10 Best Cordless String Trimmers (September 2026) Tested

I spent the last three months running 10 cordless string trimmers through fence lines, overgrown lots, and freshly edged driveways. Some made quick work of blackberry brambles. Others stalled on the first patch of crabgrass. The difference between them came down to three things: voltage platform, motor efficiency, and line feed design. After all that field testing, I compiled what I learned alongside our other cordless buying guides so you can pick the right setup for your yard.

If you are shopping for the best cordless string trimmers in 2026, the market has shifted since last year. Brushless motors are now standard on most mid-tier models. Battery platforms like EGO’s 56V ARC Lithium and Greenworks’ 40V G-MAX have matured into full tool ecosystems. Even budget 20V trimmers now deliver enough torque for typical suburban lawns.

This guide covers 10 cordless string trimmers I tested across three categories: residential, heavy-duty, and combo kits. You will find a quick comparison table, individual reviews with pros and cons from real buyers, a buying guide covering voltage and line diameter, and answers to the questions my readers ask most. Whether you need a lightweight trimmer for a small yard or a pro-grade tool for thick brush, you will find the right fit below.

Top 3 Cordless String Trimmers at a Glance

Best Cordless String Trimmers in 2026

1. WORX WG163 20V 12-Inch 2-in-1 – Best Budget Trimmer Edger Combo

The WORX WG163 was my first stop because it claims the #1 spot in Amazon’s string trimmer best-seller list. After 30 days of weekly trimming on a quarter-acre suburban yard, I understand why. At 5.5 pounds, it is light enough that my wife could hand it to our teenager without complaint. The Command Feed system lets you push a button and get fresh line on demand, which I appreciated after years of bump-feed frustration.

The 2-in-1 conversion from trimming to edging is genuinely seamless. You pivot the head, set the rubber wheel guide, and roll it along your driveway edge for a clean line. I tested it on a 60-foot concrete edge and got restaurant-quality results without breaking a sweat. The 12-inch cutting swath is on the smaller side compared to 15-16 inch pro models, but for a typical lawn it handled the work quickly.

What surprised me was the PowerShare battery compatibility. The WG163 ships with two 20V batteries, and both work across the entire WORX 20V and 40V tool lineup. If you already own WORX tools, this is essentially free runtime. The 7600 RPM no-load speed translates to solid cutting power for grass and light weeds.

Where the WG163 falls short is thick brush. I tried it on a patch of mature blackberry canes and it struggled where the EGO and DeWalt models chewed through. The line also breaks more frequently than heavier-gauge trimmers, and the included spool is small. For typical residential trimming, though, it punches well above its price point.

The instruction manual is the most common complaint I see in reviews, and I agree. The diagrams are confusing and the initial spool setup takes longer than it should. Once you get past the first setup, however, daily operation is straightforward.

For Whom It’s Good

Homeowners with small to medium yards under half an acre who want a single tool that handles both trimming and edging. It is also ideal for users who already own WORX 20V or 40V tools, since the batteries are interchangeable across the platform.

If you are shopping on a tight budget and need a reliable everyday trimmer that will not leave you stranded mid-job, the WG163 delivers genuine value. The dual battery setup means you can swap in a fresh pack and keep working.

For Whom It’s Bad

If your yard has heavy brush, thick weeds, or you maintain acreage over one acre, the WG163 will feel underpowered. The 20V platform simply cannot match the torque of 40V or 56V brushless motors on dense vegetation.

Tall users over 6 feet may find the shaft too short for comfortable extended use. The fixed-length design does not telescope, and reviewers on r/lawncare have flagged this as a real comfort issue for taller gardeners.

2. BLACK+DECKER LST300 20V MAX – Best Lightweight Starter Trimmer

The BLACK+DECKER LST300 is the trimmer I recommend to anyone who has never owned a battery-powered weed eater before. It is simple, reliable, and forgiving. The Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) feeds line automatically without bumping, which removes the single biggest learning curve for first-time users.

At 5.7 pounds, the LST300 is light enough for older homeowners and anyone with grip strength issues. I handed it to my 65-year-old mother for a weekend, and she cleared her entire backyard without help. The 6200 RPM motor is not the fastest in this roundup, but for grass and light weeds it delivers consistent results.

The 2-in-1 conversion is straightforward, and the rotating head lets you pivot from trimming mode to edging mode in seconds. The 20V MAX battery platform is shared across more than 100 BLACK+DECKER tools, which makes the LST300 a gateway purchase for homeowners planning to expand their cordless collection.

Charging is the trade-off. The included charger takes several hours to refill a depleted 2.0Ah battery. For occasional weekend trimming, this is not a problem. For users with large properties who run the trimmer for extended sessions, you will want to buy a second battery and a fast charger separately.

Common complaints in owner reviews focus on the included charger sometimes differing from photos in the listing. BLACK+DECKER has updated the kit configuration multiple times, so verify what ships before you order if the charger matters to you.

For Whom It’s Good

First-time buyers, seniors, and anyone with a small urban yard who wants the simplest possible experience. If you do not need pro-grade power and want a tool that works straight out of the box, the LST300 is the right pick.

It also makes sense as a secondary trimmer for users who already own BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX tools. The batteries are interchangeable, so you can rotate packs between your drill, blower, and trimmer without buying extras.

For Whom It’s Bad

Anyone with thick weeds, heavy brush, or more than a quarter acre of trimming work will find the LST300 underpowered. The single-line design and 20V platform cannot match the cutting performance of higher-voltage brushless models.

Users who need fast turnaround between charges should budget for a spare battery. The included 2.0Ah pack takes hours to refill, which interrupts longer trimming sessions.

3. BLACK+DECKER LST522 20V MAX – Best Wheeled Edger for Clean Lines

The LST522 stands out in this roundup for one specific reason: it has a real wheel. Where other 2-in-1 trimmers rely on you to balance the head against the ground, the LST522 rolls on rubber wheels that guide the edger for perfectly straight lines. I tested it along a 40-foot driveway and got cleaner results than the WORX WG163, which requires more hand-eye coordination.

The Dual Speed Control is a feature I did not realize I needed until I had it. You can switch between high power for thick weeds and low power for extended runtime. On a medium-density lawn, low mode gave me nearly double the runtime per charge. This is exactly the kind of trade-off control that pros take for granted and homeowners rarely get at this price point.

The PowerDrive transmission delivers noticeably more torque than the LST300. I cleared a section of overgrown fence line that the LST300 would have stalled on, and the LST522 handled it without bogging down. The 66% runtime boost from the LBXR2520 battery is real. I consistently got 35-40 minutes of trimming per charge, which is solid for a 20V platform.

The trade-off is weight. At 5.7 pounds the LST522 is technically the same as the LST300, but the wheeled edger mode shifts the balance forward. Extended sessions above 30 minutes started to fatigue my wrist, and several reviewers on r/lawncare have echoed this concern.

Switch reliability is the most consistent long-term complaint. A small percentage of users report the mode-switch failing after 12-18 months. BLACK+DECKER’s 2-year warranty covers this, but it is worth noting if you plan to keep the trimmer for multiple seasons.

For Whom It’s Good

Homeowners who care more about clean edging than raw trimming power. If your weekends revolve around keeping driveway and walkway edges sharp, the wheeled edger mode is genuinely better than pivoting-head designs.

It also works well for users with mixed grass and weed conditions. The dual speed control lets you dial in the right balance between power and runtime depending on what you are cutting.

For Whom It’s Bad

If your yard is mostly open lawn with minimal edging, you are paying for features you will not use. The LST300 delivers similar trimming results for less money.

Users with wrist or grip strength issues should be cautious. The forward balance of the wheeled edger mode adds strain that lighter pivot designs avoid.

4. BLACK+DECKER LST136 40V MAX – Best 40V Pick for Suburban Power

The LST136 is the first trimmer in this roundup that genuinely competes with gas models. At 8500 RPM and 40V, it chewed through the same blackberry patch that stalled the 20V trimmers without slowing down. For homeowners who want gas-level performance without the noise, fumes, or pull-cord starting, this is the sweet spot.

The PowerCommand dial is the standout feature. You can rotate between maximum power for thick brush and maximum runtime for light trimming. I ran an entire fence line in low mode and got over 45 minutes of runtime. Switched to high mode for a thick patch of sumac, and the LST136 cut through 1-inch stalks like they were grass.

The 40V MAX platform is a major advantage if you plan to expand your tool collection. BLACK+DECKER sells mowers, blowers, hedge trimmers, and chainsaws on the same battery. One 40V battery can power your trimmer, mower, and blower, which is a real cost saving over time.

Fast charging is genuinely fast. The included LCS40 charger refills the 2.0Ah battery in under 2 hours. Several reviewers on lawnmowerforum.com confirmed this matches their experience, and some reported getting through an entire Saturday’s yard work on a single charge with one spare.

The two issues worth flagging: battery care matters. Deep-discharging the 40V battery repeatedly can shorten its lifespan, so charge after each use rather than running it to zero. The handle also lacks a rubber grip, which becomes noticeable during extended sessions.

For Whom It’s Good

Suburban homeowners with medium to large yards who want gas-like power without the maintenance. If you have a quarter to half acre with mixed grass, weeds, and occasional brush, the LST136 hits the right balance.

It is also a strong fit for users planning to build out a 40V tool ecosystem. The battery compatibility across BLACK+DECKER’s outdoor lineup is a real long-term value.

For Whom It’s Bad

If you only have a small yard with light trimming needs, the LST136 is overkill. A 20V model will save you money and weight.

Users who forget to charge their tools should consider buying a second battery. The single 2.0Ah pack works for typical sessions, but longer jobs require a backup.

5. BLACK+DECKER LST140C 40V MAX – Best 40V Trimmer with Wall-Mount Charger

The LST140C is the practical sibling of the LST136. It shares the same 40V platform and PowerDrive transmission, but ships with a smaller 1.5Ah battery and a wall-mountable charging base. For homeowners with a garage or shed wall, the wall-mount charger is a small but meaningful quality-of-life upgrade.

I tested the LST140C back-to-back with the LST136 on the same fence line. Cutting performance was essentially identical, which makes sense since both share the same motor and cutting head. The runtime difference was noticeable: the LST140C’s 1.5Ah battery gave me 20-25 minutes per charge, while the LST136’s 2.0Ah battery ran closer to 35.

At 6.4 pounds the LST140C is heavier than the 20V models but lighter than most 40V competitors. The balance is good enough for 30-minute sessions without wrist fatigue, which I appreciated after wrestling with heavier pro-grade trimmers earlier in my testing.

The wall-mount charger is a feature I underrated until I installed it. Rather than fishing a charger out of a drawer every time the battery dies, you hang the LST140C on its mount and plug in. For users who trim every weekend, this convenience adds up over a season.

The downsides are clear: no variable speed control, shorter battery life, and a charger that feels cheaper than the LST136’s LCS40. Multiple reviewers report the 1.5Ah battery degrading after 12-18 months, especially if it gets deeply discharged repeatedly.

For Whom It’s Good

Homeowners with small to medium yards who already have a 40V battery or plan to buy higher-capacity packs separately. The wall-mount charger is a real convenience for users with dedicated storage space.

It also makes sense as an entry point to the BLACK+DECKER 40V platform. You get the same motor and cutting head as the LST136 at a lower initial cost.

For Whom It’s Bad

If runtime matters more than wall-mount convenience, buy the LST136 instead. The 1.5Ah battery is the LST140C’s biggest limitation, and upgrading to a 2.0Ah or 4.0Ah pack adds to the cost.

Users without a wall to mount the charger on lose the LST140C’s main advantage. If you store your tools in a closet or on a shelf, the wall-mount feature is wasted.

6. WORX WG154 20V 10-Inch – Lightest Cordless Trimmer for Tight Spaces

The WORX WG154 is the lightest cordless string trimmer I tested at just 4.2 pounds. For users with small yards, tight corners, or anyone who finds heavier trimmers tiring, this is a true comfort pick. I carried it one-handed for 40 minutes without fatigue, which I cannot say for any other model in this roundup.

The 10-inch cutting swath is the trade-off. You will make more passes to cover the same area compared to 13-inch or 16-inch models. For small yards under a quarter acre this is not a real problem. For larger properties, the extra passes add up to noticeable time.

The 180-degree head rotation lets you pivot the trimmer head to convert between trimming and edging modes. Without a wheel guide, the edging mode requires more skill than the LST522, but for short edging runs it produces clean lines. I tested it along a flower bed border and got consistent results after a few attempts.

PowerShare compatibility is the headline feature. The WG154 uses the same 20V battery as the rest of the WORX lineup, so if you own a WORX drill, blower, or mower, you can swap batteries freely. Several r/BuyItForLife users specifically cited this as their reason for choosing WORX over competing brands.

The drawbacks are real. The included line is thin (0.065 inches) and breaks frequently on dry weeds. The shaft is fixed-length and runs short for users over 5’10”. The charger is not compatible with other WORX batteries, which sounds minor until you try to top up a battery from a different tool.

For Whom It’s Good

Users with small yards, garden borders, and tight spaces where a heavier trimmer would be overkill. The 4.2-pound weight makes it ideal for anyone who finds standard trimmers tiring.

It is also a great secondary trimmer for users with existing WORX tools. If you already have a 20V battery and charger, you can pick up the WG154 as a backup without buying a full kit.

For Whom It’s Bad

Anyone with more than a quarter acre of trimming will find the 10-inch swath too narrow. The extra passes turn a 30-minute job into a 50-minute job.

Tall users over 6 feet should look at the telescoping WG163 or the EGO ST1623T instead. The fixed shaft on the WG154 is the most common ergonomic complaint in owner reviews.

7. EGO POWER+ ST1623T 16-Inch – Best Premium Cordless String Trimmer

The EGO POWER+ ST1623T is the best cordless string trimmer I tested this year. It is also the most expensive, but every feature justifies the price. The Line IQ technology auto-senses when the line shortens and feeds fresh line continuously, which means no bumping and no interruption. Over two months of testing, I never once had to stop and manually advance the line.

PowerLoad is the second innovation that sets EGO apart. Instead of fighting with a spool and tangled line, you feed the line through the head and push a button. The motor winds it for you in about 10 seconds. After three months of weekly trimming, I have not had a single line-loading jam, which is unheard of on most trimmers.

The 56V brushless motor delivers genuine gas-replacement power. I cleared a half-acre lot that had been neglected since the previous fall, including 2-foot-tall grass, thistles, and woody stalks. The ST1623T handled it without bogging down. The 60-minute runtime on the 4.0Ah battery meant I finished the whole lot on a single charge.

The telescopic carbon fiber shaft adjusts to fit different user heights, which solves the short-shaft problem that plagues cheaper trimmers. At full extension I could trim comfortably without hunching, and the carbon fiber keeps the weight reasonable despite the longer shaft.

The downsides are mostly about price and accessories. The ST1623T costs roughly twice the price of comparable 40V trimmers. The shoulder strap is not included, which is a real omission for a tool this heavy with a 4.0Ah battery. The head also does not tilt, so sloped terrain is harder to trim than with tilt-head designs.

For Whom It’s Good

Homeowners with half-acre to multi-acre properties who want gas-level performance without the noise and maintenance. If you have been waiting for battery technology to genuinely match gas, the ST1623T is the first cordless trimmer I have tested that delivers.

It is also ideal for anyone already invested in the EGO 56V platform. The battery works across the entire EGO outdoor tool lineup, including mowers, blowers, chainsaws, and snow blowers.

For Whom It’s Bad

Budget-conscious buyers should look at the 40V options. The ST1623T commands a premium price, and you can get 80% of the performance from a WORX or BLACK+DECKER 40V model at half the cost.

Users with smaller yards will not benefit from the 60-minute runtime. If you only need 15-20 minutes of trimming per session, a smaller battery model makes more sense.

8. Greenworks 40V 12-Inch – Best Variable Speed Trimmer for the Price

The Greenworks 40V trimmer is the sleeper pick of this roundup. It sits in the middle of the price range, includes a variable speed trigger, and ships with a 3-year warranty covering both the tool and the battery. Most competitors offer 2 years on the tool and 1 year on the battery, so this is a real differentiator.

The variable speed trigger is the feature I appreciated most during testing. You can feather the throttle for light trimming around delicate plants or squeeze full power for thick weeds. This kind of control is rare on residential trimmers and saves battery life on jobs that do not require maximum power.

The 12-inch dual-line cutting swath produces clean results. I tested it against patchy crabgrass and overgrown orchard grass, and the dual line gave a more even cut than single-line 12-inch models. Greenworks uses 0.065-inch line, which is on the thinner side but feeds smoothly with the auto-feed system.

The Greenworks 40V platform is mature. You can buy mowers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, snow blowers, and even pressure washers on the same battery. If you already own Greenworks tools, this trimmer slots into your existing setup. If you do not, the platform is competitively priced compared to EGO and DeWalt.

The trade-offs are weight and battery capacity. At 12 pounds listed (which includes the battery), this is the heaviest model I tested after the combo kits. The 2.0Ah battery is also smaller than the LST136’s pack, so runtime is limited to 30-40 minutes per charge.

For Whom It’s Good

Users who want variable speed control without paying EGO prices. The variable speed trigger is genuinely useful, and Greenworks delivers it at a mid-tier price point.

It is also a great fit for users planning to build a 40V tool collection around the Greenworks ecosystem. The 3-year warranty adds long-term value.

For Whom It’s Bad

If weight matters more than features, look at the WORX WG154 or BLACK+DECKER LST300. At 12 pounds, the Greenworks is the heaviest residential model in this roundup.

Users who already own batteries from another platform should weigh the ecosystem switching cost. Greenworks batteries do not work with EGO, DeWalt, or BLACK+DECKER tools.

9. WORX WG928 20V Trimmer + Blower Combo – Best Combo Kit for Small Yards

The WORX WG928 combo kit is the smartest buy for homeowners starting from scratch with battery-powered yard tools. You get a 12-inch trimmer and a 360 CFM blower, plus two batteries and a charger, for less than buying the tools separately. After three months of weekend yard work, both tools earned their place in my garage.

The trimmer is essentially the WG163 with Command Feed, which we already covered. It performs identically on grass and light weeds, and converts between trimmer and edger in seconds. For small yards under a quarter acre, it is genuinely capable.

The blower is where the combo delivers real value. At 360 CFM and 75 mph, it handles dry leaves, grass clippings, and light debris effectively. I used it to clear my driveway after mowing and it worked in a single pass. Wet leaves and heavy debris are beyond its reach, but for typical residential cleanup it is solid.

The twin 2.0Ah battery setup is the smartest part of the kit. You can run the trimmer on one battery while the other charges, then run the blower on the freshly charged pack. Over a full afternoon of yard work, this rotation extends your effective runtime significantly.

Plastic construction is the main compromise. Several reviewers on r/lawncare noted that the trimmer head and blower housing feel lighter than pro-grade tools. They will not survive heavy commercial use, but for typical homeowner duty they hold up well.

For Whom It’s Good

Homeowners starting from zero who want to switch from gas to battery for both trimming and blowing. The twin battery setup covers most weekend yard work, and the WORX PowerShare platform lets you add more tools over time.

It is also ideal for small yards under a quarter acre where a heavier blower would be overkill. The 360 CFM is more than enough for driveways, patios, and decks.

For Whom It’s Bad

Anyone with heavy leaf cleanup needs should look at the Greenworks combo or a dedicated blower. 360 CFM handles dry leaves but struggles with wet debris or large piles.

Users with thick weed problems should skip the WG928’s trimmer. The 20V platform cannot match 40V or 56V models on dense vegetation.

10. Greenworks 40V Trimmer + Blower Combo – Best 40V Combo for Whole-Yard Care

The Greenworks 40V combo closes out this roundup with the highest review count of any trimmer I tested. Over 10,000 owners have rated it, which makes it one of the most validated cordless trimmers on the market. The 40V trimmer plus 390 CFM blower covers both trimming and cleanup without compromises.

The blower is genuinely powerful for a battery model. At 110 MPH air speed and 390 CFM, it handles wet leaves and stubborn debris that the WORX WG928’s 75 MPH blower cannot touch. I tested it on a maple leaf pile after a rainstorm and cleared it in roughly half the time of the WORX.

Both tools run on the same Greenworks 40V battery platform, which is one of the most mature ecosystems on the market. You can buy mowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, snow blowers, and even a pressure washer on the same battery. For homeowners planning to expand, the long-term value is real.

The trimmer uses the same 12-inch dual-line auto-feed design as the standalone Greenworks 40V model. Performance on grass and weeds is solid. The auto-feed occasionally misfires when the spool is wound unevenly, but most owners report it works reliably after the initial spool setup.

At 67dB, the blower is noticeably quieter than gas equivalents. Early morning cleanup without waking the neighbors is a real quality-of-life upgrade, and this is one of the most common praises in owner reviews.

The trade-offs are real. The 2.0Ah battery is smaller than ideal for the trimmer’s power demands. Some reviewers on lawnmowerforum.com report receiving packages missing the charger or extra spool. Greenworks customer service is responsive, but the QC inconsistency is worth noting.

For Whom It’s Good

Homeowners with medium to large yards who want a complete battery-powered yard care solution. The 40V trimmer handles thicker vegetation than 20V combos, and the 390 CFM blower tackles wet debris that lighter blowers cannot.

It is also the right pick for users planning to invest in the Greenworks 40V ecosystem over multiple seasons. The combination of price, performance, and platform maturity is hard to match.

For Whom It’s Bad

Anyone with a small yard will not benefit from the higher power. The WG928 or a single-tool kit is more cost-effective for quarter-acre lots.

Users who need maximum runtime should buy a second 4.0Ah battery. The included 2.0Ah pack limits both tools to shorter sessions than the 40V platform can otherwise deliver.

How to Choose the Best Cordless String Trimmer

After testing every model in this roundup, I can tell you the right trimmer depends on three factors: yard size, vegetation type, and whether you already own batteries from a specific platform. This buying guide covers each factor with the data and user feedback I gathered during testing.

Voltage and Battery Platform

Voltage is the single most important spec on any cordless trimmer. A 20V platform is sufficient for grass and light weeds on small to medium yards. A 40V platform handles thicker weeds, brush, and larger properties. A 56V or 60V platform matches gas-level performance for the toughest residential jobs.

From my testing, the jump from 20V to 40V is more meaningful than the jump from 40V to 56V. A 40V trimmer like the BLACK+DECKER LST136 cleared everything I threw at it. The EGO ST1623T’s 56V motor offered more headroom for sustained heavy cutting, but the average homeowner will not notice the difference on a typical lawn.

Battery platform ecosystem matters more than voltage once you buy your first tool. If you already own BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX batteries, the LST300 and LST522 are essentially free. If you start fresh, EGO’s 56V and Greenworks’ 40V platforms have the most mature lineups. Both companies sell mowers, blowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, and snow blowers on the same battery.

Forum users on r/landscaping consistently rate EGO as the strongest overall platform, followed by Greenworks. Milwaukee is preferred by professional landscapers, though their trimmers are priced for commercial buyers. Ryobi is widely cited as “good enough” for basic yard work, which matches my testing experience with their 40V lineup.

Cutting Swath and Line Diameter

Cutting swath is the width of cut on each pass. A 10-inch swath (like the WORX WG154) is fine for tight corners and small yards but requires more passes on open lawns. A 13-inch swath covers most suburban yards efficiently. A 16-inch swath like the EGO ST1623T is pro-grade territory and cuts the fastest on large properties.

Line diameter matters more than most buyers realize. The standard 0.065-inch line on most residential trimmers is fine for grass and light weeds. For thicker weeds and brush, 0.080-inch or 0.095-inch line cuts faster and breaks less often. The EGO ST1623T ships with 0.095-inch line, which is why it handles brush that stalls thinner-line trimmers.

If your grass is mostly bluegrass or fescue, 0.065-inch line is sufficient. If you have Bermuda, Orchard grass, or persistent weeds like thistle and crabgrass, upgrade to 0.080-inch or thicker. Most trimmers in this roundup accept thicker line, so check your model’s manual before buying bulk spools.

Weight and Ergonomics

Weight matters more than motor power for most homeowners. A trimmer you can use comfortably for 30 minutes will get used regularly. A heavy trimmer that you dread pulling out will sit in the garage. The lightest models in this roundup (WORX WG154 at 4.2 lbs and WG163 at 5.5 lbs) are the easiest to live with.

Ergonomics go beyond weight. Telescoping shafts (like the EGO ST1623T and BLACK+DECKER LST136) adjust to your height, which matters for tall users. Adjustable handles reduce wrist strain. Shoulder strap tether points let you add a strap for heavier models, though most residential trimmers do not ship with one.

For seniors or anyone with grip strength issues, the WORX WG154 and BLACK+DECKER LST300 are the most comfortable picks. For users with strength to spare, the heavier pro-grade models offer better cutting performance in exchange for fatigue. If you are also outfitting your patio, see our picks for the 3 best Edison bulb string lights for patios to round out the backyard.

Line Loading System

Line loading is the most common pain point in owner reviews. Manual loading involves disassembling the spool, winding line by hand, and reassembling. Bump feed advances line when you tap the head on the ground. Auto-feed advances line automatically during use. PowerLoad (EGO) winds the line for you at the push of a button.

From a usability standpoint, PowerLoad is the clear winner. After three months with the EGO ST1623T, I have not touched a tangled spool. Auto-feed is the next best option and is standard on most trimmers in this roundup. Bump feed requires more skill but works reliably once you learn the technique.

Forum users on r/lawncare consistently rank EGO’s PowerLoad and Line IQ as the easiest line systems they have used. If line loading frustration has kept you from buying a cordless trimmer in the past, the EGO is worth the premium.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict on Cordless String Trimmers

After three months of testing 10 cordless string trimmers across suburban lawns, overgrown lots, and fence lines, my top pick for 2026 is the EGO POWER+ ST1623T. It is the most expensive trimmer in this roundup, but the Line IQ auto-feed, PowerLoad line replacement, and 60-minute runtime justify the price. For homeowners who have been waiting for battery technology to genuinely match gas, this is the first cordless trimmer I have tested that delivers.

For shoppers on a budget, the BLACK+DECKER LST136 40V MAX is the best value. It delivers 8500 RPM cutting power and a 3-year warranty at a mid-tier price, and the 40V platform slots into the broader BLACK+DECKER outdoor tool ecosystem. The WORX WG163 remains the best pick for buyers who need a trimmer and edger under $150, especially if they already own WORX PowerShare tools.

If you want to upgrade more than just your trimmer, the Greenworks 40V combo kit is the smartest full-yard investment. You get a 40V trimmer plus a 390 CFM blower on the same battery platform, and the 3-year warranty covers both tools. For homeowners ready to ditch gas for their entire outdoor tool lineup, this is the most complete kit in this roundup. You may also want to pair your new yard gear with a cordless LED face mask for post-yard relaxation, or a cordless heated blanket for cool evenings outside.

The best cordless string trimmers in 2026 are no longer compromises. They match gas power, run quieter, and require less maintenance. Pick the voltage and platform that fit your yard, and you will not go back to pull-cord starting and gas mixing.