The Best Battery String Trimmers of 2026, Tested and Ranked

A battery trimmer is arguably the best tool for edging lawns, trimming around obstacles, and cutting back weeds without the noise, weight, and upkeep of gas models. To find the best options, we tested 22 battery-powered string trimmers on real yard tasks, including edging, fence-line trimming, and cutting dense growth.

Performance varied widely between models. The best ones offered a balance of weight, cutting power, and smooth line feed so we were able to work efficiently without frequent stops. Our top pick, the Milwaukee M18 Brushless String Trimmer Kit, delivered consistent cutting power and easy handling throughout our testing. 

Some trimmers are better suited for light cleanup, while others handle heavier growth. Ahead, we break down our findings to help you choose the best battery trimmer for your lawn and garden.

1. BEST OVERALL: Milwaukee M18 Brushless String Trimmer Kit
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Black+Decker 20V MAX EasyFeed String Trimmer/Edger 
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3. BEST HEAVY-DUTY: DeWalt 60V MAX 17″ Brushless String Trimmer Kit
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4. UPGRADE PICK: Stihl FSA 80 R Battery-Powered String Trimmer
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5. BEST FOR LARGE YARDS: Echo eForce 56V Battery String Trimmer
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6. BEST LOADING SYSTEM: Ego Power+ ST1511T 15″ Powerload String Trimmer
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7. BEST DUAL-DIRECTION: Husqvarna 320iL Weed Eater Kit
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8. BEST EXPANDABLE: Ryobi 40V Attachment Capable 15″ String Trimmer Kit
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9. BEST ERGONOMIC: Toro 17” 60V Battery String Trimmer Kit
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10. ALSO CONSIDER:  Greenworks 40V 16” Cordless String Trimmer
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Our Top Picks

The following reviews highlight the key features of the cordless edge trimmers and explain how they performed during our hands-on yard testing.

Our Ratings: Power 5/5; Performance 4.7/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Safety 5/5; Value 5/5

The Milwaukee M18 brushless battery grass trimmer delivered some of the strongest cutting performance we saw during testing. It powered through thick grass, weeds, and even light brush without slowing down, and the variable-speed trigger made it easy to dial back the power when trimming around fences or delicate landscaping. The adjustable 14- to 16-inch cutting swath also helped cover more ground quickly when clearing larger areas.

Setup was simple, and the electric lawn trimmer’s Easy Load head made restringing much faster than older designs. The straight shaft and overall balance felt solid in use, though the tool is on the heavier side, which we noticed during longer trimming sessions. Running it at full power also puts a noticeable demand on the battery, so having a second pack on hand is helpful for bigger jobs.

Overall, this Milwaukee strikes a strong balance between power and usability. It’s a capable option for homeowners who want more cutting strength than entry-level models, as well as for users maintaining larger yards or tackling tougher growth.

What our tester says: “I was impressed by how easily this trimmer powered through thick grass and weeds without slowing down. The variable-speed trigger also made it easy to stay in control around fences and landscaping.”—Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Milwaukee battery trimmer at Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, or Amazon.

Our Ratings: Power 4/5; Performance 3/5; Ease of Use 4.5/5; Safety 4/5; Value 4.5/5

Reliable lawn equipment doesn’t always cost an arm and a leg. Black+Decker’s compact EasyFeed Trimmer/Edger is one of the most affordable models around, and it offers enough trimming power and runtime to maintain a small yard.

This battery-powered electric weed eater is designed to clip grass quickly, and once the job is done, it stows away in a tiny amount of space. It features a pistol-style throttle grip, an adjustable forward loop handle, and a telescoping shaft for easy height adjustment. It also has a rotating head that allows you to transition from a horizontal weed-eating position to a vertical edging configuration without having to hold the grips upside down. When it’s in the edging position, you get the added benefit of a wheel for added support.

Although the Black+Decker offered significantly less cutting power than the other tools in our test group, it did a fine job on our lawn grass. The handles were comfortable, and we appreciated the push-button line feed (as opposed to a traditional bump-advance trimmer head). Our two testers—one over 6 feet tall and the other under 5.5 feet tall—both found it comfortable and easy to use without undue strain, bending, stooping, or lifting. 

Get the Black+Decker battery trimmer at Walmart or Amazon.

Our Ratings: Power 4.5/5; Performance 4/5; Ease of Use 4.5/5; Safety 4.5/5; Value 5/5

When an established leader in pro-grade cordless hand tools enters the lawn care category, shoppers will want to take note. The DeWalt battery heavy-duty weed trimmer packs a heavy-duty brushless motor powered by a 60 volt (V) 3 amp-hour (Ah) FlexVolt lithium-ion battery that lets it tear through all kinds of tough weeds for at least 40 minutes per charge. 

This attachment-capable trimmer comes equipped with a straight shaft and rapid-loading adjustable spool. It uses 0.080-inch trimmer line to cut either a 15-inch or 17-inch swath. A safety switch in the grip prevents accidental starts. To adjust the trimmer to the task at hand, users can select high or low power and control the trimming revolutions per minute with a variable-speed trigger. The universal attachment feature lets owners replace the trimmer attachment with a variety of other tool heads, including an edger, hedge trimmer, pole saw, and more.

The DeWalt battery grass cutter was one of the heaviest we tested, but also the most powerful. With the standard 0.080-inch trimmer line that came prespooled, this tool had no trouble weed-wacking grass, thin tree seedlings, and even tough blackberry canes. In low-power mode, it offered more cutting force than the high-power setting of most others we tested. To be honest, high power was too much for many of our applications, so we also tested it thoroughly on low-power mode. It ran about 40 minutes on high and about 60 on low.

Other than its heavy weight, the only negative point we have to offer is the noise. The trimmer is loud in general, but when initially triggering or feathering the trigger, it makes an even louder whine/whistle sound. Still, considering its power and runtime, it’s a very impressive tool at a fair price. This grass trimmer with battery is a good choice for maintaining large properties or cleaning up overgrown areas.

Get the DeWalt battery trimmer at Ace Hardware or The Home Depot.

Our Ratings: Power 5/5; Performance 5/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Safety 5/5; Value 4.5/5 

A bit beefier than the Stihl FSA 60 R battery trimmer we tested in the past, the FSA 80 R is one of the best string trimmers in Stihl’s battery-powered residential tool lineup. It comes equigrass trpped with a 36V 4 Ah lithium-ion battery and a bump-advance string trimmer head that works with either 0.095- or 0.105-inch weed eater string. This battery grass trimmer features a variable-speed throttle trigger and a loop handle with a quick-release function for fast, tool-free adjustments. In standard cutting conditions, the FSA 80 R runs up to 25 minutes per charge. The included charger replenishes the AK 20 battery in 180 minutes.

Although it had a relatively short runtime per charge, the FSA 80 grass trimmer ran long enough for us to take care of our routine lawn maintenance needs. The motor and trimmer head ran smooth and strong in our tests, producing very little vibration. The trimmer cut crisp, clean edges in the grassy areas, and in the weedy patches, it easily tore through coarse vegetation, vines, and woody stems up to ¼ inch thick. The adjustable forward handle made it easy to get a comfortable fit no matter who was operating. This is an ideal option for general suburban yard maintenance.

Get the Stihl battery trimmer at Ace Hardware or Northern Tool + Equipment.

Our Ratings: Power 4.5/5; Performance 4.5/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Safety 4/5; Value 5/5

A wide-cutting swath, extended runtime, and powerful trimming ability make the Echo DSRM-2100 eForce an excellent choice for large yards. Driven by a brushless motor, the straight-shaft trimmer is powered by a 56V 2.5 Ah lithium-ion battery that provides up to 56 minutes of powerful performance, rivaling traditional 2-cycle trimmers. It cuts a 16-inch-wide swath to get the job done efficiently.

This battery trimmer weighs in at a comfortable 9.75 pounds, making it a relatively lightweight choice considering its robust power. It features battery-saving power settings for different cutting conditions, a variable-speed trigger, and a cushioned handle grip for comfort. The Speed-Feed cutting head comes preloaded with 0.095-inch trimmer line and reloads quickly without disassembly. 

The Echo eForce battery trimmer is an excellent value for large-property maintenance. In our tests, the cutting power seemed to be slightly less than that of the DeWalt trimmer, but it was still very capable. In high-power mode, it trimmed for about 40 minutes. The above-average power and wide swath meant that in 40 minutes with the Echo, we were able to complete work that other trimmers would need an hour to accomplish. The noise level was good, and reloading was fast and easy.

This trimmer could have scored higher with improved balance. Although it is a lightweight trimmer overall, the majority of its weight is concentrated at the working end. The heavy cutting head forces the operator to compensate by lifting upward on the front handle and pushing downward on the rear handle while working. We tested it with the 2.5 Ah battery, which comes standard. Working with the available 5 Ah battery (sold separately) would rebalance the trimmer to some degree while doubling its runtime and increasing its overall weight.

Get the Echo battery trimmer at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Our Ratings: Power 5/5; Performance 5/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Safety 4/5; Value 5/5

Ego Power+ has made a name for itself in the outdoor power equipment category by building an affordable line of battery-powered tools that compete favorably against old-fashioned 2-cycle gas-powered equipment. This 15-inch Ego trimmer proved to be powerful, clean, and quiet in testing. The 56V 2.5 Ah lithium-ion battery delivers up to 45 minutes of runtime, with a recharging time of just 50 minutes. The bump-feed trimmer head comes preloaded with 0.095-inch trimmer line for more cutting force and less noise. The unit weighs in at just over 10 pounds, and taller users will appreciate the straight shaft design.

In our tests, the Ego battery-powered weed eater showed ample power to cut through everything in its path, including overgrown grass, privet seedlings, and honeysuckle vines. With the heavy battery in the back offset by the long, straight shaft, the trimmer’s well-balanced design made it comfortable to work with and more maneuverable than others we tested. Our only caveat: for seasonal yard cleanup or maintaining larger landscapes, the 45-minute maximum runtime may not be quite enough.

Get the Ego Power+ battery trimmer at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Ace Hardware.

Our Ratings: Power 4.5/5; Performance 4/5; Ease of Use 4/5; Safety 5/5; Value 4/5

One limiting factor of most string trimmers is the cutting head’s direction of rotation, which matters more than one might think. The direction of rotation determines where the clippings will go and, in some situations, how the user should grip the trimmer. The Husqvarna 320iL offers a solution thanks to its dual-direction cutting head. At the touch of a button, we were able to switch from clockwise to counterclockwise rotation and back without changing our grip on the handles. 

This straight-shaft trimmer is powered by an efficient brushless motor and 40V 4.0 Ah battery that provides about 45 minutes of runtime per charge. It features a rapid-load cutting head that comes prespooled with 0.080-inch trimmer line and cuts a 16-inch swath. Low-vibration technology improves operator comfort, and the machine weighs in at just over 10 pounds with the battery. 

The Husqvarna 320iL ranked near the top of the test group in terms of user comfort and quiet operation, but its power was somewhat underwhelming after the big showing from the DeWalt trimmer. We were super impressed with the dual-direction feature. It allowed us to use the trimmer right- or left-handed, and we were able to trim curb lines safely from either direction without standing in the street. In high-power mode, the trimmer performed lawn-trimming duties superbly, but in heavy weeds and natural areas, it could not keep up with the more powerful trimmers.

Barring those who plan on truly getting into the weeds, so to speak, this trimmer is a fantastic choice for most people. Its balance is impeccable. And for quiet operation, this one takes the gold medal. The only real question regarding comfort and control was, why so many buttons? Its four thumb-operated buttons control on/off, high/low power, clockwise rotation, and counterclockwise rotation.

Get the Husqvarna battery trimmer at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Northern Tool + Equipment.

Our Ratings: Power 4.5/5; Performance 5/5; Ease of Use 4/5; Safety 5/5; Value 5/5 

Ryobi, a flagship brand from The Home Depot, is making a big splash in the lawn and garden tool industry. Its new 16-inch string trimmer stood out in our tests due to its ergonomic design and its knack for making ultraclean cuts on grass.

This Ryobi cordless weed eater weighs 11.1 pounds and is so well balanced that we didn’t experience any arm and shoulder fatigue, even after we’d used it for nearly half an hour. We tested it by trimming lawn grass and clearing weedy, viny spots. It excelled on grass but took a few passes to clear some of the heavier weeds. The bump-feed function on the trimmer is well designed, and it took only a gentle bump to feed out more line. 

The battery fully charged in about 1.5 hours, and it ran for more than 45 minutes, which is long enough to trim unruly grasses and weeds in most yards. 

The Ryobi string trimmer is an integral part of Ryobi’s Expand-It line of power garden and landscape tools. Ryobi has an attachment for virtually every outdoor need—such as a hedge trimmer, rubber broom, pole saw, blower, and a mini cultivator—and all attach to the string trimmer handle, making this one of the most versatile trimmers around. 

What our tester says: “This trimmer was easy on my arms and shoulders, even during longer sessions. It cut grass cleanly, and the bump-feed line worked smoothly every time.”—Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Ryobi battery trimmer at The Home Depot.

Our Ratings: Power 5/5; Performance 4.5/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Safety 4.5/5; Value 4.5/5

The Toro 60V string trimmer delivered a good mix of power and adjustability that made it easy to match the tool to the job at hand in our tests. The variable 15- to 17-inch cutting swath helped when switching between tighter trimming areas and more open sections of the yard, and the telescoping shaft allowed us to fine-tune the fit for better control. With its brushless motor and .095-inch line, it handled thicker grass and tougher patches without bogging down.

In use, the trimmer felt balanced and responsive, especially when adjusting between high and low power settings for different conditions. The bump head holds more string line than typical designs, which meant fewer interruptions while we worked. We did find that it can feel a bit heavy over longer sessions, and the bump feed requires a deliberate tap to advance the line consistently. Still, for homeowners who want a flexible, capable trimmer that can handle a range of yard conditions, this Toro offers solid performance with useful adjustability.

Get the Toro battery trimmer at Ace Hardware or Toro.

Our Ratings: Power 4.5/5; Performance 4.4/5; Ease of Use 4.5/5; Safety 4.5/5; Value 4.5/5

The Greenworks 40V 16-inch brushless string trimmer brings a nice blend of runtime, weight, and versatility that makes it easy to recommend for typical yard work. Its brushless motor delivered consistent power when trimming around fences, flower beds, and walkways, and the 16-inch cutting path made weed removal faster. The variable-speed trigger made it easy to use into delicate areas without harming desirable plants and it had ample power for thicker grass.

One of our favorite features is its attachment capability, which allows users to swap out heads for different uses with other Greenworks attachments. It also felt lighter and easier to handle than many higher-voltage models, which made a difference during longer sessions. While it doesn’t have the raw cutting force of heavier-duty trimmers, it handled everyday trimming tasks without issue and ran long enough on a single charge to finish most yards.

Get the Greenworks battery trimmer from Amazon or Greenworks.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Battery Trimmers

We were selective when choosing battery-powered weed eaters for testing, considering brand reputation as well as user feedback and our own experience. Established names like Milwaukee and DeWalt made the list, but we also included brands like Greenworks and Ryobi, which continue to improve in battery-powered performance.

Before testing, we assembled each trimmer and fully charged the batteries to evaluate runtime under full power. We tested every speed the models offered to get a good comparison. 

Each trimmer was used in real-yard scenarios, including clean grass, dense weeds, and overgrown areas with vines and seedlings. We also tracked runtime, maneuverability, and comfort during use. Using a consistent scoring rubric, we compared results to determine the best battery trimmers by category. Just because a model isn’t on this list, doesn’t mean it didn’t offer stellar results like this Makita brush cutter. 

What to Consider When Choosing a Battery Trimmer

When shopping for string trimmers (also known as weed eaters), consider the yard size, how often the tool will be used, and the height and strength of the primary user. The following key considerations may help you further understand what to look for while searching for the best battery trimmer.

A reliable string trimmer is one of the best gardening tools for enhancing your home’s curb appeal. These yard care tools power a cutting head loaded with nylon string (instead of a fixed blade) for use as a lawn edger or to mow down weedy areas. Though gas and electric models once dominated, new-and-improved battery trimmers don’t require mixing fuel or storing gasoline like gas string trimmers, nor are they limited by the length of an extension cord, like corded electric string trimmers.

Trim Width 

Also called swath width, trim width indicates how wide a path the tool will cut through weeds in a single pass. Many cordless lawn trimmers on the market today feature swath widths of 10 to 18 inches. The wider the width, the more power the trimmer needs, which often means the tool will be heavier due to the larger, higher-capacity battery.

Battery Type

Running a string trimmer requires a hefty dose of power. Though most of today’s trimmers run on rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, a few accept nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are more powerful, but NiCd batteries are less expensive (an average of $70 to $125 less). Lithium-ion batteries are also smaller, hold a charge longer, and provide full power throughout the discharge cycle. 

NiCd batteries suffer from “memory effect,” meaning if the battery is used before it has fully charged—or if it’s recharged before its power depletes—it will “remember” the earlier charge level and won’t hold a longer charge in the future. If you opt for a trimmer with an NiCd battery, let it charge fully before use and drain completely before charging. For most users, a string trimmer with a lithium-ion battery will be the best choice.

Voltage

Along with battery type, consider operating power, which is measured in volts. Today’s rechargeable string trimmer batteries range from 18V to 80V of power. More powerful batteries at the high end are often intended for commercial use and can cost $200 or more per battery. 

Some string trimmers in this category are sold without a battery (or battery charger), so the user must purchase one separately. Counterintuitively, this configuration could save you money—if you already own a cordless tool from the same brand, that tool’s battery may be compatible with the string trimmer, so you won’t have to pay extra for a battery you don’t need. However, purchasing a kit with multiple batteries can be convenient, ensuring you’ll always have a backup battery on hand.

Feed Type

A string trimmer’s feed type determines how the trimmer head will release additional trimmer line as the existing line becomes frayed and broken during use. The standard is a bump feed, in which the user bumps the bottom of the trimmer (the area where the spool attaches) on the ground to release a few inches of fresh weed eater line. 

Some newer models feature an auto-feed sensor that gauges the length of the strings and releases more when needed. Others have a push button to release more line. Auto- and button-feeds eliminate the need to bump the spool, which can reduce the risk of damage if bumped too hard, but many commercial-type trimmers still use bump feed because it’s quick and easy.

Curved vs. Straight Shaft

Some grass and edge trimmers feature a straight shaft that runs from the handle to the cutting head, while others feature a distinct curve in the lower shaft about two-thirds of the way down. Some users find curved-shaft lawn trimmers to be easier to operate since the spool end already rests at a handy angle for weed-wacking. 

Straight-shaft trimmers may accommodate interchangeable tools, such as a tree trimmer head, which can be swapped out depending on the task at hand. Straight-shaft trimmers generally work better for users who are at least 6 feet tall, while shorter users will likely appreciate curved-shaft trimmers.

Power Source and Noise

Battery-powered trimmers have a distinct advantage over gas-powered weed trimmers when it comes to noise pollution. Gas-powered trimmers are moderately loud, emitting an average of 90 decibels (about as loud as a motorcycle passing by from 25 feet away). By contrast, a cordless string trimmer emits approximately 77 decibels, which is comparable to the sound of lively conversation. 

FAQs

Those still unsure how to use a battery string trimmer may find the following answers to common questions about these tools helpful.

Q. Can a string trimmer cut weeds?

Yes, cordless electric grass trimmers can help you cut and control weed growth around the home and garden. However, you may want to use a brush cutter for thick, heavy weeds.

Q. Can you use a string trimmer to cut grass?

Yes, a string trimmer can be used to cut grass, but you need to be careful not to cut the grass too short while trying to balance the trimmer. It isn’t the easiest way to cut the grass, but it is possible.

Q. Can you edge with a string trimmer?

Yes, a handheld weed trimmer can be used as a lawn edger around the garden, driveway, walkway, or sidewalk. However, if you have a large yard, investing in a separate edge trimmer with blade cutting might be better.

Q. How do you edge a lawn with a string trimmer?

Whether you use a string trimmer or lawn edger, position the tool perpendicular to the lawn to keep the cut even. Position the head about 4 inches off the soil so the string has space to rotate.  As you move along the desired borders, keep the head balanced and even.

Q. Are corded trimmers more powerful than cordless?

Yes, some are, but newer cordless models are getting more powerful all the time with higher efficiency batteries.

Q. Are battery-powered trimmers worth it?

Yes, they offer quiet operation, low maintenance, and enough power for most yards without the hassle of gas or cords. Like other power lawn tools, including pole saws, trimmers save time and labor.

Q. What maintenance does a battery-powered trimmer need?

Clean debris after use, replace trimmer line as needed, keep vents clear, and store the battery properly to extend tool life.

Q. How much can you expect to spend on a battery trimmer?

Most cordless grass trimmers cost between $100 and $300, depending on power, battery size, and features.

Meet the Testers

Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with a background in the nursery and landscaping industry. For more than 20 years he mowed, edged, planted, pruned, cultivated, irrigated, and renovated beautiful landscapes. Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest outdoor power equipment, hand tools, lawn care products, and other outdoor-living goods.

Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industries.

 

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