The Best Makita String Trimmer: An Expert’s Guide to Picking the Right One

A string trimmer is one of those tools you don’t think about until the grass along your fence is knee-high and your neighbor is giving you looks. Then you’re stuck yanking a pull cord for ten minutes while your arms go numb. Gas trimmers cut fine, but they’re loud, smelly, and fussy about maintenance.

Makita’s 18V and 36V cordless lineup solves most of that. The catch is picking the right one. Cutting width, voltage, brushless versus brushed motors, and whether you already own Makita batteries all change the math. A trimmer that’s perfect for a half-acre lot will frustrate someone edging a small city yard.

Below are five picks that cover the real range of what Makita-compatible trimming looks like in 2026. Two are genuine Makita tools, one is a third-party trimmer built to run on Makita batteries, and two are trimmer line refills that matter more than people think. The XRU23Z is the sweet spot for most homeowners, but keep reading if you’ve got heavy brush or a tight budget.

Here’s a quick spec comparison to help you narrow things down before the detailed reviews.

Features	Makita XRU23Z	Makita Twisted Line	MtiolHig 3-in-1	Makita XRU18PT	Makita Round Line
Power Source	18V LXT battery	N/A (accessory)	Makita 18V compatible	36V (two 18V)	N/A (accessory)
Cutting Swath	13 inches	0.080 inch diameter	12 inches	17 inches	0.080 inch diameter
Motor Type	Brushless	Not applicable	Brushless	Brushless	Not applicable
Key Strength	Lightweight, one-hour runtime	Quiet, durable twist design	3-in-1 trim/edge/mow	Gas-equivalent power	Bulk 1,200 ft spool
Best Use Case	Suburban yard upkeep	Noise-sensitive areas	Small yards, tight budgets	Large properties, heavy growth	Frequent users, stockpiling

Makita XRU23Z 18V LXT Trimmer

This is Makita’s mainstream cordless trimmer, and it’s the one most homeowners should start with. It runs on the same 18V LXT batteries you probably already own for a drill or impact driver. Tool-only means no battery in the box, which keeps the upfront cost down if you’re already in the LXT ecosystem.

The brushless motor spins up to 6,000 RPM and delivers roughly an hour of run time on a 4.0Ah battery. That’s enough to knock out a typical quarter-acre lot in one go. A high/low button lets you drop into eco mode for light grass and stretch the battery further. The variable speed trigger gives you fine control near flower beds and fences, which matters more than specs suggest.

The honest drawback: 13 inches is a narrow swath. If you’re clearing a large field or thick weeds, you’ll make more passes than you would with a 17-inch model. It’s also tool-only, so budget for a battery and charger if you’re new to Makita. Neither issue is a dealbreaker for suburban yards.

• Brushless motor, 6,000 RPM max
• Up to one hour runtime on 4.0Ah battery
• High/low power selector for runtime management
• Variable speed trigger for precision work
• Tool only, no battery or charger included

Best for: Homeowners who already own Makita 18V batteries and want a light, quiet trimmer for routine yard maintenance.

Makita T-03866 Twisted Line

Trimmer line is the most overlooked part of the equation. This 175-foot spool of 0.080-inch twisted line is engineered specifically for cordless trimmers, which matters because battery-powered tools have less torque to spare than gas models. The aerodynamic twist cuts through grass with less drag, so the motor works less and the battery lasts longer.

The 10-point star profile and co-polymer nylon construction give it real durability. It holds up against fence lines and concrete edges better than cheap round line. There’s also a noise benefit: the twisted design reduces the high-frequency whine you get from standard profiles, which is a small but noticeable quality-of-life improvement.

Downside? Twisted line costs more per foot than basic round line, and 0.080 inch is on the thin side for heavy brush. If you’re cutting thick weeds or saplings, you’ll want something thicker. For routine grass trimming around a home, this is the right diameter.

• 0.080-inch diameter, 175-foot spool
• Twisted aerodynamic profile reduces drag
• Co-polymer nylon for wear resistance
• Designed for cordless trimmer efficiency
• Quieter than standard line profiles

Best for: Cordless trimmer owners who want longer runtime and cleaner cuts on standard grass and light weeds.

Cordless String Trimmer Compatible with Makita

The MtiolHig trimmer is a third-party tool that runs on Makita 18V batteries. It’s a budget-friendly option for people who already own Makita batteries but don’t want to pay Makita tool prices. The 3-in-1 design converts between trimmer, edger, and mower, which replaces three separate tools for small yards.

What stands out is the adjustability. A 75-degree tilting head, 90-degree handle rotation, and a telescopic shaft that extends from 50 to 60 inches make it comfortable for tall users, shorter users, and anyone who doesn’t want to bend over. The brushless motor runs at 8,500 RPM and uses battery efficiently. A built-in fuel gauge shows remaining charge so you’re not caught off guard mid-job.

Two real caveats. First, it’s not a Makita tool, so build quality and long-term durability won’t match the genuine article. Second, it ships tool-only with no battery or charger. If you don’t already own Makita 18V batteries, the savings disappear fast. For best runtime, use a 4Ah battery or larger.

• 3-in-1 trimmer, edger, and mower conversion
• Brushless motor, 8,500 RPM
• 75-degree tilting head, 90-degree handle, 50-60 inch shaft
• Battery fuel gauge built in
• Tool only, no battery or charger included

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who already own Makita 18V batteries and want maximum versatility from a single tool.

Makita XRU18PT 36V (18V X2) Trimmer

This is Makita’s heavy hitter. It runs on two 18V LXT batteries in series for 36 volts of power, which Makita rates as equivalent to a 30cc gas trimmer. The 17-inch cutting swath means fewer passes and faster completion on large properties. If you’ve got a half-acre or more with thick growth, this is the tool that won’t make you wish you’d bought gas.

The brushless motor delivers high torque, and the variable speed trigger lets you dial in control. Unlike the XRU23Z, this one comes as a kit with two 5.0Ah batteries and a charger, so it’s a complete package out of the box. For someone with no existing Makita batteries, that’s a real advantage.

The trade-offs are weight and cost. Two batteries make it heavier than the 18V single-battery model, and the kit price reflects the extra hardware. Availability can also be spotty. Check current stock before committing if you need it soon.

• 36V power from two 18V batteries
• 17-inch cutting swath for faster work
• Gas-equivalent performance, no fumes or pull starts
• Brushless motor with high torque
• Kit includes two 5.0Ah batteries and charger

Best for: Owners of larger properties or heavy brush who want gas-level power without the maintenance headaches.

Makita T-03377 Round Trimmer Line

This is the bulk option for people who go through a lot of line. A 1,200-foot spool of 0.080-inch round line weighs three pounds and fits all standard trimmer heads. If you maintain multiple properties or trim frequently, buying in bulk cuts the per-foot cost dramatically compared to small spools.

The line itself is professional-grade co-polymer nylon with high flexibility and wear resistance. Round line is the most versatile profile. It cuts cleanly through grass and light weeds, feeds smoothly through bump heads, and doesn’t tangle as easily as twisted designs. It’s not the quietest or the most aerodynamic option, but it’s reliable.

One consideration: 1,200 feet is a lot of line. If you trim once a month on a small yard, this spool might outlast your trimmer. Storage also takes up shelf space. For occasional users, a smaller spool makes more sense.

• 0.080-inch diameter, 1,200-foot spool
• Round profile fits all standard heads
• Co-polymer nylon for flexibility and wear
• Bulk quantity for frequent users
• Three-pound spool, professional grade

Best for: Frequent trimmers, landscapers, or multi-property owners who want to stock up and stop rebuying line every month.

How We Chose These Products

We looked at what actually matters for cordless trimming: motor type, battery compatibility, cutting swath, runtime, and adjustability. Brushless motors last longer and use less power, so they got priority. Battery platform matters just as much. If you already own Makita 18V tools, a tool-only trimmer makes sense. If you don’t, a kit is usually the smarter buy.

We also considered the accessories people forget. Trimmer line affects runtime, noise, and cut quality more than most buyers realize. Including both twisted and round line options covers the two main use cases: efficiency-focused trimming and bulk replacement. The third-party MtiolHig trimmer earned a spot because it offers genuine versatility for Makita battery owners on a budget, even though it’s not a Makita tool.

Buying Guide: What Really Matters

Voltage is the first thing to check. An 18V trimmer handles routine grass trimming fine. A 36V (18V X2) model steps up to gas-equivalent power for thick weeds and large properties. Don’t buy more voltage than you need. A 36V trimmer on a small city lot is overkill and adds weight.

Cutting swath determines how fast you finish. A 13-inch swath means more passes. A 17-inch swath covers more ground per sweep. If your yard takes more than 20 minutes to trim, the wider swath pays off. If you’re just cleaning up edges, 12 or 13 inches is plenty.

Battery platform ties everything together. Makita’s 18V LXT system is one of the largest cordless platforms out there. If you own other Makita 18V tools, stick with 18V trimmers and buy tool-only. If you’re starting fresh, a kit with batteries and a charger usually costs less than buying everything separately. And don’t overlook line diameter. 0.080 inch is the sweet spot for cordless trimmers. Thicker line drains batteries faster.

Our Top Recommendation

The Makita XRU23Z is the best overall pick for most homeowners. It’s light, quiet, runs up to an hour on a 4.0Ah battery, and uses the 18V LXT batteries you probably already own. The 13-inch swath is the only real compromise, and it’s a minor one for suburban yards.

If you’ve got a large property or heavy brush, step up to the Makita XRU18PT. The 36V power and 17-inch swath make short work of jobs that would bog down the smaller trimmer. It costs more and weighs more, but it’s the right tool for serious work.

On a tight budget with existing Makita batteries? The MtiolHig 3-in-1 trimmer offers surprising versatility for the price. Just go in knowing it’s not a Makita tool and won’t last as long. And whatever trimmer you pick, grab a spool of the T-03866 twisted line. It’s a small upgrade that makes a real difference in runtime and noise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any Makita 18V battery in these trimmers?

Yes, all Makita 18V LXT batteries work in the XRU23Z and the MtiolHig trimmer. The XRU18PT uses two 18V batteries at once to reach 36V. Larger batteries like 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah give longer runtime but add weight. A 2.0Ah battery works for quick jobs but won’t last long in heavy grass.

Is 0.080-inch trimmer line strong enough for thick weeds?

For grass and light weeds, yes. For thick brush, saplings, or overgrown lots, 0.080 inch will break or bog down the motor. Step up to 0.095 or 0.105 inch line for heavy cutting. Just check your trimmer head’s maximum line diameter first.

How long does the XRU23Z actually run on one battery?

Makita rates it at up to one hour with a 4.0Ah battery. Real-world runtime depends on grass thickness and whether you’re using high or low mode. Light trimming in eco mode can stretch past an hour. Heavy weeds in high mode will drain it faster.

Do I need a kit or just the tool?

If you already own Makita 18V batteries and a charger, buy the tool only and save money. If you’re new to the platform, a kit like the XRU18PT includes everything you need to start. Buying batteries and a charger separately usually costs more than a bundled kit.