Best Cordless String Trimmer 2026
Battery-powered weed eaters that match gas performance — without the fumes, noise, or maintenance.
Last updated: March 2026 · By the Sparkling Picks team
Ego Power+ ST1623T
The best cordless string trimmer for most people. The Ego ST1623T delivers gas-equivalent power with a 16" cutting swath, carbon fiber shaft, and rapid reload head. The 56V 4.0Ah battery provides 60+ minutes of runtime — enough for most yards on a single charge.
$299
Check Price on Amazon →Quick Picks: Best Cordless String Trimmers
Why Trust Our Recommendations?
We've tested cordless string trimmers from Ego, Greenworks, DeWalt, Ryobi, Milwaukee, and more — evaluating cutting power, runtime, ergonomics, and line feed systems. Our picks balance performance with real-world usability, not just spec sheets.
Best Cordless String Trimmers Compared
| Model | Cutting Width | Battery | Runtime | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ego ST1623T | 16" | 56V 4.0Ah | 60+ min | $299 | Buy → |
| Greenworks 40V 14" | 14" | 40V 4.0Ah | 45 min | $149 | Buy → |
| Ryobi ONE+ 18V | 13" | 18V 4.0Ah | 35 min | $99 | Buy → |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL | 16" | 18V 8.0Ah | 70+ min | $329 | Buy → |
| DeWalt 60V MAX | 15" | 60V 3.0Ah | 50 min | $279 | Buy → |
| Makita XRU15PT | 15" | 36V (18V x2) | 55 min | $399 | Buy → |
| Worx WG183 | 13" | 20V (2x 2.0Ah) | 30 min | $129 | Buy → |
| Black+Decker LST140C | 12" | 40V 1.5Ah | 25 min | $119 | Buy → |
Detailed Reviews
1. Ego Power+ ST1623T — Best Overall
The Ego ST1623T sets the standard for cordless string trimmers. Its 16" cutting swath handles thick weeds and tall grass with ease, while the carbon fiber shaft keeps weight down despite the powerful motor. The Powerload technology auto-winds line in seconds — no more frustrating manual threading.
Pros
- Gas-equivalent cutting power
- Powerload auto line threading
- Carbon fiber shaft (lightweight)
- Variable speed trigger
- Converts to edger mode
Cons
- Premium price
- Battery sold separately for tool-only option
$299
Check Price on Amazon →2. Greenworks 40V 14" — Best Value
The Greenworks 40V delivers 80% of the Ego's performance at half the price. The 14" cutting swath handles most residential yards, and the 4.0Ah battery provides 45 minutes of continuous use. The pivoting head makes edging simple.
Pros
- Excellent price-to-performance
- Lightweight and maneuverable
- Telescoping shaft fits all heights
- Dual line bump feed
Cons
- Less power for thick brush
- Manual line loading
$149
Check Price on Amazon →3. Ryobi ONE+ 18V — Best Budget
If you're already in the Ryobi ONE+ ecosystem, this trimmer makes perfect sense. The 13" cutting width handles typical lawn edges, and you can use any of your existing 18V batteries. Just don't expect it to tackle heavy brush.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Works with 300+ ONE+ tools
- Ultra-lightweight
- Easy to maneuver
Cons
- Limited power for tough jobs
- Shorter runtime
- Narrower cutting width
$99
Check Price on Amazon →4. Milwaukee M18 FUEL — Best for Large Yards
The Milwaukee M18 FUEL is built for professionals and homeowners with serious acreage. The brushless motor delivers sustained power through thick weeds, and the high-capacity 8.0Ah battery runs for over an hour. The QUIK-LOK attachment system lets you swap heads for other tools.
Pros
- Exceptional runtime
- Professional-grade durability
- QUIK-LOK attachment system
- Uses existing M18 batteries
Cons
- Heavier than competitors
- Higher price point
$329
Check Price on Amazon →5. DeWalt 60V MAX FlexVolt
DeWalt's 60V MAX system delivers serious power while maintaining compatibility with their 20V tool line. The brushless motor and 15" cutting swath make quick work of overgrown areas. A solid choice if you're already invested in the DeWalt ecosystem.
Pros
- FlexVolt battery compatibility
- Variable speed control
- Bump feed head
- Solid build quality
Cons
- FlexVolt batteries are pricey
- No auto-feed line system
$279
Check Price on Amazon →6. Makita XRU15PT 36V (18V X2)
Makita's dual-18V approach gives you 36V power using batteries you probably already own. The brushless motor is efficient and quiet, and the Direct Drive system eliminates bump-feed hassles. Premium build quality, but priced accordingly.
Pros
- Uses existing 18V LXT batteries
- Direct Drive (no bump feed)
- Very quiet operation
- Exceptional build quality
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires two batteries
$399
Check Price on Amazon →7. Worx WG183 PowerShare
The Worx WG183 uses two 20V batteries simultaneously for more power while staying compact. The Command Feed spool system dispenses line with a button press, and the adjustable head tilts for easy edging. Good mid-range option for small to medium yards.
Pros
- Command Feed line system
- Converts to edger/mini mower
- Lightweight
- Good value
Cons
- Shorter runtime
- Limited power for thick weeds
$129
Check Price on Amazon →8. Black+Decker LST140C — Entry Level
The Black+Decker LST140C is perfect for small yards and light trimming. The PowerDrive transmission delivers consistent cutting, and the Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) keeps line flowing without bumping. Just manage expectations — this is for maintenance, not heavy clearing.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Automatic Feed Spool
- Ultra-lightweight
- Easy to store
Cons
- Short runtime
- Limited power
- Small cutting width
$119
Check Price on Amazon →How to Choose a Cordless String Trimmer
Cutting Width
Wider = faster coverage. 12-13" is fine for small yards. 14-16" handles most residential properties efficiently. If you have an acre or more, go for 16"+.
Battery Voltage
Higher voltage generally means more power. 18V handles light trimming. 40V covers most residential needs. 56V+ rivals gas trimmers for heavy-duty work.
Runtime
Match runtime to your yard size. 30 minutes covers a small yard. 45-60 minutes handles most residential properties. For large properties, prioritize 60+ minutes or buy a spare battery.
Line Feed System
Bump-feed is traditional but can jam. Auto-feed systems (like Ego's Powerload) save frustration. Some trimmers use fixed-blade heads instead of line — more durable but less versatile.
Weight and Ergonomics
You'll be holding this for 30+ minutes. Under 8 lbs is comfortable for most users. Adjustable handles and shoulder straps help on heavier models.
Cordless vs. Gas String Trimmers
Modern cordless trimmers match gas performance for residential use. You lose the unlimited runtime of gas, but gain:
- No fuel mixing — just charge and go
- Zero emissions — no fumes in your face
- Quiet operation — won't annoy neighbors at 7am
- Low maintenance — no carburetors to clean
- Instant start — push a button, done
For most homeowners, cordless is now the better choice. Only consider gas if you need to run continuously for hours without recharging.
The Bottom Line
The Ego ST1623T ($299) is our top pick — it delivers gas-rivaling performance with the convenience of cordless. The Powerload line system alone saves hours of frustration over time.
On a budget? The Greenworks 40V ($149) offers 80% of the performance at half the price. And if you're already in the Ryobi ecosystem, the ONE+ 18V ($99) handles light-duty trimming without adding another battery platform to your garage.