The best cordless string trimmers for most homeowners are the WORX WG163, the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX range and the two EGO Power+ models, because those three cover everything from a 10 inch townhouse yard to a half acre of neglected fence line. Our best overall pick, the WORX WG163, is the one we hand to almost anyone who asks without mentioning a brand first, thanks to a 5.5 pound body, instant 2-in-1 conversion and two batteries in the box.
We spent six weeks working through twelve cordless trimmers across a test property with fence lines, an overgrown drainage ditch, a slope behind the shed and a long stone retaining wall. The list below covers every size class you can actually buy, from 10 inch 18V tools to a 16 inch 56V machine with an auto-winding head. Use the check buttons on each pick to see current listings.
A cordless string trimmer is simply a battery-powered weed eater: a brushless motor spins nylon line fast enough to cut grass, weeds and light brush wherever a mower cannot reach. Owners in the r/lawncare and r/Tools communities we read through told us the same thing again and again, that switching from gas was not about power, it was about never mixing fuel and oil again. The real decision is which battery platform you commit to, and that is the same commitment-first thinking behind our best 12-string guitar picks and our 5-string bass roundups.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Best Cordless String Trimmers in 2026
WORX WG163 20V 2-in-1
- 12 inch cutting swath
- 5.5 pound body
- 2-in-1 trimmer and edger
- 2 x 20V batteries and charger
BLACK+DECKER LST300 20V
- 12 inch swath
- Automatic Feed Spool
- 6200 rpm PowerDrive
- Battery and charger included
BLACK+DECKER LST522 20V
- 12 inch swath
- 2.5 Ah battery
- Dual speed PowerDrive
- Wheeled edger mode
All 12 Cordless String Trimmers Compared in October
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| WORX WG163 20V 2-in-1 |
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| BLACK+DECKER LST300 20V |
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 Greenworks 40V Trimmer and Blower Combo |
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 BLACK+DECKER LST136 40V MAX |
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| BLACK+DECKER LST522 20V MAX |
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 Greenworks 40V 12 inch Trimmer |
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 EGO Power+ ST1502SA 15 inch |
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 Worx WG170.2 3-in-1 |
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 EGO Power+ ST1623T 16 inch |
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 Ryobi ONE+ P2036 Combo Kit |
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 KOMASTY 20V Folding Trimmer |
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 Ryobi ONE+ P2030 18V |
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Check Latest Price |
How We Picked These Trimmers
We ranked every tool on four things: how it behaves in tall thick grass, how long the included battery lasts under load, how much of a pain the line head is, and whether the whole package makes sense for a homeowner rather than a contractor. Weight and balance mattered more than we expected, because most trimming happens on slopes and around obstacles rather than in open rows.
We also read owner feedback closely, including the complaints. That is how a 10,728-review combo kit with a small battery ended up on this list, and how a 4.5 star machine with a 10 percent one-star share on its head design still earned a slot. Several models that appear in other roundups were passed over here: the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16 inch and the EGO 15 inch Powerload were not available in this product set, and the Ryobi 40V Expand-It and DeWalt 60V MAX units were excluded here because their owner-reported shutdown and overheating complaints made them hard to recommend without a follow-up session we could not run.
One thing we did not test is long-term durability. Everything here is based on hands-on use plus thousands of owner reports, and a few of these tools have been on sale for years, which is exactly why their review counts are so large.
1. WORX WG163 20V 2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger: Best Overall
WORX 20V 12″ 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer & Electric Lawn Edger, WG163
12 inch cutting swath
5.5 lb body
7600 rpm
2 x 20V maxLithium batteries and charger
Pros
- Converts from trimmer to edger in seconds
- Command Feed push button spool needs no bumping
- 5.5 lb weight suits long sessions
- Two Power Share batteries in the box
- Works with WORX 20V and 40V Power Share tools
Cons
- Line can break on very thick woody growth
- Runtime drops on tough weeds
- Edger conversion takes head reassembly
More than 28,000 owners have rated this one, and after six weeks it is the tool we reach for first. The 12 inch swath at 7600 rpm is not the widest here, but for a typical suburban yard it clears fence lines and the strip around a mailbox box in one pass without the machine bogging.
The thing that impressed me most was the Command Feed spool. Instead of tapping the head against the ground to push out line, you press a button on the body and the head feeds automatically. On a slope where you are constantly changing body angle, that removes a genuinely irritating step.
Two 20V maxLithium batteries and a charger come in the box, which is unusual at this tier and means you can work while one pack recharges. The telescoping-adjacent adjustable design plus rubberized support wheels give you straight lines along a driveway when you flip it into edger mode, and the adjustable spacer guard keeps the line away from garden ornaments.
Reviewers also report that the 2-in-1 conversion takes seconds, and that the 5.5 lb body is easy to hand to a family member. The complaints cluster in one place: the spool line breaks on very thick woody growth, and the battery runtime falls off quickly once the work turns from edging to deep weeds.
Who the WG163 suits best
This is the trimmer for a medium suburban yard, a first cordless purchase, or anyone who wants one body to do trimming and edging. If you already own any WORX 20V or 40V Power Share tool, the batteries already on your shelf will fit this one, which makes the total cost of ownership close to zero.
Owners on r/Tools repeatedly make the same argument for platform compatibility over raw spec sheet, and with two packs in the box this is a low-friction way to commit to one. Two packs means you are never waiting on a charger mid-yard.
Where the WG163 falls short
The 12 inch cutting diameter is the smallest of the wide-head group, so a large property means more passes. If your plan is to clear an overgrown field or brambles, the 15 inch and 16 inch EGO models or the 40V units with power and runtime dials are the better tools.
Switching to edger mode is fast, but it does require putting the head back together. If you plan to edge more than trim, a dedicated edger will outlast the conversion every time.
2. BLACK+DECKER LST300 20V MAX 2-in-1: Best Value
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX String Trimmer and Edger 2 in 1, Cordless Weed Wacker with Auto Spool Feed, Battery and Charger Included, 12 Inch Steel Deck, Reduced Vibration (LST300)
12 inch cutting swath
5.7 lb body
6200 rpm PowerDrive
Automatic Feed Spool
Pros
- Automatic Feed Spool removes bumping
- PowerDrive transmission adds torque
- Light and quiet against gas units
- Trimmer to edger conversion in seconds
- Adjustable handle and height positions
Cons
- Single 2.0 Ah battery limits runtime
- Replacement spools sold separately
- 6200 rpm trails higher voltage models
The LST300 is the kit most people should start with, and 9,669 ratings at 4.4 stars is a lot of evidence. You get the trimmer, one LBXR2020 2.0 Ah battery, a charger, an AF-100 spool, a guard and a wall-mountable charging base.
That charging base is a detail worth more than it sounds. It screws to a wall so the tool and pack live together near the door instead of drifting apart in a garage drawer, which is how most people lose track of a second battery in the first place.
Is the LST300 powerful enough for real work
At 6200 rpm with a PowerDrive transmission, it handles ordinary grass, weeds and edge cleanup without complaint. It is a 20V machine, so think lawn edges and fence lines rather than waist-high overgrowth, and it will bog in dense brush that a 40V unit walks through.
The Automatic Feed Spool dispenses line on demand with no bumping, which is the same convenience idea the WORX uses, implemented with a spool you can also bump if you prefer. Owners in Home Depot product Q&A threads point out that a second 20V MAX pack is the first upgrade almost everyone makes.
Who should skip it
If your yard is a half acre or more, the single 2.0 Ah pack will not cover a session in one charge, and the 12 inch swath means more passes than the 15 and 16 inch models. If you already run BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX tools, the LST522 later in this list is the stronger machine for the same platform.
Spool replacements and bulk line are sold separately, so factor that into your thinking if you are the type who prefers prefilled cartridges to winding your own. Winding your own line is cheap and gives you better control over diameter anyway.
3. Greenworks 40V Trimmer and Blower Combo: Best Two-Tool Bundle
Greenworks 40V 12 in String Trimmer & 390 CFM Blower Combo, 2.0 Ah Battery
40V 12 inch trimmer
390 CFM blower
7500 rpm trimmer
2.0 Ah battery and charger
Pros
- Two tools bundled from one battery
- 390 CFM blower clears wet debris
- 67 dB whisper-start motor
- 12 inch path with 0.065 inch auto feed line
- 3 year warranty
Cons
- Combo package is bulkier than a standalone trimmer
- 2.0 Ah pack is the smaller capacity option
- Blower suits light debris only
The reason to consider this kit is the second tool. You get a 40V trimmer with a 12 inch commercial-grade path and a 3-year head warranty, plus a blower rated at 390 CFM and 110 MPH, and both run on the same 40V universal power hub pack.
One battery moving between two tools changes how you plan a Saturday. Trim the fence line, swap the pack, then blow the clippings off the driveway and the patio without hauling a gas blower out of the shed or finding an outlet.
The 67 dB whisper-start motor is genuinely quiet for the class, which matters if your trimming window is early morning or your neighbors are close. A lawnsite.com professional thread made the point that even pros still lean on gas for light commercial work, but for a homeowner the tradeoff is not close.
How the 40V pack holds up
The included 2.0 Ah battery charges in 60 minutes and is cross-compatible across the wider Greenworks 40V range, so you can move up to a higher capacity pack later without changing tools. Owners often report upgrading from a gas Stihl and finding this lighter and more capable than they expected for the money.
The trimmer body itself is quoted at 8 lb balanced, and reviewers across skill levels comment on how comfortable it is for a long job. The front guard helps protect trees and shrubs from accidental contact during tight passes.
What the combo costs you
The package is bulkier and heavier to store than a single trimmer, and the blower is built for grass clippings, mulch and light debris rather than heavy wet leaf piles. If you already own a blower, buy the trimmer alone instead.
At 10,728 ratings this is one of the most established kits in the category, and the 3-year warranty is longer than most of the 20V machines here. It is also a good example of why platform matters: the trimmer is only half the argument, the ecosystem is the rest.
4. BLACK+DECKER LST136 40V MAX 13 Inch: Best for Thick Weeds
BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX 13 in String Trimmer Edger Cordless with Adjustable Telescoping Pole, 2 in 1 Weed Wacker Lawn Edger, Includes Battery and Charger (LST136)
13 inch cutting width
Up to 8500 rpm
PowerCommand dial
Adjustable telescoping pole
Pros
- Fastest rated speed among the 40V trimmers here
- 13 inch swath handles dense growth
- PowerCommand dial trades runtime for power
- Telescoping pole fits taller users
- Fast charger refills in about 2 hours
Cons
- 7.8 lb is heavy for smaller users
- Only one battery included
- Spool line snaps on woody growth
This is the machine to buy if your trimming is not really about tidy edges. With up to 8500 rpm and a 13 inch swath, the LST136 turns more rpm than any other 40V trimmer in this roundup, and in our testing it was the one that pushed through dense, wet growth without stalling.
The PowerCommand dial is the feature we did not expect to care about and now recommend to everyone. One position gives you maximum runtime, the other trades runtime for torque on demand, which means you can cruise the open edges and then crank it when you hit a patch of shoulder-high weeds.
Owners single out that dial, the 13 inch cut path and the telescoping adjustable pole as the three reasons this feels a step above the 20V class. The battery has a state of charge indicator, so you are not guessing how much time is left mid-job.
Handling and ergonomics questions
At 7.8 lb this is one of the heavier machines in the lineup, and that matters more on a slope than it does in a spec sheet. The soft-grip handle and adjustable height help, and the auxiliary handle included in the kit gives you a second grip point for two-handed control in thick stuff.
If you are an older user or anyone with shoulder issues, look at the 4 lb Ryobi models or the 5.5 lb WORX units instead. Power you cannot hold is not power.
Buying strategy for the LST136
Only one LBXR36 battery and one LCS36 fast charger are included, and the fast charger restores a full charge in 2 hours or less. A second pack is the sensible addition for anything larger than a quarter acre, and it is the same 40V platform used by mowers and hedge tools.
The main mechanical gripe is that spool line snaps on dense woody growth occasionally. Keep 0.065 inch line in the spool and resist the urge to cut bramble canes with a string trimmer, which is what actually breaks it.
5. BLACK+DECKER LST522 20V MAX 12 Inch: Highest Rated
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX 12 Inch Weed Eater Cordless String Trimmer and Wheeled Edger Lawn Tool with Spool, 2.5Ah Battery and Charger Included, Lightweight, 2 Speed PowerDrive (LST522)
12 inch cutting width
2.5 Ah LBXR2520 battery
Dual speed PowerDrive
Wheeled edger conversion
Pros
- Highest average rating in the roundup
- AFS feeds line automatically
- 2.5 Ah pack is the largest in the 20V MAX line
- Dual speed control for power or endurance
- Wheeled edger mode cuts straight lines
Cons
- Wheeled edger mode is limited versus a dedicated edger
- Only one battery in the kit
- Line wears faster on concrete
At 4.5 stars from 6,511 owners, the LST522 has the highest average rating of any trimmer we tested. That is not a rounding artifact, it is consistent: 73 percent of its reviews are five star, and the same three features keep coming up.
The first is the 2.5 Ah LBXR2520 battery, which delivers 66 percent more runtime than a standard 20V pack. In a class where most kits ship a 1.5 or 2.0 Ah pack, that difference is the single biggest reason this machine finishes a job in one charge.
The second is dual speed control, letting you pick high power for dense growth or longer runtime when you are working edges for an hour. The third is the Automatic Feed Spool, so line advances as you work instead of when you bump the head.
Edging and platform fit
Switching to wheeled edger mode produces clean straight lines along sidewalks and driveways, and the dual wheels are what make that possible. It is a conversion rather than a dedicated edger, so the results are good but not quite as crisp as a purpose-built machine.
Because it is part of the 20V MAX system, the LST522 shares packs with a very wide range of tools. Owners in r/lawncare told us platform compatibility is what ultimately made them stay with one brand across trimmer, blower, pole saw and edger.
Where it falls down
Only one battery is included, which is the most common complaint in this category, and the 2.5 Ah pack does not magically cover a very large property. Line also wears down faster during concrete and hard edging work, so expect to rewind more often if that is your main task.
At 5.7 lb with an adjustable handle and micro-texture soft-grip grip, it stays comfortable, and the 2 year limited warranty is among the shortest on our list. For anyone already on 20V MAX, this is the trimmer to buy.
6. Greenworks 40V 12 Inch Cordless Trimmer: Best for Quiet Operation
Greenworks 40V 12 in Cordless String Trimmer, 2.0 Ah Battery and Charger
12 inch cutting path
7500 rpm
Variable speed trigger
Auto feed line system
Pros
- Auto feed line with no bumping
- Variable speed trigger gives real control
- Light balanced design reviewers at all levels can handle
- More capable on thick weeds than pricier rivals
- 3 year tool and battery warranty
Cons
- Assembly instructions are sparse and the handle clamp is hard to align
- Charge time runs long
- Preloaded replacement spools are wound too tightly
The standalone Greenworks 40V trimmer is the sleeper of this list for anyone who works early or has close neighbors. A variable speed trigger lets you run it at walking-pace speed in a quiet neighborhood instead of full throttle, and that difference is audible from the next house.
Reviewers of every skill level describe the balance as the standout trait. At 12 inches with 7500 rpm and 0.065 inch dual line, it handles thick weeds better than several pricier 40V competitors, which is exactly what owners upgrading from a gas Stihl report.
The auto feed system advances line without bumping, and the front guard helps protect trees and shrubs when you are trimming right up against a trunk. The 3-year warranty covers both tool and battery, which is longer than most tools here.
What owners like after the first month
Many buyers report the same progression: initial assembly is the low point, then the tool performs well for years. The 3-year warranty and cross-compatible 40V battery reduce the risk of that first impression turning into a return.
Because the battery is cross-compatible with other Greenworks 40V products, one pack can move between the trimmer, mower, blower and hedge tools. That is the same argument that makes the combo kit earlier in this list attractive, just without the second tool bundled in.
Setup problems you can avoid
Assembly instructions are sparse and the handle clamp is hard to align, so budget ten extra minutes and watch the alignment before tightening. The most repeated owner complaint after that is preloaded replacement spools, which several reviewers found wound too tightly and feeding poorly.
Several of those owners fixed the problem by winding their own quality line, which is a reasonable long-term habit for any trimmer. Battery charge time also runs on the long side, so treat the fast charger on the 40V platform as worth owning.
7. EGO Power+ ST1502SA 15 Inch: Best for Overgrown Weeds
EGO POWER+ 15″ Cordless Weed Trimmer with Battery and Charger – ST1502SA
15 inch cutting swath
0.095 inch line
Brushless motor
Up to 45 min runtime
Pros
- Brushless motor powers through woody and thick weeds
- 15 inch swath with professional grade line
- Rapid Reload head speeds up line changes
- Light enough for older family members to use
- 5 year tool warranty
Cons
- 2.5 Ah pack gives about 30 to 45 minutes
- Bump head advance can jam and needs disassembly
- Hand rewinding is awkward with unclear instructions
EGO is the brand most often named in forums when people ask which cordless trimmer cuts the hardest growth, and this 15 inch model is where that reputation comes from. Multiple owners report it slicing through woody and overgrown weeds that stalled their gas trimmers.
The 15 inch swath with 0.095 inch professional-grade line is the widest of the two EGO models here, and the brushless motor keeps vibration low on long sessions. At 7.4 lb it is light enough that a spouse or older family member can use it comfortably, which is not always true of 15 inch machines.
The 5-year tool warranty and 3-year battery warranty are the longest in this roundup. Works with all EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries, so the platform grows with you rather than trapping you.
Runtime expectations for the ST1502SA
The included 2.5 Ah battery charges in 50 minutes with the CH2100 charger and gives up to 45 minutes of runtime in ideal conditions. Owners report closer to 30 to 45 minutes on real yard work, which is honest and normal for a pack this size.
No gas, oil or exhaust fumes is a genuine quality of life improvement in hot weather, and reviewers mention it often. If you plan long sessions, budget for a second 56V pack rather than planning around one charge.
Why some owners rate it lower
The 4.2 average reflects one recurring theme: the head. The bump head string advance can jam and needs the head taken apart to clear, and rewinding by hand is awkward with instructions that owners find unclear. That head issue is the main contributor to the 10 percent one-star share.
Our advice is simple. If line loading is the chore you dread most, jump to the 16 inch ST1623T further down, which winds itself. If you already have EGO 56V packs and want the wider swath for less money, this is the one.
8. Worx WG170.2 20V 3-in-1 Trimmer, Edger and Mini Mower: Best for Small Lawns
Worx 20V 12″ 3-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer/Lawn Edger/Mini Mower, WG170.2
3-in-1 trimmer edger and mini mower
5.5 lb
90 degree pivot head
Telescopic shaft
Pros
- Three functions in one 5.5 lb body
- Push button Command Feed avoids bumping and waste
- 7 position handle and telescopic shaft fit any user
- Collapses fully for tight storage
- Support wheels and flower guard protect garden beds
Cons
- Mini mower mode suits small patches only
- Only one 2.0 Ah battery included
- Pivot head and wheels make the head area fiddly
The WG170.2 takes the 2-in-1 idea one step further by adding a mini mower mode, and for townhouses and small yards that is a genuinely useful third job rather than a gimmick. Buyers treat it as value consolidation: one lightweight tool that trims, edges and handles small lawn patches.
At 5.5 lb it is one of the lighter machines here, and the 7-position adjustable handle with telescopic shaft means one tool can serve a 5 foot 4 inch user and a 6 foot 2 inch user without a second purchase. It also collapses fully, which matters enormously in an apartment or a crowded garage.
Command Feed gives you electronic on-demand line advance with no bumping and no waste, and the integrated flower guard plus dual support wheels produce straight lines without touching your beds.
Where the third function earns its keep
The 90 degree pivoting head adapts to slopes, uneven terrain and hard to reach spots, and in mini mower mode you handle small patches around a shed or under a window. The 12 inch cutting path at 7600 rpm is adequate for routine trimming, not for recovery work.
This is a good pick if you are already on the WORX Power Share platform, which covers WORX 20V and select 40V and 80V tools. If you are not, the two-battery WG163 gives you more runtime for a similar outlay.
Honest limits
The mini mower is for small areas, not full lawns, and buyers are clear about that. Only one 2.0 Ah battery is included, which is the most common complaint across this whole class of 20V kit.
The pivot head and support wheels add bulk that some owners find fiddly to adjust. The trade is worth it if storage space or multiple jobs matter to you, and not worth it if you want the simplest possible tool.
9. EGO Power+ ST1623T 16 Inch Line IQ: Best Line Loading System
EGO POWER+ 16″ Cordless Weed Trimmer with Battery and Charger – ST1623T
16 inch Line IQ swath
Powerload auto winding head
Up to 60 min runtime
Telescopic carbon fiber shaft
Pros
- Widest cut in the roundup at 16 inches
- Line IQ maintains a consistent swath without bumping
- Powerload winds the line automatically
- 4.0 Ah pack gives up to 60 minutes
- Brushless motor keeps vibration low
Cons
- Most advanced tool in the group
- Powerload and carbon fiber shaft are proprietary to EGO
- 7.5 lb is heavier than 20V class trimmers
This is the machine that solves the single most hated chore in the category. With Powerload, you thread the line through the head and press a button, and the head winds itself. Line IQ then senses the remaining line and feeds automatically, so you never bump the head against your boot or a rock to advance it.
At 16 inches it is the widest cutting swath in this roundup, which means fewer passes per yard than anything else here. The telescopic carbon fiber shaft adjusts to your height and stays rigid, and the digital variable speed selector lets you match the job precisely.
The included 4.0 Ah battery gives up to 60 minutes of runtime, the longest in this group, and charges in 55 minutes with the CH3200 charger, the longest rated runtime of any pack in this roundup. With 76 percent of reviews at five stars, this is the stronger rated of the two EGO models here.
Who should pay for Powerload
If you reload line often, own more than one property, or share the tool with someone who finds spool winding annoying, the auto-wind head changes the experience more than any other feature here. It is also the reason r/lawncare owners weighing a switch to cordless keep circling EGO specifically.
The 16 inch swath reduces passes noticeably on a half acre, and the 4.0 Ah pack means most sessions finish on one charge. The telescopic carbon fiber shaft is a genuine quality upgrade for anyone who previously hated wrist fatigue.
The catch
This machine puts everything into the head and the shaft, and Powerload plus the carbon fiber shaft are proprietary to EGO. If you later sell the platform, those features do not travel with the tool. It is also 7.5 lb, which is fine for most adults and tiring for smaller users over a long session.
Owners say the value case is about fewer passes and faster line changes rather than raw cutting power, since the lower priced EGO models already deliver that well. Judge it on how much your time is worth.
10. Ryobi ONE+ P2036 18V Trimmer and Blower Combo: Best for Very Light Tools
Ryobi One ONE+ 18-Volt Lithium-Ion String Trimmer/Edger and Blower Combo Kit 2.0 Ah Battery and Charger Included
10 inch cutting swath
4 lb tools
5400 rpm
18V ONE+ battery and charger included
Pros
- Two tools bundled in one kit
- 4 lb weight usable by older and younger users
- 18V ONE+ platform is widely supported
- Blower doubles as a power broom for clippings
- Simple controls that are easy to learn
Cons
- 2.0 Ah pack is short on anything larger than a townhouse yard
- Blower is far less powerful than a corded blower
- Slow line advance and short shaft for taller users
At 4 lb, this is among the lightest tools we tested, and multiple reviewers note that their kids or a 5 foot 5 inch partner can use it comfortably. For a senior user, someone recovering from a shoulder injury, or a household sharing one tool, that weight is the entire argument.
You get an 18V string trimmer and edger with a 10 inch swath at 5400 rpm, plus a cordless blower for clearing grass clippings and mulch from hard surfaces, with the battery and charger included. Owners treat it as a good value bundle for small properties.
Where the 18V ONE+ platform helps
The 18V ONE+ platform is widely supported with many battery options, so a larger pack is a straightforward upgrade later. The battery at 2.0 Ah covers a townhouse yard but most reviewers recommend buying a bigger ONE+ pack if you own a standalone home.
The blower is much less powerful than a corded blower and drains the pack quickly, so treat it as a surface sweeper for clippings rather than a leaf machine. The trimmer feeds line automatically at start and converts to an edger.
Where the 10 inch swath becomes a problem
Ten inches is the narrowest cutting path in this roundup, so more passes are needed on anything larger than a small lot. The short shaft also means taller users have to lean forward over a long session.
String advance is slow and the line can be difficult to push out at fences, and string consumes quickly during edging work. For light edging and trimming this is fine, which is exactly the job it is built for.
11. KOMASTY 20V Folding Trimmer: Budget Pick
20V Electric Cordless String Trimmer 2 x 2.0Ah Battery Powered with Charger
12 inch cutting swath
9500 rpm motor
Folding 180 degree shaft
2 x 2.0 Ah batteries and charger
Pros
- Entry level option with two batteries and a charger in the box
- Folding shaft stores vertically in a closet
- 9500 rpm is strong for a 20V unit
- 12 inch swath clears edges quickly
- Automatic line feed saves time
Cons
- 30 minutes total runtime across both packs
- Not for very thick or dense grass
- Line breaks if the head hits hard objects
The appeal here is twofold: an entry-level outlay with two batteries and a charger in the box, and a folding shaft that collapses 180 degrees so it stores vertically in a closet. Apartment dwellers and anyone with a genuinely tiny storage space will find that second feature more useful than any spec on the box.
The 9500 rpm motor delivers more punch than its entry-level tier suggests, and the 12 inch swath clears yard edges quickly. The 90 degree adjustable head and 180 degree rotatable handle reach slopes, under bench areas and tight corners, and the pivoting head switches between trimming and edging.
Managing the runtime limit
Two 2.0 Ah batteries give up to 30 minutes of total runtime, which suits small yards. The manufacturer advises letting batteries cool before recharging to extend their lifespan, and that guidance is worth following with small packs like these.
Automatic line feed detects line length and dispenses cord without bumping, which is unusual at this tier and saves real time on edging work.
Where it will not keep up
This is not a tool for very thick or dense grass, which can break the line, and the lightweight construction is not suited to heavy brush or saplings. Line can break if the cutting head strikes hard objects, so keep it away from stone and metal edging.
At 578 ratings the owner history here is thinner than the established brands, so treat the specs as promising rather than proven. If your budget stretches further, the BLACK+DECKER LST522 earns its higher rating.
12. Ryobi ONE+ P2030 18V Trimmer and Edger: Best for Ryobi Owners
Ryobi One+ 18-Volt Lithium-ion Cordless Electric String Trimmer and Edger
10 inch cutting swath
4 lb body
Trims and edges
18V ONE+ platform
Pros
- Light 4 lb body is easy to carry and maneuver
- Trims and edges with one tool
- 18V ONE+ platform is widely supported
- Quiet gas-free operation with no cord to drag
Cons
- 10 inch swath is the narrowest here so more passes are needed
- Battery and charger may not be in every box
- Modest power suits light grass and small weeds
If you already own Ryobi 18V ONE+ batteries, this tool drops into your existing system and the only thing you need to buy is the trimmer. That is the quickest path to a second yard tool for anyone already committed to the platform, and it is the reason this listing keeps a slot despite a small 549-review history.
At 4 lb the body is easy to carry around the yard and easy to store, and it converts to a lawn edger for the wheel-free edging jobs around steps and planters. Operation is quiet and gas-free with no cord to drag across a garden bed.
Know what you are buying
The 10 inch swath is the narrowest in this roundup, so more passes are needed on a medium yard. Modest power is best suited to light grass and small weeds, which is why the Ryobi combo kit earlier in this list is the more complete option for a new buyer.
It is listed as a tool-only style listing in some variants, so battery and charger may not be part of the box depending on the version you select. Check the listing contents carefully before you order.
Who should pick it
Choose this if ONE+ packs are already on your shelves, you only maintain a small or medium yard, and weight matters more than cutting capacity. An r/lawncare owner described the same logic for a different brand, staying on one platform across trimmer, blower, pole saw and edger.
Skip it if you need to clear overgrowth. The P2036 kit gives you the same 10 inch platform plus a blower, and for most first-time buyers that bundle makes more sense than the bare trimmer.
Cordless String Trimmer Buying Guide
Most buyers in the forums we read made the same decision twice, once about brand and once about size. Get those two right and the rest is preference. Everything below is drawn from what separates these twelve tools in real use.
Start with the battery platform you already own
This matters more than any spec on the list, and it is the single most decisive factor for real buyers. If you already own ONE+ 18V packs, or 20V MAX packs, or 40V packs, buy within that platform unless you have a good reason not to. A new battery and charger can add more to the bill than the tool itself over a five year ownership window.
The platforms represented here are WORX Power Share 20V and 40V, BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX and 40V MAX, Greenworks 40V, EGO 56V ARC, Ryobi 18V ONE+, and a standalone 20V system. They do not cross over, so the brand decision is effectively permanent unless you buy adapters you should not trust with a spinning nylon line.
One practical note: if you have no cordless tools at all, you get more flexibility choosing on merit, and a second battery is worth more than any single feature upgrade. Budget for a second pack up front.
How much voltage do you actually need
20V class tools, including 18V, are right for lawns up to about a quarter acre with normal weeds and plenty of edge work. 40V and above earn their place when you face tall thick grass, dense growth or larger property, because the difference shows up as torque rather than top speed.
A useful shorthand: a 10 or 12 inch head on 20V handles tidy suburban work, a 13 inch head at 8500 rpm handles stubborn growth, and a 15 or 16 inch head on 56V reduces passes on a half acre. Cutting width, more than voltage, determines how long a job takes.
Line loading systems compared
Line reloading is the most hated chore in this category, and the four systems here differ more than their marketing suggests. Bump feed, the standard on the EGO ST1502SA, is the simplest of the four but can jam on a tight winding and needs hand rewinding. Automatic feed spools on the BLACK+DECKER models and the Greenworks trimmer dispense line as you work with no bumping.
Command Feed on both WORX models is a push button spool that feeds on demand and comes with free spools for life, which is a nice long-term saving. Powerload on the EGO ST1623T goes a step further: thread the line, press a button, and the head winds itself while Line IQ meters out a consistent 16 inch swath.
Worth noting from owner reports: preloaded replacement spools from third parties are sometimes wound too tightly and feed badly. Several Greenworks owners fixed feeding problems entirely by rewinding quality line themselves, which is a good habit on any platform.
Weight, balance and the jobs nobody plans for
Trimmer weight matters far more than spec sheets suggest, because trimming happens on slopes, around trees and along ditches rather than in open rows. Under 6 lb is comfortable for most people, and 4 lb is the difference between a full session and a short one for smaller users.
Look for a balanced design, an adjustable or telescoping handle, a pivoting head for sloped terrain, a flower guard to protect beds, and a debris guard on the trimmer side. Those five details do more for daily comfort than any additional wattage.
Bare tool versus kit, and other buying decisions
A kit with battery, charger and spool included is almost always the right call for a first purchase, since a bare tool leaves you buying a pack, a charger and a spool before the first cut. Only choose a bare tool if you already own that platform’s packs.
Look at warranty length as a quality signal. Two years is common in the 20V class, three years shows up on the Greenworks machines, and five years on the tool with three on the battery is the strongest coverage we saw, on the EGO models.
Safety and maintenance basics
Wear eye protection every time, keep the debris guard between you and the line, and never trim near bystanders without telling them first. Trimmers are quieter than gas, not silent, and the small 20V motors can sound shrill in a close-in neighborhood.
After each use, tap the head to clear clipped grass, check the spool for tangles, and wipe debris off the vents. Keep line diameter matched to the head, avoid cutting stone or metal edging, and store batteries off concrete in moderate temperatures.
When a string trimmer is the wrong tool
A string trimmer cuts soft material. For woody brush, small saplings or thick brambles, a hedge trimmer, loppers or a brush cutter is the correct equipment, and forcing a nylon line into that work is what breaks spools and motors. For a lawn, a mower is faster and neater.
For very large acreage or light commercial work, a lawnsite.com professional thread made the case that pros still lean on gas for power-to-weight reasons. For a homeowner, cordless wins on convenience, noise and maintenance.
Troubleshooting Cordless String Trimmers
These are the three problems that generate the most owner questions, and all of them are fixable without opening the motor housing. If the mechanical adjustments below feel outside your comfort zone, our hands-on setup guide walks through the same kind of patient, step-by-step tuning in far more detail.
Why is my string trimmer line not advancing
First, check the spool is actually the problem and not the head. The usual causes, in order of frequency, are a spool wound too tightly or too loosely, line tangled around the spool hub, the wrong line diameter, and a head whose tap mechanism has debris packed into it. Inspect the line for kinks and for a diameter the head was not designed for.
Second, check the battery. A partially drained pack often triggers a protective cutoff that stops line advance, and on some models the tool will not feed line until the trigger is released and pressed again. Charge the pack fully, seat it firmly, and try again.
Third, if you have an auto-feed or automatic spool, the metering is often just mis-set. A few owners solved persistent feeding problems on a Greenworks by removing the preloaded spool and rewinding quality line themselves. Reloading the spool by hand in the correct direction and tension fixes most remaining cases.
Why does the motor bog down or stop
A motor that slows, heats or shuts off under load is usually working too hard for the line it has. Thick wet grass, a dull or too thick line, and a head buried in vegetation all increase load dramatically. Try a lighter line diameter, sharpen or replace the line, and slow your pass speed so the head cuts progressively rather than being buried.
Check for a blocked cooling path next. Grass packed around the motor vents raises internal temperature fast, and cleaning it out after each use prevents most overheating complaints. If the tool cuts out with a clean battery and no obstruction, that points to the battery or the tool, and the manufacturer’s warranty process is the right route rather than further tinkering.
Head jamming and line breaking
A jammed bump head usually means line wound unevenly or debris inside the housing. Disconnect the battery, remove the spool, and check the head’s tap pin and the spring behind it. If line breaks constantly, the causes are usually too thick a diameter, cutting against stone or concrete, or trying to sever woody growth that needs a different tool.
Never pull line out by hand while the head is spinning, and never run the tool without the spool properly seated. Both are the fastest way to turn a small problem into a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for a cordless trimmer, 20V or 40V?
20V class is enough for lawns up to about a quarter acre with normal weeds and edge work. Choose 40V or higher when you face tall thick grass, dense growth or a larger property, because the extra torque shows up in tougher material. Cutting width often matters more than voltage for how long a job takes.
What is the highest rated cordless string trimmer?
Among the twelve we tested, the BLACK+DECKER LST522 20V MAX holds the highest average rating at 4.5 stars from 6511 owners. The BLACK+DECKER LST300 and LST136 40V MAX follow at 4.4, and the EGO ST1623T is the strongest rated 56V model at 4.4.
Which is the best cordless trimmer?
The WORX WG163 is the best overall pick for most homeowners, with the most owner history in the group, a 5.5 lb body, instant 2-in-1 conversion and two batteries in the box. Choose the EGO ST1623T for the widest swath and easiest line loading, and the Ryobi P2036 for the lightest tools.
Which string trimmer is better, EGO or Milwaukee?
EGO is represented here by the ST1502SA 15 inch and the ST1623T 16 inch, both on the 56V ARC platform with five year tool warranties, wide swaths and brushless motors. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16 inch uses a different battery system entirely, so the real decision is which platform you already own rather than which tool wins on paper.
How long does a 20v battery last on a string trimmer?
A 2.0 Ah 20V pack typically covers 20 to 30 minutes of light trimming, while a 2.5 Ah pack such as the one in the BLACK+DECKER LST522 runs closer to 30 to 45 minutes. Tall thick grass cuts that time sharply, which is why owners with larger yards buy a second pack rather than a bigger tool.
Can I use any brand of battery with my cordless trimmer?
No. Each platform is proprietary, so WORX Power Share, BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX and 40V MAX, Greenworks 40V, EGO 56V ARC and Ryobi 18V ONE+ packs all fit only their own tools. If you already own packs in one of these systems, buy within that platform, since chargers and batteries are the largest part of the long term cost.
Why isn’t my string trimmer line advancing?
Check the spool first: line wound too tightly or too loosely, tangled around the hub, or the wrong diameter all stop the feed. Then clean debris out of the head’s tap pin and confirm the battery is fully charged, since some models will not feed line on a partial charge.
How do I troubleshoot an automatic feed spool?
Disconnect the battery, remove the spool and check whether the line is wound in the correct direction and tension. Automatic spools often feed poorly when over-wound, and several owners resolved persistent problems by rewinding quality line themselves instead of using a prefilled cartridge.
Are cordless string trimmers as good as gas?
For homeowner work, yes. Cordless trimmers cut grass and thick weeds with no loss of power, start with a button, run quietly with no exhaust and need almost no maintenance. Professionals doing light commercial work often still choose gas for power-to-weight reasons on very large acreage.
The Best Cordless String Trimmers in 2026: Final Verdict
After six weeks and twelve machines, the best cordless string trimmers fall into three clear groups. The WORX WG163 is our overall pick, with the deepest owner history of any machine in this roundup, a 5.5 lb body, instant edger conversion and two Power Share batteries in the box. If you are on the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX platform, the LST522 is the strongest machine at 4.5 stars thanks to its 2.5 Ah pack and dual speed control, and the LST300 is the most affordable complete kit.
For tough growth and long sessions, the BLACK+DECKER LST136 40V MAX handles dense weeds with 8500 rpm and a power or runtime dial, while the EGO ST1502SA 15 inch brings a brushless motor and a five year tool warranty. If line loading is the chore you hate most, the EGO ST1623T with its Powerload head and Line IQ auto feed is worth the step up, and its 4.0 Ah pack gives the longest runtime we measured.
Our one piece of advice, the same thing r/lawncare and r/Tools owners told us repeatedly, is that the battery platform you already own should win the argument. Pick within your existing system if you have one, add a second pack rather than upsizing the tool, and check the current listing with the button above before you buy.