To be honest, we love a lightweight hedge trimmer although it might be less powerful or slower while operating than a heavier one. The reason is a lightweight model is easy to control while minimizing arm fatigue efficiently.
Hedge trimmer weight is also an important feature for beginners, women, and the elderly.
Now, how do you know which is the best lightweight hedge trimmer for your needs? In this comprehensive guide, we will help you.
Here are the best lightweight hedge trimmers you can buy in 2024:
- Best Overall (Corded Electric Hedge Trimmers): BLACK+DECKER BEHT200 Hedge Trimmer
- Powerful (Corded Electric Hedge Trimmers): Greenworks 22122
- Quiet (Corded Electric Hedge Trimmers): Scotts Outdoor Power Tools HT10020S
- Best Overall (Cordless Battery Hedge Trimmers): BLACK+DECKER LHT2220B
- Best For Women (Cordless Battery Hedge Trimmers): WORX WG261
- Quiet (Cordless Battery Hedge Trimmers): Makita XHU02Z
- Best Overall (Mini Hedge Trimmers): Snow Joe HJ604C
- Best For Small Garden (Mini Hedge Trimmers): WORKPRO 7.2V 2-in-1
- Best For Light Touch Up Jobs (Mini Hedge Trimmers): Worx WG801
| 9 Best Lightweight Hedge Trimmers | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | BLACK+DECKER BEHT200 Hedge Trimmer
| |
Powerful | Greenworks 22122
| |
Quiet | Scotts Outdoor Power Tools HT10020S
| |
Best Overall | BLACK+DECKER LHT2220B
| |
Best For Women | WORX WG261
| |
Quiet | Makita XHU02Z
| |
Best Overall | Snow Joe HJ604C
| |
Best For Small Garden | WORKPRO 7.2V 2-in-1
| |
Best For Light Touch Up Jobs | Worx WG801
| |
Best Overall (Corded Electric Hedge Trimmers): BLACK+DECKER BEHT200 Hedge Trimmer
- Reliable – backed by a 4-year warranty
- Powerful enough for small trimming tasks - a 3.5-amp motor & an 18” dual-action hardened steel black
- Comfortable to hold - full wrap-around front handle
- The cord could be a hassle for some
- A bit overpriced
This corded electric hedge trimmer from BLACK+DECKER comes with a 4-year warranty and is priced under $65. It is simple and super-lightweight that you can hold out and stretch really easily.
The construction includes a 3.5-amp motor, an 18” dual-action hardened steel black, cord retention, and a detachable 140V battery.
It is powerful enough to shape the bushes or get a huge portion of the smaller branches trimmed.
It has a front handle with full wrap-around so that when holding it for cutting, we feel comfortable and easy to control.
| BLACK+DECKER BEHT200 Hedge Trimmer Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 4.5 pounds |
Power | 3.5 amps |
Blade Size | 18 inches |
Cut Capacity | 5/8 inch |
Highlight Features | Full wrap-around front handle |
The constant power and weight difference make this BLACK+DECKER BEHT200 Hedge Trimmer well-worth and earn our Best Overall Pick award.
Powerful (Corded Electric Hedge Trimmers): Greenworks 22122
- Avoid accidental unplugging – cord retainer
- Easy to trim at multiple angles - wraparound main handle & innovate 180-degree rotating rear over-mold handle
- Powerful enough to get the job done efficiently - 4 Amp Electric Motor
- Optimize performance and maneuvering - 22 Inch dual-action steel blades
- A bit loud
- The cord is a bit tricky
At the push of a button, the powerful 4-amp motor Greenworks 22122 enables you to finish any trimming/cutting task efficiently at 3200 strokes per minute.
Easily and comfortably trim at multiple angles with the wraparound main handle and innovate 180-degree rotating rear over-mold handle. The power cord retainer ensures your extension cable doesn’t come loose in the middle of the job.
With a 5/8” cutting capacity, the 22” dual-action steel blades easily cut through thick limbs and vines while delivering a precise cut.
The Greenworks 22122 promises to deliver where and when it counts.
| Greenworks 22122 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 5.72 pounds |
Power | 4 Amps |
Blade Size | 22 Inches |
Cut Capacity | 5/8 Inch |
Highlight Features | A cord retainer |
Highlighting the best overall scoring, Greenworks 22122 is our Editors’ Choice award winner this year 2020.
Quiet (Corded Electric Hedge Trimmers): Scotts Outdoor Power Tools HT10020S
- Easy to trim overgrown branches or hedges - 3.2-amp motor, 3400 strokes per minute, and 20
- The electrical plug-in port should have something to keep the cord in place
Hate wearing ear protection when using a hedge trimmer? Well, the Scotts Outdoor Power Tools HT10020S might be what you’re after!
While emitting lower noise levels than other similar counterparts, the extra 3” (compared to the 17” BLACK+DECKER) help when it comes to trimming bushes. Combining with a powerful 3.2-amp motor which gives 3400 strokes per minute, it cuts through 5/8” branches like butter.
It is also very lightweight, easy to control, and the wraparound molded handle is comfortable to hold.
For extra safety and convenience when storing it, Scotts has provided it with a protective blade cover and built-in cord retention.
| Scotts Outdoor Power Tools HT10020S Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 4.8 pounds |
Power | 3.2-Amps |
Blade Size | 20" |
Cut Capacity | 5/8" |
Highlight Features | 3.2-amp motor, 3400 strokes per minute, and 20" dual-action hardened steel blade |
For those gardeners who prefer a not just lightweight but also quiet hedge trimmer, the Scotts Outdoor Power Tools HT10020S is a clear choice.
Best Overall (Cordless Battery Hedge Trimmers): BLACK+DECKER LHT2220B
- Gives 40% less vibration - Dual action blades
- Versatile use – the 20V MAX lithium-ion battery easily swap with other BLACK+DECKER power tools
- Extended reach - ultra-long 22” blade length
- No trigger lock
Making this lightweight cordless hedge trimmer stand out from the rest is its ultra-smooth cutting performance, which gives 40% less vibration, and the versatile 20V MAX battery.
Why versatile?
It’s because this lithium-ion battery is able to easily swap with other BLACK+DECKER power tools as well as lawn and garden gears. That means one battery system can deliver endless tasks.
A big bonus for the ultra-long 22” dual action blade so you can reach farther to cut/trim taller, larger bushes with ease.
| BLACK+DECKER LHT2220B Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 5.7 pounds |
Voltage | 20 volts |
Runtime | 30 to 60 minutes |
Cut Capacity | ¾ inch |
Highlight Features | 22” Dual action blades |
Highlighting a definite improvement on the blade design and battery users versatility over other cordless hedge trimmers in our review, the BLACK+DECKER LHT2220B is the definite best overall performer.
Best For Women (Cordless Battery Hedge Trimmers): WORX WG261
- Easy and comfortable to hold – the weight of 5 pounds & ergonomic D-handle
- Quiet – vibration-absorption design
- Long-lasting battery – a runtime of 45 minutes if fully charged
- Require holding the tools with both hands to operate it
- The handle requires some force to spread apart to snap on
Out of many lightweight cordless hedge trimmers, this one has got the most recommendations from customers for women.
One of the main reasons (aside from its lightness) is the machine’s ease of use. It comes in two pieces needed installing but all you need is just a screwdriver, which is relatively simple.
Regardless, its powerful, long-lasting battery strongly impressed us.
It can stay powerful for 2 full hours of trimming and still has juice if fully charged. This battery, besides, can be used for powering other WORX 20V and 40V tools, which is cool.
Another notable thing is its vibration-absorption design, which makes the cut cleaner, smoother, and easier to control. This design, combined with an ergonomic D-grip handle, also reduces fatigue in your arms and wrists efficiently.
| WORX WG261 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 5 pounds |
Voltage | 20V |
Runtime | 45 minutes |
Cut Capacity | ¾” |
Highlight Features | Weight of 5 pounds & ergonomic D-handle |
For women, the WORX WG261 is just right.
Quiet (Cordless Battery Hedge Trimmers): Makita XHU02Z
- 25% quieter than other cordless hedge trimmers - anti-vibration structure & 5 cushions within the motor shell
- Safe - auto-shutoff motor with indicator light
- Prevent overheating, over-discharging, and overloading issues - Star Protection Computer
- Require 2-hand operation
- Deliver a bit lower RPM and torque
- Slightly slow
In comparison to other cordless hedge trimmers, the Makita XHU02Z is considered 25% quieter while running to improve the user ears’ comfort.
Want to know the secret?
It all lies in the product’s anti-vibration structure with an emphasis on 5 cushions within the motor shell.
Aside from that huge strength, there are many other notable benefits you’ll receive from this machine. Such as the auto-shutoff motor with indicator light once determining it is time for recharging the battery.
One big plus is the added Star Protection Computer to keep the machine from overheating, over-discharging, and overloading issues.
| Makita XHU02Z Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 7.4 pounds |
Voltage | 18V |
Runtime | 25 to 45 minutes |
Cut Capacity | 3/8” |
Highlight Features | Anti-vibration structure & 5 cushions within the motor shell |
The Makita XHU02Z has been our favorite choice for the quietest cordless hedge trimmer for years.
Best Overall (Mini Hedge Trimmers): Snow Joe HJ604C
- Multifunctional – 6” (Hedger) & 4” (Shear)
- Extra controllability – weigh 2.5 pounds
- Easy and comfortable for handling - grip wraparound handle
- A very noticeable level of vibration exhibited during the use
- Deliver not super sharply and smoothly cut
We are truly satisfied with this purchase because it doesn’t feel cheaply made like others at the same pricing.
Featuring a rechargeable, 7.2V lithium-ion battery, and a two-in-one construction, it is versatile enough to help you groom, trim, and shear a small garden – things that a mower can’t reach.
The lightweight design of only 2.5 pounds adds to its extra controllability. Combined with the grip wraparound handle, it is definitely easy and comfortable for handling.
| Snow Joe HJ604C Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 2.5 lbs. |
Voltage | 7.2 V |
Runtime | 20 minutes |
Highlight Features | 6” (Hedger) & 4” (Shear) |
For small trimming/pruning jobs, you hardly beat this best overall performer, especially at this low price point.
Best For Small Garden (Mini Hedge Trimmers): WORKPRO 7.2V 2-in-1
- Compact and extremely lightweight – measured by 12.99 x 5.12 x 4.33 inches & weigh around 1 pound
- Offer fast and clean cut results - 1100 RPM no-load speed, three 35/64-inch-wide grass shears, and four 23/32-inch-long shrub shears
- Long runtime - 7.2 V lithium-ion battery
- Safe to use - Double lock design
- A bit pricey
- Wish there was a lanyard for the safety key
- No bag or something to protect the blades
This is the lightest mini hedge trimmer we can find on the market, weighing just around 1 pound, which also means for effortless one-handed operation.
Its dimensions are also very compact - 12.99 x 5.12 x 4.33 inches, so it easily fits into different narrow spaces, such as small gardens, especially on under 10mm branches. What we like the most about this machine is its high power for fast and clean cut results.
That’s a big thank you to the 1100 RPM no-load speed combined with three 35/64-inch-wide grass shears and four 23/32-inch-long shrub shears.
Besides, the battery runtime is quite long in terms of mini hedge trimmers, up to 50 minutes as maximum.
WORKPRO 7.2V 2-in-1 is also designed with safety in mind as it features child safety lock and security key, allowing it to keep a certain safe state for kids.
| WORKPRO 7.2V 2-in-1 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 1.04 lbs. |
Voltage | 7.2 V |
Runtime | 40-50 minutes |
Highlight Features | Measured by 12.99 x 5.12 x 4.33 inches & weigh around 1 pound |
If you’re seeking the lightest mini hedge trimmer for small gardens, this is it.
Best For Light Touch Up Jobs (Mini Hedge Trimmers): Worx WG801
- Versatile - offer an 8
- Expensive
If your need is nothing but just a lightweight mini hedge trimmer for light touch-up jobs, this fits the bill.
It weighs around 2 pounds and is measured by 11.02 x 3.74 x 5.71 inches. The unit offers two different sized blades, including an 8" Shrubbery blade and a 4" Grass Shear blade, each of which is dual-action for smoother, sharper, and faster cuts.
A huge plus is its powerful battery can last up to 40 minutes if fully charged, and it can be used for other WORX 20V and 40V tools thanks to the PowerShare technology.
We do appreciate the added sheath guard for improved blade performance and life extension when in storage.
| Worx WG801 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 2 pounds |
Voltage | 20V |
Runtime | 40 minutes |
Highlight Features | An 8" Shrubbery blade and a 4" Grass Shear blade |
Worx WG801 is the bargain shopper's choice when it comes to the lightest mini hedge trimmer for light touch-up jobs.
How To Choose The Best Lightweight Hedge Trimmer?
Types
The first thing to do when shopping for a hedge trimmer is choosing between electric and cordless machines.
An electric hedge trimmer is lightweight and powerful.
However, it requires plugging, so you need to think about the distance between the socket and the hedges. This means the range of use for this type is quite limited. You should also be careful when using an electric trimmer as you may accidentally cut the cord.
Meanwhile, the cordless trimmer is easy to use and extremely mobile as you can take it anywhere.
But it can cost a lot of purchase and you may need a backup battery if you have to work for long hours.
For high-power 36V batteries, you can use for about 20-60 minutes per charge and it takes another 60 minutes to recharge.
Power Output
For an electric trimmer, the power output is measured in watts, ranging from 400 to 900 watts.
But about 450-600 watts are already enough for daily use.
For cordless trimmers, the power is measured in volts of the batteries, which you can choose from 18 to 36 volts. So, when choosing a lightweight hedge trimmer, you must also consider how much power you need and pick a suitable watt or volt level.
Teeth Spacing
Another thing to take into account is teeth spacing, which refers to the branch thickness. The larger the space, the bigger the branch that the trimmer can handle.
Once again, you need to estimate the thickness of the branches in your garden and choose the right teeth spacing, from 15 to 34 millimeters.
Which Brands Make The Best Lightweight Hedge Trimmer?
BLACK+DECKER
Founded in 1910, this is one of the most trusted brands for household tools. Its products are known for ingenuity, high quality, and value.
Greenworks
This is a leading brand when it comes to battery-powered outdoor tools, no matter if you’re a landscaping professional or a DIY consumer. If you have decided to go with a cordless machine, this is your go-to brand.
WORX
Launched in 2004, this is a line of power tools and lawn & garden equipment. It focuses on innovation to make tools that help you do tasks after and more easily.
Makita
With over 100 years of experience, this brand specializes in electric tools. With a dedicated R&D department, it makes high-quality, durable, and powerful machines for you.
Snow Joe
Since 2004, this brand has built a reputation in designing and developing outdoor tools. Here, you will find great products made with innovation, quality, and affordability.
FAQs
Does the weight of the hedge trimmer matter?
Yes, it does. A heavy trimmer is harder to hold aloft and makes the user tired faster. On the other hand, a lightweight machine is safer and easier to use.
How thick a branch can a hedge trimmer cut?
This depends on the teeth spacing of each hammer, but normally between 15 and 34 millimeters of thickness.
Is gas hedge trimmer better than electric ones?
In terms of performance, gas hedge trimmers are much better than electric ones. It offers more strokes in one minute as well as better blade gaps, allowing for greater efficiency.
Which is better electric or battery hedge trimmer?
This depends on your specific needs.
If the distance from the socket to the hedge at your home is short enough, you can consider using the electric trimmer, you won’t have to worry about the battery life. But if the distance is large, you should consider a battery-powered trimmer, but prepare a backup battery.
What is the difference between a hedge trimmer and a hedge cutter?
The key difference is that a trimmer cut only the baby hedges while the cutter can handle a bigger, thicker workload.
Conclusion
This is the end of this ultimate buying guide.
With so many options on the market, the challenge is trying to decide which one is the right for your needs. While hedge trimmer types and power output are the two top priorities, the teeth spacing is another important metric to you.
Through this post, we hope that you will be able to pick the best lightweight hedge trimmer for yourself and will have fun perfecting your garden and the landscape around your house.
Good luck!
Harry RamosI’m Harry Ramos, who's crazy about all things green. I’m here to share some experience in my gardening adventure and how to choose the best products for your garden. Let's dig in, get our hands dirty, and celebrate the simple, earthy pleasures of the garden together!
