Best Battery Powered String Trimmers to Buy in 2026
DeWalt's DCST922P1 tops our comparison for most yards, pairing a brushless motor with a 13-inch cutting swath. Buyers with larger properties may prefer EGO's 56V ST1521S for its wider swath and quick-load line feed. Tight budgets are well served by Ryobi's RY40270VNM, which adds Expand-It attachment compatibility. Voltage numbers alone rarely explain real-world cutting power, since battery capacity and motor design matter just as much. We compared official spec sheets, line feed systems, and attachment compatibility across each platform to separate marketing claims from usable performance.
Quick answer
DeWalt's DCST922P1 is the best overall cordless string trimmer, based on specifications, thanks to its brushless motor and 13-inch swath. EGO's ST1521S suits large yards with its 56V power and POWERLOAD feed. Ryobi's RY40270VNM offers the best value with Expand-It attachment compatibility included.
Why trust ToolBuyerHub
- We compare manufacturer-listed specifications rather than marketing copy alone.
- Cutting swath, voltage, and battery capacity are verified against official product pages.
- Owners reports on runtime and durability are cross-checked across multiple retailer listings.
- We do not accept payment for placement, and rankings reflect specification comparisons.
- Battery platform compatibility is noted so owners can reuse existing tool batteries.
- Listings are checked periodically, since manufacturers update models and specs over time.
Research updated August 2026.
DeWalt DCST922P1
DeWalt's DCST922P1 pairs a brushless motor with a 13-inch cutting swath for reliable performance around most yards.
| Model | Best for | Key specs | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCST922P1 | Best Overall | 20V MAX, 13 inches | 4.8/5 |
| Ryobi RY40270VNM | Best Value | 40V, 13 inches | 4.7/5 |
| EGO Power+ ST1521S | Best for Large Yards | 56V ARC Lithium, 15 inches | 4.6/5 |
| Makita XRU15PT1 | Best for Heavy Duty Use | 18V X2 (36V), 13 inches | 4.5/5 |
| Worx WG184 | Best for Edging | 56V (2x 20V), 13 inches | 4.4/5 |
| Black+Decker LST136W | Best Lightweight Pick | 40V Max, 13 inches | 4.4/5 |
| Greenworks 21342 | Best Budget | 40V, 13 inches | 4.3/5 |
DeWalt DCST922P1
Best OverallPros
- Brushless motor improves efficiency and durability
- Compatible with DeWalt's 20V MAX battery lineup
- Bump feed simplifies line advancement
Cons
- 13-inch swath is modest for very large lawns
- Battery and charger add noticeable weight
DeWalt's DCST922P1 pairs a brushless motor with a 13-inch cutting swath for reliable performance around most yards. It ships with a 5.0Ah battery and charger, so owners can start trimming right away. Variable speed trigger control helps balance runtime against cutting power.
Ryobi RY40270VNM
Best ValuePros
- Expand-It system allows attachment swaps
- Included 4.0Ah battery covers longer sessions
- Straight shaft design reaches under shrubs
Cons
- 40V Ryobi batteries do not fit 18V ONE+ tools
- Heavier than compact 20V trimmers
Ryobi's RY40270VNM covers a 13-inch cutting swath and accepts Expand-It attachments, turning one motor into several yard tools. It includes a 4.0Ah battery and charger in the box. This makes it a practical pick for owners building out a cordless yard tool set.
EGO Power+ ST1521S
Best for Large YardsPros
- 15-inch swath covers more ground per pass
- POWERLOAD feed speeds up line changes
- Carbon fiber shaft keeps weight manageable
Cons
- 56V battery platform costs more to expand
- Bulkier head than compact 13-inch trimmers
EGO's ST1521S extends the cutting swath to 15 inches, backed by a 56V ARC Lithium battery for stronger cutting power. POWERLOAD feed lets owners load line without disassembling the head. A carbon fiber shaft keeps the tool lighter despite its higher voltage.
Makita XRU15PT1
Best for Heavy DutyPros
- Brushless motor sustains power under load
- Compatible with Makita's broad 18V LXT range
- Dual-port charger charges both batteries at once
Cons
- Two batteries add noticeable weight
- Higher cost of entry than single-battery trimmers
Makita's XRU15PT1 runs on an 18V X2 (36V) LXT setup, pairing two batteries for extended power. A brushless motor drives a 13-inch cutting swath with consistent output. It ships with two 5.0Ah batteries and a dual-port charger, favoring owners already invested in Makita's LXT lineup.
Worx WG184
Best for EdgingPros
- Converts to an edger without extra purchases
- Two included batteries provide backup runtime
- Tilting head simplifies edge trimming
Cons
- Combining two batteries adds setup steps
- Edging performance depends on wheel alignment
Worx's WG184 converts between trimmer and edger, covering a 13-inch cutting swath in either mode. Two 20V batteries combine for 56V of output, and both ship in the box with a charger. The tilting head design makes edge work along walkways more direct.
Black+Decker LST136W
Best LightweightPros
- Automatic feed spool skips manual bump-feeding
- Lighter overall weight eases handling
- Straightforward controls suit occasional users
Cons
- 1.5Ah included battery limits session length
- Less powerful than higher-voltage competitors
Black+Decker's LST136W keeps things simple with a 13-inch cutting swath and an automatic feed spool that advances line without bumping. A 40V Max battery keeps the tool light in hand. It suits owners who prioritize easy handling over raw power.
Greenworks 21342
Best BudgetPros
- Lower included battery capacity keeps cost down
- Lightweight design suits smaller yards
- Dual line reduces snapping on light debris
Cons
- 2.0Ah battery limits runtime per charge
- Line diameter is thinner than heavy-duty models
Greenworks' 21342 uses a 40V motor with a 13-inch cutting swath and dual 0.065-inch line for everyday yard upkeep. A 2.0Ah battery and charger come included, keeping upfront costs low. It suits smaller lawns and light seasonal trimming.
How to Choose a Battery Powered String Trimmer
Yard size drives most buying decisions for cordless trimmers. Small lots need less voltage and battery capacity, while large properties benefit from wider cutting swaths and higher-voltage platforms. Attachment compatibility also matters if you plan to add an edger or brush cutter later. Weight affects comfort during longer sessions, especially on sloped or uneven ground.
Voltage and Battery Platforms Explained
Voltage indicates motor power potential, but battery amp-hours determine how long a charge lasts. Brands like DeWalt, Ryobi, and Makita build trimmers around shared battery platforms used across other yard and shop tools. Buying into an existing platform can lower future tool costs. Mixing platforms means keeping separate chargers and batteries for each brand.
Cutting Swath and Line Diameter
A wider cutting swath clears more grass per pass, reducing total trimming time. Thicker line diameters cut tougher weeds but drain battery power faster. Dual-line heads distribute wear more evenly than single-line spools. Automatic and bump feed systems both work, though automatic feed avoids stopping to tap the head.
Matching a Trimmer to Your Yard Size
Compact yards under a quarter acre rarely need more than a 13-inch swath and a single mid-capacity battery. Half-acre lots and larger benefit from 15-inch swaths or higher voltage platforms like EGO's 56V line. Overgrown areas or thick weeds call for heavier-duty motors, such as Makita's dual-battery design. Edging needs point toward convertible tools like Worx's WG184.
FAQs
How long does a battery powered string trimmer run on one charge?
Runtime depends on battery capacity and cutting load, typically ranging from 20 to 45 minutes per charge based on specifications for trimmers in this comparison.
What voltage is best for a cordless string trimmer?
40V and 56V platforms generally offer more cutting power for larger yards, while 20V and 18V tools suit smaller properties and lighter trimming.
Can a battery powered string trimmer cut thick weeds?
Higher-voltage trimmers with thicker line diameters, such as EGO's ST1521S, handle thicker weeds better than lower-voltage compact models.
Is a cordless string trimmer as powerful as a gas trimmer?
Higher-voltage cordless trimmers now match many gas trimmers for typical yard work, though gas models still lead in continuous heavy-duty use.
Which battery powered trimmer converts to an edger?
Worx's WG184 converts between trimmer and edger modes without buying a separate tool.
Do cordless string trimmers come with a battery included?
Most kits in this comparison, including the DeWalt DCST922P1 and Ryobi RY40270VNM, include at least one battery and charger.
What line diameter is best for a string trimmer?
Thinner 0.065-inch line suits light grass, while 0.080-inch and thicker line handles woody stems and thicker weeds better.
How much does a cordless string trimmer weigh?
Weights across this comparison range from about 6.5 pounds for lightweight models like the Black+Decker LST136W to over 10 pounds for dual-battery tools like Makita's XRU15PT1.
Can I use the same battery across different cordless tools?
Batteries are platform-specific, so a DeWalt 20V MAX battery works only with other DeWalt 20V MAX tools, not with Ryobi or Makita systems.
Our verdict
DeWalt's DCST922P1 remains the best overall choice for most yards, based on specifications and included battery capacity. Owners with larger properties or heavier growth should weigh EGO's ST1521S or Makita's XRU15PT1 instead. Budget-focused buyers can still get solid performance from Ryobi's RY40270VNM or Greenworks' 21342.