Greenworks 40V 24″ Cordless Hedge Trimmer Review: The Ultimate Balance of Power and Precision?

There’s a certain satisfaction that comes from a perfectly manicured yard, a clean line of sculpted hedges defining the border between domestic bliss and the wild. But there’s also a familiar frustration that precedes it. I remember wrestling with my old gas-powered hedge trimmer, a beast that roared to life in a cloud of blue smoke, vibrating so intensely my hands would feel numb for an hour afterward. Then came the corded electric era—quieter, cleaner, but a constant dance of death with the extension cord, always threatening to become the next victim of the blades. Every year, the chore of trimming the sprawling boxwoods and stubborn privet felt more like a punishment than a rewarding task. The dream was simple: a powerful tool that could slice through thick branches without the noise, fumes, or tether of its predecessors. This search for untethered power and ergonomic comfort is what led us to put the Greenworks 40V 24″ Cordless Hedge Trimmer to the test.

What to Consider Before Buying a Cordless Hedge Trimmer

A cordless hedge trimmer is more than just a garden tool; it’s a key solution for reclaiming your time and sanity during yard maintenance. It offers the freedom to move anywhere on your property, tackling hedges high and low, without being anchored to an outlet or dealing with the complex maintenance of a gas engine. The main benefits are mobility, reduced noise, zero emissions, and significantly less vibration, leading to a more pleasant and less fatiguing user experience. For homeowners with small to large properties, these tools represent a massive leap forward in convenience and efficiency.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing overgrown shrubs with branches up to an inch thick, who values maneuverability, and perhaps already owns other tools from the same battery ecosystem. It’s for the homeowner who wants professional-looking results without hiring a professional. However, it might not be the best fit for those with extremely large, commercial-scale properties who need all-day runtime, as they might be better served by high-end gas models. Likewise, individuals with only very light, decorative trimming might find a smaller, less powerful model perfectly adequate for their needs.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Blade Length & Weight: The length of the blade determines how much you can trim in a single pass. A 24-inch blade, like the one on this Greenworks model, is excellent for creating long, straight tops and sides on larger hedges. However, a longer blade adds weight. You must balance reach with a weight you can comfortably handle, especially for vertical or overhead cuts. An unbalanced tool can lead to rapid fatigue and sloppy work.
• Cutting Capacity & Power: This is arguably the most critical performance metric. Cutting capacity refers to the maximum branch diameter the trimmer can handle. The Greenworks 40V 24″ Cordless Hedge Trimmer boasts an impressive 1-inch capacity, placing it in a higher tier of performance. This is powered by its 40V battery system, which provides more torque than 18V or 20V systems, allowing it to chew through woody, mature growth without stalling.
• Materials & Durability: Look for blades made from high-quality, hardened, or laser-cut steel. These stay sharp longer and provide cleaner cuts, which are healthier for your plants. Dual-action blades, where two blades move in opposite directions, are the standard for quality trimmers as they drastically reduce vibration compared to single-action models. The body should be made of durable, impact-resistant plastic to withstand the rigors of yard work.
• Ease of Use & Ergonomics: A great hedge trimmer should feel like an extension of your arm. Features like a rotating rear handle, as found on this model, are game-changers for comfort and control. This allows you to switch between horizontal and vertical trimming without contorting your wrists. Also, consider the handle design, grip material, and the safety switch mechanism. Easy maintenance, primarily blade cleaning and lubrication, is also a key long-term consideration.

Choosing the right tool transforms hedge trimming from a dreaded chore into a satisfying act of creation. With these factors in mind, you can select a model that will serve you well for years to come.

While the Greenworks 40V 24″ Cordless Hedge Trimmer is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the Greenworks 40V 24″ Cordless Hedge Trimmer

Our test unit arrived as the “Tool Only” version, a common and cost-effective option for anyone already invested in the Greenworks 40V ecosystem. Unboxing it, the first thing we noticed was its solid, purposeful build. The signature Greenworks green and black color scheme looks sharp, and the high-impact plastic housing feels sturdy without being excessively heavy. The official spec sheet lists the weight at 8.42 pounds, which felt accurate and well-distributed in our hands. The 24-inch laser-cut alloy steel blades were impressive, gleaming with a factory-sharpened edge and protected by a sturdy plastic sheath for safe storage. Clicking in one of our existing 40V batteries produced a satisfying, secure connection. The wrap-around front handle provides multiple grip points, and the rear handle, with its prominent rotation button, immediately hinted at the ergonomic flexibility we were excited to test. Compared to some competitors that can feel plasticky or poorly balanced, the Greenworks 40V 24″ Cordless Hedge Trimmer gave an initial impression of quality and thoughtful design, ready for serious work.

A Deep Dive into the Greenworks 40V Hedge Trimmer’s Performance

An impressive spec sheet is one thing; real-world performance is another. We spent several weeks putting the Greenworks 40V 24″ Cordless Hedge Trimmer through its paces on a variety of landscaping challenges, from delicate shaping of boxwoods to aggressive reduction of an overgrown forsythia hedge. Here’s how it performed across the key areas that matter most.

Sheer Cutting Power: Slicing Through the Thicket

The headline feature of this trimmer is its 1-inch cutting capacity, and we were eager to see if it lived up to the claim. We started on a line of mature privet hedges that hadn’t been properly trimmed in over a year, with many branches exceeding three-quarters of an inch in diameter. Where smaller, 18V trimmers would buck and stall, the Greenworks 40V powered through without hesitation. The 40V motor provides a noticeable surplus of torque, allowing the dual-action blades to saw through thicker branches rather than just chopping at them. The motion is smooth and controlled, producing clean cuts that are essential for plant health—a jagged, torn cut can invite disease.

We pushed it to its absolute limit on an old lilac bush, finding a few branches that were exactly one inch thick. With a steady hand and a slight sawing motion, the trimmer successfully severed them. This is truly impressive performance for a battery-powered tool, rivaling that of many consumer-grade gas models. The 24-inch blade length made quick work of the hedge tops, allowing us to create a uniform, level surface in just a few passes. For homeowners battling years of overgrowth or dealing with dense, woody shrubs, this level of power is a non-negotiable feature. It turns a daunting reclamation project into a manageable weekend task. We found it instilled confidence, knowing that we wouldn’t have to stop and grab a pair of loppers for every other branch.

Ergonomics in Action: The Rotating Handle is a Game Changer

Power is useless if the tool is too awkward or fatiguing to use. This is where the Greenworks 40V 24″ Cordless Hedge Trimmer truly shines. At just over 8 pounds, it’s not the absolute lightest trimmer on the market, but its balance is superb. The weight is distributed evenly, so it doesn’t feel front-heavy, which is a common issue that leads to shoulder and back strain. We were able to work for over 45 minutes straight with a 4.0Ah battery without feeling excessive fatigue.

However, the star of the show is the 180° rotating rear handle. With a simple press of a button, the entire rear handle and trigger assembly can be rotated 90 degrees to the left or right. This feature is nothing short of revolutionary for anyone who has spent time trimming the sides of tall hedges. Traditionally, this requires you to hold the trimmer sideways, bending your wrist at an unnatural and uncomfortable angle. With the Greenworks handle rotated, you can keep your wrist in a neutral, straight position while the blades are perfectly oriented for vertical cutting. This massively improves comfort, reduces strain, and ultimately gives you far more precise control over your cuts. It allowed us to create perfectly plumb, smooth hedge walls with a level of ease we hadn’t experienced before. This single feature elevates the tool from being merely powerful to being intelligently designed for the user’s well-being.

The 40V Ecosystem: Cordless Freedom and Runtime

Operating as a “Tool Only” unit, the value proposition of this trimmer is highest for those already using Greenworks 40V products. For them, it’s an affordable way to add a highly capable tool to their arsenal without buying yet another battery and charger. We tested it with both a 2.0Ah and a 4.0Ah battery. With the 2.0Ah battery, we got approximately 30-35 minutes of continuous, heavy-duty cutting. Swapping to the 4.0Ah battery extended our runtime to a very respectable 60-70 minutes, which was more than enough to complete all the hedges on a typical suburban half-acre lot.

The freedom from a cord is liberating. We could easily move around landscaping beds, navigate fences, and reach the back of deep hedges without a second thought. And the benefits over gas are immediately obvious. There’s no pull cord to wrestle with, no fuel to mix, no fumes to inhale, and the noise level is dramatically lower. You can get to work early in the morning without waking the entire neighborhood. While some users have reported issues with receiving incorrect chargers or damaged goods when buying bundles online, our experience with the tool itself confirms the high quality of the core product. For new buyers, it’s simply a matter of ensuring you purchase a compatible Greenworks 40V battery and charger, and checking the contents carefully upon arrival is always a wise practice.

What Other Users Are Saying

Scouring feedback from other homeowners, a clear picture emerges. The vast majority of users are incredibly impressed with the trimmer’s power and performance. One long-time Greenworks user noted, “I have almost all of the products. I absolutely love them… These tools have never let me down.” This sentiment reflects our own findings—for those in the Greenworks ecosystem, it’s a reliable and powerful addition that lives up to the brand’s reputation.

However, the negative feedback almost exclusively centers on fulfillment and packaging issues rather than the tool’s performance. Reports of receiving units that were “broken,” “had scratches as if it were used,” or, in one specific case, came with the “wrong charger” are concerning. This highlights a potential pitfall when purchasing online, especially from third-party sellers. While our test unit was pristine, these user experiences serve as an important reminder to inspect your purchase immediately upon delivery and verify that all parts are correct and in new condition. These issues don’t detract from the tool’s inherent quality, but they do emphasize the importance of buying from a reputable source to ensure a smooth experience. You can see its full feature set and check recent user reviews to get the most current picture.

How Does It Compare? Greenworks vs. The Competition

No tool exists in a vacuum. The Greenworks 40V 24″ Cordless Hedge Trimmer faces stiff competition from other excellent brands. Here’s how it stacks up against three notable alternatives.

1. EGO Power+ HT2600 26-Inch Hedge Trimmer

The EGO Power+ HT2600 is a formidable competitor, often seen as a step-up in the prosumer category. Running on EGO’s powerful 56V ARC Lithium battery platform, it offers even more power and a slightly longer 26-inch blade. Its build quality is exceptional, and it also features a rotating handle. For users with massive, exceptionally tough hedges or those who prioritize having the most powerful platform available, the EGO is a compelling choice. However, this performance comes at a higher price point, both for the tool and the proprietary batteries. The Greenworks trimmer offers 90% of the performance for a significantly lower investment, making it a better value for most homeowners.

2. Alloyman 20V MAX Telescoping Pole Hedge Trimmer

This Alloyman trimmer is a different beast entirely. As a telescoping pole hedge trimmer, its primary function is reach, not raw power. With its 20V system, it won’t match the Greenworks’ 1-inch cutting capacity, but it can trim the tops of hedges that are 8 to 10 feet tall without a ladder. This makes it a specialized tool. For homeowners whose main challenge is height rather than branch thickness, the Alloyman is the superior and safer choice. However, for standard hedge shaping and heavy-duty trimming at normal heights, the Greenworks is far more powerful, ergonomic, and efficient.

3. RYOBI ONE+ 22 in. Cordless Hedge Trimmer

The RYOBI ONE+ is a direct competitor that often appeals to budget-conscious DIYers and those already invested in RYOBI’s massive 18V ONE+ battery system. It’s typically lighter and less expensive than the Greenworks model. However, these savings come with trade-offs. Its blade is slightly shorter at 22 inches, its cutting capacity is generally lower (around 3/4 inch), and it lacks the premium rotating rear handle. For light-duty trimming and homeowners with smaller shrubs, the RYOBI offers fantastic value. But for those who need to tackle thicker, more mature growth, the extra power and superior ergonomics of the Greenworks are well worth the additional cost.

The Final Verdict: Is the Greenworks 40V 24″ Cordless Hedge Trimmer Worth It?

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Greenworks 40V 24″ Cordless Hedge Trimmer is an outstanding tool that hits a perfect sweet spot. It offers the raw power to tackle genuinely thick branches, rivaling gas models, while providing the clean, quiet, and convenient operation of a cordless electric. The combination of its 1-inch cutting capacity and the brilliantly designed 180° rotating handle makes it both a powerhouse and a pleasure to use. It dramatically reduces the physical strain associated with trimming, allowing for more precise work and less fatigue.

While it is a “Tool Only” offering, it represents phenomenal value for anyone already on the Greenworks 40V platform. For newcomers, the initial investment in a battery and charger is a consideration, but the performance and quality of the tool justify the cost. It’s the ideal solution for the serious homeowner who wants to maintain a pristine landscape without the hassle of gas or cords. If you’re ready to upgrade your yard care routine and tame your overgrown hedges with power and precision, we wholeheartedly recommend this trimmer. You can check the latest price and availability for the Greenworks 40V 24″ Trimmer here.