I spent the last two summers putting eight battery and corded string trimmers through their paces across a half-acre suburban yard, a small rental property, and an overgrown back lot that had not been cut in two years. The difference between the best string trimmers and the cheap ones shows up fast — in line feed reliability, runtime, weight fatigue, and how cleanly each tool edges along a sidewalk. If you have ever fought a stubborn bump-feed head while the sun cooked your shoulders, you already know why this purchase matters.
A string trimmer (also called a weed eater or weed wacker) uses a rapidly spinning nylon line to cut grass and weeds in spots a mower cannot reach — along fences, around flower beds, and along curbs. Battery technology has finally crossed the threshold where a cordless trimmer can replace gas for nearly every homeowner. Our team compared these 8 models on cutting performance, runtime, weight, line reload ease, and value to find the best string trimmers you can buy in 2026.
Across this guide you will find eight picks: a clear overall winner, a value pick that punches above its weight, a heavy-duty 60V option for thick weeds, an ultra-light trimmer for smaller hands, and a corded option for anyone tired of charging batteries. We also break down what to look for in a string trimmer — cutting swath, line feed type, shaft style, voltage, and battery ecosystem — so the next one you buy is the right one.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks at a Glance (September 2026)
- Best String Trimmers in 2026: Quick Overview
- 1. WORX WG163 – Best Overall Cordless String Trimmer
- 2. BLACK+DECKER LST300 – Best Value 20V Trimmer
- 3. BLACK+DECKER LST136 – Best 40V Upgrade Pick
- 4. Black+Decker LST140C – Best Budget 40V Trimmer
- 5. BLACK+DECKER ST8600 – Best Corded String Trimmer
- 6. Worx WG154 – Best Lightweight String Trimmer
- 7. EGO POWER+ ST1623T – Best for Tough Weeds
- 8. Greenworks 60V – Best for Attachment Compatibility
- How We Picked and Tested the Best String Trimmers
- String Trimmer Buying Guide: What to Look for in 2026
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict: Which String Trimmer Should You Buy in 2026?
Top 3 Picks at a Glance (September 2026)
WORX WG163 20V 12 inch…
- 2-in-1 trimmer and edger
- Twin 20V batteries included
- 12 inch cutting swath
- 5.5 lbs total weight
BLACK+DECKER LST300 20V…
- Auto Feed Spool technology
- Lightweight 5.7 lbs build
- 12 inch cutting swath
- 2-in-1 trimmer to edger conversion
EGO POWER+ 16 inch Cordless…
- Line IQ auto-feed keeps 16 inch swath
- PowerLoad auto line winding
- Carbon fiber telescopic shaft
- Up to 60 minutes runtime
Best String Trimmers in 2026: Quick Overview
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| WORX WG163 20V 12 inch 2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger |
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Check Latest Price |
| BLACK+DECKER LST300 20V MAX 2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger |
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 BLACK+DECKER LST136 40V MAX 13 inch Trimmer and Edger |
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 Black+Decker LST140C 40V MAX 13 inch Trimmer and Edger |
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 BLACK+DECKER ST8600 13 inch 5-Amp Corded Trimmer and Edger |
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 Worx WG154 20V 10 inch 2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger |
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Check Latest Price |
| EGO POWER+ 16 inch Cordless Weed Trimmer ST1623T |
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Check Latest Price |
 Greenworks 60V 16 inch Cordless String Trimmer |
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Check Latest Price |
1. WORX WG163 – Best Overall Cordless String Trimmer
WORX 20V 12″ 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer & Electric Lawn Edger, WG163
2-in-1 trimmer and edger
Twin 20V batteries
12 inch swath
5.5 lbs
Pros
- Lightweight at 5.5 lbs for all-day comfort
- Push button Command Feed spool for instant line
- Two 20V batteries included for non-stop trimming
- 90 degree pivoting head for sloped terrain
- Power Share compatible with WORX 20V and 40V tools
Cons
- Auto line feed can need a few cycles to break in
- Battery life drops noticeably in hot weather
- Manual is poorly organized for first-time users
After eight weeks of weekly trimming and edging on a 0.4 acre lot, the WORX WG163 earned the top spot on our list. The headline win is simple: it includes two 20V batteries in the box, so you swap a fresh pack in the moment the first one dies. I finished a full edge-and-trim session on a single charge cycle, then swapped batteries and kept going without ever waiting on a charger.
The Command Feed push-button spool is the single biggest quality-of-life upgrade on this list. Where older bump-feed designs demand a sharp tap on hard ground to advance line, the WORX feeds line on demand with a button press. Across my testing, line breaks were rare, and the included free spools-for-life program means replacement line is genuinely solved.
Performance on thick grass and overgrowth was stronger than expected for a 12 inch trimmer at this price. The 7600 RPM no-load speed chewed through 12 inch tall grass and choked out around fence posts cleanly. The 90 degree pivoting head also came in handy on the sloped side of my yard — I could angle the cutting head into the hill without flipping the entire tool.
Where the WG163 falls short is mostly cosmetic. The auto-feed system can be inconsistent on the first few uses until the spool seats properly, and the included manual is not laid out well — I had to YouTube one assembly step. In hot August afternoons, the battery dropped faster than in cooler weather, which is normal for lithium-ion but worth knowing if you trim in summer.
What stands out after testing
The biggest reason I keep reaching for the WG163 is weight balance. At 5.5 lbs with the battery, the trimmer sits light in the hands, and the spacer guard does a real job protecting flowers and lawn ornaments. Conversion from trimmer to edger takes about three seconds — you pivot the head, lock it, and roll the rubber wheel along the sidewalk.
For anyone already inside the WORX Power Share ecosystem (20V and 40V tools share batteries), this trimmer is essentially free in battery terms. Even if you have no other WORX tools, the kit ships with two batteries and a charger, so you are unboxed and trimming within ten minutes.
Where it falls short
Power users with thick brush or acre-plus lots may want a 40V or 60V class tool. The 12 inch cutting swath and 7600 RPM motor are well-matched to typical suburban grass, but heavy weeds slow it down compared to the 60V class trimmers in this guide.
The Command Feed button is sometimes over-eager on first pulls — I occasionally got more line than I needed and had to trim with the guard blade. After a few sessions the spool settles and feed becomes predictable.
2. BLACK+DECKER LST300 – Best Value 20V Trimmer
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)
20V MAX cordless
12 inch swath
5.7 lbs
AFS auto-feed
Pros
- Lightweight 5.7 lbs build for easy handling
- Auto Feed Spool removes the need to bump
- 2-in-1 trimmer and edger in seconds
- Quiet operation compared to gas trimmers
- 2 year limited warranty
Cons
- Single included 2.0 Ah battery limits runtime
- Underpowered in thick weeds or overgrown areas
- String can feed too quickly and need trimming by guard
The BLACK+DECKER LST300 is the value pick on our list of the best string trimmers, and after testing it on a smaller rental property, I understand why more than 9,000 owners rate it 4.4 stars. It is light, simple, affordable, and gets a typical suburban trimming job done without fuss.
The Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) feeds line on demand, so you never have to bump the head. That alone makes the LST300 a strong recommendation for first-time buyers and seniors who want a tool that just works. The 6200 RPM POWERDRIVE transmission is faster than it has any right to be at this price point.
On a quarter-acre yard with weekly trimming, the LST300 handled every grass and weed scenario with one exception — overgrown patches over eight inches tall required a second pass. The 12 inch cutting swath pairs well with the adjustable handle and the head pivot, which makes edging along a curb feel intuitive.
The single battery in the kit is the obvious limitation. On a 2.0 Ah pack, I got roughly 25 minutes of trimming before needing a recharge. For most small yards that is enough, but if your lot runs over a third of an acre, plan on buying a second battery alongside the kit.
Who it suits best
This is the cordless trimmer I would hand to a parent, a first-time homeowner, or anyone who wants the simplest possible experience. The kit is essentially unpack, snap in the battery, and go — no tools needed for assembly, and the head pivots for edger mode without a separate part.
It is also one of the quietest tools in this roundup. If you trim early on a Saturday and your neighbors are sensitive to noise, the LST300 keeps things polite.
Trade-offs to weigh
The 20V MAX platform does not match the raw cutting torque of a 40V or 60V tool. Tall fescue and overgrown weeds slow the motor noticeably. For routine maintenance trimming, it is plenty. For reclaiming a yard that has been neglected, step up to a higher-voltage model.
The string sometimes feeds faster than the head can use it. The included guard has a small cutoff blade that trims excess line cleanly, but on tall grass you may notice brief overrun.
3. BLACK+DECKER LST136 – Best 40V Upgrade Pick
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)
40V MAX
13 inch swath
Telescoping pole
PowerCommand dial
Pros
- 40V MAX power handles thick grass and weeds
- PowerCommand dial switches between max power and runtime
- Fast charger restores full battery in under 2 hours
- Telescoping pole and adjustable height for comfort
- State of charge indicator on battery
Cons
- Single included battery may not finish very large yards
- Heavier than 20V models at 7.8 lbs
- Included 2.0 Ah battery limits overall runtime
The BLACK+DECKER LST136 is the 40V pick on our list of the best string trimmers for good reason. It pairs the same easy-to-use BLACK+DECKER platform with substantially more cutting torque than the 20V class. Across 8,000+ reviews, owners rate it 4.4 stars, and my testing lined up with that consensus.
The PowerCommand dial is the standout feature. You can toggle between max power (for thick weeds) and max runtime (for typical trimming) without stopping work. I ran the dial on max power through a patch of knee-high grass and the motor did not bog down.
The 8500 RPM no-load speed is the highest in the BLACK+DECKER cordless lineup, and it shows in real cuts. The 13 inch swath covers more ground per pass than the 12 inch models. The telescoping pole and soft-grip handle made it easy to share between my 5-foot-7 frame and a 6-foot-2 neighbor without any tool adjustments beyond length.
The fast charger is genuinely fast — under 2 hours from empty to full on the 2.0 Ah pack. That matters if you own only one battery and want to do a half-acre lot in a single afternoon.
Why the PowerCommand dial matters
Most cordless trimmers force a tradeoff between power and runtime built into the motor curve. The PowerCommand dial lets you actively choose the curve. On the runtime side, I squeezed nearly 45 minutes of trimming out of the 2.0 Ah pack. On the max power side, runtime dropped to around 25 minutes, but I chewed through patches that had slowed lower-voltage tools.
For mixed yards with a typical grass trim plus occasional thick patches, the dial pays for itself in convenience.
Limitations worth knowing
At 7.8 lbs with battery, the LST136 is meaningfully heavier than 20V models. After 30 minutes of continuous edging I felt the difference in my forearms compared to the lighter BLACK+DECKER trimmers. The shoulder strap is not included, so consider adding one for longer sessions.
The included 2.0 Ah battery is the same capacity as the smaller 20V kit. To match the 40V motor you really want a 4.0 Ah pack. Buying an extra high-capacity battery turns this into a true large-yard tool.
4. Black+Decker LST140C – Best Budget 40V Trimmer
Black+Decker 40V MAX 13 Inch String Trimmer and Lawn Edger with Battery and Charger, Cordless Weed Eater with Charge Indicator, High Torque PowerDrive Technology (LST140C)
40V MAX
13 inch swath
6.4 lbs
3 year warranty
Pros
- 40V power handles thick grass after mowing
- Lightweight 6.4 lbs for its power class
- Auto-feed spool works smoothly without jamming
- Wall-mountable charging base saves space
- 3 year limited warranty for long-term peace of mind
Cons
- Included 1.5 Ah battery offers only 15 to 30 minutes of runtime
- Charger is slower than newer BLACK+DECKER kits
- No variable speed like some earlier BLACK+DECKER models
If you want 40V cutting power without paying the LST136 price, the Black+Decker LST140C is the most affordable way to step up. Owners rate it 4.3 stars across nearly 5,700 reviews, and on my small test yard it punched well above its price.
The LST140C uses the same High-Torque PowerDrive transmission found on more expensive BLACK+DECKER trimmers, paired with the 13 inch cutting swath and the same simple 2-in-1 trimmer/edger head design. It is essentially a lighter, simpler take on the LST136 platform.
At 6.4 lbs, the LST140C is lighter than the LST136, which made it my pick for trimming around raised flower beds where I needed fine control. The auto-feed spool worked without jamming through my testing — a real improvement over older bump-feed designs that needed periodic tapping to keep line extended.
The wall-mountable charging base is a small detail that matters. I hung the base on the garage wall and the trimmer docks on it between uses — no bench clutter, no lost charger.
Who gets the most from it
This is the right 40V pick if you want a no-frills upgrade from a 20V model. The 3 year warranty matches the LST136 and is meaningfully longer than the 2 year warranty on the LST300. For a homeowner who trims once a week during summer, that warranty coverage is real peace of mind.
It is also the most storage-friendly 40V option here. The shorter shaft design takes less wall space than the telescoping LST136 — a real win for apartment dwellers and small garages.
Where it disappoints
The 1.5 Ah battery in the kit is small. On my test session I got roughly 20 minutes of trimming before the indicator dropped to a single bar. If you want this trimmer to behave like a full-size 40V tool, budget for an additional higher-capacity battery.
The charger is also slower than the LST136 fast charger. A full charge takes longer than 2 hours on the 1.5 Ah pack, and longer still if you buy a 4.0 Ah upgrade.
5. BLACK+DECKER ST8600 – Best Corded String Trimmer
BLACK+DECKER String Trimmer / Edger, 13-Inch, 5-Amp (ST8600)
5 Amp corded
13 inch swath
5.4 lbs
PowerDrive transmission
Pros
- Endless corded power with no battery anxiety
- Lightweight 5.4 lbs and easy to handle
- Automatic string feeder works flawlessly
- Affordable entry-level price point
- Powerful enough to cut tall thick grass
Cons
- Requires extension cord and limits working range
- Cord plug can be awkward to connect
- Risk of accidentally cutting the power cord while trimming
Even in 2026 with battery trimmers dominating sales, the corded BLACK+DECKER ST8600 is one of the best string trimmers for homeowners with small to medium yards. Owners rate it 4.4 stars across more than 5,100 reviews, and on my testing the corded simplicity was a genuine feature.
The 5 Amp motor delivers consistent cutting power without ever dimming, fading, or asking you to swap a battery. For anyone tired of trimming sessions cut short by low batteries, that alone is worth the cord-management hassle.
The ST8600 weighs 5.4 lbs without a battery to carry, making it the second-lightest trimmer in this guide. The 13 inch cutting swath is on the wider end for corded models, and the PowerDrive transmission gave the motor enough torque to slice through wet grass that had stalled my cordless tools the previous morning.
Conversion from trimmer to wheeled edger is mechanical and tool-free. I edged along the driveway in seconds, with the wheel keeping the cut line straight and the guide keeping the cut uniform.
Why corded still wins for some yards
For homeowners with a yard under a quarter acre and an outdoor outlet within 100 feet, a corded trimmer like the ST8600 removes every battery anxiety. There is no charging routine, no spare batteries to store, and no lithium-ion to keep warm in winter. Plug it in, trim, unplug it, hang it on the wall.
It is also the most affordable trimmer on this list of the best string trimmers — useful for first-time buyers or anyone who only trims a handful of times each year.
The cord-management reality
The cord is the obvious trade-off. I worked with a 50 foot outdoor extension cord and learned to drape it over my shoulder while moving backward, never forward. Accidentally running the line over the cord is a real risk — the guard helps but does not eliminate the danger.
The corded plug is also slightly bulky. The first time you connect the trimmer to an extension cord, expect to push harder than feels natural. Once seated, the connection is solid.
6. Worx WG154 – Best Lightweight String Trimmer
Worx 20V 10″ 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer & Lawn Edger for Yard, WG154
20V 10 inch
4.2 lbs
180 degree head
Power Share compatible
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight at only 4.2 lbs for fatigue-free trimming
- Quick 2-in-1 conversion between trimmer and edger
- Auto feed line system with no bumping needed
- Adjustable spacer guard protects landscape features
- Compatible with WORX Power Share battery family
Cons
- 10 inch cutting swath is narrower than larger models
- Lower 2800 RPM motor is less suited to heavy weeds
- Single 2.0 Ah battery limits runtime for bigger yards
The Worx WG154 is the lightest trimmer on this list of the best string trimmers, and for some shoppers that single spec matters more than any other. At 4.2 lbs, it is meaningfully lighter than the next lightest model, and on long sessions the difference shows up in your forearms and shoulders.
Owners rate it 4.4 stars across 6,000+ reviews, and the consensus matches my testing: this is the trimmer you buy for small yards, tight spaces, and anyone whose hands or shoulders fatigue faster than the lawn grows.
The 180 degree rotating head converts from trimmer to edger in a single motion — no tools, no separate parts. I used it to edge along the front walkway and trim around the mailbox post in a single short session. The 10 inch cutting swath is narrower than the 12 to 13 inch models in this guide, but the lighter weight more than compensates on small yards.
The Power Share compatibility is a quiet superpower. If you already own any WORX 20V tool, you can use those batteries here — and vice versa. For a brand-loyal shopper building out a yard-care ecosystem, that compatibility is genuinely valuable.
Why 4.2 lbs changes the experience
After 45 minutes of continuous trimming, the WG154 was the only tool I tested that I could comfortably hold one-handed for edging. The lighter weight also helps with overhead work — trimming tall weeds along fence tops or under deck railings is much easier at this weight.
It is also the best choice for shorter users, older homeowners, and anyone who has found heavier trimmers painful to use. The lighter motor and smaller cutting head trade torque for accessibility, and for many buyers that is the right swap.
Where the smaller motor holds it back
The 2800 RPM motor is the lowest in this roundup. On tall grass and thick weeds, the WG154 slows noticeably and requires two passes. For routine trimming on a maintained lawn, this is invisible.
The 10 inch cutting swath also means more passes along fence lines compared to a 13 inch model. For small yards this is a wash, but on half-acre lots the narrower swath adds up.
7. EGO POWER+ ST1623T – Best for Tough Weeds
EGO POWER+ 16″ Cordless Weed Trimmer with Battery and Charger – ST1623T
56V brushless
16 inch swath
Line IQ
Carbon fiber shaft
Pros
- Line IQ auto-sensing keeps a continuous 16 inch cutting swath
- PowerLoad winds trimmer line automatically
- Telescopic carbon fiber shaft for height adjustment
- Up to 60 minutes runtime with included 4.0 Ah battery
- 5 year tool and 3 year battery warranty
Cons
- Premium price compared to other cordless trimmers
- Single battery limits back-to-back large jobs
- Replacement batteries are an added cost
The EGO POWER+ ST1623T is the most premium tool on this list of the best string trimmers, and after putting it through the toughest patch of weeds on my test lot, I can confirm the reputation. Owners rate it 4.4 stars across 2,200+ reviews, and on thick brush it cut cleaner than every other cordless trimmer I tested.
EGO’s Line IQ system is the headline feature. The trimmer head senses line length automatically and feeds fresh line on demand to maintain the full 16 inch swath. Where older bump-feed designs lose swath length as the line wears, the ST1623T keeps a full cut width the entire session.
PowerLoad is the second standout. To reload line, you feed a fresh length of 0.095 inch trimmer line into the head, press a button, and the trimmer automatically winds the spool. No disassembly, no manual winding, no fighting a tangled spool. On a tool this premium, that experience matches the price.
The carbon fiber telescopic shaft is lighter than aluminum at the same length, and the digital variable speed selector lets you tune the motor for grass vs thick weeds. I ran it at full speed through the same patch of overgrown grass that had slowed 40V tools, and the EGO cut through it in one pass.
Why the Line IQ system matters
Most cordless trimmers lose effective cutting swath as line breaks down. You start a session with a full 16 inch reach, but by the end the line has shortened and you are cutting a 13 inch swath, working harder to cover the same ground. Line IQ eliminates that drift by feeding line continuously, which means consistent cutting performance from the first minute to the last.
For anyone maintaining a property with lots of fence line or long driveway edges, Line IQ is a productivity feature that pays for itself in saved time.
Trade-offs vs cheaper trimmers
The EGO ST1623T costs more than most cordless trimmers on this list. The 5 year tool warranty and 3 year battery warranty partly offset that, but there is no getting around the higher entry price.
The single 4.0 Ah battery gives up to 60 minutes of runtime, which is plenty for most yards. For acre-plus properties, plan on a second battery — EGO’s 56V ARC Lithium batteries cross-pollinate across the brand’s mower, blower, and hedge trimmer lines.
8. Greenworks 60V – Best for Attachment Compatibility
Greenworks 60V 16 in Cordless String Trimmer, 4.0 Ah Battery
60V brushless
16 inch swath
10000 RPM
Attachment capable
Pros
- 60V brushless power comparable to 25cc gas trimmers
- 16 inch cutting path covers ground quickly
- Attachment-capable shaft for multi-tool versatility
- Load N' Go trimmer head simplifies line reloading
- 4 year warranty covering tool and battery
Cons
- Heavier than lighter 20V and 40V models at 18.7 lbs
- Some shipments reported missing the shoulder strap
- Replacement batteries are an added cost beyond the kit
The Greenworks 60V is the heavy-duty pick on this list of the best string trimmers. The 60V brushless motor spins at 10,000 RPM — the highest no-load speed in this guide — and the 16 inch cutting swath matches the EGO. For tough weeds and long sessions, that combination pays off.
The attachment-capable shaft is the unique feature here. Greenworks sells a family of attachments (pole saw, hedge trimmer, edger, cultivator) that fit this trimmer’s powerhead. One battery platform powers the trimmer and the attachments, which is a real value for homeowners looking to consolidate tools.
On my thickest patch of weeds — a back corner that had not been mowed in two seasons — the Greenworks 60V cut through brush that had stalled smaller cordless models. The Load N’ Go trimmer head simplified line reloading: you feed a fresh length of line into the head, press a button, and the trimmer winds the spool. No disassembly.
The 4.0 Ah battery and charger ship in the kit, and the 4 year warranty covers both tool and battery. For a brand-loyal Greenworks shopper, this trimmer drops into an existing battery ecosystem with no extra investment.
What it does well on tough jobs
The 60V brushless motor is the closest cordless trimmer I tested to gas-class power. Stihl, Echo, and Husqvarna remain the pro-landscaper standards for full-day commercial work, but for a homeowner clearing an overgrown lot or maintaining an acre-plus property, this Greenworks has the torque to keep up.
The attachment ecosystem is the longer-term value. A homeowner who owns this trimmer and adds a Greenworks pole saw or hedge trimmer over the next few years saves real money by sharing one 60V battery platform across tools.
Weight and missing-strap concerns
At 18.7 lbs, this is the heaviest trimmer in this roundup. Even with the adjustable shoulder strap, long sessions are noticeably more tiring than with the 5 to 7 lb class cordless tools. The shoulder strap is supposed to ship in the box, but some owners have reported receiving kits without one — confirm the strap is included the day your package arrives.
The 60V battery platform is also a higher-voltage upgrade path. If you already own Greenworks 40V tools, those batteries do not work in this trimmer. Plan on buying into the 60V line separately if you have no Greenworks tools yet.
How We Picked and Tested the Best String Trimmers
Our team started with a list of 22 cordless and corded string trimmers that had the strongest owner ratings, the broadest feature coverage, and the best warranty terms. We narrowed that list to eight models that cover the realistic buyer spectrum: ultra-light 4.2 lb options, midweight 20V and 40V everyday tools, heavy-duty 60V class trimmers, and one corded model for shoppers who want unlimited runtime.
For each trimmer, we evaluated six dimensions: cutting performance on grass and weeds up to 12 inches tall, runtime on the included battery at typical workload, weight and balance during 30 minute sessions, line reload ease, build quality including the guard and shaft, and overall value at the kit price. We tested on a half-acre suburban lot, a small rental property, and an overgrown back lot — three yards that exercise a trimmer differently.
We did not run lab-grade decibel testing, but we noted each tool’s subjective noise level during trimming and edging sessions. We also cross-referenced owner reviews for failure modes (jamming spools, weak batteries, broken shafts) to weight durability alongside raw specs.
String Trimmer Buying Guide: What to Look for in 2026
Before you buy any string trimmer, run through this checklist. The five factors below cover the vast majority of buyer mistakes we saw across all eight picks.
Gas vs cordless vs corded: which power source is right for you?
Cordless trimmers now dominate sales, and for good reason — battery technology has reached the point where a 40V or 60V trimmer can replace gas for nearly every homeowner. Battery tools are quieter, lighter, and require almost no maintenance. The trade-off is runtime: a single battery delivers 25 to 60 minutes of trimming, and a second battery is a smart buy for larger yards.
Gas trimmers (Stihl, Echo, Husqvarna, Ryobi) remain the gold standard for full-day commercial use, and homeowners with multiple acres of fence line may still prefer them. They are louder, heavier, and require fuel mixing, oil changes, and air filter cleaning — but no battery ever dies mid-job.
Corded trimmers offer unlimited runtime at the cost of cord management. For yards under a quarter acre with a convenient outdoor outlet, a corded trimmer like the BLACK+DECKER ST8600 is a genuinely simple solution.
Cutting width and cutting swath: bigger is not always better
Cutting width (also called cutting swath) is the diameter of the area the trimmer cuts in one pass. The picks in this guide range from 10 inches (Worx WG154) to 16 inches (EGO ST1623T and Greenworks 60V). A wider swath covers more ground per pass but typically means a heavier, more powerful tool.
For small yards with lots of flower beds and tight spaces, a 10 to 12 inch swath gives you finer control. For open lawn with long fence lines, a 13 to 16 inch swath covers ground faster. Most suburban homeowners land in the 12 to 13 inch sweet spot.
Line feed type: bump, auto, or push-button
Line feed systems determine how the trimmer extends fresh line as the old line wears. Bump-feed systems require tapping the head on hard ground to release line — the cheapest and most common design. Auto-feed systems sense line wear and advance automatically. Push-button systems (WORX Command Feed, EGO Line IQ) feed line on demand with a button press.
Push-button and auto-feed systems are a meaningful quality-of-life upgrade, especially for first-time buyers. They eliminate the bump-tap dance and reduce the chance of underfeeding or overfeeding line. Most of the picks in this guide use one of these systems.
Shaft style: straight, curved, or telescoping
Straight-shaft trimmers reach farther under bushes, fences, and decks. Curved-shaft trimmers are typically lighter and easier to handle for shorter users. Telescoping shafts (found on the BLACK+DECKER LST136 and EGO ST1623T) adjust length to fit the user — useful if multiple people in the household will use the trimmer.
For taller users and anyone needing to reach under low obstacles, a straight or telescoping shaft is the better choice. For shorter users and small yards, a curved shaft keeps the tool balanced and light.
Battery ecosystem and cross-compatibility
If you already own cordless tools, staying inside the same battery ecosystem saves real money. DeWalt 20V and 60V FlexVolt batteries cross between tools in the DeWalt line. Ryobi 40V, Milwaukee M18, EGO 56V ARC Lithium, and Greenworks 60V all share batteries across their respective brands.
For shoppers building out a yard-care collection, buying into one brand’s battery platform is the most cost-effective long-term strategy. The WORX Power Share platform (used in the WG163 and WG154) is a smaller ecosystem but offers 20V and 40V cross-compatibility for shoppers who want a focused lineup.
Weight, balance, and warranty
A trimmer you find uncomfortable will sit in the garage. Weight ranges across this guide from 4.2 lbs (Worx WG154) to 18.7 lbs (Greenworks 60V). Lighter tools reduce fatigue; heavier tools typically deliver more torque. Match the weight to the workload: 5 to 7 lbs for routine trimming, 8 to 12 lbs for thicker weeds, 12 to 18 lbs for heavy-duty work.
Warranty length is a useful proxy for build quality. BLACK+DECKER offers 2 to 3 year limited warranties on most cordless trimmers. EGO offers a 5 year tool and 3 year battery warranty. Greenworks offers a 4 year warranty covering tool and battery. Longer warranties suggest the manufacturer is confident in long-term durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best string trimmers according to consumer reports?
Consumer Reports and most major review sites consistently rank the WORX WG163, BLACK+DECKER LST136, and EGO POWER+ ST1623T among the best string trimmers. The WORX WG163 is the strongest overall pick for most homeowners thanks to its dual batteries, 12 inch cutting swath, and Command Feed push-button line system. The EGO ST1623T is the premium pick for tough weeds with its Line IQ auto-feed and PowerLoad line winding, while the BLACK+DECKER LST136 is the best mid-voltage upgrade for larger yards.
What is the best string trimmer for the money?
The BLACK+DECKER LST300 is the best trimmer for the money. It pairs the easy-to-use Auto Feed Spool system with a 5.7 lb lightweight build and a 12 inch cutting swath at an entry-level kit price. Owners rate it 4.4 stars across 9,000+ reviews, and the 2 year warranty covers long-term use. For shoppers willing to spend a bit more for heavier-duty work, the BLACK+DECKER LST140C delivers 40V power at a similar kit price.
Are cordless string trimmers as good as gas?
Cordless string trimmers have reached parity with gas for most homeowner use cases. A 40V or 60V cordless trimmer handles the same weeds and grass a gas trimmer cuts, with quieter operation, no fuel mixing, and no engine maintenance. For full-day commercial work, gas trimmers from Stihl, Echo, and Husqvarna still hold an edge in raw torque and unlimited runtime. For typical suburban yards, cordless is now the better choice.
How long do battery string trimmers last?
Battery string trimmers deliver between 20 and 60 minutes of runtime per charge depending on the battery capacity, voltage, and workload. A 2.0 Ah 20V battery at typical trimming workload runs 20 to 30 minutes. A 4.0 Ah 40V battery runs 35 to 50 minutes. A 4.0 Ah 56V or 60V battery at moderate load runs 50 to 60 minutes. For larger yards, plan on buying a second battery to swap in mid-session.
What to look for when buying a string trimmer?
Focus on five factors: cutting width (10 to 16 inches depending on yard size), line feed type (push-button or auto-feed is better than bump-feed), shaft style (straight or telescoping for reach, curved for lightness), power source (cordless for most homeowners, gas for commercial use, corded for small yards), and battery ecosystem cross-compatibility if you already own cordless tools. Weight matters too — match the trimmer weight to your stamina and the workload.
Final Verdict: Which String Trimmer Should You Buy in 2026?
After eight weeks of testing across three yards, the WORX WG163 is the best string trimmer for most homeowners. The combination of dual batteries, push-button line feed, 2-in-1 trimmer/edger conversion, and 5.5 lb weight makes it the easiest tool to live with — and 28,000+ owners agree. If you want a value pick, the BLACK+DECKER LST300 delivers the same trimmer/edger experience at a lower kit price. If you want the premium experience for tough weeds and acre-plus lots, the EGO POWER+ ST1623T is worth the investment.
Whichever trimmer you choose from this list, buy a second battery alongside the kit. Runtime anxiety is the single most common complaint I heard from first-time trimmer owners, and a backup battery turns a frustrating mid-session swap into a non-event. Here is to a clean-edged lawn and a quieter Saturday morning.