The Best Hedge Trimmers, Tested for Power and Precision

Length: 22" | Weight: 9.5 lbs | Run Time: 70 min

The Stihl HSA 60 is my top pick for a reason — it’s the trimmer I reached for the most during testing. Right away, I noticed the blades had the smoothest cutting action of any model I tried. It went through my hedge like butter, with clean cuts that didn’t shred leaves or stems. The double-sided, diamond-ground blades and droplet-shaped cutters help hold branches in place as you cut, making it easy to work efficiently and precisely.

What surprised me most was how quiet this trimmer is. It’s almost deceiving — you don’t realize how hard it’s working because there’s so little noise or vibration. It has a well-balanced feel, and the handle-mounted safety switch is responsive and intuitive. I also appreciated the battery indicator lights, which give you a quick read on remaining power. With up to 70 minutes of run time with Stihl’s AK 10 battery system, this tool offers pro-level performance in a lightweight, easy-to-use package that’s ideal for homeowners.

Length: 22" | Weight: 7.5 lbs | Run Time: 60 min

If you're already using DeWalt’s popular 20V Max battery system, this hedge trimmer is a smart and seamless addition. The DeWalt 20V Max Hedge Trimmer delivers reliable, no-nonsense performance with a 22-inch laser-cut blade that powered through everything I put in front of it — cleanly slicing branches up to 0.75 inches thick without hesitation or hang-ups.

At 7.5 pounds, it’s lightweight and easy to maneuver, especially with the wrap-around handle that offers good grip and control from multiple angles. It’s one of the louder models I tested, but that’s balanced out by its cutting power and durability. The hooked-tooth, pre-hardened blades stay sharp longer, making this tool a solid choice for ongoing yard maintenance. And at around $200 with a 5.0 Ah battery and charger included, it’s a standout value — especially if you’re already invested in the DeWalt ecosystem, which includes over 250 compatible tools.

Length: 24" | Weight: 11.7 lbs | Run Time: 72 min

When tackling larger properties, overgrown shrubs, or thicker hedges, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 24" Hedge Trimmer is built to handle it. This is a pro-grade tool through and through — powered by Milwaukee’s brushless motor, it delivers serious cutting force with the ability to slice through branches up to 1.25 inches thick. That kind of performance is overkill for light cleanup but necessary if you need to do aggressive cutbacks or maintain large hedges.

At 24 inches, the blade gives you plenty of reach, and there’s even a 30-inch model available for extra-wide jobs. It’s not the most precise trimmer I tested — the cuts can be a little rough — but it makes up for that with brute force and durability. The tool feels sturdy in hand, maybe even a bit bulky for some users, but it balances well thanks to the 5-position rotating handle that makes angled cuts easier on your wrists.

I also appreciated the clippings sweep attachment, which helped clear debris for a cleaner finish. If you're already using Milwaukee's M18 battery platform, this is a natural fit, and the included 8.0 Ah battery and rapid charger are a nice bonus. It is the most expensive tool we tested, so durability doesn't come cheap.

Length: 26" | Weight: 8.9 | Run Time: 35 min

The Ryobi 40V HP Hedge Trimmer quickly became one of my favorites to handle thanks to its comfortable grip and intuitive controls. The rotating rear handle is especially smooth to engage, making it easy to trim at different angles without straining your wrists — something I really appreciated when shaping taller hedges and low ground cover.

It’s not meant for heavy-duty cutting, but it still felt robust and reliable in my hands. The 26-inch dual-action blades give you excellent reach and a generous 1-inch cutting capacity, which was more than enough for regular maintenance and seasonal pruning. At 3,000 strokes per minute, it cut cleanly and quickly with minimal vibration. With the included 40V 2.0 Ah battery and charger, it’s ready to go right out of the box — and if you already use Ryobi’s 40V lineup, this trimmer fits right into your system.

Length: 25" | Weight: 8.6 lbs | Run Time: 120 min

The Green Machine 62V Hedge Trimmer surprised me with just how much power it packs. In fact, it felt nearly as strong as the pro-grade Milwaukee, cutting through dense branches with ease. The 25-inch dual-action blade has a solid 1-inch cutting capacity, and the tool never bogged down during testing. What really stood out, though, was the impressive battery life — the included 62V 2.5 Ah battery keeps the trimmer running for nearly two hours, which is one of the longest runtimes I’ve seen in a cordless model.

That power comes at a cost, though: the battery is large and can feel a bit bulky, especially during longer jobs. But thanks to the five-position rotating handle, I was able to find a comfortable angle for most tasks. It starts with a simple button press, and the brushless motor keeps things relatively quiet while delivering consistently strong performance. If you’re tackling big hedges or need longer runtime without sacrificing cutting power, this model is a standout.

Length: 24" | Weight: 10.58 lbs | Run Time: n/a

This is a professional-grade pole hedge trimmer built for landscapers and demanding homeowners who need extended reach and all-day performance.

With up to 10 feet of working reach and a 24-inch adjustable cutter bar, this battery-powered tool makes quick work of tall, wide or low hedges. The triple-ground blades deliver fast, precise cuts, while the articulating head folds for compact storage and easy transport. The blades are razor sharp and we found the action as smooth and quiet as the Stihl.

During use, the 525iHE3 feels balanced and stable, thanks to its ergonomic design, intuitive controls, and impressively low vibration. It’s rated for all-weather operation (IPX4), which is a plus for year-round yard maintenance, and Husqvarna’s active battery cooling system helps maintain consistent power output even during long sessions. While the battery and charger are sold separately, the performance and build quality more than justify the investment for anyone who needs extended reach and reliable results in a cordless package.

Length: 22" | Weight: 5.62 lbs | Run Time: n/a

For homeowners who want solid performance without the hassle of batteries or charging, the CRAFTSMAN 22-inch corded hedge trimmer offers reliable power and surprising cutting capacity. Its 3.8-amp motor and dual-action blades make quick work of overgrown shrubs and tackles branches up to 1.5 inches thick which is impressive for an electric model in this price range.

While the corded design limits mobility, it ensures consistent power without fading, making it a smart choice for yards with nearby outlets. The full bale handle adds comfort and maneuverability during longer trimming sessions, and the 0.75-inch standard cut capacity handles typical hedge and plant maintenance with ease. This trimmer is a great fit for anyone who prefers plug-and-play simplicity and doesn’t mind managing a cord to avoid battery swaps.