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.
- High-quality materials
- Soft cushioned vinyl grips
- Teflon coating over carbon steel blade
- Serrated edges for good grip
- Durable self-sharpening design
- Sharp blade end to end
- Shock-absorbing bumpers
- Adjustable the blade tension
- Non-stick coating
- For personal or professional use
- Extendable handle from 28 to 41.5 inch
- Rust & sap-resistant blades
- Ensures precision cuts
- Shock-absorbing bumpers
- Extendable handle from 25 to 33 inch
- Used by professional gardeners
- Comfortable & ergonomic handles
- Lightweight at 1.5 pounds
- 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 | 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.