String trimmer vs. hedge trimmer: running cost
A hedge trimmer is cheaper to run: about $1 a year versus $1 for a string trimmer at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $0 difference.
| String trimmer | Hedge trimmer | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 500 W | 500 W |
| Watt range | 200–1,000 W | 300–700 W |
| Typical use | 30 minutes a day, 1 days a week for 7 months a year | 30 minutes a day, 1 days a week for 5 months a year |
| Energy per year | 8 kWh | 5 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 9.0¢ | 9.0¢ |
| Cost per day | 0.6¢ | 0.6¢ |
| Cost per month | $0.20 | $0.20 |
| Cost per year | $1 | $1 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $3 | $2 |
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What drives the difference
- String trimmer: Corded trimmers draw 3.5-8 A (400-1,000 W); battery trimmers use about 0.1-0.2 kWh per charge.
- Hedge trimmer: Corded hedge trimmers draw 3-5 A (400-600 W) and are used occasionally, so annual cost is minimal.
Ways to cut either cost
Battery hedge trimmer
Short charging sessions only when needed.
See options on Amazon Battery string trimmer
Only draws energy to recharge; no cord.
See options on AmazonWe may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. It never changes the numbers we show. Disclosure.
Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a string trimmer or a hedge trimmer?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a string trimmer costs about $1 a year versus $1 for a hedge trimmer. That's $0 more, or 1.4× as much.
How many watts do string trimmer and hedge trimmer use?
A string trimmer typically draws 500 W (range 200–1,000 W). A hedge trimmer draws 500 W (range 300–700 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.