Best Hedge Trimmers for DIYers
A hedge trimmer keeps shrubs and hedges neat far faster than hand shears. Battery models dominate for homeowners: quiet, instant-start, and powerful enough for most branches. Blade length and weight matter.
What to look for
- ·Match blade length to your hedges: 20 to 22 inches for most homes, 24+ for tall, wide hedges.
- ·Weight is the number one cause of fatigue. A lighter trimmer is easier to control and run longer.
- ·Check the cutting capacity (branch thickness). Around 3/4 inch handles most hedges; thicker needs more power.
Quick comparison
| Product | Tier | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| EGO Power+ HT2411 | Editor's pick | $180 to $250 (kit) | The best all-around trimmer |
| Husqvarna 320iHD60 | Editor's pick | $250 to $350 | Large hedges and thick growth |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hedge Trimmer | Editor's pick | $200 to $300 (tool or kit) | Pro power for M18 owners |
| WORX WG261 20V Hedge Trimmer | Best value | $80 to $120 (kit) | Best all-around value |
| Ryobi 40V Hedge Trimmer | Best value | $100 to $150 (kit) | Value reach and runtime |
| Greenworks 40V Hedge Trimmer | Best value | $80 to $130 (kit) | Value battery trimming |
| Black+Decker 20V Hedge Trimmer | Budget pick | $50 to $90 (kit) | Small hedges on a budget |
| Sun Joe Corded Hedge Trimmer | Budget pick | $30 to $60 | Corded budget trimming |
| WEN 20V Hedge Trimmer | Budget pick | $40 to $70 (kit) | Lowest-cost cordless |
Editor's pick
EGO Power+ HT2411
$180 to $250 (kit)
The benchmark battery hedge trimmer, with 56V power that pushes through 3/4-inch branches without bogging down. Quiet, capable, and includes battery and charger.
Best for: The best all-around trimmer
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Husqvarna 320iHD60
$250 to $350
A premium battery trimmer with a 24-inch blade, 1-inch cutting capacity, and fast cutting speed that makes quick work of thick branches and large hedges.
Best for: Large hedges and thick growth
Typically available at Home Depot, Husqvarna dealers.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hedge Trimmer
$200 to $300 (tool or kit)
Pro-grade power and runtime on the M18 platform, ideal if you already own Milwaukee tools. Strong, durable cutting for demanding hedges.
Best for: Pro power for M18 owners
Typically available at Home Depot, Acme Tools.
Best value
WORX WG261 20V Hedge Trimmer
$80 to $120 (kit)
A balanced pick of weight, power, and price that suits most homeowners, with a 22-inch blade. A strong value for everyday hedge maintenance.
Best for: Best all-around value
Typically available at Amazon, Lowe's.
Ryobi 40V Hedge Trimmer
$100 to $150 (kit)
A capable 40V trimmer with good reach and runtime at a value price. A dependable mid-range pick on the Ryobi battery platform.
Best for: Value reach and runtime
Typically available at Home Depot.
Greenworks 40V Hedge Trimmer
$80 to $130 (kit)
An affordable 40V trimmer for typical hedges with quiet, fume-free operation. A good value for homeowners on the Greenworks platform.
Best for: Value battery trimming
Typically available at Amazon, Lowe's.
Budget pick
Black+Decker 20V Hedge Trimmer
$50 to $90 (kit)
A light, cheap battery trimmer for small hedges and light shaping. Limited capacity, but easy to own and run for basic yards.
Best for: Small hedges on a budget
Typically available at Amazon, Walmart.
Sun Joe Corded Hedge Trimmer
$30 to $60
An inexpensive corded electric trimmer for small yards near an outlet. No batteries to charge, light, and very low cost for occasional trimming.
Best for: Corded budget trimming
Typically available at Amazon, Home Depot.
WEN 20V Hedge Trimmer
$40 to $70 (kit)
A low-cost cordless trimmer for light hedge work, with battery included. Basic and not for heavy growth, but a cheap, complete entry option.
Best for: Lowest-cost cordless
Typically available at Amazon.
Frequently asked
Battery or gas hedge trimmer?+
Battery trimmers are quiet, start instantly, and are plenty for most homeowner hedges, which is why they dominate now. Gas offers more sustained power for large estates and very thick growth, at the cost of noise and maintenance.
What blade length do I need?+
For most homes, a 20 to 22 inch blade balances reach and control. Go 24 inches or longer for tall, wide hedges to cover more per pass, but expect more weight and a harder-to-control tool.
What branch thickness can a hedge trimmer cut?+
Most homeowner trimmers handle branches up to about 3/4 inch, and stronger models up to an inch. For anything thicker, use loppers or a pruning saw, since forcing a trimmer through heavy wood dulls and stresses it.
How do I trim a hedge evenly?+
Cut slightly wider at the bottom than the top so light reaches the base, use a string line or stakes for a straight top, and sweep the blade in a slow, steady arc. Trim a little at a time rather than chasing a deep cut.
Corded, battery, or gas for a small yard?+
For a small yard, a light battery or corded electric trimmer is ideal: quiet, easy to start, and low-maintenance. Save gas for large properties where runtime and power outweigh the noise and upkeep.