Best Cordless Hedge Trimmers

There is a particular kind of frustration that comes from dragging a 50-foot extension cord through wet grass, only to realize you are six inches short of the far side of the hedge. You stretch, the cord pulls taut, and the trimmer sputters. It is enough to make anyone consider a cordless model.

The good news is that modern battery-powered trimmers have closed the gap with gas and corded units. They start instantly, run quietly, and don’t require a trip to the gas station. The catch is picking the right one for your specific yard, because blade length, cutting capacity, and battery life vary wildly across models.

We have narrowed the field down to five solid performers. They range from a budget-friendly two-battery kit to a professional-grade machine from EGO. Below, you’ll find a comparison table, detailed reviews, and a straightforward buying guide to help you make the right call.

Here is how these five stack up on the key specs that matter.

Features	BLACK+DECKER 22-Inch	SUNCHERS 22-Inch	KOMASTY 22-Inch	EGO 24-Inch	BLACK+DECKER 18-Inch
Blade Length	22 inches	22 inches	22 inches	24 inches	18 inches
Cutting Capacity	3/4 inch	3/4 inch	3/4 inch	1 inch	5/8 inch
Batteries Included	1 battery & charger	2 batteries & charger	2 batteries & charger	Not included	1 battery & charger
Blade Type	Dual-action steel	Dual-action steel	Dual-action steel	Dual-action hardened steel	Dual-action hardened steel
Best Use Case	General yard upkeep	Long sessions, value	Eco-conscious gardeners	Thick, heavy branches	Small shrubs, tight spaces

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cord

This is the workhorse that most casual homeowners should start with. The 22-inch blade is a versatile length, long enough to cover a decent swath of hedge in one pass but not so long that it feels unwieldy on a ladder. It is built for people who have a few shrubs, some boxwoods, and maybe a row of privet that needs a haircut every few weeks.

The standout feature here is the wrap-around front handle. It lets you flip your grip naturally when you move from cutting the top of a hedge to the sides. You don’t have to contort your wrists, which makes a noticeable difference after twenty minutes of work. The dual-action blades also do their part, cutting with less vibration than you might expect from a tool in this price range.

Battery life is quoted at up to 3000 square feet of hedge trimming per charge. That is a solid number for a single battery, but remember that thick, dense growth will drain it faster. The 3/4-inch cutting capacity is standard for this class, so don’t plan on tackling heavy tree branches with it.

• 22-inch dual-action steel blade cuts branches up to 3/4-inch thick
• Runs up to 3000 sq. ft. of hedge per charge with the included 20V battery
• Full-length trigger with soft grip reduces hand fatigue
• Wrap-around front handle for easy vertical and horizontal cuts
• Lightweight design, easy to maneuver overhead

Best for: The homeowner with a standard yard who wants a reliable, no-fuss trimmer that just works.

SUNCHERS 22-Inch Two-Battery

If you have a larger property or you hate waiting for a battery to recharge, the SUNCHERS kit deserves a close look. It comes with two 1.5Ah batteries and a charger, giving you about 60 minutes of total run time. That means you can trim the front yard, swap in the second battery, and finish the back without a break.

The dual-switch safety system is a thoughtful touch. Both switches must be held down simultaneously for the blade to move. It takes a second to get used to, but it prevents accidental starts, which is a real concern when you’re carrying the tool across the yard. The trimmer arrives fully assembled, so you can attach a battery and get to work immediately.

Weighing in at 5.25 pounds, it is light enough for most people to handle overhead, though you will still feel the weight after a long session. The included power indicator on the battery is handy, but it’s not a precise fuel gauge. It gives you a general sense of remaining charge, which is usually enough to avoid getting stranded mid-hedge.

• Two 1.5Ah lithium batteries provide up to 60 minutes of combined runtime
• 22-inch dual-action blade with 2800 SPM cutting speed
• Dual-switch safety start prevents accidental operation
• Comes fully assembled with blade sheath and manual
• Weighs just 5.25 lbs for easy overhead work

Best for: Gardeners who want extended runtime and a spare battery without paying extra.

KOMASTY 22-Inch Eco Pick

KOMASTY offers a package that is nearly identical to the SUNCHERS on paper, but it comes with an important distinction: a Climate Pledge Friendly certification. For the environmentally conscious gardener, this means the manufacturing process and materials have met a higher sustainability standard. It is a small thing, but it matters if you’re trying to reduce your footprint.

Performance is on par with the others in this group. The 22-inch hardened steel blade chews through branches up to 3/4-inch thick, and the 2800 SPM motor keeps the cuts clean and fast. It is a purely functional tool, with no frills or fancy extras. You get the trimmer, two batteries, a charger, and a blade sheath.

The dual-switch design is here too, which is a good safety feature. The main trade-off is that the 1.5Ah batteries are on the smaller side. You get 60 minutes of total runtime with both, which is fine for most jobs, but if you have a massive, overgrown hedge, you might find yourself swapping batteries more often than you’d like.

• CPF certified for lower environmental impact
• 22-inch dual-action hardened steel blade
• 2800 SPM for efficient cutting through dense growth
• Two 1.5Ah batteries included for up to 60 minutes of work
• Dual-switch start system for safety

Best for: Shoppers who prioritize sustainability and want a complete kit with spare batteries.

EGO POWER+ 24-Inch Pro

The EGO is a different animal. It is the only trimmer here that does not include a battery, because EGO assumes you are already invested in their 56-volt ARC lithium platform. If you own an EGO lawn mower or blower, this trimmer is a no-brainer. If you don’t, the upfront cost of a battery and charger will be significant.

What you get for that investment is a serious piece of equipment. The 24-inch blade is the longest in this roundup, and it is paired with a high-efficiency brushless motor that sips power. The cutting capacity jumps to a full inch, which means it will handle thicker, woodier branches that would stall a lesser trimmer. The electric brake stops the blade almost instantly when you release the trigger, a feature that adds a layer of safety you won’t find on cheaper models.

The blades are also fully serviceable, meaning you can replace them when they dull instead of buying a whole new tool. That is a long-term cost saver. The trade-off is the price and the weight. This is a heavier, more substantial tool, and it feels like it in your hands. It is not the best choice for delicate, precision work on small ornamental shrubs.

• 24-inch dual-action hardened steel blades with 1-inch cutting capacity
• High-efficiency brushless motor extends runtime
• Electric brake stops blade action quickly for safety
• Fully serviceable blades for long-term use
• Requires a separate EGO 56V battery and charger

Best for: EGO ecosystem owners and those with thick, overgrown hedges that need serious cutting power.

BLACK+DECKER 18-Inch Compact

Sometimes you don’t need a long blade. For small yards, tight spaces, and precise shaping, the 18-inch BLACK+DECKER is often the better tool. It is shorter, lighter, and easier to control, which makes a real difference when you are trimming around windows or trying to get a clean line on a small boxwood.

It still features dual-action hardened steel blades, but the cutting capacity drops to 5/8-inch. That is fine for regular maintenance on soft growth, but you will struggle with any branch that has gotten a little too woody. The 2,400 cuts per minute is slightly slower than the 22-inch models, but for detail work, you rarely need that extra speed.

The built-in T-handle is a nice touch. It gives you a natural grip for both hands, improving balance and reducing fatigue. It is a great secondary trimmer to keep for detail work, even if you own a larger model for the main hedges. The included battery is the same 20V MAX platform that works with many other BLACK+DECKER tools.

• 18-inch dual-action hardened steel blade
• Cuts branches up to 5/8-inch thick at 2,400 SPM
• Built-in T-handle for balanced, two-handed control
• Weighs just 5.44 lbs for easy maneuvering
• Push-button start, no pull cord required

Best for: Precision trimming, small shrubs, and anyone who values lightweight control over raw power.

How We Chose These Products

We started with a simple list of requirements. Every trimmer had to run on a battery, offer a dual-action blade for reduced vibration, and come from a brand with a track record of making reliable outdoor tools. From there, we sorted through dozens of models, eliminating those with flimsy plastic gears, poor balance, or batteries that barely lasted through a single shrub.

We focused on the specifications that actually affect your experience in the yard. Blade length determines how much ground you cover per pass. Cutting capacity tells you what size branches the motor can handle. Battery chemistry and capacity dictate how long you can work. Weight and handle design determine comfort during extended use. Each of the five picks here offers a different mix of those attributes, so you can match the tool to your specific needs.

Buying Guide: What Really Matters

Blade length is the first thing to consider. A 24-inch blade is excellent for long, straight hedges, but it becomes a liability when you are trying to reach into tight corners or shape a small bush. An 18-inch blade is easier to control but requires more passes on a long hedge. Most homeowners find a 22-inch blade to be a good middle ground.

Cutting capacity is another critical number. It refers to the maximum thickness of branch the blade can sever. If you have been neglecting your hedges for a few years, you will need a trimmer with at least a 3/4-inch capacity. If you maintain your plants regularly, a 5/8-inch capacity is usually sufficient and often comes with a lighter, more maneuverable tool.

Battery life is the most common source of buyer’s remorse. Manufacturers often quote runtimes based on light trimming, not heavy, dense growth. Look for a kit that includes two batteries if you have a large yard. Swapping a battery is faster than waiting for one to recharge. Also, consider the battery platform. If you already own tools from a specific brand, staying within that ecosystem saves money and storage space.

Our Top Recommendation

The BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Hedge Trimmer (LHT2220) is the pick for most people. It offers the best balance of blade length, cutting power, and runtime for the price. The wrap-around handle makes it comfortable to use in any orientation, and it is light enough to handle overhead without excessive fatigue. It is a dependable tool that won’t let you down.

For those with bigger jobs, the SUNCHERS kit with two batteries is a smart value pick. The EGO Power+ is the right choice if you need serious cutting capacity for thick branches and already own EGO tools. And if you only have a few small shrubs, the compact 18-inch BLACK+DECKER is all you need. For more specific advice on trimming different plant types, check out our guide on cordless trimmer options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a cordless hedge trimmer battery actually last?

It depends heavily on the battery amp-hour rating and the density of the growth you are cutting. A 1.5Ah battery might last 30 minutes of continuous light trimming. Cutting thick, woody branches will drain it much faster. Kits with two batteries give you a backup, which effectively doubles your working time.

Can I use a cordless hedge trimmer to cut thick tree branches?

No. Hedge trimmers are designed for soft, leafy growth and small twigs. Even the EGO model with a 1-inch cutting capacity will struggle with a solid hardwood branch. For that job, you need a pole saw or a pruning saw. Attempting to force a hedge trimmer through a thick branch can damage the blade and the motor.

Is a dual-action blade worth the extra cost?

Yes, for most people. Dual-action blades have two moving blades that cut in opposite directions. This design cancels out much of the vibration that single-action blades produce. Less vibration means less hand fatigue and cleaner cuts. If you have arthritis or plan to do a lot of trimming, it is a feature worth paying for.

What is the best way to maintain the blades?

Keep them clean and dry. After each use, wipe off any sap or plant residue with a cloth. A light coat of lubricating oil on the blades prevents rust and keeps them moving smoothly. Always disconnect the battery before cleaning. For specific techniques on maintaining formal hedges, see this piece on box hedge care. You can also check our advice on flexible cordless tools.