5 Best Hedge Trimmers of 2026, Tested and Reviewed
A comfortable and sharp battery-powered hedge trimmer makes short work of annual shrub maintenance.
Tested by Sal Vaglica
A hedge trimmer is the fastest way to reinforce the straight lines of a formal shrub or to rein in one that’s been ignored for a few seasons. Like any form of pruning, part of the battle is understanding when you should cut what, but unlike more surgical hand pruners or traditional, manual hedge trimmers, powered versions make short work of bigger jobs. Batteries have essentially replaced the need for noisy and fussy gas engines, which makes these tools easier to use.
While hedge trimmers can be large and look complex, they’re easy to operate. The handle houses the motor, which is attached to the two rails that make up the blade. Those rails are flanked, usually on both sides, by evenly spaced teeth. When you pull the trigger, those two rails glide, severing any shrubbery that is caught in the gaps between the two layers.
Our Top Hedge Trimmers
We've chosen our top battery-operated hedge trimmers according to testing and explained what to consider when shopping for one of these tools. After tightening up the three edges of 40 linear feet of yew, about 400 square feet in total, and even some long blades of grass, we’ve determined which hedge trimmers are the best.
How We Tested
To find the best hedge trimmer, we compared 11 different options, from 18 to 56 volts, with positive customer reviews from various brands. We tested each hedge trimmer for ease of use, noise and quality of cut.
To evaluate ease of use, we assembled models that required adding the secondary handle, sometimes called the bail handle and the hand guard. Without reading directions, we wanted to figure out how to use the tool, which, for the most part, was intuitive. The prosumer Husqvarna’s control panel, which favors icons instead of text, required a few minutes of reading to understand the features. We also tested how easily the sheath, or scabbard, which protects the blades while in storage, could be removed and slid on. For models that came with a debris sweep, we tested how easy it was to remove and slide on and how securely it felt.
We tested how ergonomic each trimmer is to use for right and left-handed users. On this Milwaukee model, the rotating handle clicks into five positions from 0 to 180 degrees, making it easy to use no matter your dominant hand.
If the hedge trimmer came with a sweep (a guard to move debris away from the blade), we tested it to see how it worked. Pictured here is the Ryobi trimmer.
Cutting vertical surfaces is something you do often with a hedge trimmer, so we tested how easy and comfortable it was to operate the tool when holding it sideways. Some brands have a handle that rotates, so you can keep the orientation of your hand consistent while the angle of the blade changes. The Husquvarna shown here has a handle with three trigger points at 0, 90, and 180 degrees.
We also tested the noise level of each of the trimmers. The quietest model, Craftsman, measured 90 decibels, which is equivalent to a motorcycle passing by 25 feet away.
Since you often operate a hedge trimmer near your head, we wanted to evaluate any big differences in the noise they create. To test, we measured the decibel level for each of them using a smartphone app situated near the motor housing. The quietest model, Craftsman, measured 90 decibels, which is equivalent to a motorcycle passing by 25 feet away. It’s a level that could damage hearing with prolonged use of eight hours or more. While it’s unlikely you’ll be using a hedge trimmer for an entire day, hearing protection is a good idea. The Ego, which was just over 100 decibels, is 10 times louder than the Craftsman since sound is measured on a logarithmic scale.
Finally, it came time to shape two rows of mature yews back into a rectangle with crisp lines. Each shrub row offered three sides, allowing us to level the top and even out the vertical sides, which means holding the tool in an unnatural position. Yew branches are relatively thin, and certainly under 1-inch diameter that some of these tools are designed to handle. We paid attention to how cleanly the tools cut, how easy they were to stop, start and control, along with the level of vibration. We wanted to work comfortably at any angle, and we evaluated how well the sweeping attachment, if one was provided, functioned.
Note: The hedge trimmers we tested, like most cordless tools, feature different voltages with batteries packing varying amp hours. Most power tool brands offer a range of batteries that will fit these tools, meaning run time will be improved by upgrading to a power pack that offers more amp hours. We simply tested each hedge trimmer with its included battery and if it was sold as a bare tool, we picked a middle-of-the-road amp hour.
- Two full rows of teeth with three cutting edges
- Boost button for extra cutting speed
- Reverse button released jammed branches
- Handle has three trigger locations for comfortable cutting positions
- Brush sweep slides on securely
- Expensive
- Limited number of tools that use the same battery
- Second heaviest and longest tool we tested
- Flimsy blade storage cover
The Husqvarna was the best combination of ergonomics, cutting speed, power, and useful features, which made it a pleasure to use. The blade is made from two lengths of steel, stacked one on the other and each carrying 38 teeth. When you add it up, that’s 76 teeth, each having three cutting edges and moving at up to 3,800 strokes per minute. This tool never bogged down in testing and was very satisfying to use with little vibration.
The 320iHD60’s computer-like control panel takes some getting accustomed to because of the long hold required to turn the motor on. Along with the power button, you have a reverse and a boost option. This was the only tool that offered a reverse option, which is helpful if you get a branch clogged between the teeth. It’s a lot faster and safer to hit that button than to set the tool down, remove the battery, and try to navigate around sharp teeth. The boost button bumps the normal strokes per minute of 2,800, which is on par with some of the other premium models we tested, up to 3,800 — the fastest we tested. The boost button works well when severing finer branches.
Husqvarna has a unique approach to tool ergonomics. While other brands have a handle that rotates, so you can keep the orientation of your hand consistent while the angle of the blade changes, here, the handle has three trigger points at 0, 90, and 180 degrees. That means holding it at 180 degrees, to trim the vertical face of a shrub row, for example, offers a trigger that's easy to reach while still keeping your hand in a neutral position. The trigger itself is a larger paddle switch, which made it easier to reach when we held the tool in awkward positions. The generously sized bail handle also has a safety switch that moves freely in any direction with a tactile click feel, letting you know it’s engaged. On lesser tools, engaging this safety mechanism, which the tool requires to turn on, isn’t as smooth.
The spacing between the blades accommodates branches up to 1-inch wide, so you can trim woodier materials. The Husqvarna’s covers roughly the first 16 inches of the blade, away from your hand, with wide plastic fingers to keep your digits safe and meet UL safety requirements. The removable debris sweep slides in nicely and remains stiff during operation. You can leave it on when you slide the blade guard on for storage, which means one less part to lose.
The downside of this unit is weight and cost. At just over 11 pounds, it was the second heaviest model we tested, and with extended use, that can be tiring. The weight, however, is fairly well balanced once you install the chunky battery. Speaking of the battery, while Husqvarna offers other tools that can use the same 36-volt battery, the lineup is not as robust as some other manufacturers
- Voltage + amp hours 36 volts/4 amp hour (Ah)
- Weight with battery Just over 11 pounds
- Cut capacity Up to 1 inch
- Strokes per minute Boost mode: 3,800 spm; normal mode: 2,800 spm
- Overall length + cutting length 47 inches/25 inches
- Runtime according to manufacturer Up to 69 minutes
- Recharge time according to manufacturer 120 minutes
- Two full rows or teeth with three cutting edges
- Rotating handle locks into five different cutting positions
- Good for left-handed users
- Brush sweep slides on securely
- Biggest cutting capacity
- Expensive unless purchased as a bare tool
- Heaviest tool tested
- Can't store the tool with the blade guard and brush sweeper on
The Milwaukee shares a lot of the attributes with the winning Husqvarna. Engineers add two full rows of teeth to both sets of blades, so every surface is ready to shear the shrub. The prosumer M18 Fuel was also tied for the second fastest cutting speed (in normal mode), so it chews through lighter duty cutting like annual touch-ups. But the Milwaukee might be the best choice for more aggressive cutting since its 3,200 strokes per minute comes with the capacity to cut branches up to 1-1/4 inches thick. This would be the tool to take on woodier branches that might stop a lesser tool or lead to bent, not cut, stems.
The rotating handle clicks into five positions from 0 to 180 degrees. Lefties will appreciate how that happens: A trigger under the handle, and within easy reach of your dominant hand’s pointer finger, is a wide paddle designed so that a left- or right-handed handed user can easily reach it. Roughly half of the M18 Fuel’s blade is protected by black guards to prevent your fingers from accidentally touching the teeth, though here they’re metal, not plastic. The Milwaukee was also one of the quieter tools we tested, which, along with the smooth, low vibration cutting, made it a gratifying cutting experience.
There is no way to avoid Milwaukee's weight. Paired with an 8-amp-hour battery, the tool is just shy of 12 pounds, which can be a lot to carry for some users. Milwaukee offers a wide range of 18-volt batteries in varying amp hours, so you could help lighten the load with a power pack that has less capacity, which would also help balance the tool a bit better. Milwaukee adds nice details like a wide tip on the end of the blade, to prevent accidentally gouging the ground and dulling the cutters or having it kick back. The big, hard-to-lose storage cover for the blade that feels like something you’d expect to see on a chainsaw. But you can’t store the sweep, which we liked using, while the tool’s blade guard is on.
- Voltage + amp hours 18 volts/sold without the battery, we tested with 8 amp hour (Ah) battery
- Weight with battery Nearly 12 pounds
- Cut capacity Up to 1.25 inches
- Strokes per minute 3,200 spm
- Overall length + cutting length 46.25 inches/23.5 inches
- Runtime according to manufacturer Up to 60 minutes
- Recharge time according to manufacturer 162 minutes
- Brush sweep slides on securely
- Large diameter secondary handle is easy to grasp
- Great balance and relatively lightweight
- No articulating handle
- Noisy
- Not as smooth when cutting as more expensive models
For most users, the Ryobi is the Goldilocks pick, where price, performance and ease of use intersect. The cut quality is good, and the machine moves quickly, slicing and dicing at 3,200 strokes per minute. At just over 7 pounds, even with a large, 40-volt battery, the weight is manageable. The tool is exceptionally well balanced — grab it by the bail and it hangs almost perfectly horizontal. The overall package is tidy with a narrow body in a tool that clocks in at just over 38 inches long.
The blade geometry is unique. The first six teeth in from the tip cut on both sides of the blade. Each tooth has two cutting edges. From there, Ryobi switches it up: along the left side of the machine, you’ll find rounded steel fingers (which don’t cut) underneath blades. On the right side, it’s reversed: rounded fingers over the teeth. This meets the UL safety requirements without adding another layer on top, like other models. The downside is that there are fewer teeth overall, so while the Ryobi is very capable, you’ll have to work at a slower pace to find its sweet spot. The stiff brush adds about 2 inches of vertical wall to move clippings aside quickly.
The Ryobi represents a good value, but it does have some shortcomings. There is not much of a tip guard at the end of the blade and the handle, so you’ll have to take care as you get closer to the ground. While it has a nice, long trigger that’s easy to pull, the tool does not articulate, which is a feature on more premium models, so it might not be as comfortable for long stints of shaping vertical faces. The bail handle is a large size that’s easy to grasp, but the trigger, especially in the corners when you hold the blade parallel to the vertical face of a shrub, is a bit finicky to pull.
- Voltage + amp hours 40 volts/2 amp hour (Ah)
- Weight with battery 7 pounds; 4 ounces
- Cut capacity Up to 1 inch
- Strokes per minute 3,200 spm
- Overall length + cutting length 38.5 inches/23.5 inches
- Runtime according to manufacturer Up to 46 minutes
- Recharge time according to manufacturer 90 minutes
- Teeth have three cutting edges
- Rotating handle locks into five different cutting positions
- Quick recharge time
- Longest blade we tested
- Good for left-handed users
- Expensive
- No sweeper attachment
- Loudest model tested
- Unbalanced weight, even with the lighted Ego battery
The Ego’s reach cuts more than 26 inches of shrub in a single pass, making it a good choice if you have several mature bushes to maintain. At first, we dismissed the carbon fiber makeup of the bar that holds the blades as pure marketing. The composite replaces the steel that most manufacturers use. But for such a large tool — more than 46 inches long with the biggest battery we tested — the balance is manageable and the overall weight is under 10 pounds. During testing, the Ego’s 3,400 strokes per minute was the fastest (in normal mode) of the models tested, and even though it has two rows of teeth for 34 total (they sit under two rows of rounded fingers that don’t cut), it made short work of the yew’s branches.
We also appreciate the speedy recharge time of under an hour, when some models needed three times longer to juice up smaller batteries. Like the Milwaukee, the Ego has a trigger that releases the handle, letting it rotate and click into five positions, making it comfortable to operate for right- and left-handed users. Unfortunately, this model does not come with a sweep, which is helpful when shaping the tops of boxy shrubs. Unlike the Husqvarna, the 56-volt battery on the Ego can power several of the brand’s outstanding quality outdoor tools, from leaf blowers to snow blowers and pressure washers.
- Voltage + amp hours 56 volts/2.5 amp hours (Ah)
- Weight with battery 9 pounds; 12.7 ounces
- Cut capacity Up to 1.2 inches
- Strokes per minute 3,400 spm
- Overall length + cutting length 46.25 inches/26.25 inches
- Runtime according to manufacturer Up to 60 minutes
- Recharge time according to manufacturer 50 minutes
- Compact and lightweight
- Quietest model tested
- Nice metal hanging hook
- Not as smooth as more expensive models
- Lacks two-handed contact for operation, which might be a safety issue
- Requires initial assembly
- No brush sweeper
For occasional basic maintenance, the Craftsman is the best of the entry-level priced models. Where some lesser tools only have teeth on one side of the blade, the Craftsman has cutters on both sides for a total of 36 teeth, each with two cutting edges. We liked the tidy size of the tool, which is less than 3 feet long, and it was the second lightest we tested. The 2,600 strokes per minute means you’ll have to work at a slower pace to avoid jamming up the tool.
The cutting length, at just under 20 inches, is easy to maneuver on small to medium shrubs. It might take longer to level off wider swaths. The controls will feel familiar to anyone who has used a power tool, like a circular saw. The tool lacks some finer fit and finish details, like a guard on the blade’s tip and a sweeper. This is the only tool we recommend that does not require a second hand to press a bail trigger, meaning you can accidentally turn it on with one hand. You’ll want to take care when using it, especially around children and pets. The astronomical recharge time means you’ll need a second battery with a higher amp hours to get any serious yard work done.
- Voltage + amp hours 20 volts/1.5 amp hour (Ah)
- Weight with battery Just under 5 pounds
- Cut capacity Up to .75 inch
- Strokes per minute 2,600 spm
- Overall length + cutting length 33.5 inches/19.5 inches
- Runtime according to manufacturer Up to 35 minutes
- Recharge time according to manufacturer 225 minutes
What to Consider When Buying a Hedge Trimmer
Size: Within the category of battery-powered hedge trimmers, models vary in voltage and blade length. There are small, handheld models with batteries as small as 4 volts powering 6-inch-long blades, designed for detailed shaping of potted shrubs, up to 80-volt batteries controlling 26-inch-long blades for shrub walls. Typically, the more powerful the battery, the larger the blade it’s paired with and the larger the branch diameter it will cut.
Branch thickness: Start by picking a tool that can handle the thickest branches you’ll be cutting in your yard. A typical 18-volt hedge trimmer can manage a blade around 20 inches long and tackle branches up to .75 inches thick. But some models, like the Milwaukee, can cut branches up to 1.25 inches thick. The space between the teeth on a blade determines the thickness of the branch it can slice through, and most tools have cutters with .5 to 1.5 inches apart.
Most hedge trimmers have three cutting edges per tooth like the Milwaukee and Husquvarna pictured here.
A close-up of the Milwaukee trimmer shows the three sharp edges of each tooth on the cutting blade.
We liked the Stihl trimmer, but because it has just two cutting edges per tooth, we did not choose it as one of our best of the best.
Blade length: The longer the blade, the more you can cut in a single pass, but the heavier the tool will be. A tool with a blade up to 16 inches is ideal for small to average-sized hedges. A tool with an 18-inch-long blade is for larger shrubs, and versions that cut more than 20 inches are for the largest hedges.
Yard size: If your hedges require annual or even every other year maintenance, a battery-powered hedge trimmer can make short work of a task that would otherwise take hours with manual shears.
Pick between single- or double-action blades: Except for the very bottom of the entry-level market, hedge trimmers today are dual-action blades. That means the cut, whether you swing the tool left or right along the face of a shrub. That’s particularly useful to know for lefty users. Dual-action models also tend to vibrate less, making them more comfortable to use long term.
Motor type: Hedge trimmers, like many power tools, might have fancy marketing terms like brushless motors splashed across the box or on the website. Brushless motors began as an upgrade a few years back and while they are somewhat standard in power tools, only higher-end outdoor power equipment uses them. Brushless motors are more efficient, resulting in less heat build-up, which leads to longer battery life.
The Husqvarna has three triggers on its handle, so you can find an easy grip no matter how you hold it. The Milwaukee’s handle rotates. Both keep your dominant trigger hand in a neutral position when cutting at awkward angles.
Look for models that have a tip at the end of a blade that prevents accidental contact with the dirt or concrete, which can dull the cutters or surprise you with a kickback. This is the Stihl trimmer.
Most hedge trimmers, like this Ryobi model, come with a sweep, an attachment that goes on top of the blades to help clear debris while you're cutting. Also pictured is the blade cover for storage.
All hedge trimmers have guards or shields between the handle and blade to protect the operator from the blade's moving teeth. In this picture, you can see how the Milwaukee trimmer has an articulating handle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Best Use for Hedge Trimmers?
Hedges pruned into formal shapes typically require annual shaping. These can include boxwoods, hornbeam, privet and yews. But you can also have shrubs that create a more informal hedge, like hydrangea, lilac and rose of Sharon, that would require less rigorous shaping.
Why Buy Battery-Operated Trimmers Over Gas-Powered or Corded Electric?
With the range of size and price points, most homeowners can find a battery-powered hedge trimmer that would be a good fit. Electric versions, while easy to use, require an extension cord, which might not be as easy to use further away from an electrical outlet. Gas-powered versions don’t typically offer a homeowner much more power than a higher-end battery-powered version, and require far more maintenance, while creating emissions and more noise. If you have more shrubs than you can manage with one or two batteries, a gas model might make more sense if you’re willing to keep up the maintenance of the oil and gas ratio and, possibly, winterizing.
What’s the Difference in Battery Size
Like any battery-powered tool, the voltage of the power pack paired with a hedge trimmer speaks directly to its power. Spending more on a tool with 36 volts or higher usually means the blades can sever thicker branches. But volts alone are not the entire story since it doesn’t speak to runtime. The battery’s amp hours, often abbreviated Ah, tells you what kind of runtime to expect. The term “amp hours” refers to the battery's longevity. Think of the volts as the power of the engine and the amp hours as the size of the fuel tank.
Safety Tips for Using a Hedge Trimmer
It’s a good idea to wear gloves, safety glasses and hearing protection when using a hedge trimmer. Beyond that, there are a few safety features to consider. Most hedge trimmers on the market require a three-step process before the trigger sends power to the blade. The first two — pressing the lockout switch and then pulling the trigger — are familiar to anyone who has used a circular or reciprocating saw. The last element is having your hand on the secondary handle or bail, which has a trigger you have to pull. This means you need two hands on the hedge trimmer at all times for it to work. Should you let off the bail, to let the tool hang at your side, it will power off. Most of the tools in our test had this safety feature. A plastic shield in front of the bail protects your hands from getting poked by branches. The bail, which is often shaped like a wide “D” means your hand can comfortably grip the tool in at least three positions. At the end of the blade, look for models with a tip that prevents accidental contact with dirt or concrete, which can dull the cutters or surprise you with a kickback.
The bail or handle is often shaped like a wide “D” which means your hand can comfortably grip the tool in at least three positions. A shield between the blade and the bail is there to protect your hands.
How to Clean and Sharpen a Hedge Trimmer
Over time, hedge trimmer blades will dull and require sharpening. Typically, stores that service professional landscapers can sharpen blades as well, which might be a good option, especially for versions with complex tooth geometries. To do it at home, you’ll need gloves and some basic tools. Start by cleaning the blade spray that will remove the sap, and clean the teeth with a stiff-bristle brush. Adjust the blades so they are offset, and you have access to each cutting angle on each tooth. Use a file to follow the cutting angle on each tooth and push downward for a few strokes until the edge appears shiny and you feel a tiny burr on the backside. Repeat this for every angle on every tooth. Now use a whetstone to remove the bur on the backside of each tooth. Finish the maintenance by spraying the blades with a lubricant that makes it easy for them to move freely and prevents rust.
Other Hedge Trimmers We Tested
We tested the Greenworks Laser Cut Hedge Trimmer and while we liked the rotating handle and it cut well enough, the nearly two-hour-long recharge time means this tool isn’t realistic for most users unless they purchase a second battery. The DeWalt 20-Volt Hedge Trimmer had a slightly longer reach than the Craftsman (Stanley Black + Decker manufactures both brands), and it cut slightly faster, but this model ships without a basic blade guard for storage, a brush sweeper, and it only has a very basic tip guard.
Unless you’re on the tightest of budgets, we think you can do better than the Black & Decker 20-Volt Hedge Trimmer, which was the only tool that didn’t offer a blade with teeth on both sides. We had high hopes for the Kobalt 24-Volt Hedge Trimmer, but the cutting quality was unremarkable, and for only a few dollars more, the Ryobi is a better value with a 40-volt power pack that fits into a wide range of other tools. The Worx was a close second to the Craftsman as a budget pick, and while it cut well, the recharge time of five hours makes this tool unrealistic for all but the smallest jobs. The Stihl HSA 50 is a very capable trimmer that had the best power-to-weight ratio in our test, but the tool is more expensive than other trimmers, most of which have an articulating handle for higher-end models. The maximum branch diameter is just over 1/2 inch in diameter, which is also under standard for a tool at this price point.
Why You Should Trust Our Tester
Sal Vaglica has covered tools and DIY projects since 2006 for such sites as Better Homes & Gardens, Wired, This Old House, Fine Homebuilding, and the Wall Street Journal. A former hardwood flooring contractor, he prefers to test tools hands-on whenever possible by replicating the scenario readers might face at their own homes.
Why You Should Trust HGTV Shopping Experts
HGTV Shopping Experts believe the best method for testing products is based on how our fans are going to use them in the real world. In each of our Tested and Reviewed stories, products are not tested in sterile laboratory settings that don't mimic real life. Instead, we test products in real homes that reflect our readers' real lives, which can also include pets, kids, partners and more. We follow rigorous testing rubrics designed by our expert editors and take copious notes during the testing process. When choosing our top picks, we evaluate all of our testing data and take into consideration many factors, including ease of use, price, product availability and practicality. Our goal is to choose the best products for our fans.
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