Category: Battery String Trimmers

After 60+ hours of hands-on testing across an 8-week stretch, our team ranked the best battery string trimmers of 2026 for homeowners who want gas-like cutting power without the noise, emissions, or maintenance headaches. I personally ran each model through thick fescue, overgrown dandelion stalks, and fence-line brush on properties ranging from a 0.2-acre suburban lot to a 2-acre rural spread. Battery technology has caught up fast: modern cordless trimmers now match mid-grade gas performance, and the convenience factor is hard to beat.

Below, I break down 8 models that stood out across our test criteria: cutting power, runtime, weight, ergonomics, line feed reliability, and overall value. Every pick on this list earned its place, and I’ve called out which scenarios each trimmer handles best so you can match the tool to your yard, not the other way around.

Our Top 3 Battery String Trimmers Tested This Year

Quick Overview: Comparing the Best Battery String Trimmers in 2026

1. EGO POWER+ ST1623T – The Best Battery String Trimmer Overall

The EGO POWER+ ST1623T is the trimmer I kept reaching for during our 8-week test window. The 56V brushless motor delivered consistent torque through dense, wet fescue and never bogged down on a 2-foot section of overgrown blackberry bramble. EGO’s patented Line IQ technology auto-feeds the line as it wears down, and the Powerload system rewinds fresh line with the press of a button. After two months of regular use, I never once had to open the spool head by hand.

This trimmer fits the entire EGO 56V ARC Lithium battery family, which matters if you already own an EGO mower, blower, or chainsaw. The telescopic carbon fiber shaft adjusts quickly for different user heights, and the digital variable speed selector lets me dial down RPM when edging along a flower bed to avoid throwing debris. With the 4.0Ah battery included, I consistently hit 55-60 minutes of mixed trimming on a single charge.

Line IQ and Powerload: Hands-Free Line Management

The single biggest frustration with older cordless trimmers was always line management. The ST1623T solves both sides of that problem. Line IQ senses when the cutting line is shortening and feeds more automatically, so you keep cutting instead of stopping to bump the head. Powerload takes the mess out of replacing the spool: drop in your line, press the button, and the trimmer winds it for you. During testing, I replaced line twice and both reloads took under 30 seconds with zero tangles.

56V Power vs Gas-Equivalent Trimmers

The 56V ARC Lithium platform puts this trimmer in the same conversation as entry-level gas models. I cut through half-inch thick stems without the motor stalling, and the 16-inch cutting swath covers ground noticeably faster than 12-inch trimmers. If you have a half acre or more, this is the kind of power that lets you finish the job in one pass rather than three.

Build Quality and Warranty Coverage

The carbon fiber shaft keeps weight manageable despite the larger battery, and the overall balance feels well-thought-out. EGO backs the tool with a 5-year warranty and the battery with 3 years, which is among the best in the category. For long-term ownership, that warranty matters more than any single feature.

2. BLACK+DECKER 40V LST136 – Best Value Cordless String Trimmer

The BLACK+DECKER LST136 punches well above its price point. The 40V MAX battery delivered 35-40 minutes of real-world trimming on our test lots, and the PowerCommand dial let me drop into a low-power mode to extend runtime when I was just doing light edge cleanup. I was genuinely surprised at how well this trimmer handled thicker brush. It cut through a 1-inch diameter sapling without bogging down, which is something most 20V models cannot do.

The 6-speed PowerCommand dial is a feature I now wish every cordless trimmer had. For normal lawn trimming, I ran it on setting 2 or 3 to save battery. When I hit a thick patch of weeds, I bumped it up to 5 or 6 for maximum cutting force. That kind of flexibility is rare at this price point and helps explain why this model has built up more than 8,000 reviews.

PowerDrive Transmission: How It Performs on Real Brush

BLACK+DECKER’s PowerDrive Transmission pushes more torque from the motor to the cutting head than a standard drive system. The result is a trimmer that does not slow down when the line meets resistance. I ran this through stands of 3-foot-tall pigweed and the head kept its speed. For homeowners who have moved beyond tidy lawn edges and now deal with rougher vegetation, that extra torque is a meaningful upgrade.

Telescoping Pole and Ergonomics

The telescoping pole adjusts from 46 inches collapsed, which made storage in my garage easier, and extends out for taller users. The soft-grip handle reduces fatigue during longer sessions, and the automatic feed spool (AFS) is reliable. The main downside is weight at 7.8 pounds, which is noticeable after 30 minutes of continuous trimming. For most residential yards, this is not a deal-breaker.

BLACK+DECKER 40V Ecosystem Compatibility

One thing I appreciated: this trimmer uses the same 40V MAX battery platform as other BLACK+DECKER 40V tools. If you already own a 40V mower, hedge trimmer, or leaf blower, you can swap batteries and save on extras. That ecosystem compatibility adds real value for anyone who already has a 40V tool collection.

3. BLACK+DECKER 20V LST300 – Best Budget String Trimmer

The BLACK+DECKER LST300 is the trimmer I recommend to anyone with a small, tidy yard who does not want to overspend. At 5.7 pounds, it is one of the lightest cordless trimmers on this list, and the 2-in-1 design converts from a trimmer to a wheeled edger in seconds. For weekly maintenance on a quarter-acre suburban lot, the 20V MAX battery has more than enough juice. I tested it on a 0.15-acre property and finished the entire yard on a single charge with battery to spare.

What surprised me most was how reliable the Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) is on this entry-level model. AFS releases line automatically without bumping, which sounds simple but is a feature that often fails on budget trimmers. In two months of testing, the AFS on the LST300 worked every single time.

Lightweight Design: Who It’s Best For

The 5.7-pound weight makes this trimmer ideal for seniors, smaller-framed users, or anyone who does not want to wrestle a heavier tool. My mother-in-law borrowed it for a weekend and was able to trim her entire front yard without rest. If you have physical limitations or just prefer a lighter tool, this model is one of the easiest cordless trimmers to use.

2-in-1 Conversion: Trimmer to Edger in Seconds

Switching to edger mode is a one-step process. The head pivots and a built-in guide wheel drops into place, which is great for clean edges along driveways and walkways. The 12-inch cutting swath is narrower than the 40V and 56V models, but for small yards that is actually an advantage: you get more precise trimming around flower beds and fence posts.

What This Trimmer Cannot Do

Honest assessment: the 20V platform does not have the muscle for thick brush or heavy weeds. I tried it on a patch of 2-foot-tall burdock and the motor struggled. If your yard has regular heavy weed growth, you will want a 40V or 56V model. But for typical residential lawn maintenance, the LST300 handles the job without complaint.

4. WORX WG163 – Best Cordless Trimmer With Dual Battery System

The WORX WG163 is the only trimmer on this list that ships with two 20V batteries in the box. That detail alone makes it a smart pick for anyone with a medium-sized yard who does not want to stop mid-job to recharge. The included 2.0Ah batteries are not the largest, but with two of them I ran a full 45 minutes of trimming without plugging in. The Power Share platform is a real bonus if you own other WORX 20V or 40V tools.

The 2-in-1 conversion to edger mode uses the same rotating-head design as the BLACK+DECKER models, but WORX added rubberized guide wheels that made edging noticeably cleaner along my concrete driveway. I also liked the 90-degree tilting head, which lets you reach under low shrubs and trim along uneven ground without bending over.

Command Feed System: Push-Button Line Advancement

WORX’s Command Feed is a step up from the bump-feed system on older trimmers. Instead of tapping the head against the ground to release more line, you press a button on the handle and the trimmer feeds line automatically. In my testing, the system worked about 85% of the time. The other 15% of the time, the line tangled inside the spool and I had to open the head to fix it. That is a real issue if you do a lot of line-consuming work, but for typical residential use it was a minor annoyance.

Spacer Guard: Protecting Plants While Trimming

One feature I appreciated: the adjustable spacer guard. This little plastic edge keeps the cutting line a set distance away from plants, fences, and decorative landscaping. I have a row of hostas along my fence line, and the spacer guard kept the line from scalping them. If you have invested time in garden beds, this feature pays for itself.

Weight, Balance, and Long Sessions

At 5.5 pounds, the WG163 is the lightest trimmer on this list. The downside is that the small batteries mean this trimmer feels underpowered for thick vegetation. It handled normal lawn trimming and light weed growth without issue, but it struggled on the same burdock patch that the 40V BLACK+DECKER LST136 cut through easily. For yards under a third of an acre with normal maintenance needs, this is a solid pick. For heavier work, look at the 40V or 56V options.

5. CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCST901M1 – Longest Runtime in the 20V Class

The CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCST901M1 is the trimmer that made me rethink what a 20V platform can do. CRAFTSMAN claims up to 63 minutes of runtime on the lower speed setting, and in my test on a 0.4-acre property, I hit 58 minutes of mixed trimming before the battery gave out. That is exceptional runtime from a 20V tool, and it makes this trimmer a real option for medium-sized yards where 40V models used to be the only sensible choice.

The 4Ah battery that ships in the kit is what makes the runtime numbers work. Most 20V trimmers include 1.5Ah or 2.0Ah batteries, which is why they die after 20-25 minutes. CRAFTSMAN includes a real workhorse battery here, and the result is a trimmer that can finish a typical yard on a single charge.

Two-Speed Settings: Runtime vs Power

The CMCST901M1 has a 2-speed switch on the handle. Low speed maximizes runtime for normal lawn trimming. High speed drops runtime but adds 52% more cutting power, which I needed for the thicker weeds in my back fence line. I spent most of my time on low speed and only switched to high when I hit a heavy patch. That flexibility is the main reason this trimmer punches above its 20V weight class.

Turn-to-Edge Conversion: Quick but Not Perfect

The turn-to-edge conversion is straightforward: rotate the head and lock it into edger mode. The 13-inch swath gives slightly wider coverage than 12-inch trimmers, which means fewer passes around the yard. The edging mode works, but the guide wheel is smaller than the one on the BLACK+DECKER LST522, so I had to do more hand control to keep clean lines along my driveway.

CRAFTSMAN V20 Battery Ecosystem

The V20 platform is CRAFTSMAN’s main 20V line, and the batteries work across the entire family: drills, impact drivers, blowers, and mowers. If you already own CRAFTSMAN V20 tools, this trimmer slots right in. If you are starting from scratch, the platform is competitive with DeWalt 20V MAX and Milwaukee M18 in terms of tool selection.

6. EGO POWER+ ST1502SA – Best EGO Trimmer for Medium Yards

The EGO POWER+ ST1502SA is the smaller sibling of the ST1623T and a great pick if you want EGO power at a lower price. The 56V brushless motor and 0.095-inch professional-grade line deliver cutting performance that genuinely competes with gas trimmers. I tested this on a half-acre property with mixed grass and weeds, and the head never bogged down. The 15-inch cutting swath is a nice middle ground between the 12-inch budget trimmers and the 16-inch flagship.

The Rapid Reload head is a simpler version of the Powerload system on the ST1623T. You still have to manually insert the line through the head, but the reload process takes under a minute once you have done it a few times. For users who do not need the fully automatic Powerload system, this trimmer saves money while keeping the 56V power platform.

Brushless Motor Efficiency and Runtime

EGO’s high-efficiency brushless motor matches RPM to the load on the cutting head. In light trimming, the motor runs at lower RPM and saves battery. When I pushed through heavy weeds, the motor ramped up automatically. I averaged 40-45 minutes of runtime from the 2.5Ah battery, which is enough for most medium-sized yards. If you need longer runtime, EGO sells larger 5.0Ah and 7.5Ah batteries that work on this same tool.

EGO 56V Ecosystem: The Real Selling Point

The 56V ARC Lithium platform is one of the most respected battery systems in the outdoor power equipment market. If you already own an EGO mower, the batteries swap directly. If you are starting fresh, EGO has a deep ecosystem: mowers, blowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, and even a snow blower. Buying into EGO means you are buying into a long-term tool platform, not a single tool.

Build Quality and Long-Term Reliability

EGO backs this trimmer with a 5-year tool warranty and 3-year battery warranty, which is among the best in the category. The carbon fiber shaft on the ST1623T is more premium, but the aluminum shaft on the ST1502SA is still solid. I did see a few user reports about battery warranty issues, so I would recommend buying directly from EGO or an authorized dealer to avoid warranty hassles.

7. BLACK+DECKER 20V LST522 – Best Cordless Trimmer With Wheeled Edger

The BLACK+DECKER LST522 is the trimmer I would buy for my own home if I had to stick to a 20V platform. The 2.5Ah LBXR2520 battery delivers 66% more runtime than the standard 1.5Ah battery that ships with most 20V kits, and that difference is noticeable in real-world use. I tested the LST522 on a 0.3-acre property and finished the entire yard, including edging, on a single charge with battery to spare.

The wheeled edger mode is the standout feature. The 2 large guide wheels roll smoothly along driveways and sidewalks, which makes edging far easier than pivoting the trimmer head and trying to hold a straight line. For homeowners who care about clean edges, this feature alone justifies picking the LST522 over the LST300.

PowerDrive Transmission and Dual Speed Control

The PowerDrive transmission adds torque at the cutting head, and the dual speed control lets you toggle between runtime mode and power mode. I kept the trimmer in power mode for most of my testing because I was working through overgrown spring growth. The motor held its speed through dense patches better than the standard 20V models, and I attribute that to the PowerDrive system.

2-in-1 Trimmer to Wheeled Edger Conversion

Switching to edger mode is a one-step process: rotate the cutting head 180 degrees and lock it into place. The large guide wheels drop into edger position and roll smoothly along hard surfaces. Compared to the small guide wheel on the CRAFTSMAN CMCST901M1, the LST522’s larger wheels produced cleaner, more consistent edges along my concrete driveway with less hand fatigue.

Reliability Considerations

Honest note: a small percentage of users have reported the trigger switch failing after 2+ years of use. The 2-year warranty covers this, but some users have had difficulty with warranty claims after the warranty period. I would recommend registering the product with BLACK+DECKER right after purchase to make any future claims easier.

8. Greenworks 40V 12 inch – Budget 40V Cordless Trimmer

The Greenworks 40V is the most affordable way to step up to a 40V cordless platform. The 7500 RPM brushless motor delivers noticeably more cutting power than 20V models, and the 40V battery gives you real runtime: I averaged 30-35 minutes of mixed trimming on a single charge, which is enough for most quarter-acre and third-of-an-acre yards. The auto feed system means you do not have to bump the head against the ground to release line.

For homeowners who already own Greenworks 40V tools, this trimmer slots in at a great price. Greenworks has a deep 40V ecosystem that includes mowers, blowers, chainsaws, and hedge trimmers. If you are starting fresh, the platform is one of the more affordable ways to build a battery-powered outdoor tool collection.

Brushless Motor and 40V Power Delivery

The brushless motor adjusts RPM based on load, which extends battery life and reduces motor wear. In my testing, the 40V platform cut through the same thick brush that 20V trimmers struggled with. The 12-inch cutting swath is narrower than 13-inch or 15-inch models, but the trade-off is better precision around flower beds and fence posts.

Weight Distribution and Handling

At 12 pounds, this is one of the heavier trimmers on this list. The extra weight comes from the 40V battery, which is larger than 20V packs. The trimmer is balanced, but the cutting end feels heavier than the handle end during long sessions. I found that a shoulder strap (not included) makes a real difference for extended use.

Long-Term Value: 3-Year Warranty and Ecosystem

Greenworks backs this trimmer with a 3-year warranty on both the tool and the battery, which is competitive with the 5-year warranties on EGO and the 3-year warranty on the BLACK+DECKER 40V model. For buyers who want 40V power without paying EGO prices, this is a smart pick. The main caveats are the heavier weight and the occasional auto-feed spool issue, both of which are manageable for typical residential use.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Battery String Trimmer for Your Yard

Choosing the right cordless string trimmer comes down to matching the tool to your yard size, vegetation type, and existing battery ecosystem. After testing 8 trimmers over 8 weeks, here are the criteria that mattered most in our evaluation.

Voltage: 20V vs 40V vs 56V

Voltage determines the raw power available to the cutting motor. 20V models (which actually run on 18V nominal battery packs) work well for small, well-maintained yards with light grass trimming. 40V models add meaningful power for thicker weeds and larger yards. 56V platforms like EGO’s match entry-level gas trimmers and are the right choice for half-acre properties or heavy vegetation.

For most homeowners with a quarter-acre or third-of-an-acre lot, a 40V trimmer hits the sweet spot between power and price. If you are regularly trimming thicker brush or have a half-acre or more, step up to 56V. The 20V class is best for small yards, frequent light use, and buyers on a tight budget.

Battery Amp Hours and Real-World Runtime

Amp hours (Ah) determine how long a battery will last, not how powerful it is. A 2.0Ah battery at 40V and a 4.0Ah battery at 40V deliver the same power, but the larger battery runs twice as long. Manufacturers often advertise maximum runtime under ideal conditions, which can overstate real-world performance by 20-30%. In our testing, real-world runtime typically landed 20-30% below the advertised maximum, especially under load in thick vegetation.

For a typical quarter-acre yard, a 2.0Ah to 4.0Ah battery is enough to finish trimming on a single charge. For larger properties, plan on a 5.0Ah or larger battery, or buy a model that includes two batteries.

Line Feed Systems: Bump vs Auto-Feed vs Powerload

The line feed system determines how trimmer line is released. Bump feed requires tapping the head on the ground, which is simple but interrupts your workflow. Auto-feed (AFS, Command Feed) releases line automatically when the motor starts or stops. Push-button systems like EGO’s Powerload and Line IQ go further: Powerload rewinds the entire spool automatically, and Line IQ auto-feeds line as it wears down.

For users who hate dealing with trimmer line, the push-button systems are worth the premium. The CRAFTSMAN CMCST901M1 and BLACK+DECKER models use reliable auto-feed systems. EGO’s ST1623T with Powerload and Line IQ is the best in class for line management.

Weight, Balance, and Ergonomics

Cordless trimmers range from 5.5 pounds (WORX WG163) to 12 pounds (Greenworks 40V). Lighter trimmers are easier to handle but often sacrifice power. Heavier trimmers deliver more cutting force but cause fatigue during long sessions. The best balance I found in testing was the EGO ST1623T at 7.5 pounds, which is moderate weight with premium balance.

Look for adjustable handles, telescoping shafts, and shoulder strap compatibility if you have a larger yard or multiple users of different heights. The BLACK+DECKER LST136 and EGO ST1623T both have telescoping shafts that adjust for different user heights.

Battery Ecosystem and Lock-In

Once you buy a battery platform, you are largely locked into that brand for future tool purchases. EGO 56V, DeWalt 60V, Milwaukee M18, BLACK+DECKER 40V, and Greenworks 40V are all strong ecosystems. WORX Power Share is unique because it spans 20V and 40V tools with the same battery.

My advice: if you already own cordless tools from a major brand, buy the matching trimmer to leverage your existing batteries. If you are starting from scratch, EGO 56V offers the deepest outdoor power equipment ecosystem, with Greenworks 40V and BLACK+DECKER 40V as solid budget-friendly alternatives.

Attachment Compatibility

Some cordless trimmers accept attachments that turn them into edgers, pole saws, hedge trimmers, and cultivators. Stihl’s KombiSystem, EGO’s Power+, and DeWalt’s attachment-capable trimmers offer the broadest range of attachments. The trimmers on this list are mostly trimmer/edger combos, but if you want to expand into other tools, look for a split-shaft design that accepts attachments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict: Which Battery String Trimmer Should You Buy in 2026?

After 8 weeks of testing, our team agreed on one overall winner: the EGO POWER+ ST1623T. Its 56V brushless motor, Line IQ auto-feed, Powerload push-button line system, and 60-minute runtime make it the best battery string trimmer for most homeowners in 2026. If you already own EGO 56V tools, this trimmer is a no-brainer. If you are starting fresh and want premium performance, the ST1623T justifies its price.

For buyers on a budget, the BLACK+DECKER LST300 (20V) and LST136 (40V) are the smartest picks. The LST300 handles small yards for under $70, and the LST136 punches above its weight with 40V power and 6 speed settings. The CRAFTSMAN CMCST901M1 is the right call if you want long runtime from a 20V platform, and the WORX WG163 is the best pick if you want dual batteries included in the box.

For users already invested in a battery ecosystem, stay with your brand. EGO 56V, Milwaukee M18, DeWalt 60V, and BLACK+DECKER 40V are all strong platforms. If you are starting from scratch, EGO 56V offers the deepest outdoor tool ecosystem, with Greenworks 40V as the best budget-friendly alternative. Whichever trimmer you pick from this list, you are getting a tool that genuinely competes with gas in 2026, without the noise, emissions, or maintenance headaches.