The best hedge trimmers have long blade arms that shear through branches with ease and they are lightweight so that you can comfortably maneuver them for long periods of garden work. While there are several different varieties of hedge trimmers to choose from, such as battery-powered, gas-powered, and corded hedge trimmers, they all were designed to accomplish the same task. Each type of hedge trimmer has its benefits and drawbacks, and we’ve described those in this article to help you choose the right one for your situation.
We looked at dozens of different hedge trimmers and have identified the best available online for your consideration. While researching and reviewing each hedge trimmer we considered factors such as blade arm length, cutting capacity, weight, and ergonomic design to choose our top picks. Each of the five hedge trimmers below is the best in their respective class and can be purchased online at Amazon.
After reviewing many different hedge trimmers we have chosen then EGO Power+ Cordless Hedge Trimmer as our overall top pick. It’s as powerful as a gas-fueled hedge trimmer, but it is also quieter, lighter, and easier to wield. This hedge trimmer is simply the best tool for the job.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Hedge Trimmers
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Hedge Trimmer Overall | EGO Power+ Cordless Hedge Trimmer | 4.8 |
| Best Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmer | Poulan Pro 2 Cycle Hedge Trimmer | 4.5 |
| Best Budget Hedge Trimmer | BLACK+DECKER Corded Hedge Trimmer | 4.7 |
| Best Corded Hedge Trimmer | WORX Electric Hedge Trimmer | 4.6 |
| Best Pole Hedge Trimmer | Earthwise Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer | 4.3 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Hedge Trimmer Overall: EGO Power+ Cordless Hedge Trimmer
The EGO Power+ Hedge Trimmer cuts clean and fast. It’s a high-powered cordless hedge trimmer that utilizes a 56V lithium-ion battery that can spool the blades up to an impressive cutting speed of 3000 strokes per minute. Each high-capacity battery can operate the power tool continuously for up to a one-hour runtime, and it is directly connected to an electric brake that stops the blade action in an instant the moment you take your finger off of the trigger. One battery is included with purchase and more can be bought separately.
Made from hardened steel, the 24-inch reciprocating blades on either side of the trimmer have the strength to shear thick hedge branches and the precision required to delicately carve a beautiful hedge shape. The entire unit is weather-resistant with an IPX4 weather rating, enabling you to continue landscaping even when the weather doesn’t want to cooperate. This hedge trimmer has a D-handle with a soft grip and an auxiliary bale-style handle that is shielded by a plastic deflector to keep your hands safe from slipping toward the blade and from flying debris.
When you combine the quiet, yet powerful operation of this hedge trimmer with its dual-action blades, limitless portability, and lightweight design, it’s no wonder it takes our number one spot. As a bonus, all EGO Power+ tools are compatible with each other’s accessories. This means you can swap batteries and other accessories between EGO Power+ products and save a few dollars. Additionally, this hedge trimmer is sure to be a reliable, long-term purchase as it is insured by a five-year warranty.
EGO Power+ Cordless Hedge Trimmer Key Features:
- 24-inch dual-action blades
- 56V lithium-ion battery
- Weather resistant
- Five-year warranty
Best Gas-Powered Hedge Trimmer: Poulan Pro 2 Cycle Hedge Trimmer
For those who prefer the reliable power of gas-fueled garden tools, the Poulan Pro 2 Cycle Hedge Trimmer is a refined power tool that eliminates the arm-rattling vibration that is normally associated with high-powered landscaping equipment. Our favorite feature of this hedge trimmer is its anti-vibration handle design. The rear handle is isolated from the rest of the machinery and has motion-absorbing dampeners to reduce the transfer of energy from the motor to your hand.
The handle also features a rotating design that enables you to find the perfect hedge-trimming angle without twisting your limbs in uncomfortable ways to acquire it. Though the handle is clearly why we like this hedge trimmer so much, the entire device is well-equipped in every other aspect as well. The 2-cycle 23cc motor is certainly powerful, and the 22-inch dual-action stainless steel blades are capable of cutting through branches up to an inch in thickness.
This hedge trimmer has been designed to reduce fatigue in all ways possible. From the vibration-reducing handle to the easy-to-start engine and its lightweight 11-pound construction, this is about as comfortable as a gas-fueled hedge trimmer can get. Users have reported being able to work comfortably in their gardens for long periods of time thanks to this device’s ergonomic design. It also comes with a two-year warranty.
Poulan Pro 2 Cycle Hedge Trimmer Key Features:
- 23cc 2 cycle full crank motor
- 22-inch dual-action blades
- Rotating anti-vibration handle
- Two-year warranty
Best Budget Hedge Trimmer: BLACK+DECKER Corded Hedge Trimmer
With power to spare and hardened steel blades that are as sharp as any other, the BLACK+DECKER Corded Hedge Trimmer is enough of a hedge trimmer to fill most people’s needs. Though it isn’t as effortlessly portable as a battery or gas-powered hedge trimmer, it makes up for its corded limitations by being featherlight and as powerful as most gas and battery-powered hedge trimmers on the market, if not more so.
The fact that it is corded means that you do not need to carry around a tank of fuel or a heavy battery pack. This hedge trimmer weighs a mere 4.2 pounds which nearly anybody of any strength or ability can wield with ease. The handle even features a built-in cord retainer that securely holds the power cord in place behind the input port so that it never accidentally becomes unplugged. Users praise its ultralight design above all else, but they also report that its power and capability surpass their expectations.
Equipped with dual-action hardened steel blades, this trimmer can cut as well as the rest of them. It’s able to slice through branches up to 5/8″ thick which should be enough to take care of nearly any hedge. The tool comes equipped with a convenient T-handle that aids with handling and maneuverability, and there is a protective shield between the handle and blade for the user’s safety. No other hedge trimmer can be this tool’s value when cost is balanced against capability.
BLACK+DECKER Corded Hedge Trimmer Key Features:
- 3 amp motor
- 16-inch dual-action blades
- Built-in cord retainer
- Ultralight 4.2-pound weight
Best Corded Hedge Trimmer: WORX Electric Hedge Trimmer
The WORX Electric Hedge Trimmer is like a more robust version of our top budget pick. It’s got a bit more power, it’s a little heavier, it can cut through thicker branches, and its reach is longer than the budget BLACK+DECKER corded alternative. This is the best-corded hedge trimmer choice for those who need more capability and want a long-lasting, durable hedge trimmer that comes backed by a three-year warranty.
On to the statistics, then. This lightweight 5.3-pound hedge trimmer features 20-inch steel dual-action blades that are rated to cut the 3/4″ branches like they are butter, and those blades can slice away at the foliage at a rate of 2600 times per minute thanks to the powerful 3.8 amp motor. That motor was engineered with balance in mind. It is an efficient motor designed inline with the handle and the rest of the machine to reduce vibration, provide unwavering balance when operated, and extend the reach of the tool.
The D-grip front handle is protected by a plastic safety shield, and a blade sheath is packaged with the tool for safe storage. To provide an extra layer of safety, WORX has equipped this hedge trimmer with a double safety switch trigger to prevent someone from accidentally activating the tool when they casually grab the handle and its full-length power trigger. This is the safest of all of the hedge trimmers we reviewed and it comes backed by a three-year warranty to boot.
WORX Electric Hedge Trimmer Key Features:
- 3.8 amp motor
- 20-inch dual-action blades
- Two-stage safety trigger
- Three-year warranty
Best Pole Hedge Trimmer: Earthwise Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer
Do you have tall hedges that you cannot reach without the aid of a wobbly step ladder? The Earthwise Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer is the solution to your tall hedge problems. With five different stages of telescoping extension that can reach up to an extra 9.5 feet in length, this pole hedge trimmer can cut it all. Tall hedges and hard-to-reach areas won’t be a problem any longer.
In addition to this hedge trimmer’s excellent reach, it also features a rotating saw head that can be locked into six different positions at various angles so that you can delicately trim your hedge into the shape you desire and access those tricky areas that are nearly impossible to prune. The 20-inch dual-action steel blades can cut branches that are 5/8″ thick at 2600 strokes per minute.
The included 20V battery provides approximately 30 minutes of continuous use. Earthwise also offers a corded 4.5 amp version of this pole hedge trimmer that you can also find by following this trimmer’s product links. A shoulder strap is included for added comfort and control, and there is a safety switch next to the trigger on the comfortable rubber-molded handle. This hedge trimmer comes backed by a two-year product warranty and a one-year battery warranty.
Earthwise Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer Key Features:
- 20V lithium-ion battery
- 20-inch dual-action blades
- Five-stage telescoping pole
- Adjustable rotating head
Hedge trimmers are an essential tool for any home or business that has ornate hedges in their gardens and entryways. Trimming your hedges yourself can save you a lot of money versus hiring a landscaper to do the work for you. Let us help you save even more money. Take a look at our recommendations for other top-quality lawn and garden tools such as pruning shears and electric lawn mowers before you sign a contract with an expensive landscaper.
