX tools
- Well-built and trusted brand
- Higher price than corded models
- Heavy for long overhead work
2. BLACK+DECKER HT22 22-Inch Electric Hedge Trimmer
The BLACK+DECKER is a familiar, no-frills trimmer that does the basics at a friendly price. A corded motor of about four amps drives 22-inch dual-action blades, which cut in both directions and run with noticeably less vibration than single-action blades. The tool is rated for branches up to 3/4 inch thick.
Because there is no battery, it is light, at about 6.5 pounds, and it will run as long as you have power. A full wrap-around front handle gives you a secure grip for both horizontal and vertical cuts, and a cord retainer stops the extension cord from pulling out in the middle of a cut.
The cord limits how far you can roam and you must keep it behind you at all times, away from the blades. Use an outdoor-rated extension cord of adequate gauge, and consider a corded trimmer only if your hedge is within comfortable reach of an outlet.
- Power: corded electric, about 4 amps
- Blade: 22 in. dual-action
- Cutting capacity: 3/4 in.
- Wrap-around handle and cord retainer
- Very affordable
- Light and easy to handle
- Dual-action blades reduce vibration
- Unlimited runtime
- Cord limits your reach
- Needs an outdoor extension cord
- Less powerful than the best cordless models
3. Makita UH6570 Electric Hedge Trimmer
Makita has a reputation for tools that feel balanced and last, and the UH6570 is a classic example of its corded range. The listing describes a strong 550-watt motor and a long blade of around 25.6 inches, which lets you sweep across a wide stretch of hedge with each pass. For tall or long hedges, the extra length saves time.
A well-positioned handle, a two-hand operation switch that prevents accidental starts and a built-in cord holder make it safer and easier to use. As a corded tool it runs for as long as you like, with no battery to charge.
A 25-inch blade is long and takes strength and practice to control, and it is not the best choice for tight corners or small shrubs. Check the exact blade length, cutting capacity and weight on the listing, since Makita sells several variations.
- Power: corded, 550 W (per listing)
- Blade: about 25.6 in. (per listing)
- Two-hand operation switch
- Built-in cord holder
- Long blade covers a lot of hedge
- Safety features for two-hand operation
- Unlimited runtime
- Well-balanced build
- Long blade needs practice
- Cord limits reach
- Check specifications on the exact version
4. Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Hedge Trimmer
The big appeal of the Ryobi is not the trimmer itself but the system around it. The ONE+ battery works with a huge range of Ryobi tools, so if you already own a drill or a blower from the range, you may only need the bare tool. The 22-inch dual-action blades cut branches up to about three-quarters of an inch.
It is a lightweight tool with a wrap-around handle that makes it comfortable for vertical and horizontal cutting, and a debris shield and a two-handed start reduce the risk of accidents. Because it is cordless, you can work anywhere in the yard.
An 18V battery is less powerful than the high-voltage options, so very dense hedges may slow it down, and runtime depends on the battery you choose. It is a sensible, budget-friendly tool rather than the strongest.
- Power: 18V ONE+ battery system
- Blade: 22 in. dual-action
- Cutting capacity: about 3/4 in.
- Debris shield and dual-action trigger
- Works with the ONE+ battery family
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Cordless freedom
- Affordable, especially as a bare tool
- Less power than high-voltage models
- Battery and charger may be sold separately
5. EGO Power+ HT2400 24-Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer
EGO’s 56-volt platform has made a name for cordless tools that rival gas in power, and the HT2400 puts that to work on hedges. A 24-inch dual-action blade of hardened steel covers a lot of ground, and the motor has the muscle to power through dense growth without bogging down.
An electric brake stops the blade almost instantly when you release the trigger, which is a real safety bonus, and a blade cover is included for storage. The tool is balanced and comfortable for its size, and the Arc Lithium battery gives a long runtime. Many gardeners who switch from gas say it is the first electric trimmer that felt strong enough.
It sits at the premium end of the price range, and the battery and charger may be sold separately on some listings. The long blade also makes it a bit unwieldy on small or fiddly hedges.
- Power: 56V Arc Lithium battery system
- Blade: 24 in. dual-action, hardened steel
- Electric brake for fast blade stop
- Blade cover included
- Strong enough for dense hedges
- Long blade covers more per pass
- Electric brake adds safety
- Large battery platform
- Premium price
- Battery may be sold separately
- Long blade is awkward on small hedges
6. Greenworks GHT1802 Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Greenworks makes straightforward battery tools for homeowners, and its hedge trimmer is built around ease of use. Dual-action blades are designed to cut with less vibration than single-action blades, and a cushioned over-mold grip and an auxiliary handle help you steer through cuts at different angles.
The 40V lithium-ion battery is shared with other Greenworks tools, and a safety start button helps prevent accidental starts. A blade protector keeps the edges safe when stored. It is a reasonable pick for smaller hedges and moderate use.
The blade is shorter than the premium models, so it takes more passes on big hedges. Models and battery voltages in this range change over time, so check which version and battery you are buying.
- Power: 40V lithium-ion battery (per listing)
- Blade: dual-action (about 18 in. per listing)
- Cushioned grip and auxiliary handle
- Safety start button and blade protector
- Comfortable and easy to handle
- Dual-action blade reduces vibration
- Battery fits other Greenworks tools
- Good for small and medium hedges
- Shorter blade means more passes
- Check which model and battery you receive
How to choose the right trimmer
Safety first. Wear safety glasses, gloves and sturdy shoes, and keep both hands on the trimmer. Never trim in the rain, keep cords behind you and away from the blades, check for wires and nests before you start and stand on solid ground rather than a wobbly ladder. Switch off and remove the battery or unplug the tool before clearing a jam or changing anything.
How to trim a hedge cleanly
Work in steady, overlapping strokes with the blade slightly angled, and let the tool cut at its own pace. Trim the sides first, working from the bottom up, then the top. Keep the hedge slightly wider at the base than at the top, which lets sunlight reach the lower branches and keeps the bottom from thinning out. A string line stretched between two stakes makes it easy to keep the top level on a long hedge.
Timing matters too. Most hedges do well with a trim in late spring or early summer and again in late summer. Avoid heavy cutting in very hot weather or just before a frost, and check for nesting birds before you start. For woody stems thicker than the blade can handle, use loppers or a pruning saw instead of forcing the trimmer.
Woody prunings that are too thick for mulch can become firewood, and dried hardwood cuttings make good kindling for a wood stove. Finish the job by sweeping the paths, then bring in the sawdust and leaves on your shoes with a corded stick vacuum, which is a handy tool after a day of garden work.
Maintenance that keeps a trimmer cutting
Wipe the blades with a cloth after each use to remove sap and plant debris, and apply a light coat of machine oil or blade lubricant to prevent rust and reduce friction. Check the blade bolts and the guard, and store the tool with the blade cover on. Never use water on the motor housing.
Charge lithium batteries according to the manufacturer’s instructions, avoid leaving them in a hot garage or car and store them with a partial charge over winter. Sharpen or replace blades when cuts look ragged, and have a dull or bent blade checked professionally. Treated well, a good trimmer can last for many seasons.
How we put this list together
We compared manufacturer specifications and retailer listings for each trimmer, cross-checked blade length, cutting capacity and battery details wherever more than one source was available, and read owner feedback for recurring strengths and weaknesses. Where listings vary, we say so.
We did not trim a hedge with every machine ourselves, so this is researched guidance rather than hands-on testing. This page contains Amazon affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
Are cordless hedge trimmers powerful enough?
For most home hedges, yes. A good 20V or higher battery trimmer cuts branches up to about three-quarters of an inch. Very thick, woody growth needs loppers or a saw.
What blade length should I choose?
A 20 to 22-inch blade suits most gardens. Longer blades save time on big, flat hedges but are heavier and harder to control.
How long does a battery last?
Runtime depends on the battery size and the job. A 5.0Ah battery on a 20V trimmer can run for around an hour of trimming, according to manufacturer figures, but heavy cutting shortens it.
What does dual-action mean?
Both blades move, instead of one blade moving against a fixed one. This cuts faster and with less vibration, which reduces fatigue.
Can I use an extension cord with a corded trimmer?
Yes, but use an outdoor-rated cord with the right gauge for its length, and keep it behind you and away from the blades.
How often should I trim a hedge?
Most hedges need two or three trims a year, with fast growers like privet needing more. Trim when new growth is a few inches long.
Is an electric trimmer better than shears?
Electric trimmers are faster on long hedges, while shears are quieter and more precise for shaping and small jobs. Many gardeners use both.
How do I store a hedge trimmer?
Clean and oil the blades, fit the blade cover, remove the battery and store the tool in a dry place out of reach of children.
The bottom line
The best electric hedge trimmer is the one that fits your hedge and your yard. The DeWalt DCHT820P1 is our pick for a strong, well-balanced cordless tool, and the EGO HT2400 is the choice for big, thick hedges. The BLACK+DECKER HT22 is the sensible budget corded option, with the Makita UH6570 offering longer reach if you have an outlet nearby.
Choose a battery platform you will use with other tools, wear proper safety gear and keep the blades clean, and your hedge will stay sharp all season.
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