Best Hedge Trimmers & Buying Guide

Our Top Picks

We spent hours looking for the best hedge trimmers currently available online. Here’s a quick look at the best ones we’ve found.

If you’d like a more detailed review on each one of these products, feel free to head down to our product review section where we go over the features and specifications of these hedge trimmers along with what we think about them. If you’d like to learn more about hedge trimmers, we also included a buying guide that has information about hedge trimmers that you might find useful or insightful. 

Enjoy!

Best Corded Hedge Trimmer	Best Cordless Hedge Trimmer	Best Compact Hedge Trimmer	Best Gas Powered Hedge Trimmer
BLACK+DECKER BEHT350FF	EGO Power+ HT2411	Sun Joe HJ604C-SJB	Poulan Pro PR2322

Table Of Contents

Introduction: What Are Hedge Trimmers?

A hedge, also referred to as a live fence, is a line of shrubs or bushes that are intentionally planted in a line to form a natural barrier. Growing a hedge around your house is a great way to make your property look more pleasing to the eye, healthier, and to naturally build a fence separating the adjacent properties. 

Homeowners usually trim their hedges to take up specific shapes and sizes such as boxes or even spheres. On top of making the hedge look nice, trimming a hedge keeps it from growing out of control, it also keeps the leaves fresh, lush and constantly growing. Trimming a hedge takes time and a lot of practice but there is one tool that can make it a lot easier. Introducing our topic for today, the hedge trimmer.

Hedge trimmers are power tools used to maintain, you guessed it, hedges and other forms of shrubbery or even trees around a property. Hedge trimmers feature a long blade that has several sharp teeth that cut in a scissor like motion. Hedge trimmers vary widely in length, features, power and price tags, making it confusing for newcomers to find the right one. Don’t worry though, because we’ll be going over our most recommended hedge trimmers along with everything you need to know about them down below.

Best Hedge Trimmers Reviewed

Best Corded Hedge Trimmer:
BLACK+DECKER BEHT350FF

Key Specs:

• Blade Length: 22 inches
• Cutting Capacity: ¾ inches
• Motor: 4.0 Amps
• Weight: 6.5 lbs

Key Features:

• Dual action blade
• Steel cutting teeth
• Wrap around front handle 
• Blade guard safety feature
• Cord retention featureLow noise 
• Low vibration
• 2 year warranty

Overview

This corded hedge trimmer from Black + Decker offers users great cutting power and reach while remaining lightweight and easy to control.

The Black + Decker BEHT350FF hedge trimmer is powered by a 4.0 Amp motor and has a 22 inch, dual action blade. Despite the powerful motor, the Black + Decker EHT350FF has relatively low noise levels and little vibrations. The blade on this hedge trimmer has 21 pairs of hardened steel teeth that provide a smooth and efficient cutting experience. This hedge
trimmer also comes with a full wrap around front handle that gives users more control over the tool and lessens fatigue during long sessions.

Overall, this hedge trimmer from Black + Decker is a great choice for homeowners or landscapers looking for a reliable, powerful, user and environmentally friendly tool for maintaining hedges, shrubs and trees. Check out the Black + Decker BEHT350FF here.

Best Cordless Hedge Trimmer:
EGO Power+ HT2411 

Key Specs:

• Blade Length: 24 inches
• Cutting Capacity: 1 inch
• Cutting Speed: 3,000 SPM 
• Battery: 56V, 2.5 Ah Li-Ion Battery
• Weight: 11.9 lbs

Key Features:

• Brushless motor
• Electric brake feature
• Lock off safety feature
• Dual action blade
• Steel cutting teeth
• User friendly
• Weather resistant
• Battery and charger included
• 5 year tool warranty, 3 year battery warranty

Overview:

This hedge trimmer from EGO Power gives users superior run time, cutting power and efficiency to make maintaining hedges and shrubs a breeze. The EGO Power+ HT2411 cordless hedge trimmer is powered by EGO’s powerful 56V,
2.5Ah Lithium Ion battery series which gives it a cutting speed of 3,000 spm (strokes per minute). The HT2411 features a brushless motor for smooth operation and a 24 inch long cutting blade with 18 pairs of hardened steel cutting teeth to maximize cutting efficiency.  The blade also has a 1 inch cutting capacity and is fully serviceable in case users want to sharpen the teeth themselves. 

The EGO Power+ HT2411 is a safe and easy tool to use that even beginners can pick up and learn with a little practice. It features a clever trigger lock off mechanism that requires users to squeeze both triggers on the front and rear handle simultaneously in order for the tool to start up. This prevents accidental start ups and potential injury while cleaning the blade. The HT2411  also has an electric brake feature that stops the blades as soon as the triggers are released and a standard blade guard to stop flying debris from hitting the user. Even the tool and battery are protected and come with their own warranties separately. 

Check out the EGO Power+ HT2411 cordless hedge trimmer here.

Best Compact Hedge Trimmer:
Sun Joe HJ604C-SJB 2 in 1 Trimmer

Key Specs:

• Blade Length: 6 inch hedge trimmer, 4 inch grass shear
• Cutting Capacity: .3 inches
• Cutting Speed: 1,250 SPM 
• Battery: 7.2V, 1.5 Ah Li-Ion Battery
• Weight: 2.5 lbs

Key Features:

• Interchangeable blades
• Charger included
• Ergonomic handle
• Different colors available
• Quick start feature
• Lock off button safety feature
• 2 year warranty

Overview:

This compact 2 in 1 hedge trimmer from Sun Joe offers users a tool meant for precise touch ups on hedges to get the perfect shape and look. 

The Sun Joe HJ604C-SJB is an ergonomic, compact hedge trimmer just slightly bigger than your typical electric shaver. It is powered by a 7.2V, 1.5 Ah rechargeable motor and has a decent cutting speed of 1,250 SPM. The motor also has an instant start feature and is designed to be maintenance free for added convenience.

The main attraction of the Sun Joe HJ604C-SJB is its interchangeable blade function. Not only do users get access to a 4 inch grass shear blade but also a 6 inch hedge trimmer blade as well. These blades are perfect for cutting small excess branches, leaves and blades of grass to get the right detail and look that you want. These blades are also great at trimming in areas that are out of reach of larger tools such as leaves behind the plant or that are too close to the main stem to cut with regular hedge trimmers.

Check out the Sun Joe HJ604C-SJB here.

Best Gas Powered Hedge Trimmer:
Poulan Pro PR2322

Key Specs:

• Blade Length: 22 inches
• Cutting Capacity: 1 inch
• Engine: 23cc, 2 cycle engine
• Gas Type: Unleaded
• Fuel Ratio: 50:1
• Weight: 11.1 lbs

Key Features:

• Rotating rear handle
• Lightweight design
• Decently sized gas tank
• Anti vibration technology
• Dual action serrated blades
• Comfortable front grip
• Quick start motor
• 2 year warranty

Overview:

This gas powered hedge trimmer from Poulan gives users heavy duty cutting action that’ll make short work of any branch, leaf or twig that gets caught in between its teeth.

The Poulan Pro PR2322 hedge trimmer is powered by a very capable 23cc, 2 cycle engine. Combined with its 22 inch long dual action blade made with durable stainless steel, the PR2322 shreds through branches like its paper. The motor also has a quick start feature, making it a breeze to start even when cold. 

The Poulan Pro PR2322 is designed to be a powerful tool but it is not uncontrollable. The PR2322 has the unique feature to rotate its rear handle. This lets users comfortably use the PR2322 no matter the angle needed to cut at. It features vibration dampening technology in the front handle and near the engine meant to lessen fatigue during those long trimming sessions. This hedge trimmer is also surprisingly lightweight at just 11lbs, further adding to how controllable it is. 

Check out the Poulan Pro PR2322 gas powered hedge trimmer here.

Honorable Mentions

Here are a couple of hedge trimmers that didn’t quite make our list but we felt deserved a shout out.

CRAFTSMAN CMEHTS822	Key Specs and Features: • Blade Length: 22 inches • Cutting Capacity: ¾ inches • Motor: 4.0 Amps • Weight: 3.04 lbs • Low vibration and noise • Cord retention feature • Ergonomic handle • 3 year warranty
Toro 51490	Key Specs and Features: • Blade Length: 22 inches • Cutting Capacity: 9/16 inches • Motor: 4.0 Amps • Weight: 6.3 lbs • Dual action cutting blades • Cord lock mechanism • Vibration dampening technology • 2 year warranty
DEWALT DCHT820P1	Key Specs and Features: • Blade Length: 22 inches • Cutting Capacity: ¾ inch • Cutting Speed: 2,800 SPM  • Battery: 20V, 5.0 Ah Li-Ion Battery • Weight: 11.5 lbs • Unique laser cut, hooked blades • Hardened steel construction • Dual action cutting  • Charger included  • 3 year warranty

Buying Guide for Hedge Trimmers

Important Factors:

Types of Hedge Trimmers

Electric Hedge Trimmers

Electrical trimmers are getting more popular with homeowners and landscapers alike because of their low maintenance, low noise levels, user friendly features, environmentally friendly and lightweight design. There are two main types of electric hedge trimmers. These are the corded and cordless trimmers. Let’s discuss the two.

Corded hedge trimmers run on electricity supplied directly from a power outlet or a generator. Because of this reliance on a direct source of energy, these hedge trimmers are built with powerful motors that can outclass most battery powered hedge trimmers and even rival some gas powered hedge trimmers. This also lets them run for as long as you need them to, making them great for long trimming sessions on nearby hedges and shrubs. This advantage they have is also their disadvantage because unless you get an extension cord that you can pair with corded hedge trimmers, your range will be severely limited. 

Cordless hedge trimmers solve the mobility problem with the help of batteries. Cordless hedge trimmers let users bring these tools with them anywhere they’re needed. Making them great for landscapers who are constantly moving from property to property and even homeowners that happen to have hedges around their property that need maintenance every now and then. The glaring weakness of cordless hedge trimmers is that users will need to recharge those batteries eventually leading to more down time. This can turn into a unique advantage though because some brands such as EGO have entire lines of power tools that all share the same batteries. This incentivises customers to invest in their brand and buy their cordless power tools, giving users the luxury of simply swapping around batteries between power tools whenever they need a tool to run for longer. However, battery powered tools such as hedge trimmers tend to be more expensive so be sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully. 

Gas Powered Hedge Trimmers

Gas powered hedge trimmers are one of the most powerful models available. Gas engines are less efficient than electric motors but the trade off is that they are much more powerful and durable. Gas powered hedge trimmers can run for as long as you have gas in them and are very effective and thorough at cutting through branches. The main disadvantages of gas powered hedge trimmers is that they tend to be heavier than most electric alternatives, less environmentally friendly and are much louder as well. This makes them undesirable for suburban use especially when kids might be nearby. 

Pole Hedge Trimmers

Pole hedge trimmers are a unique variant designed to reach tall hedges that would be too much of a hassle to climb with a ladder. These hedge trimmers usually have telescopic poles to adjust the height and adjustable cutting heads as well to give users the ability to shape the top of the hedge with little difficulty. These hedge trimmers come in both gas and electric variants.

Compact Hedge Trimmers

Compact hedge trimmers are much smaller than other alternatives and are meant to be used for cutting small hedges or shrubbery around the garden. These are also commonly used as a finishing tool after a normal sized trimmer has shaped a hedge. Compact hedge trimmers are also used to reach small leaves or branches that are out of reach or in a tight spot such as behind the plant.

Blade Length

The overall blade length of a hedge trimmer is an important factor to consider. Depending on the length of the blade, it could
affect how many cutting teeth there are, the cutting capacity, reach and the weight of the tool. Hedge trimmer blades on average range in length from 15 to 30 inches with there being some exceptions such as compact hedge trimmers. What size you need depends on how big the hedges you need to trim are. Our recommendation is to buy at least a 20 inch hedge trimmer because it isn’t overkill for smaller hedges or shrubs and it can still reach medium to large hedges with relative ease.

Cutting Capacity

The cutting capacity of a hedge trimmer refers to how much space is in between each pair of cutting teeth and will determine how large of a branch can effectively be cut. Most hedge trimmers have a cutting capacity ranging from ¾ inches to 1 inch although this depends on the manufacturer of the hedge trimmer. 

Key Features

Auxiliary Handle

The auxiliary handle or front handle of a hedge trimmer helps the user control the trimmer during operation. These can be designed to wrap around the machine, allowing users to hold the trimmer comfortably at awkward angles such as for vertical cutting. Some manufacturers also include a trigger safety mechanism. This can take the form of a secondary trigger that users have to squeeze simultaneously with the main trigger in order for the trimmer to start up.

Dual Action Blade

A dual action blade refers to the cutting motion that the hedge trimmer blade makes when powered on. First, let’s discuss how the blade of a hedge trimmer works.  

Think of a hedge trimmers blade like a scissor. There are two blades that overlap each other and on a dual action trimmer, both of these blades alternate between reciprocating back and forth. It’s this double cutting motion that makes dual action blades cut faster. So, does that mean that there are single action blades?

Yes, absolutely. Single action blades use the same concept of two overlapping blades but only one blade is reciprocating back and forth while the other one is stationary. 

Rotating Handle

A unique feature that some brands use on their hedge trimmers is a rotating rear handle. This feature gives users the ability to hold the trimmer safely and effectively at angles that would be difficult with a normal trimmer. One such example of this feature being useful is when making vertical cuts on a hedge or shrub. This feature would let users do vertical trimming more accurately and efficiently.

Vibration Reduction

Although it may not seem like it, vibrations can be harmful to users when exposed to it for too long. Excessive vibrations can cause your hands to fatigue faster and can even cause carpal tunnel syndrome in the long run. That’s why many manufacturers of hedge trimmers try their best to reduce vibrations when designing a hedge trimmer. Some features thought of by manufacturers include vibration absorbing pads on the handles, making the tool light weight to lessen the impact of the vibrations and vibration absorbing coils located near the engine or motor. It’s important to look for some of these safety features before buying your own hedge trimmer because safety should always be your first priority when dealing with power tools such as these.

Conclusion

And there we have it! The best hedge trimmers available online and the basics of what makes these power tools unique. We hope that this article taught you a thing or two about hedge trimmers and that you leave here with a better understanding on which is the best hedge trimmer for you. Thank you dear reader and happy trimming!