Last Updated on October 2, 2023 by Kyle Whitley
Do you hate trimming hedges? I did, at least when I was a kid. My dad only let me use the manual hedge trimmers, the ones that look like a big pair of scissors. That was such a hassle. Then sometime along the way, I was introduced to an electric hedge trimmer. That completely changed the game. You could trim the hedges and bushes around the house so much faster, but you did have to drag that extension cord around. When I purchased my first home several years ago, I bought my first battery powered cordless hedge trimmer, and the game changed again. Let’s see which one is better corded vs cordless hedge trimmer.
Table of Contents
What are the types of hedge trimmers?
Well, basically you have 4 types of hedge trimmers. You have manual scissor trimmers, corded electric trimmers, cordless electric trimmers, and gas powered hedge trimmers.
Manual Hedge Trimmers
Manual hedge trimmers are like giant pair of scissors that you move back and forth to chop at the hedge or shrub branches. These are often referred to as hedge clippers. You get into kind of this quick back and forth motion, if you used these types of hedge trimmers you know what I mean. This type of trimming is generally very labor-intensive and the clippings go everywhere.
Corded Electric Hedge Trimmers
Corded electric hedge trimmers are a game-changer if you previously used manual hedge trimmers. The hedge trimmer is powered by an electric motor that powers a set of blades along with a set of teeth. You swipe the trimmer back and forth along the surface of the hedge or bush kind of like you brush your hair. Extension cords are a necessity since these types of trimmers are powered by your standard wall outlet.
Cordless Electric Hedge Trimmers
Cordless electric hedge trimmers are an evolution of the corded electric hedge trimmer where you still have an electric motor and blade that moves along a teethed bar. The biggest difference here is the power source. Cordless electric hedge trimmers are powered by batteries. This gives the trimmers some extra mobility around your landscape.
Gas Powered Hedge Trimmers
Gas-powered hedge trimmers are the heavy-duty workhorses of the hedge trimmer genre. These are heavy and powerful, with the same design as electric models. There is a gas motor that powers the hedge trimmer blade.
Which Hedge Trimmer is Best Corded or Cordless Electric Hedge Trimmers
Well, both types of electric hedge trimmers are light years ahead of manual hedge clippers or hedge trimmers. You can cut and shape the hedges and shrubs so much faster. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of each type of trimmer to see which one is best.
Corded Hedge Trimmers
Pros
- Almost Infinite Power – as long as you have a long enough extension cord, and you pay your power bill, your hedge trimmer will run as long as you want to work
- Light Weight – With only the motor and blade on the trimmer, most corded hedge trimmers are lighter than a comparable cordless battery powered trimmer
- Affordable – Generally corded electric hedge trimmers are much more affordable when compared to an identical model with a battery
Cons
- Limited Mobility – You are tethered to the nearest power outlet.
- Extension Cords – This goes along with the first con, regardless of how long the extension cord is you have to lug it around with you as you work.
- Cutting the Cord – If you have ever used a corded hedge trimmer you have cut your extension cord. This is pain and could be a safety hazard.
Cordless Hedge Trimmers
Pros
- Mobility – Since cordless hedge trimmers are powered by batteries the trimmers can be taken anywhere on your property
- No extension cords – You have no extension cords to log around or possibly cut
- Light Weight – When compared to gas-powered hedge trimmers, battery-powered units way a lot less and allow for easier maneuverability
Cons
- Battery Runtime – Since a cordless hedge trimmer is powered by a battery, your working time is limited by battery capacity
- Cost – Battery-powered hedge trimmers can be more expensive than the exact same model powered by a cord.
- Weight – You might be thinking how can weight be a pro and a con. With larger batteries, a cordless hedge trimmer can make longer trimming sessions a little more strenuous on the upper body and arms.
Who makes Corded or Cordless Hedge Trimmers?
Well, pretty much every large power tool company makes corded and cordless hedge trimmers. Some of the more popular brands are listed below:
Each manufacture makes some great electric hedge trimmers.
Which Type of Hedge Trimmer is Best: Corded vs Cordless Hedge Trimmer?
Well after taking a look at the pros and cons of each type of hedge trimmer I would recommend a cordless electric hedge trimmer any day of the week. Cordless hedge trimmers provide mobility, power, and maneuverability that you can’t replicate with the corded model. That being said I would take a corded model over using hedge clippers any day of the week. Either way corded or cordless your arms will thank you, and your trimming work will be done faster than you thought possible.
