If you require a quick answer, the best cordless hedge trimmer is the Bosch AHS 50-20. It’s a lightweight (2.5 KG) yet powerful machine that can tackle most hedges with its blade length of 50 cm and a cutting capacity of 20 mm. However, if you want a more affordable alternative that offers similar performance, the Makita DUH523Z is a great option to consider.
To rate the cordless hedge trimmers within this article, we based our recommendations upon our experience of using multiple machines, plenty of research and a number of factors. Some of the factors that we took into consideration included the battery runtime, blade construction, cutting performance, weight, additional features, warranty and value.
Table of Contents
Cordless Hedge Trimmer Comparison
| Cordless Hedge Trimmer | Weight | Length / Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Bosch AHS 50-20 | 2.5 KG | 50 cm / 20 mm |
| Ryobi OHT1855R | 3.2 KG | 55 cm / 22 mm |
| Dewalt DCM563PB | 3.4 KG | 55 cm / 19 mm |
| Makita DUH523Z | 3.3 KG | 52 cm / 15 mm |
| Greenworks G40PSH | 7.5 KG | 51 cm / 18 mm |
| WORKPRO 2-in-1 | 0.5 KG | 12 cm / 10 mm |
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 premiums models are now able to outperform most petrol hedge trimmers.
Below is a list of the best cordless hedge trimmers that are suitable for cutting all types of hedges with ease.
The Best Cordless Hedge Trimmer
1. Bosch AHS-50-20 Battery Hedge Trimmer
Bosch are a highly reputable tools brand in the UK and they offer a number of cordless hedge trimmers to suit every budget. The AHS-50-20 model is their most rated 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.
Other features of the Bosch AHS-50-20 include:
- Weighs 2.5 KG with the battery connected
- No-load stroke rate of 2,600 SPM
- Ergonomic design with multi-position front handle
- Transparent hand guard
- Anti-blocking system for continuous cutting
- Patented Quick-Cut technology for clean cutting
- Syneon chip for optimal efficiency to improve runtime
- Includes the battery and charger
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.
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2. Ryobi ONE+ Cordless Hedge Trimmer
If you are able to 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.
Other features of the Ryobi OHT1855R ONE+ include:
- 55 cm blade length
- Diamond ground blades
- High torque motor with an anti-jam system
- Rotating handle and “HedgeSweep” attachment
- 3 year warranty when registered
- Weighs 3.2 KG with the battery connected
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 warrant for complete peace of mind.
3. Dewalt DCM563 Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Dewalt are another reputable brand that also produce 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 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 this article.
Other features of the Dewalt DCM563 include:
- Sold as a bare unit without the battery
- Wrap around auxiliary handle with multiple orientations
- Extended runtime with a 5.0 Ah battery
- Hardened steel blades for durability
- Compact design that weighs 3.4 KG
- Blade stroke rating of 1,400 SPM
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.
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4. Makita DUH523Z 18V Li-Ion LXT
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.
Other features of the Makita DUH523Z include:
- Stain-free shear blade surface
- Anti-vibration dampening structure
- Battery capacity indicator
- Delivers 1,350 strokes per minute
- Electric brake for increased safety
- Backed by a 1 year warranty (optional 2 years if registered)
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.
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5. Greenworks G40PSH Cordless Pruner & Trimmer
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.
In order 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 motor head.
Other features of the Greenworks G40PSH include:
- Supplied with a 40V battery
- 7 position pivoting motor head
- Dual action laser cut blade
- 51 cm blade length
- 18 mm cutting capacity
- Weighs 7.5 KG
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 pole installed.
6. WORKPRO 2-in-1 Cordless Trimmer & Shearer
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.
Other features of the WORKPRO 2-in-1 include:
- 12 cm blade length
- 10 mm cutting capacity
- Full charge provides 40 minutes of operation
- No load speed of 1,100 RPM
- Supplied with a battery and charger
- Ergonomic grip
- Battery charge indicator
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.
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How We Rated
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 full charge. However, after using the latest Bosch machine as well as other cordless hedge trimmers, we’ve seen the improvement first hand.
If you follow us on Instagram, you’ll see that we often post photos and videos of us testing various hedge trimmers. Below is an example of us testing and showing how easy it is to use the cordless hedge trimmer by Greenworks.
As well as our experience of using a variety of hedge trimmers, we also based our recommendations upon hours of research and a number of 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.
Conclusion
Early cordless hedge trimmers used to be heavy, difficult to use and only last 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 the cordless alternatives.
All of our recommendations listed above are suitable for all budgets and experience levels. For the best bang for your buck, we would recommend choosing a machine from a brand that 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 multiples batteries to avoid running out of charge midway through cutting a hedge.
