Are you looking for the best electric hedge trimmer for you? Want to neaten up the hedges and other areas of your garden? Maybe you want to upgrade from a petrol trimmer to something more eco-friendly? Then this article will answer all of your questions about electric hedge trimmers.
Our guide provides reviews of nine different models, with both cordless and corded electric hedge trimmer reviews to help you to decide which is best for you. The Greenworks 22272 came out on top of our list due to its excellent features. It has a good battery life and can do an incredible ½ an acre of clearing in one go. Also, it is extendable to help you to reach the toughest areas. The pivoting head also allows you to simply and easily reach difficult spots. We also gathered information on eight of the other best rated electric hedge trimmer options. This means plenty of choice when you make your final decision.
The features we have used to evaluate these trimmers and create our reviews include the type of trimmer, whether it is a corded or cordless model. We’ve also looked at the SPM (strokes per minute) and the length of the blade. The quality of the blade is also evaluated, and whether it can cut through tough and thick branches. Weight is another important consideration, especially as you may be holding it above your head height and need to avoid fatigue in your arms. Some of these features may be more important to you than others, but we hope that our detailed reviews and buying guide will help you to make up your mind.
More features: up to 1/2 acres and 50 minutes runtime on a single charge; 5/8-Inch cutting capacity; 3 position pivoting head; 6.5 feet shaft extension
The Greenworks 22272 deserves its place at the top of our list of the best electric hedge trimmers. It has a fantastic level of quality, and a pretty high SPM rating meaning it can cut through tough areas with ease. It operates quickly and effectively and the dual action makes it arguably the best electric hedge trimmer for thick branches.
The battery life is great, and you can cover ½ acre on a single charge, this is great news if you have a big yard. This equates to about 50 minutes of use that can be stored in the battery for cordless use.
The pivoting head is great for reaching tough areas, and even more impressive is the shaft extension which can allow you to access up to 6.5 feet high. Tall branches can be cut away with ease. It weighs 9.5 lbs, which isn’t too much, but if you aren’t very strong this can cause fatigue.
A 4 year warranty tops off the package, meaning your purchase is protected and you don’t need to worry about tech issues.
More features: 6-position adjustable trimming head, 2-in-1 convertible design
The Earthwise CVPH43018 is the second item on our list, a 2-in-1 electric hedge trimmer and pole hedge trimmer with an impressive maximum reach of 8 feet and 8 inches. The hedge trimmer is designed with a 6-position adjustable trimming head angle, going from -20 to 60 degrees. It is a corded hedge trimmer that works perfectly for all kinds of hedges and shrubs.
The Earthwise CVPH43018 is an ideal choice for garden-lovers who are new to using hedge trimmers. It is designed with a shoulder support strap that makes it easy to operate comfortably, and a protective blade cover for proper storage. The shrub trimmers also come with an 18-inch cutting blade, making it easy for even a beginner to make quick and clean cuts. With the design, you can start using the hedge trimmer out of the box.
More features: 5/8-inch cutting capacity; built-in cord retention; 3 years warranty
As well as value for money, there are budget options out there. The Scotts Outdoor Power Tools HT10020S makes the list as the best budget choice. It’s a very cheap option, but still good enough for small gardens, it can do the job in many peoples’ homes and you don’t have to worry about it running out of power because it is corded.
As well as some top features, there is a 3 year warranty included with this trimmer, this protects your purchase. Considering the low price point, the warranty is pretty generous.
It has an inbuilt cord retention system, this is great for keeping the cord stored and only releasing as much as you need, this reduces the chances of you accidentally cutting through the cord.
This is also a very lightweight hedge trimmer compared to some of the others, making it easier to hold upwards and trim the top of branches.
3400 strokes per minute is very good for the price and means it is pretty effective at cutting. The blades are good quality though not as elite as some other brands.
More features: cuts branches up to 3/4 inch diameter; ideal for trimming of formal hedges and shrubs of all configurations; pre-hardened, rust resistant steel blades
If you don’t mind paying a little bit more for your hedge trimmer, the BLACK+DECKER BEHT350 could be an option. The Black and Decker brand is known all over the world for their tools, and this is an excellent trimmer with a high quality blade. The blade is a resistant steel, and they come pre-hardened.
The SPM is pretty fast and effective at 3400, and this combined with the excellent blade means it can cut with significant power. The blade is also double-sided, meaning it trims from both ends. It is also 22 inches long. This means you can cut large areas quite quickly.
This is a corded model of hedge trimmer, and in fact has been named the best corded electric hedge trimmer on the market due to the fact it is so reliable.
The BEHT350 is designed with 40-percent less vibration for a more comfortable process that doesn’t cause issues to your muscles while you are using. This is one of the best options for thick branches as it can cope with ¾ inch in diameter.
More features: 3/4-inch cutting capacity; Power Saw design; 3.8 amp motor; 3 years warranty
These blades are 22-inches in length and they are operated by a 3.8 amp motor. They can cut branches that are 1.5 inch thick. The trimmer features Power Saw innovation design, which allows you to cut branches up to 1.5 in. thick.
Built with the user in mind, the dual-action blades are designed for tough jobs while the full bale handle provides maximum maneuverability.
It’s corded, and not everyone wants a corded model of hedge trimmer.
The Craftsman brand is pretty good for offering protection to customers, and this comes with a three year warranty. You shouldn’t have to claim, especially for blade problems, as this is so well made.
More features: 5/8-inch cutting capacity; 20V rechargeable battery, 1-hour charging; adjustable handle and precision control
Most of the products on our list are corded, but we have also provided a brilliant cordless option for you to check out with the PowerSmart Hedge Trimmer. Cordless products have to include a battery and this can often make them big, bulky, and far heavier, but this isn’t the case with this model. It still weighs less than 10 lb in spite of the fact it has cordless capabilities.
It’s pretty affordable when you consider the fact that it includes a quality 20V rechargeable battery. It also just takes 1 hour to charge. Put it on in the morning and it’ll be fully charged while you are having breakfast.
It has a good design and even comes with a hand guard to stop debris from flying up and hitting your hands while you are using it. It can cut branches up to 5/8″ thick which is plenty for most people. This makes a very good cordless option, especially if you don’t want to spend a huge amount.
More features: ¾” cut capacity, hooked-tooth blade design
The DeWalt DCHT820B is an impressive electric hedge trimmer with a high output motor that can handle even thicker branches. This trimmer has the power needed to slice through branches that are up to 3/4 inch diameter, so you can tackle a larger job with confidence. However, despite this raw power, the model has an ergonomic design to minimize soreness and fatigue. While this machine is relatively lightweight, it does have a 22 inch dual sided blade that is laser cut for quick and efficient trimming.
This DeWalt trimmer is powered with a rechargeable 20v MAX lithium ion battery. This battery unit is a DeWalt battery that is compatible with other DeWalt products, so you can also use it as a spare power source for any other compatible tools you have in your garage. One of the nice things about this trimmer is that it is easy to start. All you need to do is pull the trigger, so you don’t need to worry about messing around with a complicated start up system. This makes it easy to fire up the trimmer and get started almost immediately, and if you’re tackling a big project, you can always use the battery pack from your compatible DeWalt tools as a back up power source.
More features: 1-hour quick charge, 5/8” cut capacity
The WORKPRO 20V cordless hedge trimmer is a great budget pick if you’re looking for a solid trimmer that will not break the bank. While this trimmer has quite a modest price tag, it offers value for money with some great features.
Firstly, the trimmer is lightweight. It weighs less than five poundss and the handle has been ergonomically designed. This makes it easy to work with and you should be able to move it around with the minimal effort even if you have some mobility issues.
Despite this, the WORKPRO 20v is tough and rugged. The blades are made of hardened steel and can cut branches with up to a ⅝ inch diameter. This means that you won’t need to stop trimming to find another tool if you come across thicker branches in older sections of shrubbery.
The trimmer is equipped with a 20 volt lithium battery that is interchangeable with other products in the WORKPRO 20v line. So, if you have compatible items, you can use the battery as an additional power source, if you’re dealing with a large project and don’t want to stop part way through for a recharging session.
More features: extends to over 6 feet long, is adjustable to 6 cutting positions, 150-degree rotating head; 2 years warranty
Even the best corded electric hedge trimmer can be pricey, but we wanted to include a budget option for you. The Earthwise CVPH41018 packs a lot in terms of features but it doesn’t cost the earth. It’s great for those who use a trimmer occasionally. The SPM levels aren’t specified, and aren’t as high as some of the other models, but it is still fine for most bushes and hedges.
Impressively, it extends to over 6 feet in length and even has six different cutting positions and 150 degree rotation, this is even more flexible than some of the best commercial electric hedge trimmers and home models. Flexibility is a big selling point.
Like some of the other extendable options it is a bit top heavy, so it can put a bit of strain on when used in this long setting. It may struggle in some bigger settings for large and thick trees, the blade length is a bit smaller than some options, but if you are on a budget it is hard to argue with this model.
A hedge trimmer is not an everyday purchase, you might not know exactly what to look for or what you can do with a trimmer, so how will you be able to make the correct choice? Our buying guide is designed to educate you and help you to make the right choice on the features you need. What is right for your garden? Will you be using it in a commercial setting or a home setting?
Our buying guide is designed to help you to properly understand what you are looking for, and which might be best for your yard. You can go out and spend hundreds on a top of the range model, but this may be overkill for what you actually need.
The first question to answer is whether you want a corded or a cordless electric trimmer. One is not necessarily better than the other. It depends on your circumstances. What do you actually need from your trimmer? Will you be able to use it with a power supply or do you need something that is battery powered?
A corded model, for example BLACK+DECKER HT22, has its benefits, you can use it for as long as you need to and not have to worry about running out of battery. If you are looking for a commercial hedge trimmer to use for hours at a time this might be your only option. Sadly, you are then limited to staying near a generator or power supply, and there are more electrical issues possible, it’s easy to accidentally cut through the cord.
Cordless models, such as Greenworks 22272, come with a battery, sometimes this can make them heavier and bulkier. It also means you need to charge them before you use. This can vary in the time it takes, and if you want to trim at short notice you will have to plan ahead. Cordless models do give more flexibility and means that you can take them out and about, not having to worry about the connection to a power supply. Some can last around an hour before they need to be charged again, which for an appliance such as this is pretty impressive.
With all this said, what are the features to consider when you are buying the best hedge trimmers for you? What have we looked into when making our reviews, and what features should you prioritize? We’ve explained the terms used in our reviews and written some more information to help you to differentiate below. Certain features will probably jump out at you as being more important than others, and these are the ones to prioritize when making your own choice.
Remember that the hedge trimmer that is best for one person’s situation may not suit someone else.
By “type” in our reviews, we are referring to whether it is cordless or corded. None of the models on the list have the function to be used both corded and cordless, so in order to make your choice you need to establish whether you want something that has to be connected to power or whether a battery is suitable for you. The corded vs cordless trimmer debate can be found above, and the pros and cons of both.
Blade and blade lengthThe blade lengths tend to vary from around 18 inches to 24 inches. The smaller blades are still relatively large, but if you need to cover a big are you might think about buying something with a big blade to make the job quicker. Also, you might want to think about the actual reach of the blade.
As well as the length, the quality of the blades are important. This makes a big impact on the longevity of a trimmer. The Remington RM4522TH is best for blade quality as it has a titanium coating.
SPM means strokes per minute, basically how many movements can be made by the trimmer in order to chop away at the hedge. You can think of this as the speed of the blades when being used in conjunction with the motor, so for instance Remington RM4522TH comes with the highest SPM figure of 3500.
This is a consideration, especially if you live in a residential area with lots of people. How much noise does it make? Electric hedge trimmers tend to be quieter than gasoline models, but they do still produce some noise. It may not be a big issue for you, however, if you get a very loud model, some hearing protection could be worth checking out. This is especially true if you use it for long periods.
The weight of the model may not seem like a big deal, but when you are using it for a long period of time, it can quickly start to put a strain on your body. Especially if you have an extendable model. These can be great for reach but the “top heavy” nature of the design can sometimes lead to you really feeling the strain if you are using it for a long period of time. Some of the models are under 10lb, and this doesn’t sound like much, but imagine holding it up for hours on end, it can take its toll.
WarrantyNaturally, with any electrical product or appliance you should look for a warranty. It is a good idea to find something with protection on your purchase, and this shows that the manufacturers have faith in their trimmer. The warranties are listed on the products and the Remington RM4522TH is a good example, it has a two year warranty which is pretty standard.
Obviously this is bound to play a part in your decision. The trimmers vary hugely in price on our list, and while some are close to $200, there are many more affordable options for trimmers. Some can be bought for under $50, but don’t expect elite features if you are on a budget. We’ve provided some good value choices and even the best budget pick, the Scotts Outdoor Power Tools HT10020S, that crams a lot of features into a cheap package.
Hedge trimmers can be dangerous if not used correctly. You should make sure you have plenty of safety features and have thought about keeping it safe. Blade protectors for when it is not in use are one thing you can use. Also, cord management systems are recommended. These stop you from having excess cord running around that is easy to trip on or cut through. You should use gloves and carefully follow manufacturer instructions. Some of the trimmers also have guards to stop debris from flying towards you.
Extra featuresMost hedge trimmers are basically similar in what they do, but some have extra features, usually aimed at flexibility. They may be extendable, which means reaching higher branches with ease. Some also have adjustable angles to allow you to get to difficult spots. If you have branches you need to cut in a specific way, and need to get to an awkward place, these features can be very helpful.
Luckily, electric hedge trimmer maintenance is a lot less than if you have a gasoline model. There are just a few things to do to keep it in good working order. Protect the blades. This means cleaning them after use by wiping them down with soapy water or even an alcohol solution.
When storing it, make sure you keep the blades covered if you can and don’t store it when it is wet, this can make them corrode.
Your hedge trimmer may need some sort of lubrication on the blades from time to time, you should refer to your user manual on whether this is recommended, and if it is, they will recommend a lubricant you can use.
The Greenworks 22272 has been named as our editor’s choice and given a strong rating of 9.8/10. It’s a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a decent battery life. The extendable nature also means it is fantastic for use on higher branches.
The Earthwise CVPH3018 is a reliable choice, ideal for those who are looking for top value in their electric hedge trimmer. It will also make a handy tool for those who are new to using hedge trimmers, with a cutting blade for clean cuts and a high reach.
If you are looking for a cheaper hedge trimmer you will probably be very impressed by the Scotts Outdoor Power Tools HT10020S. Our rating of 9.6 is based on the fact that it is such good value and also has an impressive three year warranty in spite of being so cheap. A great choice for use around the backyard.
Hello and thank you for the detailed guide!
I’m concerned about corded models’ safety. Can cutting through a hedge trimmer cable electrocute me?
Hello, Nigel! It can happen, but in practice it’s very unlikely – only the cable is partially damaged so that the protective ground is cut and the blade then comes into contacts with the line or hot wire such that the case of the electric hedge trimmer goes live. If the circuit is protected with a GFCI, then that should trip if there is a flow of current through the operator.
It’s more likely that the blade will cut through the entire cable and that will probably cause either the over-current or residual current/GFCI to trip. The blade will provide a relatively low resistance path for the current when the cable is cut.
Note, I’m talking about a hedge trimmer that has a protective ground, and which not a double-insulated device probably be inappropriate given the way it might be used.
As it happens that a cable is cut, do not touch it until it’s disconnected from the power.
If you don’t feel safe when dealing with the cords, maybe you should consider one of the cordless hedge trimmers. You can read more about them here: https://www.backyardstyle.com/best-cordless-hedge-trimmer/