Best Hedge Trimmers

Our editors independently research the best products online to produce this list. We may receive commission on purchases made from the links below but this will never affect our product choices.

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Although the end results can be satisfying, manually trimming hedges can be challenging. The effort you put in when you cut by hand will probably have you giving up midway through. So, if you’re thinking about an easier way to finish your gardening task, we’re here to help. Unsurprisingly, not every product on the market is the same, and we’ve selected seven of the very best ones for you to pick from.

How We Compared Hedge Trimmer

To find the right hedge trimmer, we considered multiple factors, including:

• Power Source
• Reach
• Cutting width
• Safety Features
• Overall Weight

Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.

Hedge Trimmer Reviews

Bosch AHS 50-20 LI (Editor’s Choice)

This highly-capable cordless trimmer is a perfect choice if you’ve already invested in the manufacturer’s tool ecosystem. It uses the “Power for All” battery system meaning that you can share batteries and chargers with existing products. You can buy the trimmer only or extend your cutting range by using any extra batteries you already have.

With the AHS 50-20 LI, Bosch has put together a great package that is a pleasure to use. The rear handle has a soft, comfortable grip, while the front one has a multi-position switch, which means you can hold the trimmer how it’s best for you as you work. As a cordless unit, it weighs a comfortable 2.5kg, so you shouldn’t find it too much of an effort to use for extended periods.

The laser-cut blades have a practical 20mm tooth spacing suitable for most hedges, but if you have some thicker branches, the front teeth are set to cope with up to 25mm. Additionally, the nose of the 50cm blade is topped off by a protector. This feature is helpful when cutting near the floor or against a wall. Finally, an anti-blocking system effectively prevents jams.

Greenworks Tools G40PSHK2 (Luxury Choice)

If you’re looking to cut a high hedge or trim tree branches without using a step ladder, our luxury choice is the one for you. The kit combines an excellent hedge trimmer with a pole chainsaw and has a split shaft of a length of 2.4m.

Even though it’s a multi-function product, the Greenworks Tools G40PSHK2 doesn’t compromise on features. The trimmer head is 51cm long and has a 7-position pivot, making it easy to set to the required angle when you’re cutting at height. The cut-width of the model is 18mm, but if you need to cut anything thicker, you can quickly switch to the excellent pole chainsaw head.

The 20cm long chainsaw has an automatic oiler to ensure smooth function, and the chain brake ensures that the saw stops the moment you release the safety switch. The included lithium-ion batteries are compatible with other tools – if you already have other products from the brand, it’s another reason this is a great choice.

NETTA 2 in 1 Shear and Trimmer (Best Value)

If you like to keep even the smallest detail perfectly trimmed, this handheld two-in-one cordless cutter is ideal. By combining a 170mm long hedge trimmer with a 90mm long grass shear, you’ll have everything you need to keep a smaller garden looking immaculate.

While the Netta trimmer may be compact, its included lithium battery works for up to 50 minutes, giving you plenty of cutting time. There’s even a set of clear indicator lights to make it easy to understand how much charge you have left. Plus, the multi-function laser-cut blades can be swapped over without any tools, so if you want to switch, you won’t need to trek to your shed or garage.

The cutter is compact yet sturdy and weighs a comfortable 1.3kg. There’s an ergonomic soft-grip handle, and to prevent accidents involving unauthorised users, you just need to insert a safety key before the trimmer works.

Einhell GE-CH 1846 Li (Best for Safety)

As well as not having a potentially dangerous power cable, this trimmer has a two-hand safety switch, so it will only run if you keep both hands in place. There’s also a well-designed blade guard to protect you from splinters or, even worse, coming in contact with the blade while working.

This hedge trimmer is an ideal solution if you want an investment that will last a reasonable time. The Einhell GE-CH 1846 is well-built in this respect and has metal gearing to provide an excellent expected service life. In addition, the 46cm cutting length blade has laser-cut, diamond-ground steel blades to stay sharper longer and require less maintenance.

This trimmer can be ordered complete with a 2.0 Ah battery and fast charger. They’re compatible with the manufacturer’s “X-Change” system, so if you have other tools from the same family, you can swap batteries to save time between charges.

Flymo Easicut 460 (Best for Ease of Use)

If you’re in the market for a simple-to-use yet effective trimmer, this model from one of the best-known brands in garden care may be the one for you. 

Flymo Easicut 460 has provided the essentials you need to keep your hedge neat and tidy while including vital safety features. The two-handed switches ensure you can’t accidentally injure one of your fingers by inadvertently operating the cutter. There’s also a neatly integrated hand shield.

The cable is ten metres long and will keep the powerful 450W motor running all day if you need it. This model has a 45cm blade length, so it’s suitable for reasonably large hedges. The teeth open to 19mm, meaning that the trimmer is excellent for light conifer as well as privet and box hedge.

Ryobi ONE+ (Best for Performance)

Anyone with an especially tall hedge should check out this cordless pole trimmer. By fitting the extendable shaft and using the included harness, it’s possible to reach up to a full length of 2.9m. The head helpfully rotates to four positions allowing you to set the desired angle to cut the top of your hedge neatly.

The 45cm cutting blades on this trimmer are diamond ground for long service life and open to a width of 18mm. Included with the starter kit is a charger. There’s also a 2.0Ah battery, so you have everything you need to get cutting.

The batteries used to power the trimmer’s strong 18V motor are from Ryobi’s One+ range – ideal if you have other compatible tools already. 

VonHaus 550W (Best for Power)

Our final choice is a corded model that combines a powerful 550W motor with one of the longest cutting blades we’ve seen. At 60cm long, this trimmer is excellent for use on the widest of hedges.

Both of the two-handed trigger handles have a soft coat to help absorb vibrations and make them comfortable to hold. In addition, despite its high power, this trimmer weighs in at just 3.2kg, so you’ll be able to use it for extended periods and take advantage of the unlimited power provided by the 10m cord.

Your safety is enhanced further thanks to a neat hand protector. Another nice touch often overlooked with other models is that VonHaus 15/013 includes a blade cover and a cable holder to make storing your trimmer neat and straightforward.

How to Choose a Hedge Trimmer

Our buyer’s guide is here to help you select the right hedge trimmer. Every garden is different, and by assessing these essential factors, you’ll be in a much better position to make the correct choice for yours.

Power Source

A battery-powered trimmer frees you from needing to run an extension lead into your garden and is accordingly more flexible and arguably safer to use. However, batteries only last so long before they need charging. Check the expected battery life, so you know how much time you’ll be able to cut for. Corded units are more powerful and can effectively work all day. However, trimming with a cable is inconvenient for many people and is a potential hazard. Remember that you’ll probably need an extension lead, too, so that’s an extra cost.

Reach

If you need to cut a high hedge, choose one with an extension pole. These designs are much easier and safer to use than climbing up and down a step ladder as you cut. You should also ensure that the blade length is suitable. If you have a wide or especially lengthy hedge, a longer blade can save you a lot of time.

Cutting Width

Your hedge trimmer will have a maximum cutting width equivalent to the space between the teeth on the blade. It’s essential to check that the chosen product will be sufficient for your hedge, so you do not have to stop to cut thicker branches manually. If you have a conifer, it’s a good idea to look for a 20mm or higher capacity. For privet, honeysuckle or box hedges, 15mm is suitable.

Safety Features

Naturally, you need to be safe while you’re cutting, so make sure you assess what features your trimmer comes with. Automatic brakes stop the cutting teeth from moving as soon as you release the trigger. All modern models have two switches that need both hands to be in place for them to operate. It’s also a good idea to check for handguards to protect you from splinters or for getting your hands too close to the blade. An anti-blocking system reverses the teeth if a branch isn’t cut the first time, which can prevent accidents.

Overall Weight

Cutting a large hedge with a heavy trimmer can quickly get tiring. Typically, corded models will be lighter than cordless ones as they don’t have the weight of the battery. However, it’s also worth being aware that if a unit is especially lightweight, it may not last as long as one with similar overall specifications but heavier. In general, more substantial blades and motors will last longer and need less maintenance.

Summary

The Bosch AHS 50-20 LI package receives our Editor’s Choice award thanks to its excellent combination of safety and highly practical features. The trimmer protects you by requiring a two-handed operation, yet it maintains comfort and ease of use with a convenient multi-position front switch. The cutting blade has extra-wide 25mm spacing on the front teeth, so you can use it for thicker branches, and a robust end cap protects the nose as you cut. This model also includes an anti-blocking system to prevent jams, and you can share the “Power for All” battery with other tools from the same brand.