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Head-to-head · Best Cordless Hedge Trimmers

Bosch Rotak 500 18V Lithium-Ion Hedge Trimmer vs WORX WG261

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

WORX WG261 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.4 vs 4.5). The gap is mostly about Budget-conscious homeowners with light trimming needs — read the strengths below before deciding.

Bosch Rotak 500 18V Lithium-Ion Hedge Trimmer
Ranked #2 in Best Cordless Hedge Trimmers
Bosch Rotak 500 18V Lithium-Ion Hedge Trimmer
2 sources1 derived$90as of Jul 30

The Bosch Rotak 500 18V Lithium-Ion Hedge Trimmer runs an 8.2-foot telescoping pole, an anti-blocking system, and a 20-inch dual-action blade that cuts branches up to 3/4 inch thick. Reviewers focused on the extended reach and the automatic jam resolution as the main benefits. Runtime reaches 75 minutes on a 4-Ah battery, enough for substantial trimming. No consistent drawback has surfaced, though very large jobs may outrun the battery. Homeowners who want a cordless trimmer with extra reach will get what they're after.

Strengths
  • — Telescoping pole extends to 8.2 feet for better reach
  • — Anti-blocking system automatically resolves blade jams
  • — 20-inch dual-action blade cuts branches up to 3/4 inch thick
Watch-outs
  • — Coverage is thin enough that no consistent weak point has emerged
  • — Battery runtime may be limited for heavy-duty use
$90 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
WORX WG261
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Cordless Hedge Trimmers
WORX WG261
1 sourceall derived$129.98as of Jul 31

Reviews of the WORX WG261 hedge trimmer come out mixed. Plenty of users liked the light weight, the cordless convenience, and sharp blades for light to moderate trimming, while others found it underpowered on thicker branches. Customers said it handles routine hedge maintenance well and cuts trimming time considerably against traditional models, but heavy-duty jobs are beyond it. Assembly came up too, specifically trouble attaching the handle. Homeowners with light to moderate trimming needs are the audience, not professionals or heavy-duty users.

Strengths
  • — Lightweight design reduces user fatigue during extended use
  • — Cordless convenience eliminates need for extension cords
  • — Sharp blades provide effective cutting performance for light to moderate trimming
Watch-outs
  • — Some users reported difficulties with assembly, particularly handle attachment
  • — Underpowered for thicker branches or heavy-duty trimming tasks
$129.98 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Bosch Rotak 500 18V Lithium-Ion Hedge Trimmer

The Bosch Rotak 500 offers the longest reach with its 8.2-foot telescoping pole and automatic jam resolution, features not found in the EGO Power+ HT2601 or EGO 25-inch models. While it has a 20-inch blade and 75-minute runtime, it's less powerful than the WORX 22" model and lacks the dual-action blade technology of the EGO models. Compared to the Black+Decker LHT2220, it provides better cutting capacity and runtime, but at a higher price point.

WORX WG261

The WORX WG261 is the lightest and most affordable option, but it's underpowered compared to the EGO Power+ HT2601 and WORX 22" models, which offer more power and dual-action blades. While it's cordless and lightweight, it's not as effective on thick branches as the EGO 25-inch model or the Bosch Rotak 500, which provide better cutting capacity and runtime. The Black+Decker LHT2220 offers better runtime and a more comfortable grip, but the WG261 is more budget-friendly.

Specs side-by-side

SpecBosch Rotak 500 18V Lithium-Ion Hedge TrimmerWORX WG261
Blade Length20 in22 in
Cutting Capacity3/4 inch3/4 inch
Battery Capacity4 Ah2 Ah
Runtime75 minutes—
Dimensions42.32"L x 9.65"W x 8.66"H—
Weight2.86 kg—
Stroke Rate2,800 SPM—
Battery Voltage18.0 V20-volt max
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