Backyard Gear Pro

Best Cordless String Trimmers (2026)

By the Backyard Gear Pro Editorial Team · How we test & rank

As an Amazon Associate, Backyard Gear Pro earns from qualifying purchases.

Battery string trimmers have closed most of the gap with gas over the last few years — modern brushless motors handle everything from light grass to thick weeds without mixed fuel, pull cords, or two-stroke fumes. The main trade-offs now are voltage (which drives torque and runtime) and whether you're buying a dedicated trimmer or an attachment for a battery platform you already own.

We're linking to Amazon search results rather than specific listings, since exact models, bundle configurations (bare tool vs. kit with battery and charger), and prices change constantly — use these picks as a shortlist to compare current listings yourself before buying.

How we picked: We compared cordless string trimmers by battery platform and voltage, torque and cutting swath, weight, and how well each fits into an existing battery ecosystem, prioritizing well-known brands with strong parts and battery availability.

At a glance

#PickWhy it stands outPrice
EGO Power+ 15-Inch String Trimmer (56V)Top Pickoverall for gas-like power without the fumes - 56V brushless motor delivers power comparable to gas trimmers on most residential yardsCheck Amazon
Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Expand-It Attachment TrimmerRunner-upvalue for a household already using Ryobi's battery tools - Expand-It attachment capability lets one power head run a trimmer, edger, and moreCheck Amazon
DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless String TrimmerBest ValueDeWalt 20V tool owners wanting one battery for everything - Shares batteries with DeWalt's broad 20V MAX power tool lineupCheck Amazon
Greenworks 80V Brushless String TrimmerAlso greatlarge properties needing the longest runtime - 80V platform delivers some of the longest runtimes and most torque available in a battery trimmerCheck Amazon
Makita 18V X2 LXT Brushless String TrimmerAlso greatdurability and pro-grade build quality - X2 design runs two 18V LXT batteries together for extra power and runtimeCheck Amazon
Milwaukee M18 Fuel String TrimmerAlso greatcontractors already on the M18 platform - M18 Fuel brushless motor is built for daily, commercial-grade useCheck Amazon

The picks in detail

EGO Power+ 15-Inch String Trimmer (56V)

Top Pick

9.6/10Editor’s score

Best overall for gas-like power without the fumes

  • 56V brushless motor delivers power comparable to gas trimmers on most residential yards
  • Carbon-fiber shaft keeps weight down for less fatigue during longer sessions
  • Line-load system feeds new line without fiddly bump-feed reloading

Watch out Battery and charger are typically sold separately unless you buy a kit, so it's best if you're on (or buying into) EGO's 56V ARC Lithium platform

Check price on Amazon

Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Expand-It Attachment Trimmer

Runner-up

9.3/10Editor’s score

Best value for a household already using Ryobi's battery tools

  • Expand-It attachment capability lets one power head run a trimmer, edger, and more
  • Lower cost than premium 56V/80V dedicated trimmer platforms
  • Lightweight enough for smaller users or longer trimming sessions

Watch out Less torque in thick, woody growth than higher-voltage yard-specific platforms

Check price on Amazon

DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless String Trimmer

Best Value

9.0/10Editor’s score

Best for DeWalt 20V tool owners wanting one battery for everything

  • Shares batteries with DeWalt's broad 20V MAX power tool lineup
  • Brushless motor adds runtime and durability over brushed trimmers
  • Adjustable shaft and handle to fit a range of user heights

Watch out 20V has less raw torque than 40V, 56V, or 80V yard-specific systems in heavy growth

Check price on Amazon

Greenworks 80V Brushless String Trimmer

Also great

8.7/10Editor’s score

Best for large properties needing the longest runtime

  • 80V platform delivers some of the longest runtimes and most torque available in a battery trimmer
  • Brushless motor built for extended, heavy-duty use
  • Adjustable cutting width and shaft length

Watch out 80V batteries and charger cost significantly more than 40V or 20V platforms

Check price on Amazon

Makita 18V X2 LXT Brushless String Trimmer

Also great

8.4/10Editor’s score

Best for durability and pro-grade build quality

  • X2 design runs two 18V LXT batteries together for extra power and runtime
  • Compatible with Makita's extensive 18V LXT tool lineup
  • Built with the fit and finish Makita's professional lineup is known for

Watch out Requires two batteries to run, which adds cost if you're buying into the platform from scratch

Check price on Amazon

Milwaukee M18 Fuel String Trimmer

Also great

8.3/10Editor’s score

Best for contractors already on the M18 platform

  • M18 Fuel brushless motor is built for daily, commercial-grade use
  • Shares batteries with Milwaukee's large M18 tool lineup
  • Consistent power delivery even as the battery discharges

Watch out Premium pricing only makes sense if you're already invested in M18 batteries

Check price on Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I get a battery or gas string trimmer?
Battery trimmers now handle most residential yards, including moderate weeds and overgrowth, without mixed fuel or exhaust. Gas still wins for all-day commercial use or constant, heavy growth where unlimited runtime matters most.
What line diameter should I use?
Thin 0.065–0.080 inch line is fine for light grass and trimming. Thicker 0.095+ inch line holds up better against weeds and denser growth, but needs a more powerful motor to spin it effectively.
Should I buy a dedicated trimmer or an attachment for my existing power head?
If you already own a battery tool platform with an expandable power head (like Ryobi's Expand-It or similar systems), an attachment trimmer is usually cheaper. If you don't, a dedicated trimmer is typically lighter and better balanced for the job.
How much power (voltage) do I actually need?
20V and 40V platforms handle most lawns with light-to-moderate trimming. Step up to 56V or 80V if you have a larger property, thick weeds, or want the longest possible runtime between charges.

Keep reading

Category

String Trimmers Buying Advice