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Last updated: February 21, 2023
Reviews of five of the best battery-powered string weed trimmers available today, based on power, cutting width, ergonomics, size, and price.
Battery-powered string trimmers, or weed eaters, provide one of the easiest ways to keep your yard perfectly groomed. These tools don’t require as much maintenance as gas-powered trimmers and are not limited in their range like corded string trimmers.
But a quality battery string trimmer is not a cheap item. To help assure your money is spent well, we’ve tested five of the best battery-powered string trimmers on the market.
Top 5 Cordless String Trimmers:
Top 5 Cordless String Trimmers
Let’s have a more detailed look at these five cordless battery-powered weed eaters.
Not sure whether you need a lawn edger or a string trimmer? Read my guide explaining the differences between string trimmers and edgers to learn more.
1. Makita XRU15PT1 36V Brushless String Trimmer
If you’re looking for a quality, dependable solution for taming a large property, look no further than the Makita XRU15PT1 36V Brushless String Trimmer. This kit is a little pricey compared to other options on this list, but for homeowners with a lot of yard, it is well worth the investment.
This professional-grade trimmer set comes with everything you need to tackle tough jobs and get your yard looking as beautiful as it can be. The 73″ long-necked trimmer comes with 4 x 5.0 Ah batteries and a dual-port charger. Two 18V batteries go into the trimmer; two are extra.
Armed with the full kit, you’ll have enough power to burn through large jobs without having to stop to charge batteries in the middle. Each set of 36-volt batteries lasts over an hour and takes just 45 minutes to charge. For the largest jobs, use the auto-speed setting to maximize runtime without compromising torque. Or, for more control over your cut, manually switch speeds between low, medium, and high.
The head of the Makita Brushless String Trimmer features a wide 15-inch cutting width and bump feed spool. This swath width is perfect for tackling both precision cuts and making quick work of extensive jobs.
2. Black+Decker LSTE525 20V Max String Trimmer
For those shopping for a new weed whacker on a budget, the Black+Decker LSTE525 20V Max String Trimmer is one worth considering. This quality item is set at an impressively affordable price, but still has enough features to make it a worthy purchase for the average homeowner.
At 5.3 pounds, it is the lightest trimmer on our list. It also features a shorter neck than most, making it a great buy for those who struggle to maneuver other models. With the smaller size comes a narrower swath width of 12 inches. This makes the Black+Decker string trimmer not suitable for expansive jobs, but perfect for precision work on small lots.
The two 1.5 Ah batteries included with the trimmer each have a runtime of about 40 minutes, which is more than you’ll need for the typical yard. The 2-speed motor allows for better control and customized battery management.
Further extending the functionality of this trimmer is the built-in edger wheel. Not only can you easily trim up the grass your mower can’t reach, but you can also clean up the vertical edge of your lawn. Paired with the push-button line feed, this trimmer is as functional as it is versatile.
3. DeWalt DCST972X1 Battery String Trimmer
If the primary reason you need a weed eater is to tackle thick growth, the DeWalt DCST972X1 Battery String Trimmer is the one you want.
This durable trimmer was made to take on the jobs that other tools would balk at. With the batteries installed, it weighs a hefty 15 pounds; a testament to the durable build and strength of the stalky 40-inch neck.
This 60-volt trimmer comes with one 9 Ah 60/20v flexvolt battery. In this tool, that battery provides about one hour’s worth of runtime or 30 minutes of continuous use on full throttle. The flexvolt technology means it can also be used in 20-volt DeWalt tools.
Another feature that makes this tool especially useful around the yard is the adjustable swath width. With the click of a button, you can change the cutting path from 15 inches to 17 inches. Whether you’re doing some precision lawn sculpting or trying to eradicate a stand of weeds, the DeWalt string trimmer has you covered.
For thick, woody weeds, you won’t find a more capable battery-operated string trimmer than this. It is a little pricier than other options, but with a 3-year warranty and unmatched power, it’s more than worth the purchase.
4. Worx WG163 GT 3.0 Cordless String Trimmer
Another great option to consider if you’re after a simple but effective trimmer to use around the yard is the Worx WG163 GT 3.0 Cordless String Trimmer.
This 6-pound trimmer-edger 2-in-1 is perfect for maintaining a small to medium-sized yard without burning yourself out. The head can be adjusted to various angles to accommodate trimming on hills and in ditches. And the handle can be rotated to use the wheeled head as a vertical edger.
The neck on this trimmer is just 36 inches, a little short for taller homeowners, but perfect for those on the other end of the height spectrum. The shorter build also makes it easier to maneuver. This, combined with the narrow 12-inch swath width, makes the Worx perfect for precision trimming in tight spaces.
With one speed and a reliable 45-minute runtime, this 20-volt tool is as easy to use as it gets. It even features a push-button line feed for uninterrupted trimming. Considering all these features, this trimmer certainly qualifies as a bargain buy.
5. Greenworks 40V Cordless String Trimmer
If you’re looking for a dependable yard trimmer that won’t break the bank, the Greenworks 40V Cordless String Trimmer is a great option.
This 12-inch width trimmer is made for use around the home but won’t balk at heavier jobs either. It has a long 65-inch neck and weighs about 9 pounds, perfect for easy maneuverability by the average homeowner.
The set comes with one 2Ah battery with an estimated runtime of around 45 minutes. The variable speed trigger makes it easy to find the right torque to get the job done, whether it’s shaping your lawn or tackling a stand of woody weeds.
Another neat feature of the Greenworks Cordless String Trimmer is the auto-feed spool. Each time you turn the unit on, the string extends to the maximum length. This means no more bumping or stopping in the middle of jobs to extend the line.
What we appreciate most about this tool is the generous warranty. The tool itself is covered by a 4-year warranty, while the battery has an impressive 2-year coverage period. You won’t pay any more for this added peace of mind compared to similar tools that don’t offer an extended warranty.
Buying Guide
There is a lot to consider when buying a new cordless string trimmer to ensure the tool fits all your gardening needs.
To help you narrow your options, we put together this handy battery string trimmer buyers guide, covering the following deciding factors:
- Battery
- Cutting width
- Weight and ergonomics
1. Battery
The most important aspect to consider when buying a new battery-powered string trimmer is the actual battery. In particular, the following battery-related aspects are important to look into:
- Power (voltage and amp)
- Run time
- Charge time
Determining the usefulness of the battery means considering the voltage, amp-hours, run time, and charge time.
The voltage of the tool and the battery or batteries included gives you a good idea of the overall power of the product. But more powerful isn’t always better.
Simple yard cleanup can be easily accomplished with a 20-volt trimmer. These tools provide enough torque to trim grass and thin weeds with ease. Tougher jobs, such as trimming back woody weeds and thick grass, are better accomplished by higher voltage tools.
But power isn’t everything. For your tool to be useful, you’ll want a battery with a decent amp hour rating. Amp-hours tell you how much amperage a battery can provide in a one-hour period. The voltage of the battery and the amp hour rating combine to give you a decent idea of how long the battery will last during normal use.
The run time rating can be just as important as the overall power of the unit. After all, a hyper-powerful trimmer isn’t any good if it only runs for ten minutes at a time.
Another piece to consider when looking at battery ratings is the amount of time it takes to charge the battery. If a full charge can be accomplished in the time it takes to drain the battery, then buying two cheaper batteries may be better than buying one more expensive, longer-lasting battery.
Before investing in a new tool or battery, consider how powerful your tool needs to be, how long you’ll be using it at a time, and how frequently you’ll need it between charges. All of these factors will help you determine if you need to spend the extra money on a high-powered, large battery unit, or if you can get away with a cheaper product.
2. Cutting Width
Battery-powered string trimmers come in various sizes determined by their cutting width, or “swath width”. This measurement tells you the diameter of the cut made with each pass of the head.
A large cut width, something in the neighborhood of 17 inches, is good for big jobs. Hand trimming tall grass around ditches and water features and tackling extensive stands of weeds are jobs that are better handled by trimmers with wide swath widths.
Cleaning up the lawn, edging, and tackling weeds near borders and walls, can be easily done with a smaller head, like what you’ll find on the Greenworks 40V Cordless String Trimmer. This narrower swath width allows for more precise trimming for a cleaner-looking final product. It also allows you to get into narrow spaces like those your mower can’t reach.
3. Weight and Ergonomics
How heavy a trimmer is and the balance and length of the neck also play into its usefulness. Heavy trimmers are often a sign of durability, but a durable trimmer isn’t of much use if it breaks your back to run it.
If you’re only using your trimmer for simple jobs, opting for a lightweight model, like the Worx WG163 GT 3.0 Cordless String Trimmer, will make those jobs even easier. If, on the other hand, you need to tackle thick grass and woody weeds, you’ll want to find a hefty, durable tool that is still light enough for you to use.
The balance and length of the trimmer’s neck are also important to consider. The best weed eaters are balanced so that the weight of the head is slightly more than the weight of the motor and battery, which sit at the top. This helps pull the tool to the right angle and take some strain off your arms.
The build of the handle and neck are also important for your comfort. An ergonomically built handle will be more comfortable for your wrists and arms and allow you to use the tool for longer periods.
