Best Battery Operated Hedge Trimmer Reviews of 2023

Hedge trimmers are a great place to start when you're switching from gas or corded power to battery power. They don't use as much power as lawn mowers and chainsaws, so they can run for a long time without having to strap giant batteries to them. The best battery-operated hedge trimmer models make the conversion easy and save you the hassle of gas engines and extension cords.

STIHL HSA 130 Series Hedge Trimmer

Stihl's HSA 94 Series hedge trimmers are excellent, but the HSA 130 Series goes up a notch for commercial landscapers. They remove the battery from the tool, transfer it to your belt or back, and reduce the total weight in your hands to 9 lbs.

If you're familiar with Stihl's line of hedge trimmers, the "R" and "T" designations are already familiar. If not, the HSA 130 R is available in three speeds: 2800, 3000 and 3200 SPM. Its powerful motor combined with a 1/5-inch capacity is designed to handle applications including pruning.

The HSA 130 T targets high speed cutting and does it well. Available in 4400, 4700 and 5000 SPM cutting speeds, you'll be finishing your clients' routine trimming and shaping jobs in no time.

The Best Battery-Operated Hedge Trimmers for Homeowners

EGO 56V Power+ 26" Brushless Hedge Trimmer HT2601

The HT2601 is EGO's longest 26" hedge trimmer. Its dual-action blades deliver up to 3,400 strokes per minute to give you fast, clean cuts. Plus, it has a 1.2-inch cutting capability.

What people are talking about, however, are the carbon fiber rails on this hedge trimmer. An industry first, it's designed to make the tool lighter but still durable enough to handle the rigors of landscaping. In fact, the guide rail has a lifetime warranty, so friends who are skeptical about the strength can rest easy. As for weight, it weighs 6.9 pounds bare-bones and 9.8 pounds with the 2.5Ah battery included.

Price: $179.00 bare, $259.00 kit with 2.5Ah battery and charger

The best battery-operated pole hedge trimmers

Husqvarna HE520 Series Pole Hedge Trimmers

Looking at the professional side of Husqvarna's line of cordless hedge trimmers, there are several extension options worth considering. The only notable difference between the 520iHE3 and 520iHT4 is that the HE3 has a fixed reach of 11.5 feet, while the HT4 has a telescoping handle that extends to 14.8 feet.

Both models feature articulating heads with 22-inch knives. Putting them squarely in the realm of professional needs, they cut at 4000 SPM and feature a 1.26-inch capacity in a weatherproof (IPX4) design. Overall, these are the best hedge trimmers we've seen so far.

Price: Starting at $469.99

Best Lightweight Battery-Powered Hedge Trimmer

Makita 18V LXT Hedge Trimmer XHU07

Makita's XHU07 18V hedge trimmer is a model we use often. It runs on a single 18V battery, is lightweight, and has one of the lowest vibrations we've tested. Since Makita's 18V X2 platform uses the same battery, you won't exclude yourself from tools at 18V or 36V performance levels.

We like that you can rotate the handle for a more comfortable strike angle and that you can swap out the 24" knives for 30" knives. Alternatively, you can just buy the XHU08 and get the 30" cutter as a standard kit. Add in the reverse function for clearing jams and a super fast 4400 SPM speed with incredibly low vibration, and you'll start to see why we're so happy to recommend this model.

This one isn't cheap, however, the best hedge trimmer is the one you actually use, and we keep coming back to this one.

Price: $284.00 bare, $439.00 kit, includes two 5.0Ah batteries and a charger

Best Value Battery Operated Hedge Trimmer

Greenworks Pro 60V Brushless Hedge Trimmer HT60L211

The Greenworks was chosen by us as the best cordless hedge trimmer for homeowners after a tough competition from Ryobi and EGO. It earns the best value with a 26-inch cutter and a higher 3200 SPM top speed along with 1.2-inch cutting capacity and a rotary handle.

It also features a 180° swivel handle and improved battery placement for a nice weight balance. While it weighs just over 10 pounds with battery, the balance makes it less tiring than other models of similar weight.

Price: $169.99 bare, $219.99 kit with 2.0Ah battery and charger

Best Budget Battery Hedge Trimmer

Skil PWRCore 40 Brushless Hedge Trimmer

When Skil re-launched the PWRCore 12 and PWRCore 20 line of power tools, we quickly learned to expect surprisingly good performance for the price. The lawn care side of their business itself has a similar reputation, and Skil's PWRCore 40 Brushless Hedge Trimmer isn't far behind. With a 24-inch cutter and 3,000 strokes per minute, you can get this 8.5-pound model (yes, that includes battery weight!) for less than $200. Whether you're a homeowner on a budget or looking for a lightweight option, the Skil fits both boxes perfectly.

Price: $159.99 with 2.5Ah battery and PWRJump fast charger

More of the Best Battery Operated Hedge Trimmers from Brands We Trust

Best Craftsman Cordless Hedge Trimmer – V20 22 Inch Hedge Trimmer CMCHTS820

Now that Craftsman has moved away from the V60 series and focused on the V20 platform, your options for residential cordless hedge trimmers are even more limited, and you don't have any brushless models to choose from. However, Craftsman's brushed CMCHT820 is an excellent lightweight option. Equipped with a 22" cutter and 3/4" stroke length, it weighs less than 8 lbs on a 2.0Ah battery.

One of the differences that Craftsman has made is adding a saw blade to the end of the knife that can cut branches up to 1 1/2 inches thick. It's not as simple as a chainsaw or a reciprocating saw with a pruning blade, but you don't have to stop what you're doing and pick up another tool.

Price: $129.00 bare, $159.00 with 2.0Ah battery and charger.

Best DeWalt Battery Operated Hedge Trimmer – 20V Max 22" Hedge Trimmer DCHT820

While the DeWalt 60V Max 26-Inch Hedge Trimmer is still available at some retailers, it no longer appears on DeWalt's website, leading us to believe its top-performing cordless hedge trimmer is on its way out soon. Check out the 20V Max line of products, there are no brushless models (except 60V). However, there is still a good option.

The 22" DCHT820 is a lightweight option with a lighter 2800 SPM and 3/4" cutting capacity than some competitors. With this level of performance, this is better suited as a complementary tool for professionals and can become a staple tool for homeowners.

Price: $169.00 bare metal, $219.00 with 5.0Ah battery and charger

Best Echo Cordless Hedge Trimmer – 58V eForce 22 Inch Hedge Trimmer DHC-2300

The Echo only has one hedge trimmer on its 56V eForce platform, and like several others, it uses a brushed motor. These knives offer 22 inches of reach and 1.1 inches of solid cutting power. For speed, you're looking at a mid-range 3180 SPM. For those whose main concern is weight, the Echo keeps weight in check with a 9.2-pound operating weight (including the 2.5Ah battery). When it comes to high-voltage hedge trimmers for homeowners, it's worth adding this to your list.

Price: $179.00 bare, $249.00 kit with 2.5Ah battery

Best Greenworks Hedge Trimmer – 82V Commercial Pole Hedge Trimmer

While the 60V range is our homeowners' top choice, Greenworls has the best hedge trimmers in its commercial range. With a choice of three-pole hedge trimmers, these 82V models are well suited to meet the needs of professionals. Each model features a 4300 SPM cutting speed and 1.2-inch cutting capacity.

The short pole version (82PH30F) has a 24" fixed head and weighs only 11.9 lbs with a 2.5Ah battery. Its 30-inch shaft gives the tool an overall length of 76 inches.

If a medium length is more your needs, there is a fixed head (82PH40F) and our preferred hinged head option (82PH53A), both with 24" knives. Features a 53" shaft, an overall length of 99" and an operating weight of 13.6 lbs.

Finally, there is a telescoping model that drops the knife length down to 20 inches, but keeps the same speed and capacity as the other models. Overall length ranges from 82 to 102 inches with an operating weight of 15.5 lbs. Despite the slightly shorter blade length, if we could only choose one, this would be the model we'd pick.

Price: Starting at $329.99

Best HART Battery Operated Hedge Trimmer – 40V Brushless 26 Inch Hedge Trimmer HLHT021VNM

HART has assembled its first 40V brushless hedge trimmer into a complete kit. With a 26-inch cutter and a speed of 3000 SPM, it can tame branches up to an inch thick. It also has a 180° swivel handle. At 9.4 pounds, it's also very reasonable in that department. If you have large hedges to trim around your property, this is a great choice that balances price, performance, and design.

Price: $207.99 with 2.5Ah battery and charger

Best Milwaukee Cordless Hedge Trimmer – M18 Fuel Quik-Lok with Head Trimmer Attachment

Milwaukee has several standard-design battery hedge trimmers, but our favorite is the Articulating Hedge Trimmer Attachment for the M18 Fuel Quik-Lok System. Set the power head to high and you'll get 1 inch of cutting capacity and a cutting speed of 3500 SPM.

On their own, the power head and attachment are ideal for use as a short-stem hedge trimmer. When you need more capacity, add an extension for another three feet of reach. While the Milwaukee has traditionally been aimed at professionals who want to supplement their gas tools, this is a battery powered option that can serve as your primary hedge trimmer/multi-tool.

Price: $179.00 for attachments only, $508.00 for kit including power head, cord trimmer attachment, hedge trimmer attachment, 8.0Ah high output battery and charger

Best Ridgid Cordless Hedge Trimmer – 18V Brushless 22 Inch Hedge Trimmer R01401

Ridgid launches first OPE product in 2023. For its first hedge trimmer, you get a set of 22-inch knives with a 1-inch capacity and 2700 SPM. Where Ridgid's design excels is in the weight department. Powered by a single 18V 2.0Ah battery, it has an operating weight of just 7.7 lbs, one of the lightest models we recommend. Additionally, it has a swivel handle. Ridgid fans, rejoice!

Price: $189.00 bare, $229.00 kit with 2.0Ah battery and charger

Best Ryobi Battery Operated Hedge Trimmer – 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series 26" Hedge Trimmer RY40660VNM

With cutting power in the spotlight, Ryobi's HP Brushless RY40660VNM Hedge Trimmer just beats the competition with its massive 1.5-inch cutting capacity from most Pro brands. Available in 2-speed designs running at 2800 or 3200 SPM. However, great performance comes at a weight cost, and this model is heavier than a true lightweight model.

In terms of functionality, there's a swivel handle and Ryobi's Hedge Sweep that pushes the cut away as you cut. It's also part of the Whisper range, so you know you're getting quieter operation that won't make you reach for hearing protection.

Price: $279.00 bare metal, $329.00 with 2.0Ah battery and charger

Best Stihl Cordless Hedge Trimmer – HLA 135 Series Pole Hedge Trimmer

Stihl's HLA 135 series pole hedge trimmers are available in three options. No matter which one best suits your crew's needs, these are legitimate professional-grade trimmers with the performance and durability to work long days every day. In fact, the gearboxes, shafts and cutters are identical to those used by STIHL on the pneumatic HL 94 series. They are all brushless, feature 24" knives, and have three cutting speeds of 3200, 3600 and 4000 SPM. From there, it's all about style and weight.

The HLA 135 has a 145° articulating head. Switch to the HLA 135 K (145°) model and you get the same articulating head on the short shaft, but without the D-handle. Finally, the HLA 135 K (0°) keeps the short axis and uses a fixed head.

The downside is that Stihl doesn't offer a telescoping model, so if you want a trimmer that can switch between short and long shaft functions, this isn't it. On the plus side, these are made in the USA using global materials.

Price: From $449.00

Best Toro Battery Operated Hedge Trimmer – 60V Flex-Force 24" Hedge Trimmer

Toro's 60V hedge trimmers have been around for a few years and are a solid choice. It cuts at 3200 SPM and has a 3/4 inch cutting capacity. While this is on the low side compared to some of our recommendations, it's still more than enough for most maintenance cuts, and can take care of some moderately neglected hedging.

This model includes the swivel handle we like to see and is one of the lighter models that uses a high-voltage battery system. With a 2.5Ah battery, it weighs 9.2 lbs. If you're looking for great value, the 2.0Ah kit is the way to go.

Price: $129.99 bare, $169.99 kit with 2.0Ah battery and charger, $209.99 with 2.5Ah battery and charger

Types of Hedge Trimmers

In general, there are four main types of hedge trimmers that can run on battery power. Each of them has its place, and some homeowners may find use for more than one style. We're focusing on traditional designs in this article, but many of the brands we recommend feature some or all of these styles.

• Traditional Hedge Trimmer: Cut branches with forward/backward reciprocating knives as you sweep trimmer left and right
• Pole Hedge Trimmer: Take traditional hedge trimmer knives and place them on extension poles for greater coverage
• Articulating Pole Hedge Trimmer: Adds a swivel action that allows you to trim hedges under, over and at angles
• Grass clippers/trimmers: short traditional hedge trimmers or side-to-side trimmers that help you shape your hedge more precisely than other designs

Note that some pole hedge trimmers are stand-alone tools, while others are part of a multi-head attachment system.

Battery Hedge Trimmer Buying Guide | What We Look For

power supply and motor

If your hedge trimmer is the first piece of battery-operated lawn equipment you're going to buy, pay close attention to which battery platform you're going to buy. 18V/20V max models may be attractive for their lower weight, but you may find that string trimmers, blowers, and lawn mowers are not as sturdy as you'd like. If you don't mind using multiple battery and charger types, that's not a big deal, but we prefer the convenience of running everything on one set of batteries. Most of the time, a battery powered lawn mower is what drives the right system for you.

Makita's 18V and 18V X2 products use the same battery, and the DeWalt FlexVolt battery is backwards compatible with 20V Max tools, giving you the option to run higher wattage OPE for some tools and 18V/20V Max for others.

Hedge trimmers are one of those tools that can be very effective with brushed motors. However, we still recommend the benefits of brushless motors if it's within your budget.

weight

Depending on the height of your hedge, you may spend a lot of time using the hedge trimmer at chest height or higher, with your weight largely straining your arms. Choose the lightest hedge trimmer that will tame your hedges and make the job more bearable.

vibration control

After weight, vibration is another area to consider as you look to combat fatigue and increase comfort. The lower the vibration, the better. If you can find a cordless hedge trimmer that is lightweight and has low vibration, don't hesitate to buy it.

knife length

The longer your hedge trimmer's knives (aka blades), the faster you can trim your hedge. A longer knife will also help you avoid bending over the bottom of the hedge where it reaches the ground. 24 inches is a good baseline. Some models are available in 26 inches, and Makita even has an option that lets you get a 30-inch cut length.

cutting capacity

Most of the time, a hedge trimmer with a 3/4-inch cutting capacity will suffice. You can find sturdier models that can cut 1 inch, and some Pro models can do even better if you need more.

price and value

For many of us, price is the number one consideration, and we'll immediately dismiss any proposal that's outside our budget. When you're looking for good value for your money, consider the hedge trimmer's performance and design, other compatible tools you might want to add later, and the warranty. If you already have battery-operated lawn care tools, consider adding a hedge trimmer you already have in your system and saving some money by buying bare-bones.

Features That Can Make Using Your Hedge Trimmer Easier

• double action knife
• swivel head
• reverse/anti-jamming
• tip guard
• garbage sweeper
• Hybrid AC or battery power

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