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Buying guide · 13 min read · Updated 2026-11-06

Best 22 Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmers (2026)

Six 22 inch cordless hedge trimmers compared on cutting capacity, brushless motors, weight and batteries, with picks for tall rows and tidy lawns.

James MillerBy James MillerLead Machine Editor6 machines comparedSpec-sheet verified
Best 22 Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmers

At a glance

Our top picks

Side by side

Spec comparison

MachineBlade lengthMotorCapacityBatteriesWeight
CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCHT830B Brushless 22 Inch Hedge TrimmerBest OverallCRAFTSMAN V20 CMCHT830B Brushless 22 Inch Hedge Trimmer22 in laser-cutBrushlessn/an/an/a
TaskStar 22 Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer with Debris RemoverBest for CleanupTaskStar 22 Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer with Debris Remover22 in SK5 steel600W2/3 inTwo 4.0Ah, fast chargern/a
RYOBI 18V ONE+ 22 Inch Dual Action Hedge TrimmerBest for ONE+ OwnersRYOBI 18V ONE+ 22 Inch Dual Action Hedge Trimmer22 in dual-actionn/an/an/an/a
DocSmart 22 Inch Brushless Cordless Hedge Trimmer KitBest Brushless KitDocSmart 22 Inch Brushless Cordless Hedge Trimmer Kit22 in dual-actionBrushless, 1200W claimedn/aTwo 2,000mAh, charger5.15 lb
SEESII 22 Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer, 4.8 lbBest LightweightSEESII 22 Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer, 4.8 lb22 in SK5 dual-actionn/a2/3 inTwo 2.0Ah, charger4.8 lb with battery
MZK 20V 22 Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer with Two 2Ah BatteriesBest Value KitMZK 20V 22 Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer with Two 2Ah Batteries22.4 in dual-actionn/a5/8 inTwo 2.0AhAbout 5 lb

A 22 inch blade is the sweet spot for cordless hedge trimming: long enough to cut a flat face quickly and short enough to hold level at arm's length. Most buyers compare blade length and battery voltage, but those numbers say little about how the trimmer will behave once it hits a stem.

This guide explains the specs that matter at this blade length: blade gap, motor type, stroke rate and battery capacity. Use the picks above for a shortlist, then read the reviews below to see which tradeoffs fit your hedge and your existing batteries.

Before you buy

6 Criteria to Look For Before Buying a 22 Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer

  1. 01

    Blade gap, not blade length

    At 22 inches every trimmer has a similar reach, so the figure that separates them is blade gap, the spacing between teeth that sets maximum stem size. A wider gap lets thicker stems enter and shear cleanly rather than push the blades apart. Buyers often assume all 22 inch blades cut alike, but a 3/4 inch gap handles growth a 5/8 inch gap bogs on. The CRAFTSMAN CMCHT830B lists 3/4 inch, the TaskStar, DocSmart and SEESII list 2/3 inch, and the MZK lists 5/8 inch.

  2. 02

    Brushed versus brushless motors

    A brushless motor uses electronic commutation instead of carbon brushes, so it wastes less heat, wears more slowly and gives longer runtime from the same battery. The difference is most visible on small packs, where efficiency is the margin between finishing a row and stopping short. A common mistake is paying for brushless on a trimmer you use twice a year. The CRAFTSMAN CMCHT830B and DocSmart are brushless, while the TaskStar relies on larger batteries instead.

  3. 03

    Battery capacity in the box

    The stored energy of the included battery sets how much hedge you can cut before recharging. Two 4.0Ah packs hold double the energy of two 2.0Ah packs, and a lone 1.5Ah pack is much less. Buyers often compare blade specs and ignore what ships in the box, which can make a cheap kit expensive after you buy extra packs. The TaskStar ships with two 4.0Ah packs, while the SEESII, MZK and DocSmart ship with 2.0Ah-class packs.

  4. 04

    Weight with the battery fitted

    You hold a hedge trimmer at arm's length, so every pound is amplified by leverage. Bare-tool weights flatter tool-only models, because adding a battery can add a pound or more. For overhead work, aim for about five pounds including the battery. The SEESII lists 4.8 pounds with battery, the DocSmart 5.15 pounds and the MZK about 5 pounds, so the SEESII is the easiest on shoulders.

  5. 05

    Platform and parts support

    A cordless trimmer is only as good as the battery you can still buy in five years. Large platforms like RYOBI ONE+ and CRAFTSMAN V20 keep batteries and chargers in stock, which protects your investment. Smaller brands often sell attractive kits, but replacement packs can be hard to locate when the first one fades. If you plan to keep a trimmer a decade, favor the Craftsman or Ryobi.

  6. 06

    Cleanup and debris handling

    Clippings that stay on the hedge top or jam in the blade slow the job and add raking afterward. Some designs add a debris remover or sweep attachment that pushes trimmings away as you cut, which can save a cleanup pass. The CRAFTSMAN CMCHT830B has an integrated hedge sweep and the TaskStar has a debris remover, while the others rely on a clean blade and a rake.

Detailed reviews

The 6 best 22 inch cordless hedge trimmers, explained

01
CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCHT830B Brushless 22 Inch Hedge Trimmer
22 in laser-cut3/4 in blade gapBrushless motorHedge sweep
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Best for: Owners of V20 batteries who want a brushless 22 inch trimmer with the largest blade gap in this group.

The CMCHT830B is the most complete trimmer here because it fixes three common complaints at once. A brushless motor avoids carbon brushes that wear out, runs cooler and uses battery charge more efficiently, so runtime stretches on any pack you fit. A 3/4 inch blade gap gives the 22 inch laser-cut blades room to take thick new growth, which is the figure that decides whether a trimmer stalls in dense hedges.

The hedge sweep attachment is a small blade guide that pushes clippings off the top as you cut, which saves a rake pass afterward. Compared with the TaskStar in this lineup, which also clears debris, Craftsman's approach pairs it with a stronger blade gap, since the TaskStar lists 2/3 inch. The tradeoff is that it is a tool-only purchase, so you need V20 batteries and a charger.

If you already own Craftsman V20 tools, that makes it an easy upgrade, and batteries shared across the platform keep ownership simple. If you do not, the added cost of a pack pushes it up against the kit options. Keep the blade oiled, clear the vents and hang it by the built-in hook to keep the edge off the floor.

What works

  • Brushless motor wastes less charge and runs cooler
  • 3/4 in blade gap is the widest here, so thick growth cuts cleanly
  • Hedge sweep attachment clears clippings as you work
  • Wall hook keeps the blade off the floor in storage

Watch out for

  • Tool only, so a V20 battery and charger are a separate purchase
  • Runtime depends entirely on the pack you pair with it

Spec sheet

Blade length
22 in laser-cut
Blade gap
3/4 in
Motor
Brushless
Battery
V20, tool only
Attachment
Integrated hedge sweep
Storage
Wall hook
02
TaskStar 22 Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer with Debris Remover
22 in dual-action2,800 SPM2 x 4.0AhDebris remover
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Best for: Homeowners who want long runtime out of the box and less cleanup after trimming.

TaskStar's trimmer is built around a debris remover that pushes trimmed leaves off the blade path, which reduces the clippings that jam the teeth and the cleanup afterward. Pair that with 2,800 strokes per minute and a 600 watt motor, and you get a trimmer that cuts quickly through soft growth.

The included pair of 4.0Ah batteries is the best bundle in the roundup, more than double the energy in the two 2.0Ah packs that come with the SEESII or MZK. Where the Craftsman buys capacity with a brushless motor, this one buys it with extra batteries, so a long row finishes on a fresh pack. The blade gap is 2/3 inch, a step below the Craftsman's 3/4 inch.

The all-around pressure switch lets you hold it from above, below or to the side without shifting your grip, which suits overhead work. Like most lesser-known brands, parts and battery supply are a longer-term question, so confirm you can buy a spare pack. Oil the blade and clear the debris remover after sessions.

What works

  • Two 4.0Ah batteries give the best runtime bundle here
  • Debris remover reduces clipping jams and raking
  • 2,800 SPM keeps the cut clean on soft growth
  • All-around safety switch suits overhead and side cuts

Watch out for

  • 2/3 in blade gap trails the Craftsman's 3/4 in
  • Less established battery and parts supply than larger brands

Spec sheet

Blade length
22 in SK5 steel
Stroke rate
2,800 SPM
Capacity
2/3 in
Batteries
Two 4.0Ah, fast charger
Motor
600W
Switch
All-around safety switch
03
RYOBI 18V ONE+ 22 Inch Dual Action Hedge Trimmer
22 in dual-action18V ONE+Platform toolWidely stocked
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Best for: Current ONE+ owners who want a 22 inch trimmer on batteries they already have.

Ryobi's 22 inch dual-action trimmer is the pick for people who already live in the ONE+ system. The platform is one of the largest in cordless tools, with batteries that fit many tools, and a battery you already own is the cheapest way to add a trimmer. The dual-action blade cuts with less vibration than single-action designs.

The listing data for this model is sparse, so treat the numbers as general class figures: a 22 inch blade and 18V power. Compared with the Craftsman, which offers a stated 3/4 inch gap and a brushless motor, this is a more conventional design. The upside is that ONE+ batteries are easy to find and the platform has stayed backward compatible for years.

Before buying, confirm whether the listing includes a battery and charger, since ONE+ trimmers are commonly sold as tool-only. Maintenance is the standard routine: clean the blade after use, oil it lightly and store the pack indoors. Parts and service support is a genuine advantage of a large brand.

What works

  • Runs on the huge ONE+ battery platform
  • Dual-action blade lowers vibration
  • Parts, batteries and service are easy to find
  • Brand support is stronger than newer rivals

Watch out for

  • Listing details are sparse, so check what ships in the box
  • Less stated cutting data than the brushless Craftsman

Spec sheet

Blade length
22 in dual-action
Platform
RYOBI 18V ONE+
Battery
Check listing for kit contents
Blade action
Dual-action
Category
Handheld hedge trimmer
Voltage
18V nominal
04
DocSmart 22 Inch Brushless Cordless Hedge Trimmer Kit
22 in dual-action3,000 RPMBrushless motor5.15 lb
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Best for: Buyers who want a complete brushless kit with batteries and charger in one box.

DocSmart ships a complete brushless kit, with two batteries and a charger, and rates its motor at 3,000 RPM. A brushless motor wastes less energy as heat, which matters more with small packs, since a smaller battery goes further when the motor is efficient.

The 2,000mAh batteries are modest, the same size class as the SEESII packs and far smaller than the TaskStar's 4.0Ah. The listing quotes up to 100 minutes per charge, but that is a light-load figure, and a dense hedge will drain faster. The 2/3 inch blade gap puts it a notch below the Craftsman's 3/4 inch.

At 5.15 pounds, it sits in the middle for weight. The brand is lesser known, so confirm battery availability and warranty before relying on it for years. It comes with five stated safety features, including a lock and baffles, which suit new users. Keep the blades clean and oiled, and charge the packs before storage.

What works

  • Brushless motor stretches small batteries further
  • Kit includes two batteries and a charger
  • Safety lock and baffles suit first-time users
  • 5.15 lb weight is comfortable for long sessions

Watch out for

  • 2,000mAh packs are small for a 22 in blade
  • Runtime claims are light-load figures
  • Lesser-known brand with uncertain long-term support

Spec sheet

Blade length
22 in dual-action
Motor
Brushless, 1200W claimed
Speed
3,000 RPM
Blade gap
2/3 in
Weight
5.15 lb
Batteries
Two 2,000mAh, charger
05
SEESII 22 Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer, 4.8 lb
22 in dual-action4.8 lb with battery2,800 SPM2/3 in capacity
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Best for: Lighter users or anyone trimming overhead who prioritizes low weight over maximum runtime.

The headline here is weight: 4.8 pounds with a battery installed. That is the lightest complete 22 inch kit in the roundup and noticeably lighter than the 5.15 pound DocSmart, which matters most when you trim overhead or at shoulder height.

The wrap-around switch sits inside the loop handle, so you can squeeze it from above, below or from the side without shifting your grip. A stroke rate of 2,800 SPM keeps cutting smooth on soft growth, and the 2/3 inch capacity is typical for this class. The two 2.0Ah batteries give a small energy bank, which you will notice on longer rows.

It is a good match for older or lighter users and for jobs measured in minutes, not hours. For thick, overgrown hedges, the Craftsman's brushless motor and larger gap are better. As with other newer brands, check spare battery and part availability, and keep the blade clean and oiled.

What works

  • 4.8 lb with battery is the lightest complete kit here
  • Wrap-around switch works from any angle
  • 2,800 SPM gives smooth cuts on soft stems
  • Two batteries and a charger are included

Watch out for

  • 2.0Ah packs limit runtime on long rows
  • 2/3 in capacity is below the Craftsman's gap
  • Newer brand with less established parts support

Spec sheet

Blade length
22 in SK5 dual-action
Weight
4.8 lb with battery
Stroke rate
2,800 SPM
Capacity
2/3 in
Batteries
Two 2.0Ah, charger
Switch
Wrap-around
06
MZK 20V 22 Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmer with Two 2Ah Batteries
22.4 in dual-action5/8 in capacity2 x 2AhAbout 5 lb
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Best for: Light seasonal trimming of soft, well-kept hedges on a budget.

MZK's trimmer is the plain, light-duty kit: a 22.4 inch dual-action blade, about 5 pounds, two 2.0Ah batteries and a double-lock safety. It handles routine shaping of soft hedges and does not pretend to be a thick-branch machine.

The 5/8 inch capacity is the lowest in this group. Compared with the Craftsman's 3/4 inch gap, it is about 17 percent narrower, and that shows up when you meet a stray stem. Treat it as a tool for regular trimming of growth you keep tidy, not for catch-up work.

The value case rests on the kit: you get two batteries and a charger without buying anything separately. Ownership is standard, with the usual blade cleaning, oiling and battery storage. As with the other lesser-known brands, verify replacement battery availability before relying on it.

What works

  • 22.4 in blade covers a lot of hedge per pass
  • Two batteries and a charger come in the box
  • Double-lock safety guards against accidental starts
  • About 5 lb is manageable for short jobs

Watch out for

  • 5/8 in capacity is the narrowest here
  • 2.0Ah packs run out quickly on long hedges

Spec sheet

Blade length
22.4 in dual-action
Capacity
5/8 in
Weight
About 5 lb
Batteries
Two 2.0Ah
Handle
Wrap-around
Safety
Double lock

Spec sheet decoder

What the numbers on the box really mean

The specs manufacturers lead with, translated into what they tell you about real-world performance.

Blade gap (cut capacity)

The distance between the teeth of the blade, which sets the thickest stem that can slide in and be sheared. If a stem is thicker than the gap, it gets pushed into the teeth instead of cut, and the motor strains.

Watch forThe gap rating is for green growth, not seasoned wood. The Craftsman at 3/4 inch and the MZK at 5/8 inch differ by more than the numbers suggest.

Strokes per minute (SPM)

How many full cycles the blades complete each minute. A higher rate leaves a smoother finish on soft stems because the blades pass more often as you advance.

Watch forThese are no-load numbers. The TaskStar's 2,800 and the DocSmart's 3,000 RPM both fall under load.

Brushless motor

A motor that switches current electronically instead of through carbon brushes. This cuts friction and heat and lets the battery last longer for the same work.

Watch forThe DocSmart quotes a 1,200 watt motor rating, which is a marketing figure for a handheld that runs on a small pack, so treat it as a class label.

Amp-hours (Ah)

The capacity of the battery. At a given voltage, a higher number means more stored energy, so a 4.0Ah pack runs about twice as long as a 2.0Ah pack under the same load.

Watch forRuntime claims such as the DocSmart's 100 minutes are light-load figures, not hedge-cutting times.

Nominal voltage labels

Voltage labels vary: 18V, 20V MAX and 21V often describe the same five-cell pack, with the higher number being the fully charged peak.

Watch forThe RYOBI is 18V and the Craftsman is V20, but this alone does not mean one is stronger. Compare motor type and capacity.

Methodology

How We Evaluated These 22 Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmers

Cutting performance

We compared blade gap, stroke rate and motor type, weighting gap first since it limits what the trimmer can cut. The Craftsman's 3/4 inch gap and brushless motor lead this group, and the MZK's 5/8 inch gap sits at the bottom.

Battery and runtime

We looked at amp-hours, battery count and motor efficiency together. Efficient brushless motors earn credit on small packs. The TaskStar's two 4.0Ah packs set the runtime benchmark for kits, while the SEESII, MZK and DocSmart sit lower.

Weight and handling

We compared stated weights with a battery fitted and looked at handle design and switch layout. Lighter trimmers that can be held from several angles scored higher. The SEESII's 4.8 pounds and wrap-around switch led here.

Ownership and support

We considered battery platform size, how easily replacement packs can be found and the strength of the brand's parts network. The Craftsman and Ryobi score higher here than the newer brands.

Owner feedback patterns

We read patterns in owner feedback rather than single scores, looking for repeated complaints about battery fade, stalling or loose blades. Where a spec sheet and feedback disagreed, we weighted the pattern in the feedback.

Decision guide

How to Choose the Right 22 Inch Cordless Hedge Trimmers

By Hedge Condition

The state of the hedge sets how much blade gap and motor you need.

ScenarioPickWhy
Thick new growth, mature privetCRAFTSMAN CMCHT830B3/4 in gap and brushless motor
Regular tidy-up of soft hedgesMZK 22 in kitBasic kit for light work
Long row, big cleanupTaskStar 22 inTwo 4.0Ah packs and debris remover
Overhead and shoulder-height workSEESII 22 in4.8 lb with battery
Already own ONE+ batteriesRYOBI 18V ONE+ 22 inUses packs you own

By Budget

Relative tiers, since prices shift.

TierPickWhy
Lowest outlay for light useMZK 22 in kitTwo batteries and a charger
Low to mid, lighterSEESII 22 inLight kit with wrap-around switch
Mid, brushless kitDocSmart 22 inBrushless and a full kit
Mid, longest runtimeTaskStar 22 inLargest included batteries
Higher, best cuttingCRAFTSMAN CMCHT830BBrushless, 3/4 in gap, plus a pack you buy

Brushless vs Brushed Efficiency

Brushless

Electronic switching reduces heat and wear, so a given battery lasts longer and the motor keeps its torque. The CRAFTSMAN CMCHT830B and DocSmart are brushless in this roundup. Gains show most with small packs.

Brushed or unstated

Carbon brushes work well at low cost but wear over time and waste energy as heat. The MZK and SEESII do not list brushless motors, and the TaskStar offsets with large batteries. For light annual use, this is fine.

Frequent trimmers should pay for brushless; occasional users can save with a bigger battery or a basic kit.

Battery Platform

PreferencePickWhy
Already own V20 batteriesCRAFTSMAN CMCHT830BSame packs and chargers
Already own ONE+ batteriesRYOBI 18V ONE+ 22 inSame platform
Want everything in the boxTaskStar 22 inTwo 4.0Ah packs and charger
Want a small kit, lightSEESII 22 inTwo packs, 4.8 lb
Want a brushless complete kitDocSmart 22 inBrushless with two packs

For Long Property Lines Specifically

Look for

A wide blade gap, an efficient motor and plenty of battery. Long lines drain small packs quickly, and thick growth punishes narrow gaps. Debris handling saves a cleanup pass.

In this comparison

The CRAFTSMAN CMCHT830B has the widest gap and a brushless motor, but needs a pack. The TaskStar ships with two 4.0Ah packs and a debris remover, which makes it the best out-of-the-box choice for long runs.

When to Spend More

Spend more if

You trim often or have thick growth. The CRAFTSMAN CMCHT830B on a large V20 pack gives a wider gap, brushless efficiency and a sweep attachment. A bigger platform also protects battery supply.

Save if

You trim a few times per season. The MZK 22 in kit or the SEESII handle soft, tidy hedges, and the RYOBI is the cheap route if you already own ONE+ batteries.

Ownership

Maintenance schedule

The upkeep that decides whether this machine lasts two seasons or ten.

TaskIntervalWhy it matters
Clean and oil the bladeAfter every useSap and clippings increase friction and cause rust. A drop of light oil keeps the blades sliding smoothly.
Check blade boltsEvery few sessionsVibration loosens the blade assembly over time. Loose blades cut poorly and can damage the gearbox.
Store batteries partly chargedBefore winterLithium cells age fastest when stored empty or hot. Keep them indoors with a partial charge.
Clear debris and ventsEvery few sessionsClippings packed near the motor cause heat. A brush or air blast clears them.
Inspect and replace bladesEvery couple of seasonsDull blades tear stems and strain the motor. Replace blades with chipped or bent teeth.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 22 inch blade too long for a homeowner?

Not for most. It covers a lot of hedge per pass and still balances well, especially at five pounds or less. For tight shaping or short shrubs, an 18 inch blade is easier.

How much should I spend on a 22 inch cordless trimmer?

Kits from lesser-known brands cost less, while brushless models and established platforms cost more. Count the battery in the total, since a tool-only trimmer needs a pack. For occasional use, a basic kit is fine.

How long will the battery last?

It depends on the pack size and hedge density. Small 2.0Ah packs may handle a short row, while 4.0Ah packs run much longer. Listed runtimes are light-load figures.

Does brushless matter?

It matters most on small batteries and for frequent users, since it wastes less energy and wears slower. For a few light jobs a year, a good brushed trimmer is adequate.

Can I cut thick branches with it?

Only up to the blade gap, which is 5/8 to 3/4 inch on these models. Use loppers or a pruning saw for anything thicker. Forcing wood through the blades can strip the gears.

What safety gear should I wear?

Wear eye protection, gloves and sturdy shoes. Never trim wet hedges or work from an unstable ladder, and keep both hands on the handles. Remove the battery before clearing a jam.

Bottom line

The short version

Browse more 22 inch cordless hedge trimmerson Amazon →
James Miller, Lead Machine Editor

About the author

James Miller

Lead Machine Editor, MachineFanatic

James Miller leads MachineFanatic's buying guides, turning spec sheets, manuals and owner feedback into clear verdicts on power tools, outdoor power equipment, shop machines and kitchen machines.

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