Well-trimmed hedges, bushes, and shrubs are a hallmark of a beautifully landscaped home and will do wonders for your curb appeal. But first you need a hedge trimmer to do the carving!
Introducing my picks for the best hedge trimmers of 2023! I've used 30 years of experience in the power equipment industry to bring you these recommendations, which will help you select the top tool for your hedge trimming job.
Spend some time reading through each of the categories, selections, and criteria for picking the best hedge trimmer in its class. Don't forget to click on the trimmer to view the product page filled with more features, specs, reviews, and other great resources.
| Best Hedge Trimmer | Best Hedge Trimmer for Thick Branches | Best Cordless Hedge Trimmer |
|---|---|---|
|
| ECHO HC-2020
|
When recommending hedge trimmers, we take five features into account.
You want a hedge trimmer with the power to quickly cut through your branches and stems, no matter how hard they are. For gas trimmers, we look at engine CCs or displacement. The higher an engine’s CC, the more power it has the potential to create. It's also worth looking at the motor efficiency and how many blade strokes per minute it provides.
When considering durability, we’re interested in how well the hedge trimmer can handle use over time. We look at how the tool is constructed and reinforced. For example, does it have blade tip guards that shield it from accidental bumps on hard surfaces? Is the engine well protected from impact and debris? Overall, we're interested in how long the hedge trimmer will last you.
Useability refers to how easily anyone can pick up, use, and maintain the hedge trimmer. The wrong tool can quickly wear your arms out, especially if your hedges or bushes are at odd angles. We look at weight and how easy it is to hold the hedge trimmer. This is where ergonomic grip features come into play. We also consider ease-of-maintenance like how simple it is to change the air filter or grease the fittings.
For hedge trimmers, versatility measures how quickly and easily the tool can cut through different types of vegetation, from small shrubs and twigs, to thick branches. The best hedge trimmers have a double-sided blade for unrivalled cutting ability. For cordless hedge trimmers, another versatility consideration is whether or not the battery is interchangeable with other lawn equipment. Having one interchangeable battery saves you the money of having to buy several different ones, and it can easily be switched between tools.
We prioritize performance over price, so you won’t necessarily find the cheapest trimmers on our list. That's why, instead of evaluating a hedge trimmer on price alone, we look at what you're getting for the price to arrive at an overall value rating.
Trimming hedges doesn't get much easier or more enjoyable than with the EGO Power+ HT2411 cordless hedge trimmer. A brushless motor efficiently moves the blade up and down 3,000 times per minute, making quick work of even the toughest branches while reducing operator fatigue.
The 56-Volt battery fully charges in 50 minutes with a standard charger and 30 minutes with a rapid charger. Plus, it's compatible with other EGO products, which is great if you're a lawn care fanatic like me. I can take the battery out of my trimmer and put it into an EGO leaf blower, for example.
I often encounter stereotypes that cordless tools are weak. This argument doesn't hold any water with the EGO hedge trimmer, which has 24-inch dual-action hardened steel blades with a 1-inch cut capacity. It can keep up with the best gas hedge trimmers, and edges them out thanks to its quieter, cleaner performance and limited required maintenance.
| Spec | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Power | ARC Lithium™ 56-Volt Battery; 50-minute charge time with standard charger, 30-minutes with rapid charger | |
| Durability | 24-inch hardened steel blades; Weather-resistant construction | |
| Usability | High efficiency brushless motor; 3,000 SPM; Light weight reduces fatigue; Electric brake | |
| Versatility | 1-inch cut capacity; Dual-action blades; Interchangeable battery | |
| Overall Value | Less expensive than gas and just as good for the average residential lawn. |
No one likes spending hours on yardwork. Whatever you're doing, if it can get done faster but still well, that's the way to go. For shaping thick bushes and hedges, you can't beat the speed and power of the ECHO HC-2020 hedge trimmer.
I was extremely impressed by the cutting power this 21.22cc 2-cylinder engine puts out. It has 20" double-sided, double-reciprocating blades--that's 122 cutting edges--that will bring unruly hedges firmly under your control. A tip guard helps protect those blades against accidental bumps on walls or other hard surfaces. The heart of its power--the engine--is well shielded with a chrome-plated cylinder and two filters.
The ECHO HC-2020 is as useable as it is powerful. Weighing only about 10 pounds and equipped with a rear handle, you can comfortably use it for as long as needed, which, again, probably won't be very long thanks to the cutting power. Basic maintenance is easy. You can quickly replace the air filters without needing any tools, and a zerk-type grease fitting makes lubrication simple. Overall, this tool is a joy to use, and I highly recommend it for anyone with heavy-duty bushes to trim.
| Spec | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 21.2cc ECHO 2-Cycle Engine | |
| Durability | Chrome-plated cylinder; Blade tip guard; Contains dual filters for added protection | |
| Usability | 10 lb. dry weight; Large rear handle provide comfort & control; Tool-less air filter change, Zerk-type grease fitting | |
| Versatility | 20" Double-Sided, Double-Reciprocating Blades | |
| Overall Value | A good value if you have more and thicker hedges to trim than the average Joe. |
I chose the EGO Power+ as the best cordless hedge trimmer and the best overall hedge trimmer because it has everything you need for maintaining and shaping bushes in the average yard. You can read about the specific features I liked in my above review, so instead of repeating myself, I want to write a little bit about why cordless is taking the hedge trimmer market by storm.
Over the past few years, advances in battery technology have improved power, increased runtime, and reduced charging time. The gap between gas-powered and cordless equipment has narrowed. This is especially true for hedge trimmers, to the point that, for the first time, I have selected a cordless tool as being better than gas.
The 56-volt battery and high efficiency brushless motor are more than enough to get the job done for the average homeowner. Plus, even if you just prefer gas, you can't argue with the fact that the EGO+ costs, in some cases, $100 less than gas models. If you're hesitant about trying a cordless tool, a hedge trimmer is a great place to start.
| Specs | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Power | ARC Lithium™ 56-Volt Battery; 50-minute charge time with standard charger, 30-minutes with rapid charger | |
| Durability | 24-inch hardened steel blades; Weather-resistant construction | |
| Usability | High efficiency brushless motor; 3,000 SPM; Light weight reduces fatigue; Electric brake | |
| Versatility | 1-inch cut capacity; Dual-action blades; Interchangeable battery | |
| Overall Value | Less expensive than gas and just as good for the average residential lawn. |
Hedge trimmers can be used to trim and sculpt bushes, prune flowers, and slash away weeds. Avoid using them on thick tree branches.
Put safety first when using a hedge trimmer. Clear your working area of anything that could get between your trimmer and the bush. Put on personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, hearing protection, closed-toe shoes, and gloves. Make sure to also wear long sleeves and pants in case sharp twigs fly at your skin.
When starting your hedge trimmer, hold it down on the ground with one hand to keep it steady, and start it with your other hand. Always follow the starting and operating procedures outllined in your hedge trimmer owner's manual.
While trimming, take your time and use smooth, bottom-up strokes. Keep the trimmer near to you to avoid falling off balance or tiring out your arms. Stand firmly on the ground, and don't try to reach too high. Learn more about hedge trimmer safety and proper use.
After multiple uses, the blades on your hedge trimmer will start to dull and cut ineffectively. When you notice that, you'll have to either sharpen the blades yourself or take your trimmer to a professional.
If you choose to sharpen your hedge trimmer yourself, you'll need a flat file. First, put on safety glasses and gloves, and remove the battery if applicable. Next, line the blades up so that they're overlapping. Then, sharpen each blade with the file by using forward strokes toward the cutting edge. Don't sharpen backwards, and don't take off too much. Just sharpen each blade enough to create a clean, straight edge, and use the same number of sharpening strokes for each blade to stay consistent.
Once you're done with one side of blades, flip the hedge trimmer over and sharpen the other side. Before sharpening any hedge trimmer, consult your owner's manual for specific instructions and steps. If you decide to take your hedge trimmer to a professional, I recommend a power equipment dealer or hardware store.
Dale has been involved with gasoline powered engines, especially small engines, since he bolted the first one onto his Schwinn bike at 12 years old. After high school, he spent 19 years in the automotive parts industry, working for retailers, distributors, and manufacturers.
In 1994, Dale entered the small engine and power equipment industry, offering product and technical assistance to power equipment dealers and their customers. Since 2016, he has been a full-time sales and product expert at Power Equipment Direct, where he largely focuses on helping customers select the best lawn and garden equipment for their needs.
In his off time, Dale enjoys working on his own cars and power equipment. He is a go-to resource for friends, family, and coworkers who need a hand diagnosing or repairing their broken lawn mowers or string trimmers. When not around engines, he is a drummer in a local Chicago-area band. Hockey dominates his TV time during the NHL season, and he enjoys relaxing on his pontoon boat during the summer months.