Best hedge trimmers 2024: Our favourite electric, cordless and petrol trimmers
Getting your hedges in shape doesn’t have to be a struggle; achieve clean-cut shrubs in no time at all with a best hedge trimmer
Whether you’re growing a hedge for privacy screening or something altogether more ornamental, a hedge trimmer is a handy bit of kit to keep your topiary tidy. While a trimmer won’t necessarily replace small hand tools for those last few finishing touches, it will certainly make short work of long or tall hedges.
In fact, hedge trimmers are so effective in keeping foliage at bay, you may only need to use your garden tool two or three times a year.
There are many different types of hedge trimmer available, with models offering different blade and teeth sizes. But which is best for you and your needs? Each type will have its pros and cons, so in our guide we reveal the key things to consider before you buy, as well as our top models for ensuring your shrubs are kept neat and tidy.
Best hedge trimmers: At a glance
- Best lightweight trimmer: Flymo 18V EasiCut 450 | £119
- Best corded option: Black & Decker BEHTS501 | £70
- Best cordless option: Bosch UniversalHedgeCut 18-55 | £130
- Best heavy duty trimmer: Makita DUH751Z | £310
How to choose the best hedge trimmer for you
What type of hedge trimmer is best for me?
Ultimately, the most suitable type of hedge trimmer for you will come down to the size, type and number of hedges you need to tend to. For smaller gardens, an electric or battery-operated hedge trimmer may be best, but if you have a lot of hedge to edge, or it’s a long distance from the nearest available plug socket, a petrol trimmer might be more suitable.
Electric hedge trimmers are generally affordable, easy to use, and they require very little maintenance. In fact, the only real downside is the power cord: long cables are usually preferable, but you still might need an extension reel. Either way, there’s still a risk of slicing through it, so a circuit breaker – either built into your extension cable or a plug-in type – is a very good idea to keep you safe.
Cordless hedge trimmers have become much cheaper than they used to be, while the limitations in battery life and cutting performance are fast disappearing. Poor battery capacity used to be the biggest drawback, but we’re now seeing trimmers with 2.0Ah or 2.5Ah batteries that can run for close to an hour, or even more, from a full charge. Some of the more heavy-duty cordless trimmers can comfortably tackle large or lengthy hedges without any trouble whatsoever. With the aid of a second battery and optional fast charger, even professional gardeners can go cordless these days.
Petrol hedge trimmers can be used anywhere and will tackle any type, length or number of hedges – as long as you have fuel. They will even tackle thicker branches that would scare off most cordless or electric models. This comes at a cost, though. You’re looking at a heavier, bulkier piece of equipment that’s more awkward to store and requires more maintenance. Unless you’ve got endless hedges or you’re a professional gardener, you’re better off with a cordless trimmer these days.
What size blade do I need?
Generally speaking, bigger is better, especially if you have a lot of hedge to trim. However, the bigger the trimmer, the heavier it is, and you will be surprised how much difference a kilogram or two can make when you’re spending an hour or so holding the machine at shoulder height or reaching up to tackle the top of a taller hedge. The sweet spot for most people is usually around 45-55cm, but you may want to go bigger if you have a lot of long or high hedges in need of a trim.
The bigger issue is the space between the teeth of the trimmer, or the maximum cutting width. This effectively sets how big the branches in your hedge can be and still get cut, so take a good look at your hedges before you decide to go too small. The odd thicker branch here and there isn’t a problem – you can usually deal with it using loppers or a pruning saw – but try to tackle a thick conifer hedge with a tool that isn’t up to the job, and you will find you keep stopping and starting as the trimmer jams. For lighter box, privet or lonicera hedges, 15mm will be fine; but go upwards of 20mm if you’re dealing with, say, laurel or conifer.
Are there any other features I should look for?
Many hedge trimmers now come with extra features to make your experience safer and easier. These include safety mechanisms, such as an automatic brake to stop movement instantly, anti-jamming systems to prevent stalling caused by trapped branches, and handguards to offer extra protection while working.
Occasionally, a hedge trimmer will also come with a clipping collector. This will save you from having to pick up all the clippings after you’ve finished, but these are quite rare and can make trimming more difficult if they’re poorly designed.
How we test hedge trimmers
We assembled each trimmer and used it to trim and shape a mix of heavy conifer, box, laurel, and hornbeam hedges. We tested each trimmer’s ability to cut through thicker branches – 20mm to 30mm in diameter – and also looked at how well it handled tricky clumps of box hedging.
With corded models, we carefully examined any features designed to manage and protect the cord. With cordless models, we timed how long the battery lasted while cutting, and how long it took to completely recharge from flat.
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The best hedge trimmers you can buy in 2024
1. Flymo 18V EasiCut 450: Best cordless trimmer for lightweight trimming and shaping
Price when reviewed: £119 (with battery and charger) | Check price at Amazon
Flymo has done a nice job with the ergonomics of the EasiCut 450. It actually feels lighter than its 2.6kg weight, and the balance and comfortable handles mean it’s easy on the arms while tackling smaller, lighter hedges. What’s more, it now uses the same 18V Power For All batteries as models from Gardena and Bosch, with a 2.0Ah battery lasting 40 minutes or more from a single charge. Useful indicators on the top give you a good idea of the current level, and there’s easily enough juice to handle the average garden border hedge.
It’s great for lightweight hedging – zipping through leaves, brush and smaller branches without any fuss – and its manoeuvrability makes it great for shaping lonicera or privet. However, it hasn’t got the power to handle thicker conifer hedges or larger branches, and the 16mm stated cutting width is very much the maximum.
We like the chunky triggers on the handles, the large protective shield, and the guard at the end of the blade. So as long as you don’t need a powerful trimmer, you’ll find this one easy to use.
Key specs – Power source: 18V Li-ion battery; Power: Not supplied; Blade length: 45cm; Maximum branch width: 16mm; Weight: 2.6kg
2. Bosch EasyHedgeCut 18-45: Best hedge trimmer for a light and easy trim
Price when reviewed: From £65 | Check price at Amazon
If your hedge-cutting needs are relatively light, look no further than this cordless little wonder. Nicely balanced and easy on the arms, it won’t have any trouble trimming down the average lonicera, privet or box hedge, and it didn’t struggle as much as we expected with our tougher conifer or laurel hedges, either, thanks to Bosch’s tried-and-tested anti-block technology. It uses one of Bosch’s 18V “Power for All” system batteries, which takes about an hour to charge and gives you around 30 minutes of trimming. Those with lengthy or tougher hedges will soon want something with a bit more reach and clout, but this is a great tool for a speedy trim or getting your unruly hedges ship-shape two or three times a year.
Key specs – Power source: 18V li-ion battery; Power: Not supplied; Blade length: 45cm; Maximum branch width: 15mm; Weight: 2.3kg
3. Makita DUH751Z: Best heavy duty cordless trimmer
Price when reviewed: £281 (tool only) | Check price at Powertool World
At 1.2m long and weighing 4.5Kg with battery, the DUH751Z is a seriously heavyweight cordless trimmer. However, when you’ve got a few dozen metres of hedge to trim you will be glad you’ve got it, especially if that hedge includes dense conifers or woody laurel. The 75cm blade makes light work of massive hedges, while the three-speed brushless motor and triple-edged tooth design will slice cleanly through the toughest material, up to a thickness of 23.5mm. One fir hedge that normally takes an hour to do was done and dusted in just over thirty minutes, and where lesser trimmers choke on thicker protruding branches, the Makita took everything in its stride.
It’s a great tool to use, as well, with a rotating handle for comfortable horizontal and vertical trimming, three speeds to cover different types of hedges, an on/off button for added protection and an automatic shutdown. Plus, paired with the 18v 5.0Ah battery Makita sells in its DUH751RT kit, the DUH751Z seems to go on forever; we had over 90 minutes of use from a single charge and there was still some juice left. Given that Makita’s (rather noisy) fast charger can recharge the battery within 75 minutes, you could easily run it with a pair of batteries and keep it going all day long. A real alternative to the big petrol trimmers, the DUH751Z tackles even the most demanding hedging jobs.
Key specs – Power source: 18V li-ion battery; Power: N/S; Blade length: 75cm; Maximum branch width: 23.5mm; Weight: 4.5kg
4. Bosch UniversalHedgeCut 18-55: Best cordless hedge trimmer for most hedges and gardens
Price when reviewed: £130 (tool only) | Check price at Currys
The Bosch UniversalHedgeCut 18-55 will cover most people’s hedging needs. It’s a little larger and heavier than the Gardena or Flymo options but makes up for it with impressive cutting power and formidable stamina. With its 55cm length and 20mm cutting width, it has no issues pushing through woody conifer hedging, thick chunks of lonicera, or rogue hornbeam branches, and while some thicker branches stopped it in its tracks, they never made it jam.
Bosch claims you can get up to 75 minutes from the bundled 2.5Ah Power For All battery, and we had managed half an hour of trimming hedges and cutting back unruly bushes before the first of the three LED charge indicators blinked out. The Bosch also excels when it comes to comfort, with chunky, rubberized grips that really helps to get a clean finish when you’re trying to trim upwards or reach out to shape the top of a tall hedge. Looking for a no-nonsense, do-it-all trimmer? This is the one to buy.
Key specs – Power source: 18V Li-ion battery; Power: Not supplied; Blade length: 55cm; Maximum branch width: 20mm; Weight: 2.7kg
5. Gardena Comfort Cut 50/18V: Best all-rounder
Price when reviewed: £97 (tool only) | Check price at Amazon
The Gardena Comfort Cut 50/18V is another great choice for small to mid-sized gardens. As the name suggests, it’s been designed for comfort. It’s well-balanced and solidly built, with grippy, non-slip handles and good protection for the hands and blade. While it’s a little noisy for a cordless model – with a high-pitched motor noise that hits around 94dB at peak – there’s surprisingly little vibration transmitted through the handle.
Crucially, there’s a lot more cutting power here than with many other lightweight cordless trimmers. The Gardena pushes smoothly through lonicera, privet, conifer, and hornbeam hedging, leaving a nice clean edge. For once, the 20mm maximum cutting width seems fairly accurate as it deals with chunky branches without any serious trouble. It uses the same Power For All batteries as other tools in the Power For All Alliance – including tools from Flymo, Husqvarna, and Bosch – and you can get 45 minutes from a 2.0Ah battery or over 60 with a 2.5Ah cell. That should easily be enough to tackle a substantial set of hedges, and the Comfort Cut 50/18V is perfect for the job.
Key specs – Power source: 18V Li-ion battery; Power: Not supplied; Blade length: 50cm; Maximum branch width: 20mm; Weight: 2.8kg
6. Black & Decker BEHTS501: Best corded hedge trimmer for cutting power
Price when reviewed: £70 | Check price at Amazon
If you’re looking for a little more power – or perhaps a longer running time – than a cordless hedge trimmer can provide, this 600W unit from Black & Decker is well worth a look.
While it should be able to tackle branches of up to 25mm in diameter using its trimming blades, an additional saw blade at the end of the blades allows cutting of wood up to 35mm across.
The compact body of the trimmer has been engineered to be 10% lighter than previous models in the range, but it still can’t compete with the lightness of the Bosch above.
What it offers in return for this extra weight is greater power, the 600W motor putting out more cutting ability, especially with thicker or tougher branches.
However, you will need to weigh this up against the need to carry an extension reel with you as you cut.
Key specs – Power source: Electricity; Power: 600W; Blade length: 60cm; Maximum branch width: 35mm (using saw blade); Weight: 2.7kg
7. Bosch EasyHedgeCut 60: Best corded hedge trimmer for small to mid-sized gardens
Price when reviewed: £104 | Check price at Currys
The EasyHedgeCut 60 is a great alternative to the Black & Decker BEHTS501 if you don’t need quite such a heavy-duty trimmer. It’s well designed and easy to manage – so long as you can keep the cable under control – and the supplied cable plugs into a connector on the handle, so accidentally chopping through it wouldn’t be a complete disaster, just make sure you’re plugged in through an RCD, for safety’s sake.
The 60cm blade and T-shaped handle on the top help to make easy work of trimming sides or levelling off tops of hedges. And while the 16mm maximum cutting width sounds small, the EasyHedgeCut 60 was able to work through wayward hazel growth that some of the cordless models baulked at. The power advantage of a corded trimmer really made itself felt, the EasyHedgeCut 60 feeling smooth and assured even when tackling thick and woody hedging. If you’re happy with the constraints of a corded trimmer, this is one of the very best around.
Key specs – Power source: Electric; Power: 450W; Blade length: 60cm; Maximum branch width: 16mm; Weight: 2.8kg
8. Worx WG801E: Best cordless shrub clippers
Price when reviewed: £110 | Check price at Amazon
This pint-sized trimmer is noticeably smaller and lighter than the competition, and comes with a choice of three blades to tackle your different topiary needs, or even cut grasses down to size. While you wouldn’t want to take on any larger hedges with it, it’s surprisingly useful when you need to reach up high and clip the top. It’s also brilliant when you’re trying to shape or sculpt a smaller shrub of hedge, even if you don’t go in for topiary replicas of your pets or trendy cloud effects. It uses the same 20V batteries as Worx’s other garden and power tools, and while the 2Ah battery takes a couple of hours to charge, it still runs for well over an hour of clipping and trimming. Where precision matters more than size or power, this is the machine to buy.
Key specs – Power source: 20V li-ion battery; Power: Not supplied; Blade length: 10-20cm; Maximum branch width: 8mm; Weight: 550g
9. McCulloch Superlite 4528 Hedge Trimmer: Best petrol hedge trimmer
Price when reviewed: £200 | Check price at Tool Britannia
Choosing the right petrol-powered hedge trimmer can be tricky, not least because it’s a bigger investment than an electric one.
But the Superlite 4528 is perfect for domestic gardens, with an impressive level of power and user-friendly features including safety guards, a transparent fuel tank and a quiet-running motor that won’t annoy the neighbours.
Despite the name, it’s heavier than any electric trimmer on this list, but by petrol trimmer standards it’s pretty light.
And it packs in all the technology you would expect at the price – an anti-vibration system to make trimming as smooth as possible, OxyPower technology to minimise fuel consumption and a Soft Start feature that reduces the resistance in the starter cord by 40%.
Key specs – Power source: Petrol; Power: 22cc; Blade length: 45cm; Maximum branch width: 20mm recommended; Weight: 4.8kg
10. Einhell GE-HC 18 Li T: Top cordless trimmer for high hedges, shrubs and trees
Price when reviewed: £149 | Check price at Amazon
Once your hedges reach above 7ft or so in height, simply keeping the top clipped can be a nightmare. Not so with an extendable trimmer like the Einhell GE-HC 18Li, as the 40cm blade sits on the end of a telescopic pole that can stretch to 1.7m, meaning you can reach the top of a 2m or even 3m hedge without getting on a ladder. What’s more, the head pivots on the end of the pole, so you can have it straight on for trimming the side of the hedge, then switch to a right angle once it’s time to cut the top down to size.
There’s plenty of power here – and a 22mm maximum cutting width – to deal with most garden hedging, and if you do come across something thicker or tougher, the GE-HC 18 has a party trick. The trimmer head can be switched for a mini-chainsaw attachment, with a 20mm blade that’s perfect for slicing through thicker branches or pruning your trees. We found it worked superbly on an overgrown hornbeam hedge then helped us prune a series of conifers and fruit trees without any hassle. Einhell also does a cheaper, hedge-trimmer only tool, the GE-HH 18/45, but this is one brilliant and versatile garden tool.
Key specs – Power source: 18V 3Ah li-ion battery, 60min charge time; Blade length: 40cm; Maximum branch width: 22mm; Weight: 2.9kg
11. Karcher HGE 18-50: Best cordless hedge trimmer for tough shrubs and hedges
Price when reviewed: £130 (tool only) | Check price at Amazon
If you’ve got a lot of big, tough and unruly shrubs and hedges, the Karcher HGE 18-50 won’t have any problems taking care of them. It’s a chunky, hefty cordless trimmer, but with a 50cm blade length and a maximum cutting width of 22cm, it’s comfortable taking on anything from beach to hornbeam to overgrown conifers, and we really had to work hard to stop it in its tracks.
What’s more, the ergonomic design has an ingenious mechanism where pulling on a lever allows you to rotate the blade by twisting around the top handle. You can keep adjusting the position as you trim each side of the hedge or work along the top to match what feels most comfortable to you.
Even with a heavy battery attached – we tested with Karcher’s 18V, 5Ah unit – it’s a very easy trimmer to work with, and that battery kept on going for nearly an hour and still had enough puff left to sweep up some clipping in a Karcher garden vacuum. It’s compatible with all batteries from Karcher’s 18V platform, which is handy if you have existing tools. Otherwise, you will need to budget an additional £93 to £120 for a battery and charger.
Key specs – Power source: 18V li-ion battery; Power: Not supplied; Blade length: 50cm; Maximum branch width: 22mm; Weight: 2.9kg
