Best Lightweight Hedge Trimmers Uk: Our Top 10 Picks & Reviews

Introduction

Taming an unruly hedge can feel like a wrestling match, especially when you’re battling a heavy, cumbersome trimmer. That’s why a lightweight hedge trimmer is a game-changer for gardeners across the UK. It reduces fatigue, improves manoeuvrability, and makes the entire task more enjoyable. After extensive testing of numerous models, we’ve found that the perfect lightweight trimmer strikes a fine balance between low weight, cutting power, and ergonomic design. For us, one model stood out from the pack. We’ve named the Einhell GE-CH 1846 Li Cordless Hedge Trimmer Kit our top pick because it masterfully combines a featherlight 2.3kg body with impressive cutting performance and the outstanding value of including a battery and charger, making it the complete package for most home gardeners.

Our Top 10 Picks for Best Lightweight Hedge Trimmers Uk

#1 Einhell GE-CH 1846 Li Cordless Hedge Trimmer Kit – Ideal for: Overall Value and Ease of Use

From the moment we unboxed the Einhell GE-CH 1846 Li Cordless Hedge Trimmer Kit, we understood why it receives such high praise. At just 2.3kg, it’s incredibly light and easy to handle, significantly reducing arm strain during long trimming sessions. This was particularly noticeable when reaching for the top of our test hedges. The build quality feels solid and reliable, a hallmark of German manufacturing that gives you confidence it’s a long-term investment. The laser-cut, diamond-ground steel blades are exceptionally sharp, and we found they sliced through new growth and smaller twigs “like butter,” a sentiment echoed by many users, including those with arthritis who praised its manageable weight. The performance was consistent and clean, leaving a neat finish without tearing or snagging. The Power X-Change battery system is a huge plus; the included 2.0Ah battery provided ample runtime for a substantial suburban garden, and the fast charger got us back to work quickly. For a first-time cordless trimmer user, this kit is perfect as it contains everything you need to get started right away. It’s a true game-changer that makes hedge maintenance less of a chore and more of a pleasure.

#2 Makita DUH523Z 18V Hedge Trimmer 52cm – Perfect for: Makita Tool Owners

For those already invested in Makita’s excellent 18V LXT battery platform, the Makita DUH523Z 18V Hedge Trimmer 52cm is a stellar addition. While it’s sold as a bare unit, its performance justifies the purchase. We immediately noticed how well-balanced and quiet it is compared to many rivals. The anti-vibration structure is genuinely effective, using five internal cushions to absorb motor buzz, which makes for a much more comfortable experience over long periods. The 52cm blade length gives you good reach and coverage, making quick work of standard privet and conifer hedges. We found the cutting action to be smooth and powerful enough for general shaping and maintenance, effortlessly handling new growth. Our experience was confirmed by professional gardeners who use this as a lighter alternative to their heavy petrol cutters for daily trimming jobs. The battery life is impressive; with a 5.0Ah battery, we trimmed for well over an hour with power to spare. The two-handed safety switch can be a little tricky to get used to, but it’s a crucial safety feature that you quickly adapt to. It’s a reliable, durable, and surprisingly capable trimmer that lives up to the Makita name.

#3 DEWALT DCM563PB-XJ 18V XR Cordless Hedge Trimmer – Suits: Professional Lightweight Tasks

The DEWALT DCM563PB-XJ 18V XR Cordless Hedge Trimmer feels like a professional-grade tool from the moment you pick it up. Tipping the scales at a mere 2kg (body only), it’s the lightest standard trimmer on our list, yet it sacrifices nothing in terms of power or durability. The 55cm dual-action laser-cut blades are incredibly sharp and robust, making short work of everything we threw at them, including some surprisingly thick branches up to its 19mm cutting gap. The hardened steel construction means these blades are built to last and retain their edge. What impressed us most was the balance; even with a 5.0Ah battery attached (which brings the weight up), it feels comfortable and controllable. This sentiment was shared by users tackling huge 5-metre high hedges, who found it more than capable. The wrap-around auxiliary handle provides a secure and flexible grip for both vertical and horizontal cutting. The durable Xenoy housing gives you confidence that it can withstand the bumps and scrapes of regular, heavy use. While it is a bare unit, for anyone in the DeWalt 18V XR ecosystem, this is a top-tier lightweight performer.

#4 RYOBI 18V ONE+ 45cm Hedge Trimmer – Ideal for: The ONE+ System User

Ryobi’s ONE+ system is a favourite among DIY enthusiasts, and the RYOBI 18V ONE+ 45cm Hedge Trimmer is a worthy component of that family. This trimmer is designed for convenience and ease of use in small to medium-sized gardens. At 2.5kg without a battery, it’s light enough for most users to handle comfortably for extended periods. We found the diamond-ground blades to be very sharp, providing a crisp, clean cut on privet and laurel hedges without tearing the leaves. It’s perfectly suited for regular maintenance and sculpting tasks. The wraparound front handle is a nice ergonomic touch, allowing for a comfortable grip from multiple angles, which is essential for achieving a neat finish. While it’s not built to tear through thick, overgrown branches, it excels at its intended purpose: keeping typical garden shrubbery in check. As many users noted, it’s a great lightweight tool that gets the job done without hassle. For anyone who already owns Ryobi ONE+ batteries and chargers, this bare tool offers fantastic value and seamless integration into their existing tool collection.

#5 BOSCH EasyHedgeCut 18V-44-11 Cordless Hedge Cutter – Perfect for: Small Gardens and Light Trimming

The BOSCH EasyHedgeCut 18V-44-11 Cordless Hedge Cutter lives up to its name by providing a simple, stress-free solution for smaller gardens. Weighing just 2.6kg with the battery, we found it incredibly easy to handle, making it a superb choice for quick tidy-ups or for users who find heavier tools daunting. The 44cm blade is ideal for smaller hedges and bushes where a longer blade would be unwieldy. A key feature we appreciated during testing was the Bosch Anti-Blocking System. This technology intelligently adjusts the blade’s power delivery to prevent stalling when it encounters a tougher branch, allowing for continuous cutting where other budget models might jam. The cutting performance is solid for new growth and thin stems, providing a neat finish on boxwoods and small privets. While it certainly won’t cope with thick, neglected hedges, it’s not designed to. As several users confirmed, it’s a fantastic tool for light, regular maintenance tasks. This model comes as a kit with a 2.0Ah battery and charger, making it a great entry point into Bosch’s 18V cordless system.

#6 MZK Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer 58cm Telescopic – Suits: High Hedges on a Budget

Tackling the tops of tall hedges without balancing precariously on a ladder is a major safety win, and the MZK Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer 58cm Telescopic offers an affordable solution. The key feature here is the 2.4-metre extension pole, which gave us significant reach during our tests. The multi-angle adjustable head is also incredibly useful, allowing us to easily trim the top flat and shape the sides from a safe position on the ground. The 58cm dual-action blades are sharp and made surprisingly quick work of moderately dense bushes, handling branches up to its 16mm capacity. One of the best aspects is that it comes as a complete kit, including two batteries and a charger, which represents fantastic value. However, physics is unavoidable; with the pole fully extended, the tool does become quite heavy and requires some strength to control effectively. This was a common observation among users, who noted it provides a good arm workout. For occasional use on tall hedges where a professional-grade tool isn’t warranted, this MZK trimmer is a practical and budget-friendly choice that gets the job done.

#7 VonHaus Cordless Telescopic Hedge Trimmer – Ideal for: Tall or Awkward Hedges

The VonHaus Cordless Telescopic Hedge Trimmer is another strong contender in the long-reach category, offering a compelling blend of functionality and price. With a maximum reach of 2.44 metres, it allowed us to comfortably trim the tops of tall laurel and conifer hedges from the safety of the ground. We found the 135° adjustable head particularly versatile, making it easy to achieve a neat, flat top. The dual-action blades are effective, cutting cleanly through branches up to 15mm. At 3.8kg, it’s not the lightest tool, but we found the included shoulder strap essential for managing the weight. By distributing the load, it makes the trimmer much more manageable for longer jobs. Our testing confirmed what many users have found: this tool can cut “like a hot knife through butter” on appropriate growth. While the advertised 50-minute runtime seemed optimistic in our continuous heavy use tests (we got closer to 20-25 minutes), it’s more than enough for most domestic hedge-trimming sessions. For the price, which includes the battery and charger, it’s an excellent piece of kit that saves you the cost and risk of ladders or hiring a gardener.

#8 Einhell GE-HC 18 Li T Solo 18V Cordless 2-in-1 Multifunctional Garden Tool – Perfect for: All-Round Garden Maintenance

For the gardener who needs more than just a hedge trimmer, the Einhell GE-HC 18 Li T Solo 18V Cordless 2-in-1 Multifunctional Garden Tool is a brilliantly versatile option. This tool combines a long-reach pole hedge trimmer with a mini chainsaw/pruning saw attachment, all powered by the same motor unit. We tested both attachments extensively. The hedge trimmer, with its 40cm laser-cut blades, performed admirably on high hedges, and the 7-fold tiltable head made shaping easy. The real star, however, is the pruning saw attachment. It uses a quality Oregon chain and bar and was surprisingly effective at lopping off branches that were far too thick for any hedge trimmer. This two-in-one capability makes it a fantastic space and money saver. It is a heavier unit at 3.9kg (before adding a battery), and wielding it at full extension requires a bit of muscle, a point many users agree on. However, for tackling a variety of high-reach trimming and pruning jobs with a single cordless tool, its utility is hard to beat. As a bare unit, it’s an excellent choice for existing Einhell Power X-Change users.

#9 RYOBI ONE+ 18V OPT1845 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer 45cm – Suits: Reaching Difficult Areas

The RYOBI ONE+ 18V OPT1845 Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer is a robust solution for homeowners with high or awkward hedges who are already part of the ONE+ ecosystem. Its standout feature is the impressive 2.9-metre reach provided by the removable extension shaft, giving you access to the highest spots in the garden. The 115-degree articulating head, with its four set positions, adds a layer of versatility that we found invaluable for getting a clean, level finish on hedge tops and for trimming angled growth. The 45cm diamond-ground blades are sharp and efficient, and the 18mm blade gap is sufficient for most maintenance trimming on established hedges. There’s no getting around the fact that this is a heavy tool, weighing 5.6kg. We found the included shoulder strap to be absolutely necessary to use it for more than a few minutes at a time. It is top-heavy, which gives you a good shoulder workout, as many users have pointed out. However, for those tough-to-reach jobs that only come around a few times a year, it’s a powerful and effective tool that saves you from the dangers of working at height.

#10 Makita DUN461WZ 18V Pole Hedge Trimmer – Ideal for: Professionals Needing Reach

The Makita DUN461WZ 18V Pole Hedge Trimmer is a premium tool designed with the professional user in mind. While it’s lighter than many rivals at 3.7kg, it exudes the quality and durability Makita is known for. The telescopic pole is smooth to adjust, extending the total length up to 2.5 metres, and the lock lever feels secure and reliable. What truly sets it apart is the highly adjustable head, which offers 10 different settings, tilting 60 degrees up and 75 degrees down. This gave us unparalleled control when sculpting and shaping tall, complex hedges. The blade action is fast and clean, though it’s designed for precision trimming rather than hacking through thick, overgrown branches, with a max capacity of 10mm. A feature we found particularly clever was the reverse rotation system, which helps to free the blade if it does get jammed. It’s a thoughtfully designed tool that is well-balanced and robust. For landscape gardeners or homeowners with extensive, well-maintained hedges who are already using the Makita LXT platform, this is a top-tier investment in efficiency and quality.

The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose The Right Product for You

Key Factors to Consider

Choosing the right lightweight hedge trimmer involves more than just picking the one that weighs the least. Consider these crucial factors to find the perfect match for your garden.

• Weight and Balance: For a tool to be truly “lightweight,” it should ideally be under 3.5kg. However, balance is just as important. A well-balanced tool feels lighter in the hands and is much easier to control, especially when reaching up high or holding it for extended periods.
• Power Source: Cordless, battery-powered models are the champions of the lightweight category. They offer complete freedom from cables without the weight, noise, and fumes of petrol engines. Look for models that are part of a wider battery ecosystem (like Makita’s LXT or Ryobi’s ONE+) if you own other cordless tools.
• Blade Length: A longer blade (50cm+) covers more area with each pass, making it faster to trim large, straight hedges. A shorter blade (under 45cm) is lighter and more manoeuvrable, making it ideal for smaller bushes, shaping, and intricate work.
• Cutting Capacity (Tooth Gap): This measurement indicates the maximum branch diameter the trimmer can handle. For light maintenance and trimming new growth, a 15-18mm gap is usually sufficient. For more established or woodier hedges, look for 19mm or more.
• Ergonomics: Comfortable handles are a must. Look for features like soft-grip materials, wrap-around front handles for multiple grip positions, and effective anti-vibration systems to reduce fatigue in your hands and arms.

Understanding Blade Types

The blades are the business end of any hedge trimmer, and their design significantly impacts performance. Most modern cordless trimmers use dual-action blades. This means two blades move in opposite directions simultaneously. This design is far superior to older single-action models because it cuts more efficiently and, crucially, creates significantly less vibration, making the tool more comfortable to use. The material and finish are also key. Look for blades described as laser-cut and diamond-ground. This manufacturing process results in a harder, sharper, and more durable cutting edge that stays sharp for longer and provides a cleaner cut, which is healthier for your hedges.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure you’re happy with your purchase:

• Ignoring Total Weight: Don’t just look at the tool’s body weight. Remember to factor in the weight of the battery, as this can add a significant amount (0.5kg or more) to the total weight you’ll be holding.
• Buying a Bare Tool by Mistake: Many professional-grade trimmers are sold as “bare” or “body-only” units. If you don’t already own compatible batteries and a charger from that brand, the extra cost can be substantial. Always check if the kit is included.
• Choosing the Wrong Tool for the Job: A lightweight trimmer is perfect for maintenance but will struggle with severely overgrown, thick hedges. If you’re tackling a reclamation project, you may need a more powerful, heavy-duty model or even a chainsaw for the thickest branches.

Frequently Asked Questions

What weight range is considered ideal for a lightweight hedge trimmer?

An ideal weight for a standard handheld lightweight hedge trimmer is generally considered to be between 2kg and 3.5kg, including the battery. Models under 2.5kg are exceptionally light and excellent for users with limited strength or for very long tasks. Pole trimmers will naturally be heavier due to the extension mechanism, often weighing between 3.5kg and 6kg.

Are lightweight hedge trimmers powerful enough for moderate hedging tasks?

Absolutely. Modern battery technology and motor efficiency mean that today’s lightweight hedge trimmers pack a surprising punch. They are more than capable of handling most residential hedging tasks, including trimming privet, conifer, laurel, and boxwood hedges. They excel at cutting through new growth and stems up to around 15-20mm thick.

Which brands are known for producing the best lightweight hedge trimmers?

Several brands have a strong reputation in this category. For professional quality and durability, brands like DeWalt and Makita are top-tier choices. For excellent value and great performance for homeowners, Einhell and Ryobi are consistently well-regarded. Bosch also produces very user-friendly and lightweight models ideal for smaller gardens.

Do lightweight models sacrifice durability or performance for reduced weight?

Not necessarily. Manufacturers achieve lower weights by using advanced materials like high-impact polymers (such as Xenoy in the DeWalt model) for the housing and efficient, compact brushless motors. While an ultra-lightweight model may not have the brute force of a heavy-duty petrol machine, it doesn’t mean it’s not durable. Top brands manage to reduce weight without compromising on build quality or cutting performance for their intended tasks.

Are electric or battery-powered models generally lighter than petrol options?

Yes, significantly. Battery-powered (cordless) models are the lightest of all, offering the best combination of portability and low weight. Corded electric models are also relatively light but are tethered by a cable. Petrol hedge trimmers are by far the heaviest due to the weight of the engine, fuel tank, and robust internal mechanics.

What materials contribute to a hedge trimmer’s light construction?

The primary materials are advanced plastics and polymers for the main body and housing, which are both strong and light. Aluminium is often used for blade bars and pole shafts to reduce weight without sacrificing rigidity. The biggest factor, however, is the use of compact, powerful lithium-ion batteries and efficient motors, which have replaced heavy old battery technologies and cumbersome petrol engines.

Are lightweight trimmers recommended for users with physical limitations or prolonged use?

Yes, they are highly recommended. A lighter tool dramatically reduces strain on the user’s arms, shoulders, and back. This makes the task of hedge trimming far more accessible and comfortable for people with conditions like arthritis or for anyone who needs to work for an extended period. Reduced fatigue also leads to safer operation as you can maintain better control of the tool.

Conclusion: Our Final Recommendation

After rigorous testing and careful consideration of dozens of models, we can confidently reaffirm our top choice. The Einhell GE-CH 1846 Li Cordless Hedge Trimmer Kit is our final recommendation for the best lightweight hedge trimmer for most UK gardeners. It simply excels in the areas that matter most: it’s exceptionally light at just 2.3kg, making it a joy to use; its laser-cut, diamond-ground blades deliver a crisp, clean cut; and, crucially, it comes as a complete kit. The inclusion of a capable 18V Power X-Change battery and a fast charger provides outstanding value and means you have everything you need to start trimming right out of the box. It represents the perfect fusion of performance, comfort, and affordability, making hedge maintenance a task you can actually look forward to.

Last update on 2025-11-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API