Power Tool Insider is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our recommendations — we only recommend tools we’d actually use. Full disclosure.
Spring arrives, your hedges remind you they haven’t been touched in six months, and suddenly you’re standing in the garden center staring at twelve different cordless hedge trimmers. Battery power has come a long way — modern 40V, 56V, and 80V hedge trimmers cut as fast as gas, run 45 to 90 minutes per charge, and weigh half as much. The right one for you depends on your yard size, battery ecosystem, and how much hedge you’re actually dealing with.
We dug through thousands of reviews, compared specs across platforms, and matched each trimmer to real-world use cases. Here’s what actually holds up in 2026 — and what to skip.
Best Cordless Hedge Trimmers 2026: Our Top Picks at a Glance
| Award | Model | Price | Rating | Why We Picked It | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | EGO HT2411 56V 24″ | $199 (kit) | 4.7★ (4,614) | Battery included, brushless power, dual-action blades — top pick for most yards | Buy Now |
| Best for DeWalt Owners | DeWalt DCHT820B 20V 22″ | Check price | 4.8★ (9,347) | Highest-rated in class, 22″ blade handles typical residential hedges | Buy Now |
| Best Professional Pick | Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2726-20 24″ | Check price at HD | — | Fastest cutting speed in class, M18 ecosystem, ideal for landscaping pros | Buy Now |
| Best Budget | Ryobi RY40HTA 40V HP 26″ | $172 | — | Longest blade at the price, works with all 40V Ryobi batteries | Buy Now |
| Best for Large Properties | Greenworks Pro 80V 26″ | ~$161 | 4.5★ (992) | 26″ dual-action blade tackles overgrown hedges and formal hedgerows | Buy Now |
Full Reviews: The Best Cordless Hedge Trimmers Tested
EGO POWER+ HT2411 56V 24″ — Best Overall
Price: $199 (kit with 2.5Ah battery and charger) | Rating: 4.7★ (4,614 reviews)
The EGO HT2411 is the benchmark for battery-powered hedge trimming in 2026. The 56V platform delivers enough grunt to power through 3/4-inch branches without bogging down — the kind of performance that used to require gas. At 24 inches, the blade handles typical suburban hedges in fewer passes, and the dual-action cutting system means you’re not fighting vibration on every stroke.
What separates EGO from the budget crowd is the kit value. At $199, you get the trimmer, a 2.5Ah battery, and a charger. That same battery works in EGO’s lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and string trimmers — so if you’re building an outdoor equipment collection, EGO’s 56V platform is one of the most complete ecosystems available on Amazon.
Pros
- Kit price includes 2.5Ah battery and charger — no extra cost to get started
- 56V brushless motor handles thick branches without slowing down
- 24″ blade covers more hedge per pass than 20V competitors
- Part of EGO’s 56V ecosystem — works with mowers, blowers, string trimmers
- 4.7★ rating across 4,600+ reviews reflects real-world durability
Cons
- Heavier than 20V models at 7.9 lbs with battery
- 56V batteries cost more than 20V alternatives if you need extras
- Not available at Home Depot — Amazon only
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Blade Length | 24 inches |
| Voltage | 56V |
| Motor Type | Brushless |
| Dual Action | Yes |
| Blade Gap | 3/4 inch |
| Battery Included | 2.5Ah (+ charger) |
| Weight (with battery) | 7.9 lbs |
| Model | HT2411DLP |
Bottom Line: For most homeowners who want a complete, ready-to-run hedge trimmer that can handle real hedges — not just ornamental shrubs — the EGO HT2411 kit is the clearest answer in 2026.
DeWalt DCHT820B 20V MAX 22″ — Best for DeWalt Owners
Price: Check current price | Rating: 4.8★ (9,347 reviews)
Nearly 10,000 reviews with a 4.8-star average. That’s not a marketing claim — that’s the product of hundreds of thousands of homeowners using this trimmer over several seasons and coming back to rate it. The DCHT820B runs on DeWalt’s ubiquitous 20V MAX battery system, which means if you own a DeWalt drill, impact driver, or circular saw, you can put the same battery in this trimmer and be ready to go.
The 22-inch dual-action blade is the right size for most residential hedges. It’s light at 5.8 lbs without battery — easy to hold at arm’s length for extended sessions. The brushless motor stretches battery runtime and makes this trimmer reasonably efficient on a 20V 5.0Ah pack. If you already own DeWalt 20V batteries, this is the obvious hedge trimmer purchase.
Pros
- Highest-rated hedge trimmer in its class at 4.8★ with 9,347 reviews
- Lightweight at 5.8 lbs without battery — less arm fatigue
- 20V MAX compatibility — use batteries you already own
- Dual-action blades reduce vibration and improve cut quality
- Tool-only format: great value if you’re already in the DeWalt ecosystem
Cons
- 22″ blade is shorter than premium models (24″-26″)
- 20V platform has less raw power than 40V/56V/80V competitors
- No battery or charger included — need to purchase separately
- Struggles with branches over 3/4″ on a depleted battery
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Blade Length | 22 inches |
| Voltage | 20V MAX |
| Motor Type | Brushless |
| Dual Action | Yes |
| Blade Gap | 3/4 inch |
| Battery Included | No (tool only) |
| Weight (without battery) | 5.8 lbs |
| Model | DCHT820B |
Bottom Line: If you’re already in the DeWalt 20V ecosystem, the DCHT820B is the easiest upgrade. For standalone buyers, the EGO kit beats it on value. But for pure ratings-based reliability across thousands of real users? Nothing touches it.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2726-20 24″ — Best Professional Pick
Price: Check current price at Home Depot | Rating: — (Home Depot)
Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL hedge trimmer is the professional’s choice. It cuts 30% faster than standard electric trimmers according to Milwaukee’s own testing, and its 24-inch dual-action blade handles branches up to 3/4 inch with the kind of consistent power that matters when you’re doing the 14th hedge of the day, not the first. The FUEL designation means Milwaukee’s brushless motor, REDLINK PLUS electronics, and REDLITHIUM battery protection are all baked in.
Milwaukee tools are Home Depot exclusive — you won’t find them on Amazon with any commission attached, so we only link here to the HD listing. If you’re already running M18 tools on a job site, adding the 2726-20 trimmer means zero new battery investment. The same FORGE HD12.0 batteries that power your M18 FUEL circular saw will run this trimmer all day.
Pros
- Fastest cutting speed in class — 30% faster than standard electric trimmers
- M18 ecosystem: compatible with every M18 battery on the market
- 24″ dual-action blade handles formal hedgerows and thick overgrowth
- REDLINK PLUS electronics prevent overloading and overheating
- Professional-grade build quality for daily landscaping use
Cons
- Home Depot exclusive — no Amazon purchase option
- No commission earned via Home Depot (no affiliate program)
- Requires separate M18 battery purchase if you’re not already in the ecosystem
- Heavier than consumer-grade trimmers
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Blade Length | 24 inches |
| Voltage | 18V (M18) |
| Motor Type | Brushless (FUEL) |
| Dual Action | Yes |
| Cut Capacity | 3/4 inch branches |
| Battery Included | No (tool only — 2726-20) |
| Available At | Home Depot Only |
| Model | 2726-20 |
Bottom Line: The Milwaukee M18 FUEL is the pick for landscaping professionals and serious DIYers already running M18 equipment. The fastest, most capable hedge trimmer on this list if cutting speed matters more than initial cost.
Ryobi RY40HTA 40V HP 26″ — Best Budget
Price: Around $172 at time of writing | Rating: — (Home Depot)
Ryobi’s 40V HP hedge trimmer gives you 26 inches of dual-action blade — the longest on this list — at a price that undercuts the EGO kit. It’s part of Ryobi’s 40V HP platform, which means the HP (High Performance) brushless motor handles thicker growth than standard Ryobi models. If you’re trimming large hedgerows or need the reach of a longer blade, this is the most blade per dollar available today.
Ryobi is a Home Depot exclusive brand. Like Milwaukee, the brand distributes only through HD — any Amazon listing is a third-party seller with no warranty protection. Purchase directly from Home Depot. If you own other 40V Ryobi tools (their 40V lawn mower, leaf blower, or string trimmer are popular picks), the RY40HTA uses the same battery family.
Pros
- 26″ blade — longest on this list — covers more ground per pass
- Brushless HP motor delivers more power than base Ryobi models
- Compatible with all Ryobi 40V batteries (a large, affordable ecosystem)
- Best price-per-inch-of-blade of any model reviewed
- Tool-only format: add to existing 40V battery collection
Cons
- Home Depot exclusive — not available on Amazon
- No battery or charger included
- 40V HP less powerful than 56V or 80V platforms for very thick hedges
- Limited runtime on smaller 2.0Ah batteries
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Blade Length | 26 inches |
| Voltage | 40V |
| Motor Type | Brushless HP |
| Dual Action | Yes |
| Blade Gap | 3/4 inch |
| Battery Included | No (tool only) |
| Weight (without battery) | 8.8 lbs |
| Model | RY40HTA |
Bottom Line: For Ryobi 40V users and anyone who wants maximum blade length at a sub-$200 price point, the RY40HTA delivers. Pair it with a 4.0Ah or 6.0Ah Ryobi 40V battery for serious runtime.
Greenworks Pro 80V 26″ GHT80320 — Best for Large Properties
Price: Around $161 at time of writing | Rating: 4.5★ (992 reviews)
The Greenworks Pro 80V hedge trimmer is for the homeowner whose hedges are less “decorative shrubs” and more “privacy wall.” The 80V platform delivers commercial-adjacent power — the 26-inch blade with a 1-inch blade gap handles overgrown growth that would stall a 20V trimmer mid-cut. It’s heavier at 10 lbs, but if you’re tackling 50-foot hedgerows or branches consistently pushing 3/4″ to 1″, that extra weight buys you capability.
At around $161 tool-only, the Greenworks Pro 80V is a compelling buy if you already have 80V Greenworks batteries from a mower or blower. The 1-inch blade gap is the widest on this list, making it the clear choice for mature, dense hedges.
Pros
- 80V platform — most powerful battery voltage on this list
- 1-inch blade gap handles branches other trimmers bounce off
- 26″ dual-action blade for maximum coverage per pass
- Available on Amazon with affiliate pricing
- Compatible with Greenworks 80V battery ecosystem (mowers, blowers)
Cons
- Heaviest trimmer on the list at 10 lbs without battery
- 80V batteries are more expensive than 20V/40V alternatives
- No battery or charger included
- Greenworks ecosystem is smaller than EGO, DeWalt, or Milwaukee
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Blade Length | 26 inches |
| Voltage | 80V |
| Motor Type | Brushless |
| Dual Action | Yes |
| Blade Gap | 1 inch (widest on list) |
| Battery Included | No (tool only) |
| Weight (without battery) | 10.0 lbs |
| Model | GHT80320 |
Bottom Line: If your hedges are dense enough to make lesser trimmers beg for mercy, the Greenworks Pro 80V GHT80320 is built for exactly that. For typical suburban hedges, the EGO or DeWalt are lighter and more practical.
What to Look for in a Cordless Hedge Trimmer (Buying Guide)
Blade Length: Match to Your Hedge Type
Blade length determines how many passes you need to trim a hedge. Shorter blades (20-22″) are lighter and more maneuverable — ideal for sculpted topiaries and smaller ornamental shrubs. Longer blades (24-26″) cover more distance per stroke, which matters when you’re doing a 30-foot privacy hedge.
- 20-22″ blade: Small to medium hedges, ornamental shrubs, lightweight use
- 24″ blade: Most residential hedges, the sweet spot for capability and weight
- 26″ blade: Large hedgerows, formal hedges, commercial-scale trimming
Blade Gap: The Number Nobody Talks About
The blade gap — the distance between the teeth — determines the maximum branch diameter you can cut. Most 20V trimmers use a 3/4-inch gap, which handles typical hedge growth. The Greenworks Pro 80V’s 1-inch gap is for mature hedges with branches that have had years to thicken up.
- 3/4 inch gap: Standard for residential hedges, handles 90% of homeowner trimming needs
- 1-inch gap: Overgrown hedges, formal hedgerows, branches that have been neglected
Voltage: More Isn’t Always Better
Higher voltage means more power available, but it also means heavier, more expensive batteries. For most homeowners:
- 20V MAX (DeWalt): Sufficient for average residential hedges. Lightest batteries.
- 40V (Ryobi) / 56V (EGO): Better for medium to large hedges, longer runtime.
- 80V (Greenworks) / 18V FUEL (Milwaukee): Commercial-level power for dense or overgrown growth.
If you’re already in a battery ecosystem, stick with it. Don’t buy a 56V trimmer if your only batteries are 20V — the compatibility doesn’t cross brands.
Single-Action vs Dual-Action Blades
Every trimmer on this list uses dual-action blades, where both the upper and lower blades move in opposite directions. This is what you want. Single-action designs — where only one blade moves — create more vibration and are harder on your hands over a long session. For 2026, there’s no reason to buy single-action. All reputable cordless models have moved to dual-action.
Battery Platform Compatibility: Use the Batteries You Already Own
The biggest decision in any battery-powered yard tool isn’t the tool — it’s the ecosystem. Before buying any of these trimmers, check what batteries you already own. Using existing batteries saves $80-150 per battery and means one less charging system to manage.
- Already own DeWalt 20V MAX tools? Get the DCHT820B. Same batteries, no extra cost.
- Already own Ryobi 40V tools? Get the RY40HTA. Their 40V ecosystem is among the most affordable.
- Already own Milwaukee M18 tools? Get the 2726-20. Any M18 battery works.
- Starting fresh? The EGO 56V kit includes a battery and charger — it’s the most complete value proposition out of the box, and EGO’s 56V lineup covers mowers, blowers, and chainsaws if you want to expand.
For a deeper look at how the major battery platforms compare, see our Milwaukee vs DeWalt vs Makita vs Bosch vs Ryobi Battery Platforms guide. Understanding volt and amp-hour differences can help you make the right ecosystem choice before your first purchase — see our breakdown of Power Tool Batteries: Volts, Amp Hours, and the Numbers That Actually Matter.
Cordless vs Gas Hedge Trimmer: Is Battery Power Good Enough in 2026?
The short answer in 2026: yes, for homeowners. Gas hedge trimmers made sense when battery platforms maxed out at 20V and died after 20 minutes. Today’s 40V-80V trimmers run 45-90 minutes per charge, cut branches up to 1 inch thick, and cost less in fuel and maintenance over time.
Where gas still wins:
- All-day commercial use: Landscapers doing 8 hours of continuous trimming need fuel flexibility
- Very remote locations: No access to charging means no cordless
- Extreme branch thickness: Heavy gas models still outperform battery on 1.5″+ branches
Where cordless wins for everyone else:
- No mixing gas and oil
- No pull-start frustration
- Quieter operation — significant if you’re trimming near neighbors
- Lower long-term cost — no gas, no carburetor cleaning, no spark plug replacement
- Instant start, every time
For the typical homeowner with 30-90 minutes of trimming per session, a 40V+ cordless hedge trimmer eliminates every meaningful disadvantage gas used to have.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a cordless hedge trimmer battery last?
Runtime depends on voltage and battery capacity. A 20V trimmer with a 5.0Ah battery typically runs 30-45 minutes on light-to-medium hedges. A 56V EGO with a 2.5Ah battery (the kit) delivers 45-60 minutes of typical use. The 80V Greenworks with a 2.5Ah battery runs similarly. For longer sessions, buy a second battery or step up to a 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah pack — the extra cost is worth it if you’re doing more than an hour of trimming at a stretch.
What is a good blade gap for a hedge trimmer?
A 3/4-inch blade gap handles the vast majority of residential trimming — most decorative hedges and shrubs never grow branches thicker than that. If your hedges are mature and haven’t been maintained in years, look for a 1-inch gap (like the Greenworks Pro 80V). A wider gap won’t hurt performance on thinner branches, but a narrow gap will bind and stall on anything thicker than its rated capacity.
Can a cordless hedge trimmer handle thick branches?
Modern 40V+ cordless hedge trimmers cut branches up to 3/4 inch cleanly, and the Greenworks Pro 80V handles up to 1 inch. Beyond that, you’re in chainsaw territory. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL is the most capable on this list for thick, fast-growing hedge varieties — its FUEL brushless motor doesn’t bog down the way lesser trimmers do. For truly overgrown hedges (1″+ branches), a pole saw or chainsaw is the right tool. See our Best Cordless Chainsaws 2026 guide for heavy-duty cutting.
Is EGO or DeWalt better for hedge trimming?
It depends on your starting point. If you own no battery tools and want the best standalone trimmer purchase, the EGO HT2411 kit wins — $199 includes the battery and charger, the 56V platform is more powerful, and the blade is longer. If you already own DeWalt 20V MAX tools and have batteries on hand, the DCHT820B is the smarter buy: it’s cheaper, lighter, and runs on equipment you already own. The DeWalt also has the highest user rating of any trimmer on this list (4.8★ from 9,347 reviews).
Do Milwaukee M18 batteries work in hedge trimmers?
Yes. The Milwaukee 2726-20 is an M18 FUEL tool, and any M18 battery works — from the compact M18 2.0Ah up to the FORGE HD12.0Ah. More capacity means longer runtime. Milwaukee’s M18 ecosystem covers hundreds of tools, so if you’re already in the M18 world (which most professional tradespeople are), the hedge trimmer is a natural add-on with zero new battery investment. Note that Milwaukee tools are available exclusively through Home Depot — not Amazon.
What size hedge trimmer do I need for my yard?
Match blade length to your hedge size. For small ornamental shrubs and shaped topiaries under 3 feet tall, a 20-22″ trimmer like the DeWalt DCHT820B is ideal — it’s lighter and more precise. For standard privacy hedges and foundation plantings (6-8 feet), a 24″ blade like the EGO HT2411 or Milwaukee 2726-20 is the right call. For formal hedgerows, estate-sized properties, or mature hedges running 10+ feet, step up to 26″ models like the Ryobi RY40HTA or Greenworks Pro 80V. When in doubt, go longer — a 26″ blade works on small hedges, just with more blade than necessary.
Power Tool Insider is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our recommendations — we only recommend tools we’d actually use. Full disclosure.
