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Ryobi Cordless Hedge Trimmer OHT1855R ONE+ Review
Lee Burkhill: Award Winning Designer & BBC 1's Garden Rescue Presenters Official Blog
Let's face it cutting hedges can be a right chore. Especially if you have a diesel-powered or plugin hedge clippers. You're either choking on fumes or getting tangled in the cable. What a drama! Ryobi's ONE+ range of power tools has a handy cordless battery-powered hedge clipper which they sent me to review. Eagar to see if it would set gardeners free when cutting hedges I gave it a test drive.
Quick Answer
The Ryobi OHT1855R ONE+ is a 2.7kg cordless hedge trimmer that cuts branches up to 22mm, runs for around 30 minutes on a 2.0Ah battery, and uses the same ONE+ battery as over 100 other Ryobi tools. It is heavier and pricier than entry-level rivals, but the rotating handle and clean cut make it one of the more comfortable cordless trimmers I have tested.
Last reviewed and updated: August 2026.
Battery-powered garden tools are becoming really popular amongst UK gardeners. Battery-powered garden tools, such as hedge trimmers, are more flexible due to the lack of cords; they are usually lighter and better for the environment than petrol-powered hedge cutters. In fact, I now use a battery-powered lawnmower, strimmer, leaf blower and hedge trimmer in the #explodingatomgarden.
Battery-powered hedge trimmers are a real benefit given their lighter weight and the fact you’re moving some distance with them without a restrictive cord. Trimmers can be awkward to hold, tiring especially on larger hedges.
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Ryobi Hedge Trimmers At A Glance
Ryobi sent me a set of their OHT1855R hedge clippers featuring one of their One+ batteries. The ONE+ range are interchangeable tools that use the same battery, meaning you don’t need separate batteries for every tool in your garage. They sent the model with their 2.0Ah battery for me to trial. I wasn’t paid other than receiving the Ryobi hedge trimmer, and my thoughts below are my own. If you are weighing this up against other cordless platforms, my complete cordless garden tools guide covers how the ONE+ system compares more broadly.
| Ryobi OHT1855R At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| Battery Platform | Ryobi ONE+ (shared across 100+ Ryobi tools) |
| Battery Tested | 2.0Ah, roughly 30 minutes runtime on a box hedge |
| Cutting Capacity | Up to 22mm branches |
| Weight | 2.7kg |
| Handle | Rotates 45 or 90 degrees for ergonomic cutting angles |
| Best For | Domestic hedges and topiary, especially awkward angles |
| Warranty | 3 years when registered with Ryobi |
Ryobi ONE+ Battery Reviewed
Before I give away the details on the hedge trimmer, it is worth quickly reviewing the battery from the ONE+ range. Given that they are the only manufacturer currently offering one battery that fits over 100 of their tools, I gave it some real scrutiny.
The batteries in the ONE+ range take anywhere from 50 to 90 minutes to charge, depending on their capacity. The charging dock is easy to use, and the light system shows quickly whether your battery is low or fully charged. What’s great is that the battery compartment is vivid green, so it’s really easy to find in a dark garage.
For the Ryobi hedge trimmer, I got 30 mins running time off this battery on a box hedge. I’d imagine that if you had a large garden you may have two of the batteries both charged so you can switch over and recharge one whilst using the other. The battery clips into the Ryobi hedge trimmer with a neat click and is easy to remove. Whereas other models I’ve tried the fit is too snug and you feel like you’re having to force the battery in or out.
🛒 Buy a Spare Ryobi ONE+ Battery on Amazon
How to Use the Ryobi Hedge Trimmer
The trimmers couldn’t be easier to start. Obviously, it goes without saying that you should always wear the necessary safety gear and goggles. It’s a two-switch operation, having to hold down one switch before engaging the other on the handle. It’s really intuitive and will allow you to start the clippers quickly. In fact, one of my feedback points is that it’s almost too easy to start. Especially when picking up the tool, by holding the handle, your hand can engage one of the switches, which may give you a shock as it starts up!
The trimmers will cut up to 22mm of branches, slightly thicker than most hedge clippers. There’s an anti-jam feature, meaning if you do hit something too broad or uncuttable, the trimmers will automatically cut out, which is a nice feature. The hedge clippers weigh in at 2.7kg, which is heavier than other entry-level battery-powered hedge cutters.
There are only three buttons, making the operation super simple. Some other clippers have safety keys to insert or adjustment mechanisms. The Ryobi requires the battery inserting, and then you’re good to go. It’s totally fuss-free!
You’re then pretty much set to go clipping your hedges!
Rotating the Ryobi Hedge Trimmer Handle
A really nice feature of the hedge trimmers is the rotating handle. With the push of a button on the top of the clippers, you can rotate through 45 or 90 degrees. This may not sound very exciting, but believe me when I say it will save your wrists and potential shoulder fatigue when cutting hedges. Rather than twisting your torso, you can rotate the clippers, making it far more ergonomic to use and reducing potential hedge-cutting injuries!
How Well Does the Ryobi OHT1855R Cut Hedges?
I used the trimmers to cut a circular box hedge and also reshape a topiary box cone into a pyramid shape. Both of which are tricky shapes and awkward manoeuvres with an electric hedge trimmer. The Ryobi performed really well, giving a clean cut with very few snags. Rotating the handle was really useful and saved arm fatigue. With any motorised hedge clippers, you’re never going to get a mega clean finish as you would with some sharp hand clippers, but they do get you 90% of the way there. For topiary, in particular, I’d recommend finishing off with sharp manual hedge clippers for a laser-accurate clean finish.
I also did a small area of privet which the clippers flew through far faster than the denser box. Again giving a really neat finish to the hedge with minimal damage. You should always take care when clipping hedges and topiary not to snag the hedge or make the trimmer cut thicker branches than specified on its instructions. You will only damage your plants, tools and encourage infection or dieback in your hedges.
Benefits of the Ryobi Hedge Clippers
- Neat clean cuts from the two moving blades
- Easy to spot in a dark garage or on a lawn
- Battery-powered means no more fumes or cables getting in the way
- Rotating handle reduces twisting and contorting to clip hedges
- 30 min plus run time on a single charge
- Cuts through thicker branches than most hedge trimmers
- Battery shared across the whole Ryobi ONE+ tool range
Drawbacks of the Ryobi Hedge Trimmer
- Heavy at 2.7kg
- Relatively expensive compared to entry-level battery-powered competitors
My Verdict
⭐ Garden Ninja Rating: 4 out of 5
A properly capable, easy to start cordless hedge trimmer with a useful rotating handle and a battery that shares across the whole Ryobi ONE+ range. It is heavier and pricier than entry-level rivals, but the ergonomics and cutting performance make up for that on anything beyond the smallest hedge.
The Ryobi hedge clippers were really easy to use, and the bright neon green colour means you couldn’t lose them very easily! The battery charger is easy and sturdy to use. I got 30 minutes of run time out of them and am looking forward to cutting more hedges with them, as they were lovely to use. They are heavier than other hedge clippers at 2.7kg, but you need to weigh this up against their other benefits.
🛒 Buy the Ryobi OHT1855R on Amazon
Other Ryobi Hedge Trimmers to Consider
The OHT1855R is the right choice for most domestic hedges, but Ryobi’s ONE+ range covers a couple of other situations worth knowing about before you buy, both running off the exact same battery you already have.
| Model | Blade | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| OHT1855R (reviewed here) | 55cm, 22mm cut capacity | Everyday domestic hedges and topiary |
| OHT1850X Extended Reach | 50cm, 4-position articulating head | Tall or wide hedges like laurel, conifer and holly that are hard to reach from the ground |
The OHT1850X has a central trigger and a head that articulates into four positions, which makes it a properly different tool to the OHT1855R rather than just a variant. I only reach for mine on very specific jobs, tall Yew hedges or pleached trees where I need extra height without a ladder, since holding any hedge trimmer above shoulder height for long stretches is tiring regardless of how light the tool is. For anything at a normal working height, the OHT1855R remains the one I recommend first.
🛒 Buy the Ryobi OHT1850X on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Ryobi OHT1855R battery last?
On the 2.0Ah battery I tested, I got around 30 minutes of continuous running time on a box hedge. Larger batteries in the ONE+ range will run for longer, and it is worth having a spare charged and ready for bigger hedges.
Is the Ryobi ONE+ battery interchangeable with other tools?
Yes. The same ONE+ battery fits over 100 different Ryobi tools, including mowers, strimmers and leaf blowers, so buying into the platform means you only ever need one battery system for your whole garden kit.
How heavy is the Ryobi OHT1855R hedge trimmer?
It weighs 2.7kg, which is heavier than most entry-level cordless hedge trimmers. The rotating handle helps offset this by reducing the twisting and arm fatigue that usually comes with a heavier tool.
What size branches can the Ryobi hedge trimmer cut?
It will cut branches up to 22mm thick, slightly more than most hedge clippers in its class, and it has an anti-jam feature that cuts the motor automatically if it meets something too thick to cut cleanly.
Is the Ryobi OHT1855R good for topiary and detailed hedge work?
It handles awkward shapes like box cones and topiary well and gets you around 90 percent of the way to a really crisp finish. For the final, laser accurate edge on detailed topiary, I would still finish off by hand with sharp manual shears.
What is the difference between the Ryobi OHT1855R and OHT1850X?
The OHT1855R is a standard hedge trimmer for everyday domestic hedges at normal working height. The OHT1850X is an extended reach model with a four-position articulating head, built specifically for tall or wide hedges you would otherwise need a ladder for. Both run on the same ONE+ battery.
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Summary
The Ryobi OHT1855R earns its place in my shed. It starts easily, cuts branches up to 22mm without complaint, and that rotating handle is the feature I keep coming back to, since it saves your wrists and shoulders on anything beyond a quick trim. At 2.7kg it is heavier than entry level rivals, and it costs more too, but on a proper box hedge or an awkward bit of topiary that weight buys you a cleaner cut and a more comfortable afternoon. If you already own any tool in the Ryobi ONE+ range, or you are thinking about starting, this is a genuinely easy one to recommend. For anything taller or harder to reach, the OHT1850X above covers that gap using the same battery.
Have you used the Ryobi ONE+ tool range? I’d love to hear your thoughts. If you’ve found this review helpful, why not follow me on YouTube where I’ve got plenty of garden guide vlogs, or find me on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram with your questions.
Happy Hedge Cutting!
Lee Burkhill
Lee Burkhill, known as the Garden Ninja, is an award-winning garden designer and horticulturist with over 30 years of gardening experience and 15 years as a professional garden designer. A qualified RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) professional, Lee specialises in sustainable garden design and practical horticultural advice. He designs and presents on BBC1’s Garden Rescue and in leading gardening publications. Lee combines three decades of hands-on gardening knowledge with professional design qualifications to help gardeners create beautiful, functional outdoor spaces.
View all posts by Lee Burkhill
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