Cordless hedge trimmers are a fantastic investment for gardeners looking for a convenient tool for maintaining their hedges. You can use these tools to easily maintain hedges and other foliage around the garden, with cordless hedge trimmers being battery operated for better movement when trimming.
In fact, the difference between using a corded and cordless hedge trimmer is almost night and day, with cordless models offering a host of advantages over their corded counterparts.
Corded hedge trimmers need to be plugged into a power source and while the cords are often long, they still restrict movement, especially when trimming larger hedges in bigger gardens. Not only that, when using a corded hedge trimmer, you need to focus on where the cord is to make sure you don’t accidently cut it with the trimmer.
One of the biggest drawbacks of using a corded hedge trimmer was how poor the battery quality was, with most rarely lasting long enough to complete the trimming in one charge. Improvements in lithium-ion battery technology has changed this though, with the batteries lasting longer, charging quicker, and costing less than ever.
With a cordless hedge trimmer, you can maintain hedges, bushes, and shrubs of varying shapes and sizes without the upmost ease. You don’t need to worry about a cord restricting your movement, giving you complete freedom to trim away all the excess growth around the garden.
Better still, cordless hedge trimmers are usually very lightweight to ensure you can operate them for long periods without feeling the effects, which also helps improve manoeuvrability in those hard to reach spots around hedges and bushes.
Simply put, if you require a new hedge trimmer for your garden a cordless model offers far more convenience compared to a corded hedge trimmer!
The Ryobi ONE+ is a cordless hedge trimmer that belongs to part of Ryobi’s cordless power tools, with the lithium-ion battery being interchangeable with over 35 other tools. This is quite handy if you already have a Ryobi tool and are looking for a hedge trimmer!
Even if you don’t this a great cordless hedge trimmer, offering the perfect balance of ample cutting power with easy usability. Weighing 2.8kg, the hedge trimmer is lightweight for easy use, making it a good choice for anyone that may struggle to handle heavier tools for prolonged periods.
The dual action cutting blade is premium quality, measuring an impressive 55cm and featuring a 22mm cutting capacity. Diamond ground blades can cut through thin hedge growth and thicker branches with ease, while here is an anti-jamming system that ensures smooth operation and no blockages.
Total length measures just over 1m, so you should have enough reach for most average hedge sizes, although a ladder is probably needed for much taller hedges. Even then, the lightweight design and well-designed rotating handle offers all the comfort and balance you need regardless of your cutting position.
A handy feature for this hedge trimmer is that it comes with a sweeping mode that removes loose cuttings as you trim, saving you the time and effort of removing them from the hedge after you trim them.
Runtime varies depending on your battery, with the recommended 2Ah offering around 30-40 minutes of runtime depending on conditions. If this isn’t enough you can upgrade your batteries to any of Ryobi’s One+ range, which include 3Ah, 4Ah, and 5.5Ah batteries that are interchangeable with other Ryobi power tools.
Pros
- 55cm blade length offers good reach
- 22mm cutting capacity can handle thicker growth
- Rotating handle for better comfort and manoeuvrability
Cons
- May require bigger batteries (e.g. 4Ah or 5Ah) for larger hedges although runtime is fine for most average hedge sizes
- Ergonomic handles for great working comfort: Easily prune hedges from different...
- Diamond-sharpened double-action blades: cut branches up to 24 mm in diameter and...
- 18V ONE+ concept: power this model and all your DIY and gardening appliances and...
DEWALT DCM563P1-GB 18V XR Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Paired with a powerful 18V 5Ah battery, the DEWALT DCM563P1-GB 18 XR is a robust yet lightweight hedge trimmer capable of cutting hedges of varying sizes.
The battery offers a very impressive 75-minute runtime, which is higher than most other models. This makes the DEWALT DCM563P1-GB 18 XR a great option for larger gardens that need of trimming, as the runtime is about as good as it gets for a cordless hedge trimmer!
The dual action cutting blade measures 55cm and features a 19mm cutting capacity, making it suitable for cutting thicker branches as well as standard hedge trimming. When combined with the handle, the total length is just under 1m, so offers a good length for reaching tall and awkward hedges.
In fact, the blade and battery on the DEWALT DCM563P1-GB 18 XR are so impressive that the hedge trimmer could easily be used for professional purposes. Whether you need to cut large areas of hedges, remove thick and tough branches, or a bit of both, this hedge trimmer has the quality to do so.
Despite being very strong the hedge trimmer is very easy to operate. It weighs just 3kg while the auxiliary handle offers better balance, evenly distributing the weight between the handle and blade for stable operation no matter where you’re cutting from.
This is especially useful for people that need to cut vertically for extended periods. This is common with higher hedges and can be rather dangerous if there is not enough balance, so this feature not only improves usability but safety too.
Pros
- Large 55cm dual action cutting blade
- 19mm cutting capacity for thicker growth
- Wrap around handle offers better balance
- Impressive 75-minute runtime
Cons
- Recharging is longer due to larger battery (5Ah) but this does provide more runtime than most models
- Compact and lightweight design for less user fatigue whilst trimming
- 55 cm dual-action, laser-cut blades with 19 mm cutting gap
- Extended runtime: up to 75min trimming per charge (on a 5Ah battery)
BLACK+DECKER Cordless Hedge Trimmer
The BLACK + DECKER GTC36552PC-GB is a powerful hedge trimmer that is suitable for medium and large sized hedges, although it certainly has the power to take on smaller hedges too if needed.
Paired with a 36V 2.0Ah battery, this hedge trimmer produces a whopping 1300 blade strokes per minute, resulting in some serious cutting power that smoothly cuts through foliage and branches with the upmost ease.
A great feature is the anti-jam technology, which quickly clears build-ups in the cutting blade that causing the trimmer to jam. Just hit the button located at the top of the handle anytime there is a jam and the blades automatically re-track from the jam – it’s very convenient!
While slightly on the heavier side due to the larger 36V battery, this does come with a great advantage with around an hour’s runtime and recharge time. This is perfect for larger gardens with lots of hedges as you can get plenty of runtime on a single charge and won’t be waiting long for the battery to recharge.
The build quality of the GTC36552PC-GB is very impressive too. From the hardened steel dual action cutting blade to the bale handle design, the hedge trimmer is designed for optimal performance and complete safety, boasting fantastic balance between the cutting blade and handle especially when cutting vertically.
Also, the starting mechanism requires two hands to power the hedge trimmer, eliminating the risk of accidently starting the tool and potentially hurting yourself. The large bale handle also has a guard in front of the blade to offer additional protection should the handle slip from your grasp.
Pros
- 55cm hardened steel dual action cutting blade
- 22mm cutting capacity suitable for larger hedges
- Anti-jam technology
Cons
- Slightly heavier due to the battery but this does result in more runtime
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Bosch AHS 50-20 LI Cordless Hedge Cutter
With a 50cm cutting blade and 20mm tooth, the Bosch AHS 50-20 LI is capable of cutting hedge branches up to 25mm thick, making it a fine buy for anyone with medium sized hedges – it could even hold its own against larger hedges but may need time to recharge!
The 18V 2.5Ah battery is very efficient though thanks to the patented Bosch Syneon Chip technology inside the hedge trimmer, which utilises controlled energy depending on the power needs of each situation.
You get around one hour of runtime and it recharges in about the same time, so it usually has more than enough power for regular hedge maintenance. Should the battery discharge quicker than expected you won’t be waiting too long for it to recharge.
Other useful technology includes the Quick-Cut performance, which helps to efficiently cut through thinner twigs and branches on the first pass of the blade. There is also anti-blocking technology that helps to avoid the blade from jamming to ensure interruption free trimming, even with thicker growth.
The AHS 50-20 LI performs well when cutting small and medium sized hedges. Weighing just 2.5kg, the hedge trimmer never feels too heavy while there is great balance no matter what position you hold it – this is especially useful for cutting vertically and at other odd angles.
There is also a large front handle with a transparent handle protector to ensure safe handling in every position, while the protector at the tip of the cutting blade ensures safe cutting and no damage when using the hedge trimmer close to the ground or walls.
Furthermore, the lithium-ion batteries included with the AHS 50-20 LI is compatible with a range of cordless Bosch tools!
Pros
- 50cm cutting blade
- 20mm tooth spacing suitable for medium sized hedges
- Anti-blocking system
Cons
- Blade head is not adjustable although its low weight and good handle design make positioning much easier
- Quick-cut system; the blade stays open for longer
- Patented electronic "Anti-Blocking System"
- Syneon Chip technology
Gtech HT20 Hedge Trimmer
UPDATE – NEW MODEL GTECH HEDGE TRIMMER 3.0. READ REVIEW HERE
If you have tall hedges and don’t want to be constantly moving a ladder around when using a hedge trimmer then the Gtech HT20 is worth consideration.
Offering one of the best reaches of any hedge trimmer and an adjustable cutting head, it’s a great investment for anyone that has taller hedges that are more challenging to maintain with standard hedge trimmers.
Despite having a shorter cutting blade (31cm) than most hedge trimmers, the HT20 has possibly the best reach due to the extended handle design, providing enough reach to trim hedges that are up to 10ft tall.
This pairs nicely with the adjustable cutting head feature, which lets you adjust the cutting head to 135-degrees to make it easier to reach those high and awkward parts of the hedge. You probably won’t even need a ladder when using the HT20!
Of course, this additional length does raise concern about comfort and usability. Thankfully, the HT20 is simple to operate without getting strained or fatigued, with the hedge trimmer weighing under 2.3kg, while it’s well balanced in virtually every cutting position.
Expect around 45-minutes of runtime with the HT20, although this does vary depending on the thickness of the hedges. It’s not the best hedge trimmer for very thick and overgrown hedges, as the cutting capacity is around 15mm.
However, if you need more cutting capacity there is a handy branch cutter attachment that lets you remove branches up to 60mm thick. It is sold separately but remains a worthwhile investment if you’re dealing with thicker hedges and other bushes and shrubs.
Pros
- Long reach handle suitable for hedges up to 10ft tall
- Adjustable cutting head offers various trimming positions
- Very lightweight at jut 2.3kg
Cons
- Maximum cutting capacity is on the smaller side at 15mm, although a branch cutter attachment is available that significantly increases this
Buying Guide
If you’re thinking of buying a cordless hedge trimmer it helps to do some research first to make sure you find the best product for your needs. Also, there are many low-quality cordless hedge trimmers that you will want to avoid – check the guide below for all the info you need to find the best cordless hedge trimmer!
Battery Type
Only buy a cordless hedge trimmer that uses lithium-ion batteries! While most new models use this type of battery, there are some that still use outdated batteries like nickel-cadmium, so be sure to avoid these as they take significantly longer to recharge and are much heavier.
With a lithium-ion battery you can expect a good hour or so runtime and a similar recharge duration, making them easily the best battery option for a cordless hedge trimmer. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that the lower price of other batteries types makes them a sound investment!
Runtime
Cordless hedge trimmers have a limited runtime on each battery charge, so make sure that this is long enough to complete all your gardening maintenance. In most cases, a runtime of around an hour should be enough, although people with larger gardens may require longer.
In this case, it’s a good idea to invest in a secondary battery that you can swap out when the first battery dies, effectively doubling the runtime. Always check to see what runtime a cordless hedge trimmer has – you don’t want it running out of power midway through trimming!
Recharge Time
As mentioned, the runtime is limited on a cordless hedge trimmer, so you also need to check the recharge rate to see if it is quick enough for your requirements. Anything that recharges in about an hour is a good investment, as this means you won’t be waiting long for it to recharge, reducing the time it takes to complete your trimming.
Blade Size
Cordless hedge trimmers come with various blade sizes to accommodate different types of hedges and bushes. For instance, shorter blades are suitable for smaller or narrower hedges as they have more precision.
Conversely, large and wide hedges are easier to maintain using a hedge trimmer with a longer blade, as getting even coverage and reaching higher parts of the hedge can be very difficult when using an undersized blade. These are very common in a garden multi tool with hedge trimmer attachment.
So, check the size your hedges – even getting rough measurement of their height and depth – to help give an idea of what size of blade will work best. You should look for a hedge trimmer blade that is at least 50cm long, as this offers a nice balance for cutting hedges of varying sizes. It important to stand on a stable surface such as hedge cutting platform to ensure you remain safe when you are working at any sort of height..
Cutting Teeth
The cutting blade on a hedge trimmer consists of several teeth that spin at high speeds to remove the growth. Teeth that have wide spacings – typically around 22mm – are better suited for thicker branches and growth.
You may not require such a wide spacing between the cutting teeth as less dense hedges can be easily trimmed with a teeth gap of around 15mm. Again, check your hedges to see how thick the branches are and choose a model with suitable cutting teeth.
Reach
The cutting blade of a hedge trimmer is not the only thing that impacts how much reach it has. The handle also influences the overall length and reach of the trimmer, so you may require a long or short handle depending on your reach requirements.
For instance, if you have very tall hedges then you probably require a longer handle, such as a pole hedge trimmer that offers a lot more reach.
Adjustable Head
It’s always recommended that your hedge trimmer has an adjustable head as this means you can position the blade to various angles to get the desired cut. This is especially useful when trimming tall and oddly shaped hedges without overreaching or positioning yourself awkwardly.
You always want to be comfortable when handling a hedge trimmer, with adjustable heads allowing you to get the most comfortable position for easier hedge maintenance and increased safety.
Weight
The heavier the cordless hedge trimmer the quicker you’ll tire using it! This is even more apparent when holding the trimmer above your head an at awkward angles, so always make sure that the weight isn’t too heavy or you’ll find it difficult to finish trimming in one go.
Hedge trimmers have varying weights depending on the size and features of each model, with heavier models being around 5kg and above, while lighter models average around 2kg.
Be sure to read our guide on choosing a cordless strimmer and let our buying guide help you understand what to look for when buying one.
You may also be interested in some of our other guides where we cover long reach hedge trimmer reviews and petrol hedge trimmer for sale.
Last update on 2024-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
