Best Hedge Trimmers Under $100 (2026)

The Black+Decker pairs a 22-inch dual-action blade with a 20V battery and charger in the box, and it is rated to cut branches up to three quarters of an inch thick. Dual-action means both blades move, which cuts on every stroke and reduces vibration by up to 40 percent compared with a single-moving-blade design. The listing claims enough runtime for up to 3,000 square feet of hedge per charge.

The 22-inch blade covers more hedge per pass than the 18-inch cordless Black+Decker or the Sun Joe, and it matches the capacity of the corded 22-inch model without the cord. Against the 24-inch unit with two batteries it has less blade but a single battery, so a long job needs a recharge break. The 20V platform is shared with other Black+Decker garden tools, which makes extra batteries easy to find.

Ownership is simple. Wipe resin from the blades after each use, put a drop of light oil on them, and store the battery indoors. The gearbox is plastic at this price, so avoid forcing it into branches near its three-quarter-inch limit. A spare battery is the best upgrade for this tool.

This is the longest blade in the group at 24 inches, built from MN65 steel and driven at 2,400 strokes per minute. Two 2.0Ah batteries are included, and the listing claims up to 80 minutes of combined runtime. A handle that rotates through 180 degrees lets you cut vertically and horizontally without twisting your wrist.

Blade length is the headline, but tip weight is the cost: a 24-inch blade is harder to hold steady at arm's length than a 22 or 18-inch one. Against the Black+Decker 22-inch, it adds two inches of reach per pass and a second battery, which suits long hedges.

The brand is lesser known, so check the warranty and spare battery availability. Clean the blades after each use and avoid cutting anything thicker than the stated capacity. Over time the blades may need sharpening or replacement, and the screws should be checked each spring. Keep a spare battery on a charger before a big job. Store the trimmer hanging by its handle with the blade cover on.

This 22-inch trimmer includes two detachable 1.5Ah batteries and an LED gauge so you can see the charge level at a glance. The non-slip handles help in sweaty hands, and the listing emphasizes light weight to reduce fatigue.

Two small batteries are not the same as two large ones: 1.5Ah packs run short, so the swap routine is part of the job. Against the Black+Decker with one battery, you get continuity at the cost of smaller packs.

Capacity of three quarters of an inch matches the best of the group. Rinse resin from the blades and store the batteries indoors. Charge both batteries after each use so the next job starts at full capacity. In year three the packs are the part most likely to fade, so buy a replacement while the model is still listed.

The Sun Joe pairs an 18-inch rust-resistant dual-action blade with a 250-watt motor spinning to 2,800 RPM, cutting branches up to six tenths of an inch. A 2.0Ah battery and charger come in the kit, and the 24V IONMAX platform runs other Sun Joe tools.

At 18 inches it is a compact tool for topiary, small shrubs and detail work. It is lighter at the tip than the 22 and 24-inch models, so it wins on control even though it loses on coverage.

Capacity of 0.6 inch is a notch below the three-quarter-inch rivals. Clean the blade after use and store the battery inside. Because the tool is light, it suits owners with weaker grips who find a larger trimmer tiring.

The corded Black+Decker uses a 4.0-amp motor with a 22-inch dual-action blade and a full wraparound handle. The motor is rated for branches up to three quarters of an inch, matching the cordless 22-inch model, and there is no battery to run down.

Compared with the 17-inch corded unit it adds five inches of blade and an amp of motor current. Compared with the cordless version it never fades during a long job but ties you to an outlet and a cord you must keep out of the blades.

Use a 16 AWG or heavier extension cord, loop it over your shoulder, and always cut away from the cord. Wipe and oil the blades after use. A good habit is to hang the cord on a shoulder hook, since a tangle at your feet is how most cord accidents start. In year three, the plug and strain relief are the likely failure points.

The 17-inch Black+Decker is the compact corded option: a 3.2-amp motor, a hardened steel dual-action blade and a capacity of five eighths of an inch. It is the lightest and smallest tool on this list, and the lowest priced by tier.

For small hedges, boxwood and foundation shrubs, 17 inches is enough and keeps the weight down for longer sessions. It will struggle with thick growth, so use it on regular trimming, not renovation.

Keep the cord behind you and the blades oiled. It is a sensible low-cost tool for a small garden. At year three, expect to tighten the blade screws and replace the cord if it shows cuts. It is also a handy backup tool when the cordless battery is flat.