7 cordless hedge trimmers for the perfect trim every time

Got a hedge that is in need of a bit of TLC? Look no further, as we go through our top picks of the best cordless hedge trimmers available to buy right now.

Whether you're just planning an overdue trim or looking to try out some hedge art, our selection includes a hedge trimmer for every garden task imaginable. From petrol-powered dual-action blades to battery-powered 2-in-1 precision trimmers, we go through the pros and cons of each, so we can make it all that much easier for you to choose your top pick.

Products in this article:

• Top pick - Bosch Cordless Hedge Trimmer AHS 50-20 LI

• Best for durability - Makita DUH523Z Cordless LXT Lithium-Ion Hedge Trimmer

• Best for ergonomic design - Spear & Jackson 51cm Cordless Hedge Trimmer

• Best for an efficient trim - Mcculloch HT 5622 Petrol Hedge Trimmer

• Best for precise trimming - NETTA 7.2V Cordless 2 in 1 Lithium-Ion Grass and Hedge Trimmer

• Best for tall hedges - Ryobi OHT1850X ONE+ Cordless Hedge Trimmer, 18 V

• Best petrol hedge trimmer - Husqvarna 122HD60 21.7 Hedge Trimmer

What features should I be looking out for?

Weight

Weight is super important, especially if you're planning on undertaking longer tasks. heavier is of course harder to use, it can also lead to aches and pains, which we, of course, want to avoid, especially if you find yourself reaching for taller hedges.

Keeping weight down as low as possible is best, but you don't want to sacrifice power and durability.

Safety features

Hedge trimmers can come with a variety of safety features, the most common are blade guards and handguards. These are great for ensuring no debris bounces off the blade and possibly causes any injury.

Automatic brakes and dual switches are also great safety features to look out for, dual switches require you to use both hands to turn the hedge trimmer on, this reduces the chances of you accidentally turning it on when not needed.

Blade length

The longer the blade, the more area you can cover and quickly. Longer blades are great for medium to large-sized hedges where you want a straight and even cut all over. If you're looking for more precision and smaller details, then a shorter blade length is what you're after.

Power source

Cordless hedge trimmers are either petrol or battery-operated. Petrol powered hedge trimmers are most commonly used by gardening professionals and landscapers as they offer the most power. Petrol hedge trimmers are better suited to cutting larger hedges with thicker branches.

Battery-powered cordless hedge trimmers are usually much more lightweight and less noisy, this makes them perfect for domestic use, especially in highly populated areas.

Battery-powered vs petrol cordless hedge trimmers

Battery-powered cordless hedge trimmers

Pros:

• Freedom to cut hedges anywhere you like without the risk of cutting through any cord

• Less noisy

• Lighter; lower weight, so less chance of aches and pains

• Easy to operate

• Safe to use

Cons:

• Require you to charge and wait the charging period (usually between one to five hours)

• Some may not come with a battery or charger – more expense

• The battery life may be insufficient for longer tasks

Petrol-powered cordless hedge trimmers

Pros:

• Freedom to cut hedges anywhere you like without the risk of cutting through any cord

• Powerful

• Can be used for longer periods of time

• Have longer blades so can cut through thicker twigs and branches

Cons:

• Can be more expensive

• Usually more heavy

• Can be too much trouble to mix fuel and re-fill, sometimes even a struggle to start the engine

The best cordless hedge trimmers

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A battery-powered offering from Bosch, this hedge trimmer is ideal for medium-sized hedges and can cut through branches up to 25mm in diameter. At only 2.5kg in weight and thanks to its multi-position front handle which enables you to cut in different positions, it is a comfortable tool to use, even over an extended period. The anti-blocking system makes it a quick and efficient tool.

Specifications:

Power source - battery-powered

Voltage – 18 V

Blade length – 5 inches

Item weight - 2.5 kg

Pros:

• Cordless for mobile and speedy cutting

• Special teeth on the front of the blade effortlessly cut through branches up to 25 mm in diameter

• One Lithium ion battery included

• Blade guard for cutting along walls and paths

• Power for All: One battery pack and one charger for the entire Home and Garden range of tools

Cons:

• Requires a Bosch battery charger to charge

Another great battery-powered option, this trimmer is equipped with an anti-vibration structure, a stain-free shear blade surface and a rubberised soft grip for optimal comfort. The lightweight structure makes for easy manoeuvring, and the sharpness of the blades allows you to get every single detail.

Specifications:

Power source - battery-powered

Voltage – 18 V

Item weight - 3.3 kg

Pros:

• 1350 strokes per minute

• Anti-vibration structure; five cushions to absorb vibration from blade and motor-crank section

• User-replaceable blade; the blade can be removed without disassembling housing

• Rubberised soft grip provides comfortable and sure grip

Cons:

• Lower cutting diameter of 15mm

• Body only; does not include battery or charger

This large Spear & Jackson cordless hedge trimmer keep your hedges neat and tidy, anywhere. The laser-cut, dual-action blades create a cleaner cut and finish on your hedges, while the multi-position handle and lightweight design ensure an ergonomic cutting position and make it easy to use for long periods of time. For extra peace of mind Spear & Jackson offer a three-year guarantee on all Garden Power products.

Specifications:

Power source - Li-Ion battery

Voltage – 18 V

Blade length – 51 cm

Item weight - 2.2 kg

Pros:

• Includes one-hour quick charger and a detachable 18V 1.5Ah Lithium battery

• Safety guard and hand guard

• Features a blade tip protector and quick stop brake

• Soft grip rear handle for comfortable operation

• Spear & Jackson offer a three-year guarantee on all Garden Power products.

Cons:

• We can’t find any!

Mucculloch's petrol hedge trimmer's dual-action blades make quick work of cutting, without tearing at leaves which allows for a neater finish. It promises a soft start and has an adjustable rear handle which enables you to cut vertically in a comfortable way.

Specifications:

Power source – petrol

Power - 22cc

Blade length – 56 cm

Item weight: 5.2 kg

Pros:

• Dual action cutting blades

• Anti-vibration system

• Includes tool-less air filter cover

• Features soft start which reduces the resistance in the starter cord by up to 40% giving you a machine that is easier to start

• Adjustable rear handle; to make cutting the vertical sides of hedges easier and more comfortable.

Cons:

• We can’t find any!

If you're concerned about the aches and pains after a day out in the garden, then this handheld hedge trimmer is for you. The lightweight structure ensures no hard labour, and the two-in-one feature means you can change between two blades quickly. This little tool is ideal for tidying up and shaping hedges, and the battery running time of 50 minutes ensures you can finish all your gardening chores at leisure.

Specifications:

Power source – lithium-ion battery

Voltage – 7.2 V

Blade length – Grass Shearing Blade – 9cm | Hedge Trimmer – 17cm

Item weight - 1.39 kg

Pros:

• Two-in-one hedge and grass trimmer comes with two quick-changing blades which makes it ideal for cutting hedges, shrubs and grass without the need for any extra tools

• Quick charging time of four hours for 40 minutes of running time

• Comes with a two-way switch to prevent accidents

• This NETTA product comes with a 365-day warranty to give you peace of mind when purchasing from us.

• Soft grip handle

• Very lightweight

Cons:

• Small blade length – for precise and small tasks only

• No blade guards

This Ryobi cordless hedge trimmer has been made to reach tall hedges, without having to get out a stepladder, allowing for a quick and easy hedge cutting experience. Its four-position articulating head enables you to trim hedges of all shapes and sizes, making it a very versatile tool.

Specifications:

Power source – battery-powered

Voltage – 18 watts

Blade length – 50 cm

Item weight – 3.2 kg

Pros:

• Extended reach Hedge trimmer makes easy work of trimming hard-to-reach hedges and shrubs

• Four-position articulating head for pruning all sizes of hedges and shrubs

• Rotating rear handle for optimum reach in all cutting applications

• Hedge Sweep debris sweeper is included with this hedge trimmer for easy removal of clippings

Cons:

• Body only; does not include battery or charger

This petrol-powered hedge trimmer promises to be quieter than its competitors. Its 59cm blade makes light work of neatening hedges and shrubs, and the Smart Start feature allows for an easy user experience. It's undoubtedly at the pricier end of the scale, but if a petrol hedge trimmer is what you're after, this powerful tool is a good option for those who are willing to invest.

Specifications:

Power source – petrol

Power – 600 watts

Blade length – 59 cm

Item weight - 6.5 kg

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight petrol hedge trimmer for domestic use

• Low noise engine

• Adjustable rear handle

• Easy to use functions such as Smart Start

Cons:

• The heaviest hedge trimmer in our selection – not recommended for longer tasks

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