Black & Decker vs Greenworks Hedge Trimmers

Black & Decker and Greenworks both serve domestic gardeners but carry different messages. Black & Decker's hedge trimmers include the BEHT201-GB 45cm model at £56.99, the BEHTS401-GB 55cm corded trimmer at £73.99 and the GTC18452PC-GB 18V cordless model at £103.99. Greenworks is associated with battery-powered outdoor equipment and cleaner alternatives to petrol, and its hedge trimmers run on a 40V lithium-ion battery. Both brands are domestic rather than professional, so neither is aimed at trade users.

Greenworks' hedge trimmers feature dual-action steel blades up to 60cm long, a rotating rear handle with five positions and an electronic battery management system. The brand quotes up to 60 minutes of runtime from one charge, cuts branches up to 22mm in diameter and produces 85dB of noise with zero emissions. Its trimmers are compatible with other Greenworks tools, which matters for owners building a battery system. Black & Decker's trimmers are simpler, with the BEHTS401 cutting branches up to 35mm and the GTC18452PC offering a 45cm blade with an 18mm gap.

Black & Decker suits occasional users, smaller gardens and buyers who want a recognisable, uncomplicated trimmer for seasonal shaping. Greenworks suits gardeners with larger plots, several cordless tools or a preference for cable-free, petrol-free equipment, and who want one battery to run multiple garden machines. It is also a sensible choice for anyone moving away from petrol tools but still wanting freedom from mains cables. Its 40V battery is the feature to weigh, since runtime depends on how much trimming you do.

Bottom line: choose Black & Decker if you want a familiar hedge trimmer for routine home maintenance, starting from £56.99. Choose Greenworks if cordless garden tools, a 40V battery and 60cm blades matter more to you, and you accept that battery ownership is part of the cost.