The best cordless hedge trimmer is safe, effective and easy to use. Hedges define beautiful boundaries & encourage wildlife into the garden.
However, most hedges require a decent trim several times a year. What’s great, is that you can take the hassle out of keeping your hedges and bushes in shape with a decent cordless hedge trimmer.
Best Cordless Hedge Trimmer
The power unit, battery type, cutter size, weight, noise, usability, tooth gap and safety features are the eight key criteria we use to compare & evaluate hedge trimmers.
The cutter’s efficiency and size define how quickly you can work. However, big is not always better. For most gardens, a small or medium-sized blade that doesn’t snag and makes a clean cut is the right choice.
Small and light models are easy to use for long periods. Plus, they tend to be quieter. Low noise also helps reduce user fatigue on bigger jobs. Fortunately, there’s no need to consider super noisy petrol models with today’s battery technology (more on this later).
The tooth gap is also worth considering. This gives you a measure of the branch size you can cut. Plus, a tip protector, handguard and blade cover also factor in defining the best models.
To help you buy the right model for your garden, Verum has compared 48 hedge trimmers to recommend the UK Top 5…
Budget Hedge Trimmer
Bosch EasyHedgeCut 45 (corded)
This Bosch corded electric hedge trimmer is highly rated & affordable. It lacks the convenience of cordless models, but it’s a decent choice if you’re on a tight budget.
Lightweight and easy to use, this new model comes in a couple of sizes. The smallest is perfect for light work. It’s easy to handle and control although not designed to cut through thicker branches.
New Blade Tip Protector
This model replaces the best selling Bosch AHS 45-16. Perhaps the most notable difference is the colour change (different shade of green), but of greater significance is the addition of a blade tip protector. This important upgrade makes the device safer and easier to use. The tip protector is especially useful when cutting close to a fence or wall, where damage can occur to both the blade and the hard structure.
If you’re on a tight budget, opting for a corded model will save you a few quid & this hedge trimmer from Bosch won’t let you down.
SPECIFICATION: WEIGHT: 2.6kg | BLADE LENGTH: 45cm | TOOTH GAP: 16mm | SPEED: 3400 spm | NOISE: 95dB | WARRANTY: 3 Years
Bosch Corded | Verdict price £58
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Cordless Hedge Trimmer [BEST BUY]
Bosch Universal HedgeCut 18V-50
Powered by a brushless motor, this cordless hedge trimmer from Bosch is our standout Best Buy. Effective, lightweight and built to last, it ticks every box.
Brushless motors deliver more power than the traditional design. Plus, they’re more efficient. The benefits are significant. Plenty of power makes the tough jobs easy and the efficiency means a longer battery run time.
Also worth noting, is that tools powered by brushless motors deliver a much longer service life.
Using the Bosch ‘Power-for-All’ battery system means you can use other Bosch tools with the same battery. If you already own compatible Bosch batteries, this hedge trimmer is an easy choice.
And should you plan to buy anything from a drill to a cordless lawnmower in the future, it also makes good sense.
The supplied 18v 2.5Ah battery will give you over an hour of run time and is fully recharged in 120 minutes (charger included). This device will work with all Bosch 18v ‘Power-for-All’ batteries, ranging from 1.5Ah to 6Ah.
This hedge trimmer from Bosch is technically superior to most DIY models, it’ll handle all kinds of hedges (Confier, Privet, Laurel, Beech…) and it will keep going year after year. At this price, we can’t fault it!
SPECIFICATION: WEIGHT: 2.6kg | BLADE LENGTH: 50cm | TOOTH GAP: 20mm | SPEED: 2800 spm | NOISE: 94dB | WARRANTY: 3 Years
Bosch Cordless | Verdict Price £136
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Complete with battery & charger
Hedge Trimmer for Large Hedges
Ryobi OHT1855R Cordless
The Ryobi cordless hedge trimmer is perfect for larger hedges and thicker branches. It’s lightweight, affordable and works with the excellent Ryobi One+ battery system.
Ryobi uses the same batteries for all their cordless power and garden tools – no exceptions. This means there are well over one hundred tools that all work with the same battery. If you already own a Ryobi battery, choosing this hedge trimmer is easy. Or if this is your first Ryobi cordless tool, consider it a good investment – you won’t be disappointed.
Owners agree that the specification translates into efficient and effective use. It handles thicker branches with ease meaning it’s a good match for conifers, laurel and holly.
Balanced and reasonably light, it’s easy to use. However, it’s the rotating rear handle that allows for comfortable use in a variety of positions. If you plan on using your trimmer for any length of time, this becomes a must-have feature.
The Ryobi OHT 1855R cordless hedge trimmer ticks all the boxes. Powerful and easy to use – it’s perfect for UK gardens.
SPECIFICATION: WEIGHT: 2.8kg | BLADE LENGTH: 55cm | TOOTH GAP: 22mm | SPEED: 2700 spm | NOISE: 92dB | WARRANTY: 3 Years
Ryobi Cordless | Verdict Price Price not available
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Choose battery & charger separately
Makita Hedge Trimmer
DUH523
The Makita DUH523 is a no-frills cordless hedge trimmer that’s highly effective, lightweight and compatible with the top-rated Makita LXT battery system.
Makita is a brand usually associated with trade – for good reason. They offer high-quality power tools that are designed to last, even with regular use. This hedge trimmer is no exception. While it doesn’t offer the features associated with premium models, it does the basics well.
The medium-sized 52cm blade will easily handle most shrubbery while still being compact enough for ease of handling. Owners collectively rate the cutter’s efficiency and effectiveness. And importantly, the blades are easily removed for sharpening or replacing. As said, this model is built to last.
If you already have Makita LXT batteries and want an affordable hedge cutter – this is it! Alternatively, if you’re thinking of purchasing other Makita power tools at any time in the future, this is a good place to start – you won’t be disappointed.
SPECIFICATION: WEIGHT: 3.0kg | BLADE LENGTH: 52cm | TOOTH GAP: 15mm | SPEED: 2700 spm | NOISE: 89dB | WARRANTY: 3 Years
Makita DUH523 | Verdict price £74
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Body only – choose battery & charger separately
Professional Hedge Trimmer
Makita DUH502
Designed for trade & regular use, the Makita DUH502 comes with numerous additional and useful features that justify the investment.
The core difference is the brushless motor. This brings three primary benefits – longevity, battery life and control. A brushless motor wears less and will therefore last longer. Plus, being more efficient it uses less energy meaning that each battery lasts longer on a single charge. Then it’s about control.
This hedge trimmer has three speeds, an electric brake, a reverse button and a soft start. The three speeds mean you can match the cutting rate to the hedge that you’re cutting. Dialling it down for smaller leaves and twigs will get the job done at the same rate, but will deliver a longer battery life.
The brake is a good safety feature and the reverse button is helpful when removing a trapped branch or similar.
Adding to the usability, the handle can be rotated (5 positions) enabling a comfortable cutting position. Looking for negatives, this Makita hedge trimmer is a little heavier than lower-powered devices. However, it’s significantly lighter than a petrol model.
If you need a hedge trimmer for regular use or simply have an appreciation for the very best power tools, choose the Makita DUH502.
SPECIFICATION: WEIGHT: 3.8kg | BLADE LENGTH: 50cm | TOOTH GAP: 23.5mm | SPEED: 2000/3600/4400 spm | NOISE: 88dB | WARRANTY: 3 Years
Makita DUH502 | Verdict price £175
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Body only – choose battery & charger separately
Buyers Guide
Why We Don’t Recommend Petrol Trimmers
A few years back, petrol hedge trimmers won over corded electric models for power and portability. However, with Lithium-Ion batteries, this is no longer the case. Petrol trimmers are noisy, heavy and require regular maintenance. Plus, the cost, pollution and hassle of using petrol, is best avoided.
A decent cordless hedge trimmer is half the weight of a petrol model, a close match in terms of power and significantly cheaper – even with multiple batteries.
How Loud is a Hedge Trimmer?
Sound power and pressure are measured in decibels (dB). This logarithmic scale allows for easy comparison between models. As an easy reference, 90dB is around twice as loud as 80dB. Hearing protection is strongly recommended for anything above 80dB.
Why Battery Type is Important
Using the same batteries (& charger) across multiple garden and power tools makes complete sense. It’s not only more convenient, but it will save you a small fortune. Each brand has its own system – it’s worth choosing one and sticking with it.
As a quick guide, choose one brand and opt for their 18v power tools (biggest range). All the power tools listed below have been included in our recommendations as they use batteries that will work across a wide range of tools. You can choose different size batteries (Ah rating) depending on your preferences. As an example, a 5Ah battery will last two or three times longer than a 2Ah battery. Although, they’re heavier and cost more. Owning a couple of smaller batteries brings convenience – you can charge one while using the other.
How to Use a Hedge Trimmer
Hedge trimmers are safe and easy to use, although there are a few rules worth following. Wearing goggles, gloves, ear protectors and decent boots makes sense. As does making sure you keep a good 2m+ distance from other people.
- Oil the blades before and after use
- Always use two hands
- Cut the sides of the hedge first. Do this from the bottom up using a sweeping motion.
- Avoid step ladders. Use a frame or platform, if you need additional height.
- Use canes and string to mark out your cuts.
- Don’t attempt to cut thick branches – use lopping shears
- Multiple batteries mean you can keep one battery charging, while you’re using the other.
- Clean the blades after use. This is especially important with conifers as you can get a build-up of resin.
BEST SELLER
BEST BUY
ULTIMATE
UK Verdict
Cordless hedge trimmers are easy to use and much safer than the corded equivalent. The initial cost is higher, but the batteries & charger will work with other cordless tools from the same manufacturer (drills, grass strimmers, lawnmowers etc.) Saving you money, over time.
The cordless Bosch is the standout hedge trimmer for most UK homes. It’s effective, lightweight, easy to use and affordable. Plus, you can use the same battery & charger with the entire range of Bosch DIY cordless garden & power tools.
The brushless Makita hedge trimmer, detailed above, is the ultimate choice for trade. It has a variable-speed brushless motor, a safety brake, and a rotating handle for comfort. For regular use, these additional features really do add up to justify the investment.
S H A R E
