Best Battery String Trimmers

8 Best Battery String Trimmers (August 2026)

A few years ago, I would have laughed at the idea of a battery string trimmer keeping up with my old gas Echo. After testing the best battery string trimmers of 2026 across three very different yards, including my own half-acre lot in the Piedmont clay, I am officially converted. The newest 56V and 60V cordless models now deliver gas-class torque without the earplugs, the gas cans, or the winter carburetor headaches.

Our team spent the spring season running eight cordless weed eaters from brands like EGO Power+, DeWalt, WORX, BLACK+DECKER, and Greenworks through real-world trimming, edging, and brush clearing. We tracked runtime, weighed them on a shipping scale, attacked the same patch of blackberry canes, and timed how long each battery took to charge.

The result is a lineup that covers everything from a budget 20V model for tiny townhouse lawns up to a 17-inch DeWalt that genuinely rivals commercial gas trimmers. If you are also shopping for a mower, check our updated electric lawn mower deals page, because most of these brands share batteries across their entire outdoor lineup.

One important note before we get into the picks: battery platform choice matters more than any single tool. Pick the brand whose ecosystem fits your future plans, because that 4.0Ah battery you buy with the trimmer will also run a blower, a hedge trimmer, and even a chain saw.

Table of Contents

Our Top 3 Tested Battery String Trimmers for 2026

EDITOR'S CHOICE
EGO Power+ ST1623T 16 inch

EGO Power+ ST1623T 16…

★★★★★★★★★★4.4
  • LINE IQ auto-feed
  • POWERLOAD auto-wind
  • Carbon fiber shaft
  • 60 min runtime
  • 56V brushless
BEST VALUE
WORX WG163 12 inch

WORX WG163 12 inch

★★★★★★★★★★4.3
  • 2 batteries included
  • Command Feed
  • Trimmer and edger
  • Tilts 90 degrees
  • 5.5 lbs
BUDGET PICK
BLACK+DECKER LST522 12 inch

BLACK+DECKER LST522…

★★★★★★★★★★4.5
  • AFS auto-feed
  • Wheeled edger
  • 2.5Ah battery
  • 5.7 lbs
  • 20V MAX system
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If you want the short version: the EGO Power+ ST1623T is the most advanced residential cordless trimmer I have used, the WORX WG163 is the best value thanks to two included batteries and a free-spools-for-life program, and the BLACK+DECKER LST522 is the cheapest legitimate cordless trimmer on the market for small yards.

Comparing the Best Cordless String Trimmers Side by Side

The table below stacks all eight trimmers we tested so you can compare voltage, cutting width, weight, and standout features at a glance. Read it as a shopping list, then dig into the individual reviews for the experience details.

ProductFeaturesAction
EGO Power+ ST1623T 16 inchEGO Power+ ST1623T 16 inch
  • 56V
  • 16 inch swath
  • LINE IQ
  • Carbon shaft
  • 60 min runtime
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EGO Power+ ST1511T 15 inchEGO Power+ ST1511T 15 inch
  • 56V
  • 15 inch swath
  • POWERLOAD
  • Telescopic shaft
  • 45 min runtime
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DEWALT DCST972X1 17 inchDEWALT DCST972X1 17 inch
  • 60V
  • 17 inch swath
  • Attachment capable
  • Brushless
  • 15 lbs
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WORX WG183 13 inchWORX WG183 13 inch
  • 40V
  • 13 inch swath
  • Dual-exit head
  • 2 batteries
  • 6.4 lbs
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BLACK+DECKER LST136 13 inchBLACK+DECKER LST136 13 inch
  • 40V
  • 13 inch swath
  • PowerCommand dial
  • Edger
  • 7.8 lbs
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Greenworks 40V 12 inchGreenworks 40V 12 inch
  • 40V
  • 12 inch swath
  • Dual auto feed
  • Variable speed
  • 3 year warranty
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WORX WG163 12 inchWORX WG163 12 inch
  • 20V
  • 12 inch swath
  • Command Feed
  • Tilts 90 deg
  • 2 batteries
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BLACK+DECKER LST522 12 inchBLACK+DECKER LST522 12 inch
  • 20V
  • 12 inch swath
  • Wheeled edger
  • AFS
  • 5.7 lbs
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1. EGO Power+ ST1623T – Smartest Cordless Trimmer We Have Tested

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Product
Pros:
  • Auto-sensing LINE IQ feed
  • POWERLOAD auto-winding spool
  • Lightweight carbon fiber shaft
  • 60 minutes runtime
  • Part of full EGO 56V ecosystem
Cons:
  • Premium price point
  • Heavier battery adds nose weight
  • LINE IQ takes setup practice
EGO POWER+ 16″ Cordless Weed Trimmer with Battery and Charger – ST1623T
★★★★★★★★★★4.4

16 inch swath

56V 4.0Ah battery

Carbon fiber shaft

LINE IQ + POWERLOAD

60 min runtime

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The EGO Power+ ST1623T is the trimmer I keep reaching for first, and it is not close. EGO packed two technologies that genuinely changed how I work: LINE IQ, which senses when the line gets short and feeds more automatically, and POWERLOAD, which winds a fresh spool in seconds with the push of a button.

In my half-acre yard of mixed fescue and stubborn Bermuda, I trimmed edges, cleared around a fence line, and knocked back a stand of volunteer saplings without ever touching the spool. The 16-inch swath covered more ground per pass than anything else here, and the carbon fiber shaft kept the in-hand weight surprisingly low despite the big 4.0Ah battery hanging off the back.

Runtime landed right around the advertised 60 minutes on the low speed setting and roughly 35 minutes on high. For most residential yards, one battery is a full session.

LINE IQ Auto-Feed in Real-World Use

LINE IQ uses a small sensor to detect line wear and bump-feeds for you, eliminating the single most annoying thing about string trimming. It worked flawlessly in dry grass and only hesitated once when I hit a thick patch of wet clover.

I did notice a brief learning curve. The system feeds in short bursts, so if you are used to a long manual bump, you will think nothing happened. Once I trusted it, I stopped looking down entirely.

POWERLOAD Spool Technology

POWERLOAD is the feature that sold my neighbor on this trimmer. You thread the line through the head, close it, and hold a button. The trimmer winds itself. Re-spooling went from a five-minute cuss-fest to under a minute.

One important detail: EGO recommends their own 0.095-inch professional line for best results. Cheaper aftermarket line tends to weld itself inside the head under load.

Who Should Buy the EGO ST1623T

This is the best cordless weed eater for owners of mid-to-large lawns who want a set-and-forget trimming experience and are willing to pay for it. If you already own an EGO mower, blower, or hedge trimmer, the ST1623T is a no-brainer because the 56V 4.0Ah battery works across the entire platform.

Skip it if your yard is a postage stamp, because the LINE IQ and 60-minute runtime would be wasted on ten minutes of weekly edging.

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2. EGO Power+ ST1511T – Best 15-inch Cordless Trimmer for Mid-Size Lawns

TOP RATED
Product
Pros:
  • POWERLOAD auto-wind included
  • Telescopic aluminum shaft
  • Professional 0.095 inch line
  • Brushless motor
  • EGO 56V ecosystem
Cons:
  • No LINE IQ auto-sensing
  • Shaft heavier than carbon version
  • Lower runtime than ST1623T
EGO Power+ 15″ Cordless Weed Trimmer with Battery and Charger – ST1511T
★★★★★★★★★★4.4

15 inch swath

56V battery

Telescopic aluminum shaft

POWERLOAD

45 min runtime

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The ST1511T is the older sibling of our top pick and still one of the most recommended battery trimmers on the market. You keep POWERLOAD, the brushless motor, the telescopic shaft, and full EGO 56V compatibility, but you give up LINE IQ and a bit of cutting width.

For a lot of buyers that tradeoff makes perfect sense. The 15-inch swath is enough for typical suburban lawns, and skipping LINE IQ still leaves you with POWERLOAD, which is the more impactful of the two features for most users.

I tested the ST1511T side by side with the ST1623T on the same yard. The cutting quality was identical on grass. The ST1623T only pulled ahead when I pushed into the heavier blackberry canes, where the wider swath and LINE IQ combined to keep cutting speed high.

POWERLOAD Reliability Across Two Seasons

POWERLOAD on the ST1511T works the same way as on the newer model. Thread the line, push the button, walk away with a freshly wound spool.

The included charger tops the 2.5Ah battery in roughly 50 minutes, which fits nicely between sessions. If you want longer runtime, any EGO 56V battery drops in, up to the big 7.5Ah pack used on their mowers.

Who Should Buy the EGO ST1511T

This is the trimmer I recommend to most suburban homeowners. You get 90 percent of the ST1623T experience for a meaningfully lower investment, and you still have a clear upgrade path within the EGO platform.

Avoid it if you regularly clear heavy brush, because the slightly narrower swath and lack of LINE IQ will slow you down on tough jobs.

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3. DEWALT DCST972X1 – Best 60V Battery String Trimmer for Heavy Duty

BEST FOR HEAVY DUTY
Product
Pros:
  • Genuine gas-class torque
  • Universal attachment capability
  • Adjustable 15 or 17 inch swath
  • Works with DeWalt 20V MAX tools
  • Quick-load spool
Cons:
  • Heaviest trimmer here at 15 lbs
  • Most premium pricing in lineup
  • No auto-feed feature
DEWALT 60V Cordless String Trimmer with Battery & Charger Included, 17 Inch, Attachment Capable…
★★★★★★★★★★4.3

17 inch swath

60V FlexVolt battery

Attachment capable

Brushless

Quick-load spool

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The DeWalt DCST972X1 is the closest a cordless trimmer has come to replacing a commercial gas unit. With a 17-inch swath, a brushless motor fed by the 60V FlexVolt battery, and a universal attachment-capable shaft, it is built for serious work.

I handed this trimmer to a friend who runs a small landscaping side business. He cleared two overgrown lots in a single afternoon and only stopped to swap batteries, not to refuel or fight a fouled carburetor. That is the real promise of modern 60V cordless equipment.

The trade-off is weight. At 15 pounds with the 3.0Ah FlexVolt pack installed, this is the heaviest trimmer in our test by a wide margin. The harness-style strap is not optional for long sessions.

FlexVolt Battery Magic

The included 3.0Ah FlexVolt battery is the secret weapon here. It outputs 60V when paired with this trimmer, but it drops down to 20V when you snap it into any standard DeWalt 20V MAX drill, saw, or nailer.

That cross-compatibility is the strongest battery ecosystem argument in cordless outdoor equipment. If you already own DeWalt 20V tools, adding this trimmer gives you a beefy spare pack for both indoor and outdoor gear.

Attachment Capability and 17-inch Swath

The DCST972X1 accepts universal attachments, meaning you can swap the trimmer head for a pole saw, edger, brush cutter, or hedge trimmer from brands like DeWalt, Ryobi, and others.

The 17-inch swath is the widest here. You can dial it back to 15 inches for tighter work, which is a thoughtful design choice I appreciated around fence posts and shrubs.

Who Should Buy the DeWalt DCST972X1

This is the right pick for large properties, light commercial use, and anyone who already owns DeWalt 20V MAX tools. The combination of attachment capability, the FlexVolt battery, and true gas-class torque justifies the premium positioning.

Skip it for small city lawns, where the weight and cutting width would be overkill and tiring.

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4. WORX WG183 – Best Lightweight 40V Cordless Trimmer

BEST FOR MANEUVERABILITY
Product
Pros:
  • Incredibly light at 6.4 pounds
  • Dual-exit cutting head
  • Dual charger and 2 batteries included
  • Adjustable auxiliary handle
  • Shares batteries with WORX 20V tools
Cons:
  • No shaft tilt for edging
  • Smaller 13 inch swath
  • Batteries are 2.0Ah each
Worx Cordless String Trimmer, 40V 13″ Electric Weed Wacker, WG183
★★★★★★★★★★4.2

13 inch swath

40V system

Dual-exit head

Auto-feed

6.4 lbs with battery

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The WORX WG183 surprised me with how light and nimble it feels. At 6.4 pounds with a battery installed, it is one of the lightest 40V-class trimmers on the market, and the dual-exit cutting head delivers a noticeably cleaner cut than single-exit designs.

WORX ships this trimmer with two 2.0Ah batteries and a dual-port charger, which effectively eliminates runtime anxiety for typical yards. One battery charges while you drain the other.

The catch is that WORX uses a hybrid 40V system that actually pairs two 20V batteries in series. That means the included batteries also fit every WORX 20V tool you might already own.

Dual-Exit Head Cutting Performance

The dual-exit head feeds line through two opposed holes, which cuts a cleaner path and reduces the scalloped edge you sometimes see with single-line heads. In side-by-side tests against a single-exit BLACK+DECKER, the WG183 left visibly straighter lines along my driveway.

The automatic-feed spool worked reliably through several test sessions. I never had to bump the head, and the line never welded inside the spool.

Who Should Buy the WORX WG183

This is the right pick for anyone who values light weight above all else, including older homeowners, anyone with shoulder or back issues, and homeowners with smaller suburban yards. The two-battery bundle makes it a strong value.

Avoid it for large properties or thick brush, where the 13-inch swath and lighter motor will slow you down.

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5. BLACK+DECKER LST136 – Best 40V Trimmer and Edger Combo

TOP RATED
Product
Pros:
  • Converts to wheeled edger in seconds
  • PowerCommand power-vs-runtime dial
  • AFS automatic feed spool
  • 8500 RPM high speed
  • Telescoping pole for height
Cons:
  • Heavier than some competitors at 7.8 lbs
  • Battery not the highest capacity
  • Older design
BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX 13 in String Trimmer Edger Cordless with Adjustable Telescoping Pole, 2 in…
★★★★★★★★★★4.4

13 inch swath

40V MAX battery

PowerCommand dial

AFS auto-feed

Wheeled edger

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The BLACK+DECKER LST136 has been a top seller for years for one simple reason: it solves two problems with one tool. The trimmer head flips to become a wheeled edger, giving you clean driveway and sidewalk lines without buying a separate machine.

The PowerCommand dial is a feature I wish every trimmer had. You can dial in maximum power for thick weeds or maximum runtime for routine edge maintenance, with a clear detent between settings.

At 8500 RPM on high, this is one of the fastest-spinning 40V trimmers here, which translates to a very clean cut on healthy grass.

AFS Automatic Feed Reliability

BLACK+DECKER’s AFS system uses centrifugal force to bump-feed line as needed without any user input. In my testing, it worked as well as EGO’s LINE IQ in dry conditions but hesitated occasionally in thick wet grass.

The spool loads conventionally, so plan a few minutes for a fresh wind when the included spool runs out. Pre-wound replacements are inexpensive and widely available.

Wheeled Edger Mode Real-World Use

The edger conversion takes about five seconds. You rotate the head 180 degrees and drop the guide wheel into position. The resulting edge is clean enough for curb appeal, though not as crisp as a dedicated walk-behind edger.

I used this mode on 60 feet of sidewalk in a single pass. The wheel kept the cut depth consistent, which is a real advantage over freehand edging with a typical trimmer.

Who Should Buy the BLACK+DECKER LST136

This is the right pick for suburban homeowners who want one tool that handles both trimming and edging without spending for separate machines. The combination of the wheeled edger, PowerCommand dial, and proven AFS system makes it a strong all-around value.

Skip it if you need attachment capability or true gas-class power for brush clearing.

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6. Greenworks 40V 12 Inch – Best Budget 40V Cordless Trimmer

BEST LIGHTWEIGHT 40V
Product
Pros:
  • Variable speed control
  • Dual-line cutting path
  • Clean 3 year tool and battery warranty
  • Affordable entry to 40V system
  • Lightweight and easy to handle
Cons:
  • Narrow 12 inch swath
  • 2Ah battery limits runtime
  • Single battery included
Greenworks 40V 12 in Cordless String Trimmer, 2.0 Ah Battery and Charger
★★★★★★★★★★4.3

12 inch swath

40V 2Ah battery

Dual-line auto feed

Variable speed

3 year warranty

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The Greenworks 40V 12-inch is the simplest, most no-nonsense trimmer in this lineup. No bells, no auto-winding spools, no telescoping carbon shaft. It just trims grass well and starts the instant you squeeze the trigger.

The variable speed trigger is the standout feature at this price. Squeeze gently for light edge work to conserve battery, or pull harder for thicker patches. Few competitors at this tier offer that level of control.

Greenworks backs the tool and the battery with a three-year warranty, which is the longest combined coverage in this group and a real trust signal at this price point.

Dual-Line Auto Feed Cutting Performance

The 0.065-inch dual-line auto feed delivers a noticeably cleaner cut than the single-line 20V trimmers below it in this list. Auto-feeding was reliable across our test sessions, with no manual bumping required.

The included 2Ah battery is the main limitation. Expect roughly 20 to 25 minutes of runtime per charge, which is fine for small yards but will leave larger properties wanting a second pack.

Who Should Buy the Greenworks 40V 12-inch

This is the right pick for buyers who want a clean, dependable 40V trimmer without paying for premium features they will not use. The variable speed trigger and dual-line head punch above the price class.

Skip it if your property is larger than a quarter acre, because runtime and swath width will both work against you.

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7. WORX WG163 – Best Value Battery String Trimmer Overall

BEST VALUE
Product
Pros:
  • Trimmer and edger combo in one
  • Push-button Command Feed
  • Tilts 90 degrees for slopes
  • Two 20V batteries and dual charger included
  • Free spools for life program
Cons:
  • 12 inch swath is narrow for big yards
  • Lower power on thick weeds
  • 5.5 lbs feels slightly front-heavy
WORX 20V 12″ 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer & Electric Lawn Edger, WG163
★★★★★★★★★★4.3

12 inch swath

20V Power Share

2 batteries included

Tilts 90 degrees

Command Feed

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The WORX WG163 is the trimmer I recommend most often to first-time cordless buyers. It ships with two batteries, a dual-port charger, a trimmer-to-edger conversion, a 90-degree shaft tilt for slopes, and Command Feed push-button line feeding. That bundle of features for the price is genuinely hard to beat.

With over 27,000 customer reviews at the time of writing, this is also one of the most-used cordless trimmers in the country. That sample size tells you a lot about long-term reliability.

WORX Power Share is the real ecosystem play here. The two included 20V batteries drop into every WORX 20V tool, including their drills, blowers, and hedge trimmers.

Command Feed and Free Spools for Life

Command Feed is WORX’s name for a push-button line advancement system. Tap a button on the shaft and the spool feeds a measured length of line. It is not as automatic as EGO’s LINE IQ, but it is more reliable than old-school bump feeding.

Even better, WORX offers free spools for life. You pay shipping, and they keep sending you fresh wound spools. Over years of ownership this single program can offset the upfront cost.

90-Degree Shaft Tilt for Slopes and Edging

The shaft rotates 90 degrees, which turns the trimmer into a tool you can walk along a slope with. This is rare at this price and genuinely useful for retaining walls and ditch banks.

The wheeled edger conversion uses the rubberized rear wheel as a guide. It is not as polished as the BLACK+DECKER LST136 edger mode, but it produces acceptable results for curb appeal.

Who Should Buy the WORX WG163

This is the right pick for value-focused buyers with small to mid-size suburban lawns. The two-battery bundle and free-spools-for-life program make it the best dollar-for-dollar value in this roundup.

Skip it if you need to clear heavy brush or work on properties larger than a third of an acre, because the 20V motor runs out of torque on thick weeds.

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8. BLACK+DECKER LST522 – Best Budget Cordless Trimmer for Small Yards

BUDGET PICK
Product
Pros:
  • Lowest priced trimmer in lineup
  • AFS automatic feed spool
  • Converts to wheeled edger
  • Dual speed PowerDrive transmission
  • Lightweight at 5.7 lbs
Cons:
  • Narrow 12 inch cutting swath
  • Lower torque on thick weeds
  • Battery not cross-compatible with 40V tools
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX 12 Inch Weed Eater Cordless String Trimmer and Wheeled Edger Lawn Tool with…
★★★★★★★★★★4.5

12 inch swath

20V MAX 2.5Ah battery

AFS auto-feed

Wheeled edger

Dual speed

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The BLACK+DECKER LST522 is the least expensive trimmer in this lineup and arguably the best pure budget pick on the market. For townhouse lawns, patio edges, and small strip yards, it does everything you need without making you pay for features you will never use.

The 4.5-star rating across more than 6,400 reviews is a strong trust signal at this price. Buyers consistently praise how light and easy it is to handle, especially compared to gas trimmers.

The included 2.5Ah battery is part of the broader BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX system, which means it will also power their drills, saws, and other small tools. That cross-compatibility is real value at this tier.

Dual-Speed PowerDrive Transmission

The LST522 gives you a high and low speed setting, which is unusual at this price. Low speed stretches runtime for routine edge work, and high speed kicks in extra torque for thicker patches.

The PowerDrive Transmission is BLACK+DECKER’s name for the gearing that moves torque from motor to line. In practical testing, it produced cleaner cuts than similarly priced competitors without that feature.

AFS Auto-Feed and Wheeled Edger Mode

The AFS auto-feed system works the same way it does on the LST136. Centrifugal force advances the line as it wears, so you never bump the head. In dry grass it is flawless, and in wet grass it occasionally hesitates.

The wheeled edger conversion is identical to the LST136. The wheel guides the cut and keeps depth consistent along driveways and sidewalks.

Who Should Buy the BLACK+DECKER LST522

This is the right pick for townhouse owners, renters, and anyone with a yard under a quarter acre. The price, the light weight, and the proven AFS system make it the safest budget choice on the market.

Skip it for anything beyond light residential trimming. The 20V motor will struggle with established weeds, brush, or any property over a third of an acre.

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Buying Guide: How to Choose a Battery String Trimmer in 2026

Choosing the right cordless weed eater comes down to five decisions: voltage, cutting swath, line feed system, battery ecosystem, and physical ergonomics. Get any one of those wrong and you will be replacing the tool within two seasons.

The buying guide below walks through each decision with the same lens we used during testing. Pair this with our lawn mower deals coverage if you are also shopping for a cordless mower, since shared batteries dramatically lower your long-term cost of ownership.

Battery Voltage Explained: 20V vs 40V vs 56V/60V vs 80V

Voltage determines cutting torque. The short version: 20V trimmers handle light residential grass, 40V models cover most suburban yards, and 56V to 80V trimmers approach gas-class performance for heavy brush and large properties.

Within the 20V class, the BLACK+DECKER LST522 and WORX WG163 represent the entry tier. They share batteries with their brand’s indoor power tools, which is the main reason to choose 20V over 40V.

The 40V tier is where cordless trimmers start to feel serious. The Greenworks 40V, WORX WG183, and BLACK+DECKER LST136 all deliver enough torque for typical suburban weeds without the weight of higher-voltage packs.

The 56V and 60V tier is for buyers who want to fully replace a gas trimmer. EGO’s 56V line and DeWalt’s 60V FlexVolt line are the dominant players here, and both deliver commercial-grade runtime and torque.

Cutting Swath and Line Diameter

Cutting swath is the diameter the spinning line covers in a single pass. Wider swaths mean fewer passes and faster work, but they also demand more motor torque.

Twelve-inch swaths suit small yards and tight edges. Thirteen to fifteen inches is the sweet spot for most suburban properties. Sixteen to seventeen inches, like the EGO ST1623T and DeWalt DCST972X1, is the right choice for larger lawns and light commercial work.

Line diameter matters too. The 0.065-inch line on the budget 20V and 40V models is fine for grass. The 0.095-inch professional line on the EGO and DeWalt models cuts through brush and tough weeds without snapping.

Line Feed Systems: Bump Feed vs Auto-Feed vs PowerLoad vs LINE IQ

Line feed is the single biggest user-experience variable on a cordless trimmer. There are four systems in this lineup.

Bump feed requires you to tap the head on the ground to feed more line. It is the cheapest system and the most annoying, which is why none of our eight picks use it.

Auto-feed systems like BLACK+DECKER’s AFS, WORX’s Command Feed, and the Greenworks auto-feed use centrifugal force or a button to advance line. They are reliable and standard across most of the mid-tier trimmers here.

POWERLOAD on the EGO ST1511T and ST1623T auto-winds a fresh spool when you push a button. This is a restringing feature, not a feed feature, and it eliminates the worst maintenance job on a string trimmer.

LINE IQ on the EGO ST1623T is the most advanced system here. It senses line wear and feeds automatically, with no user input at all. It is the closest a cordless trimmer has come to a true set-and-forget experience.

Runtime, Battery Ecosystem, and Charging

Runtime is a function of battery capacity (Ah) and voltage. A 2.0Ah pack at 20V will give you 15 to 25 minutes. A 4.0Ah pack at 56V, like the one on the EGO ST1623T, can deliver a full 60 minutes.

The most important decision is which battery ecosystem to commit to. Once you own a battery and charger, every additional bare tool becomes much cheaper. Pick a brand that makes the full outdoor lineup you eventually want to own.

EGO’s 56V platform, DeWalt’s 20V MAX and FlexVolt platforms, and WORX’s Power Share system are the three most complete ecosystems in this roundup. BLACK+DECKER’s 20V MAX system is enormous and affordable, and Greenworks’ 40V line covers most basic outdoor tools.

Weight, Ergonomics, and Attachment Compatibility

Weight matters more than most buyers expect, because trimming is a sustained shoulder and arm workout. Anything over 10 pounds will fatigue most users within 30 minutes.

The WORX WG163 at 5.5 pounds and WORX WG183 at 6.4 pounds are the lightest picks. The DeWalt DCST972X1 at 15 pounds is the heaviest by far and demands a shoulder strap.

Attachment capability is worth the premium if you ever plan to add a pole saw, hedge trimmer, brush blade, or dedicated edger. The DeWalt DCST972X1 is the only trimmer in this roundup with universal attachment compatibility, which is a meaningful differentiator for serious users.

Cold Weather, Noise, and Long-Term Battery Health

Two under-covered topics in this category are cold-weather performance and noise. Lithium-ion batteries lose meaningful capacity below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, so plan for shorter runtime in early spring and late fall.

Store batteries indoors during winter and never leave them on the charger for more than a few days. Long-term overcharging degrades lithium-ion cells faster than almost any other misuse.

Noise is where cordless trimmers quietly beat gas models. All eight trimmers here operate at well under 80 decibels, which means no hearing protection required and no angry neighbors on Saturday mornings. If you want to round out a quiet, all-electric yard setup, our leaf blower and vacuum guide covers the next logical tool in the lineup.

FAQs

Which battery trimmer is best?

The EGO Power+ ST1623T is the best overall battery string trimmer we tested. It combines LINE IQ auto-sensing line feed, POWERLOAD auto-winding spool, a 16-inch cutting swath, and roughly 60 minutes of runtime on a single 4.0Ah 56V battery. For buyers on a tighter budget, the WORX WG163 is the best value pick.

What is the best string trimmer for the money?

The WORX WG163 is the best battery string trimmer for the money. It ships with two 20V batteries, a dual-port charger, push-button Command Feed line advancement, a 90-degree shaft tilt, and a free spools for life program. The two-battery bundle and lifetime spool program offset the upfront cost over years of ownership.

What is the difference between 20V and 40V string trimmers?

The main difference is cutting torque and runtime. A 20V string trimmer handles light residential grass and edges but struggles with thick weeds. A 40V model delivers roughly twice the torque, runs longer per charge, and handles thicker growth. Most suburban yards benefit from 40V, while small townhouse lawns do fine with 20V.

How long does a battery string trimmer last on a charge?

Runtime depends on battery capacity, voltage, and how hard you push the tool. Expect 15 to 25 minutes from a 2.0Ah 20V pack, 25 to 35 minutes from a 2.5Ah 40V pack, and 45 to 60 minutes from a 4.0Ah 56V pack like the one on the EGO ST1623T. Variable speed settings let you trade power for runtime on lighter tasks.

Can battery trimmers handle thick weeds?

Modern 56V and 60V battery trimmers can handle thick weeds, light brush, and even small saplings. The EGO ST1623T and DeWalt DCST972X1 deliver gas-class torque and run 0.095-inch professional-grade line that cuts through blackberry canes and volunteer growth. Lower-voltage 20V and 40V models will struggle with established brush.

Final Verdict: Which Cordless String Trimmer Should You Buy?

If you want the smartest, most capable cordless weed eater on the market in 2026, buy the EGO Power+ ST1623T. If you want the best dollar-for-dollar value, buy the WORX WG163 with its two-battery bundle and free spools for life. If your budget is tight and your yard is small, the BLACK+DECKER LST522 will get the job done.

For heavy-duty work and large properties, the DeWalt DCST972X1 is the only cordless trimmer here that genuinely rivals commercial gas equipment, and the FlexVolt battery makes it pull double duty with your DeWalt 20V drills and saws.

Whichever you choose, commit to one battery platform and build around it. A single charger and a couple of batteries will eventually run your trimmer, blower, mower, and hedge trimmer, which is the real reason cordless outdoor equipment has finally overtaken gas.