Best Cordless String Trimmer for 2020
Today, many homeowners and even some professional landscapers are choosing cordless string trimmers over corded and gas models. Corded models tend to be lower powered and require long extension cords. Trimmers with gas engines are great for tackling tough jobs, but they are heavy, loud, and emit fumes that contribute to pollution.
Cordless trimmers run on rechargeable batteries and are suitable for far-ranging use. These trimmers can have the power to handle thick weeds and brush, yet they are quiet and do not produce any exhaust. Some manufacturers allow trimmer batteries to be used with their other lawn tools such as mower and blowers.
When comparing cordless trimmers, pay attention to power, battery efficiency, and user comfort. Your need for power will vary depending on your lawn care needs, but essentially larger diameter string and higher voltage battery will give you more cutting strength. Dual fed string cuts twice as fast as single fed.
Battery efficiency is primarily how long the trimmer can run on one battery charge. Re-charging time is also a factor. You will find it more comfortable to work with a lighter weight trimmer with features like adjustable length or padded handles.
Here are some of the most popular cordless trimmers that we checked out:
Product | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
 Greenworks 12-Inch 40V Cordless String Trimmer | ||
 EGO Power+ 15-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Brushless String Trimmer | ||
 WORX WG163 GT 3.0 20V PowerShare 12" Cordless String Trimmer & Edger | ||
 BLACK+DECKER LSTE523 Li-On String Trimmer |
Bonus In-Depth Product Reviews
Greenworks 12-Inch 40V Cordless String Trimmer
This straight shaft trimmer from Greenworks features a brushless motor for greater power and efficiency. The Greenworks cuts a 12” swath with dual fed .065” diameter string. Reviewers note that the tool can also operate with .080” line.
Powered by a 40V battery, the tool starts in seconds and runs up to 60 minutes on a single charge. Batteries recharge in two hours. The Greeworks uses auto feed to replenish string rather than bump.
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CONS
EGO Power+ 15-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Brushless String Trimmer
This lightweight, straight shaft trimmer cuts a wide 15” swath with a dual feed head using .095” line. The EGO Power+ has a brushless motor which runs on a 56 Volt battery.
The battery is compatible with all other EGO power tools and recharges in 30 minutes. The trimmer will run for about an hour on a single charge.
The EGO runs at variable speeds and produces little to no vibration. The forward handle is padded for comfort and the straight shaft body makes it easy to reach under decks and bushes.
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CONS
WORX WG163 GT 3.0 20V PowerShare 12" Cordless String Trimmer & Edger
Weighing 5.3 lbs, the WORX 163 GT is an ultra lightweight trimmer.
It has a 20 Volt battery that can run for around 20 minutes and takes 3 hours to recharge. The WORX has a single feed head that uses .065” string cutting a swath of 12”.
The WORX can be used as a trimmer or an edger and has a telescoping shaft to adjust for the height of the user.
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CONS
BLACK+DECKER LSTE523 Li-On String Trimmer
This trimmer/edger combo cuts a 12” swath with a single feed head that uses .065” string.
The Black+Decker LSTE523 has a power drive transmission with two speed control allowing for the most efficiency out of a 20 Volt battery.
The tool can run for 60 minutes on a single charge and batteries recharge in 3 hours.
The LSTE523 weighs 6.3 lbs and both height and handle are adjustable. The easy feeder advances string at the push of a button.
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CONS
Makita XRU11M1 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless String Trimmer
The Makita has one of the smallest batteries of the trimmers we looked at.
However, automatic shifting and three running speeds get maximum power out of the 18 Volt battery.
The trimmer will run for about 30 minutes on a charge, and batteries recharge in 40 minutes.
The brushless motor powers a double feed head using .08” string to cut an 11 ¾” swath.
The head is bump fed. You must bump the cutting head against the ground to replenish string.
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CONS
BLACK+DECKER LST140C 40V Max Lithium String Trimmer/Edger
This Black+Decker LST140C has a 40 Volt battery powering a single feed head with .065” line. It cuts a 13” swath. The trimmer runs at one speed for about 40 minutes, and batteries recharge in four hours.
Weighing 6.4 lbs, the tool is both a trimmer and an edger and has an auto feed head. Shaft height is adjustable.
This unit includes a 3 year manufacturers limited warranty.
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CONS
WORX WG929.1 GT3.0 Grass Trimmer Edger and Blower Kit
The WORX WG929.1 runs on a 20 Volt battery and cuts a 12” swath with a single fed .065” string.
The tool converts to a wheeled edger and can run for about 30 minutes on a single charge. Batteries recharge in an hour.
The trimmer is lightweight at 6 lbs. The shaft can be adjusted for height and handle position is variable.
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CONS
From lightweight and light duty to power-driven muscle, you should be able to find a trimmer on this list to meet your needs. You may be willing to trade off power for battery life or comfort of use.
For the best total combination of power, battery efficiency and comfort consider the EGO Power+ 15-inch Trimmer. The 56 Volt battery on this trimmer is the largest in the category. It powers dual fed string in a wide 15” inch swath, which means faster trimming.
The EGO’s .095” line will cut through even heavy brush.
EGO also has the best battery efficiency. A run time of 60 minutes is comparable to the best trimmers in the category. This tool has one of the fastest recharge times at 30 minutes.
Finally, even with all of that power, the EGO is lightweight and easy to use. It weighs only 6.7 lbs, has a padded forward handle and offers a shoulder strap accessory.
It is a little more expensive since the battery is not included in the base model but the extra power provided by the 56V motor makes it worth the price difference.
To learn more about EGO Power+ check them out on Amazon by clicking here.