Pulse Reviews and Analysis
The 10 Best Hedge Trimmers in 2027
Curated by Kory White · Fractional CRO, CRO SyndicateDirect Answer
For most families keeping a yard tidy in 2027, the best overall hedge trimmer is the EGO Power+ HT2411, a 56V cordless unit with a 24-inch dual-action blade, a 1-inch cut capacity, and roughly 60 minutes of runtime on the included 2.5Ah battery — all for about $229 as a complete kit.
It hits the sweet spot of gas-rivaling power with no pull cord, no fumes, and a weight light enough for an afternoon of trimming.
The best value is the Ryobi 40V RY40602BTL at about $149 tool-only (or roughly $159 as a kit), delivering a 24-inch blade with a 1-inch cut capacity, a rotating rear handle, and a built-in HedgeSweep debris remover — features that usually cost far more.
Power-source guide for 2027: cordless battery trimmers now match small gas engines for most homeowner hedges and have become the default; choose gas (like the Echo HC-2020) only for large properties or thick, woody growth; pick a corded-electric unit (like the Black+Decker BEHT350 at about $98) if you want the lightest, cheapest tool and never want to charge a battery.
How We Ranked the Top 10
We weighted six criteria, drawing on hands-on testing and lab data from Consumer Reports, Popular Mechanics, Wirecutter, Pro Tool Reviews, and published manufacturer specs:
- Cutting power and cut capacity (25%) — branch diameter, strokes per minute, and how the motor holds speed in dense growth.
- Ease of use and weight (20%) — bare weight in pounds, balance, vibration, and rotating-handle options for vertical cuts.
- Runtime and power source (20%) — battery minutes per charge, gas tank endurance, or unlimited corded uptime.
- Reach and blade length (15%) — bar length and how far the tool extends across tall or wide hedges.
- Safety (10%) — two-handed switches, tip guards, electronic blade brakes, and blade sheaths.
- Value and warranty (10%) — price versus capability and length of coverage.
1. EGO Power+ HT2411 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Type: Cordless battery (56V) | Bar length / cut capacity: 24 in / 1 in | Price: ~$229 | Best for: Most families wanting gas-level power without the hassle
The EGO HT2411 runs a high-efficiency brushless motor at 3,000 SPM through a 24-inch dual-action hardened-steel blade, and its 1-inch cut capacity was the first of its kind in a cordless trimmer — it handles thick suburban hedges that bog down lesser tools. The included 56V 2.5Ah battery delivers up to 60 minutes of trimming, and the same battery powers EGO's mowers and blowers if you grow into the system.
At about 7.5 lbs with an electronic blade brake and IPX4 weather resistance, it feels safe and controlled. EGO backs it with a 5-year tool warranty and a 3-year battery warranty.
Pros:
- Genuine 1-inch cut capacity rivals small gas units
- ~60-minute runtime covers most yards on one charge
- Electronic brake stops the blade fast for safety
- 5-year warranty plus a huge battery ecosystem
Cons:
- Heavier than bare-tool corded options at ~7.5 lbs
- Replacement 56V batteries are pricey
Verdict: The most capable all-around homeowner trimmer in 2027 — power, runtime, and safety in one kit.
2. Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2726-20
Type: Cordless battery (18V) | Bar length / cut capacity: 24 in / 0.75 in | Price: ~$199 (bare) | Best for: Anyone already in the Milwaukee M18 tool system
Milwaukee's POWERSTATE brushless motor pushes the 24-inch blade at a fast 3,400 SPM, and the FUEL line is built to cut up to 30% faster than competitors without bogging in dense hedges. A high-capacity M18 battery delivers up to 2 hours of runtime, the most on this list.
It weighs about 8.6 lbs, runs an all-metal gear case and a blade tip guard, and taps into Milwaukee's 200+ M18 tools — so if you own their drills, you skip buying new batteries. Sold bare at about $199, it's a smart add-on rather than a from-scratch purchase. Warranty is 5 years.
Pros:
- Up to 2-hour runtime leads the field
- 3,400 SPM brushless motor cuts fast and clean
- All-metal gear case for long-term durability
- Shares 200+ M18 tool batteries you may already own
Cons:
- Sold bare — battery and charger add real cost
- Heaviest cordless pick at ~8.6 lbs
Verdict: The runtime and durability champ, and a no-brainer if you already own M18 tools.
3. Makita XHU07T 18V LXT 24-inch
Type: Cordless battery (18V LXT) | Bar length / cut capacity: 24 in / 0.75 in | Price: ~$389 (kit) | Best for: Smooth, low-vibration trimming and precise control
The Makita XHU07's brushless motor runs at up to 4,400 SPM on high speed — the fastest blade here — across a 24-inch bar, and Pro Tool Reviews praised its balance and low vibration. A 5-position rotating handle makes vertical and angled cuts comfortable, and the soft no-load speed control lets you dial cutting force to the hedge.
The kit ships with two 5.0Ah batteries and a Rapid Optimum Charger, so you can hot-swap and keep working. It carries Makita's 3-year warranty and zero engine maintenance. At about $389 as the two-battery kit (or $249 bare), it's a premium pick.
Pros:
- 4,400 SPM is the fastest blade speed on the list
- 5-position rotating handle for easy vertical cuts
- Two 5.0Ah batteries included for nonstop work
- Low vibration praised by Pro Tool Reviews
Cons:
- Highest kit price here at ~$389
- 18V system less common than 40V/56V for yard tools
Verdict: The smoothest, fastest-cutting trimmer for users who value control and already own LXT tools.
4. DeWalt DCHT820P1 20V MAX 22-inch
Type: Cordless battery (20V MAX) | Bar length / cut capacity: 22 in / 0.75 in | Price: ~$199 | Best for: DeWalt 20V MAX owners and lighter, faster handling
DeWalt's DCHT820P1 pairs a 22-inch laser-cut, hooked-tooth hardened-steel blade with a motor turning 2,800 SPM, and at about 7.5 lbs it's noticeably nimble for one-handed maneuvering. The included 20V MAX 5.0Ah battery yields up to 75 minutes of runtime, plenty for a standard suburban hedge line.
It cuts branches up to 3/4 inch and shares batteries across DeWalt's enormous 20V MAX platform. The kit lists around $199–$272 depending on retailer and includes a blade sheath. Warranty is 3 years.
Pros:
- Light ~7.5-lb body is easy to control
- 75-minute runtime on the 5.0Ah battery
- Shares the huge DeWalt 20V MAX battery platform
- Hooked-tooth blade grabs and holds branches well
Cons:
- Slower 2,800 SPM than top brushless rivals
- Brushed motor, not brushless
Verdict: The easiest pick for the millions of households already invested in DeWalt 20V tools.
5. Greenworks Pro 80V GHT80321 26-inch
Type: Cordless battery (80V) | Bar length / cut capacity: 26 in / 0.75 in | Price: ~$300 | Best for: Long hedges where extra reach saves passes
With the longest blade on this list — a 26-inch dual-action laser-cut bar — the Greenworks Pro 80V covers more hedge per pass, ideal for long property lines. The brushless motor runs at 3,200 SPM, the 80V platform gives gas-like torque, and an anti-jam button frees the blade in dense growth.
A 180-degree rotating rear handle makes top-and-side cuts comfortable, and the 2.0Ah battery delivers up to 60 minutes. It ships as a complete kit with battery and charger for about $300 and carries a strong 4-year warranty.
Pros:
- Longest 26-inch blade covers hedges faster
- 80V brushless power rivals small gas engines
- Anti-jam button clears stuck blades instantly
- 4-year warranty is among the best here
Cons:
- 80V batteries are large and costly to replace
- 26-inch bar is less nimble on small shrubs
Verdict: The reach king — buy it if your hedges are long and you want to finish in fewer passes.
6. Ryobi 40V RY40602BTL 💎 BEST VALUE
Type: Cordless battery (40V) | Bar length / cut capacity: 24 in / 1 in | Price: ~$149 | Best for: Budget-minded families who still want real power and reach
The Ryobi 40V delivers more cutting power than a 19cc gas trimmer at a fraction of typical premium pricing. Its 24-inch blade has a generous 1-inch cut capacity, the rotating handle angles for hedge tops and sides, and the unique HedgeSweep debris remover clears clippings as you cut so you see your line.
The 40V 2.0Ah battery gives about 46 minutes of runtime, and the platform powers Ryobi's wide range of 40V yard tools. At roughly $149 tool-only or $159 as a kit, nothing here matches its capability-per-dollar. Warranty is 5 years.
Pros:
- 1-inch cut capacity at a budget price
- HedgeSweep debris remover keeps your cut line visible
- Rotating handle plus a 24-inch reach
- 5-year warranty and a broad 40V ecosystem
Cons:
- ~46-minute runtime trails the premium picks
- Build feels less rugged than pro-grade rivals
Verdict: The most capability per dollar in 2027 — the clear value pick for everyday yards.
7. Stihl HSA 66
Type: Cordless battery (36V) | Bar length / cut capacity: 20 in / 0.75 in | Price: ~$330 (bare) | Best for: Buyers who want Stihl dealer service and refined balance
Stihl's HSA 66 brings the brand's renowned build quality to a homeowner-friendly cordless trimmer. The 36V lithium-ion platform drives a 20-inch double-sided blade, runs roughly four times quieter than a comparable gas unit, and emits no exhaust. Stihl trimmed a full pound off the prior generation and extended runtime by up to 40%, so it feels light and balanced through a long session.
It's sold bare at about $330 through Stihl dealers, who provide the hands-on service that sets the brand apart. The shared AK-system battery powers other Stihl yard tools.
Pros:
- Refined Stihl build and dealer-backed service
- ~4x quieter than equivalent gas trimmers
- Lightweight, balanced for long trimming sessions
- Shared AK battery across Stihl's tool line
Cons:
- Shorter 20-inch blade than most rivals
- Bare-tool price plus battery adds up quickly
Verdict: A premium, quiet, dealer-supported choice — best when you value service over raw reach.
8. Echo HC-2020 (Gas)
Type: Gas (2-stroke) | Bar length / cut capacity: 20 in / 1 in | Price: ~$389 | Best for: Large properties and thick, woody growth needing endless runtime
When hedges get truly overgrown, the Echo HC-2020's 21.2cc professional-grade 2-stroke engine keeps going as long as you keep adding fuel — no battery limits. Its 20-inch double-sided RazorEdge blades cut clean through dense, woody growth, and the two-stage air filtration with tool-less access keeps it running in dusty conditions.
At about 10 lbs dry it's the heaviest here, the trade-off for gas endurance, and it has a 13.2 fl. Oz. fuel tank. Echo backs it with a 5-year consumer warranty.
List price is about $389.
Pros:
- Unlimited runtime — refuel and keep cutting
- 21.2cc engine powers through thick, woody hedges
- Tool-less two-stage air filter for easy upkeep
- 5-year consumer warranty
Cons:
- Heaviest at ~10 lbs, with fumes and noise
- Requires fuel mixing and engine maintenance
Verdict: The pick for big rural lots and heavy growth where battery limits get in the way.
9. Black+Decker LHT2436 40V MAX 24-inch
Type: Cordless battery (40V MAX) | Bar length / cut capacity: 24 in / 0.75 in | Price: ~$180 | Best for: Casual users wanting an easy, lightweight 24-inch cordless kit
The Black+Decker LHT2436 is a friendly entry into cordless trimming. Its 40V MAX battery with POWERDRIVE transmission cuts branches up to 3/4 inch, and the 24-inch dual-action blades reduce vibration for smoother, quieter cuts. At just 6.9 lbs it's one of the lightest 24-inch units here, and a wrap-around front handle steadies vertical cuts.
Black+Decker rates it for up to 6,000 sq ft of hedge per charge — enough for typical suburban yards. The complete kit with battery and charger runs about $180, a low entry price for a 24-inch cordless tool. Warranty is 3 years.
Pros:
- Light 6.9-lb body is easy for any user
- 24-inch dual-action blades cover ground fast
- Wrap-around handle steadies vertical cuts
- ~6,000 sq ft per charge suits most yards
Cons:
- Less rugged than pro-grade brushless rivals
- 3/4-inch cut capacity, not the 1-inch class
Verdict: A light, affordable, beginner-friendly 24-inch cordless kit for casual yard upkeep.
10. Black+Decker BEHT350 (Corded)
Type: Corded electric (120V) | Bar length / cut capacity: 22 in / 0.75 in | Price: ~$98 | Best for: Small yards near an outlet where you never want to charge a battery
For homeowners who want the simplest, cheapest tool, the corded BEHT350 plugs in and never needs charging or fuel. Its 4.0-amp motor drives a 22-inch dual-action hardened-steel blade through branches up to 3/4 inch, and the full wrap-around handle makes angled cuts steady and safe.
It's very light at about 5 lbs, so it's easy for older or smaller users to handle, and the corded design means unlimited runtime within reach of an extension cord. List price is about $98, the lowest here, and it carries a 2-year warranty.
Pros:
- Lowest price on the list at ~$98
- Unlimited runtime — no battery to charge
- Lightweight ~5 lbs for easy handling
- Wrap-around handle for safe angled cuts
Cons:
- Tethered to an extension cord and outlet
- Less power than battery and gas rivals
Verdict: The budget, no-charging choice for small yards within cord reach of an outlet.
Which One Is Right for You?
What to Look For
- Power source fit: Cordless battery is the 2027 default for most yards; choose gas only for big lots or thick growth, and corded for the cheapest, lightest tool near an outlet.
- Cut capacity and blade length: A 1-inch cut capacity (EGO, Ryobi, Echo) handles thicker hedges; a 24-inch or longer bar covers more per pass on long hedge lines.
- Weight and balance: Aim for 5 to 8 lbs for comfortable family use; a rotating handle makes vertical cuts far easier on your wrists.
- Runtime and ecosystem: Match the battery to tools you already own to skip buying new packs; 45 to 75 minutes covers most yards, and gas or corded give unlimited uptime.
- Safety features: Look for a two-handed switch, an electronic blade brake, a tip guard, and an included blade sheath for storage.
The right trimmer is the one whose power source and reach match your yard — buy for the hedges you actually have, not the biggest tool on the shelf.
FAQ
Is a cordless battery hedge trimmer powerful enough for thick hedges in 2027? Yes for nearly all homeowner hedges. Top picks like the EGO HT2411 and Ryobi 40V cut branches up to 1 inch thick and now rival small gas trimmers. Only very large properties or heavy woody growth still favor a gas unit like the Echo HC-2020.
How long should a hedge trimmer battery last per charge? Plan on 45 to 75 minutes for most homeowner units, which covers a typical suburban hedge line. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL leads at up to 2 hours, while budget models like the Ryobi 40V run about 46 minutes on a 2.0Ah battery.
Gas, corded, or cordless — which is best for a family yard? Cordless battery is the best all-around choice for most families: enough power, no fumes, no cord. Pick gas only for large or overgrown lots, and corded electric if you want the lightest, cheapest tool and a nearby outlet.
What blade length do I need? A 22-inch blade suits small to medium yards, while 24 to 26 inches (EGO, Makita, Greenworks) covers tall or wide hedges in fewer passes. Longer blades add reach but are slightly less nimble on small shrubs.
Are hedge trimmers safe for casual home users? They are when you use the safety features. Look for a two-handed switch, an electronic blade brake like the EGO's, a tip guard, and a blade sheath for storage. Always wear eye protection and keep both hands on the tool.
How much should I spend on a good hedge trimmer in 2027? A capable cordless kit runs about $150 to $300. The Ryobi 40V at ~$149 is the value sweet spot, the EGO HT2411 at ~$229 is the best overall, and the corded Black+Decker BEHT350 at ~$98 is the cheapest entry point.
Bottom Line
The EGO Power+ HT2411 is the best overall hedge trimmer for 2027: a 56V cordless kit with a 24-inch blade, 1-inch cut capacity, about 60 minutes of runtime, and a 5-year warranty for roughly $229. The Ryobi 40V RY40602BTL at about $149 is the best value, matching that 1-inch cut capacity and adding a HedgeSweep debris remover.
For heavy work, the Echo HC-2020 gas unit offers unlimited runtime, the Greenworks Pro 80V gives the longest 26-inch reach, and the corded Black+Decker BEHT350 at ~$98 is the cheapest, lightest pick for small yards. Match the power source to your yard and you cannot go wrong with any of these ten.
Sources
- EGO Power+ HT2411 at Lowe's
- Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2726-20 official page
- DeWalt DCHT820P1 at The Home Depot
- Makita XHU07T review at Pro Tool Reviews
- Ryobi 40V hedge trimmer at The Home Depot
- Echo HC-2020 official page
- Greenworks Pro 80V GHT80321 at Lowe's
- Black+Decker BEHT350 official page
- Best Cordless Hedge Trimmers 2026 at Pro Tool Reviews
- Best Hedge Trimmers Tested at HGTV
*Hedge trimmer review and ratings guide: the best hedge trimmers for 2027 — best cordless, battery, gas, and corded electric hedge trimmer reviews, EGO HT2411 review, Ryobi 40V review, DeWalt DCHT820P1 review, Milwaukee M18 FUEL review, and hedge trimmer buying guide and rating roundup for families.*