Best Battery String Trimmer: Top 5 Tested for 2026

Your old gas trimmer finally gave up, or maybe you’re staring at a tangle of extension cords and wondering why trimming the fence line requires a 100-foot cord and a prayer. Switching to battery power isn’t just about convenience—it’s about escaping the pull-start frustration, the oil mixing, and the noise that makes neighbors close their windows. But with so many cordless options on the market, choosing the right one feels like a gamble.

A great battery string trimmer should feel balanced in your hands, start instantly every time, and deliver enough runtime to finish your whole yard without a recharge. The real question isn’t which trimmer has the highest voltage number—it’s which battery platform you’re willing to invest in for the next decade. Most homeowners stick with one brand’s batteries across multiple tools, so buying a trimmer is really buying into a system.

We tested five of the most popular battery string trimmers on the market, from the budget-friendly WORX and HEYWORK to the powerful EGO models and the professional-grade Makita. Our top pick balances cutting performance, ergonomics, and long-term value. Keep reading to see which one earned the top spot, and which budget model surprised us with its features.

Here’s a quick look at the key specs that separate these five trimmers:

Features	WORX WG163	Makita XRU23Z	EGO ST1623T	EGO ST1502SA	HEYWORK 20V
Cutting Swath	12 inches	13 inches	16 inches	15 inches	12 inches
Motor Type	Standard	Brushless	Brushless	Standard	High-speed upgraded
Line Feed System	Push button	Bump feed (manual)	Auto Line IQ	Rapid Reload	Automatic
Battery Included	No (tool only)	No (tool only)	Yes (4.0Ah)	Yes (2.5Ah)	Yes (two 4.0Ah)
Best Use Case	Edging & small yards	Pro users	Large yards	Medium yards	Budget buyers

WORX 20V 2-in-1 Trimmer

The one that doubles as an edger without any extra tools.

If your yard has more sidewalk edges than open lawn, the WORX WG163 is a clever solution. It converts from a string trimmer to a wheeled edger in seconds—no tools, no attachments to misplace. That’s a huge win for homeowners who want crisp edges along driveways and walkways without buying a separate edger. The rubberized wheels guide the head along the pavement, so you get straight lines even if your hands aren’t steady.

What really stands out is the push-button line feed. You press a button on the spool to release new line instantly, which beats the old bump-and-hope method. WORX also offers free spools for life, so you’ll never pay for replacement line again—just register and they send them. The head tilts 90 degrees, which helps when you’re trimming on slopes or reaching under bushes. It’s a lightweight tool at around 6 pounds, so it won’t wear out your arms during a full session.

But there are trade-offs. This is a 20V trimmer, so it lacks the raw torque of the 56V EGO models. Thick weeds or overgrown grass will bog it down. Also, it’s a tool-only purchase—no battery or charger in the box, which adds to the initial cost if you’re not already in the WORX ecosystem. The 12-inch cutting swath means more passes on larger lawns, so this is best for small to medium yards with lots of edging needs.

• 2-in-1 design converts between trimmer and edger in seconds
• Push-button line feed with free spools for life program
• Head tilts 90 degrees for slopes and hard-to-reach spots
• Rubberized wheels for straight edging lines
• Adjustable spacer guard protects plants and landscape features

Best for: Homeowners who edge more than they trim and want a single tool that handles both jobs.

Makita XRU23Z 18V LXT

The lightweight pro pick that runs forever on one charge.

The Makita XRU23Z is built for people who already own Makita 18V LXT tools—which is a massive group, given how popular that platform is. It’s a tool-only purchase, so you supply the battery and charger. If you’re invested in Makita’s system, this trimmer is a no-brainer because it uses the same batteries as your drill, impact driver, or circular saw. That’s the real selling point here: no new charger, no new battery platform to fund.

The brushless motor delivers up to 6,000 RPM, which is plenty for normal grass and light weeds. Makita claims up to an hour of runtime with a 4.0Ah battery, and in our testing, that number holds up under moderate use. The high/low power switch lets you stretch battery life for lighter tasks, and the variable speed trigger gives you precise control when you’re trimming around flower beds. It’s also remarkably quiet compared to gas models—you can trim early in the morning without waking the whole block.

What’s not to love? The main issue is the bump-feed line system. It works fine, but you have to tap the head on the ground to release line, which takes practice. Some users find it finicky until they get the rhythm. Also, there’s no edger mode or wheels—this is a dedicated trimmer. If you need edging capability, you’ll have to buy a separate tool. The 13-inch cutting swath is decent but not the widest on this list.

• Brushless motor with up to 6,000 RPM
• High/Low power modes for runtime management
• Variable speed trigger for controlled cutting
• Up to 60 minutes runtime with 4.0Ah battery (sold separately)
• Compatible with all Makita 18V LXT batteries

Best for: Makita tool owners who want a lightweight, reliable trimmer without adding a new battery system.

EGO POWER+ 16″ Cordless

The wide-swath powerhouse for large properties.

When you’ve got a big yard with thick grass, the EGO ST1623T is the one to beat. Its 16-inch cutting swath is the widest on this list, which means fewer passes and less time spent walking. The brushless motor handles tough weeds without bogging down, and the included 4.0Ah battery delivers up to 60 minutes of runtime. For most suburban lots, that’s enough to finish the entire trim job in one go.

Two patented features make this trimmer stand out. First, Line IQ technology automatically feeds new line when it senses the line is short—no bumping, no button pushing, just continuous cutting. Second, PowerLoad technology lets you reload line in seconds: feed it through, push a button, and the head winds the line automatically. Anyone who has wrestled with a tangled spool will appreciate this. The telescopic carbon fiber shaft adjusts to your height, which is a godsend for taller users who usually hunch over their trimmers.

Downsides? The EGO platform is pricey, and this model is no exception. The battery and charger are included, but replacement batteries cost a premium. Also, at 16 inches wide, the head can feel bulky when you’re trimming tight corners or under low shrubs. The variable speed selector helps, but it’s still a larger tool than the WORX or HEYWORK. If you have a small yard, this is overkill—you’re paying for power you won’t use.

• Line IQ auto-feed technology for continuous 16-inch cutting
• PowerLoad button for automatic line winding
• Telescopic carbon fiber shaft adjusts to user height
• Up to 60 minutes runtime with included 4.0Ah battery
• Digital variable speed selector

Best for: Homeowners with large lawns who want maximum cutting width and the convenience of auto-feed line.

EGO POWER+ 15″ Cordless

The faster-charging sibling that still packs a punch.

The EGO ST1502SA is the more accessible entry point into the EGO platform. It comes with a 2.5Ah battery and a charger that refills it in just 50 minutes, which is impressive for a lithium-ion pack. The 15-inch cutting swath is only an inch narrower than the ST1623T, so you’re not sacrificing much cutting width for the lower price. It also uses a professional-grade 0.095-inch line, which handles thicker weeds without snapping.

What this model gives up is the fancy Line IQ auto-feed. Instead, it uses a Rapid Reload head that’s designed for quick, easy line changes. You still have to bump the head to feed new line, but the reload process is much faster than traditional spools. The variable speed trigger lets you dial in the power for different tasks, from light trimming along fences to heavier clearing near the shed. For a 15-inch trimmer, it feels balanced and not too heavy.

The trade-off is runtime. The included 2.5Ah battery gives about 45 minutes of use, which is fine for smaller yards but might not finish a sprawling property on a single charge. You’ll want to buy a second battery if your lawn is on the larger side. Also, this model lacks the telescopic shaft of its bigger sibling, so users over 6 feet tall might find the fixed length less comfortable. It’s still a solid choice for medium-sized yards.

• Rapid Reload head for quick line changes
• 15-inch cutting swath with 0.095-inch professional-grade line
• Up to 45 minutes runtime with included 2.5Ah battery
• Battery charges in 50 minutes with included charger
• Variable speed trigger

Best for: Homeowners who want EGO’s power and reliability but don’t need the top-end auto-feed features.

HEYWORK 20V Cordless

The budget twin-pack that’s surprisingly capable.

HEYWORK might not be a household name, but this trimmer punches above its weight class. It comes with two 20V 4.0Ah batteries and a charger, which is rare at this price point. You get a spare battery ready to go when the first one drains, plus eight pre-wound replacement spools—enough to last several seasons. That’s a complete package out of the box, with no hidden costs.

The 8,000 RPM motor is faster than the WORX and handles normal grass with ease. It’s also a 2-in-1 design, converting from trimmer to edger for those crisp sidewalk lines. The automatic line feed system is similar to EGO’s Line IQ—it releases new line automatically when the line wears short, so you never have to stop and bump. Weighing just 6.3 pounds, it’s light enough for seniors or anyone with back issues to use for extended periods.

But you get what you pay for. The build quality isn’t on par with Makita or EGO—the plastic feels a bit thinner, and the guard is less robust. The 12-inch cutting swath is narrow, so it takes more passes on open lawn. And while the 20V batteries are fine for this trimmer, the HEYWORK platform doesn’t have the wide range of tools that Makita or EGO offers. If you’re buying this as a standalone tool, it’s a great value. If you’re hoping to expand your cordless tool collection, you might be limited.

• Two 20V 4.0Ah batteries and charger included
• 8,000 RPM high-speed motor
• Automatic line feed system
• 2-in-1 trimmer and edger modes
• 8 pre-wound replacement spools included

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want a complete kit with spare batteries and line, without investing in a premium platform.

How We Chose These Products

We started by looking at the most popular battery string trimmers on Amazon, then narrowed the list based on three criteria: battery platform strength, cutting performance, and real-world usability. We didn’t just compare specs on paper—we considered how each trimmer feels in your hands, how easy the line feed is to operate, and whether the battery system is worth investing in for the long haul. We also factored in the total cost of ownership, including replacement batteries and line availability.

Our testing process involved running each trimmer through a series of real-world scenarios: trimming along fences, edging sidewalks, clearing overgrown patches, and cutting wet grass. We timed runtime, measured cutting swath efficiency, and paid close attention to ergonomics—especially weight distribution and handle comfort. We also consulted independent reviews from sources like Bob Vila and Pro Tool Reviews to cross-check our findings. The result is a list of five trimmers that represent the best of what battery technology offers in 2026.

Buying Guide: What Really Matters

When you’re shopping for a battery string trimmer, the first thing to look at isn’t the trimmer itself—it’s the battery platform. If you already own cordless tools from a specific brand, like Makita or EGO, buying a trimmer from that same brand means you can share batteries and chargers. That saves money and reduces clutter in your garage. If you’re starting fresh, choose a platform with a wide range of tools you might want later, like leaf blowers, chainsaws, or hedge trimmers.

Voltage and amp-hours are often misunderstood. Voltage determines the power available, but it’s not the whole story—a brushless motor can deliver more torque at lower voltages than a standard motor at higher ones. Amp-hours determine runtime, so a 4.0Ah battery will last roughly twice as long as a 2.0Ah one. But remember that runtime also depends on how hard you’re pushing the trimmer. Trimming thick weeds drains the battery faster than light grass.

Pay attention to the line feed system. Bump feed heads require you to tap the trimmer on the ground to release line, which is simple but can be annoying. Automatic feed heads, like EGO’s Line IQ, release line without any action from you, which is a huge convenience. Push-button feed heads, like the WORX, strike a balance between control and ease. Also consider the cutting line diameter—thicker line (0.095 inches or more) handles heavier weeds but puts more strain on the motor.

Our Top Recommendation

After all our testing, the EGO POWER+ 16″ Cordless Weed Trimmer (ST1623T) is our top pick. It delivers the widest cutting swath, the most innovative auto-feed system, and the best overall runtime of the group. The telescopic carbon fiber shaft makes it comfortable for users of all heights, and the PowerLoad head takes the frustration out of reloading line. Yes, it’s the most expensive option here, but you’re paying for a premium experience that will last for years.

For budget buyers, the HEYWORK 20V Cordless String Trimmer is our runner-up. It comes with two batteries and eight spools of line, so you won’t need to buy anything else for a long time. It’s not as powerful as the EGO, but it’s perfect for small to medium yards. If you’re already invested in the Makita 18V platform, the Makita XRU23Z is the obvious choice—it’s lightweight, reliable, and shares batteries with your existing tools. For edging enthusiasts, the WORX WG163 is the only one that doubles as a wheeled edger, making it a versatile addition to your shed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I compare torque vs. voltage across different brands?

Voltage is only part of the power equation. A brushless motor delivers more torque per watt than a brushed motor, so a 20V brushless trimmer can outperform a 40V brushed one. Look for the motor type and the RPM rating—higher RPM generally means more cutting power. Also, consider the cutting line diameter: thicker line requires more torque to spin effectively.

What line diameter should I use for thick weeds?

For standard grass, 0.065 to 0.080 inches is fine. For thick weeds and overgrown areas, step up to 0.095 inches or larger. Thicker line is more durable and cuts through vegetation better, but it also drains the battery faster and can stress the motor. If your trimmer has a variable speed trigger, use a higher speed setting when tackling tough weeds.

How much do replacement batteries cost for these platforms?

Replacement batteries vary widely in price. EGO’s 4.0Ah battery is on the higher end, often costing more than half the price of the trimmer itself. Makita’s 18V batteries are more affordable, especially if you buy third-party options. WORX and HEYWORK batteries are the most budget-friendly, but they also have lower capacity. Always check the current price on Amazon, as they fluctuate.

Can I use a trimmer as an edger, or do I need a separate tool?

Some trimmers, like the WORX WG163 and HEYWORK, come with a 2-in-1 design that rotates the head 90 degrees for edging. Others, like the Makita and EGO models, are dedicated trimmers—you can angle the head manually, but it’s not the same as a wheeled edger. If edging is a big part of your yard work, consider a model with a dedicated edging mode.

Our Testing Team and Methodology

We’re a group of gardening enthusiasts and tool reviewers who have spent years testing outdoor power equipment. For this roundup, we spent two weeks putting each trimmer through its paces in a variety of conditions—from perfectly manicured lawns to overgrown patches that hadn’t seen a trimmer in months. We measured runtime using a stopwatch, evaluated cutting swath efficiency by counting passes needed to clear a test strip, and assessed comfort by having team members of different heights use each model for extended periods.

We also took into account the broader ecosystem. A trimmer is just one tool in your arsenal, so we considered how each brand’s battery platform supports future purchases. We didn’t factor in price as heavily as you might expect, because the best value isn’t always the cheapest upfront cost—it’s the one that serves you best over the long term. For more detailed comparisons, check out our other guides on battery lawn trimmers and battery trimmer edgers.