Cordless Electric Hedge Trimmer

Buying Cordless electric.

While all the corded models above keep you within 100 feet of an outlet, the 18-volt Black & Decker offers cordless convenience; it's also the lightest, quietest model in our chart.

Based on testing, the Black & Decker is a good choice for quick trims, handling branches up to just under a half-inch. An extra battery (*est. $45) will increase runtime.
The Black & Decker has a lock-off switch, and the blade stops almost instantly when the switch is turned off.
Gasoline powered.

For cordless mobility plus power rated for .75-inch branches, the gasoline-powered Echo gets high scores in comparative reviews.

Experts say its double-reciprocating blades cut through branches and thick shrubbery without jamming or slowing down.

It weighs 5 or 6 pounds more than the electric models (above), but you don't have to drag a heavy extension cord.

You'll need hearing protection while using it, and reviewers find the exhaust fumes annoying, but vibration dampening is built into this model.

The two-cycle engine meets clean air requirements without sacrificing fuel economy.