Testing 2024’s Best Cordless Grass Shears for Easy Landscaping
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Create well-manicured grass, shrubs, bushes, and hedges without struggling with tangled cords by using the best cordless grass shears.
Grass shears are a handy landscaping tool for trimming areas that a lawn mower can’t reach. For increased versatility, grass shears can be either manual or electric, with electric shears being further categorized into cordless and corded models. While other gardening tools such as brush cutters, string trimmers, and cordless trimmers are a good choice for large lawns, grass shears are the best choice for precision work involving not only grass but also shrubbery.
We vetted more than three dozen cordless grass shears as we searched for the best options. After selecting the following models, we spent a week testing them for cutting performance, battery life, and user comfort. Our favorite was the Stihl HSA 26 Grass Shears for its fast cutting action, well-balanced design, and quiet operation. After reviewing our entire list of top picks below, keep reading for the full product reviews. One of these could be the best cordless grass shears for your gardening or landscaping needs.
- BEST OVERALL: Stihl HSA 26 Grass Shears
↓ Jump to Review - RUNNER-UP: Worx WG801 20V Cordless Shear and Shrubber Trimmer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: SnapFresh Cordless Shrubbery and Grass Shears
↓ Jump to Review - UPGRADE PICK: Makita XMU04ZX 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Grass Shear
↓ Jump to Review - BEST WITH EXTENSION HANDLE: Scotts Cordless 7.2 Volt Shrub Shear With Pole
↓ Jump to Review - BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Craftsman 20V Hedge Trimmer and Grass Shear Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST LIGHT-DUTY: WorkPro Cordless Grass Shear and Shrubbery Trimmer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST LIGHTWEIGHT: Greenworks 7.2V Cordless Grass Shear Shrubber
↓ Jump to Review - HONORABLE MENTION: Ryobi One+ 18V Shear/Shrubber Kit
↓ Jump to Review - ALSO CONSIDER: Black+Decker Shrub Trimmer/Grass Shear Combo
↓ Jump to Review
How We Tested the Best Cordless Grass Shears
As we searched for the best cordless grass shears, we made it a point to include an assortment of price points, power ratings, and performance features in consideration of diverse user needs.
The options with the highest user ratings have steel grass-cutting blades that range from 3 inches to 7 inches wide. They are used to cut grass, trim small weeds, or tame large shrubs. They come with 3.6 volts (V) to 20V batteries and generate cutting speeds up to 2,600 strokes per minute (SPM). (Note that some manufacturers also list this as rotations per minute, or RPM.) As for ease of use, these cordless grass shears weigh (with batteries) from 1.19 pounds to 3.44 pounds to prevent arm fatigue while cutting large shrubs and weeds. Finally, most models include a battery and charger, tool-free blade change, and safety locks.
Following our established shopping criteria, we started with a list of 51 models and filtered out 40 cordless shears in the product research process. In the end, we selected the 11 in this guide for testing based on type, size, cutting speed, power ratings, weight, comfort and safety features, and price.
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, and then scored them all on a rubric according to our notes on the measurables and performance results.
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 11 |
| Time spent testing | 11 hours |
| Tests performed | 7 |
| Price range | $35 to $190 |
Our Top Picks
The following recommendations are the result of our extensive research and testing to find the best cordless grass shears. Read on to find out how each product performed and why it may or may not be a good fit for your yard-work tool kit.
Best Overall
Stihl HSA 26 Grass Shears
Photo: acehardware.com
Our Ratings: Effectiveness 5/5; Comfort 5/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Value 4.3/5
Product Specs
- Grass blade width/hedge blade length: 5.5 inches and 8.5 inches
- RPM/SPM: 2,200
- Voltage: 10.8V
- Weight: 2.06 pounds
What We Like
- Lightweight, perfectly balanced design for optimal working comfort without muscle fatigue
- 10.8V 2.1Ah battery powers up to 2 hours of grass shearing or 1 hour of hedge trimming
- Buttery-smooth blades operate at speeds of 2,200 SPM for fast, clean cutting action
- One of the quietest cordless shears in our tests; ideal for noise-sensitive neighborhoods
- Includes a carry case for easy storage and transport
What We Don’t Like
- Costs up to 3 times as much as the cheapest tool on this list
The Stihl brand continues to expand in customer loyalty thanks to its overall tool quality coupled with important design innovations, and the HSA 26 shears are a great example of both. They feature 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 powers up to 2 hours of trimming time. When outfitted with the grass shear attachment, the tool weighs in at just 2 pounds, 1 ounce.
But the Stihl shears stand out less on paper than they did in person. When tested alongside the rest of our lineup, they were the obvious winner in every subjective category. First, they operated with a smooth, fast motion that cut effortlessly and never bogged down in tough foliage. And they were perfectly balanced thanks to the stick-style battery that attaches inside the rear of the handle. The other shears had built-in batteries that weighed down the front of the tool, or they came with removable batteries that added too much weight at the rear.
This product was one of only three sets of shears that featured integrated cover plates with each attachment, and the quick-release system made blade changes fast and easy. The price was near the top of our lineup, but if you believe like we do that life is too short for cheap lawn and garden tools, you need look no further for an excellent choice.
Read our full review: Stihl HSA 26 Grass Shears
Get the Stihl cordless grass shears at Ace Hardware or Northern Tool + Equipment.
Runner-Up
Worx WG801 20V Cordless Shear and Shrubber Trimmer
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Effectiveness 4/5; Comfort 5/5; Ease of Use 4/5; Value 3.7/5
Product Specs
- Grass blade width/hedge blade length: 4 inches and 8.5 inches
- RPM/SPM: 1,100 SPM
- Voltage: 20V
- Weight: 2.13 pounds
What We Like
- Kit includes 2 cutting heads for shearing grass and trimming shrubbery
- Soft-grip handle and overall balanced design combine for strain-free operation
- The 20V 2Ah battery is compatible with all Worx Power Share products
What We Don’t Like
- Works slightly slower than the top-performing trimmers on this list
Worx’s cordless grass shears feature a powerful 20V battery yet are still incredibly lightweight at just over 2 pounds. The no-load blade speed is 1,100 SPM. This model includes two steel blades: a 4-inch grass shear blade and an 8.5-inch shrubbery blade that can also be used for trimming larger areas of grass. Switching between the two blades is easy and doesn’t require any additional tools.
In terms of comfort, the Worx cordless grass shears tied with the Stihl. The removable battery at the rear of the handle was well balanced by the forward weight of the motor, and the ergonomically designed soft-grip handle offered excellent control without causing hand, wrist, or arm strain. We also liked that the battery is compatible with the rest of the tools on the Worx Power Share platform.
From a power and cutting-performance standpoint, the 1,100 SPM motor worked smoothly, but it was just a touch slower than the Stihl and Makita tools we tested. If you’re willing to give up a little speed to save a few dollars, this could be an excellent choice.
Get the Worx cordless grass shears at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Target.
Best Bang for the Buck
SnapFresh Cordless Shrubbery and Grass Shears
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Effectiveness 4/5; Comfort 4/5; Ease of Use 4/5; Value 5/5
Product 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
What We Like
- Lightweight construction but adequate power for general shearing and trimming
- Rubber handle makes for a comfortably secure grip and cushions vibrations
- Fast and easy blade-replacement system is ideal for multitasking
What We Don’t Like
- Thumb-operated safety lock seems to be positioned a bit too far up the handle
Those with diverse landscapes that need regular attention will appreciate the fast-change attachment system and light weight of this portable trimmer from SnapFresh. The attachments release with a quick squeeze of the buttons on the sides of the integrated base plate and reattach just as easily. Because of the tool’s light weight of just 1 pound, 6 ounces, users can wield the tool easily for extended periods without suffering hand fatigue, which may not be the case with heavier models. While this lightweight trimmer may forgo the added power of its heftier counterparts, it still produces an impressive 1,100 RPM—plenty of cutting speed for most garden tasks.
This budget-friendly option comes with hedge trimmers and grass shears as well as a charger for its built-in lithium battery. The battery indicator light on the side of the handle provides users with constant updates on battery life. It also features a safety lock for added security around small children.
Only three of the grass shears we tested offered fast and easy blade changes: Stihl, Scotts, and SnapFresh. This SnapFresh model was the lightest, least expensive tool of the three, and the system worked perfectly. Integrated base plates on each attachment, instead of separate blade and base-plate parts, meant there were fewer parts to juggle during blade changes. The latches locked securely, with no looseness or “play” between the installed attachment and powerhead.
The tool was lighter than most of the others in the test group, but it carried its weight more toward the front end. It was easy to use but not very well balanced, even with the generously proportioned handle. Another awkward part of the design is the placement of the thumb-controlled lock on top of the handle. The sliding lock must be pushed and held forward while the user triggers with the index finger. For our testers, it would have been more comfortable if it were positioned slightly closer to the blade end.
As for power and noise level, we rated each 3 out of 5, which is to say it performed at about the average level among the entire group in those categories. The roughly $40 price tag makes it a value purchase for anyone who needs a tool for occasional quick-cleanup tasks.
Get the SnapFresh cordless grass shears at Amazon.
Upgrade Pick
Makita XMU04Z 18V Lithium-Ion Cordless Grass Shear
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Effectiveness 5/5; Comfort 5/5; Ease of Use 4/5; Value 4.3/5
Product Specs
- Grass blade width/hedge blade length: 7 inches and 8.5 inches
- RPM/SPM: 2,500 SPM
- Voltage: 18V
- Weight: 3.44 pounds
What We Like
- Larger grass shear and hedge-trimmer blades than those of other models we tested
- Wide blade and fast motor allow users to work quickly and efficiently
- Durable rust- and corrosion-resistant non-electrolyzed nickel-plated blades
- Shares batteries with scores of tools in the Makita 18V lineup
What We Don’t Like
- Battery and charger are not included with the trimmer kit
- Premium price point and more expensive than others in our test group
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. The cutting height is customizable and easy to adjust between 1 inch, 0.75 inches, and 0.5625 inches. Boasting a cutting width of just under 7 inches, the non-electrolyzed nickel-plated blade is rust- and corrosion-resistant.
We installed an 18V 2Ah Makita battery (may be sold separately) to test these shears. It provided about 80 minutes of runtime for grass trimming, and recharging took about 45 minutes. With the battery installed, these grass shears weighed 3 pounds, 7 ounces, which was the heaviest of all the models we tested. But in purely operational terms, they 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. The durable build and fast, quiet operation make these shears another excellent option for those in search of 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 Cordless 7.2 Volt Shrub Shear with Pole
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Effectiveness 5/5; Comfort 4/5; Ease of Use 4/5; Value 4.3/5
Product 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)
What We Like
- May be used as a handheld trimmer, or with the wheeled extension handle attached
- Fast 2,600 SPM blade speed gets the job done quickly and efficiently
- Fast, tool-free blade changing, with base plates conveniently integrated into each blade
- Low noise level and low vibration make for a more pleasant working environment
- Adjustable handle angle for custom comfort in handheld operation
What We Don’t Like
- Removing the extension handle can be difficult
While handheld grass shears 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 for users to trim grass without bending over and to access hard-to-reach areas.
The tool is powered by a 7.5V lithium-ion battery and weighs 2 pounds, 6 ounces. It features an adjustable cutting-head angle and two changeable blades: a 3.5-inch grass blade a