Gas trimmers are loud, smelly, and a pain to start. Cordless battery trimmers have caught up in power and now offer 30-60+ minutes of runtime. For most homeowners, there’s no reason to go gas anymore.
Here are the best cordless string trimmers we’ve found.
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Quick Picks
| Need | Best Pick | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall | EGO ST1524S | ~$220 |
| Best value | Greenworks 40V 13” | ~$130 |
| Best for big yards | DEWALT 60V MAX | ~$250 |
| Best lightweight | BLACK+DECKER 20V | ~$70 |
| Best pro-grade | Milwaukee M18 FUEL | ~$200 (tool only) |
Our Top Picks
1. EGO POWER+ ST1524S 15” — Best Overall
EGO dominates the battery outdoor power equipment space for good reason. The ST1524S has a 15-inch cutting swath, runs up to 45 minutes on the included 5.0Ah battery, and converts to an edger with a twist.
Key specs:
- 15” cutting swath
- 56V 5.0Ah battery (included)
- Up to 45 min runtime
- Dual-feed bump head
- Converts to edger
- Weight: 11.6 lbs (with battery)
Why we like it: The powerhead/attachment system means you can add a blower, hedge trimmer, or pole saw later. One battery, multiple tools. That’s hard to beat.
Best for: Most homeowners wanting one trimmer that does it all.
2. Greenworks 40V 13” — Best Value
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For under $130 with battery and charger, the Greenworks 40V handles light-to-medium trimming with ease. It’s not as powerful as the EGO but it covers the basics.
Key specs:
- 13” cutting swath
- 40V 2.0Ah battery (included)
- Up to 30 min runtime
- Bump-feed line advance
- Weight: 8.2 lbs
Why we like it: Solid performance at a budget price. If you have a small-to-medium yard and just need basic trimming, this saves you $100+ over premium options.
Best for: Small to medium yards, budget-conscious buyers.
3. DEWALT 60V MAX 15” — Best for Big Yards
DEWALT’s 60V platform is a powerhouse. The FLEXVOLT battery delivers gas-like power and 60+ minutes of runtime. If you have a big property with heavy weeds, this is the trimmer to get.
Key specs:
- 15” cutting swath
- 60V FLEXVOLT 3.0Ah battery
- Up to 60+ min runtime
- Variable speed trigger
- Brushless motor
- Weight: 12.5 lbs
Why we like it: If you already own DEWALT power tools, the battery cross-compatibility is a huge plus. The 60V motor handles thick weeds that would bog down 20V-40V trimmers.
Best for: Large yards, heavy vegetation, DEWALT tool owners.
4. BLACK+DECKER 20V 12” — Best Lightweight/Budget
At under $70 and just 5.3 lbs, this is the easiest trimmer to pick up and use. The 20V battery gives about 25 minutes of runtime — enough for a quick trim around a small yard.
Key specs:
- 12” cutting swath
- 20V 2.0Ah battery (included)
- Up to 25 min runtime
- Auto-feed spool
- Weight: 5.3 lbs
Why we like it: Incredibly light and easy to handle. The auto-feed spool eliminates bump-feeding frustration. Perfect starter trimmer.
Best for: Small yards, light trimming, anyone who wants simple and lightweight.
5. Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16” — Best Pro-Grade
Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL line targets professionals but the quality benefits homeowners too. The brushless motor is incredibly efficient, and the QUIK-LOK attachment system is the best in the industry.
Key specs:
- 16” cutting swath
- 18V (M18) battery (sold separately)
- Brushless motor
- QUIK-LOK attachment compatible
- Weight: 11 lbs (bare)
Why we like it: Build quality is a step above consumer brands. The QUIK-LOK system accepts edger, blower, hedge trimmer, and pole saw attachments. If you already own M18 batteries, this is a no-brainer.
Best for: Milwaukee tool owners, quality-focused buyers.
Buying Guide
Battery Voltage Matters
- 20V — Light trimming, small yards
- 40V — Medium yards, standard grass and weeds
- 56-60V — Large yards, heavy vegetation, gas replacement
Key Features to Look For
- Brushless motor — More efficient, longer lasting, more power
- Bump-feed vs. auto-feed — Auto-feed is more convenient; bump-feed gives more control
- Attachment compatibility — Buy into an ecosystem (EGO, Milwaukee, DEWALT) and add tools later
- Variable speed — Lets you conserve battery on light trimming
Line Thickness
- 0.065” — Light grass trimming
- 0.080” — Standard residential use (most common)
- 0.095” — Heavy weeds and thick growth
How to String Trim Like a Pro
- Trim before you mow — Clippings get mulched by the mower
- Angle the head — 10-15° angle to the ground for a clean edge
- Trim left to right — Throws clippings into the lawn, not onto beds
- Don’t scalp — Keep the line above soil level to avoid killing grass
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