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Best Hedge Shears of 2023

Updated
Trim your hedges with these fantastic tools. 

When you start your search for hedge shears, you’ll be met with hundreds of options. So how do you know which one to choose?

Keep reading for our handy buying guide, plus seven in-depth reviews of the best hedge shears available on the market.

These are a must-have for any hedge owner, so it’s essential that you have one nearby to keep your hedges looking prim and proper.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the OARA Garden Hedge Shears forTrimming Borders, Boxwood, and Bushes, Hedge Clippers & Shears with Comfort Grip Handles,21 Inch Carbon Steel Bush Cutter
Best Ergonomic Hedge Shears
Oara Garden Hedge Shears
  • High-quality materials
  • Soft cushioned vinyl grips
  • Teflon coating over carbon steel blade
Product Image of the Fiskars 391911-1002 Power Lever 8-Inch Hedge Shears, Pack of 1
Best Power Hedge Shears
Fiskars Power Lever Hedge Shears
  • Serrated edges for good grip
  • Durable self-sharpening design
  • Sharp blade end to end
Product Image of the Steve & Leif Hedge Pruning Shear for Trimming Borders,23 Inch Hedge Clippers, Aluminum Light-Weight Garden Hedge Pruners
Best Lightweight Hedge Shears
Steve & Leif Hedge Pruning Shears
  • Shock-absorbing bumpers
  • Adjustable the blade tension
  • Non-stick coating
Product Image of the ARS 28- to 41-1/2-Inch Hedge Shears HS-K900Z
Best Extendable Hedge Shears
ARS Extendable Hedge Shears
  • For personal or professional use
  • Extendable handle from 28 to 41.5 inch
  • Rust & sap-resistant blades
Product Image of the TABOR TOOLS B212A Telescopic Hedge Shears with Wavy Blade and Extendable Steel Handles. Extendable Manual Hedge Clippers for Trimming Borders, Boxwood, and Tall Bushes.
Best Easy-to-Use Hedge Shears
Tabor Tools Telescopic Hedge Shears
  • Ensures precision cuts
  • Shock-absorbing bumpers
  • Extendable handle from 25 to 33 inch
Product Image of the Okatsune Precision Hedge Shears, 7 5/8' Blade, 22' Overall Length (One Pack)
Best Heavy-Duty Hedge Shears
Okatsune Hedge Shears
  • Used by professional gardeners
  • Comfortable & ergonomic handles
  • Lightweight at 1.5 pounds
Product Image of the Colwelt Hedge Clippers 21'', Hedge Shears for Trimming Borders, Boxwood, and Bushes, Hedge Gardening Shears with Carbon Steel Sharp Blades & Ergonomic Comfortable Handle
Best Budget Hedge Shears
Colwelt Hedge Clippers
  • Ergonomic soft-grip handles
  • Non-stick carbon steel blades
  • Lightweight at 1.8 lbs


Product Reviews

Let’s dive into the seven best hedge shears available.

1. Oara Garden Hedge Shears

Best Ergonomic Hedge Shears

Just looking at these shears, we can tell how comfy the handles will be. If you’re looking for an ergonomic handle on your garden hedge shears, then definitely check out these from Oara.

First, the handles are quite short which may seem like a drawback but it actually offers you more control. The ergonomic shape and length let you get closer to your hedges so you can achieve the best cutting angle and have ultimate control.

Secondly, the handles have a brilliant soft vinyl grip. This cushion gives you loads of comfort and support while you’re cutting. Combine that with the shock-absorbing bumpers, and you won’t experience the vibration and fatigue that other shears may provide.

Besides the great handles, we’re also looking at great blades. The carbon steel blades have a nice sharp edge for effortlessly cutting through various types of branches. This includes hedges, boxwood, shrubs, and other pruning plants.

The carbon steel also has a Teflon non-stick coating for a beautiful glide as you cut. Think no friction, no corrosion, and no resistance. Plus, it curbs dirt and sap, keeping the blades super clean.

Guess What

These blades can cut up to 1 inch in diameter which is super generous for hedge shears!

Pros

  • High-quality materials make for versatile cutting abilities.
  • Soft cushioned vinyl grips for comfort.
  • Teflon coating over carbon steel blades.
  • Budget-friendly price point.

Cons

  • Some customers wished they were sharper.

Product Specs

Blade material Carbon steel with Teflon coating
Handle material Vinyl cushioning
Handle length 11 inches
Weight 1.95 pounds
Extra features Shock-absorbing bumpers, Teflon coating, one-inch cutting diameter

2. Fiskars Power Lever Hedge Shears

Best Power Hedge Shears

First of all, you might be wondering: what are power shears? Power shears feature power-lever technology. This means that they have multiple pivot points instead of just one. In return, this gives you extra — sometimes double — the cutting power than other hedge shears.

So if you want something that has a bit more oomph, then power shears may tick your boxes.

These specific features have compound lever technology to provide extra leverage and more cutting force. The blades are made from precision-ground steel, finished with a serrated edge that grips branches and self-sharpens at the same time. This provides a quick, clean cut, all while keeping the blade sharp.

The blades have a smooth low-friction coating to ensure that each cut is smooth and crisp. We also love the shock-absorbing bumpers which limit vibrations and fatigue.

Last but not least, these awesome shears have strong steel handles that won’t break or bend under pressure. Plus, they’re finished with a non-slip grip for your comfort and control.

Pros

  • Suitable for hedges and decorative shrubs.
  • Serrated edges provide a good grip.
  • Self-sharpening design for durability.
  • Blade is sharp from end to end.

Cons

  • Not rust-resistant; they rust quite quickly.
  • Not good for heavy-duty or thick cutting.

Product Specs

Blade material Steel
Handle material Steel with non-slip grip
Handle length Not specified
Weight 2.88 pounds
Extra features Serrated edges, self-sharpening, power gears

3. Steve & Leif Hedge Pruning Shears

Best Lightweight Hedge Shears

Lightweight shears are often easier for some customers to use. Too-heavy shears can make trimming your hedges a whole lot more cumbersome and difficult. These shears are on the lighter end of the market, weighing 2.14 pounds.

The reason they’re lightweight is because of the aluminum handles. While these handles are still strong and durable, they’re also nice and lightweight. The handle also features soft grips to improve comfort and control. They even have touchpoints that will reduce blisters — every gardener’s dream!

Besides the nice handles, this also has a great blade. It’s a wavy blade made from rust-resistant, low-friction stainless steel. It’s strong and durable but slick enough to make effortless cuts and resist sticking. Of course, being a wavy blade, this is best for thick branches.

A unique feature of these shears is the ability to adjust the blade tension. On the blade, there is a bolt that you can pivot to adjust the blade’s tension. This allows you to prune different types of plants, making this a very versatile tool.

Pros

  • Shock-absorbing bumpers to reduce fatigue.
  • Adjust the blade tension for various types of plants.
  • Lightweight and comfortable handles — reduces blisters.
  • Non-stick coating to reduce sticking.

Cons

  • Not suitable for old, dead, or dry branches.

Product Specs

Blade material Non-stick stainless steel
Handle material Aluminum with soft grip
Handle length 13 inches
Weight 2.14 pounds
Extra features Shock-absorbing bumpers, adjustable blade tension

4. ARS Extendable Hedge Shears

Best Extendable Hedge Shears

While we have a few extendable hedge shear recommendations, this is one of the best on the market because it is so flexible. It spans from 28 inches all the way to 41.5. This is extremely long, which increases your flexibility in hard-to-reach areas and very high hedges, shrubs, and trees.

Just keep in mind that there are three locking points between 28 and 41.5 inches. So you can’t completely customize where you extend it to. You can lock it at 28, 35, and 41.5 inches.

That said, we think you’ll enjoy the super lightweight handles with the push button springs. These springs lock into place so your handles are safe and secure while you use them.

The blades are hard-chrome plated, which is pretty unique compared to some of our other recommendations. This plating ensures a high-strength cut each time you use it. The blades are also slightly curved, which allows a quick clean cut without issues. So overall, this is a super easy product to use.

The blades are also rust and sap-resistant so they stay high-quality and are a breeze to clean.

Pros

  • Suitable for personal or professional use.
  • Extendable handles from 28 to 41.5 inches.
  • Rust and sap-resistant chrome-plated blades.
  • Great for high and deep shrubs and hedges.

Cons

  • Extremely expensive, nearly three times the average price of shears.
  • The cutting blade is quite short at six inches.

Product Specs

Blade material Chrome plated
Handle material Aluminum
Handle length 28 to 41.5 inches
Weight 2.16 pounds
Extra features Extendable handles

5. Tabor Tools Telescopic Hedge Shears

Best Easy-to-Use Hedge Shears

Have you ever bought yourself a garden tool only to be left frustrated by it and all the ways it challenges you? Gardening can be a tricky thing as it is. That’s why we suggest tools that make it easier rather than more of a challenge. This includes the Tabor Tools hedge shears.

These shears are easy to use due to a few key features. Firstly, the handles are extendable. This allows you to get into hard-to-reach places or hedges directly in front of you. Adjust the handles from 25 to 33 inches, depending on the task at hand. Once you have added the length, activate the lock feature to secure the handles in place. No slipping or sliding. Just easy cutting!

Another feature that makes it super easy is the tension control knob. When you have dense leaves, don’t struggle against the shears; work with them instead.

Lastly, one more feature that makes these super easy to use is the low-friction super sharp blades. They make each cut super effortless as they glide through the branches.

Pros

  • Ensures precision cuts that improve plant health.
  • Shock-absorbing bumpers to reduce fatigue.
  • Adjustable blade tension for versatility.
  • Extendable handles from 25 to 33 inches.

Cons

  • The handle isn’t very secure, and the blade sometimes slips out.
  • A little pricey for the quality.
  • 3.24 pounds — a bit too heavy for some customers.

Product Specs

Blade material Carbon steel
Handle material Steel with non-slip grip
Handle length 25 to 33 inches
Weight 3.24 pounds
Extra features Shock-absorbing bumpers, adjustable handles, adjustable blade tension

6. Okatsune Precision Hedge Shears

Best Heavy-Duty Hedge Shears

These heavy-duty shears make cutting hedges, branches, and shrubs super easy. It’s been designed with many important factors in mind to ensure that it’s high-quality and super effective.

For one, the Izumo Yasuki steel blades are heat-treated, hammer-forged, and polished to ensure maximum durability. This is a premium-grade material that’s durable, sharp, and able to handle a variety of tasks.

Next up is its very light weight at 1.5 pounds. If you’re choosing a heavy-duty model, it’s likely you’ll be using these for a long time. That’s why we recommend getting something super comfortable that won’t wear you out as you work. These soft handles make for a nice grip, ultimate control, and total comfort.

The ergonomic design combined with the easy hold means these are a favorite among many customers.

Pros

  • Used by professional gardeners.
  • Durable quality.
  • Comfortable and ergonomic handles.
  • Lightweight at 1.5 pounds.

Cons

  • High price point.

Product Specs

Blade material Izumo Yasuki steel
Handle material Japanese White Oak
Handle length 21 inches
Weight 1.5 pounds
Extra features Hot hammer-forged blades

7. Colwelt Hedge Clippers

Best Budget Hedge Shears

Hedge shears come in a wide range of prices, but we don’t think you need to blow all your cash on these tools. You can get a perfectly useful pair of shears for a decent price. That’s what brings us to this recommendation of the Colwelt hedge clippers.

For a budget-friendly price point, you’ll get these great 21-inch long hedge shears. Spend an extra few dollars, and you could treat yourself to the same model but with extendable handles!

Another great feature about these is that they’re super lightweight, weighing only 1.8 pounds. That should make it very easy to navigate around your garden without tiring.

We also love how versatile these clippers are. They’re suitable for shaping boxwood, shrubs, topiary plants, and of course, hedges. So no matter what you have in your garden, these might be just the tool to spruce the place up!

The reason they’re so versatile is the wavy blades. They are suitable for a wider variety of stems. Plus, the carbon steel blades with non-stick coating ensures extreme sharpness, effortless cutting, and durability. And the big bonus: no sticking and easy to clean!

Pros

  • More affordable than other hedge shears.
  • Ergonomic soft-grip handles.
  • Carbon steel blades with non-stick coating.
  • Nice and lightweight for long periods of gardening.

Cons

  • Some customers found they dulled very quickly.
  • Reports of the blades bending.

Product Specs

Blade material Carbon steel with non-stick coating
Handle material Steel with soft-grip
Handle length 10 inches
Weight 1.8 pounds
Extra features Shock-absorbing bumpers

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Blade material Handle material Handle length Weight Extra features
Oara Garden Hedge Shears Best Ergonomic Hedge Shears Carbon steel with Teflon coating Vinyl cushioning 11″ 1.95 lbs Teflon coating
Fiskars Power Lever Hedge Shears Best Power Hedge Shears Steel Steel with non-slip grip N/A 2.88 lbs Serrated edges, self-sharpening
Steve & Leif Hedge Pruning Shears Best Lightweight Hedge Shears Non-stick stainless steel Aluminum with soft grip 13″ 2.14 lbs Adjustable blade tension
ARS Extendable Hedge Shears Best Extendable Hedge Shears Chrome plated Aluminum 28 – 41.5″ 2.16 lbs Extendable handles
Tabor Tools Telescopic Hedge Shears Best Easy-to-Use Hedge Shears Carbon steel Steel with non-slip grip 25 – 33″ 3.24 lbs Adjustable handle & blade tension
Okatsune Precision Hedge Shears Best Heavy-Duty Hedge Shears Izumo Yasuki Steel Japanese White Oak 21″ 1.5 lbs Hot hammer-forged blades
Colwelt Hedge Clippers Best Budget Hedge Shears Carbon steel with non-stick coating Steel with soft-grip 10″ 1.8 lbs Shock-absorbing bumpers

How to Choose (Buying Guide)

These seven details are super important to consider before making your final purchase. Knowing the difference between blade types, handle styles, and other factors will make sure that you are choosing one that ticks all your boxes.

Blade

When it comes to the blade, consider the type, material, and length.

There are three main blade types: straight, wavy, or serrated. Straight blades are best for trimming small and soft branches, wavy blades for thicker branches exceeding a quarter of an inch, and serrated blades are for thick and stubborn foliage.

As for materials, the most common ones are stainless steel, high carbon steel, and non-stick. Stainless steel is a great choice that’s rust and corrosion-resistant. High carbon steel is very strong, durable, and easy to sharpen. Non-stick blades reduce the buildup of sap and other sticky materials on the blades. It’s down to personal preference what one you choose.

Lastly, consider the blade length. This usually spans from 6 to 12 inches. Six-inch blades are best for shorter hedges, lower than your shoulder. A 7- or 8-inch blade is versatile and can suit most hedges. Then, 9- to 12-inch blades are best suited for taller hedges.

Handle

Choosing a good handle will determine your comfort as you use your new tool.

Firstly, consider the length. This can span from about 8 inches to about 42 inches if you choose extendable shears. Some people prefer shorter handles because it gives them more control. Some people prefer longer ones so they can get into trickier spaces.

On that note, you may want to consider an extendable handle, especially if you have multiple different hedge heights to trim. This increases your flexibility.

Lastly, consider how ergonomic the handle is. Is it contoured to fit your hands? Does it have padding for extra grip and comfort? These are important details to note.

Weight

Hedge shears can range from just under 2 pounds up to about 3.5 pounds. All of our recommendations are fairly lightweight, but if you want to ensure you have something that doesn’t weigh you down, we suggest looking for one less than 2.5 pounds.

Design

Some brands have spent extra time investing in the design of their product. Some key features to look out for include:

  • Shock-absorbing: This reduces vibrations as you cut, preventing fatigue and pain as you work.
  • Ergonomics: As mentioned, some shears are more ergonomic than others, which aids your comfort as you go around your hedges.
  • Gears: Some hedges have a geared cutting mechanism which provides more leverage as you cut. This is suitable if you have a lot of thick or dry branches. The hedge shears are typically two to three times more powerful than hedge shears without gears.

Cutting Capacity

Hedge shears usually all have a similar cutting capacity: about ½ inch in diameter. You can always check the product description to see if it specifies something other than this.

But if you are curious whether the shears will work for your hedge, it’s best to consider the blade types — straight, wavy, or serrated. This tends to work better than searching high and low for a cutting capacity.

Availability of Spare Parts

Hedge shears probably won’t last forever, but sometimes it’s possible to repair with spare parts rather than buying whole new shears.

Check the product guarantee to see what the manufacturer does about sending out spare parts. In general, better-known brands will have spare parts ready to ship so you shouldn’t be left without your shears for too long.

Budget

The price of hedge shears typically ranges from about $20 to $40. Some hedge shears can cost over $100, though! Whatever your budget is, you should be able to find the right shears for you within your price range.


Hedge Shears FAQs

Are Serrated Hedge Shears Better?

For thick and stubborn foliage, serrated shears are better. However, if you are cutting small soft branches or thicker branches, serrated shears aren’t going to be suitable.

How Do You Sharpen Hedge Shears?

Serrated shears must be professionally sharpened.

Other types of hedge shears can be sharpened with a three-cornered saw file. Gently move it along the sharp edge of the blade, following the original bevel.

How Do You Maintain Hedging Shears?

Here are some tips for keeping your hedge shears in beautiful condition:

  1. Remove any sap or sticky residue after each use.
  2. Store them somewhere clean and dry to prevent rust.
  3. Clean after each use. Make sure they’re 100 percent dry before storing.
  4. Oil them occasionally.
  5. Use a stiff brush to remove build-up on the blades.
  6. Keep the edges nice and sharp.

What Is the Meaning of Hedge Clippers?

Hedge trimmers are specific tools for clipping and cutting back hedges. They look a bit similar to scissors but are much larger and sharper.

How Thick of a Branch Can a Hedge Trimmer Cut?

A hedge trimmer can cut a branch up to 3/4 of an inch. Any thicker and you will need a more powerful cutting tool, like a chain saw.

Can You Use a Chainsaw to Cut a Hedge?

You can use a chainsaw to cut a hedge, provided that you use the shortest bar, and the chain is sharp. Using a chainsaw is not the most precise instrument, but it will trim hedges successfully.


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Headshot of Beth McCallum

About the Author

Beth McCallum

Beth McCallum is a freelance writer & book blogger with a degree in creative writing, journalism, and English literature. Beth firmly believes that a tidy house is a tidy mind. She is always looking for new ways to sustainably clean and tidy her house, that's kind on the environment but effective in the house, too!