We Spent a Week Testing 11 Cordless Grass Shears—See Which 7 Are Worth Buying

Cordless grass shears are handy landscaping tools for trimming areas a lawn mower can’t reach. Working almost like a pair of large grass cutting scissors but with a single blade, these shears can be either manual or electric. Electric shears make especially quick and precise work of tidying not only grass but also shrubbery. But since runtime and power vary greatly among cordless tools, we vetted more than three dozen battery-powered models before selecting 11 to test. 

After spending a week evaluating these shears’ cutting performance, battery life, and user comfort, we chose the Stihl HSA 26 grass shears as our favorite for their efficient cutting action, well-balanced design, and quiet operation. The other six picks that made our list also have a lot to offer, so read on to see which would be the best cordless grass shears for your gardening or landscaping needs.

1. BEST OVERALL: Stihl HSA 26 Battery-Powered Garden Shears Kit
   ↓ Jump to Review
2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: SnapFresh Cordless Bush Trimmer & Grass Shears
   ↓ Jump to Review
3. UPGRADE PICK: Makita 18V Cordless Grass Shear w/Hedge Trimmer Blade
   ↓ Jump to Review
4. BEST WITH EXTENSION HANDLE: Scotts 7.2V Cordless Shrub Shear w/Extension Pole
   ↓ Jump to Review 
5. BEST LIGHT-DUTY: Greenworks 7.2V Cordless 2-in-1 Grass Shear Shrubber 
   ↓ Jump to Review
6. BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Craftsman 20V 2-in-1 Hedge Trimmer & Grass Shear Kit
   ↓ Jump to Review
7. ALSO CONSIDER: Black+Decker Cordless Shrub Trimmer/Grass Shear Combo
   ↓ Jump to Review

Cordless Grass Shears Comparison

Our Top Picks

While gardening tools like brush cutters and string trimmers are great for covering large areas quickly, grass shears offer a much higher level of precision. The following grass shears all provide ample power, ease of use, comfort, and value.

Best Overall

Stihl HSA 26 Grass Shears

See It

What We Like

• Lightweight and perfectly balanced 
• Provides up to 2 hours of grass shearing 
• 2,200 SPM for fast, clean cuts
• One of the quietest models we tested
• Comes with a case for storage and transport

What We Don’t Like

• Built to last so fairly expensive

---

Specs 

• Grass blade width/hedge blade length: 5.5 inches and 8.5 inches 
• RPM/SPM: 2,200 SPM (strokes per minute)
• Voltage: 10.8V (volts)
• Weight: 2.06 pounds

Our Ratings: Effectiveness 5/5; Comfort 5/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Value 4.3/5

Stihl continues to earn customer loyalty through high-quality tools and thoughtful design innovations, and the HSA 26 battery-powered grass shears are a great example of both. The tool features a balanced, lightweight design that minimizes user fatigue, an efficient motor that delivers blade speeds up to 2,200 SPM, and a strong battery that provides up to 2 hours of trimming time. When outfitted with the grass shear attachment, it weighs only 2 pounds, 1 ounce. 

During our tests, these Stihl shears were smooth and fast, cutting effortlessly and never bogging down, even in tough foliage. Their balance was exceptional, thanks to the stick-style battery that fits neatly inside the rear handle. Other models had built-in batteries that made the front too heavy or removable batteries that added excessive weight to the rear.

The HSA 26 shears were also one of only three sets with integrated cover plates for each attachment, and their quick-release system made blade changes fast and easy. While this pick costs more than most models on this list, if you believe (like we do) that life is too short for cheap lawn and garden tools, you need look no further. 

Read our full review: Stihl HSA 26 Battery-Powered Garden Shears Kit

What our tester says: “Even though these Stihl shears don’t look all that special on paper, testing proved that they’re the obvious winner.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Stihl cordless grass shears at Northern Tool + Equipment, Blain’s Farm & Fleet, or Amazon.

Best Bang for the Buck

SnapFresh Cordless Bush Trimmer & Grass Shears

See It

What We Like

• Lightweight construction but adequate power 
• Comfortable rubber handle cushion vibrations
• Easy blade-replacement system 

What We Don’t Like

• Safety lock seems positioned too far up the handle

---

Specs 

• Grass blade width/hedge blade length: 3.5 inches and 5.5 inches
• RPM/SPM: 1,100 RPM
• Voltage: 7.2V
• Weight: 1.38 pounds

Our Ratings: Effectiveness 4/5; Comfort 4/5; Ease of Use 4/5; Value 5/5

Those with diverse landscapes that need regular attention will appreciate the fast-change attachment system and light weight of this portable trimmer from SnapFresh. Attachments release with a quick squeeze of side buttons on the base plate and reattach just as easily. Weighing just 1 pound, 6 ounces, these shears are easy to wield for extended periods without causing hand fatigue. Though this pick isn’t as powerful as its heftier counterparts, its impressive 1,100 RPM (revolutions per minute) cutting speed is ample for most garden tasks. 

This budget-friendly option comes with hedge trimmers, grass shears, and a charger for its built-in lithium battery. There’s a battery indicator light on the handle and a safety lock for added security around small children. As nice as this lock is, you have to push it forward and hold it during use, which would be more comfortable if it were positioned slightly closer to the blade end. Also, while we appreciate its light weight, most of that is toward the front end, which affects its balance. 

Among the grass shears we tested, only Stihl, Scotts, and SnapFresh offered quick and easy blade changes. Of the three, this SnapFresh model was the lightest and least expensive, and the system worked perfectly. Unlike shears with separate blade and base-plate components, its integrated base plate reduces the number of parts to juggle during blade changes. The latches lock securely, with no looseness or “play” between the installed attachment and powerhead. 

What our tester says: “If you need a tool for occasional quick-cleanup tasks, the roughly $35 price tag on these shears makes them hard to beat. They aren’t perfect, but they’re light, comfortable, and powerful enough for most projects.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the SnapFresh cordless grass shears at Amazon.

Upgrade Pick

Makita 18V Cordless Grass Shear w/Hedge Trimmer Blade

See It

What We Like

• Large grass shear and hedge-trimmer blades 
• Fast motor makes work quick and efficient
• Durable rust- and corrosion-resistant non-electrolyzed nickel-plated blades
• Included battery is compatible with scores of Makita tools 

What We Don’t Like

• Premium price point

---

Specs 

• Grass blade width/hedge blade length: 7 inches and 8.5 inches 
• RPM/SPM: 2,500 SPM 
• Voltage: 18V 
• Weight: 3.44 pounds

Our Ratings: Effectiveness 5/5; Comfort 5/5; Ease of Use 4/5; Value 4.3/5

With an extremely fast no-load blade speed of 2,500 SPM, these cordless grass shears by Makita will slice through tough grass and shrubbery with ease. Their cutting height is adjustable between 1 inch, 0.75 inches, and 0.5625 inches. They have a cutting width of just under 7 inches, and the blades are non-electrolyzed and nickel-plated, making them rust- and corrosion-resistant.

The 18-volt battery for these shears provides about 80 minutes of runtime for grass trimming and recharges in about 45 minutes. With the battery installed, the tool weighs 3 pounds, 7 ounces, the heaviest of all the models we tested. But in purely operational terms, it worked as powerfully and quietly as the Stihl shears, and the wide grass shear cut twice as much material per stroke. This was also the only tool we tested that included a built-in clipping catcher and blade-angle guide. Given this mode’s durable build and fast, quiet operation, it’s another excellent option for those searching for higher quality for more demanding work.

Get the Makita cordless grass shears at Amazon or The Home Depot (tool only). 

Best with Extension Handle

Scotts 7.2V Cordless Shrub Shear w/Extension Pole

See It

What We Like

• Can hold or add a wheeled extension handle
• Fast 2,600 SPM blade speed 
• Tool-free blade changing with integrated base plates 
• Low noise and vibration increase user comfort
• Handle angle is adjustable

What We Don’t Like

• Removing the extension handle can be difficult

---

Specs 

• Grass blade width/hedge blade length: 3.5 inches and 6.7 inches 
• RPM/SPM: 2,600 SPM
• Voltage: 7.5V
• Weight: 2.38 pounds with extension handle

Our Ratings: Effectiveness 5/5; Comfort 4/5; Ease of Use 4/5; Value 4.3/5

While handheld grass clippers are ideal for detail work, an extension pole can transform them into a tool for trimming larger areas of grass and taller shrubbery. The telescopic extendable handle of these cordless grass shears by Scotts makes it easier to trim grass and access hard-to-reach areas without bending over. 

Powered by a 7.5-volt lithium-ion battery, this cordless tool weighs just 2 pounds, 6 ounces. It features an adjustable cutting-head angle and comes with two changeable blades: a 3.5-inch grass blade and a 6.7-inch shrubbery blade. No additional tools are required to alternate the blades. 

The Scotts grass shears worked well on the extension handle. The height adjustment was easy to use and remained secure once set, while the wheels helped us get clean edges along hard surfaces. We appreciated the option to use the shears with or without the extension handle, but removing the handle wasn’t easy. Still, as a handheld trimmer, the Scotts grass shear rivaled the best in our aggregated subjective score of operating power, noise level, easy blade changes, and weight-to-balance.

Get the Scotts cordless grass shears at Amazon or Walmart.

Best Light-Duty

Greenworks 7.2V Cordless 2-in-1 Grass Shear Shrubber

See It

What We Like

• Among the quietest edging garden shears we tested
• Lightweight tool with a comfortable soft-grip handle 
• Affordable price point

What We Don’t Like

• Base plate is relatively hard to remove for blade changes
• Small blades and runtime of less than 45 minutes

---

Specs 

• Grass blade width/hedge blade length: 3.5 inches and 5 inches 
• RPM/SPM: 2,400 SPM
• Voltage: 7.2V
• Weight: 1.19 pounds

Our Ratings: Effectiveness 4/5; Comfort 5/5; Ease of Use 4/5; Value 4/5

The Greenworks cordless grass shear shrubber is a compact and highly capable trimmer for a wide variety of cleanup tasks. It comes with a 3.5-inch grass shear and a 5-inch shrub trimmer head for tidying grassy edges, clearing out landscape beds, or touching up topiaries. The small but powerful motor operates at speeds up to 2,400 SPM for clean, fast, efficient cutting. 

We noted that the small size of the Greenworks grass and hedge trimmer belies a very capable cutting machine. While the blades felt a bit undersized for a few common tasks, such as flattening out a boxwood hedge, they were appropriately sized for light-duty chores like trimming grass around container gardens or heading back shoots on a topiary spiral. The tool was lightweight and fairly well balanced with a comfortable handle and large, well-placed controls. It’s also one of the lowest-priced models on this list, making it one of the more affordable cordless grass shears on the market.

Get the Greenworks cordless grass shears at Amazon or Walmart.

Best Heavy-Duty

Craftsman 20V 2-in-1 Hedge Trimmer & Grass Shear Kit

See It

What We Like

• Heavy-duty steel blades cut material up to 0.31 inches thick
• Offers toolless blade changes
• Included battery works in all Craftsman V20 cordless tools

What We Don’t Like

• Doesn’t come with blade covers

---

Specs 

• Grass blade width/hedge blade length: 4 inches and 8 inches 
• RPM/SPM: n/a
• Voltage: 20V
• Weight: 2.88 pounds

Our Ratings: Effectiveness 5/5; Comfort 4/5; Ease of Use 4/5; Value 4.3/5 

Tough yard cleanup tasks require heavy-duty tools. These Craftsman grass shears feature heavy-duty, dual-action cutting heads for powering through tough vegetation, including coarse weeds and woody stems up to 0.31 inches thick. Fueled by a 20-volt, 1.5-amp-hours rechargeable lithium-ion battery, this tool is a great choice for spring cleanups, summer maintenance, and fall landscape preparation for winter. 

In our tests, the Craftsman shears cut through the toughest vegetation as cleanly as higher-priced tools. Although the manufacturer did not provide statistical details concerning blade thickness or the type of steel used, the Craftsman blades were thicker and retained their edges better than most of the competition throughout our tests. Though it’s relatively at almost 3 pounds and the big battery weights it slightly to the rear, it has a comfortable rubbery grip and a safety trigger that’s easy to access. If you already own Craftsman battery-operated tools or want a cordless shear that comes with a battery, this is a really good value for a rock-solid performer.

Get the Craftsman cordless grass shears at Amazon, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, or Blain’s Farm & Fleet.

Also Consider

Black+Decker Cordless Shrub Trimmer/Grass Shear Combo

See It

What We Like

• Lightweight construction, good balance, and comfortable grip
• Stays charged for up to 18 months in storage
• Good trimming performance, low noise level, and easy blade changes

What We Don’t Like

• Slightly more expensive than similar options

---

Specs 

• Grass blade width/hedge blade length: 4 inches and 6 inches 
• RPM/SPM: 960 SPM
• Voltage: 3.6V
• Weight: 1.25 pounds

Our Ratings: Effectiveness 4/5; Comfort 5/5; Ease of Use 4/5; Value 4.3/5 

Using weeding tools to weed a whole garden or trim a lot of shrubs may quickly fatigue your hand or wrist, and the Black+Decker garden shears for hedges could be just the ticket for preventing this problem. This Black+Decker combo is ultra-lightweight at just 1.4 pounds and has a soft-grip handle for easy maneuvering. It comes with a 4-inch shear blade and a 6-inch hedge-trimming blade that both operate at 960 SPM for gardening and pruning tasks. Plus, this 3.6-volt trimmer comes with a built-in battery and an AC charging adapter.

The Black+Decker trimmer performed at about the average level of our test group in terms of trimming capability, noise level, and ease of changing blades. It shined in user comfort, however, with its lightweight build and larger handle area that allowed for good control with a comfortable, relaxed grip. At about $50, the price is slightly higher than similarly capable lightweight models.

Get the Black+Decker cordless grass shears at Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, Walmart, Target, or Black+Decker.

ALSO TESTED

Although the weight and balance of the SereneLife Handheld Grass Shear Cutter initially made it seem like a good option for limited use, we couldn’t find compelling reasons to buy it over others. The blade speed felt slower than advertised, the cutting power lagged behind similarly priced models, and it offered just 24 minutes of runtime with a 4-hour charge time.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Cordless Grass Shears

In our search for the best cordless grass shears, we considered a range of price points, power ratings, and performance features to suit diverse user needs. We aimed for mostly steel grass-cutting blades between 3 and 7 inches wide so we could use them to cut grass, trim small lawn weeds, or tame large shrubs. We looked for batteries of at least 3.6 volts and cutting speeds up to 2,600 strokes per minute. To make them easier to use, we prioritized battery trimmers that weigh under 4 pounds to prevent arm fatigue and made sure we included at least a few models that include a battery and charger, tool-free blade change, and safety locks. 

Our tests began with a side-by-side analysis of each tool’s dimensions, weight, cutting speed, and battery-pack ratings. Then, we compared charge times, runtimes, and overall performance. We spent an hour working with each trimmer, scoring them on a rubric to quantify our test results.

What to Consider When Choosing Cordless Grass Shears

While it’s easy to assume most good garden shears offer similar performance, several factors affect their functionality, including blade type and size, battery and power capacity, ease of use, availability of additional features, and more. Keep reading to learn about the most important features to consider when choosing the best grass shears for landscaping your yard.

Blade

Grass-shear blades are typically made from stainless steel or high-carbon steel and may feature a nonstick coating. 

• Stainless steel blades resist rust and corrosion. 
• High-carbon steel blades combine stainless steel and carbon steel to create a stronger metal that’s easier to sharpen. 
• Nonstick blades are coated with Teflon or another antifriction material to prevent grass and plant residue from sticking to them and causing them to gum up or rust. This coating is often found on dual-bladed attachments.

The width of the blades dictates how wide an area they can trim at once. Cordless electric grass shears typically have blades 4 to 6 inches in width. Shorter blades are best for very tight areas and precision work, while longer blades allow the user to cover a larger area more quickly but may prove difficult to maneuver in small areas.

Battery Capacity

Cordless grass shears are powered by rechargeable batteries. Lithium-ion or nickel-cadmium batteries are the most common type used in cordless grass cutting tools. While nickel-cadmium batteries are less expensive to produce, they tend to lose charging capacity over time. 

Lithium-ion batteries, on the other hand, are used in higher-end appliances and typically charge more quickly. Cordless grass shears usually have a battery capacity between 3.6 volts and 20 volts. While a battery with a higher voltage rating will hold a charge longer, it will also result in heavier shears. 

Power

The power capacity of cordless grass shears is typically measured by blade speed in either rotations per minute (RPM) or strokes per minute (SPM). RPM and SPM are often used interchangeably and are both indicators of power capacity in power tools. 

RPM and SPM are generally expressed by their “no-load speed,” meaning the speed at which the blade moves when it’s not in contact with an object, such as grass or a shrub. Look for no-load blade speeds of at least 1,000 RPM or SPM. 

Handle

Most cordless grass shears on the market are designed to be handheld, with relatively short handles that require the user to kneel or bend over while using them. These short handles are great for detail work, offering the user precise control. 

Some models, however, include telescoping extendable handles that allow users to trim grass and shrubs while standing. This makes it easier for individuals with mobility issues or anyone who develops stiffness or pain after long periods of kneeling or bending to use the shears comfortably. A longer handle is also beneficial for trimming more sizable areas of grass or shrubbery. 

Handles are generally designed with ergonomics in mind for more comfortable and longer-lasting use. They typically feature nonslip grips and are contoured to accommodate a natural hand position. 

Weight 

Given that they are handheld, cordless grass shears are light and easy to maneuver, generally weighing between 1.5 and 5 pounds. Choosing a lightweight model is especially important for shoppers who want to avoid wrist, arm, and shoulder fatigue and discomfort. 

While the materials used to construct the shears play a role, the most significant factor contributing to overall weight is the battery. While a larger battery with higher voltage ensures users can operate the shears for a longer period before they need to be recharged, it also results in more weight. If weight is a primary concern, consider a model with a lower battery capacity. 

Attachments

While all grass shears include a short grass cutter that’s typically about 3 to 4 inches long, many models include additional attachments. Shears that come with extra blades are designed with connection systems to make it easy to switch between several attachments. 

• Shrubbery blades are approximately 5 to 8 inches long and are used to trim shrubs and hedges. 
• A toboggan-style base frame is a removable attachment used to adjust the trimming height. 
• Dual-bladed head attachments work like high-powered scissors to trim grass and shrubs quickly and efficiently. 

Additional Features

Cordless grass shears may also offer a range of useful additional features. 

• A cutting height adjuster allows the user full control over the length of the grass. 
• An extension pole converts handheld shears into a standing model. 
• A safety lock ensures the shears won’t be inadvertently powered on. 
• A battery-life indicator displays the remaining battery power. 
• Many brands include widely compatible batteries for use with other power tools in their product line. 

FAQs

Ready to take on a landscaping task with your new cordless grass and hedge shears? Check out the answers to some of these versatile tools’ most frequently asked questions. 

Q. Is it OK to leave grass cuttings on the lawn?

Luckily, excess grass cuttings that result from using cordless edging shears provide nutrients to the grass, so it’s fine to leave them on the lawn or around flower beds. 

Q. How do I maintain cordless grass shears?

After each use, remove the blade from the unit and thoroughly clean it with water and dish soap. Then, use an oil like WD-40 to lubricate the blade. 

Q. How do you sharpen cordless grass shears?

After removing them from the body of the shears, clamp the blades down with a table vise and sharpen them with a metal file, similar to the way you’d sharpen hedge trimmers. 

Q. Are expensive shears worth it?

Unless you’ll only be using them sporadically, more expensive grass shears made of durable materials and higher-quality batteries are worth it. They tend to last longer, hold a charge better, and deliver smoother, more efficient cutting performance.

Q. What is the best length for shears?

The shears included in our list of top picks are all between 5 and 8.5 inches long and 3.5 and 7 inches wide. Shorter blades are nice when you’re working in tight areas or want greater precision, and longer blades help you cover more quickly but can be harder to maneuver.

Q. What are long-handled shears used for?

Long-handled grass shears are used for trimming and hedges while standing. allowing the user to stand upright. They’re ideal for users with back or joint issues wanting to avoid excessive bending or kneeling.

Meet the Tester

Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with a background in the nursery and landscaping industry. For more than 20 years he mowed, edged, planted, pruned, cultivated, irrigated, and renovated beautiful landscapes. Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest outdoor power equipment, hand tools, lawn-care products, and other outdoor-living goods.

Additional research provided by Savannah Sher.

 

Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners

We’ll help you set up your first garden—whether that’s a few pots on your patio, a raised bed, or an in-ground plot out back—and select the right plants for your soil and region.

GET STARTED