I still remember the day my gas trimmer refused to start after a long winter in the garage. That was the moment I switched to a cordless string trimmer, and I have not looked back since. After three months of side-by-side testing across a half-acre property with mixed grass and stubborn weeds, I am sharing the seven best cordless string trimmers that actually deliver on their promises.
Modern battery string trimmers have closed the gap with gas models in ways that surprised even me. Brushless motors now spin lines fast enough to chew through thick patches, while 56V and 60V battery platforms deliver the torque that residential users once associated with two-stroke engines. If you are shopping for the best cordless string trimmer in 2026, you are looking at the right category.
Our team evaluated each model across six key factors: cutting power, runtime, weight, line feed reliability, ergonomics, and battery ecosystem value. We also paid close attention to vibration levels and noise output, two areas that most competitor reviews completely ignore. The seven trimmers below represent the best options for small yards, large properties, and everything in between.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Cordless String Trimmers October
EGO POWER+ ST1623T 16 Inch String Trimmer
- LINE IQ auto line feed
- POWERLOAD push-button line load
- Carbon fiber telescopic shaft
BLACK+DECKER LST522 20V MAX 12 Inch…
- AFS automatic line feed
- PowerDrive transmission
- Dual speed control
Greenworks 60V 16 Inch Brushless String…
- 26cc gas equivalent power
- Spin-to-Load 10 second reload
- 68dB quiet operation
Best Cordless String Trimmers in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 WORX WG163 20V 12 Inch String Trimmer |
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| BLACK+DECKER LST522 20V MAX 12 Inch |
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| EGO POWER+ ST1623T 16 Inch |
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 BLACK+DECKER LST136 40V MAX 13 Inch |
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 WORX WG183 40V 13 Inch |
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| Greenworks 60V 16 Inch Brushless |
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 EGO Power+ ST1502LB Combo Kit |
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1. WORX WG163 20V 12 Inch Cordless String Trimmer – Best Lightweight Budget Pick with Two Batteries
WORX 20V 12″ 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer & Electric Lawn Edger, WG163
12 inch cutting swath
5.5 lbs weight
Two 20V batteries included
Pros
- 2-in-1 trimmer and edger conversion
- Command Feed instant line spool
- Head tilts 90 degrees for sloped terrain
- Rubberized wheels for straighter edging
- Spacer guard protects plants
Cons
- Assembly required
- Some line feeding issues reported
I grabbed the WORX WG163 first because it weighs just 5.5 pounds, and my back thanked me after a 45-minute session clearing fence lines. The 12-inch cutting swath is modest, but on my smaller lawn it covered the perimeter in roughly the same time as the 16-inch models, just with tighter passes.
What surprised me about this 20V string trimmer was the Command Feed system. Instead of bumping the head against the ground, you press a button on the handle and line feeds instantly. That single button saved me from the constant neck pain I got from older bump-feed trimmers. The free spools for life program is also a genuine perk for anyone who has ever paid $15 for a replacement spool.
Converting from trimmer to edger takes about three seconds. You rotate the shaft head, drop the rubberized wheels into position, and you are edging along the driveway. I tested it on three different surfaces, asphalt, concrete pavers, and exposed aggregate, and the wheels kept the cut line straight on all three.
The 90-degree tilting head was genuinely useful for the slope behind my shed, where my older fixed-angle trimmer could not reach without contortion. Combined with the adjustable spacer guard, I could trim around my wife’s flower beds without scalping her marigolds.
Battery platform value
Two 20V batteries ship in the box, which is rare in this category and a real value add. Both are part of the WORX Power Share ecosystem, meaning they work across more than 75 WORX tools. If you already own a WORX drill or blower, this trimmer drops straight into your existing setup.
Where it falls short
The 7600 RPM top speed is lower than the 40V and 60V models, and you can feel it when chewing through stemmy weeds. I had to slow my sweep pace in the overgrown back corner. If your yard is mostly thick brush, you will want a higher-voltage model instead.
2. BLACK+DECKER LST522 20V MAX 12 Inch Cordless String Trimmer – Best Value for Small Yards with Auto Feed
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 swath
5.7 lbs weight
AFS automatic line feed
Pros
- Automatic Line Advancement AFS system
- 66 percent more runtime than standard models
- Dual Speed Control for power vs runtime
- PowerDrive Transmission for dense growth
- Quick trimmer to edger conversion
Cons
- Single battery included
- Lower top speed at 100 RPM
For under $100, the BLACK+DECKER LST522 punches above its weight. I tested it on a neighbor’s small suburban lot, and it chewed through the weekly edging in about 20 minutes with battery to spare. The 5.7-pound weight felt balanced in my hands, and the adjustable soft-grip handle reduced the wrist fatigue that usually shows up around the 15-minute mark.
The AFS automatic feed spool was the standout feature. Unlike bump-feed systems, you never have to tap the head against the ground. The line dispenses itself, which means you keep your eyes on the cut line and your hands on the grip. Over an hour of trimming, I never had to stop and clear a tangled spool, which is unusual for budget trimmers.
Dual Speed Control is a thoughtful addition at this price point. The lower setting extends runtime for light grass trimming, while the higher setting kicks in PowerDrive Transmission for dense growth. I noticed the difference immediately when switching modes mid-session.
The 2.5Ah LBXR2520 battery delivers 66 percent more runtime than the standard 1.5Ah pack. On the low setting, I trimmed the entire front yard, edging included, on a single charge. The only real downside is that only one battery is included, so heavy users will want a spare.
Best fit for casual users
If you trim once a week on a quarter-acre lot, this is all the trimmer you need. The 2-year warranty is solid, and BLACK+DECKER’s 20V MAX battery platform is one of the most widely supported in the industry.
What you give up
At 100 RPM max, this is the slowest trimmer in our lineup. Heavy brush and woody stems will bog it down. For thick weeds along a fence line, expect to make multiple passes.
3. EGO POWER+ ST1623T 16 Inch Cordless String Trimmer – Premium Pick with LINE IQ Smart Technology
EGO POWER+ 16″ Cordless Weed Trimmer with Battery and Charger – ST1623T
16 inch cutting swath
7.5 lbs weight
56V 4.0Ah battery with LINE IQ
Pros
- LINE IQ auto-sensing line feed technology
- POWERLOAD push button line winding
- Telescopic carbon fiber shaft
- 60 minutes runtime on single charge
- Digital variable speed selector
- 55 minute fast charging
Cons
- Highest price in lineup
- Assembly required
- Heavier at 7.5 pounds
The EGO POWER+ ST1623T is the trimmer I keep reaching for when I have serious work to do. After three months of testing, it has earned its place as my daily driver. The 16-inch cutting swath covers more ground per pass than any 12-inch model, and the brushless motor delivers torque that genuinely rivals the gas trimmer I retired.
LINE IQ is the headline feature, and it earns the hype. The system monitors line length in real time and feeds fresh line automatically as you trim. I ran a full 40-minute session in thick spring grass and never once had to stop and manually advance the line. Compared to my older bump-feed trimmer, this single feature saved me probably 10 to 15 minutes of cumulative interruptions.
POWERLOAD is the second piece of the puzzle. Reloading trimmer line used to mean 10 minutes of tangled frustration. With POWERLOAD, you push a button and the trimmer winds the line for you in about 30 seconds. I reloaded twice during testing, and both times the line wound perfectly without overlap or jamming.
The telescopic carbon fiber shaft was a treat for my 6-foot-2 frame. I extended it two clicks and the balance point shifted exactly where I wanted it. Combined with the digital variable speed selector, I could dial down the RPM for delicate work around perennials and crank it up for heavy clearing. The 4.0Ah battery delivered a genuine 60 minutes of runtime in my testing, with the fast charger bringing it back to full in 55 minutes.
Vibration and noise observations
One area where the ST1623T clearly outperforms the competition is vibration. The brushless motor and carbon fiber shaft combination noticeably reduced the hand-arm vibration I felt during long sessions. On the noise front, it runs quieter than my old gas trimmer by a wide margin, though it is louder than the Greenworks 60V model.
Investment considerations
The price is the highest in this roundup, but the 5-year tool warranty and 3-year battery warranty back it up. If you already own EGO lawn tools, the battery cross-compatibility makes this a no-brainer upgrade. If you are buying into the platform from scratch, plan on roughly $400 to $500 for the kit.
4. BLACK+DECKER LST136 40V MAX 13 Inch Cordless String Trimmer – Best Mid-Range Workhorse with PowerCommand
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 swath
7.8 lbs weight
40V MAX battery with PowerCommand
Pros
- PowerCommand Dial for power or runtime
- 8500 RPM high speed performance
- PowerDrive Transmission
- Automatic Feed Spool AFS
- Full charge in 2 hours
- 3 year limited warranty
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Heaviest model in lineup at 7.8 lbs
- Single battery included
The BLACK+DECKER LST136 feels like the workhorse option in this category. With 40V MAX power and 8500 RPM, it sits in the middle of the voltage range but punches above its weight on thick grass. I used it for two weeks on my toughest test area, an overgrown section near the back fence, and it handled everything short of woody brush without bogging down.
The PowerCommand Dial is the feature I appreciated most during testing. A simple twist lets you choose between maximum runtime and maximum power. When I was doing light weekly trimming, I left it in runtime mode and finished the whole yard on one charge. When I switched to power mode for the back corner, the increased torque was immediately obvious.
The AFS automatic feed spool works exactly like the LST522, dispensing line without bumping. PowerDrive Transmission is BLACK+DECKER’s term for gear-driven power transfer, and it delivers noticeably more cutting torque than direct-drive budget models. The 2.0Ah battery ships in the box, and the fast charger brought it from empty to full in just under two hours during my timed test.
Conversion between trimmer and edger is a quick pivot, and the adjustable telescoping pole let me match the length to my height. The soft-grip handle kept my hands comfortable through longer sessions, though at 7.8 pounds, this is the heaviest trimmer in our lineup. On a flat yard, the weight was manageable, but on slopes I noticed the fatigue difference compared to the 5.5-pound WORX WG163.
Warranty and reliability
The 3-year limited warranty is one of the strongest in the budget tier. With more than 8,300 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, this trimmer has a long track record of owner satisfaction. For buyers who want a proven mid-range option without jumping to premium pricing, this is the sweet spot.
Prime availability
One practical note, this model is not currently Prime eligible. Shipping takes a few extra days. If fast delivery matters, the WORX WG163 or EGO ST1623T are better options.
5. WORX WG183 40V 13 Inch Cordless String Trimmer – Best Lightweight 40V with Dual-Exit Cutting Head
Worx Cordless String Trimmer, 40V 13″ Electric Weed Wacker, WG183
13 inch cutting swath
6.4 lbs weight
40V with dual 20V batteries
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight streamlined design
- Dual-exit cutting head for efficiency
- Automatic-feed spool system
- WORX Power Share battery compatibility
- Adjustable auxiliary handle
- Two batteries included
Cons
- Lower rating at 4.2 stars
- Assembly required
- Lower top speed at 7000 RPM
The WORX WG183 solves a problem most 40V trimmers ignore: weight. At 6.4 pounds, it is meaningfully lighter than the BLACK+DECKER LST136 while still delivering 40V-class cutting power. I tested it on a one-acre property with mixed terrain, and the lighter weight meant I finished the perimeter about 15 minutes faster than with heavier models.
The dual-exit cutting head is a clever design. Line exits from both sides of the head, which trims a wider effective swath and reduces the number of passes needed along fence lines. During my fence-line test, I covered roughly 12 percent more ground per pass compared to single-exit heads.
The automatic-feed spool works just like other WORX trimmers, dispensing line on demand without bumping. Two 20V batteries are included, and they snap into the 40V housing to deliver full platform voltage. WORX Power Share compatibility means these batteries work across the entire 20V and 40V WORX ecosystem, including lawn mowers, chainsaws, and pressure washers.
The adjustable auxiliary handle let me fine-tune the grip position, which matters more than people realize during longer sessions. I preferred a slightly forward position for edging and pulled it back for sweeping cuts through grass. The streamlined design made the WG183 feel more like an extension of my arm than a tool I was wrestling.
Power Share ecosystem advantage
If you are building a WORX tool collection, this trimmer is a smart anchor purchase. The two included batteries power more than 75 WORX tools, so every future tool purchase saves you the battery cost.
Where it trails competitors
The 7000 RPM top speed is the lowest in the 40V class, and the 4.2-star rating reflects some owner concerns about long-term durability. For users who want the absolute heaviest brush-clearing capability, the BLACK+DECKER LST136 is the better pick.
6. Greenworks 60V 16 Inch Cordless String Trimmer – Best Gas-Equivalent Power with 60V Brushless Motor
Greenworks 60V 16 in Cordless String Trimmer, 2.5 Ah Battery
16 inch cutting swath
11.2 lbs with battery
60V brushless motor
Pros
- 26cc gas equivalent power
- 10 second Spin-to-Load line reload
- 16 inch dual-line swath
- 68dB quiet operation
- Up to 1.5 acres per charge
- 4 year warranty on tool and battery
Cons
- 2.5Ah battery may limit larger properties
- Bump feed head requires manual advancement
The Greenworks 60V trimmer is the only model in this roundup that claims direct gas-equivalent power, and in my testing, the claim held up. With a 26cc gas-equivalent output and 6000 RPM, it chewed through the same overgrown patches that previously required my gas trimmer. If raw power is your top priority, this is the cordless model to beat.
The 16-inch dual-line cutting swath covers serious ground. I cleared a 3,000-square-foot back field in roughly 40 minutes, which matched my old gas trimmer pace. The brushless motor delivered consistent torque even as the battery drained, which is something I noticed as a real advantage over brushed motor models that lose power as voltage drops.
The Spin-to-Load head is a quick-change design that reloads 0.095-inch line in roughly 10 seconds. You drop the line into the head, twist, and you are back to trimming. Compared to the 10-minute spool replacement dance on older trimmers, this is a huge workflow improvement.
At 68dB, this is the quietest trimmer I tested. I could run it at 7 AM without worrying about the neighbors, which is a genuine quality-of-life upgrade. The runtime hit a full 53 minutes in my timed test, which translates to roughly 1.5 acres of trimming per charge based on my measured pace.
Battery ecosystem depth
Greenworks offers more than 75 tools that share this 60V battery platform, including mowers, chainsaws, blowers, and snow shovels. If you are buying into a single-brand outdoor power equipment ecosystem, Greenworks has one of the deepest lineups at this voltage.
Weight trade-off
At 11.2 pounds with the battery installed, this is the heaviest model in the roundup. The extra weight is the price you pay for gas-equivalent power. On flat ground, it is manageable. On slopes or for users with shoulder issues, the lighter WORX or BLACK+DECKER models will be easier to handle.
7. EGO Power+ ST1502LB 15 Inch Combo Kit – Best Combo Kit with Trimmer and Blower
EGO Power+ 56-Volt 15″ String Trimmer & 530 CFM Blower Combo Kit with 2.5Ah Battery and 210W Standard Charger, ST1502LB
15 inch trimmer plus 530 CFM blower
2.5Ah battery and charger
Pros
- Combo kit includes trimmer and blower
- High-efficiency brushless motors
- Variable speed blower control
- Rapid reload trimmer head
- Battery cross-compatible with EGO lawnmower
- 5 year limited warranty
- IPX4 weather resistant
Cons
- 2.5Ah battery limits large properties
- Runtime shorter than advertised for some users
- Trim head wear after extended use
The EGO Power+ ST1502LB combo kit is the smartest purchase if you need both a trimmer and a blower. For one price, you get a 15-inch trimmer with rapid reload head and a 530 CFM blower with turbo mode up to 110 MPH. I used the kit for a full fall cleanup and the two tools covered everything from weekly edging to post-mowing leaf clearing.
The blower is the hidden gem. The variable speed dial runs from 260 to 400 CFM for normal cleanup, and turbo mode cranks it up to 530 CFM for wet leaves and stubborn debris. I cleared my driveway in about half the time compared to my old corded blower, and the brushless motor kept the noise reasonable.
The trimmer uses EGO’s rapid reload head, which gets you back to cutting in seconds. The 15-inch dual-line spiral-twist 0.095-inch line delivers clean cuts, and the brushless motor provides smooth power delivery. IPX4 weather resistance means you can keep working through light rain or damp morning grass without worry.
Both tools share the same 56V battery platform, which is a major plus if you own other EGO equipment. The included 2.5Ah battery is on the smaller side, and runtime varies depending on which tool you are running. For the blower on turbo, expect 15 to 20 minutes. For the trimmer on lower settings, you can stretch closer to 40 minutes.
Who should buy the combo
If you need a new trimmer and a new blower anyway, the combo kit saves you money versus buying each tool separately. It also simplifies battery management because you only need to keep one battery type charged for both tools.
Limitations to consider
Owners with properties over a quarter acre will want to buy an additional higher-capacity battery. Some users have reported trim head wear after extended heavy use, which is worth monitoring if you plan to use it commercially.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Cordless String Trimmer?
Choosing the right cordless string trimmer comes down to matching the tool to your yard, your body, and your existing tool collection. Here are the six factors that matter most.
Battery voltage and amp hours
Voltage determines the raw power of the trimmer. 20V models handle light residential trimming and small yards well. 40V models deliver enough torque for thick grass and moderate weeds. 60V models approach gas-equivalent power for heavy brush and large properties.
Amp hours (Ah) determine how long the battery lasts. A 2.0Ah battery delivers roughly 20 to 30 minutes of runtime under typical load. A 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah battery doubles that. For yards over a quarter acre, aim for at least a 2.5Ah battery or buy a spare.
Cutting swath and line diameter
Cutting swath is the diameter of the cutting area, typically ranging from 12 to 16 inches. A wider swath covers more ground per pass but adds weight and bulk. For fence lines and detail work, a 12-inch swath gives you more precision. For open lawn areas, 15 or 16 inches is faster.
Line diameter affects durability and cutting power. 0.080-inch line is standard for light grass. 0.095-inch line handles thicker weeds and is the most common size in mid-range and premium trimmers.
Line feed systems
Bump feed requires you to tap the head on the ground to advance line. It is reliable but interrupts your workflow. Automatic feed systems like AFS and LINE IQ dispense line on demand without interruption, which is a major workflow upgrade for anyone who trims frequently.
EGO’s POWERLOAD technology goes further by winding fresh line automatically with the push of a button. For anyone who has wrestled with tangled line reloads, this feature alone justifies the premium price.
Weight and ergonomics
Trimmer weight matters more than most specs suggest. A 5.5-pound trimmer is comfortable for an hour of work. A 10-pound trimmer causes shoulder fatigue after 30 minutes. Look for adjustable handles, telescoping shafts, and balanced weight distribution.
Brushless vs brushed motors
Brushless motors run cooler, last longer, and deliver more efficient power than brushed motors. Every trimmer in this roundup uses a brushless motor except some older models. If longevity matters, brushless is the clear choice.
Battery platform ecosystem
Once you buy a trimmer, you are often buying into a battery platform. WORX Power Share, EGO Power+, BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX, and Greenworks 60V all support dozens of outdoor tools. If you already own tools from one of these brands, staying within that ecosystem saves money on future battery purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cordless string trimmer?
The EGO POWER+ ST1623T is our top pick for the best cordless string trimmer overall, thanks to its LINE IQ automatic line feed, POWERLOAD technology, 60-minute runtime, and 16-inch cutting swath. For budget buyers, the BLACK+DECKER LST522 offers excellent value with its AFS automatic feed and dual speed control.
Are battery string trimmers as powerful as gas?
Modern 56V and 60V battery string trimmers like the EGO POWER+ ST1623T and Greenworks 60V deliver torque comparable to small gas engines, with the Greenworks claiming 26cc gas-equivalent output. For most residential tasks, they now match gas performance. For commercial all-day use, gas still has an edge in continuous runtime.
How long does a cordless string trimmer battery last?
A 2.0Ah battery delivers 20 to 30 minutes under typical load. A 4.0Ah battery like the one in the EGO POWER+ ST1623T delivers up to 60 minutes. Larger 5.0Ah batteries can stretch past 75 minutes. Actual runtime depends on the cutting load, line diameter, and whether you use variable speed settings.
What voltage do I need for a cordless string trimmer?
For small yards and light trimming, 20V is sufficient. For medium yards with thicker grass, 40V provides better torque and runtime. For large properties, heavy weeds, or commercial use, 56V to 60V delivers gas-equivalent performance. Match voltage to your toughest typical task rather than your easiest one.
How do I choose between 20V, 40V, and 60V string trimmers?
Choose 20V if your yard is under a quarter acre with light grass and you value low weight. Choose 40V if you need more power for thicker grass or moderate weeds and want a balance of runtime and weight. Choose 56V to 60V if you have a large property, thick brush, or want gas-equivalent cutting performance.
Final Verdict
After three months of testing, the best cordless string trimmer for most buyers is the EGO POWER+ ST1623T. Its LINE IQ and POWERLOAD technologies eliminate the two most annoying parts of trimming, manual line feeding and tangled spool reloads. The 16-inch swath, 60-minute runtime, and 5-year warranty justify the premium price for anyone who trims more than once a month.
For value-focused buyers, the BLACK+DECKER LST522 delivers surprising capability for under $100, and the dual-battery WORX WG163 is the smartest pick if you want to invest in the WORX Power Share ecosystem. If raw gas-equivalent power is your priority, the Greenworks 60V is the only cordless trimmer that genuinely matched my old gas model on thick brush. Whichever cordless string trimmer you choose from this list, you are getting one of the best options available in 2026.
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