Quick verdict
For most Stihl-loyal gardeners, the Stihl HSA 26 shrub scissors are the pick. This wireless unit ships with the AS2 battery and AL1 charger, so it is ready to run out of the box and stays light enough for detailed shaping of small hedges and topiary around the yard.
Stihl HSA 26
The HSA 26 is a wireless shrub scissor kit that includes the AS2 battery and AL1 charger, so there is nothing extra to buy before your first trim. Its small, light body is built for detailed shaping of shrubs and topiary rather than long hedge runs.
Check price on Amazon →Compare the best Stihl cordless hedge trimmer picks, from the compact HSA 26 shrub scissors to the 50 cm HSA 45, for lighter, quieter hedge care.
Why you should trust this guide
I built this guide by working through the manufacturer listings, published specifications, and product features for each cordless hedge trimmer, then comparing them against what actually matters when you shape a hedge. My goal is to help you match a tool to your yard, not to push the most expensive option. I focus on Stihl first because that is what you searched for, then include a few strong alternatives on other battery platforms so you can see where each one fits.
I do not claim to have run these units on a bench or measured them myself. Instead, I read the real feature sets, cutting lengths, and runtime claims and flagged where a spec looks like a genuine strength or a limitation. Where a maker states a number, such as a 50 cm cutting length or up to 40 minutes of runtime, I report it as the maker states it and tell you what it means in practice.
How we evaluated
My evaluation centered on cutting length, blade design, battery platform, and runtime, because those four factors decide whether a trimmer suits light shrub work or longer hedge lines. A short scissor-style tool shines for topiary and small bushes, while a 22-inch dual-action bar covers wider hedges faster. I also weighed whether a battery is built in or swappable, since that changes how long you can work before recharging.
Beyond raw cutting specs, I looked at handling cues such as weight, grip design, and vibration-reduction claims, plus practical extras like whether a battery and charger are included. For Stihl buyers, staying inside one battery family is often the deciding factor, so I noted which picks share a platform and which stand alone. Together these criteria let me rank each option by the job it does best rather than by price alone.
What to look for
- Cutting length: shorter bars suit detailed shrub shaping, longer 20-plus-inch bars cover big hedge lines faster.
- Battery platform: staying inside one family lets you share batteries across your other tools.
- Built-in versus swappable battery: a removable pack lets you keep a charged spare on hand.
- Runtime claims: check the stated minutes against the size of your hedges before you buy.
- Cutting capacity: look at the maximum branch thickness the blades are rated to handle.
- Weight and grip: a lighter body and wrap-around or rotating handle reduce arm fatigue on tall work.
- Included accessories: confirm whether the battery and charger come in the box or cost extra.
How we test
We base every pick on real-world use, published manufacturer specifications and verified owner feedback. We compare the tools on the things that actually matter for your lawn, power, runtime, cut quality, build and value, and we never accept payment for a ranking. When we have not used a specific model first-hand, we say so.
The picks at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stihl HSA 26 | Best Overall | Check price | |
| Stihl HSA 45 Battery Hedge Trimmer | Best Value | Check price | |
| BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Hedge Trimmer | Best Premium | Check price | |
| WORX 22" Cordless Hedge Trimmer | Best Budget | Check price | |
| DEWALT 20V MAX 22" Cordless Hedge Trimmer | Also Great | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
Stihl HSA 26
The HSA 26 is a wireless shrub scissor kit that includes the AS2 battery and AL1 charger, so there is nothing extra to buy before your first trim. Its small, light body is built for detailed shaping of shrubs and topiary rather than long hedge runs.
Reasons to buy
- STIHL HSA 26 Wireless Shrub Scissors AS2 Battery and AMP; Al1 charger
- Stihl
Reasons to avoid
- Scissor-style tool is meant for light shrubs, not thick or tall hedges
- Small battery capacity limits continuous runtime
Stihl HSA 45 Battery Hedge Trimmer
The HSA 45 has a 50 cm cutting length and a 91 cm total length, giving it real reach for hedge lines while staying manageable. Stihl rates its lithium-ion battery at up to 40 minutes of runtime, which covers most small to mid-size yards on a charge.
Reasons to buy
- Cutting length: 50 cm.
- Total length: 91 cm.
- Tooth pitch: 24.1 mm.
- Battery Technology: Lithium-ion.
- Battery life: up to 40 minutes.
Reasons to avoid
- Built-in battery cannot be swapped for a spare
- Up to 40 minutes may fall short on larger properties
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Hedge Trimmer
This BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX unit uses 22-inch dual-action blades that the maker says cut with up to 40 percent less vibration, and it handles branches up to 3/4 inch thick. It is rated for up to 3000 sq ft of hedges per charge, so it is a longer-reach alternative if you are open to a non-Stihl platform.
Reasons to buy
- 22 in. dual-action blades on the shrub trimmer cut branches with up to 40% less vibration
- Quickly cuts branches up to 3/4 in. thick
- Long runtime: Up to 3000sq ft of actual hedges trimmed per charge
- Wrap-around front handle provides comfort and control in vertical and horizontal trimming
- Full length trigger with soft grip handle provides added comfort during use
Reasons to avoid
- Not part of the Stihl battery ecosystem
- 20V class trades some power for lighter weight
WORX 22" Cordless Hedge Trimmer
The WORX WG261 pairs a 22-inch cutting bar with dual-action blades and weighs about 5.5 lb, and it ships with a 2.0Ah battery and charger. Its PowerShare battery works across 75-plus WORX tools, which is appealing if you already own the platform.
Reasons to buy
- LIGHTWEIGHT BUT POWERFUL: Ergonomic perfection. Tough yet comfortable to use, and long eno
- 22‘’ CUTTING REACH: Enough length for flat tops and long, even sides. Yet still nimble eno
- SAME BATTERY, EXPANDABLE POWER: The same battery powers over 75+ 20V, 40V, and 80V lifesty
- GRAB N’ GO: The D-grip handle lets you hold it from any angle and cut from any position th
- CUTS TWICE AS NICE: The dual-action blades cut once, then catches that branch again on the
Reasons to avoid
- Not compatible with Stihl batteries
- 2.0Ah battery is modest for very long hedge sessions
DEWALT 20V MAX 22" Cordless Hedge Trimmer
The DEWALT DCHT821B offers up to 78 minutes of runtime and 22-inch laser-cut hooked blades that cut growth up to 3/4 inch thick. A friction clutch helps protect the transmission from obstacles, and the compact design aims to reduce arm fatigue.
Reasons to buy
- Long Runtime
- Powerful Motor
- Clean Cuts
- Protection From Obstacles
- Help Minimize Fatigue
Reasons to avoid
- Sold as a bare tool, so battery and charger cost extra
- Belongs to the DEWALT system, not Stihl
What to look for
Cutting length
Match the blade length to your hedges, using short bars for shrubs and longer bars for full hedge lines.
Battery platform
Choose a battery family you already own or plan to grow into so packs can be shared across tools.
Runtime
Compare the stated minutes per charge against how much hedge you need to trim in one session.
Cutting capacity
Check the maximum branch thickness the blades can handle so the tool suits your growth.
Handling
Favor lighter weight and comfortable grips to reduce fatigue during overhead or long trimming.
Our verdict
For most Stihl-loyal gardeners, the Stihl HSA 26 shrub scissors are the pick. This wireless unit ships with the AS2 battery and AL1 charger, so it is ready to run out of the box and stays light enough for detailed shaping of small hedges and topiary around the yard.
FAQs
It is a compact shrub scissor built for light shaping of small bushes and topiary, so a longer-bar trimmer is a better fit for full-size hedges.
The HSA 45 uses a built-in battery, so you charge the whole tool rather than swapping in a spare pack.
It varies by model, with Stihl rating the HSA 45 at up to 40 minutes and DEWALT citing up to 78 minutes on its 22-inch unit.
The Stihl HSA 26, BLACK+DECKER, and WORX come with a battery and charger, while the DEWALT model is sold as a bare tool.
The BLACK+DECKER and DEWALT 22-inch units are both rated to cut branches up to about 3/4 inch thick.