Best hedge trimmer 2020: the 9 best models for every trimming task

If you’re looking for the best hedge trimmer to keep your garden foliage looking its best, we’ve got you covered. When looking for the best hedge trimmer for your project, you'll need to consider the blade length as well as the weight of the overall machine and whether you need a corded or cordless model. 

We’ve found nine great options for you to choose from, so that you can make sure you pick the best hedge trimmer for your needs. Want to make sure the rest of your garden is in tip top shape too? Our best lawn mower buying guide is a great place to start. 

The best hedge trimmer for 2020

This is the best hedge trimmer for if you're after something lightweight and mobile for quick tidying jobs. It's lightweight to minimise strain to the arms and back, and features an anti-blocking system for continuous use. Its cordless design offers flexibility and it features special teeth on the front of the blade, capable of cutting through branches up to 25mm in diameter.  

A great option for those who own other Bosch cordless tools, as you can use the same battery and charger for its entire range of home and garden tools.

Shop the Bosch Cordless Hedge Trimmer AHS 50-20 LI

This corded hedge trimmer offers a clean and precise cut for small to medium-sized bushes, and is both comfortable to use and easy to manoeuvre. It comes with a two-way safety switch and a hand protective guard for optimum safety. While some may find a corded hedge trimmer a little restrictive, this one comes with a six-metre power cable to offer more flexibility and to reduce the need for over-stretching while trimming.  

Shop the NETTA 500W Corded Electric Hedge Trimmer

This cordless Makita model is one of the best hedge trimmers you can buy. It has a 520mm blade with 15mm tooth openings to offer clean and precise trimming of medium-sized hedges. It can deliver up to 1,350 strokes per minute, and features anti-vibration technology to make it more comfortable to handle. 

Shop the Makita DUH523Z Cordless LXT Lithium Ion Hedge Trimmer

This Ryobi model is the best hedge trimmer if you are looking for an all-rounder that is suitable for all sizes of hedge. It has a rotating rear handle that is comfortable to use even at awkward angles. Its 600mm blade length and 27mm tooth openings make this a great choice for cutting larger branches and the handy HedgeSweep debris sweeper makes removing clippings a doddle. 

Shop the Ryobi RHT6560RL Hedge Trimmer with Hedge Sweep

Another one from the Ryobi ONE+ range, this cordless pole hedge trimmer is great for cutting large branches and can reach a full length of 2.9m. It can be used comfortably for taller hedges and trees thanks to the extension shaft, which is removable so it can be neatly stored. This model also features an articulated cutting head, making it easy to use in a variety of positions. It comes with a blade sheath and a shoulder strap so you'll look like a pro.

Shop the Ryobi ONE+ 18V OPT1845 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer

The Bosch hedge trimmer has been designed for optimal balance, making it comfortable use and easy control. It is lightweight to minimise strain to the arms and back and features an anti-blocking system for continuous use. The 15mm tooth openings make it particularly suited to small and medium-sized hedges. A great option for those new to trimming their own hedges.  

Shop the Bosch EasyHedgeCut 18-45 Cordless Hedge Cutter

With its 610mm blade and 90-degree swivelling handle, this lightweight, cordless hedge trimmer is super easy to use and makes quick work of your hedges. It offers quiet operation with dual-action blades that keep vibration to a minimum. Greenworks 40v batteries suit a variety of Greenworks tools so this is a cost-effective buy if you already own other Greenworks tools.  

Shop the Greenworks G40HT Cordless Hedge Trimmer

This corded Flymo hedge trimmer makes light work of trimming any hedge and is specifically designed for small gardens. It has a centralised handle design meaning it is comfortable and easy to use, and its 10m cord gives you plenty of movement.  

Shop the Flymo Easicut 460 Hedge Trimmer

If you're after a hedge trimmer for delicate shaping and precision trimming, the 120mm blade of the Bosch Isio gives you complete control for pinpoint work. It’s a multifunctional garden tool that is suitable for grass, hedges and shrubs, and further attachments are also available. It might be compact and lightweight, but it still features an anti-blocking system to ensure smooth and reliable operation. 

Shop the Bosch ISIO Cordless Shrub and Grass Shears Set 

How to choose the best hedge trimmers 2020

The hedge trimmer you choose will be dictated by the size of your garden and the type of shrub you want to cut back.

Cordless vs corded

If you have a large garden, then a cordless model will mean you don't need to worry about extension leads. But equally, a cordless model won't have unlimited run time, so you'll need to check how long the battery will last and whether that's sufficient for the amount you need to cut back.

Battery power

If you opt for a cordless model, check whether the battery and charger are included as sometimes you have to pay for these on top. If you already have cordless tools, consider buying a hedge trimmer from the same manufacturer as you can usually use the batteries on all products within the same family.

Blade size

Check that the blades on your chosen hedge trimmer are strong enough to tackle the plants you want to cut back. Most will list a maximum branch thickness that they can tackle. Don't be tempted to use them on thicker branches as you'll damage the blades.

What are the best hedge trimmers 2020?

Here's a quick recap – if you're after a cordless hedge trimmer, we'd go for the Bosch Cordless Hedge Trimmer AHS 50-20 LI, and if you want a corded model, opt for the NETTA 500W Corded Electric Hedge Trimmer. Both are lightweight and easy to use.

More top buys for essential gardening jobs:

• Clean up with the best pressure washers 
• Keep your lawn pristine with these top lawn mowers
• Tidy up with our pick of the best strimmers