WORX WG261 22″ Cordless Hedge Trimmer Review: The Lightweight Champion for Taming Your Yard

I still have a vivid, frustrating memory of my old corded hedge trimmer. Every spring, the ritual was the same: wrestling a stiff, 100-foot extension cord out of the garage, carefully laying it out to avoid flower beds, and then constantly, nervously looking over my shoulder to make sure I wasn’t about to slice through the very thing powering my tool. More than once, I failed, resulting in a shower of sparks and a trip to the hardware store. The trimmer itself was a beast—heavy, poorly balanced, and loud. After 30 minutes of shaping the boxwoods, my arms would feel like lead, my back would ache, and the chore I once looked forward to had become a dreaded task. This constant battle between man, machine, and power cord is a frustration many homeowners know all too well. It turns a simple act of garden maintenance into a logistical puzzle, robbing you of the simple joy of caring for your yard. A great tool shouldn’t just do the job; it should make you want to do the job.

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 energy in the yard. Its primary benefit is freedom. Freedom from the tyranny of the extension cord, freedom to move anywhere on your property without restriction, and freedom from the noise, fumes, and maintenance of gas-powered engines. These tools are designed to make shaping shrubs, trimming hedges, and clearing overgrowth faster, safer, and far more pleasant. By simplifying the process, they empower homeowners to maintain a tidy, well-manicured landscape with significantly less effort and frustration. The right trimmer can transform a dreaded chore into a satisfying, creative task. For anyone looking to streamline their yard work, the move to a cordless model is a genuine game-changer.

The ideal customer for this type of product is the homeowner with a small-to-medium-sized yard featuring a variety of shrubs and hedges like boxwoods, azaleas, privet, or jasmine vines. It’s for someone who values convenience, low maintenance, and quiet operation. If you’re tired of fighting with cords, mixing gas and oil, or simply find yourself putting off trimming because of the hassle, a cordless model like the WORX WG261 22″ Cordless Hedge Trimmer is designed for you. However, it might not be the best fit for professional landscapers who require all-day, non-stop power, or for those tackling vast properties with ancient, overgrown hedges full of branches thicker than an inch. In those cases, a more powerful high-voltage battery system or a gas-powered model might be a more suitable, albeit heavier and louder, alternative.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Weight & Ergonomics: This is arguably the most important factor for user comfort. A hedge trimmer is held at chest height or higher for extended periods. A heavy, poorly balanced tool will cause rapid fatigue in your arms, shoulders, and back. Look for models under 7 pounds, and pay attention to handle design. A wrap-around or D-grip front handle, like the one on the WG261, allows for comfortable cutting at various angles, which is essential for shaping both the sides and tops of hedges.
• Cutting Capacity & Blade Length: Blade length, measured in inches, determines how much you can trim in a single pass. A 22-inch blade is a fantastic sweet spot for most residential tasks, offering great reach without being unwieldy. Cutting capacity, or blade gap, refers to the maximum branch thickness the trimmer can handle. A ¾-inch capacity is robust for a lightweight model and will slice through the vast majority of new and medium growth on common residential shrubs.
• Battery System & Runtime: The battery is the heart of any cordless tool. Consider the voltage (V) and amp-hours (Ah). Voltage is a measure of power, while amp-hours relate to runtime. For most homeowners, a 20V system provides ample power. More importantly, look for a tool that is part of a larger, interchangeable battery ecosystem, like the WORX PowerShare system. This allows you to use the same battery across dozens of other tools, which is a massive long-term value.
• Materials & Durability: The blades are the business end of the tool. Look for hardened or dual-action steel blades. “Dual-action” means both blades move, which produces cleaner cuts and, critically, reduces vibration felt by the operator. The body should be made of high-impact plastic that can withstand the occasional bump without cracking. A solid manufacturer’s warranty, like the 3-year warranty on the WORX, is also a good indicator of the company’s confidence in their product’s durability.

Considering these factors will guide you toward a tool that not only performs well but feels like a natural extension of your hands, making yard work a pleasure rather than a pain.

While the WORX WG261 22″ Cordless Hedge Trimmer is an excellent battery-powered choice for most homeowners, it’s always wise to understand the full spectrum of options. For those with exceptionally large or demanding properties who need maximum, unrelenting power, a gas trimmer might be a consideration. For a broader look at those heavy-duty models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions and Key Features of the WORX WG261 22″ Cordless Hedge Trimmer

Upon opening the box, the first thing that struck us was the simplicity of the assembly. There are only two main parts to attach: the front D-grip handle and the small safety guard. As one user noted, the screws for the guard are quite small, so having good lighting helps, but the entire process took less than five minutes. The main unit feels solid yet surprisingly light. At just 5.5 pounds with the battery installed, the WORX WG261 22″ Cordless Hedge Trimmer is a featherweight in its class. Holding it in my hands, the balance felt perfect, a sentiment echoed by many users who praise its fatigue-reducing design. The overmold grips are comfortable and provide a secure hold. The 22-inch dual-action blades look sharp and purposeful, promising clean cuts. The included 2.0Ah PowerShare battery clicked into place with a satisfying certainty. Overall, the initial impression is of a well-designed, user-friendly tool built for the modern homeowner who values efficiency and ease of use. You can see its full feature set and user reviews to get a better sense of its design philosophy.

Putting the WORX WG261 Through Its Paces: A Deep Dive into Performance

A tool can look good on paper, but the real test is in the yard. We spent several weeks using the WORX WG261 22″ Cordless Hedge Trimmer on a variety of landscaping, from delicate azaleas to a wildly overgrown jasmine vine and a row of dense privet hedges. We wanted to understand not just if it could cut, but how it felt to use over time—assessing its ergonomics, true cutting power, battery endurance, and safety features in real-world scenarios.

Featherlight Freedom: How the 5.5-Pound Design Changes Everything

The single most transformative feature of the WORX WG261 22″ Cordless Hedge Trimmer is its weight. At a mere 5.5 pounds, it feels less like a power tool and more like a manual shear with a motor attached. This isn’t just a minor convenience; it fundamentally changes the experience of trimming hedges. With heavier tools, the clock starts ticking the moment you lift them, with arm and shoulder fatigue setting in within 10-15 minutes. With the WG261, we were able to work for over an hour without significant strain. This was confirmed by one user, an 86-year-old who found it perfectly manageable for trimming shrubbery and vines, calling it “money well spent.”

The ergonomics go beyond just the low weight. The balance, with the 20V battery acting as a counterweight at the rear, is superb. It doesn’t feel front-heavy, which gives you precise control over the blade tip. The D-grip front handle is another masterstroke of design. It allows you to comfortably and securely hold the trimmer vertically for shaping sides, horizontally for leveling tops, and even at odd angles for getting into tight spaces. The overmold rubber on the grips does an effective job of dampening the already low vibrations from the dual-action blades, making for an even more comfortable session. For anyone who has ever put off trimming because they dreaded the physical toll, this lightweight and well-balanced design is the solution you’ve been waiting for.

Dual-Action Blades in Action: Slicing Through Overgrowth

Power and performance are where the rubber meets the road, or in this case, where the steel meets the stem. The 22-inch hardened alloy steel blades on the WORX WG261 22″ Cordless Hedge Trimmer are impressively effective for a tool in this weight class. The dual-action motion is key; with both blades reciprocating, it slices through foliage cleanly rather than tearing it. This results in healthier plants and a neater finish. We tested it first on some soft-growth azaleas, and it zipped through them like a hot knife through butter, leaving a perfectly manicured surface.

Moving on to a more challenging task—a 60-foot hedge with mature growth—the trimmer continued to impress. Its advertised ¾-inch cutting capacity is a touch optimistic for very hard, old wood, but we found it reliably chewed through branches up to ½-inch thick without hesitation. For anything thicker, you simply need to let the blade get up to speed before engaging the branch, as one savvy user advised. We confirmed another user’s experience trimming an “evergreen huckleberry” and found the power to be more than sufficient. However, we also encountered the issue one user reported with needled bushes; it can sometimes shred very fine needles if not used with a smooth, sweeping motion. This isn’t a flaw of the tool so much as a technique issue, but it’s worth noting. One crucial piece of advice from a long-term user, which we wholeheartedly endorse, is to lubricate the blades with a light oil before each use. This keeps them cutting smoothly and extends their life. For the vast majority of residential trimming tasks, the cutting performance is a perfect match for its design.

The Heart of the System: WORX PowerShare Battery Performance

A cordless tool is only as good as its battery, and the WORX PowerShare system is one of the best and most versatile on the market. The WORX WG261 22″ Cordless Hedge Trimmer comes with a 2.0Ah 20V battery and a standard charger. Out of the box, we found the battery charged from empty to full in just under three hours. In terms of runtime, we were consistently able to get between 45 minutes to an hour of continuous trimming on a single charge, which was more than enough to tackle all the hedges in an average suburban front and back yard.

This finding is strongly supported by user experiences. One reviewer stated they could trim their entire 60-foot hedge three times before needing a recharge (using two batteries). Another staged their yard work, trimming the front one day and the back another, and noted that after an hour of work in the back, the battery still showed nearly a full charge. The real magic, however, is the “PowerShare” aspect. If you already own other 20V WORX tools—like their popular weed trimmer or leaf blower—you likely have a collection of compatible batteries. As one user celebrated, they were able to pop the battery from the hedge trimmer directly into their WORX leaf blower to clean up the clippings immediately after. This ecosystem value cannot be overstated. It saves you money in the long run, as you can buy “bare tools” without batteries, and ensures you always have a fresh battery ready to go. The reliability and flexibility of this system is a feature that really sets it apart from competitors with isolated battery platforms.

Designed for Confidence: A Closer Look at the Safety Features

When dealing with rapidly moving blades, safety is paramount. WORX clearly put significant thought into the operational safety of the WG261. The trimmer features a two-handed start-up system that is both intuitive and highly effective at preventing accidental activation. To get it running, you must simultaneously squeeze the trigger on the main handle and depress the large safety switch integrated into the D-grip front handle. Your hands are naturally in this position for proper operation anyway, so it doesn’t feel awkward.

Several users specifically praised this design. One noted, “I love that you have to use both hands to press 2 separate ‘buttons’ in order for the trimmer to work, I think that’s is good safety wise.” Another user highlighted an interesting feature: once the trimmer is running, you can release the main trigger and it will continue to operate as long as you keep the front safety bar depressed. This allows for slight adjustments in grip and angle without stopping and starting the motor, which is a clever usability touch. While this two-handed requirement can make some overhead vertical cuts slightly more awkward, it’s a small price to pay for the immense peace of mind it provides, ensuring the blades stop the instant you let go with either hand.

What Other Users Are Saying

After our own extensive testing, we scoured hundreds of user reviews to see how our experience lined up with the broader public, and the consensus is overwhelmingly positive. The most frequently praised attribute, by a wide margin, is the trimmer’s light weight. Users of all ages and physical abilities, from young women to men in their late 80s, celebrate how easy it is to handle and how it eliminates the arm fatigue associated with heavier models. The second major point of praise is the freedom of going cordless. One user perfectly captured this sentiment, stating, “It’s amazing how much MORE work the extension cord was, and now — no worries.”

However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect, which lends credibility to the overall picture. The most consistent complaint concerns the blade sheath. We have to agree with the user who called it “less than acceptable,” describing it as a flimsy piece of plastic that offers minimal protection. It’s a bafflingly cheap accessory for an otherwise well-made tool. Other isolated issues include reports of packages arriving with missing batteries or chargers—though in one case, the user noted that WORX customer service was very helpful and promptly sent the missing parts. This highlights the importance of checking the contents of the box immediately upon arrival.

How Does the WORX WG261 Compare to the Competition?

The WORX WG261 22″ Cordless Hedge Trimmer operates in a competitive space, but it holds a unique position due to its focus on lightweight ergonomics. Here’s how it stacks up against some popular alternatives.

1. BLACK+DECKER LHT2220 20V MAX Cordless Hedge Trimmer

The BLACK+DECKER LHT2220 is perhaps the most direct competitor to the WORX WG261. It boasts very similar specifications: a 20V battery system, 22-inch dual-action blades, and a ¾-inch cutting capacity. It’s also known for its wrap-around front handle, which offers great versatility. Where the WORX pulls ahead is in weight and ecosystem. The WG261 is noticeably lighter at 5.5 lbs compared to the LHT2220’s 6.9 lbs. While a 1.4-pound difference may not sound like much, it becomes very apparent after 20 minutes of use. Furthermore, the WORX PowerShare battery platform is arguably more extensive and popular than BLACK+DECKER’s 20V MAX system. A user who values the absolute lightest tool or is already invested in WORX tools should stick with the WG261.

2. EGO Power+ HT2600 26-Inch Hedge Trimmer

The EGO Power+ HT2600 represents a significant step up in power and performance. It operates on EGO’s formidable 56V ARC Lithium battery platform and features a longer 26-inch blade with a 1.2-inch cut capacity. This is a tool designed for tougher, more demanding jobs and larger properties. However, this power comes at a cost in both weight (it’s significantly heavier) and price, especially since it is often sold as a “bare tool,” requiring a separate, expensive battery and charger purchase. The EGO is the superior choice for semi-professional use or homeowners with very thick, overgrown hedges, but for standard residential maintenance, the WORX WG261 22″ Cordless Hedge Trimmer is a more practical, comfortable, and affordable option that offers a much better balance of power and usability.

3. VIVOSUN 20″ Cordless Pole Hedge Trimmer

The VIVOSUN is a different beast altogether. As a pole hedge trimmer, its primary function is reach. The articulating head allows you to trim the tops of tall hedges or hard-to-reach areas without a ladder. This is a specialized tool for a specific problem. Its cutting capacity (around 0.55 inches) and blade length (20 inches) are less impressive than the WORX WG261, and it’s not designed for general-purpose shrub shaping. A homeowner would choose the VIVOSUN if their main challenge is height. For nearly all other standard hedge trimming tasks, the conventional design, superior cutting power, and lightweight maneuverability of the WORX WG261 make it the far more versatile and practical choice.

The Final Cut: Is the WORX WG261 22″ Cordless Hedge Trimmer Right for You?

After weeks of testing and analysis, our verdict is clear: the WORX WG261 22″ Cordless Hedge Trimmer is an outstanding tool for the vast majority of homeowners. Its greatest strength is its phenomenal lightweight and ergonomic design, which transforms hedge trimming from a physically demanding chore into a quick and easy task. It strikes a perfect balance between being light enough for anyone to handle comfortably while still packing enough power to slice through typical residential overgrowth with ease. The dual-action blades deliver clean cuts, and the PowerShare battery system adds incredible long-term value and convenience.

While it may not be the ideal choice for professionals needing to clear acres of ancient, woody hedges, it was never designed to be. It is built for the homeowner who wants to maintain a beautiful yard without the hassle of cords, the noise of gas engines, or the strain of a heavy machine. If you want to spend less time working and more time enjoying your pristine landscape, this trimmer is a fantastic investment. For its intended purpose, it’s one of the best tools on the market, and we recommend it without hesitation. Ready to make your yard work easier? You can check the latest price and availability right now.