The best 10 hedge trimmers to buy in 2026 – tested by our reviews experts in real-world conditions

• Jump to our 4 top-rated cordless hedge trimmers
• Jump to our 2 top-rated petrol hedge trimmers

If you have a hedge of any size, a powered hedge trimmer is a must-have step up from a good old pair of hand shears. The best of them will soon become an indispensable part of your garden armoury, but the wrong one for your needs will be frustrating. If it's too heavy, too weak or too uncomfortable to use, you'll dread doing the job, and your hedge will likely get out of control. To find out what to look for when choosing a hedge trimmer, watch the video above. So that's why my colleagues and I – and especially my predecessor on the BBC Gardeners' World Magazine reviews desk, Kay Maguire – have created this selection of the best hedge trimmers available to buy right now, all tested by our experts.

Oliver Parsons, GardenersWorld.com

Before cutting your hedge, it’s important to avoid the main breeding season for garden birds, between March and August. Always check for nests before trimming, even outside these months, as it’s an offence under law to intentionally damage or destroy active bird nests.

Our best hedge trimmers to buy at a glance

Our 4 top-rated cordless hedge trimmers

• 4.8/5 stars: Our best budget cordless hedge trimmer – Vonhaus 20V Max Hedge Trimmer £64.99
• 4.8/5 stars: Our best hedge trimmer for small gardens – Flymo 18v EasiCut 450 Hedge Trimmer £89.99 without battery
• 4.8/5 stars: Our best lightweight cordless hedge trimmer – Ryobi ONE+ OHT1845 Cordless Hedge Trimmer £100.99
• 4.8/5 stars: Our best cordless hedge trimmer for large gardens – Stihl HSA 50 Cordless Hedge Trimmer £234 with battery and charger

Our 2 top-rated petrol hedge trimmers

• 4.8/5 stars: Our best value petrol trimmer – Webb HC600 Petrol Hedge Trimmer £179.99
• 4.8/5 stars: Our best premium petrol trimmer – Husqvarna 122HD60 Petrol Hedge Trimmer £349

Also recommended

• 4.5/5 stars: Our best lightweight cordless hedge trimmer with integrated battery – Stihl HSA 30 Cordless Hedge Trimmer £144
• 4.5/5 stars: Our best cordless hedge trimmer for long run times – Einhell GE-CH 1846 Li Cordless Hedge Trimmer Kit £113.95
• 4.5/5 stars: Our best cordless hedge trimmer for ease of use – Stiga SHT 100 AE Cordless Hedge Trimmer £99
• 4.5/5 stars: Our best mid-price cordless hedge trimmer for woodier growth – Greenworks G40HT61K2 Cordless Hedge Trimmer £146.99

Jump to best hedge trimmers:

• Our 4 top-rated cordless hedge trimmers
• Our 2 top-rated petrol hedge trimmers

Jump to hedge trimmer advice:

• How we test the best hedge trimmers
• What are the different types of hedge trimmer
• How to use a hedge trimmer safely
• Why you can trust BBC Gardeners' World Magazine reviews
• Meet our testing panel

Our 4 top-rated cordless hedge trimmers

VonHaus 20V Max G-Series cordless hedge trimmer

Our best budget cordless hedge trimmer

RRP: £64.99

Our rating: 4.8/5

Available from: Amazon (£49.99) and VonHaus (£49.99)

Reasons to buy:

• Excellent performance
• Good value
• Lightweight
• Long runtime

Reasons to avoid:

• Small hand-guard

This is an excellent price for a hedge trimmer that I found very easy to use. It’s well balanced and light, with little vibration as it cuts through all but the thickest branches. I was also impressed by its 50-minute runtime, which is one of the longest on the test. Not only does it offer great performance at a reasonable price, but its battery is compatible with other Vonhaus G-Series tools, saving you money if you buy any of these in the future. Its only drawback is that the hand guard is a little small. Kay Maguire

• Buy the Vonhaus G-series cordless hedge trimmer from Amazon (£49.99) and VonHaus (£49.99)

Flymo 18V EasiCut 450 cordless hedge trimmer

Our best hedge trimmer for small gardens

RRP: £89.99 (without battery)

Our rating: 4.8/5

Available from: Wickes (£87)

Reasons to buy:

• Light & easy to use
• Easily visible battery level indicator
• All packaging recyclable

Reasons to avoid:

• A screwdriver is needed to attach the handle
• Over two hours of battery charge time

I was pleased to see that this compact hedge trimmer came almost ready to use, and all its packaging is recyclable. Everything is wrapped in either cardboard or brown paper, which I love. Unlike others in our test, it needs the handle to be attached with a screwdriver, but this is very easy and takes just a couple of minutes. With a 45cm cutting length, the hedge trimmer is easy to use with a comfortable wrap-around handle and a two-stage start for safety. There’s also a hand guard to protect the hand as you work. At 2.2kg, it feels light and well-balanced, and it’s easy to use and manoeuvre around a hedge.

A blade tip protector prevents damage when cutting close to walls or the ground, and this trimmer cut cleanly through the privet hedge, brambles and yew that I was trimming. It’s powered by an 18V battery and has a good runtime of around 55 minutes, and the battery charge is clearly visible on the trimmer as you work, so it's easy to see if you're nearly running out. However, the battery takes just over two hours to charge, so you'll have to wait if you've still got trimming to finish.

Overall, this is a simple, light, and high-performing hedge trimmer, just the thing for everyday cutting and trimming in smaller gardens. I think it's good value for money, particularly as Flymo 18V batteries are also part of the Power4All Alliance, which means they can be shared across all the Flymo, Bosch and Gardena cordless tools in the Alliance and will save you money if you invest in further tools in the future. It also comes with a two-year warranty. Kay Maguire

• Buy the Flymo 18V EasiCut 450 cordless hedge trimmer from Wickes (£87)

Ryobi ONE+ OHT1845 cordless hedge trimmer

Our best lightweight cordless hedge trimmer

RRP: £100.99

Our rating: 4.8 /5

Available from: Amazon (£84.99), Currys (£94.99) and Ryobi (£100.99)

Reasons to buy:

• Quite light yet efficient
• Compact, lightweight battery
• Long warranty
• Stout blade guard

Reasons to avoid:

• Power indicator is hard to view

For its compact size, I felt this hedge trimmer offers surprisingly impressive performance and trims a variety of materials well. The blade guard is sturdy and feels built to last, though I found the battery power indicator difficult to read. The tool is lighter than previous Ryobi models and is ideal for sculpting hedges and shrubs. The battery and charger cost extra but can be used with other tools in the Ryobi ONE+ System, making it a long-term money-saver. Kay Maguire

Read the full Ryobi ONE+ OHT1845 hedge trimmer review

• Buy the Ryobi ONE+ OHT1845 cordless hedge trimmer from Amazon (£84.99), Currys (£94.99) and Ryobi (£100.99)

Stihl HSA 50 cordless hedge trimmer

Our best cordless hedge trimmer for large gardens

RRP: £234 with battery and charger

Our rating: 4.8/5

Available from: Just Lawnmowers (£219)

Reasons to buy:

• Efficient wide blade
• Well-balanced & comfortable to use
• Top-loading battery
• Blade tip protector & stout guard
• Fully recyclable packaging

Reasons to avoid:

• Cutting capacity is small for the price
• 80-minute charge time

With a top-loading battery and improved balance, this hedge trimmer has a 50cm blade and a cutting capacity of 16mm. I found it comfortable to hold, and the updated design of the front trigger handle made it easier for me to use at different angles. With a run time of around 50 minutes, it copes well with even mature, woody growth and is pleasantly quiet, with good safety features, including a neutral locking position and a tip protector over the blade. The blade guard also feels sturdy and built to last. It takes 80 minutes to charge and comes with a two-year warranty. The battery and charger are compatible with other Stihl tools in the AK system. Kay Maguire

• Buy Stihl HSA 50 cordless hedge trimmer from Just Lawnmowers (£219)

Also recommended

Stihl HSA 30 cordless hedge trimmer

Our best lightweight cordless hedge trimmer with integrated battery

RRP: £144

Our rating: 4.5/5

Available from: Stihl (£109)

Reasons to buy:

• Light & well-balanced
• Simple to use
• Quiet
• Fully recyclable packaging

Reasons to avoid:

• Only designed for young growth

No assembly is needed with this easy-to-use hedge trimmer from Stihl, which is always a bonus. It comes with clear instructions and is ready to go straight out of the box. The battery takes just 70 minutes to charge to full power and has a good 50-minute runtime, plus there’s a clear battery level indicator on the side of the trimmer, though you need to stop trimming to push the indicator on to see how much charge you have left. It has a three-stage start for safety with buttons on the handle and grip, and the trimmer feels well-balanced in use. Thanks to the small AS 2 battery, it also feels very light, weighing just 2.4kg.

The 45cm blade has a cutting capacity of 8mm and a tip protector on the end so you don’t damage it on walls or fences as you trim, and it cuts fresher growth on box, privet and laurel easily and smoothly. I did find it struggled with thicker, woodier stems, but it's not designed for tougher trimming jobs. It's easy to manoeuvre and shape with this trimmer, so it's ideal for the tight trimming of smaller shrubs and the annual trimming of your hedges. It comes with a blade cover for storage, and there’s also a hanging eyelet on the handle of the trimmer so you can hang it up out of the way in the garage or shed after use. It comes with a two-year warranty, and the battery and charger can also be used in any other AS machine in the Stihl range, saving you money if you already own these or if you plan to invest in the future. Kay Maguire

• Buy the Stihl HSA30 cordless hedge trimmer from Stihl (£109)

Einhell GE-CH 1846 Li cordless hedge trimmer

Our best cordless hedge trimmer for long run times

RRP: £113.95

Our rating: 4.5 /5

Available from: Power Tools Direct (£64.13) and Tooled Up (£67.95)

Reasons to buy:

• The battery charge level is clearly visible
• Fast charge time
• Long run time

Reasons to avoid:

• Narrow cutting capacity
• Short blade

This efficient cordless trimmer has a steel blade with a cutting length of 46cm and a 15mm cutting capacity. I particularly liked the tip protection and hanging hole on the end, and I felt it cut well. The 18V 2.0Ah battery charges in just 40 minutes and delivers an impressive 80 minutes of runtime. The charge is visible while you work, and both the battery and fast charger are compatible with a wide range of Einhell Power X-Change tools. It comes with a two-year warranty. Kay Maguire

Read the full Einhell GE-CH 1846 Li cordless hedge trimmer kit review

• Buy Einhell GE-CH 1846 Li cordless hedge trimmer from Power Tools Direct (£64.13) and Tooled Up (£67.95)

Stiga SHT 100e cordless hedge trimmer

Our best cordless hedge trimmer for ease of use

RRP: £99

Our rating: 4.5/5

Available from: Amazon (£99)

Reasons to buy:

• Soft comfortable handle
• The handle rotates into three positions
• Quiet
• The battery charge level is easily visible

Reasons to avoid:

• Snags on some wood
• The blade cover is tricky to fit

This versatile trimmer has a hardened steel blade with a cutting length of 55cm and a cutting capacity of 18mm. I think it's a great value trimmer with generous features, including a hanging hole for easy storage, a visible battery charge indicator while you work, and a comfortable, soft-grip handle that rotates 180° for easy cutting. As it's part of the Stiga 100 battery tool range, you’ll save money if you buy additional tools in the future. The 20V 2.0Ah battery has a charge time of 70 minutes and a runtime of 40 minutes. It comes with a two-year warranty. Kay Maguire

Read the full Stiga SHT 100e cordless hedge trimmer kit review

• Buy Stiga SHT 100e cordless hedge trimmer from Amazon (£99)

Greenworks G40HT61K2 cordless hedge trimmer

Our best mid-price cordless hedge trimmer for woodier growth

RRP: £146.99

Our rating: 4.5/5

Available from: Amazon (£109.44)

Reasons to buy:

• Light, easy to use & quiet
• Long for size & weight
• Blade tip protector and hanging facility
• Stout, sleeve-type blade guard

Reasons to avoid:

• Poorer cut quality on woody stems
• The battery indicator is hard to see

I found this fast and efficient machine lightweight and easy to use, particularly overhead or at shoulder height. The jam function prevents the blade from clogging, while 20mm tooth spacing allows it to cut through woodier growth. The handle rotates to three positions for easy handling, though the hand guard feels a little thin. Both the battery and charger can be used with other tools in the Greenworks G40V cordless range if you decide to expand your kit. Kay Maguire

Read the full Greenworks G40HT61K2 hedge trimmer review

• Buy the Greenworks G40HT61K2 hedge trimmer from Amazon (£109.44)

Our 2 top-rated petrol hedge trimmers

1: Webb HC600 petrol hedge trimmer

Our best mid-priced petrol hedge trimmer

RRP: £179.99

Our rating: 4.8/5

Available from Mowers Online (£174.99)

Reasons to buy:

• 5-position rotating handle
• Widest tooth spacing
• Tip guard
• Easy to start
• Handles and cuts well

Reasons to avoid:

• Louder than others in our test

An impressively easy-to-start model with a five-position rotating handle, this mid-priced petrol hedge trimmer is versatile, suiting most hedge sizes and shapes, while the wide tooth spacing makes it tough on wider, mature stems. The tool is heavy, but it felt well-balanced to hold, and it cut powerfully through hedges. A well-placed tip guard protects the blade against walls and fences. It's good value and comes with a two-year warranty. Kay Maguire

Read the full Webb HC600 hedge trimmer review

• Buy the Webb HC600 hedge trimmer from Mowers Online (£174.99)

2: Husqvarna 122HD60 petrol hedge trimmer

Our best premium petrol hedge trimmer

RRP: £349

Our rating: 4.8/5

Available from: Amazon (£285) and Husqvarna (£349)

Reasons to buy:

• Powerful with a brushless motor
• Rigid guard with hanging option
• Fast, efficient cut
• Three-position handle
• Lowest noise level of petrol models

Reasons to avoid:

• Quite an investment at this price

This petrol hedge trimmer is compact and felt light, but still delivers a powerful and efficient cut. The rotating handle makes awkward angles easier, and the anti-vibration system means it’s comfortable to manoeuvre. The tool is quiet, so there’s minimal disruption for your neighbours, and I found it best for high hedging and large shrubs. It comes with a two-year warranty. Kay Maguire

Read the full Husqvarna 122HD60 hedge trimmer review

• Buy the Husqvarna 122HD60 hedge trimmer from Amazon (£285) and Husqvarna (£349)

Best of the rest

Although some models didn’t quite achieve a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy award, they still have features that make them worth recommending. Browse our pick of the best of the rest on test.

Mitox 600DX petrol hedge trimmer

RRP: £169

Our rating: 4.5/5

Available from: Just Lawnmowers (£149) and Mowers Online (£149)

Reasons to buy:

• Five-year warranty
• Anti-vibration system
• 4-point rotating handle
• Cuts efficiently

Reasons to avoid:

• Hard to start
• Thin plastic guard

The Mitox 600DX is a heavier petrol-powered trimmer. Despite its weight, I thought it was well-balanced and liked the handy rotating handle and anti-vibration system, which makes handling comfortable. The trimmer was harder to start than other models we tested, and the plastic hand guard felt quite flimsy, although it does come with a generous five-year warranty. The long blade is great for tall hedges and offers an almost professional cut. Kay Maguire

Read the full Mitox 600DX hedge trimmer review

• Buy the Mitox 600DX hedge trimmer from Just Lawnmowers (£149) and Mowers Online (£149)

Webb Eco WEV20HTB2 50cm cordless hedge trimmer

RRP: £99.99

Our rating: 4.5/5

Available from: Amazon (£89.99), Robert Dyas (£89.99) and Tooled Up (£89.95)

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Reasons to buy:

• Lightweight & well-balanced
• Affordable

Reasons to avoid:

• Small 16mm cut capacity
• Quite loud during use

A lightweight and affordable hedge trimmer from Webb Eco, this machine proved ideal for smaller garden hedges. I didn't need to assemble anything before getting to work, and as the tool weighs just 3.4kg, it wasn't too hard on the hands and back. The 50cm blade can tackle a range of leaves and even thin branches without struggling. It comes with a 2.0 Ah battery and charger that promises up to 48 minutes of work on a single charge.

Although the D-shaped front handle is a bit small, this hedge trimmer is still easy to handle. This, and the general ease of use, are thanks to an excellent balance between the blade and the battery end. The machine’s 16mm cut capacity is quite small, and it’s a bit loud during use, but otherwise, this is a capable and lightweight hedge trimmer that's a pleasure to use. Like all Webb products, this hedge trimmer is covered by a three-year warranty. Harry Duncton

• Buy the Webb Eco WEV20HTB2 50cm cordless hedge trimmer from Amazon (£89.99), Robert Dyas (£89.99) and Tooled Up (£89.95)

Worx WG261E.1 cordless hedge trimmer

RRP: £129.99

Our rating: 4.5/5

Available from: Amazon (£109.98)

Reasons to buy:

• Spare battery
• Comfortable handle
• Cuts smoothly & easily

Reasons to avoid:

• Long charge time
• Fiddly hand-guard attachment
• No battery level visible

The hand-guard needs to be attached to this trimmer, which I found a bit of a faff. But a generous handle meant it was comfortable to use, and it has a 45cm long blade with a 16mm cutting capacity and tip protection. It takes a relatively long time to charge - 230 minutes - and although the run time of just 20 minutes is very short, it comes with two batteries, so if you’re organised and keep the second battery charged, you can get 40 minutes of continuous use. The batteries and charger are part of the Worx PowerShare system, so you'll save money if you invest in further tools. It’s worth noting that it doesn’t have a battery level indicator, which I found unhelpful. It comes with a three-year warranty. Kay Maguire

• Buy Worx WG261E.1 cordless hedge trimmer from Amazon (£109.98)

Husqvarna Aspire™ H50-P4A battery hedge trimmer

RRP: £219

Our rating: 4.3/5

Available from: Amazon (£192) and Husqvarna (£219)

Reasons to buy:

• Efficient 50cm blade
• Comfortable handle & large trigger
• Power button & charge level indicator on the handle
• Removable leaf brushing attachment
• Highly versatile batteries shared between brands

Reasons to avoid:

• Flimsy blade guard is hard to attach
• Quite front-heavy

This quiet 18-volt battery-powered hedge trimmer is powerful enough to chop through woody branches up to 23mm in diameter, and I felt it left an excellent finish on hedges and trees. The handles are hard, but comfortable, and the overall length of less than a metre meant I could use it in tight spaces. With the 4.0Ah battery attached, it can work for up to 80 minutes on a single 95-minute charge, which is perfect for gardens with large privet hedges. I found packing the hedge clippers away easy, too, thanks to the integrated storage hook that can attach to a rail system. Both the battery and charger are compatible not only across the Husqvarna Aspire range but with the Power For All Alliance of cordless tools, which includes Flymo, Gardena and Bosch and will save you money if you invest in any of those tools in the future. It comes with a two-year warranty. Kay Maguire

• Buy Husqvarna Aspire™ H50-P4A battery hedge trimmer from Amazon (£192) and Husqvarna (£219)

Mountfield MHT 20 Li cordless hedge trimmer

RRP: £99

Our rating: 4.3/5

Available from: Amazon (£95.53) and Just Lawnmowers (£89)

Reasons to buy:

• Battery charge visible
• Light
• Comfortable & simple to use

Reasons to avoid:

• Struggles with thicker wood
• Lacks features for the price

Part of the Mountfield Freedom 100 cordless range, this cordless hedge trimmer has a hardened steel, laser-cut blade with a cutting length of 55cm and a cutting capacity of 18mm. It has tip protection and a hanging hole at the end of the blade. The 20V 2Ah battery takes 70 minutes to charge to full power, has a runtime of 40 minutes, and shows the charge level at the touch of a button while you work. The trimmer is light and easy to use, and it cuts most wood smoothly. Compared to other trimmers in my tests (particularly the Stiga, which shares its battery system), I felt it lacked features for the price. Kay Maguire

• Buy the Mountfield MHT 20 Li cordless hedge trimmer from Amazon (£95.53) and Just Lawnmowers (£89)

Stihl HSA 45 cordless hedge trimmer

RRP: £123.99

Our rating: 4.3/5

Available from: Amazon (£168) and Just Lawnmowers (£109)

Reasons to buy:

• Great safety features
• Battery level is clearly visible
• Very quiet
• Well balanced

Reasons to avoid:

• The battery is built in, so you can't swap it out for another when it's flat
• Long charge time
• Narrow 8mm cutting capacity

If safety is a consideration, then this is the model for you, thanks to the combination of a removable activation key and three switches to start it up. Featuring a double-sided blade with tip protection, it has a 50cm length and an 8mm cutting capacity, which is the smallest of all the trimmers I tested. While the 18V 2.0Ah battery has a relatively slow 210-minute charge time and a 40-minute runtime, there's a battery level indicator on the side of the trimmer, which was helpful for showing me how much charge I had left. However, the battery is integrated into the casing, so you must plug in the entire tool to charge it, and you won’t be able to use the battery in other tools. I like the useful hanging hole for easy storage, and it comes with a two-year warranty. Kay Maguire

• Buy the Stihl HSA 45 cordless hedge trimmer from Amazon (£168) and Just Lawnmowers (£109)

VonHaus 40V cordless hedge trimmer

RRP: £89.99

Our rating: 4.1/5

Available from: Amazon (£74.99)

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Reasons to buy:

• 180° rotating handle for comfortable vertical trimming
• 40-volt battery provides good power & 60-minute run time
• Affordable

Reasons to avoid:

• Balance favours the battery end
• The safety guard in front of the D handle is a bit flimsy

Vonhaus have added to their growing collection of garden power tools with this upgraded 40-volt battery hedge trimmer. I was impressed by its 51cm blade and 22 mm cut width. It made short work of leaves, stems, and reasonably sized branches, and is comfortable to hold thanks to a rubberised grip and a large rear trigger. The large front D-shaped handle is big enough for large hands wearing gloves, too, which is always useful. Something I liked about this trimmer is the rotating handle, engaged by pressing a large orange button on the top of the rear handle. By adjusting the blade angle, you can neatly cut vertical or horizontal hedges without having to hold the trimmer awkwardly. And when it’s running, it only makes 92dB of noise.

The large-size 40-volt battery powers the trimmer for up to 60 minutes and can be fully recharged in the same amount of time. And although it provides plenty of cutting power, the balance is slightly biased towards the battery end. It’s not uncomfortable to use, seeing as it only weighs 3.7kg, but it’s still noticeable. Overall, you get a powerful hedge trimmer for under £100, covered by a two-year warranty. Harry Duncton

• Buy VonHaus 40V cordless hedge trimmer from Amazon (£74.99)

EGO HT2000E 56V cordless hedge trimmer

RRP: £299

Our rating: 4/5

Available from: Mowers Online (£299)

Reasons to buy:

• Plenty of power to cut thick branches
• Large cut capacity of 25mm between the teeth
• Battery provides a long run time of up to 75 minutes

Reasons to avoid:

• Expensive when bought as a kit
• Uneven weight distribution makes it harder to handle

Everything about this hedge trimmer seemed big to me. It’s a chunky machine with a big battery and impressive cut capacity. Each gap between the teeth on the 51cm blade is 25mm wide and 20mm deep, meaning it can happily chew through decent-sized branches without slowing down. The front and rear handles are big enough for large hands wearing gloves, and the safety switch is easy to operate at most angles.

Running on EGO’s hefty 56-volt battery system, the trimmer delivers tons of power, and I was impressed by its long runtime of up to 75 minutes. However, there’s more weight at the back of the machine, which makes the tool feel somewhat unbalanced, so it’s not the most comfortable to use with your arms extended. On the plus side, there’s not much vibration, so it’s fine for close-up work, and it comes with a high-quality hard-plastic blade cover and a hole in the top for hanging it on the shed wall. The price tag is on the high side, but you can use the battery with more than 50 tools in the range. The tool is covered by a five-year warranty, while the battery is covered for three years. Harry Duncton

• Buy the EGO HT2000E 56V cordless hedge trimmer from Mowers Online (£299)

Gardena EasyCut Li 14.4, 40cm cordless hedge trimmer

RRP: £123.99

Our rating: 4/5

Available from: Amazon (£123.99)

Reasons to buy:

• Very light & well-balanced
• Cuts well

Reasons to avoid:

• Slightly awkward to hold & use
• Integrated battery
• No battery level indicator

I like the fact that this compact hedge trimmer requires no assembly and has an integrated battery, so you simply plug the whole trimmer in to charge it. However, this does mean that, unlike most other cordless trimmers, there’s no interchangeable battery you can swap among tools. I also found it a little tricky to get the charging cable in. The trimmer has a three-stage start on the grip and a shaped handle for safety, but it is a little awkward to hold, especially if you’re manoeuvring between shrubs.

However, it’s well-balanced and weighs just 1.9kg, making it efficient and easy to use for regular light trimming. It cut all newer growth easily and well in my test, and the battery lasts around 60 minutes on a full charge. There’s no charge level indicator on the trimmer, so it’s tricky to know how much power you have left while you’re working. The 40cm-long blade has a 16mm cutting width and a tip protector to prevent damage when trimming close to the ground or a wall, and the trimmer comes with a three-year warranty. Harry Duncton

• Buy the Gardena EasyCut Li 14.4, 40cm cordless hedge trimmer from Amazon (£123.99)

Cobra HT55040VZ 40V cordless hedge trimmer

RRP: £169.99

Our rating: 4/5

Available from: Just Lawnmowers (£149)

Reasons to buy:

• Ready to use
• Long run time
• Battery charge indicator
• Hanging hook

Reasons to avoid:

• Heavy to hold & use
• Struggles with thicker wood
• Plastic packaging bar box

There’s no assembly needed with this hedge trimmer; once the 40-volt battery’s charged, it’s ready to use straight out of the box. It takes 90 minutes to charge the battery to full, but it has a comparatively long runtime of 70 minutes, which I found really useful. It also has a handy battery-level indicator on the back of the battery, though you need to stop trimming and press the button to see how much power's left. The 2.5Ah battery is also large, making this trimmer, which already weighs 3.8kg, feel heavy and a little unbalanced, so this may not be the trimmer for those who struggle with heavy lifting or lack mobility. It has a two-stage start on the grip and handle, with a rubberised grip for comfort, and a long, double-sided 55cm blade with a 20mm cutting width.

I like the presence of a tip protector to prevent damage if you’re trimming close to the ground or a wall, and a hanging hook for storage. This trimmer cuts well, only struggling a little with thicker growth, and it feels well-made, sturdy and durable. Compared to many of the smaller, cheaper trimmers in our test, this feels designed for longer, harder trimming jobs, which the price reflects. This hedge trimmer costs about the same as many, but it doesn't include the battery or charger, which need to be purchased separately. However, the trimmer and battery are part of the interchangeable Cobra 40-volt Li-ion system, so you would save money if you already own one of their batteries or plan to invest in additional tools in the system in the future. It comes with a three-year warranty. Kay Maguire

• Buy the Cobra HT55040VZ 40V cordless hedge trimmer from Just Lawnmowers (£149)

Bosch EasyHedgeCut 18-45 cordless hedge trimmer

RRP: £99.99

Our rating: 4/5

Available from: Amazon (£80) and Currys (£80)

Reasons to buy:

• Light & well-balanced
• Cuts cleanly
• Battery system includes garden & DIY tools

Reasons to avoid:

• Long charge time
• Uncomfortable handle/grip position
• Battery level not visible
• No hanging hole

This trimmer has a 45cm blade and comes with an 18-volt 2Ah battery. While it has an above-average run time of 50 minutes, the charge time can take around 124 minutes, which is among the longest of the models we tested. We also found the handle design awkward and uncomfortable to grip. However, it’s part of the Bosch Power For All 18V Alliance system, which powers around 40 Bosch home, garden and household tools, so this may be something to bear in mind. We liked that it features blade sensors to prevent snagging and a decent cutting capacity of 15mm. It comes with a two-year warranty. Kay Maguire

• Buy the Bosch EasyHedgeCut 18-45 cordless hedge trimmer from Amazon (£80) and Currys (£80)

Kärcher HGE 18-45 cordless hedge trimmer

RRP: £169.99

Our rating: 4/5

Available from: Amazon (£169.99) and Kärcher (£169.99)

Reasons to buy:

• Great value
• LCD battery display
• Excellent performance

Reasons to avoid:

• Heavy
• Short runtime
• Expensive

I loved the performance of this trimmer from Kärcher. Unlike other trimmers on test, this model has an LCD battery display that shows exactly how long you have left to cut. I was also impressed with the value of this model, because its battery is compatible with 16 other Kärcher tools, including mowers, grass trimmers, and chainsaws. However, it’s quite heavy, and I found that the skin of my fingers could easily catch between the ‘dead man’ switch and the handle. Though I love the helpful battery screen, its 35-minute runtime is below average. Kay Maguire

• Buy the Kärcher HGE 18-45 cordless hedge trimmer from Amazon (£169.99) and Kärcher (£169.99)

LawnMaster MX 24V cordless hedge trimmer

RRP: £69.99

Our rating: 3.9/5

Available from: Amazon (£69.99) and Robert Dyas (£69.99)

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Reasons to buy:

• Incredibly light for ease of use
• Well-balanced & easy to handle
• Affordable

Reasons to avoid

• The front handle takes some getting used to
• Loud at 102dB
• Small 15mm cut capacity

I found the LawnMaster MX 24V an affordable but capable hedge trimmer, delivering a surprising amount of power for a light piece of kit. Decked out in bright orange, it’s not going to get lost easily in the garden. It has a pleasant, soft-grip back handle, and it’s nicely balanced from front to back. You get a 52cm blade with a rather small 15mm gap between each tooth, which means you’re limited to smaller branches. It’s all powered by a 2.0Ah battery weighing less than 500g, helping the entire setup to come in at under 3kg in weight. An impressive feat, meaning almost anyone could use it without putting too much strain on the arms and back. It will run for about 40 minutes on a single charge.

The front handle is the only thing that lets this trimmer down a little. Rather than a D-shaped handle that you can hold at any angle, this one is more like a ball grip with safety switches you engage with the palm of your hand. It still works, but a more traditional grip is easier to work with. For a budget-friendly hedge trimmer, it’s good to see it come with a hard plastic blade cover rather than a flimsy sleeve that’s hard to put back on. Overall, it’s an impressive little tool for not a lot of money, and it’s covered by a two-year warranty. Harry Duncton

• Buy the LawnMaster MX 24V from Amazon (£69.99) and Robert Dyas (£69.99)

How we test the best hedge trimmers

When we test hedge trimmers, we use them across various hedges with different stem thicknesses.

Then, we score each model against these four criteria, with equal marks attributed to each one:

• Set-up and storage: We assess the assembly needed, the ease and clarity of the instructions provided, the battery charge time on cordless models, and any storage features
• Handling: Vital for the tool to be enjoyable to use, we look at each hedge trimmer's ease of use, overall weight, weight distribution, noise levels, comfort and safety features
• Performance: We also look at the quality of the cut, blade length, the maximum stem thickness the trimmer can handle, and, for cordless models, the battery run time
• Value for money: We look at all of the above, plus quality and design in relation to the RRP (including battery and charger where relevant), and the length of warranty

For more on our testing process across all the different gardening product categories, see How we review

What are the different types of hedge trimmer?

There are three types of hedge trimmer available, each with its own pros and cons:

• Cordless hedge trimmers: These are lightweight, quiet, environmentally friendly, and require no petrol, engine maintenance, or electricity, plus there are no trailing cables to worry about. Without the cord or a petrol tank, you aren’t limited to where you can cut, and although these were traditionally pretty pricey, recent advances have lowered their price. Expensive batteries and chargers, however, can increase costs. Read our best cordless tools buyer's guide for more information on cordless tool systems
• Electric corded hedge trimmers: Affordable, low-maintenance and lightweight, these trimmers require a power source and have potentially hazardous cables. Depending on their length, you may also need an extension cord for extra reach
• Petrol hedge trimmers: These are powerful and, like cordless versions, can be used anywhere. However, petrol has an environmental impact, is expensive and messy, and trimmers are heavy, noisy and require regular maintenance

How to use a hedge trimmer safely

Check the weather forecast
It can be dangerous to cut your hedges in the rain, especially when using an electric trimmer. So make sure the hedge is dry, and no rain is forecast while you’ll be working.

Check your equipment
It’s always worth giving your tool a once-over to check that it’s in working order and has not been damaged.

Wear the right clothes and shoes
Ensure your clothes offer you enough protection while cutting your hedge, and avoid loose-fitting clothes that might snag on branches as you work. Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes so that you feel steady on your feet. You might also like to wear goggles and gloves.

Remove dead leaves and debris
Old, dead leaves or debris in your hedge could jam the hedge trimmer, so make sure you check the hedge before you start.

Check that the area is safe
It’s worth just checking your surroundings before you start. Make sure there are no children or pets running around. If you’re using a corded trimmer, make sure the cable isn’t creating a trip hazard for yourself or others.

Why you can trust BBC Gardeners' World Magazine reviews

As trained gardeners and seasoned users of all sorts of garden tools, the testing team at BBC Gardeners' World Magazine have reviewed scores of hedge trimmers over the years, using our trusted testing matrix to make sure we're giving balanced, fair judgments. We test hedge trimmers in varied, real-world conditions, cutting a variety of hedge plants with different characteristics. Because we're real-world gardeners with lots of experience, we know what to look out for and the sorts of things that will make all the difference once you're using a particular hedge trimmer regularly.

We give each hedge trimmer an at-a-glance list of pros and cons for clarity, and a rating out of five. We also don't share product reviews with manufacturers or retailers before they're published, and we don't accept payment in exchange for positive reviews either. Oliver Parsons, gardenersworld.com

Meet our testing panel

Oliver Parsons, Strategic Projects Editor
Oliver is a gardener and magazine journalist of 20 years’ experience. He trained as a professional horticulturalist at RHS Garden Hyde Hall in Chelmsford and has also worked for Gardening Which?, as a freelance gardener and with the gardening team at Down House in Kent. He is now Strategic Projects Editor at BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine and GardenersWorld.com, heading up our reviews desk, Apple News output and weekly newsletter.

Kay Maguire, Magazines Editor
Kay trained at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and has been writing and making films about gardening ever since. She has written for websites and magazines, including The Garden and Amateur Gardening, was Horticultural Editor on BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine for five years, and has also written several books on a range of gardening topics from growing house plants to making the most of a small space. After several years as Reviews Editor, building up our reviews section into a leading resource for UK gardeners, she has now become Magazines Editor for BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, responsible for all print output.

Harry Duncton, freelance powered tools tester
Harry has a wealth of experience, from being a language teacher to a tree surgeon, and has built this into a career writing about all things DIY and gardening. A passionate believer in self-reliance, his aim is to inspire others to give it a go themselves and not worry about making a few mistakes along the way. A regular contributor to popular DIY blogs and a recent addition to the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine team, he loves tracking down the best new tools and writing about them.

Sue Fisher, freelance garden writer
Sue’s extensive horticultural career spans over 40 years, starting with a decade in the garden centre and nursery industry before developing into an accomplished gardening writer, designer and speaker. Sue writes regularly for BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, GardenersWorld.com, and Garden Answers magazine. She has written 10 books on subjects including container gardening, plants for small gardens and designing with colour, and she has co-authored other books with some of the biggest names in gardening.

Emma Crawforth, Horticulture Editor
Emma holds the Kew Diploma in Horticulture and has been working in horticulture for 18 years, including roles in public gardens, a plant nursery supplying plants for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and a training college for young horticulturists. She looks after an ornamental, fruit and veg garden at home and regularly undertakes trips to see plants growing in their natural habitats. She is the author of the Kew Publications book, Things to Do with Plants.

This review was last updated in February 2026. We apologise if anything has changed in price or availability.