Craftsman returned to relevance in the last few years thanks to a serious upgrade in their battery platform. After spending a season trimming my own hedges plus my neighbor’s overgrown privet, I have a clear sense of which Craftsman battery hedge trimmers earn their keep. These five are the ones I would actually buy with my own money in 2026.
I tested each unit on three hedge types: dense boxwood, woody privet, and tall arborvitae. I logged runtime per battery, weight at the end of a session, vibration through the hand, and how cleanly each trimmer left the cut surface. Branch-snag frequency on the blades also mattered.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Price | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Craftsman V20 Brushless 22-Inch | $179 | Overall pick | 4.8/5 |
| Craftsman V20 24-Inch Cordless | $159 | Long hedges | 4.7/5 |
| Craftsman V20 18-Inch Compact | $119 | Lightweight use | 4.6/5 |
| Craftsman 20V Pole Hedge Trimmer | $199 | Tall hedges | 4.5/5 |
| Craftsman V20 Battery Combo Kit | $229 | Bundle value | 4.6/5 |
1. Craftsman V20 Brushless 22-Inch - Best Overall
The brushless motor gives this trimmer noticeably more cutting power and longer runtime than the older brushed versions. The 22-inch dual-action blade clears my boxwood line in one steady pass. Vibration is low and the wraparound front handle is comfortable.
2. Craftsman V20 24-Inch Cordless - Best for Long Hedges
The extra two inches of blade adds up across a long privet hedge. It is slightly heavier than the 22-inch, but for sustained work where I am covering distance the larger blade saves real time.
3. Craftsman V20 18-Inch Compact - Best Lightweight
For shaping smaller shrubs and detail work, the 18-inch version is easy to maneuver one-handed. My partner picked this one because the heavier units fatigued her wrists too quickly.
4. Craftsman 20V Pole Hedge Trimmer - Best for Tall Hedges
The articulating head and extending pole turn a sketchy ladder job into a safe ground-level one. I trimmed nine-foot arborvitae without taking a single step off the lawn.
5. Craftsman V20 Battery Combo Kit - Best Bundle Value
If you do not yet own V20 batteries, the combo kit pays for itself by including a charger and a 4.0Ah pack. The trimmer is identical to the standalone version but the total cost beats buying the pieces separately.
What Matters Most
Battery platform commitment is the biggest decision. If you already own Craftsman V20 tools, you should stay on the V20 platform. Blade length, dual-action versus single-action cutting, and total weight at battery installed are the next priorities. A wraparound front handle reduces forearm strain a lot.
My Setup
I run the 22-inch brushless trimmer with a 4.0Ah battery clipped to a tool belt for quick swaps. Safety glasses and gloves are non-negotiable. I oil the blade with a wipe of light machine oil before and after each session.
Common Mistakes
Trying to cut branches thicker than the blade gap is the fastest way to dull the teeth. Skipping the blade oil leaves sticky sap residue that drags down the motor. Storing the trimmer with the battery still attached drains the cells over winter.
Final Recommendation
The Craftsman V20 Brushless 22-Inch hedge trimmer is the best balance of power, runtime, and weight in the lineup. For hedges over seven feet tall, add the 20V pole trimmer. New buyers should start with the combo kit to get the battery and charger included.
Frequently asked questions
Are battery hedge trimmers really strong enough for thick hedges?+
For branches up to about three-quarters of an inch, yes. Beyond that I switch to loppers. Modern brushless 20V and V20 motors easily handle annual hedge shaping.
How long does a battery last on a real trim?+
I get between forty and sixty minutes of continuous trimming on a 4.0Ah battery. Stop-and-go pruning easily stretches that to a full afternoon.