If you’re looking for the best cordless hedge trimmer, you probably want the freedom to trim your hedge without dragging a cable around or dealing with petrol and fumes. The problem is, not every battery operated model performs the same. Some are great for quick tidy-ups but struggle on thicker branches, while others feel heavy and run out of charge sooner than you’d expect.
Whether you’ve got a small garden or a large garden, we’ve compared top cordless options for cutting power, battery life, comfort, and value — so you can choose a trimmer that feels easy to use and gets the job done properly.
Top Picks
Worx 40V 61cm Brushless Hedge Trimmer Kit
You get a 40V brushless unit that is optimised for performance and sustained cutting in larger gardens. The long 61 cm blade and included twin batteries make it a strong choice if you need power and reach without petrol noise and fumes.
Overview
The Worx WG286E is our best cordless hedge trimmer pick because it delivers the right mix of power, cutting reach, thick-branch capability, and included batteries — making it one of the most practical choices for UK gardens.
It combines a 40V brushless motor, a 61cm blade, and a 27mm cutting capacity, which is a strong setup for cutting long hedge runs quickly and dealing with thicker growth without constant struggling.
Why it’s our #1 choice
- 40V brushless motor = higher torque and better efficiency for dense hedges
- 61cm dual-action laser-cut blades = faster coverage with cleaner, more even cuts
- 27mm cutting capacity = handles thicker stems that lower-powered models often miss
- 2x 2.0Ah batteries + charger included = fewer interruptions and better value overall
- 180° rotating rear handle = easier trimming at awkward angles and along hedge faces
Best for
- Medium to large gardens
- Long hedges (10–15m+) and regular seasonal maintenance
- Thicker hedges like laurel, privet, and overgrown shrubs
- Homeowners who want corded style performance without a cable
In everyday use, the long 61cm blade helps you finish hedge lines with fewer passes, while the 27mm bite makes it far more confident on thicker branches. The brushless motor also feels smoother under load, meaning you spend less time forcing the trimmer through dense sections and more time getting a neat, straight finish.
Things to Consider
This is a higher-powered setup, so it’s best suited to people who actually trim hedges regularly. If you only do a tiny hedge once or twice a year, a lighter 18V model might be cheaper and “good enough”. But if you want one machine that can handle serious hedge work properly, this Worx kit is a very safe bet.
Makita DUH502Z 18V 50cm Brushless Trimmer
You get a robust, well-built tool that feels closer to trade equipment than a leisure garden tool. It delivers steady cutting performance and benefits from Makita's compatibility with a large battery ecosystem.
Overview
The Makita DUH502Z is our 2nd choice for the best battery powered hedge trimmer, especially if you want proven build quality and long-term reliability. This 18V brushless model comes as a body-only unit, making it a smart buy if you already use Makita LXT batteries and chargers. In real garden use, it delivers clean, controlled cutting on common hedges like laurel and privet, and it’s a strong option for anyone searching for the best hedge trimmer with a tougher, more professional feel.
What you get (key specs)
- Blade length: 50cm double-sided
- Max cutting capacity: up to 23.5mm branches
- Motor: Brushless (better efficiency and runtime)
- Speed control: 3-speed + variable trigger
- Handling: 5-position rotating rear handle
- Safety & control: electric brake, soft start, reverse function, battery protection circuit
- Lightweight
Why it’s a great choice in real gardens
The DUH502Z feels more solid than many lightweight cordless trimmers, which helps when you’re shaping longer hedge faces or tackling denser growth. The speed options are genuinely useful too — slower for neat trimming, faster for quicker clearance. The rotating rear handle makes awkward angles easier, especially when working vertically.alternatives; choose this model if you prioritise longevity and pro-level handling.
Bosch 18V UniversalHedgeCut 50cm Trimmer
You get a lightweight, well-balanced cordless trimmer with reliable anti-blocking behaviour and a long run between charges when used with Bosch 18V batteries. It is designed for routine garden maintenance rather than heavy professional use.
Overview
The Bosch UniversalHedgeCut 18V-50 is a smart, homeowner-focused cordless hedge trimmer that’s ideal for keeping medium sized hedges neat without the hassle of cables. It uses a brushless motor for better efficiency and longer tool life, and Bosch’s Anti-Blocking System helps reduce stalling when you hit denser growth, so you spend less time stopping to clear jams. With a 50cm blade and 20mm tooth spacing, it’s well-suited to regular hedge maintenance and tidy shaping work.
Key features and what they deliver
In real garden use, it feels well balanced and easy to manoeuvre — a great middle ground between reach and control. It’s excellent for hedges like laurel, privet, and general shrubs, but it’s not designed for heavy duty cutting on thick woody branches. If you regularly deal with tougher growth, you’ll get better results by taking slower passes or stepping up to a higher-capacity model.
Ryobi ONE+ 18V 55cm Hedge Trimmer Kit
You benefit from a long 55 cm blade and an in-line handle that reduces fatigue and improves control for shaping and topiary. The included battery and HedgeSweep attachment make this a practical, ready-to-use package for typical garden tasks.
Overview
This Ryobi ONE+ kit is a great pick for homeowners who want a cordless hedge trimmer that’s ready to use straight out of the box. With a 55cm diamond-ground, double-sided blade and Ryobi’s LINEA in-line handle, it’s designed to feel comfortable in the hands while keeping your cuts neat and controlled. The big advantage with this package is simple: it includes an 18V 2.0Ah battery and charger, so you can start trimming immediately — and it’s excellent value if you don’t already own Ryobi batteries.
Key features and benefits
Practical performance and usage
The 55cm blade is ideal for long, smooth passes, so you can trim a hedge line faster without constantly repositioning. On this Ryobi hedge trimmer, the handle design keeps your arms and wrists in a more natural position, which really helps during longer sessions or when you’re shaping and doing finishing work. The HedgeSweep is a handy extra too, especially if you’re trimming along paths, patios, or driveway edges where you want to keep the mess under control.
If your hedges are tall or hard to reach, a pole hedge trimmer makes it much easier to trim the top and sides safely without needing a ladder.
Limitations and buying advice
While versatile, the machine is not aimed at heavy duty, professional workloads tougher branches will require multiple passes or manual pruning. If your garden contains very dense hedges or you need extended run times between charges, consider higher capacity batteries from the ONE+ range or a higher-voltage model.
Einhell Power X-Change 55cm Hedge Trimmer
You receive a straightforward, easy-to-use cordless trimmer that handles standard hedging tasks well and is light to manoeuvre. It is a cost-effective choice if you already use or plan to invest in the Power X-Change battery system.
Overview
The Einhell Power X-Change GC-CH 1855/1 Li is positioned as a value-oriented cordless hedge trimmer that integrates with the wider Power X-Change battery ecosystem. With a 55 cm laser-cut, diamond-ground blade, it is intended for homeowners who need a reliable, lightweight tool for regular trimming of bushes and hedges.
Features that matter for everyday use
Performance and practical considerations
You will find it efficient for routine hedging work such as shaping and trimming medium-sized shrubs. The tool is noticeably easier to handle than many older corded or petrol machines, and users commonly report satisfactory battery runtimes when using a mid capacity PXC battery. For people who prioritise portability and ease of use in a suburban garden, it represents good value.
Limitations and recommendation
Do not expect the same cutting force as higher-voltage (e.g. 40V) machines thick woody branches will often need manual pruning. The solo variant requires you to already have, or separately buy, a Power X-Change battery and charger, so include that in your total cost assessment. Choose this model if you want a light, economical, and well-balanced trimmer for standard hedging tasks.
Buying, Care and Use Guide
What to prioritise when you buy
Practical tips for use
Maintenance and storage
Common mistakes to avoid
Matching trimmer to use-case (quick guide)
Use this guide to match tool features to the jobs you actually do. Prioritise motor type, battery strategy and blade length over flashy extras they’ll determine performance and lifetime value.
FAQ's
Are cordless hedge trimmers powerful enough for thick hedges?
Yes, most modern cordless models are strong enough for normal garden hedges. If you’ve got dense hedges like laurel or privet, look for a higher voltage model and a larger cutting gap (around 20–27mm).
What blade length should I choose?
For most gardens, 45–55cm is the sweet spot.
Shorter blades are easier to control and lighter
Longer blades cover more hedge faster, but feel heavier
What cutting capacity do I actually need?
Cutting capacity is the maximum branch thickness the trimmer can handle.
For regular maintenance, 16–20mm is usually enough.
For thicker or overgrown hedges, aim for 23–27mm.
How long does a cordless hedge trimmer battery last?
It depends on the battery size and how thick the hedge is. A 2.0Ah battery may last around 20–40 minutes, while a 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah can often run much longer, especially for lighter trimming.
Is it better to buy a kit or body only hedge trimmer?
It depends on the battery size and how thick the hedge is. A 2.0Ah battery may last around 20–40 minutes, while a 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah can often run much longer, especially for lighter trimming.
Is it better to buy a kit or body only hedge trimmer?
If you don’t already own batteries, buy the kit (battery + charger included).
If you already use the same brand’s battery platform, body-only can save you money.
Can I use one battery for other garden tools?
Often yes. Many brands use a shared battery system (like 18V ranges). If you plan to buy more tools later, choosing one battery platform can save you a lot long-term.
Are cordless hedge trimmers safe to use?
They’re very safe when used properly. Look for features like a two-hand safety switch, blade guard, and an electric brake. Always wear gloves and eye protection, and keep hands away from the blade area.
Do I need a rotating handle?
It’s not essential, but it’s very helpful. A rotating rear handle makes it easier to trim the sides of hedges and awkward angles without twisting your wrists.
What’s better: brushed or brushless motor?
Brushless is usually better. It tends to be more efficient, gives better battery life, and the motor often lasts longer. Brushed models can still work well, but brushless is the upgrade choice.
Why does my hedge trimmer keep jamming?
This usually happens when the hedge is too thick, wet, or you’re forcing the blade. Try slower passes, avoid thick woody stems, and check the cutting capacity suits your hedge type.
Should I cut hedges when they’re wet?
It’s best not to. Wet leaves can clog the blades and make the trimmer work harder. Dry hedges usually give a cleaner finish and put less strain on the tool.
How do I keep a cordless hedge trimmer running well?
Clean off clippings after each use, keep the blade lightly oiled, and store it somewhere dry. Also, keep batteries charged but avoid leaving them in freezing conditions.
What hedge trimmer is best for a small garden?
For small gardens, go for a lightweight model with a 45–50cm blade. It’s easier to control and won’t feel tiring for quick tidy-ups.
What’s the best cordless hedge trimmer for large gardens?
For larger gardens, choose a longer blade (55–60cm) and use at least a 4.0Ah battery if possible. You’ll cover more hedge faster and get fewer battery changes.
Do I need a pole hedge trimmer instead?
If your hedges are tall or you struggle to reach the top safely, a pole model can be a better choice. It helps you trim higher sections without using a ladder.
Final Thoughts
Top pick: Worx 40V 61cm Brushless Hedge Trimmer Kit — Best for big gardens and heavy work. Its 61 cm blade plus a 40V brushless motor and twin batteries mean long run-times, sustained cutting power and fewer pauses on larger hedges. Choose this if you routinely tackle hedges over 2 m high, dense or woody growth, or if you need reach and battery redundancy for long sessions.
Runner-up: Makita DUH502Z 18V 50cm Brushless Trimmer — Best for trade-standard reliability and ecosystem flexibility. If you already own Makita 18V batteries (or plan to build a multi-tool kit), this unit gives pro-grade build quality, steady cutting performance and the advantage of a mature battery ecosystem. It’s the sensible choice for repeated, demanding use where durability matters.
