6 Best DeWalt Hedge Trimmers of 2025

This no-nonsense workhorse delivers serious cutting power in a streamlined package, making it a go-to for homeowners who demand reliability without frills. The high-output motor slices through branches up to 3/4-inch thick, while the 22-inch laser-cut hooked-tooth blade ensures clean, precise passes that minimize rework. Its compact and lightweight design reduces arm fatigue during extended sessions, directly addressing one of the most common pain points with heavier trimmers. If you’re already invested in DEWALT’s 20V MAX ecosystem, this model slots right in as a dependable, no-surprise performer.

In real-world use, the DCHT820B handles dense shrubbery and overgrown hedges with confidence, especially when powered by a fresh 20V MAX battery. The dual-action blade mechanism keeps vibration low and control high, even when cutting at awkward angles or overhead. However, being a tool-only purchase, users must factor in the added cost and availability of compatible batteries and chargers—this can be a stumbling block for newcomers. While it lacks advanced features like runtime indicators or a friction clutch, it holds its own on standard yard maintenance tasks across medium-sized landscapes.

Compared to the newer DCHT821B, this model feels slightly less refined but still delivers solid value for budget-focused buyers who already own 20V MAX batteries. It’s best suited for DIYers with moderate trimming needs rather than professionals logging all-day sessions. While the DCHT821P1 offers more runtime and better transmission protection, the DCHT820B stands out as a lean, capable tool that maximizes utility without bloat—ideal for those prioritizing core performance over extras.

Don’t let its featherlight frame fool you—this ultra-portable powerhouse is engineered to punch above its weight with 1600 RPM of brushless efficiency and a dual-action 22-inch blade that glides through greenwood like butter. Designed specifically for Dw 20V battery users, it delivers clean, precise cuts on branches up to 0.6 inches thick, making it perfect for routine hedge shaping and light pruning. The standout here is its 4.8-pound build, which drastically reduces fatigue—especially for seniors, beginners, or users with limited strength, turning what’s often a tiring chore into a manageable task.

During testing, the trimmer excelled in precision trimming along walkways and fences, where maneuverability and control are key. The dual safety lock system—requiring both the power and security switch to be pressed—adds a thoughtful layer of protection against accidental starts, a rare but welcome feature at this price point. However, it begins to struggle with thicker, woody stems near its 3/5-inch limit, requiring multiple passes and steady pressure. While the brushless motor enhances longevity and efficiency, the plastic housing feels less durable under heavy use or accidental drops.

When stacked against DEWALT’s own DCHT820B, this model trades raw power for exceptional lightness and affordability, making it a smarter pick for casual users with smaller yards. It’s not built for heavy-duty landscaping, but for maintaining a tidy suburban garden, it’s surprisingly effective and ultra-accessible. For those already using Dw 20V batteries, this trimmer offers the best blend of low weight and solid performance in the entry-level segment.

This complete-ready champion eliminates the biggest barrier to entry—battery compatibility—by including a 20V MAX battery and charger right in the box, making it the most turnkey solution in DEWALT’s lineup. At its core, it packs the same high-output motor and 22-inch laser-cut hooked-tooth blades as its siblings, effortlessly slicing through 3/4-inch branches with smooth, clean cuts. The real game-changer is the friction clutch system, which protects the transmission when blades jam—a must-have for rugged use that sets it apart from budget models.

Field testing reveals exceptional runtime, consistently delivering up to 78 minutes on a single charge, which is more than enough for large yards or multi-zone trimming sessions. The motor maintains consistent speed even under load, and the ergonomic grip helps reduce hand strain during prolonged use. Unlike bare-tool versions, this kit ensures you’re fully operational out of the gate, avoiding the hidden cost and hassle of sourcing batteries separately. That said, the overall weight creeps up slightly when loaded with the battery, making it less ideal for extended overhead work.

Compared to the DCHT820B, this model offers superior protection, longer readiness, and better long-term value, especially for new DEWALT users. While it’s heavier than ultra-light alternatives like the B0DF28TJJ6, it’s built for serious homeowners and semi-pros who need durability and uninterrupted runtime. It’s the smartest all-in-one investment when balancing performance, protection, and convenience—delivering more bang for the buck than any other 20V option in the lineup.

Built for tight spaces and agile maneuvering, the DCHT821B stands out with a 39% more compact design than previous models, making it a dream for trimming hedges flush against walls, fences, or under decks. Don’t mistake its small footprint for weakness—the high-output motor and 22-inch laser-cut hooked-tooth blades still conquer branches up to 3/4-inch thick with authority. The addition of a friction clutch is a major upgrade, protecting the gearbox when blades bind, which significantly boosts durability during aggressive cuts.

In real-world use, this trimmer shines in precision work and confined areas, where bulkier models struggle to pivot or fit. The balanced weight distribution keeps wrist strain minimal, even after 30+ minutes of continuous use. It delivers clean, fast cuts thanks to the hardened steel blades, and the motor maintains strong RPM under load. However, like other bare tools, it requires a separate battery and charger, which can be a deterrent for first-time buyers. While it shares core specs with the DCHT821P1, it lacks the convenience of included power.

When compared to the DCHT820B, the DCHT821B is clearly the more refined, future-ready tool, with better transmission protection and a smarter form factor. It’s ideal for intermediate users and detail-oriented gardeners who value agility and build quality over out-of-box convenience. Though it doesn’t include a battery, it offers superior ergonomics and reliability compared to older bare tools—making it the top pick for compact performance in the 20V MAX series.

This beast-mode bruiser redefines what cordless hedge trimming can be, unleashing a 3,400 strokes-per-minute fury through a 26-inch dual-action hardened steel blade—the longest and most aggressive in DEWALT’s lineup. The high-output brushless motor, powered by 60V FLEXVOLT technology, obliterates thick, woody branches and overgrown hedges that would stall lesser trimmers. Add in the 1-1/4-inch blade gap and dual shear edges, and you get swift, snag-free cutting even in dense, tangled shrubbery—perfect for pros and large-property owners.

On the job, the DCHT870B dominates large-scale trimming, clearing thick privets or overgrown boxwoods in record time with minimal passes. The wrap-around auxiliary handle provides superior control at any angle, crucial when working overhead or along steep slopes. Despite its power, vibration is well-damped, and the balance feels natural during extended use. However, the bare tool format means you’ll need a FLEXVOLT battery and charger—a costly ecosystem barrier for newcomers. It’s also heavier than 20V models, so it’s not ideal for casual users or those with limited strength.

Stacked against the 20V DCHT821B, this trimmer is in a different league entirely—built for professional-grade workload and maximum efficiency. While the 20V models suit weekend warriors, the DCHT870B is for those who demand speed, reach, and relentless power without cord constraints. It’s the undisputed king of performance, offering unmatched cutting speed and blade length that justifies its premium status among serious landscapers.

When height is the challenge, the DCPH820B rises to the occasion—literally. This pole-mounted marvel combines a 7-foot reach with a 1-inch cutting capacity, letting you trim high hedges, rooftop shrubs, and tall privacy screens without a ladder. The 20V MAX-powered articulating head rotates up to 180 degrees, enabling precise angled cuts at full extension—a game-changer for overhead shaping. It solves the biggest safety and access issue in hedge maintenance: working at height.

In field tests, it handled vertical and angled trimming with impressive stability, especially when using both the main and auxiliary pole grips. The motor delivers consistent power to the head, even when cutting thicker branches at full reach. However, balance becomes tricky above shoulder height, and prolonged use can lead to arm fatigue due to the front-heavy design. It’s not meant for dense, bush-wide passes—this is a precision aerial tool, not a bulk cutter.

Compared to the DCHT870B, it sacrifices blade length and raw speed for unmatched vertical access and flexibility. While it can’t match the 60V model’s cutting aggression, it fills a unique niche for multi-level landscapes and tall hedges. It’s the best-in-class solution for elevated trimming, offering superior reach and articulation over any other DEWALT hedge trimmer—ideal for two-story homes or sloped yards where ladders are a hazard.