Best of
The 4 Best String Trimmers of 2026
Our picks for the best battery string trimmers, from the EGO Power+ workhorse to the budget Worx GT 3.0.
Our top picks at a glance
Best Overall
EGO EGO Power+ ST1521SHomeowners with medium to large yards who want gas-level cutting power and hate rewinding trimmer line.
Best for DeWalt Owners
DeWalt DeWalt 20V Max DCST922BExisting DeWalt 20V Max battery owners who want a trimmer that shares batteries with their drills and saws.
Best Budget
Worx Worx WG163Small-yard owners who need a light trimmer that also edges sidewalks, and shoppers watching the price.
The EGO Power+ ST1521S is the best string trimmer for most yards: a 15-inch swath, 0.095-inch dual line, and a Powerload head that winds line automatically. DeWalt 20V Max owners should get the DCST922B bare tool instead, and the Worx WG163 is the best budget pick for small yards with its trimmer-to-edger pivoting head.
The picks, ranked
| Pick | Voltage platform | Cutting swath | Line diameter | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best OverallEGO EGO Power+ ST1521S | 56V ARC Lithium | 15 inches | 0.095 inch dual line | Check price |
| Best for DeWalt OwnersDeWalt DeWalt 20V Max DCST922B | 20V Max | 13 inches | 0.080 inch dual line | Check price |
| Best BudgetWorx Worx WG163 | 20V Power Share | 12 inches | 0.065 inch dual line | Check price |
 Best Mid-PowerBlack+Decker Black+Decker 40V LST140C | 40V Max | 13 inches | 0.080 inch | Check price |
 Best for large yardsEGO Power+ ST1502SA 15-Inch | — | 15 inches | — | Check price |
 Best for Ryobi ownersRyobi 40V RY40250 15-Inch | — | 15 inches | — | Check price |
 Best lightweightGreenworks 40V 13-Inch 2100202 | — | 13 inches | — | Check price |
 Best pro-gradeMilwaukee M18 Fuel 2828-20 16-Inch | — | 16 inches | — | Check price |
 Best brushlessMakita XRU15Z 36V (18V X2) 15-Inch | — | 15 inches | — | Check price |
 Best value trimmerCraftsman V20 CMCST900 13-Inch | — | 13 inches | — | Check price |
Best Overall
EGO EGO Power+ ST1521S
15-inch Powerload head with automatic line loading.
Strengths
- Powerload head winds trimmer line automatically, eliminating manual spool rewinding
- Line IQ technology senses the load and feeds the correct line length without bumping
- 15-inch cutting swath with 0.095-inch dual line handles thick grass and weeds
- 56V ARC Lithium platform is shared across EGO blowers, mowers, and hedge trimmers
Limitations
- Heavier and pricier than 20V-class trimmers
- Best performance requires the larger 4.0Ah battery, which adds weight
- Overkill for small yards under a quarter acre
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Power that owners compare to gas trimmers, without fuel mixing or pull cords
- One battery finishes a typical suburban yard
- Quiet enough to use early in the day
Common complaints
- Old line can get stuck inside the head and needs disassembly to clear
- Reloading line is not as easy as the marketing suggests
- It feels heavy on the shoulders during long sessions
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Voltage platform | 56V ARC Lithium |
|---|---|
| Cutting swath | 15 inches |
| Line diameter | 0.095 inch dual line |
| Line feed | Powerload auto-wind + Line IQ |
| Head type | Bump-feed free, automatic |
Best for: Homeowners with medium to large yards who want gas-level cutting power and hate rewinding trimmer line.
Skip if: You are locked into the DeWalt or Milwaukee 20V battery platform, or you trim a small yard where a lighter 12-inch tool is enough.
Best for DeWalt Owners
DeWalt DeWalt 20V Max DCST922B
13-inch dual-line trimmer on the 20V Max platform.
Strengths
- Runs on the 20V Max battery platform, so existing owners can buy the bare tool
- 13-inch cutting swath with 0.080-inch dual line
- Variable speed trigger gives control for trimming versus full-throttle edging
- Lightweight and well balanced for extended use
Limitations
- Bump-feed head requires stopping and bumping to advance line
- Narrower swath than 15-inch class trimmers
- High-drain trimming benefits from a 5.0Ah or larger battery
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Strong cutting power with a responsive variable-speed trigger
- Good runtime, especially with larger 20V packs
- It folds for storage and uses batteries many owners already have
Common complaints
- The front end feels heavy, which tires the arms
- Several owners report the trimmer head wearing or breaking
- Retail ratings are noticeably mixed compared with rival trimmers
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Voltage platform | 20V Max |
|---|---|
| Cutting swath | 13 inches |
| Line diameter | 0.080 inch dual line |
| Line feed | Bump feed |
| Speed control | Variable speed trigger |
Best for: Existing DeWalt 20V Max battery owners who want a trimmer that shares batteries with their drills and saws.
Skip if: You need maximum cutting width for large properties, or you prefer automatic line feed over bump feed.
Best Budget
Worx Worx WG163
12-inch 2-in-1 trimmer and edger at a budget price.
Strengths
- Pivoting head converts from trimmer to edger in seconds
- Lightweight design is easy to carry and store
- 0.065-inch dual line with Command Feed spool system
- Lowest price of the proven models in this guide
Limitations
- 12-inch swath means more passes on wide areas
- 0.065-inch line is thin for heavy weeds
- Not built for thick brush or commercial-duty work
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Light and easy to handle, even for smaller users
- It converts to a wheeled edger in seconds
- The automatic line feed works reliably for most owners
Common complaints
- Runtime per battery is short, around 20 minutes for some owners
- The included charger is slow
- It struggles with thick or woody growth
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
| Voltage platform | 20V Power Share |
|---|---|
| Cutting swath | 12 inches |
| Line diameter | 0.065 inch dual line |
| Line feed | Command Feed push-button |
| Edging | 90-degree pivoting head |
Best for: Small-yard owners who need a light trimmer that also edges sidewalks, and shoppers watching the price.
Skip if: You cut thick weeds or tall grass regularly, or your yard is larger than about a quarter acre.
Best Mid-Power
Black+Decker Black+Decker 40V LST140C
13-inch 40V trimmer with PowerDrive transmission.
Strengths
- 40V Max platform delivers more torque than 20V-class trimmers
- PowerDrive transmission transfers more power from motor to cutting string
- 13-inch cutting swath covers residential yards efficiently
- Power Command dial lets you control cut speed to extend runtime
Limitations
- Automatic feed spool advances line whenever it shortens, which can use line quickly
- Heavier than 20V models
- 40V battery platform is smaller than DeWalt's 20V ecosystem
| Voltage platform | 40V Max |
|---|---|
| Cutting swath | 13 inches |
| Line diameter | 0.080 inch |
| Line feed | Automatic feed spool |
| Drive | PowerDrive transmission |
Best for: Homeowners who want more power than 20V tools without stepping up to a premium 56V system.
Skip if: You need the widest swath available, or you want an automatic line-feed head.
Best for large yards
EGO Power+ ST1502SA 15-Inch
56-volt power with a line that loads itself.
The 56V Power+ platform with a 15-inch swath and Powerload automatic line winding clears big properties fast. If your yard makes smaller trimmers feel underpowered, this is the EGO to get.
Strengths
- 56V ARC Lithium battery delivers gas-comparable cutting power.
- Powerload head winds new line automatically at the push of a button.
- 15-inch cutting swath clears wide areas quickly.
- Variable speed trigger plus high/low switch for control.
Limitations
- Heavier than smaller EGO models with the 2.5Ah battery.
- Premium price within the EGO lineup.
- Replacement line and batteries cost more than 40V rivals.
| Voltage | 56V ARC Lithium |
|---|---|
| Cutting swath | 15 inches |
| Line loading | Powerload automatic wind |
| Speed control | Variable trigger, high and low |
| Battery | 2.5Ah included |
Best for: Large yards where gas-like power and fast line changes matter.
Skip if: You want the cheapest EGO; the 15-inch Powerload commands a premium.
Best for Ryobi owners
Ryobi 40V RY40250 15-Inch
The 40V workhorse that takes every Expand-It attachment.
The 40V RY40250 runs a 15-inch auto-feed head and accepts every Expand-It attachment, turning one tool into an edger, hedge trimmer, and more. For anyone invested in Ryobi 40V, it is the obvious trimmer.
Strengths
- Expand-It attachment capability turns it into an edger, blower, and more.
- 15-inch swath with auto-feed line head.
- 40V battery shared across the whole Ryobi 40V system.
- Variable speed trigger for delicate edging work.
Limitations
- 40V power trails 56V rivals in dense overgrowth.
- Attachments sold separately add up fast.
- Bulkier head than dedicated trimmers.
| Voltage | 40V lithium |
|---|---|
| Cutting swath | 15 inches |
| Attachments | Expand-It compatible |
| Line feed | Auto-feed head |
| Speed control | Variable speed trigger |
Best for: Ryobi 40V owners who want a trimmer that becomes a multi-tool.
Skip if: You want maximum raw power for thick brush.
Best lightweight
Greenworks 40V 13-Inch 2100202
Light, simple, and easy on the arms.
At 40V with a 13-inch swath and an included 2.0Ah battery, this is the easiest trimmer here on arms and shoulders. Small yards and quick touch-ups are exactly what it is built for.
Strengths
- One of the lightest battery trimmers here, easy for long sessions.
- 40V 2.0Ah battery and charger included in the box.
- 13-inch swath is nimble around flower beds and fences.
- Simple auto-feed head with no bumping needed.
Limitations
- 13-inch swath is slow on large lawns.
- 2.0Ah battery gives shorter runtime than 4.0Ah rivals.
- Less power for dense or woody growth.
| Voltage | 40V lithium |
|---|---|
| Cutting swath | 13 inches |
| Battery | 2.0Ah with charger included |
| Line feed | Auto-feed |
| Weight class | Lightweight design |
Best for: Small yards and users who want the lightest trimmer possible.
Skip if: You have thick weeds or a large property.
Best pro-grade
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2828-20 16-Inch
Pro-grade brushless power on the M18 platform.
The M18 Fuel 2828 pairs a POWERSTATE brushless motor with a 16-inch swath and REDLINK overload protection. It is the closest a battery trimmer gets to commercial gas performance.
Strengths
- POWERSTATE brushless motor sustains full power under load.
- 16-inch swath is the widest here for fast clearing.
- Two-speed control balances runtime and power.
- REDLINK intelligence protects against overload.
Limitations
- Bare tool pricing means batteries cost extra for new M18 users.
- Heavier than consumer trimmers with a High Output battery.
- Premium price for residential use.
| Voltage | M18, 18V |
|---|---|
| Cutting swath | 16 inches |
| Motor | POWERSTATE brushless |
| Speeds | 2-speed control |
| Protection | REDLINK overload intelligence |
Best for: M18 owners and pros who want full-throttle brushless performance.
Skip if: You are not on the M18 platform; the bare tool needs batteries.
Best brushless
Makita XRU15Z 36V (18V X2) 15-Inch
36 volts from two 18V batteries you may already own.
36V from two 18V batteries drives a brushless motor with 3 speeds and a 15-inch bump-feed head. Makita owners get pro-level trimming without buying into a new battery platform.
Strengths
- 36V (18V X2) power from batteries you may already own.
- Brushless motor for efficiency and long life.
- 15-inch swath with bump-and-feed head.
- 3-speed settings plus variable trigger.
Limitations
- Tool-only listing needs two 18V batteries and a charger.
- Two-battery system adds weight versus single-battery rivals.
- Premium pricing even before batteries.
| Voltage | 36V via two 18V batteries |
|---|---|
| Cutting swath | 15 inches |
| Motor | Brushless |
| Speeds | 3 speeds plus variable trigger |
| Line feed | Bump and feed |
Best for: Makita 18V owners who want pro trimming without a new platform.
Skip if: You own no Makita batteries; the kit cost climbs fast.
Best value trimmer
Craftsman V20 CMCST900 13-Inch
A 4.0Ah battery and real runtime at a value price.
A 4.0Ah V20 battery included, 13 inches of push-button-fed cutting, and a pivoting edging head at a budget price. For runtime per dollar, nothing else here comes close.
Strengths
- 4.0Ah battery included gives longer runtime than most budget rivals.
- V20 battery shared with a huge Craftsman tool lineup.
- 13-inch swath with push-button feed.
- Adjustable height and pivoting head for edging.
Limitations
- 13-inch swath is slow on big lawns.
- Less powerful than 40V and 56V competitors.
- Plastic-heavy build feels less premium.
| Voltage | 20V MAX |
|---|---|
| Cutting swath | 13 inches |
| Battery | 4.0Ah V20 included |
| Line feed | Push-button feed |
| Head | Pivoting for edging |
Best for: Budget buyers who want long runtime, not just a low price.
Skip if: You need a wide swath for fast mowing of large areas.
How we chose
We weighted cutting swath (wider means fewer passes), line system (automatic and bump-free heads waste less of your time), battery platform (sharing batteries with tools you already own saves real money), and documented line diameter (thicker line survives weeds; thinner line is for lawn grass only). Weight and balance came from retailer reviews and published testing notes.
Questions, answered
Are battery string trimmers as powerful as gas?
For residential yards, yes. A 56V-class trimmer like the EGO ST1521S cuts a 15-inch swath with 0.095-inch line, which matches what most gas trimmers did. Where gas still leads is continuous runtime on very large or commercial properties, where swapping batteries becomes tedious.
What does the cutting swath tell you?
Swath is the width the line cuts in one pass. The models here range from 12 inches (Worx WG163) to 15 inches (EGO ST1521S). On a wide lawn, three extra inches per pass adds up to meaningfully fewer passes per session.
Bump feed vs automatic line feed: which is better?
Automatic systems like EGO's Line IQ feed line when the load demands it, so you never stop working. Bump feed (DeWalt) requires tapping the head on the ground, which is reliable but interrupts the cut. Command Feed (Worx) advances line at the push of a button. All three work; automatic is the least fiddly.
Can these trimmers edge sidewalks?
The Worx WG163 converts to an edger with a 90-degree pivoting head. The other models trim edges by rotating the shaft or tilting the head manually, which works but is less purpose-built than the Worx design.