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Specs are compiled from manufacturer listings and verified buyer reviews and can change over time — please confirm the key details on the product page before buying.
You want a clean edge along the driveway and around the fence posts without yanking a starter cord or dragging an extension lead. The real question is whether the battery system in front of you will actually finish your yard in one pass, and that depends on voltage, line thickness, and cutting swath working together — not just the biggest number on the box.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
These are the cordless string trimmers that balance runtime, power, and weight for real lawns. Here is the shortlist of the best electric cordless string trimmer models to consider for your grass and weeds.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Electric Cordless String Trimmer
The best cordless string trimmer for you is not the most powerful one on the shelf — it is the one whose battery runtime matches the size of your property and whose cutting width covers ground efficiently. You are balancing three things: how long it runs, how much grass it can bite off at once, and how heavy it feels in your hands.
Match the battery to the yard
A 20V trimmer with a 4Ah battery is usually plenty for a standard suburban lot, while a 60V or higher-voltage model stretches runtime and torque for bigger properties. Check whether the kit includes a battery and charger or is a bare tool — some premium picks sell the trimmer head alone, so you need to already own a battery platform.
Look at the cutting swath
The cutting swath is the width of grass the trimmer clears in a single pass, measured in inches. A wider swath, like 16 inches, means fewer passes along a fence line compared to a 13-inch model. You trade that wider cut for more weight and a bigger battery demand.
Weigh the feed system
String trimmers feed new line in one of three ways: bump feed (tap the head on the ground), automatic (it advances itself), or command feed (press a button). Bump feed is reliable and familiar, while automatic and command feed save you from bending down mid-task.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Cutting Swath | Line Size | Weight | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makita XRU12SM1★ Best Overall | Precision & Speed | — | 0.080″ | 12 lbs | Amazon |
| CRAFTSMAN V20 WEEDWACKERBest Value | Lightweight Value | 13 inches | 0.065″ | 6.7 lbs | Amazon |
| CRAFTSMAN V20 KitLong Runtime | Long Runtime | 13 inches | 0.065″ | — | Amazon |
| WORX WG173 | 3-in-1 Versatility | 13 inches | 0.065″ | 6.6 lbs | Amazon |
| Greenworks 60V | Acreage & Power | 16 inches | 0.095″ | 11.2 lbs | Amazon |
| EGO ST1510T | Easy Line Loading | 15 inches | 0.095″ | 7.4 lbs | Amazon |
| EGO ST1610T | Premium Build | 16 inches | 0.095″ | 7.5 lbs | Amazon |
| SKIL PLT1500C-10 | Attachment System | 16 inches | — | 14.5 lbs | Amazon |
| DeWalt DCST922B | Folding Storage | 14 inches | — | 7.3 lbs | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Makita XRU12SM1 18V LXT Brushless Cordless String Trimmer Kit
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 450+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The speed-dial specialist that lets you match RPM to the job and protect run time.
Most trimmers give you a trigger and a prayer. This Makita gives you a 3-speed switch — Low at 4,000 RPM, Medium at 5,000 RPM, and High at 6,000 RPM — so you drop to Low for tidy edging and climb to High for thick growth. The brushless motor (a motor without carbon brushes that runs cooler and lasts longer) adds an Automatic Torque Drive mode that shifts RPM on its own to stretch run time or add power exactly when you hit a tough patch.
It is a hefty 12 pounds, which is a real trade-off for all that power and the quality feel owners talk about. The bump-and-feed head is loaded with a 0.080-inch twisted quiet line — thicker than the 0.065-inch line on many rivals, so it takes on tougher weeds without snapping. Buyers report the battery runs about 15 minutes per charge and that tackling a front yard can take three batteries, so the 3-speed control is your best tool for making each charge last longer.
What wins people over is the build quality — owners consistently single it out for how solid and well-made it feels, with the battery life and ease of use close behind. The 4.0Ah battery and charger are included in the box, and the 3-year limited warranty on the tool, battery, and charger adds confidence.
What Makes It the Pick
- 3-speed control (4,000 / 5,000 / 6,000 RPM) for power management
- Automatic Torque Drive shifts RPM for run time or power
- Battery and charger included with 3-year warranty
Where It’s Heavy
- 12 lbs is the heaviest pick here — tiring for long sessions
- Owners mention short per-battery runtime, so plan for spares
- Assembly instructions omit a locking ring step, per owner notes
Reach for it if: you want precise speed control and a premium-feeling tool for a small-to-mid lawn where you can swap batteries.
Think twice if: your yard is large and you do not already own spare 18V LXT batteries — the 12-pound weight and short per-charge run will test you.
2. CRAFTSMAN V20 WEEDWACKER Cordless String Trimmer Edger with Automatic Feed
The featherweight that runs a whole rural property on one high-capacity battery.
At 6.7 pounds, this Craftsman is over 5 pounds lighter than the Makita above — a 79% weight gap that you will feel immediately on your arms. That lightness is the headline, and owners confirm it: following the 2-speed setting (choose more power or more runtime) with the automatic 0.065-inch line feed, some report finishing an entire rural property on a single high-capacity battery.
The 13-inch cutting swath is standard for the class, but the ergonomic telescoping pole and turn-to-edge feature make it a genuine two-tool setup — trim flat, then rotate the head to cut clean vertical edges along your sidewalk. It is a bare tool, so the battery and charger are sold separately, which keeps the entry cost down if you already run the Craftsman V20 battery system.
What wins people over is performance — the top praise from owners is how well it cuts, with cutting performance right behind, and it handles tall grass without complaint. The trade-offs are real: a couple of owners note the battery life is mixed, and one cautions that monkey grass and lilies wrap around the shaft and need untangling. For quick, regular yard work and lighter grass, it is a great value grab.
Owner consensus: Lightweight, easy to use, and surprisingly capable for the price, with a battery platform that shares across the Craftsman V20 tool range.
The honest catch: It is a bare tool — you need to already own or buy a V20 battery and charger to use it.
3. CRAFTSMAN V20 String Trimmer and Lawn Edger Kit with 4Ah Battery and Charger
The kit that keeps cutting for hours, with a 4Ah battery and charger in the box.
This is the version of the Craftsman that removes the bare-tool hassle — it ships with a CMCB204 V20 4.0Ah battery and a charger, so you are ready to trim the moment it arrives. Customers note the battery lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours at high speed, which is standout runtime for a 20V trimmer and comfortably beats the per-charge times of the Makita above.
It inherits the same 13-inch cutting swath and 0.065-inch auto-feed line as the bare-tool version, but adds a motor that the maker claims delivers 52% more power for slicing through thick grass. The 2-speed setting lets you prioritize runtime or power, and the adjustable height handle keeps you comfortable while you work. Weighing in as a lightweight machine, owners say it is easier to work with than a gas whacker and the sound is extremely tolerable.
What wins people over is the overall quality, with battery life and the lightweight feel right behind. It assembles in minutes, runs on both speed settings with authority, and the included charger tops the battery without overheating — a fix that mattered to one owner whose first unit ran hot. The trade-off is reach: at 31.72 inches long versus the 44.49 inches of the bare-tool Craftsman, shorter users will love it but tall users may want the telescoping pole instead.
Best for first-timers: Everything you need is in one box, the runtime is genuinely long, and the learning curve is near zero.
The trade-off: The shorter shaft is a 40% length gap versus the CMCST900B, so check your height before committing.
4. WORX 20V 13″ 3-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer/Lawn Edger/Mini Mower
The one-tool garage cleaner that trims, edges with a wheel, and mows small patches.
This WORX switches between three modes: a string trimmer, a wheeled edger for clean sidewalk lines, and a mini-mower for tight spots your mower cannot reach. That 3-in-1 flexibility is the defining trick, and it means one tool replaces three jobs around the yard. At only 6.6 pounds with a pivoting head and telescopic shaft, it stays manageable on hills and in awkward corners.
The trimmer uses a dual-line 0.065-inch head with a 13-inch cutting diameter, and the maker claims the brushless motor runs 50% longer and delivers 25% more power than standard brushed versions. Instead of bumping the head on the ground, the patented command feed button advances the line instantly, giving you control over exactly how much line you use — owners note it is fast once you get the hang of it, though a couple found the feed button jams and needs occasional lubrication.
What wins people over is how comfortable it is to hold and the sheer power of the brushless motor, with the dual-line head making trimming quicker. One 5’2″ owner said she could handle it like a pro, and a full battery stretch lasted 55-60 minutes of nonstop trimming and edging. The battery shares the WORX Power Share platform across 140+ tools. The trade-off is that the included Power Share PRO battery runs shorter than previous models because this trimmer pulls more power.
Why It’s a Triple Threat
- Trimmer, wheeled edger, and mini-mower in one tool
- 6.6 lbs with a pivoting head for hills and corners
- Command feed button advances line instantly
The Fine Print
- Battery life is shorter than previous WORX models due to power draw
- Command feed button can jam until lubricated
- Uses WA0007 replacement spools sold separately
Grab it for: the homeowner who wants one versatile tool for trimming, edging, and small mow patches without a shed full of machines.
skip it if: you want maximum run time over versatility — this one trades battery life for power.
5. Greenworks 60V 16 in Cordless String Trimmer, 2.5 Ah Battery
The 60V brute that the maker rates to chew 1-inch blackberry vines and kudzu.
This Greenworks steps up the voltage to 60V and the cutting swath to a wide 16 inches, with a brushless motor spinning at 6,000 RPM — the maker equates it to 26cc gas trimmer power. That wide swath means you clear fence lines and overgrown ditches in fewer passes than a 13-inch trimmer, and the dual-line head is loaded with a thick 0.095-inch line that takes on serious growth.
The spin-to-load head is a genuine time-saver: you twist the housing and pull to reload 0.095-inch line in about 10 seconds instead of hand-winding, which the maker claims saves 15 minutes versus bump-feed heads. It runs up to 65 minutes on the included 2.5Ah battery, and the 360° rotating handle is designed to reduce wrist strain. At 11.2 pounds with the battery, it is lighter than a toddler, though owners note it is still heavier than a typical gas model.
What wins people over is the power-to-price value. Owners who run Kobalt, Milwaukee, and DeWalt equipment say this outperforms them at a lower price, and a 33-year lawn service veteran uses it daily. The quality is the top praise, with power close behind. The battery life gets mixed feedback — some report 45-plus minutes, others say 15 minutes per charge — and a few units broke quickly, so treat the build as good-but-not-indestructible.
The Gas Alternative
- 60V brushless motor with gas-equivalent power
- 16-inch wide swath covers ground fast
- Spin-to-load reloads line in 10 seconds
Owner Caveats
- Battery life reports are split — some see only 15 minutes
- Several reviewers point out quick breakage
- Long grass can jam the spindle, per one report
Choose it for: big properties with thick growth where you want gas-level power without the fumes, tune-ups, or pull cords.
Look elsewhere if: you want the lightest option — 11.2 pounds is heavy for a small-yard trimmer.
6. EGO Power+ String Trimmer, 15″ with POWERLOAD, Telescopic Aluminum Shaft, Tool Only
The tool-only pick that makes reloading string a one-button, five-second job.
If you have ever fought a stuck spool of trimmer line, this EGO is the cure. The patented POWERLOAD system feeds the line through the head, pushes a button to wind it, and gets you back to work in seconds — no bumping, no hand-winding, no swearing. It uses a professional-grade dual-line spiral-twist 0.095-inch line with a bump-feed advance for an up-to-15-inch cutting swath.
The telescopic aluminum shaft adjusts to your height, and the high-efficiency brushless motor delivers up to 45 minutes of runtime on a single charge with a recommended 2.5Ah battery. It is IPX4-rated weather resistant, meaning it shrugs off splashing water and light rain. At 7.4 pounds, it is a mid-weight pick, and the 5-year tool warranty covers the trimmer itself.
What wins people over is the overall quality — it is the most-praised aspect by a wide margin — with functionality right behind it. Owners using several EGO tools at the house call the brand very trustworthy, and a couple of commercial-grade gas users found it performed better than expected. The honest trade-offs: it is a bare tool, so you must own or buy an EGO 56V battery and charger, and a few owners find it heavy while others find it light — it is a real split, so if weight is your top concern, try before you buy.
The line-loading legend: POWERLOAD turns the most annoying part of trimmer ownership into a seconds-long task, and owners consistently rate the quality and smooth operation highly.
The string attached: Battery and charger are not included, so factor that into your total investment.
7. EGO POWER+ String Trimmer, 16″ with POWERLOAD, Telescopic Carbon Fiber Shaft, Tool Only
The carbon-fiber flagship that trims weight off the shaft and steps up to a 16-inch cut.
This is EGO’s upgraded sibling — it takes the POWERLOAD line-loading system from the model above and pairs it with a telescopic carbon fiber shaft that is lightweight and durable, backed by a limited lifetime warranty on the shaft itself. The cutting swath grows from 15 to a full 16 inches, and it keeps the same professional-grade dual-line spiral-twist 0.095-inch line.
Like the 15-inch version, it delivers up to 45 minutes of runtime on a recommended 56V 2.5Ah ARC Lithium battery, and it is compatible with all EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries. The high-efficiency brushless motor provides long runtimes and low vibration, and the IPX4 weather-resistant construction means light rain will not stop you. At 7.5 pounds, it is nearly the same weight as the smaller version despite the wider cut.
What wins people over is the quality — owners say it beats the competition by a long shot, and the lower speed setting alone provides plenty of power for daily trimming. The carbon fiber shaft makes it easy to find the right fit and keeps the weight down, and assembly is straightforward. It is a bare tool, so you need a battery and charger, and the 5-year limited tool warranty plus lifetime shaft warranty gives it the best coverage on this list.
Why It’s the Flagship
- Carbon fiber shaft with limited lifetime warranty
- 16-inch swath with POWERLOAD line loading
- IPX4 weather resistance and 5-year tool warranty
The Premium Fine Print
- Bare tool — battery and charger cost extra
- Owners need a 56V battery to open up the 45-minute runtime
Pick this for: the buyer who wants the best-feeling shaft on the market, the longest warranty, and a wide 16-inch cut with easy line loading.
Weigh it against: the 15-inch ST1510T — if you already own EGO batteries, this is the upgrade path; if not, the cost of the ecosystem adds up.
8. SKIL PWR CORE 40 Brushless 40V Multi-Head System, 16-Inch String Trimmer Kit
The 40V power head that turns into a whole yard-care system with SKIL attachments.
This SKIL is built around a 40V power head designed to work with the full range of SKIL 40V attachments, so the trimmer you buy today can become a hedge trimmer or pole saw tomorrow. It ships complete with a PWR CORE 40 4.0Ah lithium battery and an Auto PWR JUMP Charger, meaning the price covers everything you need to start trimming immediately.
The digital brushless motor provides efficient, high-performance power without gas hassle, and the 16-inch cutting swath handles tall grass and thick weeds. The dual-line bump feed releases line by tapping the head on a flat surface, and the Twist Load head lets you insert line and twist to get started — no tools required. A two-speed selector lets you boost power or runtime, and the adjustable auxiliary grip adds control.
What wins people over is effectiveness — owners say it takes down stubborn, hefty weeds with ease, and the battery lasts about 45 minutes on a charge. The performance and power are praised, and the multi-head system is why many owners buy it. The trade-offs are honest: at 14.5 pounds it is the heaviest pick on this list, and a couple of owners upgraded to a larger battery because the included one runs out quickly on bigger lots. One owner bought a shoulder strap to manage the weight.
The System Play
- 40V power head works with SKIL 40V attachments
- 4.0Ah battery and charger included
- 16-inch swath with Twist Load head
The Weight Reality
- 14.5 lbs is the heaviest pick here — a shoulder strap helps
- Included battery may not last a full large-lot session
Best for: the buyer who wants one power head that grows into a full cordless yard toolkit with attachments.
Think twice if: weight is your main concern — this is the heaviest trimmer on the list at 14.5 pounds.
9. DeWalt DCST922B 20V MAX 14 in Cordless Folding String Trimmer, Bare Tool
The folding 14-inch trimmer that tucks into a car trunk or shed corner.
DeWalt’s DCST922B folds for storage, which is the defining feature for anyone short on garage space or who wants to keep a trimmer in the car for a second property. It runs on the 20V MAX system — the battery platform DeWalt says spans over 250 tools — and spins a brushless motor up to 6,000 RPM with a variable-speed trigger for pro-level control.
At 7.3 pounds, it is a light mid-weight pick, and the 14-inch cutting swath sits between the compact 13-inch trimmers and the wide 16-inch models. Shoppers say it runs a long time between charges on a 5Ah battery, and several say it performs better than most gas trimmers they have owned, without the carburetor gumming up in storage. The brushless variable-speed motor gives you control to feather the trigger for delicate edging or open it up for thick grass.
What wins people over is the quality — the top praise — with performance close behind. The weight earns mixed opinions, which is fair for a folding trimmer. The honest catches: this is a bare tool, so you need a DeWalt 20V battery and charger, and the included guard is a known weak point — the review pages sum it up: the trimmer is built to take a bigger shield, and several owners recommend buying a replacement guard separately.
The Storage Win
- Folding shaft for compact storage and transport
- Variable-speed trigger for precision control
- Runs on the 250+ tool 20V MAX system
The Honest Gripes
- Bare tool — battery and charger not included
- Stock guard is undersized; owners suggest a replacement
- One unit arrived damaged with excessive vibration
Reach for it if: you live in the DeWalt 20V system and need a trimmer that folds flat for storage or transport.
Look elsewhere if: you want the widest cut or the lightest weight — a 13-inch or 16-inch model will suit you better.
Understanding the Specs
Voltage and Brushless Motors
Voltage (20V, 40V, or 60V) tells you the power ceiling of the battery platform. Higher voltage generally means more torque for thick weeds and longer runtime for big yards. A brushless motor (a motor without carbon brushes that creates less friction) runs cooler, lasts longer, and is more efficient than a brushed motor — the reason most premium trimmers are brushless.
Cutting Swath and Line Size
The cutting swath is how wide a strip of grass the trimmer clears in one pass — a 16-inch swath covers roughly 23% more ground per pass than a 13-inch model, so you finish faster. Line thickness matters too: 0.065-inch line is standard for light grass, while 0.095-inch line is thicker and takes on tough weeds and overgrowth without snapping.
Feed Systems
Bump feed means you tap the head on the ground to release more line. Automatic feed advances line on its own as you trim. Command feed uses a button for instant control. The trade-off is reliability versus convenience — bump feed is the most proven, while command and automatic save you from bending down mid-job.
Bare Tool vs Kit
A kit includes a battery and charger so you can trim immediately. A bare tool is just the trimmer head — you must already own the brand’s battery platform or buy one separately. If you are new to a brand, a kit is usually the smarter buy; if you already have batteries, a bare tool saves money.
FAQ
How long does a cordless string trimmer battery last?
What is the difference between bump feed and automatic line feed?
Will a 20V trimmer handle thick weeds?
What size cutting swath should I get?
How heavy is too heavy for a string trimmer?
Can I use other brand batteries with these trimmers?
What does a bare tool mean for a string trimmer?
Which trimmer is easiest to reload with new line?
Is a cordless trimmer quieter than a gas trimmer?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most buyers, the electric cordless string trimmer winner is the Makita XRU12SM1 because its 3-speed control and Automatic Torque Drive give you precision and power management that no other pick here matches — you get a professional-grade tool with battery and charger included. If you want the lightweight value pick that runs a rural property on one charge, grab the CRAFTSMAN V20 WEEDWACKER. And for the buyer who wants gas-level power for thick growth on a big property, the Greenworks 60V is the one to reach for.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of August 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, Gardening Beyond earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.