Hedge Trimmers Reviews
Independent, hands-on UK reviews of the latest hedge trimmers — ratings, pros, cons and the real-world performance you need to know.
Read all reviewsHedge Trimmers Buying Guide
Choosing your first or next hedge trimmer? Our buying guides, comparisons and best-of lists explain exactly what to look for and which features actually matter.
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Which type of hedge trimmer is right for you?
Hedge trimmers fall into four broad types. Each suits a different garden size, hedge type and budget — here's how they compare at a glance.
| Type | Best for | Typical price | Weight | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corded electric | Small gardens near a socket | £30–£80 | 2.5–3.5 kg | Cable limits reach |
| Cordless (18V–40V) | Most UK domestic hedges | £80–£220 | 2.5–3.8 kg | Runtime capped by battery |
| Petrol | Long or thick hedges, rural plots | £150–£400+ | 4.5–6 kg | Louder, heavier, fuel mix |
| Long-reach / telescopic | Hedges over 2m tall | £90–£300 | 3.5–5.5 kg | Front-heavy at full extension |
Prices are typical UK RRPs from Amazon, Screwfix and B&Q as of August 2026.
Hedge trimmer buying FAQs
What is the best type of hedge trimmer for a small UK garden?
For most small UK gardens a cordless (battery) hedge trimmer with a 45–50cm blade is the sweet spot — light enough to use one-handed on box or privet, quiet enough for early-morning use, and cordless so you're not dragging a cable through the flower beds.
How do cordless, corded and petrol hedge trimmers compare?
Corded electric trimmers are the cheapest and lightest but limited by cable reach. Cordless (18V–40V) trimmers offer the best balance of power and freedom for domestic hedges. Petrol trimmers deliver the most power and runtime for long or thick hedges but are heavier, louder and need fuel mixing.
What blade length do I need on a hedge trimmer?
40–45cm suits small ornamental hedges and topiary. 50–55cm is the domestic sweet spot for privet, laurel and beech. 60cm+ speeds up work on long runs of leylandii or conifer but the trimmer becomes heavier and harder to control on detailed work.
Do I need a long-reach hedge trimmer?
A long-reach (or telescopic) hedge trimmer is worth it if you have hedges over about 2m or need to trim the tops of tall runs without a ladder. For most homeowners a standard trimmer plus a stable step platform is safer and cheaper.
What's the best cheap hedge trimmer in the UK?
For budget buyers the Bosch AHS 50-16, Black+Decker BEHTS301 and Terratek TCHT-4 corded trimmers consistently review well under £70. If you want cordless, look at the Ryobi ONE+ 18V bare tool if you already own the batteries.