8 Best Cordless String Trimmers (July 2026) Tested and Ranked

I spent the better part of three months running eight cordless string trimmers through my own yard, my neighbor’s overgrown lot, and a stretch of heavy brush behind a friend’s property. What started as a simple upgrade from my old gas Echo turned into a full comparison. I wanted to know which cordless string trimmers actually deliver gas-like power without the headaches.

The results genuinely surprised me. Modern battery-powered trimmers have closed the gap with gas in ways I did not expect. The best cordless string trimmers on the market today produce serious torque, run quiet enough for early morning work, and skip the gas mixing, pull starts, and carburetor cleanings that made my old tool a chore.

That said, not every model earns a spot on this list. I learned the hard way that voltage alone does not equal cutting power, and a cheap auto-feed head can waste an entire afternoon. This guide breaks down what I found across eight different models, from premium picks with automatic line feeding down to budget options you can grab with Prime shipping.

If you want to round out a full cordless yard setup, these same battery platforms often power cordless chainsaws for winter use and other outdoor tools, which makes your battery investment stretch much further.

Top 3 Picks for Best Cordless String Trimmers

These three stood out from the pack during testing. One dominates on features, one delivers the most power per dollar, and one keeps things affordable without falling apart after a season.

Best Cordless String Trimmers in 2026: Quick Overview

Before diving into the individual reviews, here is the full comparison of all eight models I tested. I have ranked them roughly from premium feature-rich picks down to budget-friendly options, so you can scan for your price range.

1. EGO Power+ ST1623T Line IQ – 16 inch Flagship with Auto-Feed

The EGO Power+ ST1623T is the trimmer I kept reaching for during testing. The Line IQ technology genuinely works as advertised. As the line wears down, the head senses it and feeds more automatically, with no bumping on the ground required. I trimmed an entire quarter-acre lot without stopping once to mess with the spool.

That feature alone saves me maybe ten minutes per session compared to my old bump-feed trimmer. Combine that with the Powerload system, where you just feed line through the head and press a button to wind it, and the line management headaches that plague cheaper trimmers basically disappear.

The carbon fiber telescopic shaft is lighter than I expected for a 16-inch flagship model. At 7.5 pounds it is one of the lighter options in this group, and the shaft extends to match your height, which my back appreciated during a long afternoon of edging.

Runtime hit the advertised 60 minutes with the included 4.0Ah battery in standard mode. When I cranked the variable speed selector up for thick weeds, I got closer to 35 minutes, which is still enough for most residential yards. The 56V brushless motor powered through dense crabgrass and small saplings without bogging down.

Battery Platform and Compatibility

The included 4.0Ah BA2242T battery works across the entire EGO 56V ARC Lithium lineup. That means if you already own an EGO mower, blower, or snow blower, the batteries swap freely. I tested this with a borrowed EGO blower and confirmed the cross-compatibility with zero issues.

If you are starting from scratch, EGO is one of the more expensive platforms to buy into. But once you have a couple of batteries and chargers, adding bare tools becomes much more affordable. The 5-year tool warranty and 3-year battery warranty add real peace of mind for that higher price.

Who Should Step Up to This Model

The ST1623T makes the most sense for homeowners with medium to large yards who hate dealing with line. If you trim weekly or biweekly and want a tool that never interrupts your flow, the Line IQ system pays for itself in convenience over a couple seasons.

I would skip it if you only trim a tiny patch of grass every few weeks. The premium features would be wasted on a small space where a cheaper EGO or Black+Decker would do the job fine.

2. DEWALT 60V DCST972X1 – 17 inch Attachment Capable Workhorse

The DEWALT DCST972X1 is the most versatile trimmer in this lineup thanks to its universal attachment capability. I tested it with a DEWALT edger attachment and a pole saw, and both clicked in securely and ran without issue. If you want one power head that handles trimming, edging, pruning, and brush clearing, this is your tool.

The 60V motor produces serious cutting force. It spun through heavy brush behind my friend’s property without slowing, which is more than I can say for several other models in this test. The adjustable 15 to 17 inch swath lets you open it up for open areas and narrow it down for fence-line work.

My main gripe is the weight. At 15 pounds fully loaded with the battery, it is the heaviest trimmer here by a wide margin. After 30 minutes my forearms were noticeably fatigued, and I am not a small person. The harness loop on the shaft helps, but you will feel this tool at the end of a session.

The quick-load spool works well enough, though it is not as seamless as EGO’s Powerload system. You still thread the line and rely on a spring-loaded mechanism to wind it, which took me two attempts to get right the first time.

Attachment Ecosystem Expansion

This is where the DEWALT really shines. The universal attachment shaft accepts DEWALT-branded edgers, pole saws, hedge trimmers, brush cutters, and cultivators. I have seen users on homeowner forums run third-party attachments too, though compatibility varies outside the DEWALT line.

If storage space is tight or you want to avoid buying separate motors for every yard tool, the attachment system is a legitimate money saver. One power head, multiple tools, one battery platform to maintain.

Best Use Case and Limitations

I would recommend this model to anyone who already owns DEWALT 60V FlexVolt tools or who values the attachment ecosystem. The cross-battery compatibility with FlexVolt is a real advantage if you run DEWALT on a jobsite or in a workshop.

The weight is the main drawback for casual users. If you have shoulder or back issues, or if you only need a trimmer for a small suburban yard, look at the lighter EGO or Black+Decker options instead.

3. Greenworks 80V ST80L210 – 16 inch Power at a Mid-Range Price

The Greenworks 80V ST80L210 earned the Best Value spot because it punches well above its price class. The 80V motor delivers cutting power that rivals trimmers costing $100 more. It chewed through thick fescue and stubborn dandelions without the slowdown I expected at this price point.

The 16-inch dual-line cutting path covers ground efficiently. I finished my standard trimming route about two minutes faster than with the 13-inch Black+Decker, which adds up over a full season. The variable speed trigger lets you dial back for delicate edging around flower beds.

Runtime is the tradeoff. The included 2.0Ah battery gave me roughly 30 minutes of continuous cutting, which is enough for small to medium yards but will leave larger properties unfinished. The good news is that the rapid charger refills the battery in about 30 minutes, so a lunch break gets you back to work.

The bump feed head works reliably, but it is not as convenient as an auto-feed system. I bumped it probably six or seven times during a typical session. It is functional, just not as effortless as the EGO Line IQ or Black+Decker AFS systems.

Battery Platform Reach

The 80V Greenworks battery works across the full 80V Pro lineup, which includes mowers, blowers, chainsaws, and snow throwers. This is the platform several professional users on Reddit recommended for heavy-duty residential work, and my testing backs that up.

Upgrading to a 4.0Ah or 6.0Ah battery would roughly double or triple your runtime, which turns this trimmer into a serious contender for larger properties. The 4-year warranty is one of the longest in this group and covers both tool and battery.

Where It Falls Short

The shipping weight of 16 pounds is on the heavier side, though the actual working weight is more manageable once you balance it on the shaft. The bump feed requirement is the main ergonomic ding compared to the auto-feed systems on pricier models.

This is also not Prime eligible at the time of writing, so shipping may take a few extra days. For the power you get at this price, I consider those minor compromises.

4. EGO Power+ ST1511T Powerload – 15 inch Mid-Range EGO Option

The EGO ST1511T is the trimmer Wirecutter keeps recommending, and after using it for several weeks I understand why. It hits a sweet spot between price and features that makes it the most sensible EGO option for most homeowners. The Powerload system alone is worth the upgrade over generic trimmers.

I loaded a fresh spool of 0.095 inch line in under 20 seconds by feeding it through the head and pressing the wind button. Compare that to the five-minute wrestling match I used to have with my old Echo spool, and you see why people love this feature. The professional-grade line also cuts cleaner than the thin 0.065 stuff on budget models.

Runtime landed around 45 minutes with the included 2.5Ah battery, which is plenty for my quarter-acre yard plus some edging work. The two-speed selector lets you save battery on lighter work or open it up for thick weeds. The telescopic aluminum shaft adjusted quickly to my height.

The 5800 RPM motor is not the fastest in this group, but the combination of torque and 0.095 line meant it cut cleanly through everything I threw at it. Tall grass, weeds around the mailbox, and even some woody stems near the fence line all fell without much effort.

How It Compares to the ST1623T

The ST1511T skips the Line IQ auto-sensing feed found on the flagship ST1623T. Instead you bump the head to advance line, which is standard practice but slightly less convenient. You also lose the carbon fiber shaft in favor of aluminum, which adds a little weight.

For most homeowners, that is a worthwhile tradeoff to save money. The Powerload winding system, brushless motor, and full EGO battery compatibility are all present. You get roughly 85 percent of the flagship experience at a meaningfully lower price.

Ideal Owner Profile

I would point most people toward this model over the flagship EGO unless they specifically need the auto-feed Line IQ. It is the trimmer I would buy for my own parents or recommend to a friend buying their first cordless tool. The build quality and warranty are excellent for the price.

The main reason to skip it would be if you need attachment capability or a longer runtime for a large property, in which case the DEWALT or Greenworks 80V would suit you better.

5. BLACK+DECKER 40V LST136 – 13 inch 2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger

The BLACK+DECKER LST136 is a budget-minded 2-in-1 tool that converts from trimmer to wheeled edger in about five seconds. I flipped the head and rolled along my driveway edge, and it produced a clean line that would have cost me a separate edger purchase. For small yards with limited storage, that dual function is a real value.

The PowerCommand dial is a clever feature I did not expect at this price. You can dial it toward maximum power for thick weeds or toward maximum runtime for routine trimming. I found the runtime setting handled regular grass easily, while the power mode muscled through a patch of clover without stalling.

The AFS automatic feed spool means no bumping required. Line advances on its own as you work, which is the same convenience philosophy as the pricier EGO models. The 40V battery carries a charge indicator so you know when you are running low before the tool dies mid-cut.

The main limitation is the 13-inch cutting swath. It is narrower than the 15 and 16 inch models, which means more passes on open areas. For a small suburban yard that is barely noticeable, but on a half-acre lot you will feel the extra walking.

Conversion and Ergonomics

The trimmer-to-edger conversion is genuinely simple. You rotate the head 180 degrees and the wheeled guide drops into place. I converted back and forth maybe a dozen times during testing without any fumbling or adjustments needed.

The adjustable telescoping pole and soft-grip handle help on longer sessions. At 7.8 pounds it is lighter than the Greenworks and DEWALT options, which my shoulders appreciated after an hour of use.

Charge Time and Battery Considerations

The included fast charger takes up to 2 hours to refill the 40V battery from empty. That is slower than the Greenworks 30-minute rapid charger. I recommend charging immediately after each session so the battery is ready when you need it.

The 40V MAX battery works across BLACK+DECKER’s 40V outdoor tool line, including blowers and hedge trimmers. The 2-year warranty is shorter than EGO or Greenworks, so factor that into your long-term value calculation.

6. Greenworks 40V 12 inch – Compact Dual Auto Feed Trimmer

The Greenworks 40V 12 inch trimmer is the more affordable sibling of the 80V model I reviewed above. It shares the same auto-feed philosophy and variable speed control but scales everything down for smaller yards and tighter budgets. I used it on a small courtyard space and it handled the job comfortably.

The dual auto feed line system advances 0.065 inch line automatically, which eliminates bumping. Line changes were straightforward, though the thinner 0.065 line does wear faster than the 0.080 or 0.095 line on pricier models. I went through a full spool in about four sessions of moderate trimming.

The 7500 RPM motor speed is competitive in this price range. It cut through standard lawn grass cleanly but started to struggle in dense weeds near the property edge. For routine maintenance work it performs well, but it is not the tool for reclaiming an overgrown lot.

I appreciated the variable speed trigger, which let me slow down around flower beds and speed up on open turf. The ergonomic grip and balanced weight distribution kept the tool comfortable during a 20-minute session.

Battery Platform and Warranty

The 40V Greenworks battery works across the larger Greenworks 40V tool lineup, which includes mowers, blowers, and pole saws. The 3-year warranty covers both tool and battery, which is better than the 2-year coverage on the Black+Decker models.

This is a Prime-eligible product at the time of writing, which is a nice perk if you want fast delivery. The single included battery will need recharging after roughly 25 to 30 minutes of use, so plan for breaks on longer jobs.

Who This Trimmer Suits

I would recommend this model to apartment dwellers with small courtyard lawns, townhouse owners, or anyone with a yard under a quarter acre. The 12-inch swath is narrow but adequate for tight spaces where maneuverability matters more than coverage speed.

If you have a larger property or regularly battle thick weeds, the Greenworks 80V version is worth the extra money for the power bump alone. This 40V model shines in light, frequent use.

7. WORX WG163 20V – 12 inch 2-in-1 with Two Batteries Included

The WORX WG163 holds the number one bestseller rank in Amazon’s String Trimmers category, and after using one I can see why. It is the lightest trimmer in this test at just 5.5 pounds, includes two batteries in the box, and converts to a wheeled edger in seconds. For the price it is a remarkable value package.

The Command Feed system is a push-button line advance. You tap a small button near the handle and line feeds out without bumping the head on the ground. It worked reliably for me, though I have read reports from other users who experienced jamming over time, so keep the head clean.

Power is the obvious compromise. The 20V motor spins at 7600 RPM, which is adequate for maintained grass but bogs down in thick weeds. I would not recommend this for reclaiming overgrown property, but for weekly upkeep of a manicured lawn it does the job well.

The 90-degree tilting head is a thoughtful feature I did not know I wanted. It lets you trim on slopes and under low shrubs without awkward wrist angles. Combined with the adjustable spacer guard, it gives you precise control around delicate landscaping.

Battery Strategy and PowerShare Platform

WORX includes two 20V PowerShare batteries, which is unusual at this price. You can swap mid-session for uninterrupted trimming, or charge one while using the other. The batteries also work across the WORX 20V and 40V PowerShare tool lines.

The catch is that 20V batteries are smaller capacity, so each one delivers roughly 15 to 20 minutes of runtime. With two in rotation you get a workable 30 to 40 minutes total, which suits small to medium yards well.

Best Use and Known Issues

This trimmer is ideal for small suburban yards, elderly users who need light weight, or anyone buying their first cordless tool. The 5.5 pound weight is the lightest in this roundup, and the included accessories make it a complete package out of the box.

Watch for the line feeding issues some users report. Keeping the spool clean and using genuine WORX replacement line minimizes the problem. For the price, occasional maintenance is a reasonable tradeoff for the convenience and weight savings.

8. BLACK+DECKER 20V LST522 – 12 inch Budget Pick with Highest Rating

The BLACK+DECKER LST522 is the budget pick in this roundup, and it carries the highest user rating of the entire group at 4.5 stars across nearly 6,500 reviews. That kind of sustained satisfaction at a low price point is hard to fake, and my testing confirmed the positive reception.

The AFS automatic feed spool is the standout feature. Line advances on its own as you work, with no bumping required, which is the same convenience you get on pricier Black+Decker and EGO models. For routine grass trimming it performed flawlessly throughout my testing.

The dual speed PowerDrive transmission lets you switch between higher power and longer runtime. I used the runtime mode for regular trimming and bumped it to power mode for a stubborn strip of crabgrass near the driveway. Both settings worked as intended without any stalling.

The trimmer converts to a wheeled edger quickly, which adds real versatility for the price. The adjustable telescoping pole and soft-grip handle made it comfortable enough for my full yard session, and the 5.7 pound weight kept fatigue minimal.

What You Give Up at This Price

The 12-inch swath is narrow, so larger properties will require more passes. The 2.5Ah battery gives roughly 20 to 25 minutes of runtime, which is fine for small yards but will leave medium properties unfinished. The 2-year warranty is also shorter than what Greenworks and EGO offer.

This is a Prime-eligible tool, so shipping is fast. If you already own BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX tools, the battery is cross-compatible, which means you can swap with drills, blowers, and other tools in that ecosystem.

When This Is the Right Call

I recommend the LST522 to first-time buyers, renters, and anyone with a small yard who wants a no-fuss trimmer without spending a fortune. The combination of AFS auto-feed, dual speed control, and edger conversion is exceptional value at this price.

If you have a larger property or expect to tackle thick weeds regularly, step up to the Greenworks 80V or EGO Power+ models. For light residential duty, the LST522 is tough to beat.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Cordless String Trimmer

Picking the right cordless string trimmer comes down to four big questions. How big is your yard, how thick is the stuff you are cutting, what battery platform are you already invested in, and how much do you want to spend. The answers point you toward specific models quickly.

Voltage: 20V vs 40V vs 60V vs 80V

Voltage is the single biggest predictor of cutting power. A 20V trimmer like the WORX WG163 or BLACK+DECKER LST522 handles maintained grass on small yards. A 40V model like the Greenworks 12 inch or BLACK+DECKER LST136 adds enough power for medium yards with some weeds.

Stepping up to 56V or 60V (EGO and DEWALT) gives you near-gas performance for thick weeds and larger properties. The 80V Greenworks sits at the top of the residential power range and approaches professional-grade cutting force. Higher voltage generally means more torque and faster cutting, but also heavier batteries and higher prices.

A common question I hear is whether 20V or 40V is better. The honest answer depends entirely on your yard. For a small manicured lawn, 20V is plenty and saves money and weight. For anything over a quarter acre or with regular weed pressure, 40V is the minimum I would recommend.

Battery Platform Compatibility

This is the most overlooked factor in cordless trimmer purchases, and it matters enormously. The battery that powers your trimmer typically works across an entire brand ecosystem. Buy into EGO 56V and that battery runs mowers, blowers, chainsaws, and snow throwers from the same brand.

Before buying a trimmer, take stock of what cordless tools you already own or plan to buy. If you have a DEWALT 20V or 60V drill set, the DEWALT trimmer makes obvious sense. If you started with a Greenworks mower, stay within the Greenworks platform.

Brand lock-in cuts both ways. It saves money when you buy bare tools, but it also means your first battery investment is the most expensive one. This is why professional landscapers and serious DIYers tend to consolidate on one platform. Once you have two or three batteries, adding tools becomes cheap.

If you are building a full cordless yard arsenal, the same batteries that run these trimmers also power tools for year-round property maintenance, including the best pole saws for winter tree maintenance on a compatible platform.

Cutting Swath Size

The cutting swath is the width of grass the trimmer cuts in a single pass. Wider swaths cover more ground per pass but can be harder to maneuver in tight spaces. The trimmers in this roundup range from 12 inches on the budget models to 17 inches on the DEWALT.

For small yards with fence lines, garden beds, and tight corners, a 12 to 13 inch swath actually works better because you can thread between obstacles. For open lawns where speed matters, step up to a 15 or 16 inch model like the EGO Power+ options.

The DEWALT’s adjustable 15 to 17 inch swath is the most flexible option. You can open it up for open areas and narrow it down for detailed edging work. If you have a varied property, that adjustability is worth paying for.

Line Feed Systems: Bump vs Auto vs Line IQ

This is where cheap trimmers frustrate users and premium models justify their price. A bump feed head requires you to tap the head on the ground to advance line, which interrupts your rhythm and can damage the head over time. The Greenworks 80V uses this system.

Automatic feed systems like the BLACK+DECKER AFS and Greenworks dual auto feed advance line on their own as you work. These are reliable and require no input from you, which I found genuinely convenient during testing.

The premium option is EGO’s Line IQ, which uses sensors to detect line wear and feeds automatically to maintain a constant 16-inch cutting swath. No bumping, no buttons, no interruptions. It is the most effortless system I have used, and it is exclusive to the flagship EGO model in this roundup.

Weight and Ergonomics

Weight ranges dramatically in this group, from 5.5 pounds on the WORX to 15 pounds on the DEWALT. If you have shoulder, back, or wrist issues, pay close attention to this spec. A heavy trimmer becomes exhausting quickly, especially on uneven terrain.

Telescoping shafts, like those on both EGO models and the BLACK+DECKER units, let you adjust the tool to your height. This matters more than people realize. A trimmer that is too short forces you to hunch, while one that is too long strains your shoulders.

Auxiliary handles and balanced weight distribution also reduce fatigue. The WORX and both Black+Decker models include auxiliary handles, which I found helpful for control during edging work.

Runtime and Charge Time

Runtime depends on battery capacity (measured in amp-hours) and how hard you are working. A 2.0Ah battery delivers roughly 25 to 30 minutes, while a 4.0Ah battery can push 45 to 60 minutes. Variable speed controls let you trade power for runtime on demand.

Charge time matters almost as much as runtime. The Greenworks 80V rapid charger refills a 2.0Ah battery in 30 minutes, while the BLACK+DECKER 40V charger takes up to 2 hours. If you only own one battery, fast charging keeps you working. If you own two, like with the WORX package, charge time is less critical.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Cordless String Trimmer Should You Buy?

After three months of testing, the EGO Power+ ST1623T remains my top overall pick for the best cordless string trimmer available in 2026. The Line IQ auto-feed, 60-minute runtime, and full EGO battery platform compatibility make it the most complete tool in this group for homeowners who want zero-fuss trimming.

If you need serious cutting power without the premium price, the Greenworks 80V 16 inch is the best value. It chewed through thick weeds in my testing and backs it up with a 4-year warranty. For budget buyers with small yards, the BLACK+DECKER 20V LST522 carries the highest user rating in the roundup and ships fast with Prime.

The right cordless string trimmer depends on your yard size, your weed pressure, and the battery platform you want to commit to. Any of the eight models above will outperform an aging gas trimmer while saving you money on fuel and maintenance for years to come.