Best Cordless String Trimmers for Homeowners
A cordless string trimmer removes the two biggest hassles of yard work: the extension cord you keep dragging around and the small engine you keep fighting to start. For most homeowners the real decision comes down to battery platform, cutting width, and whether you want a bump-feed head or a fixed-line design that skips the fuss.
Quick answer
The EGO Power+ ST1511T 15-Inch String Trimmer is the best overall pick for most homeowners thanks to its 56V platform, 15-inch cut, and easy line loading.
Why trust ToolBuyerHub
- Cross-checked manufacturer-published specifications before writing any recommendation
- Verified US market availability and configuration for every model discussed
- Owner-feedback themes are summarized as feedback, never presented as our own hands-on testing
- No invented star ratings; see the visible Research Score criteria on this page
- Flagged chemical-compatibility and safe-handling guidance for sprayer and shredder equipment
- We compare trimmers on battery platform compatibility, cutting swath, line-feed type, and weight, using manufacturer specifications and owner-feedback themes rather than lab testing.
Research updated September 2026.
What Matters Most for This Category
Battery platform is the single most important factor, because once you own one brand's batteries and charger, every additional tool gets cheaper. After that, look at cutting width (wider clears faster but is heavier), line-feed type (bump-feed is fast, fixed-line is simpler), and weight, since a trimmer gets held at an angle for long stretches. A straight shaft reaches under decks and fences better than a curved shaft, while curved shafts tend to be lighter and cheaper.
| Model | Best for | Key specs | Research Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| EGO Power+ ST1511T 15-Inch String Trimmer | Best Overall | 56V ARC Lithium battery, 15 inches | 94/100 |
| Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer | Best Value | 40V lithium-ion battery, 12 inches | 89/100 |
| WORX WG163 GT 3.0 20V PowerShare 12-Inch String Trimmer | Best Budget | 20V PowerShare battery, 12 inches | 86/100 |
| Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 15-Inch String Trimmer | Best for Large Yards | 40V lithium-ion battery, 15 inches | 90/100 |
| DEWALT 20V MAX String Trimmer and Blower Combo Kit | Best for DEWALT Owners | 20V MAX battery, 13 inches | 88/100 |
| Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless String Trimmer | Best Lightweight | 18V LXT battery, 13 inches | 85/100 |
| Black+Decker 20V MAX Cordless String Trimmer | Best for Small Yards | 20V MAX battery, 12 inches | 82/100 |
EGO Power+ ST1511T 15-Inch String Trimmer
Top PickPros
- Runs on the widely shared EGO 56V battery platform
- 15-inch swath clears large areas quickly
- Power-load head makes rewinding line simple
Cons
- Battery and charger are sold separately from the bare tool
- Heavier than many curved-shaft budget models
EGO's 56V trimmer is the model most homeowners end up recommending to neighbors, largely because the battery system covers mowers, blowers, and chainsaws too. The 15-inch cut and bump-feed head handle typical suburban lots without constant stops. It is a bare tool, so budget for a battery kit if you are starting fresh.
Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer
Great ValuePros
- Often sold as a kit with battery and charger included
- Light enough for long sessions and smaller users
- 40V platform covers many other Greenworks tools
Cons
- 12-inch cut means more passes on big lawns
- Curved shaft reaches under obstacles less easily
This Greenworks kit is a common first cordless trimmer because it arrives ready to run with a battery and charger in the box. The lighter build suits smaller yards and trimming around beds and fences. It will not clear an acre quickly, but it covers the average suburban lot fine.
WORX WG163 GT 3.0 20V PowerShare 12-Inch String Trimmer
Budget FriendlyPros
- Push-button line advance avoids bumping the head
- Telescopic shaft and rotating head convert to a wheeled edger
- Shares batteries across the WORX PowerShare line
Cons
- 20V power suits light trimming, not heavy overgrowth
- Smaller cut width than full-size trimmers
The WORX GT 3.0 leans on convenience: a button feeds line, and the head rotates so the tool doubles as an edger. The adjustable shaft helps users of different heights. It is best for light upkeep rather than thick weeds.
Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 15-Inch String Trimmer
Big Lawn ReadyPros
- Brushless motor for more runtime and less maintenance
- 15-inch cut covers ground fast
- Part of the large Ryobi 40V tool ecosystem
Cons
- Kit pricing runs higher than basic models
- Straight shaft and bigger head add weight
Ryobi's 40V HP trimmer targets homeowners with more grass to clear, pairing a brushless motor with a 15-inch swath. The straight shaft helps reach under fences and along foundations. It slots into Ryobi's broad 40V lineup if you plan to add tools.
DEWALT 20V MAX String Trimmer and Blower Combo Kit
Platform MatchPros
- Uses the same 20V MAX batteries as many DEWALT power tools
- Combo kit adds a matching blower
- Straight shaft for reach and control
Cons
- 20V MAX runtime is shorter than higher-voltage platforms
- Combo kit costs more than a trimmer alone
If you already own DEWALT 20V MAX tools, this kit lets you reuse those batteries for yard work. The trimmer pairs with an included blower for cleanup. It is a practical pick for tool-shed consistency rather than maximum runtime.
Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless String Trimmer
Light and NimblePros
- Light build reduces fatigue on long jobs
- Telescopic shaft adjusts for height
- Fits the huge Makita 18V LXT battery system
Cons
- 18V power is modest for thick brush
- Battery and charger often sold separately
Makita's 18V LXT trimmer is aimed at light trimming and detail work around a yard. The telescopic shaft and low weight make it easy to handle. It makes the most sense for homeowners already using Makita 18V tools.
Black+Decker 20V MAX Cordless String Trimmer
CompactPros
- Light and inexpensive for small lots
- Automatic line feed reduces stops
- Simple controls suit beginners
Cons
- Limited power for heavy weeds
- Smaller cut width slows big jobs
Black+Decker's 20V MAX trimmer is a compact option for townhouses and small yards. Automatic line feed keeps the cutting going without bumping. It is not built for overgrowth, but it handles routine edging and light trimming.
Who Should Avoid the Top Pick
Skip cordless trimmers if you regularly clear thick brush, saplings, or acres of tall grass, since gas or corded models still deliver more sustained power for those jobs. Also avoid buying a bare tool if you do not already own that brand's batteries, because the battery and charger can cost as much as the trimmer itself.
Before You Buy
Before buying, decide which battery platform you want to commit to, since that choice locks in the cost of every future tool. Measure your typical trimming area to pick a cutting width, check whether the model includes a battery and charger, and confirm the line-feed type you prefer. Weigh the tool if you can, because a heavier trimmer gets tiring when held at an angle.
FAQs
What voltage do I need for a cordless string trimmer?
For light trimming around a small yard, 18V to 20V models are usually enough. For larger lawns or thicker grass, 40V to 56V platforms deliver more power and runtime.
Should I buy a trimmer with a battery and charger or a bare tool?
Buy a kit with battery and charger if you are new to the brand. Buy the bare tool only if you already own compatible batteries, which saves money.
What is the difference between bump feed and fixed line?
Bump feed lets you tap the head on the ground to advance line, while fixed-line or automatic-feed heads advance line without bumping. Bump feed is common and fast once you get used to it.
Is a straight or curved shaft better?
A straight shaft reaches under decks, fences, and shrubs more easily and often suits taller users. A curved shaft tends to be lighter and less expensive.
How wide should the cutting swath be?
A 12-inch to 13-inch swath suits small yards and detail work. A 15-inch swath clears larger areas faster but adds weight.
Can I use one battery for a trimmer and other yard tools?
Yes, if the tools share a battery platform. Sticking to one brand's system, such as EGO 56V, Ryobi 40V, or DEWALT 20V MAX, lets you reuse batteries across mowers, blowers, and trimmers.
Our verdict
For most homeowners, the EGO Power+ ST1511T is the best balance of cutting width, easy line loading, and a battery platform that covers the whole yard. If budget or a small lot is your priority, the Greenworks 40V kit and WORX GT 3.0 are solid lower-cost alternatives. Match the trimmer to the battery system you plan to build around, and the rest gets much simpler.