Best Budget Hedge Trimmers Under $80 (2026)
Overgrown hedges make your whole yard look unkempt. We tested the best budget hedge trimmers under $80 so you can get clean, precise cuts without breaking the bank.
Hedges are the frame of your landscape. When they're neatly trimmed, everything else looks better. When they're shaggy and overgrown, even a perfect lawn can't save the look.
The good news: you don't need a $150 professional tool or a gas-powered monster. Modern battery-powered hedge trimmers under $80 deliver clean cuts, reasonable runtime, and ergonomic designs that make shaping hedges almost enjoyable. We tested four standouts to find the best for different needs.
Quick Comparison
| Trimmer | Blade | Power | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX | 22 in | 20V | Overall |
| Greenworks 40V 24-Inch | 24 in | 40V | Large Hedges |
| WORX WG261 Power Share | 22 in | 20V | Lightweight |
| Earthwise LP56180 | 18 in | 20V | Value |
1. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Lithium Hedge Trimmer — Best Overall
The BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX is the hedge trimmer most people should buy. Its 22-inch dual-action blade cuts through branches up to 3/4 inch thick with minimal vibration, and the lightweight design (under 6 lbs) means you can trim for 20+ minutes without shoulder fatigue.
What sets it apart is the 20V MAX battery system — the same battery works with BLACK+DECKER's string trimmers, drills, and other yard tools. If you already own a BLACK+DECKER 20V tool, you can buy the bare tool for even less. The full-wrap handle gives you comfortable cutting at any angle, and the pre-hardened steel blades stay sharp through multiple seasons.
Check Price on Amazon2. Greenworks 40V 24-Inch Hedge Trimmer — Best for Large Hedges
If you have tall or wide hedges, the Greenworks 40V with its 24-inch blade is the answer. The longer blade covers more surface area per pass, reducing the number of passes you need to make. The 40V battery delivers noticeably more cutting power than 20V options — it powers through thick branches that would stall weaker trimmers.
Runtime is solid at around 45 minutes per charge for typical hedge maintenance. The dual-action blade reduces vibration, and the rotating rear handle lets you switch between vertical cuts (for hedge sides) and horizontal cuts (for tops) without straining your wrist. It's heavier than the 20V options, but the extra power and blade length are worth it for larger properties.
Check Price on Amazon3. WORX WG261 20V Power Share Hedge Trimmer — Best Lightweight
At just 5.3 lbs with battery, the WORX WG261 is the lightest trimmer in our lineup. That matters more than you think — when you're holding a tool at arm's length above your head, every ounce counts. The 22-inch blade gives you full-size cutting capacity in a package that won't exhaust your arms after 10 minutes.
The Power Share battery works across 75+ WORX tools, so if you already have a WORX string trimmer or blower, this fits right into your ecosystem. The blade gap handles branches up to 5/8 inch, which covers most residential hedges. The only downside is shorter runtime compared to 40V options — plan on about 25-30 minutes per charge for moderate trimming.
Check Price on Amazon4. Earthwise LP56180 18-Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer — Best Value
The Earthwise LP56180 delivers reliable hedge-trimming performance at the lowest price in our lineup. Its 18-inch blade is shorter than the others, but that makes it more maneuverable for detailed shaping and sculpting. The 20V battery delivers about 30 minutes of runtime, and the dual-action blade design reduces vibration for comfortable cutting.
What we like about the Earthwise is its simplicity. No complicated features to break — just a solid safety switch, comfortable grip, and blades that cut clean. It handles branches up to 5/8 inch thick, which covers boxwoods, privet, holly, and most common hedge plants. For basic hedge maintenance on a small-to-medium property, it gets the job done without paying for power you don't need.
Check Price on AmazonWhat to Look for in a Budget Hedge Trimmer
Blade Length: 18-22 inches covers most residential needs. Go 24+ inches only if you have tall, wide hedges — the extra length adds weight.
Cutting Capacity: Look for at least 5/8-inch gap (most budget trimmers handle this). If you have older, woody hedges with thick branches, prioritize 3/4-inch capacity.
Battery Ecosystem: The biggest hidden value is battery compatibility. If you already own tools from BLACK+DECKER (20V MAX), Greenworks (40V), or WORX (Power Share), buying the same brand means you can share batteries and save money.
Dual-Action Blades: All four trimmers here have dual-action blades, which cut on both strokes (reducing vibration and giving cleaner cuts). Avoid single-action blades — they vibrate more and tear branches instead of cutting them.