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Head-to-head · Best Cordless Hedge Trimmers

Milwaukee 2726-21HD vs Stihl HSA 50 Cordless Hedge Trimmer

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

Stihl HSA 50 Cordless Hedge Trimmer comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.5 vs 4.8). The gap is mostly about homeowners seeking clean cuts and quiet operation — read the strengths below before deciding.

Milwaukee 2726-21HD
Ranked #2 in Best Cordless Hedge Trimmers
Milwaukee 2726-21HD
6 sources$549.95as of Sep 1

The Milwaukee 2726-21HD hedge trimmer features a brushless motor technology that delivers more sustained power, faster cutting speeds, and extended runtime compared to competitors using traditional brush motors. Reviewers highlight its superior control and balance, particularly for users working in multiple orientations. The tool incorporates Milwaukee's durable slider crank mechanism, similar to their professional saws and trimmers, ensuring longevity. Consumer Reports notes it as a top performer in its category, though specific criticisms were not detailed in the reviewed content.

Strengths
  • — Features a brushless motor for sustained power and faster cutting speed
  • — Delivers excellent control and balance due to optimized design for multiple orientations
  • — Utilizes durable slider crank mechanism similar to Milwaukee's saws and trimmers
Watch-outs
  • — Heavy with the bundled 8.0Ah battery compared with rival trimmers
$549.95 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Stihl HSA 50 Cordless Hedge Trimmer
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Cordless Hedge Trimmers
Stihl HSA 50 Cordless Hedge Trimmer
4 sources1 derived$290.95as of Sep 16

The STIHL HSA 50 hedge trimmer delivers powerful, clean cuts with its double-sided diamond-ground blades and is praised for its well-balanced design that reduces user fatigue. Reviewers noted its quiet operation and compatibility with multiple STIHL batteries, making it suitable for domestic use. The tool is easy to set up and use, with safety features including a two-step battery insertion system and trigger locks. However, some users noted that the 50cm cutting length may be limiting for very large hedges, and the battery must be purchased separately. It's ideal for homeowners with moderate hedging needs.

Strengths
  • — Double-sided diamond ground cutting blades provide clean cuts through thick branches up to 16mm in diameter
  • — Well-balanced design reduces fatigue during extended use
  • — Compatible with STIHL's AK10, AK20, and AK30 batteries for flexible runtime options
Watch-outs
  • — Requires separate purchase of battery (AK10 included in base kit)
  • — Limited to 50cm cutting length which may be insufficient for very large hedges
$290.95 · 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

Milwaukee 2726-21HD

The Milwaukee 2726-21HD features a brushless motor and slider crank mechanism, but it's more expensive and lacks the rotating handle of the EGO Power+ HT2601 or Stihl HSA 140 T. While it offers superior control and runtime, it doesn't match the Stihl HSA 50's blade quality or the Ryobi ONE+ OHT1845's lightweight design.

Stihl HSA 50 Cordless Hedge Trimmer

The Stihl HSA 50 offers excellent blade quality and quiet operation, but it's limited by its 50cm blade length compared to the Ryobi RY40640VNM or EGO Power+ HT2601. While it's lightweight and well-balanced, it lacks the Milwaukee 2726-21HD's advanced motor and the Greenworks Commercial HT241's blade speed.

Specs side-by-side

SpecMilwaukee 2726-21HDStihl HSA 50 Cordless Hedge Trimmer
MotorBrushless—
Battery RuntimeUp to 90 minutesUp to 1,000 feet per charge
Cutting Capacity1.5 in8mm
Weight5.5 lbs2.9kg plus 1.2kg AK20 battery
Dimensions42.5"L x 8.7"W x 7.7"H101 cm total length
Blade Length24 in19.7 in
Battery Voltage18V36V
MaterialAll-metal gear caseStainless Steel
Blade Speed—2,800 SPM
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