Best Hedge Trimmer Under £200
Finding a powerful, reliable hedge trimmer that doesn't break the bank is key to keeping your garden tidy. We have analysed specs, battery ecosystems, and owner reviews to find the best hedge trimmers under £200 for every type of hedge.
Quick answer
For most gardens, the Bosch EasyHedgeCut 18V-50 offers the best balance of blade length, cutting power, and battery system value under £200. If you need more reach for tall hedges, the Ryobi ONE+ 18V OHT1850 is the top choice.
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Research updated June 2026.
Bosch EasyHedgeCut 18V-50
The most reliable cordless trimmer for medium hedges in this price bracket.
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch EasyHedgeCut 18V-50 | Overall / All-Round | 50cm blade, 22mm gap | 4.6/5 | Check Amazon |
| Ryobi ONE+ 18V OHT1850 | Tall Hedges / Reach | 50cm blade, telescopic | 4.4/5 | Check Amazon |
| Bosch AdvancedHedgeCut 60 | Thick Branches | 60cm blade, 30mm gap | 4.5/5 | Check Amazon |
| Makita DUH551Z | Bare Tool / Pro Use | 55cm blade, 18V LXT | 4.3/5 | Check Amazon |
| Flymo Contour Cordless 20V | Small Gardens / Budget | 45cm blade, 20V | 4.1/5 | Check Amazon |
What to Look for in a Hedge Trimmer Under £200
When shopping in this price range, you are primarily looking at cordless battery-powered models. The key factors are blade length, tooth gap, battery voltage, and overall weight. A 50cm blade is the sweet spot for most domestic hedges. A larger tooth gap (over 25mm) is essential if you have thick, woody stems. Battery voltage (18V is standard) determines power, while amp-hours (Ah) determine runtime.
Brand reliability is also crucial. Bosch, Ryobi, and Makita have strong ecosystems, meaning you can share batteries with other tools. Flymo and Einhell offer more budget-friendly options but with less powerful battery platforms. Always check if the trimmer comes with a battery and charger, as buying a bare tool can save money if you already own the system.
Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is buying a trimmer with a blade that is too short for your hedges, leading to more passes and fatigue. Another is ignoring the tooth gap; a 16mm gap is fine for light trimming but will jam on thick branches. Finally, do not overlook the battery ecosystem. A cheap trimmer with a proprietary battery that has no other tools in the range is a poor long-term investment.
The 5 Best Hedge Trimmers Under £200
Bosch EasyHedgeCut 18V-50
Best OverallPros
- Excellent blade for the price
- Lightweight and well balanced
- Bosch 18V ecosystem is huge
Cons
- Tooth gap is only 22mm
- Battery life is average for thick growth
The Bosch EasyHedgeCut 18V-50 is the benchmark for cordless trimmers under £200. It features a 50cm laser-cut diamond-ground blade that delivers clean cuts on most garden hedges. The 22mm tooth gap is sufficient for general trimming but can struggle on very thick, woody stems. Owner reviews consistently praise its low vibration and comfortable ergonomics.
This model usually comes as a kit with a 2.0Ah battery and charger, placing it right at the £200 limit. The battery is part of the Bosch PowerForAll system, which powers dozens of other garden and DIY tools. For the average homeowner with mixed hedging, this is the most reliable and practical choice available.
Ryobi ONE+ 18V OHT1850
Best for Tall HedgesPros
- Telescopic reach for high hedges
- Pivoting head for angles
- Part of huge Ryobi ONE+ system
Cons
- Heavier than standard trimmers
- Often sold as bare tool only
The Ryobi OHT1850 is a pole hedge trimmer designed for reaching tall hedges without a ladder. It features a 50cm blade on a telescopic pole that extends up to 2.7 metres. The head pivots to multiple angles, allowing you to trim the tops and sides of hedges with ease. Owner reviews highlight its effectiveness for high conifer hedges.
It is typically sold as a bare tool, so you will need a Ryobi ONE+ battery and charger. This is a good option if you already own other Ryobi tools. The main trade-off is weight; at 3.4kg, it is heavier than a standard trimmer, but the reach it provides is unmatched at this price point.
Bosch AdvancedHedgeCut 60
Best for Thick BranchesPros
- 30mm tooth gap cuts thick stems
- Long 60cm blade for speed
- Comes with larger 2.5Ah battery
Cons
- Heavier and less manoeuvrable
- Price can exceed £200 at some retailers
The Bosch AdvancedHedgeCut 60 is the step-up model for users with tougher hedges. Its key advantage is the 30mm tooth gap, which allows it to cut through branches up to 30mm thick without jamming. The 60cm blade also covers more area per pass, making quick work of large hedges. Owner reviews note it is powerful but noticeably heavier than the EasyHedgeCut.
This kit usually includes a 2.5Ah battery, providing longer runtime than the standard 2.0Ah packs. It is part of the same Bosch PowerForAll system. Be aware that pricing can vary; it often sits right at the £200 mark, so shop around. It is the best choice if your hedges have thick, woody growth from previous seasons.
Makita DUH551Z
Best Bare Tool / Pro BuildPros
- Professional build quality
- Excellent balance and low vibration
- Makita LXT is a top-tier battery system
Cons
- Bare tool only, needs separate battery
- Tooth gap is average at 23mm
The Makita DUH551Z is a bare tool hedge trimmer designed for users already invested in the Makita 18V LXT platform. It features a 55cm blade with a 23mm tooth gap, offering a good balance of reach and cutting capacity. The build quality is noticeably higher than consumer-grade models, with a robust gear case and professional-grade switches. Owner reviews highlight its smooth, low-vibration operation.
Because it is sold as a bare tool, it is one of the most affordable ways to get a professional-grade trimmer if you already own Makita batteries. The 18V LXT system is one of the most extensive in the world. However, if you are starting from scratch, buying a battery and charger will push the total cost over £200.
Flymo Contour Cordless 20V
Best Budget / Small GardensPros
- Very light and easy to use
- Lowest price point in this guide
- Comes with battery and charger
Cons
- Small 18mm tooth gap
- Limited battery ecosystem
The Flymo Contour Cordless 20V is the most affordable option in this roundup, making it ideal for small gardens with light, fine hedges. It has a 45cm blade and an 18mm tooth gap, which is best suited for trimming new growth and small-leaved plants like box hedging. At just 2.5kg, it is the lightest trimmer here, reducing fatigue during longer sessions. Owner reviews appreciate its value for money.
It comes as a complete kit with a 2.0Ah battery and charger. The main limitation is the tooth gap; it will struggle with any branch over 15mm thick. The battery system is specific to Flymo garden tools, so it is not as expandable as Bosch or Ryobi. For very small, well-maintained gardens, it is a perfectly capable and affordable tool.
FAQs
What is the best hedge trimmer under £200 for thick branches?
The Bosch AdvancedHedgeCut 60 is the best choice, with a 30mm tooth gap that can handle thick, woody stems up to 30mm in diameter.
Are cordless hedge trimmers powerful enough under £200?
Yes, modern 18V cordless trimmers from Bosch, Ryobi, and Makita offer sufficient power for all domestic hedge trimming tasks.
How long does the battery last on a budget hedge trimmer?
With a standard 2.0Ah battery, you can expect 30 to 45 minutes of continuous trimming, depending on the thickness of the growth.
Should I buy a hedge trimmer with a longer blade?
A longer blade (50-60cm) covers more area per pass, making it faster for large hedges, but it is heavier and less manoeuvrable.
What does the tooth gap mean on a hedge trimmer?
The tooth gap is the space between the blades; a larger gap (25mm+) allows the trimmer to cut thicker branches without jamming.
Is a telescopic hedge trimmer worth it?
Yes, if you have tall hedges over 1.5 metres, a telescopic model like the Ryobi OHT1850 is essential for safe and easy trimming without a ladder.
Can I use a hedge trimmer on wet hedges?
It is not recommended, as wet foliage can cause the blades to clog and slip, and it increases the risk of electric shock with corded models.
How do I maintain a cordless hedge trimmer?
Clean the blades after each use with a brush, apply a light coat of oil, and ensure the battery is stored in a cool, dry place.
What is the difference between single and double-sided blades?
Double-sided blades cut in both directions, making them more efficient for general trimming, while single-sided blades are better for precision shaping.
Is the Makita DUH551Z a good buy if I don't have Makita batteries?
No, because the cost of buying a battery and charger separately will push the total well over £200, making the Bosch kits better value.
Our verdict
For the vast majority of homeowners, the Bosch EasyHedgeCut 18V-50 is the best hedge trimmer under £200, offering the best all-round performance, build quality, and battery ecosystem. If you have tall hedges, the Ryobi ONE+ 18V OHT1850 is the specialist choice. For those on a strict budget with a small garden, the Flymo Contour Cordless 20V is a capable and affordable alternative.