Best Hedge Trimmers: Corded, Cordless and Pole-Saw Picks Compared

The best hedge trimmer for most yards is a cordless 20V model with a blade around 20 to 22 inches, because it covers typical hedges without a cord to snag, while a corded electric suits small properties near an outlet. This guide compares ten listings: three BLACK+DECKER trimmers, a CRAFTSMAN, an EGO 26-inch, two unbranded cordless kits, and three smaller tools that are really shears or a pole-saw combo. We rely on what each title states, flag claims that look odd, and finish with a question to ask before you buy. Specs below are seller claims.

Top picks at a glance

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Hedge Trimmer, Battery and Charger Included, 22 Inch Steel Blade Lightweight Bush Trimmer, Soft Grip, Less Vibration (LHT2220)

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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BLACK+DECKER Electric Hedge Trimmer, 17-Inch Corded 3.2 Amp, Dual Action, Reduced Vibration, Cleaner Cut, Lightweight, 3800 Cuts per Min (BEHT150)

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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BLACK+DECKER 22" Electric Hedge Trimmer, Lightweight 4.0 Amp Corded Dual Action Shrub Trimmer, Full Wraparound Handle, High Output Low Vibration (BEHT350FF)

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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20V 22-Inch Hedge Trimmer Cordless with 2x5.0Ah Battery & Charger | Bush & Shrub Trimmer | 180° Rotatable Handle | 3/5" Double-Action Blade | Dual Safety Lock for Garden and Yard Care

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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Hedge Trimmers Cordless with Battery, 3000RPM Brushless Motor | Electric Bush Clipper with 2 Pack Batteries, 20'' 180° Rotatable Head, 2/3'' Blade Gap, Gardening Gifts for Men Dad Father

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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Supstable Cordless Pole Saw & Hedge Trimmer 6-in-1, Mini Chainsaw Cordless/Electric Hedge Trimmer with Extension Pole, 15Ft Reach, Extendable Tree Pruner, Bush Trimmer Limb Branch Cutter, Grass Shears

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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2 in 1 Hedge Trimmer Cordless, Electric Bush Trimmer, Type-C Cable Included | 7.2V Lightweight Powered Hedge Shears, Mini Grass Cutter, Handheld Grass Shears, Shrub Trimmer, Yard Tools Gifts for Men, Dad

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Hedge Trimmer with Battery and Charger Included, 20 in. Blade, Rechargeable Bush Trimmer Cordless, Lightweight (CMCHT810C1)

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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WORKPRO 7.2V Cordless Grass Shear & Shrubbery Trimmer | 5.9" Shrub Trimmer & 4.2" Grass Shear, 2.0Ah Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery, Type-C Cable, Handheld for Garden, Yard & Lawn

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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EGO POWER+ Hedge Trimmer Cordless, Electric Hedge Trimmer 26", Battery and Charger Not Included - HT2600

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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What is changing in hedge trimmers

Cordless hedge trimmers have steadily taken market share from corded and gas models, and listings now show it. Battery platforms are a big part of the story: a shopper who already owns one brand’s batteries often buys the bare tool, and listings such as the EGO one here say the battery and charger are not included. Others bundle a battery and charger, and some bundle two batteries. Brushless motors are also becoming a common feature in titles, because they are generally promoted as more efficient than brushed motors.

A second shift is the rise of small handheld shears with low-voltage batteries and USB-C charging. These are convenient for shaping a boxwood or trimming grass edges, but they are a different class from a true hedge trimmer and should not be judged on the same terms. A third is the multi-tool, such as pole-saw and trimmer combos with an extension pole. They can solve a tall-hedge problem, though they add safety considerations of their own.

Finally, expect inconsistent spec language. Blade gap, tooth spacing and cutting capacity are often written differently from one seller to the next, and some titles contain figures that look like typos. When a number looks odd, check the images and the manufacturer’s page before you rely on it.

How we picked these

We compared titles, published specifications, manufacturer documentation and buyer reviews, then sorted listings by tool class: corded electric, full-size cordless, small shears and a multi-tool. Nobody on the team used or measured these units. Where a claim is unclear, we say so and suggest you check the listing. Price tiers are relative to this set and not exact prices.

Our ten hedge trimmer picks

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Hedge Trimmer (LHT2220)

The title names a 20V MAX cordless trimmer with a 22-inch steel blade, battery and charger included, a soft grip and less vibration. The included battery and charger make this a ready-to-use kit, which is helpful if you do not own other tools on this platform. The 22-inch blade is a good length for general hedge work, since a longer blade covers more per pass, though it is heavier to hold at arm’s length.

A scenario: a front yard with a 30-foot privet hedge and a few shrubs. Cordless means you can walk the whole line without managing a cord. Battery capacity is not in the title, so check the amp-hour rating and charge time, and plan breaks. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for blade handling and battery care.

Pros

• Battery and charger included per the title
• Long 22-inch blade
• Soft grip and reduced vibration named

Cons

• Battery capacity is not stated
• Longer blades are tiring to hold
• Runtime unknown from the title

Question to ask: what is the battery’s amp-hour rating, and how long does a full charge take?

BLACK+DECKER 17-Inch Corded Electric Hedge Trimmer (BEHT150)

This corded listing offers a 17-inch blade, 3.2 amps, dual-action cutting, reduced vibration, a cleaner cut, a lightweight build and 3800 cuts per minute. It is the cheapest of the BLACK+DECKER trio in relative terms. Dual action usually means both blades move, which cuts vibration compared with a single moving blade, but the title does not define it, so confirm in the manual.

A scenario: a small townhouse yard with a short boxwood border within reach of an outdoor outlet. At 17 inches, it is easy to control and light to hold. A corded model removes battery concerns, but you need an outdoor-rated extension cord and must keep the cord behind you and away from the blade. Do not use any electric trimmer in wet conditions, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Pros

• Budget tier in this set
• Short blade is easy to control
• No battery to charge or replace

Cons

• Cord limits reach
• 17 inches covers less per pass
• Not suited to tall or long hedges

Question to ask: what cord length and gauge does the manufacturer recommend for your distance from the outlet?

BLACK+DECKER 22-Inch Corded Electric Hedge Trimmer (BEHT350FF)

The title lists a 22-inch blade, 4.0 amps, dual action, a full wraparound handle, and high output with low vibration. The extra 5 inches of blade over the BEHT150 and the higher amp rating suggest a stronger tool for longer hedges, though amps describe electrical draw, not cutting capacity. The wraparound handle is useful for angled cuts, such as the sides and tops of a hedge, because you can change your grip.

A scenario: a long side hedge with an outlet near the garage. With a long extension cord, you can trim the whole run without battery swaps. The cord remains the main trade-off, since it needs managing around corners. If you expect to trim anything beyond light branches, check the maximum cutting diameter in the listing rather than assuming a high amp figure means thicker cuts.

Pros

• 22-inch blade covers more per pass
• Wraparound handle helps awkward angles
• No battery to manage

Cons

• Corded, so you need an outlet and cord care
• Cutting capacity is not stated
• Heavier than the 17-inch version

Question to ask: what is the maximum branch diameter the blades can cut?

20V 22-Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer with 2×5.0Ah Batteries and Charger

This listing, sold under a brand the title does not name, describes a 20V cordless trimmer with a 22-inch blade, two 5.0Ah batteries, a charger, a 180-degree rotatable handle, a dual-action blade and a dual safety lock. The two-battery kit is the main draw, since you can charge one while using the other. The title also lists a blade gap of 3/5 inch, which looks unusual; it may be a typo or a conversion, so check the images and manual.

A scenario: a corner lot with a long hedge where one battery would not finish the job. A rotatable handle can make angled and vertical cuts less awkward. The dual safety lock suggests a two-step start, which is a useful safeguard, but confirm how it works. Because the brand is unfamiliar, read the warranty, the return policy and the availability of replacement batteries.

Pros

• Two 5.0Ah batteries named in the title
• Rotatable handle for angled cuts
• Dual safety lock claimed

Cons

• Brand is not named in the title
• Blade gap figure looks odd
• Support and parts are uncertain

Question to ask: are the batteries and charger from a recognized brand, and are spare batteries sold?

Cordless Hedge Trimmer with Brushless 3000RPM Motor and Two Batteries

This listing advertises a brushless 3000RPM motor, an electric bush clipper with a two-pack of batteries, a 20-inch head that rotates 180 degrees, and a 2/3-inch blade gap, plus a gift angle for dads. As with the previous kit, the brand and battery voltage are not named in the title, and a 2/3-inch gap is an unusual figure, so confirm it. Brushless motors are often promoted for efficiency and longer life, but RPM alone does not tell you cutting power.

A scenario: a gift for someone with a modest yard who does not own other cordless tools. The two batteries mean fewer interruptions. A 20-inch blade is a manageable middle size. Before buying, check the battery voltage and capacity, the charge time and what the warranty covers, since the title does not say.

Pros

• Brushless motor claimed
• Two batteries included
• Rotating 20-inch head

Cons

• Voltage and capacity are not in the title
• Gap figure is unclear
• Brand and support unknown

Question to ask: what is the battery voltage and capacity, and can you buy a replacement?

Supstable Cordless Pole Saw and Hedge Trimmer 6-in-1

This is a multi-tool, not a standard hedge trimmer. The title mentions a mini chainsaw, an extension pole with a 15 ft reach, a tree pruner, a bush trimmer, a branch cutter and grass shears. It is the second most expensive item in the set, in relative terms. The 15 ft reach claim could describe the whole pole assembly rather than your usable cutting height, so verify what it measures.

A scenario: tall hedges and overhanging branches that a regular trimmer cannot reach. Working overhead brings real hazards: keep well clear of power lines, wear eye protection, and be aware of falling cuttings. A pole-mounted tool is harder to control than a handheld one. Treat this as a specialist option, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for every attachment, especially the saw.

Pros

• Extension pole for tall work
• Multiple attachments in one kit
• Premium tier within this set

Cons

• Not a dedicated hedge trimmer
• Overhead work adds safety risks
• Reach claim may not equal cutting height

Question to ask: which attachments come in the box, and what is the safe working height?

2-in-1 Hedge Trimmer Cordless, 7.2V Powered Hedge Shears

This listing is for lightweight handheld hedge shears with a mini grass cutter function, 7.2V, and Type-C charging. It is the least expensive item in the set. It is a smaller class of tool than the 20V and corded trimmers, meant for light shaping, not cutting through thick growth. The title gives no blade length, and does not describe battery capacity or runtime.

A scenario: tidying a small decorative shrub, trimming a corner of lawn or shaping a topiary. For that, a tool this size is easier to handle than a big trimmer. It is not a substitute for a full hedge trimmer if you have long or overgrown hedges. As with all blades, keep fingers clear, remove or disconnect power before clearing debris, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Pros

• Lowest price tier
• Light and easy to store
• Type-C charging named in the title

Cons

• Unsuited to long or thick hedges
• Blade length not stated
• Runtime unknown

Question to ask: what is the blade length, and what is the maximum branch thickness it can cut?

CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Hedge Trimmer (CMCHT810C1)

The title names a CRAFTSMAN V20 cordless trimmer with a 20-inch blade, battery and charger included, and a lightweight build. The V20 label points to a battery platform, which is useful if you already own, or plan to buy, other V20 tools, since you can share batteries across tools. The included battery and charger make it a complete kit.

A scenario: a homeowner who already has a V20 drill and wants a trimmer. The 20-inch blade is a manageable length for most residential hedges. The title does not mention battery capacity, runtime or blade gap, so check those details. If you want to compare it with the BLACK+DECKER 22-inch cordless, look at weight, blade length and battery capacity side by side, since the two sit in similar territory.

Pros

• Battery and charger included
• Platform battery shared with other tools
• 20-inch blade is manageable

Cons

• Battery capacity not stated
• Blade gap and weight not given
• Mid-range tier

Question to ask: what is the battery capacity, and how many minutes of cutting should you expect?

WORKPRO 7.2V Cordless Grass Shear and Shrubbery Trimmer

This is a two-blade handheld set: a 5.9-inch shrub trimmer blade and a 4.2-inch grass shear, with a 2.0Ah lithium-ion battery and a Type-C cable. At roughly the lower end of the price range, it targets detail work. It is a good match for trimming grass edges and small shrubs, but it is not a full hedge trimmer, and the 5.9-inch blade confirms that.

A scenario: shaping a few small bushes and clipping grass along a path. The swap between blades gives flexibility. For a long privet hedge, the small blade means many more passes and likely sore arms. Keep it as a supplement, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for blade changes and battery charging.

Pros

• Two blade types in one kit
• 2.0Ah battery named in the title
• Low price tier

Cons

• Short blades limit capacity
• Not a full-size hedge trimmer
• Runtime not stated

Question to ask: how long does the 2.0Ah battery run on a typical trim, and what is the maximum branch thickness?

EGO POWER+ 26-Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer (HT2600)

The title names a 26-inch cordless trimmer from the EGO POWER+ line and states that the battery and charger are not included. This is the longest blade in the set and the most expensive item, in relative terms. That makes it a tool-only purchase, best for people who already own EGO batteries, or are willing to buy a battery and charger separately, which adds to the total cost.

A scenario: a large property with long hedges, where a 26-inch blade saves passes. Longer blades mean more weight at arm’s length, so check the tool weight and your comfort holding it overhead. Because the title gives no other specs, look at the manufacturer’s page for blade gap, weight and compatible batteries, and make sure the battery and charger you buy are the right ones.

Pros

• Longest blade in the set
• Part of a battery platform
• Premium tier

Cons

• Battery and charger are not included
• Total cost depends on what you add
• Heavier to hold overhead

Question to ask: which EGO battery and charger do you need, and what will the total kit cost?

Why use a hedge trimmer at all

Hand pruners and loppers give precise cuts, but they are slow on a long hedge. A powered trimmer gives a flatter, more even surface in far less time, which matters if you shape a hedge several times a season. Regular trimming also keeps growth dense, since light, frequent cuts are easier on the plant and on the tool than cutting back a hedge that has been left to get overgrown. A trimmer will not replace loppers or a pruning saw for thick, woody branches, so many owners keep both.

Hedge trimmer buying guide

Corded, cordless or multi-tool

Corded trimmers give steady power and lower prices but need an outlet and careful cord handling. Cordless trimmers give freedom, but battery capacity limits how long you can work. Small shears suit detail work only, and pole-saw combos cover tall jobs with extra risk. Match the class to your hedge before you compare specs. If your yard also has rough edges and weeds, a hedge trimmer will not replace a string trimmer; our guide to the best gas string trimmers covers that separate tool.

Blade length and blade gap

Longer blades cover more per pass but weigh more at arm’s length. Blade gap, sometimes called tooth spacing, tells you roughly the thickest twig the blades can take in. If your hedge has thick branches, look for a wider gap and plan to use loppers for the largest ones. Listings in this set quote gaps in mixed ways, and two contain unusual fractions, so confirm in the manual.

Battery voltage, capacity and platform

A 20V label tells you about the platform, while amp-hours tell you how long it runs. Two 5.0Ah batteries mean much more runtime than one 2.0Ah battery. A platform also matters for the future: batteries from the same brand fit multiple tools, and tool-only deals can save money if you already own the batteries. Check charge time, and whether replacements are sold.

Weight, vibration and comfort

A trimmer feels heavier the longer you hold it away from your body, so a lighter tool with a slightly shorter blade can finish a job faster than a long one that tires your arms. Several titles mention reduced vibration or a soft grip, which may help on longer sessions, although those are descriptions rather than measurements. Check the listed weight, and if you have wrist or shoulder concerns, choose a lighter model and take breaks.

Safety features and handling

Look for a two-handed start, a blade guard and a hand guard. Wear eye protection, gloves and sturdy footwear. Keep hands away from blades, switch off and remove the battery or unplug before clearing a jam, and never trim in rain. Use a stable footing, and never reach overhead with a trimmer in a way that makes you lose balance. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local rules.

Care and maintenance

Clean sap and debris from the blades after each use, apply the lubricant the manual recommends, and store the tool with the blade cover on. Sharpness matters: dull blades tear leaves and make the motor work harder. Store batteries at moderate temperatures and avoid leaving them fully drained for long stretches, as the battery instructions advise.

Worked example: how many batteries do you need

Assumptions: a 60-foot hedge, 5 feet tall, trimmed on both sides and top, with a 22-inch cordless trimmer. As an illustration, suppose a 2.0Ah battery gives about 30 minutes of cutting and the job takes about 60 minutes, so you would need a second battery or a pause to recharge. With two 5.0Ah batteries, runtime would be several times longer, probably enough to finish in one session. These figures are labeled estimates, not measurements, and real runtime depends on branch thickness and cutting habits.

Mistakes buyers make

• Buying shears as a hedge trimmer. The 7.2V shears are for detail work only.
• Ignoring battery capacity. A 20V label alone says little about runtime.
• Forgetting the extras. The EGO listing excludes the battery and charger.
• Trusting odd specs. Check strange blade gap figures in the manual.
• Skipping safety gear. Eye protection and gloves are basic.
• Overreaching with pole tools. Overhead work risks falling debris and contact with power lines.

Verdict by use case

• Standard residential hedges, no cord: the BLACK+DECKER LHT2220 or the CRAFTSMAN CMCHT810C1, depending on which battery platform suits you.
• Small yard near an outlet, lowest cost: the BLACK+DECKER BEHT150, or the BEHT350FF for longer runs.
• Long hedges and multiple batteries: the two-battery kits, once you have checked brand, voltage and support.
• Large property with EGO batteries: the EGO HT2600.
• Tall branches: the Supstable multi-tool, with strict safety care.
• Detail trimming: the 7.2V shear sets.

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Frequently asked questions

What size hedge trimmer do I need?

For most residential hedges, a blade between 20 and 22 inches balances coverage and weight. Shorter blades, around 17 inches, are easier to control on small borders. Longer blades, such as the 26-inch EGO, save passes on big hedges but are heavier to hold. Choose based on hedge length, your strength and how long you will hold the tool at a time.

Is cordless better than corded for hedge trimming?

It depends on your yard. Cordless trimmers let you move freely and avoid cord snags, but battery capacity limits runtime. Corded trimmers have no runtime limit and often cost less, but need an outlet and a careful cord routine. For small yards near an outlet, corded works; for long hedges or distant areas, cordless is usually more practical.

What does blade gap mean?

Blade gap, or tooth spacing, is the opening between the cutting teeth. It indicates the thickest branch the blades can take in. A larger gap handles thicker twigs, but only up to a point. For larger branches, use loppers or a pruning saw instead. Always confirm the figure in the manual, since listings sometimes state it in odd fractions.

Can hedge shears replace a hedge trimmer?

For small shrubs, topiary and light shaping, yes. For long or thick hedges, no. Small shears have short blades and low-voltage batteries, which means more passes and less cutting power. Many owners keep shears as a supplement for detail work alongside a full-size trimmer rather than as the only tool.

How should I stay safe when trimming hedges?

Wear eye protection, gloves and sturdy shoes, and keep a firm stance. Keep hands clear of the blade, switch off and remove the battery or unplug before clearing jams, and never trim in the rain. Stay far away from power lines when working overhead. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local rules for your tool.

How do I care for a hedge trimmer between seasons?

Clean the blades of sap and debris, apply the lubricant the manual recommends, and store the tool dry with the blade cover on. Charge batteries to the level the manufacturer suggests before long-term storage and keep them at moderate temperatures. Check the blades for dull or damaged teeth before the next season and replace or sharpen them as the manual describes.