Trim & Shape: The Best Cordless Hedge Trimmers

Effortlessly keep your garden hedges in shape while enjoying the freedom to roam with our handpicked selection of cordless hedge trimmers.
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Written & Tested By: Archie Rich | Updated:
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Best Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Archie Rich/DIY Works
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Cordless hedge trimmers are by far the most popular machine for cutting hedges, and for good reason too. Unlike a standard electric alternative, there is no power cord to worry about, and due to the improvement in battery technology, they now offer improved runtimes from full charge. The cutting performance has also improved over the years, and many of the premium models can now outperform most petrol hedge trimmers.

To assist you in selecting a cordless hedge trimmer, our handpicked selection lists top-performing models, chosen based on our first-hand experience using multiple cordless machines to cut an array of hedges. Our testing and up-to-date research further ensure the quality of our recommendations.

Our Top Picks At A Glance:

Bosch AHS-50-20 Battery Hedge Trimmer
Best Overall: Bosch AHS-50-20 Battery Hedge Trimmer
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Ryobi ONE+ Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Best Performing: Ryobi ONE+ Cordless Hedge Trimmer
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Dewalt DCM563 Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Longest Runtime: Dewalt DCM563 Cordless Hedge Trimmer
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Makita DUH523Z 18V Li-Ion LXT
Best Value: Makita DUH523Z 18V Li-Ion LXT
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Greenworks G40PSH Extendable Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Best Pole: Greenworks G40PSH
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WORKPRO 2-in-1 Cordless Trimmer & Shearer
Best Compact: WORKPRO 2-in-1 Cordless Trimmer & Shearer
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How The DIY Works Team Tests & Rates Cordless Hedge Trimmers

Over the years, we’ve tried and tested a variety of hedge trimmers and tackled overgrown conifers, cherry laurels and plenty of bamboo.

Our first cordless machine was an early Bosch unit (probably the brand’s first cordless offering), and although it was easy to use, it lacked the cutting performance and only lasted half an hour from a full charge. However, after using the latest Bosch machine as well as other cordless hedge trimmers, we’ve seen the improvement first-hand.

During our ongoing testing, we analyse the hedge trimmer’s ease of use, cutting performance, adjustability and build quality. Below is an example of how neat you can make your hedge look by using one of our recommendations. In this example, we tested the Ryobi battery-powered unit, which easily coped with the overgrown conifer.

best cordless hedge trimmer uk

Archie Rich/DIY Works
best cordless hedge trimmers

Archie Rich/DIY Works

To keep up our commitment to reviewing and testing the latest cordless hedge trimmers (for this article), we are continually testing out the latest offerings from top brands in the UK. This means that when we notice a brand has released a new and improved model, we will attempt to buy it and put it to the test (where applicable).

best battery hedge trimmer

Archie Rich/DIY Works
best battery hedge trimmers

Archie Rich/DIY Works

Below is a video we posted on our YouTube channel that shows us testing an extending pole cordless hedge trimmer. As you can see, cutting the conifer was effortless, and we were very impressed with the tool’s performance.

As well as our testing and experience of using a variety of hedge trimmers, we also based our recommendations on the latest research and several factors. Some of the factors that we took into consideration included the battery runtime, blade construction, cutting performance, weight, additional features, warranty and value for money.

The Best Cordless Hedge Trimmers

At DIY Works, our content is 100% independent and we would never recommend a product that we wouldn't use ourselves (read our editorial standards and how we test products).

1. Best Overall: Bosch AHS-50-20 Battery Hedge Trimmer

(How We Review →)

Bosch is a highly reputable tools brand in the UK and they offer several cordless hedge trimmers to suit all budgets. The AHS-50-20 in particular is their most-rated model and it uses the brand’s reliable 18V rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

In terms of its cutting abilities, it has a blade length of 50 cm and a tooth opening of 20 mm which makes it ideal for cutting most hedges. The rechargeable battery that it uses has also been vastly improved when compared to previous generations offered by the brand and it can now last up to 60 minutes and also recharge far quicker too.

Pros
  • Weighs just 2.5 KG with the battery connected
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  • No-load stroke rate of 2,600 SPM
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  • Ergonomic design with multi-position front handle
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  • Anti-blocking system for continuous cutting
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  • Patented "Quick-Cut" technology for clean cutting
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  • Syneon chip for optimal efficiency to improve runtime
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  • Comes as a complete kit with a battery and charger
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  • New and improved model
Cons
  • During testing, we felt that it was only suited to small to medium-sized hedges (it struggles with large branches)

To conclude, the Bosch AHS-50-20 is the best cordless hedge trimmer for the money and it’s more than capable of tackling most medium-sized hedges. It’s also the brand’s new and improved model that features plenty of additional functionality that makes it far more efficient and easier to use.

2. Best Performing: Ryobi ONE+ Cordless Hedge Trimmer

(How We Review →)

If you can stretch your budget, the Ryobi OHT1855R ONE+ is a great option to consider because it offers superior cutting performance. This is made possible by a high torque motor and a laser-cut diamond ground blade that’s 55 cm in length and able to cut through 22 mm thick branches.

A standout feature of this particular model is the “HedgeSweep” attachment that comes in the box and it’s designed to easily brush away any clippings from the hedge after it has been cut. During testing, we really liked this feature and if you cut a large number of hedges, it’s a great feature to have when compared to the alternatives.

Pros
  • 55 cm blade length with diamond ground blades
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  • High torque motor with an anti-jam system
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  • During testing, we really liked the rotating handle and “HedgeSweep” attachment
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  • 3 year warranty when registered
Cons
  • Relatively expensive when compared to the alternatives

Overall, the Ryobi OHT1855R ONE+ is a powerful hedge trimmer that’s ideal for overgrown hedges with thick branches. Although it isn’t the cheapest, it’s a well-made cordless hedge trimmer with the performance to match. It’s also built by the reputable Ryobi brand and even comes with a three-year warranty for complete peace of mind.

3. Longest Runtime: Dewalt DCM563 Cordless Hedge Trimmer

(How We Review →)

Dewalt is another reputable brand that also produces a wide range of hedge trimmers. The DCM563 is one of their most popular and it uses a rechargeable 5.0 Ah battery to power up the machine. In terms of its cutting capabilities, it uses dual action laser cut steel blades with a length of 55 cm and a cutting gap of 19 mm for precision cutting.

Compared with other similar-priced cordless hedge trimmers, this DCM563 model has an extended runtime of up to 75 minutes which is one of the longest runtimes within our roundup.

Pros
  • Wrap around auxiliary handle with multiple orientations
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  • Extended runtime (75 minutes) with a 5.0 Ah battery
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  • Hardened steel blades for extra durability
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  • Compact design that weighs 3.4 KG
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  • Blade stroke rating of 1,400 SPM
Cons
  • One of the most expensive cordless hedge trimmers within our roundup

To conclude, the Dewalt DCM563 is a high-performing and well-built cordless hedge trimmer that won’t disappoint. This particular model also benefits from an extended runtime, which is very useful for those tackling multiple overgrown hedges in a single day. The only drawback is the expensive price but it’s a worthwhile investment that’s worth the extra.

4. Best Value: Makita DUH523Z 18V Li-Ion LXT

(How We Review →)

By far the most popular cordless hedge trimmer on the market is the Makita DUH523Z model. It’s powered by the brand’s reliable 18V Li-ion LXT battery and it uses a double-sided 52 cm blade with a cutting capacity of 15 mm. In terms of using this particular model, it’s a two-handed operation that instantly starts up with the battery installed.

Pros
  • Stain-free shear blade surface
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  • Anti-vibration dampening structure
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  • Battery capacity indicator
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  • Delivers 1,350 strokes per minute
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  • During testing, the electric brake gave us additional control and made it safer to use
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  • Backed by a 1 year warranty (optional 2 years if registered)
Cons
  • It may struggle with large branches

Overall, the Makita DUH523Z is an excellent all-round option that ticks all the boxes. It’s a high-quality yet affordable cordless hedge trimmer that provides plenty of power for all your hedge-cutting requirements.

5. Best Pole: Greenworks G40PSH

(How We Review →)

If you need to tackle tall, hard-to-reach or overgrown hedges, the Greenworks G40PSH is a great option to consider. It’s a cordless long-reach hedge trimmer that also comes with a chainsaw attachment for pruning thicker branches.

To extend this cordless hedge trimmer to its full reach of 2.4 metres, you can simply attach the extension pole between the battery pack and the motor head.

Pros
  • Supplied with a 40V battery
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  • 7 position pivoting motor head
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  • Dual action laser cut blade
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  • 51 cm blade length and 18 mm cutting capacity
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  • During testing, we easily cut tall bamboo and conifers without needing to stand on ladders
Cons
  • Expensive when compared to standard hedge trimmers

Whether you need to cut some cherry laurel, conifer, bamboo or any other type of overgrown hedge, the Greenworks G40PSH is the perfect solution for the job. Even if you don’t need the extended reach, it can still be used as a normal cordless hedge trimmer without the extension poles installed.

6. Best Compact: WORKPRO 2-in-1 Cordless Trimmer & Shearer

(How We Review →)

If you want to frequently cut and keep the shape of a hedge with a lightweight cordless hedge trimmer, the WORKPRO 2-in-1 is the best option. It weighs just 0.47KG and it comes with two attachments for tackling hedges or grass.

Pros
  • Full charge provides 40 minutes of operation
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  • No load speed of 1,100 RPM
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  • During testing, we felt that the ergonomic grip made the tool much easier to use
    •
  • Desirable battery charge indicator
Cons
  • Limited use and only suitable for tidying up small hedges and bushes

To conclude, the WORKPRO 2-in-1 is an easy to use and lightweight cordless hedge trimmer that’s ideal for tidying up hedges, bushes and other garden plants. It’s also the perfect hedge trimmer to use alongside a larger machine because it’s able to tackle hard to reach or awkward areas that larger blades can’t access.

Conclusion

Early cordless hedge trimmers used to be heavy, difficult to use and only lasted for a few minutes before a replacement battery was required. However, the latest machines offer impressive performance, and they’ve exploded in popularity. Even professionals are putting down their petrol-powered machines in favour of cordless alternatives.

All of our recommendations listed above are suitable for all budgets and experience levels. For the best bang for your buck, we recommend choosing a machine from a brand you already own batteries from because most are interchangeable. Alternatively, if one of the above cordless hedge trimmers will be your first battery-powered tool, we would recommend purchasing multiple batteries to avoid running out of charge midway through cutting a hedge.

If you require further information regarding our cordless hedge trimmer recommendations, feel free to get in touch and we will try to provide our assistance where possible.

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