Best Cordless String Trimmers 2026

Gas trimmers dominated backyards for decades — and for good reason. They were simply more powerful than anything battery-operated could match. But that era is over. Today’s 40V, 56V, and 80V cordless string trimmers deliver genuine cutting performance on par with gas, with zero exhaust fumes, near-silent operation, instant push-button startup, and no annual carburetor maintenance. For the overwhelming majority of homeowners, cordless has become the smarter choice in 2026.

The challenge is that “cordless string trimmer” now covers everything from 20V light-duty weekend tools to near-professional 80V workhorses — and buying the wrong voltage for your yard size is one of the most common and expensive mistakes homeowners make. In this guide, we’ve evaluated eight of the best-selling cordless string trimmers available right now, organized by performance tier, with honest pros and cons, full specs, a yard-size decision guide, and a battery ecosystem compatibility chart so you can match the trimmer to tools you already own.

Quick answer: For most homeowners with a typical suburban yard between 5,000 and 15,000 sq ft, the EGO POWER+ 56V is the best cordless string trimmer available today — more power than 40V competitors, weather-resistant construction, and a battery platform that extends across one of the most capable outdoor power lineups on the market. Full review and all alternatives below.

What to Look for in a Cordless String Trimmer

Before diving into the individual reviews, here are the five factors that actually separate a great trimmer from a frustrating one — and what the spec sheets won’t always tell you.

Voltage & Battery Platform

Voltage is the single most important spec on the box, and it maps fairly directly to what kind of yard the trimmer is designed for. As a general rule: 20V trimmers are built for small, well-maintained lawns under about 5,000 sq ft. 40V is the sweet spot for the average suburban homeowner with a quarter to half-acre lot. 56V–80V delivers near-professional power suited to large properties, thick weeds, or heavy seasonal clearing.

Here’s the piece of advice almost no other guide mentions: match your trimmer’s voltage to the battery platform you already own. If your garage already holds DeWalt tools, the DeWalt 60V FlexVolt trimmer can share batteries with your drill, circular saw, and impact driver — saving you $80–$150 in battery costs right out of the gate. The same logic applies to RYOBI 40V, CRAFTSMAN V20, and WORX PowerShare owners. Your existing batteries are money already spent. Use them.

Brushless vs. Brushed Motor

A brushless motor uses electronic controls instead of physical carbon brushes to drive the motor — the result is a motor that runs cooler, lasts significantly longer, and extracts 20–30% more runtime from the same battery charge compared to a brushed equivalent. For a trimmer you’ll use every week through a five-month cutting season, the extra $30–$60 for brushless pays for itself within the first year or two in battery savings and motor longevity. For occasional light trimming on a small lawn, a brushed motor is perfectly adequate.

Line Diameter & Feed System

The cutting line diameter determines what you can cut through. .065″ line handles fine residential grass only. .080″ covers standard suburban grass and light weeds — the most common size for 20V–40V trimmers. .095″ handles thicker grass, moderate weeds, and light brush, and is where 56V–80V trimmers operate. Going heavier than the trimmer is designed for will bog the motor and shorten line life.

Feed systems divide into three types. Bump feed advances line when you tap the head on the ground — simple and reliable, but you can over-advance if you tap too hard. Auto feed advances line automatically when the motor detects the line has shortened — convenient but can over-dispense on some systems. Fixed line is found on budget models — you manually cut and thread line replacements. For most homeowners, bump feed is the most reliable long-term choice.

Weight & Ergonomics

Weight matters more than most people expect when you’re holding a trimmer at waist height for 30–45 minutes. Under 7 lbs is comfortable for virtually all users including seniors. Seven to ten pounds is manageable for most adults but fatiguing over extended sessions. Over 10 lbs is only justified by the added performance of a high-voltage or gas model. Straight shafts offer better reach under fences and decks; curved shafts feel more natural for shorter users but limit reach.

Runtime Reality Check

Manufacturer runtime figures are measured under minimum load — often at low speed on fine grass. In the real world, trimming medium-height suburban grass at high speed typically delivers 40–60% of the advertised runtime. The most important runtime question is not “how long does one battery last?” but rather “does this battery platform let me swap to a second pack quickly?” For any yard over a quarter acre, having a spare battery charged and ready is the practical solution.

Quick Comparison — All 8 String Trimmers at a Glance

Use this table to narrow your choices before reading the full reviews. All weights are tool-only without battery.

Model	Voltage	Cut Width	Motor	Weight	Line	Best For	Rating
EGO POWER+	56V	15″	Brushless	7.5 lbs	.095″	Best Overall	⭐ 9.5/10
DeWalt 60V	60V	15″	Brushless	8.8 lbs	.080″	DeWalt ecosystem owners	⭐ 9.2/10
Greenworks 80V	80V	16″	Brushless	9.2 lbs	.095″	Large yards / heavy brush	⭐ 9.0/10
SKIL PWR CORE 40V	40V	14″	Brushless	6.8 lbs	.080″	Best value brushless	⭐ 8.7/10
RYOBI 40V	40V	13.5″	Brushless	7.1 lbs	.080″	RYOBI ecosystem owners	⭐ 8.5/10
CRAFTSMAN V20	20V	13″	Brushed	5.9 lbs	.065″	Small lawns / tight budget	⭐ 7.8/10
WORX	20V	12″	Brushed	5.4 lbs	.065″	Edging / small plots	⭐ 7.5/10
Wild Badger 26cc Gas	Gas	17″	26cc 2-stroke	11.2 lbs	.095″	Heavy brush / no power access	⭐ 8.0/10

The 8 Best Cordless String Trimmers for Homeowners — Full Reviews

1. EGO POWER+ 56V String Trimmer — Best Overall ⭐

If you could only read one review in this guide, make it this one. The EGO POWER+ 56V is the best cordless string trimmer available for homeowners in 2026 — not because it’s the most powerful unit here (the Greenworks 80V edges it on raw voltage), but because it delivers the best combination of cutting performance, build quality, battery technology, and real-world usability for the widest range of yards and users. For any homeowner with a lot between 5,000 and 20,000 sq ft, this is the trimmer to beat.

Key Specifications
Voltage	56V ARC Lithium
Cut Width	15 inches
Motor	Brushless
Line Diameter	.095″
Weight (tool only)	7.5 lbs
Feed System	Bump feed / auto-wind spool
Weather Rating	IPX4 (splash resistant)
Shaft	Carbon fiber straight shaft

What we like:

• 56V ARC Lithium battery is the best in class. EGO’s proprietary battery chemistry delivers more consistent power throughout the discharge cycle compared to standard lithium — you get near-full performance right up until the battery reaches low charge, rather than the gradual power fade common in cheaper packs.
• IPX4 weather resistance means you can trim through morning dew, light drizzle, or humid Southern summers without worrying about moisture damage to the motor or battery contacts. No other trimmer in this roundup offers this protection.
• Carbon fiber straight shaft is noticeably lighter and stiffer than the aluminum shafts on competing models — less flex during heavy cutting, and less arm fatigue over extended sessions.
• .095″ line at 15″ cut width is the right combination for thick fescue, crabgrass, and the kind of mixed grass most suburban lawns actually have — not just the fine turf used in manufacturer demos.
• EGO battery platform covers a full outdoor power lineup — the same 56V pack powers EGO mowers, blowers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, and pressure washers. Investing in this platform means every future tool purchase gets cheaper.

What we don’t like:

• Premium pricing — the EGO costs more than comparable 40V options. The performance justifies it for regular users, but occasional trimmers may find the SKIL or RYOBI 40V delivers 85% of this performance at 60% of the price.
• Battery is sold separately at the base price point on many listings — confirm what’s included before purchasing.

Best for: Homeowners with 5,000–20,000 sq ft yards who want the best cordless performance available and plan to build a battery-powered outdoor tool collection.

→ Check Price on Amazon

2. DeWalt 60V MAX FlexVolt String Trimmer — Best for DeWalt Owners

The DeWalt 60V MAX is a genuinely excellent trimmer — but the real reason to choose it has nothing to do with the trimmer itself. It has everything to do with what’s already in your garage. If you own any DeWalt 20V or 60V FlexVolt tools — drills, circular saws, impact drivers, reciprocating saws — the FlexVolt battery that powers this trimmer at 60V automatically steps down to 20V when inserted in any other DeWalt 20V tool. One battery, your entire DeWalt collection. That cross-platform compatibility can save you $80–$150 in battery costs immediately, and more on every future DeWalt purchase.

Key Specifications
Voltage	60V MAX FlexVolt
Cut Width	15 inches
Motor	Brushless
Line Diameter	.080″
Weight (tool only)	8.8 lbs
Feed System	Dual-line bump feed
Speed Settings	Variable speed trigger
Shaft	Aluminum straight shaft

What we like:

• FlexVolt battery compatibility is the single biggest value proposition here. DeWalt’s FlexVolt system is used by millions of tradespeople and serious DIYers — if you’re already in the ecosystem, this trimmer’s battery cost is effectively zero.
• Variable speed trigger lets you dial down power for light trimming near flower beds or fragile edges, then ramp up to full speed for thick grass — a feature that extends battery life significantly compared to single-speed trimmers.
• Brushless motor at 60V delivers sustained cutting torque through medium-to-heavy grass without the bogging that affects 40V competitors on the same material.
• 15″ cut swath covers ground efficiently — on a 10,000 sq ft lawn, this saves measurable time versus 12″–13″ budget trimmers.

What we don’t like:

• At 8.8 lbs tool-only (heavier with the substantial FlexVolt battery), this is one of the heavier units in this roundup. Fine for most adults, but worth noting for seniors or users sensitive to tool weight.
• .080″ line is slightly lighter than the .095″ found on EGO and Greenworks — adequate for standard suburban grass, but you may want to upgrade to aftermarket .095″ line if your yard has thick weeds regularly.
• Battery often sold separately — the tool-only listing is common; factor in battery cost when comparing prices.

Best for: Existing DeWalt tool owners — the FlexVolt battery compatibility makes this the obvious and most economical choice regardless of whether the trimmer itself would otherwise be their top pick.

→ Check Price on Amazon

3. Greenworks 80V 16″ String Trimmer — Best for Large Yards & Heavy Brush

The Greenworks 80V is the most powerful cordless trimmer in this roundup — and it shows. At 80V with a brushless motor, this is the unit that closes the remaining performance gap between cordless and gas for homeowners with large properties, seasonal overgrowth, or dense weed populations. If your yard regularly involves more than just maintaining tidy grass edges — if you’re battling tall grass, thick weeds along fence lines, or areas that get away from you for a few weeks — the Greenworks 80V is the tool built for that work.

Key Specifications
Voltage	80V Lithium
Cut Width	16 inches
Motor	Brushless
Line Diameter	.095″
Weight (tool only)	9.2 lbs
Feed System	Tap-n-go bump feed
Shaft	Aluminum straight shaft
Battery Platform	Greenworks 80V (shared across mowers, blowers, chainsaws)

What we like:

• 80V is the highest voltage in this roundup — at full throttle, this trimmer pushes through thick weeds, dense fescue, and light brush that will slow or stall lower-voltage competitors. For truly demanding cutting conditions, nothing cordless here comes close.
• 16″ cut path is the widest tested — that extra inch or two over 15″ trimmers means fewer passes to cover the same area. On a half-acre lot, this adds up to real time savings every single week.
• .095″ line standard — the heavy-duty line diameter appropriate for the kind of growth this trimmer is built to handle.
• Greenworks 80V platform covers mowers, blowers, chainsaws, and pressure washers — an increasingly capable ecosystem for homeowners who want gas-free outdoor power across all their equipment.

What we don’t like:

• 9.2 lbs tool-only is the heaviest cordless unit here — with an 80V battery installed, total weight approaches 12+ lbs. Not a problem for most adults on short sessions, but fatiguing over 45+ minutes and genuinely challenging for smaller or older users.
• Greenworks 80V batteries cost more than 20V or 40V equivalents — budget for this when comparing total system cost against EGO or DeWalt options.

Best for: Homeowners with half-acre or larger properties, yards with seasonal overgrowth or thick weeds, and anyone who has found 40V trimmers underpowered for their specific conditions.

→ Check Price on Amazon

4. SKIL PWR CORE 40V 14″ String Trimmer — Best Value Brushless

The SKIL PWR CORE 40V is the value pick of this entire roundup — and not in the way “value pick” usually means (meaning a compromise). This trimmer packs a genuine brushless motor into a price range where competitors are still selling brushed motors, and it does so with a battery management system that actively protects your pack from heat degradation. At 6.8 lbs, it’s also one of the lightest brushless units tested. If you don’t already own another brand’s battery platform and want brushless performance without paying EGO or DeWalt prices, this is where to start.

Key Specifications
Voltage	40V PWR CORE
Cut Width	14 inches
Motor	Brushless
Line Diameter	.080″
Weight (tool only)	6.8 lbs
Feed System	Auto-feed
Battery Tech	PWR CORE auto temperature management
Shaft	Straight shaft

What we like:

• Brushless motor at this price point is genuinely uncommon — most trimmers in this range use brushed motors. The brushless advantage (longer motor life, better runtime efficiency, more consistent power) is not a marginal difference over years of weekly use.
• PWR CORE battery temperature management actively monitors and controls battery temperature during use and charging — the leading cause of premature lithium battery capacity loss is heat, and SKIL’s system directly addresses this for better long-term pack health.
• 6.8 lbs is impressively light for a brushless 40V unit — lighter than the RYOBI 40V and significantly lighter than the DeWalt or Greenworks. Extended trimming sessions are noticeably less fatiguing.
• SKIL PWR CORE 40V platform spans drills, circular saws, blowers, and reciprocating saws — a growing ecosystem worth investing in.

What we don’t like:

• 14″ cut path is the narrowest brushless option here — on larger yards, you’ll make more passes than with a 15″–16″ competitor. Meaningful on half-acre properties; barely noticeable on typical suburban lots.
• PWR CORE 40V is a newer platform with fewer battery and accessory options compared to RYOBI 40V or DeWalt’s established ecosystem — this improves every year, but check current availability before committing.

Best for: Homeowners without an existing battery platform who want brushless performance and long-term battery health at a price well below the EGO or DeWalt alternatives. Also excellent for users who prioritize light weight for extended trimming sessions.

→ Check Price on Amazon

5. RYOBI 40V String Trimmer — Best for RYOBI Owners

The RYOBI 40V trimmer earns its place in this roundup primarily through the strength of what surrounds it: the RYOBI 40V battery platform is the largest 40V cordless platform in the world, with over 50 compatible tools. If you already own any RYOBI 40V equipment — a mower, blower, pressure washer, or snow blower — this trimmer slots into your existing system at effectively no battery cost. The trimmer itself is a solid, capable unit with a brushless motor and the added bonus of Expand-It attachment compatibility that multiplies its usefulness well beyond string trimming.

Key Specifications
Voltage	40V Lithium
Cut Width	13.5 inches
Motor	Brushless
Line Diameter	.080″
Weight (tool only)	7.1 lbs
Feed System	Bump feed
Attachment Compatible	Yes — RYOBI Expand-It
Shaft	Straight shaft

What we like:

• RYOBI Expand-It compatibility turns this trimmer into a multi-tool platform. With compatible attachments (sold separately), the same power head runs as an edger, a cultivator, a pole saw, or a leaf blower — eliminating the need for multiple separate tools at a significant cost saving.
• The world’s largest 40V platform. If you’re starting fresh and want maximum future flexibility and accessory availability, RYOBI 40V has more compatible tools than any competitor at this voltage.
• Brushless motor with variable speed delivers genuine efficiency — eco mode for light weekly maintenance, full power for thicker growth.
• Bump feed with .080″ line is reliable and simple to reload — no finicky auto-feed mechanisms to troubleshoot.

What we don’t like:

• Critical note: RYOBI 40V batteries are NOT compatible with RYOBI 18V ONE+ tools — these are completely separate platforms. If you own RYOBI 18V tools, your batteries will not work in this trimmer. Confirm you have or are buying 40V, not 18V batteries.
• 13.5″ cut path is slightly narrower than the 15″ found on EGO and DeWalt — more passes on large properties.

Best for: Existing RYOBI 40V tool owners (the battery compatibility makes the choice simple), and homeowners interested in the Expand-It multi-tool attachment system who want to replace several single-purpose yard tools with one power head.

→ Check Price on Amazon

6. CRAFTSMAN V20 String Trimmer — Best Budget Pick

The CRAFTSMAN V20 is the honest budget choice in this roundup — which means being honest about what it is and what it isn’t. It is an excellent tool for a small, well-maintained lawn that gets trimmed every week or two. It is not the right tool for a quarter-acre lot with mixed grass and weeds, for a homeowner who lets trimming go three weeks between sessions, or for anyone who needs sustained heavy cutting. Within its design envelope, it delivers well — and at 5.9 lbs, it’s one of the lightest units available, which matters more than most reviews acknowledge.

Key Specifications
Voltage	20V MAX
Cut Width	13 inches
Motor	Brushed
Line Diameter	.065″
Weight (tool only)	5.9 lbs
Feed System	Bump feed
Battery Platform	CRAFTSMAN V20 (shared with drills, saws, blowers)
Shaft	Curved shaft

What we like:

• 5.9 lbs makes this genuinely comfortable to use for extended periods — seniors, users with wrist or shoulder issues, and anyone who finds full-size trimmers fatiguing will appreciate that this tool doesn’t fight back.
• CRAFTSMAN V20 battery platform is widely available and affordable — 20V packs are inexpensive to replace or add, and the platform covers a full range of CRAFTSMAN tools at accessible price points.
• Priced well below the brushless competition — for a homeowner with a small lot who trims bi-weekly and doesn’t need heavy performance, this delivers everything required at a significant cost saving.
• Curved shaft feels natural at average user height — more comfortable wrist angle for typical trimming posture.

What we don’t like:

• Brushed motor will show wear faster than brushless alternatives over 3–5 years of regular use. For occasional users this is irrelevant; for weekly users it’s worth noting.
• .065″ line is strictly for fine residential grass — it will break constantly if you attempt to cut thick weeds, overgrown areas, or anything beyond maintained lawn.
• Real-world runtime on a single 20V battery is approximately 20–30 minutes on well-maintained grass. For lots over 5,000 sq ft, plan to have a second battery charged.

Best for: Small lawns under 5,000 sq ft with well-maintained fine grass, seniors or users prioritizing light weight, occasional-use homeowners, and budget-conscious buyers who want reliable basic performance without paying for brushless capability they won’t use.

→ Check Price on Amazon

7. WORX Cordless String Trimmer — Best for Edging & Small Plots

The WORX trimmer occupies a specific niche that no other model in this roundup fills: the combination trimmer and in-line edger. The trimmer head rotates 90 degrees on demand, converting the cutting line from a horizontal trimming position to a vertical edging position — giving you clean, professional-looking sidewalk and driveway edges without a separate edging tool. For homeowners with townhome lots, small urban gardens, or properties where edging appearance matters as much as weed clearing, the WORX justifies its place on this list entirely through this one feature.

Key Specifications
Voltage	20V PowerShare
Cut Width	12 inches
Motor	Brushed
Line Diameter	.065″
Weight (tool only)	5.4 lbs
Feed System	Command Feed (on-demand auto-advance)
Edging	Yes — 90° rotating head
Battery Platform	WORX 20V PowerShare (75+ compatible tools)

What we like:

• 90° rotating head for instant edging is the standout feature — no separate edger purchase, no swapping tools mid-job, no second trip around the driveway with different equipment. For appearance-conscious homeowners, this is genuinely valuable.
• Command Feed auto-advance spool lets you advance line via a button press rather than bumping on the ground — cleaner operation on hard surfaces like driveways and pavers where bump feed doesn’t work naturally.
• 5.4 lbs is the lightest tool in this entire roundup including the gas model. Virtually anyone can use this without fatigue over a full trimming session.
• WORX 20V PowerShare platform spans 75+ tools including drills, saws, blowers, and vacuums — broad compatibility for an entry-level platform.

What we don’t like:

• 12″ cut path means roughly 25% more passes than a 15″ trimmer on the same area — on anything larger than a small suburban lot, this adds noticeable time to every trimming session.
• 20V brushed motor is strictly for maintained fine grass. Any overgrowth, thick weeds, or irregular cutting schedules will push this trimmer to its limits.
• Command Feed can over-advance line in some conditions, wasting spool faster than bump feed — a common trade-off with auto-advance systems.

Best for: Townhome owners, small urban and suburban lots where curb-appeal edging matters, anyone who wants to eliminate a separate edger from their tool collection, and users prioritizing the absolute lightest possible tool.

→ Check Price on Amazon

8. Wild Badger Power 26cc Gas String Trimmer — Best for Heavy Brush

The Wild Badger is the only gas-powered unit in this roundup, and it’s here for one reason: there are homeowners for whom cordless genuinely isn’t the right answer yet. If you’re on a rural property with no outdoor outlet near your trimming areas, if you’re clearing seasonal overgrowth that’s gotten seriously out of hand, or if you’re battling thick brambles and woody stalks on a regular basis — gas still delivers a type of sustained, unlimited-runtime cutting power that no battery in this price range can fully replicate. For those specific users, the Wild Badger 26cc makes sense. For everyone else, a 40V–80V cordless unit is the smarter choice in every practical dimension.

Key Specifications
Engine	26cc 2-stroke
Cut Width	17 inches
Line Diameter	.095″
Weight	11.2 lbs
Feed System	Bump feed
Attachment Compatible	Yes — multi-attachment shaft
Fuel	50:1 gas/oil mix
Runtime	Unlimited (fuel-dependent)

What we like:

• 26cc 2-stroke delivers more sustained cutting torque than any battery unit here — through genuinely heavy brush, thick-stalked weeds, and conditions that would slow or stall lower-voltage cordless trimmers, this keeps cutting without hesitation.
• 17″ cut swath is the widest in this roundup — covers ground faster than any other model tested on large open areas.
• Unlimited runtime — carry extra fuel and you can work all day without a recharge pause. For large properties with extensive trimming needs, this is a real practical advantage.
• Multi-attachment compatible shaft — accepts brush cutter blades and edger attachments for versatility beyond standard line trimming.

What we don’t like:

• 2-stroke fuel mixing is a genuine ongoing hassle — you need to measure and mix gasoline and 2-stroke oil at 50:1 ratio before every season, store fuel properly, and use fuel stabilizer if storing over winter. Cordless owners simply don’t deal with this.
• 90–100 dB noise output requires hearing protection — this is not a “early morning” trimmer in a suburban neighborhood.
• 11.2 lbs is the heaviest unit tested — noticeably fatiguing over extended use compared to 6–7 lb cordless alternatives.
• Annual carburetor maintenance, spark plug replacement, and air filter cleaning add cost and effort that cordless users have entirely eliminated.

Best for: Rural properties without convenient power access, homeowners dealing with serious seasonal overgrowth or brush clearing, and users who specifically need unlimited runtime over all-day trimming sessions where battery swaps would be impractical.

→ Check Price on Amazon

Which String Trimmer Is Right for Your Yard? — Decision Guide

Match Trimmer to Yard Size

Yard Size	Recommended Voltage	Best Pick
Under 2,000 sq ft (townhome / urban lot)	20V	WORX or CRAFTSMAN V20
2,000–5,000 sq ft (small suburban)	20V–40V	CRAFTSMAN V20 or SKIL PWR CORE 40V
5,000–10,000 sq ft (average suburban)	40V	SKIL PWR CORE 40V or RYOBI 40V
10,000–20,000 sq ft (quarter to half acre)	40V–56V	EGO POWER+ 56V or RYOBI 40V
Over half acre	60V–80V	DeWalt 60V or Greenworks 80V
Rural / heavy seasonal brush	Gas	Wild Badger 26cc

Match Trimmer to Your Existing Battery Ecosystem

Before spending money on a new battery platform, check what you already own. The right battery match can save you $80–$150 immediately and more on every future tool purchase.

Tools You Already Own	Best Trimmer Match	Battery Savings
DeWalt 20V or 60V FlexVolt tools	DeWalt 60V MAX	~$80–$150
RYOBI 40V tools (mower, blower, etc.)	RYOBI 40V	~$60–$100
CRAFTSMAN V20 tools	CRAFTSMAN V20	~$40–$70
WORX 20V PowerShare tools	WORX Trimmer	~$30–$60
Greenworks 80V tools	Greenworks 80V	~$100–$180
No existing platform — starting fresh	EGO POWER+ (best performance) or SKIL 40V (best value)	N/A

Match Trimmer to User Type

• Senior / limited grip strength / wrist issues: WORX (5.4 lbs) or CRAFTSMAN V20 (5.9 lbs) — both under 6 lbs with low vibration and ergonomic handles
• Best overall performance: EGO POWER+ 56V — best power-to-weight in this roundup, weather resistant, premium build
• Best value for money: SKIL PWR CORE 40V — brushless motor at a mid-range price, lightweight, capable
• Large property / heavy conditions: Greenworks 80V — maximum cordless power, widest cut path
• Occasional user (bi-weekly or less): CRAFTSMAN V20 — lowest cost, adequate for light regular use
• Curb appeal / edging focus: WORX — only trimmer here with a built-in edging conversion
• Multi-tool system builder: RYOBI 40V with Expand-It — largest 40V platform, attachment compatibility multiplies value

Gas vs. Cordless String Trimmers — Honest Comparison

Many homeowners still default to gas trimmers out of habit or because they bought one years ago. Here’s an honest look at how the two options compare for typical residential use in 2026:

Factor	Cordless (40V+)	Gas
Power	Matches gas for maintained residential lawns	Still superior for heavy brush and thick stalks
Noise	65–75 dB — normal conversation level	90–100 dB — hearing protection required
Emissions	Zero — usable near open windows, indoors, enclosed spaces	2-stroke exhaust fumes
Startup	Instant — push button, pull trigger	Pull cord, choke, prime, potentially multiple pulls
Maintenance	Charge battery. That’s it.	Fuel mixing, spark plugs, air filter, carburetor
Runtime	30–60 min per battery; swap for more	Unlimited with additional fuel
Weight	5.4–9.2 lbs	10–13 lbs
Long-term cost	Battery replacement ~$50–$100 every 3–5 years	Fuel + maintenance ~$50–$80 per year indefinitely
Neighbor friendliness	✅ Yes — quiet enough for early morning use	❌ No — too loud for most residential areas before 9 AM
Verdict for most homeowners	✅ Cordless wins on every practical dimension	Choose gas only for heavy brush or no power outlet access

The honest conclusion: for any homeowner with a maintained residential lawn up to about an acre, a 40V–80V cordless trimmer is the smarter tool in every practical dimension. Gas still wins for commercial use, all-day heavy brush clearing, and off-grid properties. For the vast majority reading this guide, gas is the past.

String Trimmer Line — What Size Do You Actually Need?

Line diameter is a spec most guides gloss over, but it directly determines what you can cut and how fast you’ll burn through a spool. Here’s the plain-language breakdown:

• .065″ — Fine residential grass only. Correct for CRAFTSMAN V20 and WORX. Will break constantly if you attempt to cut thick weeds or anything beyond well-maintained lawn.
• .080″ — Standard residential — the most common size for 20V–40V trimmers. Handles typical suburban grass and light weeds without issue. Used by DeWalt, RYOBI, and SKIL in this roundup.
• .095″ — Thick grass, moderate weeds, light brush. This is the heavy-duty residential line used by EGO, Greenworks, and Wild Badger. If your yard includes mixed grass types, crabgrass, or occasional overgrowth, this is the minimum you want.
• .105″ and above — Heavy brush and semi-commercial applications. Generally aftermarket only for the trimmers in this roundup.

Round vs. twisted line: Round line is universal and works in all trimmers. Twisted (serrated) line cuts more cleanly through thick grass and produces less noise, but wears spools slightly faster. For most homeowners the difference is negligible — round line is fine.

Pre-wound spools vs. bulk line: Pre-wound replacement spools are convenient but cost 2–3 times more per foot than bulk line. After you’ve replaced your original spool once or twice, buy a bulk roll and rewind yourself — it takes five minutes and saves noticeably over a season of regular trimming.

How to Extend Your Trimmer Battery Life

The battery is the most expensive component of any cordless trimmer system. A few simple habits can extend pack life from 3 years to 5–7 years of reliable use.

1. Don’t fully drain lithium batteries. Recharge at 20–30% remaining charge, not at zero. Running packs completely flat repeatedly degrades cell chemistry faster than almost any other factor.
2. Store batteries at 40–60% charge. If your trimmer will sit unused for more than two weeks — over winter, for example — partially discharge or charge the battery to the mid-range before storing. Storing at 100% or 0% accelerates capacity loss.
3. Keep batteries out of extreme heat. The number-one cause of premature lithium battery failure is heat exposure. Don’t leave batteries in a hot car, in direct sun, or in a shed that reaches 100°F+ in summer. Store indoors.
4. Use eco or variable speed mode on light grass. Running at full throttle through fine residential grass wastes battery capacity that lower speed handles just as effectively. Variable speed trimmers (DeWalt, RYOBI) let you dial in the right power level — use it.
5. Alternate two batteries on large properties. One charges indoors while you use the other. You’ll never need to stop mid-job for a recharge, and neither battery will experience the deep discharge that comes from running to complete exhaustion.
6. Buy brand-name batteries, not generics. Third-party replacement packs for popular platforms are widely available and temptingly cheap. They are almost universally inferior — fewer cells than claimed, lower quality cells, and minimal battery management electronics. The genuine brand pack at full price delivers dramatically better longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions — Best Cordless String Trimmers

How long do cordless string trimmers last?

With proper battery care, a quality brushless cordless trimmer should last 5–10 years of regular use. Brushed motor models typically show meaningful wear at 3–5 years of weekly use. The battery pack is usually the first component to degrade — expect 3–5 years of strong capacity from a genuine brand lithium pack under regular use, with noticeably reduced runtime in later years. Replacing the battery pack ($40–$120 depending on voltage) extends the tool’s life at a fraction of replacement cost.

What voltage string trimmer do I need?

Match voltage to yard size. For lawns under 5,000 sq ft with maintained fine grass, 20V is adequate. For 5,000–15,000 sq ft suburban yards — the most common residential lot size — 40V is the practical sweet spot that balances power, runtime, and battery cost. For half-acre properties and larger, or yards with thick weeds or brush, 60V or 80V delivers the sustained power those conditions require. Buying too low a voltage for your yard means the motor bogs constantly and you burn through batteries; buying too high means paying for power you’ll never need.

Is EGO better than DeWalt for string trimmers?

In a head-to-head performance comparison, EGO’s 56V ARC Lithium trimmer delivers marginally more peak cutting power and adds IPX4 weather resistance that the DeWalt lacks. However, for homeowners who already own DeWalt FlexVolt tools, the DeWalt trimmer is the better practical choice — the battery compatibility across your existing tool collection effectively reduces the trimmer’s real cost by $80–$150. If you’re starting fresh with no existing battery platform, EGO is the better pure trimmer choice.

Can a 20V trimmer handle thick weeds?

A 20V trimmer with a brushed motor — like the CRAFTSMAN V20 or WORX — will struggle with thick weeds, overgrown areas, or grass that’s been allowed to grow tall between sessions. These tools are designed for maintained, regularly cut residential grass. For anything beyond that — crabgrass, dense fescue, weeds along fence lines — a 40V brushless trimmer is the minimum that handles the work without constant bogging, line breakage, and motor strain.

What is the best cordless string trimmer for seniors?

The WORX at 5.4 lbs and the CRAFTSMAN V20 at 5.9 lbs are the lightest tools in this roundup and the most comfortable for users with reduced grip strength, wrist sensitivity, or general fatigue concerns. Both feature ergonomic handles and relatively low vibration. For seniors with larger properties who need more than 20V power, the SKIL PWR CORE 40V at 6.8 lbs delivers brushless 40V performance in a lightweight package that remains manageable over extended sessions.

How long does a cordless string trimmer battery last per charge?

Real-world runtime on a medium suburban lawn at normal cutting height: 20V models deliver approximately 20–30 minutes, 40V models 35–50 minutes, and 60V–80V models 45–65 minutes. These figures assume normal-height grass at moderate speed — thick overgrowth, maximum speed settings, and older battery packs all reduce runtime noticeably. Manufacturer advertised runtimes are typically measured at minimum load and significantly exceed real-world performance. For any yard over a quarter acre, plan to have a second battery charged and ready.

Are brushless string trimmers worth the extra money?

Yes, for most homeowners who trim regularly. Brushless motors run cooler during extended sessions, last significantly longer before showing wear, and extract 20–30% more runtime from the same battery charge compared to brushed motors. The price premium over brushed equivalents is typically $30–$60 — an investment that returns value through lower battery consumption (less frequent recharging, slower battery degradation) and a longer motor life over years of regular use. For someone trimming weekly through a five-month season, the brushless premium is easily justified.

What’s the difference between bump feed and auto feed on string trimmers?

Bump feed advances line by tapping the trimmer head firmly against the ground — the impact releases a small amount of new line. It’s simple, reliable, and gives you direct control over line advancement, but doesn’t work well on soft surfaces where the head can’t contact firm ground. Auto feed (used on the WORX in this roundup) advances line automatically when the motor senses the line has shortened below the cutting guard — more convenient, especially on hard surfaces like driveways and pavers, but can over-dispense line and waste spool faster than bump feed. Experienced users generally prefer bump feed for control; casual users appreciate auto feed for convenience.

Final Verdict — Which Cordless String Trimmer Should You Buy?

After reviewing all eight models, here are our direct recommendations by situation — no hedging:

• Best overall for most homeowners: EGO POWER+ 56V — the best combination of power, build quality, battery technology, and weather resistance available for residential use.
• Best value brushless pick: SKIL PWR CORE 40V — brushless performance at a mid-range price, lightweight, and a battery platform worth investing in.
• Best for DeWalt tool owners: DeWalt 60V MAX FlexVolt — battery compatibility with your existing tools makes this the obvious, most cost-effective choice.
• Best for large yards and heavy conditions: Greenworks 80V — the highest voltage, widest cut path, and most powerful cordless performance in this roundup.
• Best for RYOBI tool owners: RYOBI 40V — battery compatibility plus Expand-It attachment system multiplies the tool’s value significantly.
• Best for edging and small plots: WORX — the only model here with a built-in 90° edging conversion, lightest overall weight, excellent for townhome and urban lots.
• Best budget pick: CRAFTSMAN V20 — honest limitations, but delivers reliably for small well-maintained lawns at the lowest entry price.
• Best if you need gas performance: Wild Badger 26cc — for rural properties, heavy seasonal brush clearing, and situations where battery runtime genuinely isn’t enough.

The right trimmer depends entirely on your yard size, your existing tool collection, and how often you trim. Use the decision tables in this guide to narrow down your choice, then pick the model that fits your situation — every option on this list is a quality tool within its intended use case.