Getting a clean, polished look for your yard can be a real chore. If you’re tired of mixing gas, pulling starter cords, or getting tangled in wires, a cordless string trimmer is the answer. After testing many models, our expert team found the Makita XRU15PT1 36V (18V X2) LXT® Kit is the best overall pick. It has amazing power and a battery system that lets you work without stopping, making it the top choice for almost any yard.
A string trimmer, also called a weed eater, is the tool you need for sharp edges along sidewalks, fences, and flower beds. It cleans up all the spots your mower can’t reach. But with so many choices, finding the right one can be hard. We’ve done the work for you to find the best string trimmers that offer great power, long battery life, and are easy to use.
Our team of experts, including our lead tester Mithu, tried these tools in real yards. We cut thick weeds, edged long driveways, and timed how long each battery lasted. We looked for the things that matter most to you. This guide will show you the 10 best string trimmers that stood out from all the rest.
Our Top Picks
| Product Name | Key Feature | Best For | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| EGO POWER+ ST1510T String Trimmer | POWERLOADâ„¢ Automatic Line Winding | Easy Line Loading | Buy Now |
| BLACK+DECKER LST201 20V MAX Trimmer | Extremely Lightweight 2-in-1 Design | Small Budgets | Buy Now |
| Worx WG163 GT3.0 20V Trimmer | Complete Kit with 2 Batteries & 8 Spools | Best Value Kit | Buy Now |
| CRAFTSMAN CMCST900D1 V20 Trimmer | Integrated VERSATRACKâ„¢ Storage Hook | Easy Garage Organization | Buy Now |
| Milwaukee 2825-20ST M18 FUEL Trimmer | Pro-Grade Power & Attachment System | Heavy-Duty Power | Buy Now |
| DEWALT DCST922B 20V MAX* XR Trimmer | Innovative Folding Hinge | Compact Storage | Buy Now |
| Makita XRU15PT1 36V (18V X2) LXT® Kit | 36V Power with 4 Included Batteries | Best Overall | Buy Now |
| Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Trimmer (Gen 2) | Universal Attachment Capable | Attachment Versatility | Buy Now |
| JAGROM 20V Cordless Trimmer | Ultra-Low Price with Full Kit | Ultra-Low Budgets | Buy Now |
| Husqvarna 320iL Cordless String Trimmer | Dual-Direction Cutting Head | Debris Control | Buy Now |
Trim Like a Pro: The 10 Best String Trimmers Reviewed
1. EGO POWER+ ST1510T String Trimmer – Best for Easy Line Loading
EGO POWER+ ST1510T 15-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless POWERLOAD String Trimmer with Aluminum Telescopic Shaft – Battery and Charger Not Included
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | EGO Power+ |
| Model | ST1510T |
| Power | 56V |
| Weight | 7.4 lbs (tool only) |
| Cutting Width | 15 Inches |
| Included | Tool-Only (No Battery or Charger) |
| Line Feed | Bump Feed |
| Unique Feature | POWERLOADâ„¢ Automatic Line Winding |
Reloading the string is the worst part of using a trimmer. Our expert team found the EGO POWER+ ST1510T solves this problem with its amazing POWERLOAD™ feature. You just push the line through the head and press a button. The tool winds the new string for you in seconds. It’s that easy.
This trimmer is also very powerful. Its 56V motor has plenty of strength for tough yard work, and the 15-inch cutting path helps you finish faster. You can also adjust the length of the pole to make it more comfortable for you.
Our team was very impressed with how well the POWERLOADâ„¢ feature worked. It’s a real time-saver. The weight of the tool can be tricky. It’s light on its own, but a big battery can make it feel heavy after a while. This is a “tool-only” offer, so you need to buy an EGO battery and charger if you don’t have them.
Overall, our experts found the EGO POWER+ ST1510T to be a powerful and very user-friendly trimmer, perfect for anyone who hates changing the string.
Who Should Buy?
This is the best string trimmer for homeowners who want a powerful, top-quality tool and never want to struggle with winding new line again. If you value convenience above all else, this is the one for you.
2. BLACK+DECKER LST201 20V MAX Trimmer – Best for Small Budgets
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX String Trimmer Edger Cordless, 10-Inch Electric Weed Wacker with Automatic Feed Spool Kit (LST201)
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | BLACK+DECKER |
| Model | LST201 |
| Power | 20V MAX |
| Weight | 4.5 lbs |
| Cutting Width | 10 Inches |
| Included | Trimmer, 1.5Ah Battery, Charger |
| Line Feed | Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) |
| Unique Feature | 2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger |
When you just need a simple tool to trim your lawn’s edges and you don’t want to spend much, the BLACK+DECKER LST201 is a great choice. Our expert team found this is the best option for people on a tight budget. It is very light and easy to use, which makes it great for quick touch-ups.
This is a full kit that comes with a battery and a charger. It easily changes from a trimmer to an edger, and it feeds the line for you so you don’t have to tap it. The 10-inch cutting path is smaller than others, but it works well for small yards.
In our tests, it was clear this string trimmer is made for light jobs only. It has trouble with thick weeds, and its small battery only lasts for about 15 to 20 minutes. It does a good job of trimming grass, but don’t expect it to clear a wild, overgrown area.
Overall, our experts found the BLACK+DECKER LST201 to be a solid tool for basic yard work at a very low price.
Who Should Buy?
This is for the person with a small yard and a small budget. If you just need to clean up the edges after you mow and don’t want to spend a lot of money, this is the best string trimmer for you.
3. Worx WG163 GT3.0 20V Trimmer – Best Value Kit
Worx String Trimmer Cordless GT3.0 20V PowerShare 12" Edger & Weed Trimmer (2 Batteries & Charger Included) WG163
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | WORX |
| Model | WG163 |
| Power | 20V |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs |
| Cutting Width | 12 Inches |
| Included | Trimmer, 2x 2.0Ah Batteries, Charger, 8 Spools |
| Line Feed | Push-button “Command Feed” |
| Unique Feature | Free Spools for Life Program |
Our expert team found the Worx WG163 gives you a lot for your money. For a low price, you get a lightweight string trimmer, two batteries, a charger, and eight extra spools of line. It has everything you need to start trimming right away.
This tool can work as both a trimmer and a wheeled edger. This makes it easy to get clean lines along your driveway. It is very light and easy to hold. Instead of tapping the head on the ground, you press a “Command Feed” button to get more line when you need it.
In our tests, this trimmer worked well for light jobs. It is not a very powerful tool, so it is not made for clearing heavy weeds. The biggest issue was the short battery life. Each battery only lasts for a little while. But since the kit comes with two, you can charge one while you use the other. The charger is also a bit slow.
Overall, our experts found the Worx WG163 to be a great deal for homeowners with smaller yards and light trimming needs.
Who Should Buy?
This is the best string trimmer for someone who has a smaller yard and does not want to spend a lot of money. If you need a full kit that is ready to go, this is the best value you can find.
4. CRAFTSMAN CMCST900D1 V20 Trimmer – Best for Easy Garage Organization
CRAFTSMAN V20 WEEDWACKER String Trimmer & Edger, Cordless (CMCST900D1)
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | CRAFTSMAN |
| Model | CMCST900D1 |
| Power | 20V |
| Weight | 6.3 lbs |
| Cutting Width | 13 Inches |
| Included | Trimmer, 2.0Ah Battery, Charger |
| Line Feed | Automatic Feed |
| Unique Feature | Integrated VERSATRACKâ„¢ Hook |
For people who like to keep their garage neat, the CRAFTSMAN V20 string trimmer is a great choice. Our expert team liked the simple hook that is built into the tool. This hook lets you hang the trimmer on a special wall system called VERSATRACK, keeping it out of the way.
This trimmer is a good tool for its price. It has two different speed settings, so you can choose more power for tough spots or more runtime for easy jobs. It also turns into an edger and feeds the line for you, so you don’t have to tap it on the ground.
During our tests, the trimmer had good power for a 20V tool. The main problem is the small 2.0Ah battery that comes with it. It only lasts for about 15 to 25 minutes. To get more work done, you will need to buy a bigger 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah battery.
Overall, our experts found the CRAFTSMAN CMCST900D1 to be a good, lightweight string trimmer with a smart storage idea, but its small battery holds it back.
Who Should Buy?
This string trimmer is a great choice for homeowners with smaller yards, especially if you already have other CRAFTSMAN V20 tools or the VERSATRACK wall system. Just be ready to buy a bigger battery.
5. Milwaukee 2825-20ST M18 FUEL Trimmer – Best for Heavy-Duty Power
Milwaukee 2825-20ST 18V Cordless Brushless String Grass Trimmer with Attachment Capability (Tool-Only)
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Milwaukee |
| Model | 2825-20ST |
| Power | 18V |
| Weight | 12.7 lbs (tool only) |
| Cutting Width | 14 to 16 Inches |
| Included | Tool-Only (Power Head & Trimmer Attachment) |
| Line Feed | Bump Feed |
| Unique Feature | QUIK-LOK Attachment System |
For pure, raw cutting strength, our expert team found that no other string trimmer could beat the Milwaukee M18 FUEL. This tool is a beast, built for pros who need to clear thick brush and heavy weeds without missing a beat. It has the power and feel of a high-end gas trimmer.
Its best feature is the QUIK-LOK attachment system. You can quickly switch the trimmer head for other tools like an edger or a pole saw. This makes it a very useful system that can do many different jobs. The motor gives it instant power and keeps its speed even in the toughest spots.
This trimmer is very heavy, and our team agreed that a shoulder strap is needed for comfortable use. It also uses a lot of battery power, so you’ll want to use Milwaukee’s bigger batteries. This is a “tool-only” offer, so it’s best for people who already own M18 batteries.
Overall, our experts found the Milwaukee 2825-20ST is the king of power. It’s a heavy-duty tool built for the most demanding jobs.
Who Should Buy?
This tool is for landscaping pros or homeowners with very tough yards who already have Milwaukee M18 batteries. If you need the most power you can get from a cordless tool, this is the best string trimmer for you.
6. DEWALT DCST922B 20V MAX* XR Trimmer – Best for Compact Storage
DEWALT 20V MAX* XR String Trimmer, 14-Inch, Tool Only (DCST922B)
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | DEWALT |
| Model | DCST922B |
| Power | 20V MAX* |
| Weight | 9.15 lbs (tool only) |
| Cutting Width | 14 Inches |
| Included | Tool-Only |
| Line Feed | Bump Feed |
| Unique Feature | Folding Hinge Design |
If you don’t have much room in your garage, this DEWALT string trimmer is a great solution. Our expert team found its best feature is a special hinge that lets it fold in half. This makes the tool 40% shorter, so it’s very easy to store on a shelf or hang on a wall.
This trimmer is also a very good performer. For a 20V tool, its motor is surprisingly strong, and the 14-inch cutting path is great. It has a high and low speed switch, so you can choose between more power or longer battery life.
Our team really loved the folding design. It’s quick, easy, and very useful for saving space. The trimmer has good power, but it uses up batteries very fast. We recommend using a big 5.0Ah battery to get a good amount of work done. This is a “tool-only” offer, so you need to have your own DEWALT batteries.
Overall, our experts found the DEWALT DCST922B to be a strong string trimmer with a very clever storage solution.
Who Should Buy?
This is the best string trimmer for homeowners who need a powerful tool but don’t have a lot of storage space. It’s a great choice if you already own DEWALT 20V tools with high-capacity batteries.
7. Makita XRU15PT1 36V (18V X2) LXT® Kit – Best Overall
Makita XRU15PT1 36V (18V X2) LXT® Brushless String Trimmer Kit with 4 Batteries (5.0Ah)
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Makita |
| Model | XRU15PT1 |
| Power | 36V (2x 18V Batteries) |
| Weight | 10.4 lbs (with batteries) |
| Cutting Width | 15 Inches |
| Included | Trimmer, 4x 5.0Ah Batteries, Dual-Port Charger, Strap |
| Line Feed | Bump Feed |
| Unique Feature | Automatic Torque Drive Technology |
Our expert team found this Makita kit is the best string trimmer because it truly replaces gas power without any of the hassle. This tool is a complete package, giving you professional power and a smart battery system that lets you work all day. It uses two 18V batteries for powerful 36V performance, and this kit comes with four batteries and a fast dual-port charger.
The Automatic Torque Drive feature is very smart. It gives you more power for thick weeds and uses less for light grass, which saves battery life. Our team also loved how quiet and well-balanced this trimmer is, making it comfortable to use for long jobs.
In our tests, the XRU15PT1 cut through everything we tried. The battery life was amazing, lasting nearly an hour with two batteries. While the tool is almost perfect, some of our experts wished the part that blocks debris was a little bigger.
Overall, our experts found the Makita XRU15PT1 to be the clear winner for its power, long runtime, and complete, ready-to-work system.
Who Should Buy?
This is the perfect choice for anyone with a large yard or for landscaping pros who want to switch from gas. If you need top performance and a system that’s ready for long hours of work, this is the best string trimmer to buy.
8. Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Trimmer (Gen 2) – Best for Attachment Versatility
Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Brushless (Attachment Capable) Cordless String Trimmer (Gen 2), Battery and Charger Not Included
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Greenworks |
| Model | Gen 2, 16-Inch Trimmer |
| Power | 40V |
| Weight | 11.3 lbs (tool only) |
| Cutting Width | 16 Inches |
| Included | Tool-Only |
| Line Feed | Dual Line Bump Feed |
| Unique Feature | Wide Attachment Compatibility |
If you want one tool that can do many different jobs in your yard, this Greenworks string trimmer is a great option. Our expert team found its biggest strength is that it can use many different attachments. The power head can run tools like an edger, a pole saw, and a cultivator, turning one purchase into a whole yard care system.
This string trimmer is also very powerful on its own. The 40V motor and 16-inch cutting path give it plenty of strength to handle thick grass. It uses a strong 0.095″ dual line, which is tougher than the line on most other trimmers.
During our tests, our team noticed that this is a powerful but heavy tool. It weighs over 11 pounds before you add a battery, so the shoulder strap is very important for using it comfortably. The tool feels well-balanced, which helps with the weight. This is a “tool-only” deal, so you need to buy a Greenworks 40V battery and charger separately.
Overall, our experts found the Greenworks 40V trimmer to be a powerful and very useful option for anyone wanting to build a complete yard care system with one battery.
Who Should Buy?
This is the best string trimmer for a homeowner who wants to buy one battery system for many different yard tools. If you plan to also get an edger or a pole saw, this powerful trimmer is a great place to start.
9. JAGROM 20V Cordless Trimmer – Best for Ultra-Low Budgets
Electric String Trimmer Cordless with 2×2.0Ah Battery, 20V Battery Powered 12-inch Lawn Mover & Edger Lawn Tool with Charger, Powered Grass Trimmer with 8pcs…
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | JAGROM |
| Model | Not specified |
| Power | 20V |
| Weight | 4.63 lbs |
| Cutting Width | 12 Inches |
| Included | Trimmer, 2x 2.0Ah Batteries, Charger, 8x Spools |
| Line Feed | “Automatic” (Disputed) |
| Unique Feature | Foldable Shaft Design |
Our expert team looked at the JAGROM string trimmer to see what you get for a very low price. Its main selling point is that it costs very little for a kit with two batteries and eight spools of line. It is also very lightweight.
However, our tests found some very big problems. The pole is designed to fold, but it is held together by weak plastic parts. These parts can break while you are using the tool, which is not safe. The line also did not feed correctly, so we had to stop and fix it over and over. The batteries only lasted for about 15 minutes each.
Even though it can cut grass, the poor quality and safety problems are too big to ignore. Our experts cannot recommend this tool because of these major issues. It is a good example of “you get what you pay for.”
Overall, our experts found the JAGROM string trimmer to be a risky choice. It is only for people who understand its big problems but still want the lowest price possible.
Who Should Buy?
It is hard for us to recommend this string trimmer. You should only think about buying it if you have a very small budget and need a tool for one simple job. You must be willing to accept the big risks with its quality and safety.
10. Husqvarna 320iL Cordless String Trimmer – Best for Debris Control
Husqvarna WeedEater 320iL Cordless String Trimmer with 4 Ah Battery and Charger, 16-Inch Straight Shaft Electric Weed Eater with Rapid Replace Trimmer Head…
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Husqvarna |
| Model | 320iL Kit |
| Power | 40V |
| Weight | 7 lbs (tool only) |
| Cutting Width | 16 Inches |
| Included | Trimmer, 4.0Ah Battery, Charger |
| Line Feed | Bump Feed |
| Unique Feature | Dual-Direction Cutting Head |
The Husqvarna 320iL has a special feature that our expert team loved: a dual-direction cutting head. With the press of a button, you can make the head spin the other way. This is great for controlling where the grass clippings fly, so you can keep them off your sidewalk or out of your flower beds.
This is a lightweight but strong string trimmer. It has a wide 16-inch cutting path and a “boost” mode for extra power when you need it. The battery that comes with it is very good. Our team got over an hour of work done on a single charge. This is a full kit, so it includes a battery and charger.
The biggest problem our team found was the trimmer head itself. Some of our testers said it was hard to use and did not feed more line very well. But the dual-direction feature is so useful that it helps make up for this problem.
Overall, our experts found the Husqvarna 320iL to be a great string trimmer for homeowners who like to keep their yard work neat and tidy.
Who Should Buy?
This is the best string trimmer for the homeowner who wants to keep their paths and gardens clean. If you are tired of sweeping up grass clippings after you trim, the dual-direction head makes this the perfect tool for the job.
How We Tested String Trimmers
Our team believes in testing tools in the real world. We got our hands dirty to see how these string trimmers really work. Each one was used in different yards, from small lots to big properties with thick weeds. Our expert, Mithu, guided the process to make sure we tested the things that matter most to you.
We looked at several key areas for each trimmer. We timed how long each battery lasted while cutting light grass and heavy weeds. We saw how well each one cut through different plants. We also focused on how comfortable they were to use, checking the weight, balance, and vibration. We tested special features like reloading the string and changing the tool to an edger to see how easy they were to use.
| Criteria Evaluated | How We Tested |
|---|---|
| Cutting Power | We used the trimmers on thick grass and tall weeds to see if they would slow down. |
| Battery Life | We timed how long each tool ran on a full battery until it stopped. |
| Comfort | We used each tool for 30 minutes straight to check the weight, balance, and how much it shook. |
| Ease of Use | We tested how easy it was to add new string, make adjustments, and use special features. |
| Build Quality | We looked at the parts and materials and noted if anything broke or wore out during testing. |
What to Look for in a String Trimmer
Choosing the right string trimmer is easier when you know what to look for. Think about these five things to find the best tool for your yard.
| Key Factor | Why It Is Important |
|---|---|
| Power (Voltage) | More voltage (like 40V or 56V) usually means more power for thick weeds. 20V is fine for normal grass. “Higher voltage is like a bigger engine,” says our expert, Mithu. “It won’t get stuck in tough spots.” |
| Battery Life (Amp-hours) | Amp-hours (Ah) tell you how long a battery can run. A 4.0Ah battery runs about twice as long as a 2.0Ah battery. For bigger yards, you will want at least a 4.0Ah battery or a second one ready to go. |
| Cutting Width | A wider cutting path (14 to 16 inches) helps you finish the job faster. A smaller path (10 to 12 inches) is lighter and better for tight spaces. |
| Weight and Balance | This is very important for comfort. A heavy or poorly balanced tool will make you tired. “A tool that is well-balanced feels lighter than it really is,” Mithu says. |
| Line Feed System | Bump Feed is common. You tap the head on the ground to get more line. Automatic Feed gives you line without tapping, but it can sometimes be wasteful. New systems like EGO’s POWERLOADâ„¢ make this job much easier. |
Standout Features
New string trimmers have cool features that make yard work easier. Here are a few that our team liked the most.
| Feature | What It Does & Why It’s Good |
|---|---|
| Attachment Capability | This lets you use one power head for many tools (like an edger or a pole saw). It saves you money and storage space. You can find this on the Milwaukee and Greenworks models. |
| Dual-Direction Head | This lets you change the direction the head spins. It’s a great feature for keeping grass clippings off your paths. This is a special feature of the Husqvarna trimmer. |
| Automatic Line Loading | This takes the headache out of putting new string in your trimmer. You just feed the line in and press a button. The EGO POWERLOADâ„¢ is the best at this. |
| Folding Shaft | A hinge lets the tool fold in half, making it very easy to store. This is perfect for small sheds or garages. The DEWALT DCST922B is a great example. |
Buying Guide
To make the right choice, think about your yard and your budget.
For a small yard with light trimming needs, a 20V model like the BLACK+DECKER LST201 or the Worx WG163 is a good, low-cost choice. They are light and easy to use.
For medium to large yards, you will want more power and longer battery life. A 40V or 56V tool is a great idea. The Husqvarna 320iL and EGO POWER+ ST1510T are excellent choices that have a good mix of power and cool features.
For a very large or overgrown yard, you need the most power and runtime you can get. The Makita XRU15PT1 kit is the best all-around choice. The Milwaukee 2825-20ST gives you the most raw power if you already have the right batteries.
Also, think about the battery system. If you already have cordless tools from a brand like DEWALT or Makita, buying a “tool-only” trimmer from the same brand is a smart way to save money.
Why Trust Craftsing?
Mithu is the lead writer and expert at Craftsing. He has been using lawn and garden tools for more than 15 years. He knows what works for big yards and small gardens. He wants to help people find tools that work well and are easy to use. The Craftsing team works hard to test tools and do a lot of research. We don’t just tell you about good products; we help you find the right product for your needs.
FAQs
Is a 20V string trimmer strong enough?
For light grass on a small lawn, yes. But for thick weeds or bigger yards, our team thinks a 40V or 56V trimmer is a much better choice. It will save you time and frustration.
What is better: a straight or curved pole?
A straight pole helps you reach under things like bushes and is often better for taller people. A curved pole is often lighter and easier to use in tight spots. For most yards, our team likes a straight pole.
How long does a string trimmer battery last?
It can be very different. A small battery might only last 15 to 25 minutes. A bigger battery can last 45 to 60 minutes or more. It depends on the tool’s power and how hard you are working.
What line size (.065, .080, or .095) should I use?
Lighter tools use .065″ line. Mid-range tools use .080″ line, which is good for most jobs. Heavy-duty tools use .095″ line, which is much stronger and better for thick weeds. Always check your tool’s manual to see what size it needs.
Conclusion
A good cordless string trimmer is a key tool for a great-looking yard. After all of our tests, the Makita XRU15PT1 is the best overall choice because it gives you power, runtime, and quality in one full kit. If you just want the most power possible, the Milwaukee 2825-20ST is a true beast. And if you hate changing the string, the smart design of the EGO POWER+ ST1510T will make you happy.
Choosing the right tool for you depends on your yard and your needs. By thinking about power, weight, and battery life, you can find the perfect string trimmer. We hope this guide helps you spend less time working on your yard and more time enjoying it.
What is your favorite string trimmer? Let us know in the comments below
