The best hedge trimmers you can buy this summer, according to Consumer Reports

Hedge trimmers fill the gap between a string trimmer that stalls on thick growth and a chainsaw that's overkill for shaping shrubs. Buying the wrong model means fighting through overgrowth with a machine too weak or too heavy to control.

Consumer Reports tested battery and corded trimmers on thick bamboo stalks, so shoppers can find a model that matches their yard's overgrowth.

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The Greenworks 2212002 costs $230 and runs on battery power. Consumer Reports rated its performance as excellent overall and found it tackled even particularly thick bamboo stalks in testing with ease. CR gave the trimmer high marks for run time and noted it comes with a protective sheath and a notably quick recharge, letting yard work resume soon after a battery swap. Handling scored lower than some rivals, and testers flagged the trimmer as one of the heavier units in this lineup.

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The Ego HT2411 costs $240 and runs on battery power. Consumer Reports rated its performance as excellent overall and found it tackled even particularly thick bamboo stalks in testing with ease. CR praised its handling as well as its run time, and testers noted the trimmer turned up no discernible flaws during evaluation. It ships with a protective sheath and recharges quickly, so downtime between sessions stays short.

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The Milwaukee 2726-21HD costs $350 and runs on battery power, priced higher than any other trimmer in this lineup. Consumer Reports rated its performance as excellent overall and found it tackled even particularly thick bamboo stalks in testing with ease. CR gave the trimmer strong marks for run time, though handling scored on the lower end and testers flagged it as both heavier and louder near the operator's ear than other models tested. It comes with a protective sheath and a quick-charging battery.

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The Sun Joe HJ22HTE costs just $50 and plugs into a wall outlet with a cord instead of running on battery power. Consumer Reports rated its performance as very good overall and found it confidently handled bamboo stalks, slowing down only on especially heavy growth. CR noted the trimmer ran louder near the operator's ear than some rivals, but praised its light weight and included protective sheath. Testers found no discernible flaws otherwise, and that performance stands out given the trimmer costs less than every other model in this lineup.

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The Worx WG217 costs $97 and plugs into a wall outlet with a cord instead of running on battery power. Consumer Reports rated its performance as very good overall and found it confidently handled bamboo stalks, slowing down only on especially heavy growth. CR noted the trimmer ran louder near the operator's ear and rated its handling lower than the Sun Joe's, though testers praised its light weight and found no discernible flaws in performance otherwise. Unlike some of the pricier models in this lineup, it doesn't come with a protective sheath.