There has been a massive improvement in the quality of cordless hedge trimmers. Many compare favourably with petrol or corded hedge trimmers regarding performance, with the added advantage of no cords to get in the way or cut through and no engine to service.
There is a wide variety of cordless hedge trimmers available in the UK market, and choosing one can be difficult. We look at the best cordless hedge trimmers to guide you in selecting the hedge trimmer most suited to your requirements.
Our Top Picks
Best Cordless Hedge Trimmers
Here are what we consider to be the eight best cordless hedge trimmers:
- Our Top Picks
Best Cordless Hedge Trimmers
Here are what we consider to be the eight best cordless hedge trimmers:Makita DUH 523Z Cordless LXT Lithium-Ion Hedge Trimmer
Karcher HE 18-50 18V Cordless Hedge Trimmer with Battery Set
Terratek 20V Electric Cordless Hedge Trimmer
De Walt DCM563 PI – GB 18V XR Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Flymo Simple Cut Li Cordless Battery Hedge Trimmer
Worx WG 801 E 20V ZEN Cordless Shrub/Grass Shear
Bosch Easy HedgeCut 18-45 Cordless
Ryobi One+ 18V OPT 1845 Cordless Long Reach Pole Hedge TrimmerMakita DUH607Z 18V LXT 60cm Cordless Hedge Trimmer
- Ryobi RY18HT55A-120 18V ONE+ 55cm Cordless Hedge Trimmer Kit
- Key Features
Power Source: Battery
Power Rating: 18V 2.5Ah Li-ion
Cutting time per Charge: 60minutes
Time required to recharge the battery: 45 minutes
Cutting Blade Length: 50cm
Blade Gap: 22mm
Weight: 2.9kgIf you are looking for a cordless hedge trimmer capable of tackling bigger and tougher hedges, then the Karcher HE 18-50 is the unit we recommend for all heavy-duty trimming tasks.
The Karcher HGE18-50 includes a 2.5Ah battery and a rapid charger; the battery should last 60 minutes before recharging. Recharging the battery takes 45 minutes.
A diamond-grade blade has a length of 50cm and a maximum cutting width of 22mm and has an integrated saw function that enables you to tackle thicker hedge branches. In addition, a clipping sweeper ensures that clippings land on the ground and don't stay in the hedge, making disposal of clippings easier.
This unit weighs 2.9 kg and has a rotating handle that rotates 180 degrees and allows you to keep on adjusting the position to the most comfortable position as you trim each side of the hedge.
Pros:Battery and charger included in the kit
Clipping sweeper assists in cleaning
Integrated saw function
Rotating handleCons:
A few reviewers noted that when cutting thicker branches, the cutter sometimes stopped.
Terratek 20V Electric Cordless Hedge Trimmer
- Key Features
Power Source: Battery
Power Rating: 20V 1.5Ah
Cutting time per Charge: 45minutes
Time required to recharge the battery: 60 minutes
Cutting Blade Length: 45cm
Blade Gap: 15mm
Weight: 2.5kgThis Terratek cordless hedge trimmer comes complete with a 1.5Ah battery and a charger at a price that, for some models, you would only get the hedge trimmer without the battery or charger. The battery and charger can also be used with other Terratek tools.
This hedge trimmer comes with a 51 cm blade with a cutting width of 15mm that runs at 1100rpm on a 20V battery that delivers enough power to cut through medium-sized hedges without you having to exert any extra effort to trim the hedge.
The Terratek 20V hedge trimmers are lightweight at just 2.5 kg and have a soft grip handle. Safety features include a hand guard to prevent your hands from getting near the blade. If you let go of the trigger by accidentally dropping it, the motor will stop immediately
Pros:Lightweight. Easy to use
Fast charging battery
Great value for money
Charger and battery are includedCons:
Not as durable as some of the more expensive brands
DeWalt DCM563P1 18V XR 55cm Cordless Hedge Trimmer Kit
- Key Features
Power Source: Battery
Power Rating: 18V 5Ah
Cutting time per Charge: 75minutes
Time required to recharge the battery: 60 minutes
Cutting Blade Length: 55cm
Blade Gap: 19mm
Weight: 2.0kgThe deWALT DCM563 is a cordless hedge trimmer built to the same robust standards for which the DeWalt power tools are renowned. A 5.0 Ah battery and charger are not included and must be purchased separately.
A Xenoy TM housing ensures excellent durability and impact resistance. In addition, the DCM563 is equipped with 55cm dual-action laser-cut blades with a 19mm cutting gap constructed from hardened steel for longer life and sharpness.
This DCM563 has a wrap-around auxiliary handle for a comfortable grip in multiple positions. The unit weighs only 2kg without the battery, and the compact, lightweight design ensures far less user fatigue while trimming.
A 5.0Ah battery will provide up to 75 minutes of cutting per charge.
Pros:Robust and durable
Compact, lightweight design
Battery will give 75 minutes of cutting timeCons:
Battery and charger must be purchased separately
Flymo Simply Cut LI Battery Cordless Hedge Trimmer
- Bosch Isio Cordless Grass and Shrub Shear Set
- Bosch EasyHedgeCut 18-45 Cordless Hedge Cutter
- Ryobi One+ 18V OPT 1845 Cordless Long Reach Pole Hedge Trimmer
Makita DUH607Z 18V LXT 60cm Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Key Features:
- Power source: Makita 18V LXT battery, sold separately
- Blade length: 60cm
- Blade: Top bevel teeth sharpened on 2 edges, aluminium guide bar
- Features: Double anti-vibration, electric brake, LED indicator
For Makita battery owners, this is the cordless hedge trimmer to buy. The Makita DUH607Z is the current 60cm version of Makita’s 18V LXT cordless hedge trimmer. The Makita DUH607Z has an aluminium guide bar, a user-replaceable blade and a double anti-vibration structure that keeps long sessions comfortable. An electric brake stops the blade quickly when you let go. This is the bare tool, so it makes most sense if you already own Makita LXT batteries.
Pros:
- Long 60cm blade
- Low vibration
- Electric brake
- Rated 4.7 out of 5 on Amazon
Cons:
- Battery and charger cost extra
Ryobi RY18HT55A-120 18V ONE+ 55cm Cordless Hedge Trimmer Kit
Key Features:
- Power source: Ryobi 18V ONE+, 2.0Ah battery and charger included
- Blade length: 55cm, diamond ground
- Blade gap: 24mm
- Handle: LINEA in-line handle
For a complete kit at a fair price, the Ryobi is hard to beat. The Ryobi RY18HT55A-120 is a complete cordless hedge trimmer kit with a battery and charger in the box. The 55cm diamond-ground blade has a 24mm gap, so it handles thicker branches than most 18V trimmers. Ryobi’s LINEA in-line handle keeps the weight balanced. The battery also fits more than 100 other Ryobi ONE+ tools.
Pros:
- Battery and charger included
- Wide 24mm blade gap
- Part of the Ryobi ONE+ range
Cons:
- 2.0Ah battery limits runtime on big hedges
Key Features
- Power Source: Battery
- Power Rating: 18V 2.5Ah Li-ion
- Cutting time per Charge: 60minutes
- Time required to recharge the battery: 45 minutes
- Cutting Blade Length: 50cm
- Blade Gap: 22mm
- Weight: 2.9kg
If you are looking for a cordless hedge trimmer capable of tackling bigger and tougher hedges, then the Karcher HE 18-50 is the unit we recommend for all heavy-duty trimming tasks.
The Karcher HGE18-50 includes a 2.5Ah battery and a rapid charger; the battery should last 60 minutes before recharging. Recharging the battery takes 45 minutes.
A diamond-grade blade has a length of 50cm and a maximum cutting width of 22mm and has an integrated saw function that enables you to tackle thicker hedge branches. In addition, a clipping sweeper ensures that clippings land on the ground and don’t stay in the hedge, making disposal of clippings easier.
This unit weighs 2.9 kg and has a rotating handle that rotates 180 degrees and allows you to keep on adjusting the position to the most comfortable position as you trim each side of the hedge.
Pros:
- Battery and charger included in the kit
- Clipping sweeper assists in cleaning
- Integrated saw function
- Rotating handle
Cons:
- A few reviewers noted that when cutting thicker branches, the cutter sometimes stopped.
Terratek 20V Electric Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Key Features
- Power Source: Battery
- Power Rating: 20V 1.5Ah
- Cutting time per Charge: 45minutes
- Time required to recharge the battery: 60 minutes
- Cutting Blade Length: 45cm
- Blade Gap: 15mm
- Weight: 2.5kg
This Terratek cordless hedge trimmer comes complete with a 1.5Ah battery and a charger at a price that, for some models, you would only get the hedge trimmer without the battery or charger. The battery and charger can also be used with other Terratek tools.
This hedge trimmer comes with a 51 cm blade with a cutting width of 15mm that runs at 1100rpm on a 20V battery that delivers enough power to cut through medium-sized hedges without you having to exert any extra effort to trim the hedge.
The Terratek 20V hedge trimmers are lightweight at just 2.5 kg and have a soft grip handle. Safety features include a hand guard to prevent your hands from getting near the blade. If you let go of the trigger by accidentally dropping it, the motor will stop immediately
Pros:
- Lightweight. Easy to use
- Fast charging battery
- Great value for money
- Charger and battery are included
Cons:
- Not as durable as some of the more expensive brands
DeWalt DCM563P1 18V XR 55cm Cordless Hedge Trimmer Kit
Key Features:
- Power source: DeWalt 18V XR, 5Ah battery and charger included
- Blade length: 55cm, dual action, laser cut
- Blade gap: 19mm
- Runtime: up to 75 minutes per charge
For the longest runtime, the DeWalt kit is the one to choose. The DeWalt DCM563P1 is a trade-quality 18V hedge trimmer sold as a kit with a large 5Ah battery. DeWalt quotes up to 75 minutes of trimming per charge, enough for most gardens in one go. The 55cm laser-cut blades are dual action, and the wrap-around front handle gives a secure grip at any angle. It is rated 4.7 out of 5 from over 600 Amazon ratings.
Pros:
- Up to 75 minutes per charge
- Big 5Ah battery included
- Tough polycarbonate housing
Cons:
- Expensive
Key Features
- Power Source: Battery
- Power Rating: 18V 5Ah
- Cutting time per Charge: 75minutes
- Time required to recharge the battery: 60 minutes
- Cutting Blade Length: 55cm
- Blade Gap: 19mm
- Weight: 2.0kg
The deWALT DCM563 is a cordless hedge trimmer built to the same robust standards for which the DeWalt power tools are renowned. A 5.0 Ah battery and charger are not included and must be purchased separately.
A Xenoy TM housing ensures excellent durability and impact resistance. In addition, the DCM563 is equipped with 55cm dual-action laser-cut blades with a 19mm cutting gap constructed from hardened steel for longer life and sharpness.
This DCM563 has a wrap-around auxiliary handle for a comfortable grip in multiple positions. The unit weighs only 2kg without the battery, and the compact, lightweight design ensures far less user fatigue while trimming.
A 5.0Ah battery will provide up to 75 minutes of cutting per charge.
Pros:
- Robust and durable
- Compact, lightweight design
- Battery will give 75 minutes of cutting time
Cons:
- Battery and charger must be purchased separately
Flymo Simply Cut LI Battery Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Key Features
- Power Source: Battery
- Power Rating: 14.4V Li-ion
- Cutting time per Charge: 60minutes
- Time required to recharge the battery: 210 minutes
- Cutting Blade Length: 40cm
- Blade Gap: 16mm
- Weight: 2.1kg
If you want a light, easy-to-use, cost-effective cordless hedge trimmer, the Flymo Simply Cut, with a blade length of 40cm and a blade gap of 16mm, is perfect for small gardens and light to medium-dense hedges.
The built-in 14.4V battery will take three and a half hours to charge. The battery will last up to an hour of trimming and has an LED indicator to monitor the charging status. The Simply Cut has a centralised handle design for comfortable use with either hand.
Pros:
- Ultra lightweight
- Battery and charger included
- Integrated battery with LED indicator
- Cost-effective and good value for money
Cons:
- Is only suitable for smaller gardens
- Blade has difficulty cutting through branches thicker than 10mm
Bosch Isio Cordless Grass and Shrub Shear Set
Key Features:
- Power source: 3.6V lithium-ion, built in
- Blades: 8cm grass blade and 12cm shrub blade, both included
- Features: Anti-blocking system, Multi-Click attachments
For edging and small shrubs, a cordless shear is easier than a full hedge trimmer. The Bosch Isio is a small cordless shear for edging lawns and shaping low shrubs and topiary. The Bosch Isio set includes both an 8cm grass blade and a 12cm shrub blade, which swap over with Bosch’s Multi-Click system. Bosch’s anti-blocking system stops the blades jamming on tougher stems. It is not a hedge trimmer for big hedges, but it is ideal for detail work.
Pros:
- Great for edging and topiary
- Two blades included
- Light and one-handed
Cons:
- Not for full-size hedges
Bosch EasyHedgeCut 18-45 Cordless Hedge Cutter
Key Features
- Power Source: Battery
- Power Rating: 18V 2.5Ah Lithium-ion
- Cutting time per Charge: 50 minutes
- Time required to recharge the battery: 60 minutes
- Cutting Blade Length: 45cm
- Blade Gap: 15mm
- Weight: 2.3kg
The Bosch EASYHedgCut 18-45 is the ideal cordless hedge cutter for maintaining and trimming small and medium-sized hedges. With a weight of only 2.3kg, this well-balanced and ergonomic design allows for optimal comfort and control, thus minimising strain on the upper body.
This Bosch hedge cutter has an 18V battery that will supply 50 minutes of cutting time per charge, and combined with the Bosch anti-blocking system, will ensure optimal performance and clean, neat cuts without the frustrating problems such as knife jamming
The diamond ground blades are 45cm long with a blade gap of 15mm and are perfect for small to medium hedges, although they would not be suitable for heavy trimming work.
This device is part of the Power For All Alliance. A single battery can power a variety of devices from different brands.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Ergonomic design for optimum comfort
- Bosch anti-blocking system
Cons:
- Not suitable for lengthy or more challenging hedges
Ryobi One+ 18V OPT 1845 Cordless Long Reach Pole Hedge Trimmer
Key Features
- Power Source: Battery
- Power Rating: 18V 5Ah
- Cutting time per Charge: 60 minutes
- Time required to recharge the battery: 60 minutes
- Cutting Blade Length: 45cm
- Blade Gap: 18mm
- Weight: 4.2Kg
If you have tall hedges where you may have to use a ladder to trim the upper reaches of the hedge, then the Ryobi One+ OPT 1845 Cordless Long Reach Pole Hedge Trimmer will be a good option.
It comes with an extendable shaft providing a reach of 2.9m allowing you to cut the top of hedges efficiently and safely without needing a ladder.
This Ryobi model is a bare tool, so the battery and charger must be purchased separately unless you already have a One+ battery from a compatible device. The One+ batteries now come with charge level indicators, and a Fast Charger will charge a battery in one hour.
The 45cm long diamond ground blade allows for precise cutting, and the 18mm tooth spacing makes it easier to cut thick branches.
The trimmer’s articulating head rotates up to 135 degrees and can be used in four different positions allowing for effective cutting on both the sides and the top of hedges.
Sturdy shoulder straps are included to help support the unit’s 4.2kg weight to help reduce fatigue when using this tool.
A hedge sweep is supplied to help remove the clippings from the top of the hedges during trimming.
Pros:
- Detachable shaft can reach 2.9 m
- Equipped with a 135-degree articulating head
- Hedge Sweep
Cons:
- Added expense if you have to purchase a battery and charger
- Weight of the hedge trimmer
How to Buy the Best Cordless Hedge Trimmer
The first thing to consider before buying your cordless hedge trimmer is the size, height, and density of the hedges you intend to trim.
Standard or Long-reach Hedge Trimmers
If you have a hedge under 6ft, a standard-sized hedge trimmer should be fine, but if you have taller hedges over 6ft or even if they are more challenging to reach, then it may be advisable to look at a long-reach hedge trimmer.
A long-reach trimer will give you that extra reach without needing a ladder. Remember that the long-reach tends to be heavier but not as heavy as petrol models.
Blade Length
The blade length is measured from its tip to where it joins the casing of the trimmer. This length can vary from 35cm for topiary clippers up to 65cm. The most common measurements are 45cm and 60 cm.
The longer the blade, the easier it is to trim, and the time to cut a lengthy hedge will be reduced; plus, you will have more reach when dealing with taller shrubs and hedges. On the other hand, a longer blade will be heavier and more challenging to handle.
Blade Gap
The blade gap will determine the thickness of a twig or branch the hedge trimmer can cut through. Usually, longer blades will have more prominent teeth and a wider Blade gap, but you will find variations in different models with the same blade length.
The motor’s power is an essential factor to consider, as a more powerful engine will make it easier to cut through more challenging material.
The manufacturer will generally indicate the size of the branches the hedge trimmer will be able to cope with, although it is also necessary to consider the type of hedge you plan to trim.
A cordless hedge trimmer is designed to trim and not saw through thicker branches. The blades will get jammed and damaged if used to cut thicker branches or stems.
Battery Life and Power
A cordless hedge trimmer will only be as good as the battery used to power it. Cordless hedge trimmers use 12V, 18V, or 20V rechargeable Lithium-Ion batteries. 18V and 20V batteries provide the most power and are the most popular choice.
The length of time the battery can operate before it needs to be recharged is of primary importance. Ampere Hours (Ah) measure the battery’s capacity, which will determine for the user how long the battery will last before recharging.
Batteries are available from 1Ah to 6Ah. The higher the Ah, the longer your battery will operate before recharging is necessary. So, for example, a 5Ah battery will last much longer than a 1.5Ah battery.
The higher the Ah, the more expensive the battery. Unless you have a small hedge that can be trimmed quickly, we recommend buying the battery with the highest Ah-rated battery you can afford.
Battery Charger
Some models come with a fast charger. If available, go for the fast charger, which will recharge a battery in 60 minutes, whereas some standard chargers can take up to three hours to recharge.
Weight
Although it is preferable to have a lightweight hedge cutter, it is imperative not to substitute weight for quality. The more robust models are manufactured from quality, durable parts and tend to be slightly heavier.
FAQ’s
Which is better, a cordless or corded hedge trimmer?
There are positive and negative aspects to both types of hedge trimmers. Which style is best for you will depend on which one suits your requirements the best.
Corded
Advantages
- Affordable
- Powerful
- Easy to Maintain
Disadvantages
- A power point is required
- Will need a long Cord plus an extension
- There is always the risk of cutting the cable
- Movement is more restricted than with a Cordless unit
Cordless
Advantages
- No power point needed
- Cables and Extensions not required
- It is safer, as there is no danger of cutting electrical cable
- They are easy to use and manoeuvre
- Are more portable and can be used anywhere
Disadvantages
- More expensive than the corded option
- Most batteries will only give last for an hour before needing to be recharged
Who makes the best cordless hedge trimmer?
There are many manufacturers and designers of power tools with a reputation for producing robust, efficient, well-designed quality tools.
Brands such as DeWalt, Makita, Bosch, Karcher, Ryobi, and Flymo all produce and market cordless hedge trimmers of excellent quality with various options to suit the market’s requirements. What the best is, is a personal preference of the buyer.
How thick a branch will a cordless hedge trimmer cut?
The thickness of a branch that a cordless hedge trimmer can cut depends on the size and space between the teeth (blade gap).
The manufacturer will generally indicate the blade gap. For example, a blade gap of 15mm should easily cut through branches up to 15mm in diameter, dependent on the power of the motor and the type of hedge you are trimming.
How much charge do you get with a cordless hedge trimmer?
Ampere hours (Ah) is the measurement used to indicate to the buyer how long a battery will last before recharging. Batteries can range from 1.5Ah to 6Ah.
The higher the Ah, the longer the battery will remain charged. For example, an 18V or 20V 5Ah battery should last for 60 minutes before recharging is required.
What Kind of Voltage Do I Need for a Good Hedge Trimmer? Most cordless hedge trimmers are available in either 12V, 18V, or 20V. Having a more powerful motor assists the hedge cutter in trimming the thickness of branches the hedge cutter is designed to cut. 18V, or 20V are recommended.
Conclusion
While the Makita DUH 523Z Cordless LXT is our favourite, we have only reviewed the very best cordless hedge trimmers. They will all do the job, Ensure to buy the right shears for your hedge size as well as the branch size.
If you have any comments or questions. Please drop us a message and we will gladly respond.
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Charl is a full-time writer with a range of passions and expertise in lawn mowers and other garden power tools. After many years in the corporate rat race, he decided to follow these passions. When not writing, Charl can be found in his garden, tending to or propagating plants, keeping the lawn near perfect, and enjoying the outdoors with his dogs. He is also fascinated by emerging technology and tries to squeeze in a round of golf as often as possible.
