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Buying Guide

Best Battery String Trimmers: 5 Cordless Trimmers Compared

Five current battery string trimmer kits for different properties and battery ecosystems. Cutting swath gets attention, but balance, line handling, battery capacity and attachment options are what usually determine whether a trimmer is pleasant to use every week.

See the 5 picksCompare features

The best trimmer is the one that fits your property and body comfortably while delivering enough runtime to finish the normal trimming route without turning battery management into a chore.

Our shortlist

Five battery string trimmers for different buyers

The rankings are use-case recommendations, not a claim that one model is universally better than every other trimmer.

Some product links below are affiliate links. Green Battery Tools may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.

01BEST ALL-AROUND
Best overall pick

EGO POWER+ ST1623T

56V 16-inch LINE IQ String Trimmer Kit

16 in.56V 4.0AhEGO 56V

A strong all-around homeowner choice with a wide 16-inch cutting swath and automatic line-management features designed to reduce interruptions. It also sits inside EGO's broad 56V outdoor-equipment ecosystem.

Why it is here: A sensible first pick when you want strong trimming performance, easy line handling and room to expand into other EGO yard tools.
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02VALUE + CAPACITY
Best heavy-duty value

RYOBI 40V HP RY402110

17-inch Carbon Fiber Shaft String Trimmer Kit

17 in.40V 6.0AhRYOBI 40V

RYOBI pairs a large cutting swath with a high-capacity 40V battery and a broad residential outdoor platform. It is especially relevant for larger lots where longer trimming sessions matter.

Why it is here: A strong fit when you want more battery capacity and a larger swath without stepping away from a widely used homeowner ecosystem.
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03VERSATILITY
Best attachment-capable pick

DEWALT FLEXVOLT DCST972X1

60V MAX 17-inch Attachment-Capable Trimmer Kit

17 in.60V FLEXVOLTDEWALT FLEXVOLT

The DEWALT is attractive for buyers who want one powerhead to handle more than string trimming. Its FLEXVOLT platform also makes more sense when the same batteries already support other high-demand DEWALT equipment.

Why it is here: Best when attachment capability or existing FLEXVOLT ownership matters more than buying a dedicated trimmer-only system.
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04M18 ECOSYSTEM
Best for M18 owners

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3016-21ST

16-inch QUIK-LOK String Trimmer Kit

16 in.M18 REDLITHIUMMilwaukee M18

Milwaukee keeps lawn work inside the M18 ecosystem and adds QUIK-LOK attachment flexibility. That can be a major ownership advantage for users who already rely on M18 batteries in the garage or on the jobsite.

Why it is here: A practical platform-first choice when you want trimming and attachment options without adding another battery family.
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05OUTDOOR ECOSYSTEM
Best alternative 80V platform

Greenworks Pro ST80L211

80V 16-inch String Trimmer Kit

16 in.80V 2.0AhGreenworks 80V

Greenworks offers a dedicated 80V outdoor family with a practical range of lawn equipment. This trimmer is most compelling for buyers who want mowers, blowers and other yard tools sharing the same high-voltage battery system.

Why it is here: A good alternative when you prefer a dedicated outdoor platform and want to build beyond a single trimmer purchase.
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Side-by-side

Battery string trimmer comparison

Compare the tool as a complete system: swath, battery, line handling, attachment flexibility and the value of the broader battery platform.

ModelOur fitCutting swathIncluded batteryStandout featurePlatform
EGO POWER+ST1623TBest overall pick16 in.56V 4.0AhLINE IQ + POWERLOADEGO 56V
RYOBI 40V HPRY402110Best heavy-duty value17 in.40V 6.0AhLarge cutting swathRYOBI 40V
DEWALT FLEXVOLTDCST972X1Best attachment-capable pick17 in.60V FLEXVOLTAttachment capableDEWALT FLEXVOLT
Milwaukee M18 FUEL3016-21STBest for M18 owners16 in.M18 REDLITHIUMQUIK-LOK systemMilwaukee M18
Greenworks ProST80L211Best alternative 80V platform16 in.80V 2.0AhHigh-voltage outdoor systemGreenworks 80V
How we narrowed it

The trimmer differences that affect weekly use

String trimmers are repetitive-use tools. Small improvements in balance, line loading and controls can matter more over a season than a slightly larger voltage number.

01

EGO ST1623T: a polished all-around homeowner option

EGO combines a 16-inch cutting class with LINE IQ and POWERLOAD features intended to reduce manual line management. It also fits naturally into a 56V ecosystem that already covers mowing, blowing, chainsaw work and other lawn tasks.

02

RYOBI RY402110: capacity and swath for larger properties

The 17-inch cutting class and larger included 40V battery make the RYOBI attractive when there is simply more fence line, edging and heavy grass to cover. It also benefits from a broad homeowner-oriented 40V outdoor family.

03

DEWALT DCST972X1: attachment versatility on FLEXVOLT

DEWALT's attachment-capable design makes sense for buyers who would rather maintain one powerhead than several dedicated long-shaft tools. Existing FLEXVOLT ownership can make that strategy even more valuable.

04

Milwaukee 3016-21ST: extend M18 into outdoor work

The Milwaukee is compelling because it brings trimming and QUIK-LOK attachments into the same battery system many users already rely on for power tools. That can reduce charger and battery duplication across the garage and yard.

05

Greenworks ST80L211: a dedicated high-voltage outdoor path

Greenworks gives buyers an alternative built around a dedicated 80V outdoor lineup. The trimmer becomes more attractive when the same batteries will also support a mower, blower or other large yard equipment.

Buying framework

Choose around the trimming route, not the box

Walk through the property mentally: fence lines, trees, beds, ditches, slopes and edging. That route tells you more about the right tool than a single power claim.

01

Property size

Small lots rarely need the heaviest battery or widest swath. Larger properties benefit more from battery capacity and faster coverage.

02

Grass density

Light weekly trimming is different from knocking down thick weeds and neglected edges. Match line size and power class to the hardest normal work.

03

Balance

Try to judge the complete tool with the battery installed. A well-balanced setup reduces fatigue during repetitive sweeping motions.

04

Line handling

Easy loading and dependable feed behavior can save more frustration over a season than small differences in rated speed.

05

Attachments

Attachment-capable systems can consolidate edgers, pole saws and other tools, but dedicated tools may be lighter or simpler for buyers who only need trimming.

06

Battery ecosystem

The same pack has more economic value when it supports several tools you genuinely plan to own rather than one isolated purchase.

Ownership

The battery can change how the trimmer feels

Battery capacity is not automatically better when you are holding a long-shaft tool. A larger pack may extend runtime but can shift weight toward the rear and make repetitive trimming more tiring.

  • Use the smallest battery that comfortably completes your normal route when possible.
  • Keep a second compatible pack charged instead of making every tool carry the largest available battery.
  • Check replacement line availability and recommended diameter before committing to a system.
  • Wear eye protection and keep people, pets and breakable objects away from thrown debris.
BATTERY VS GAS

String trimmers are another easy battery switch for many homes

For routine residential trimming, instant starting, lower engine maintenance and easy storage make battery systems compelling. Gas still makes sense for very long sessions, remote commercial work or heavy vegetation where rapid refueling matters more than convenience.

Compare battery vs gas string trimmers
FAQ

Battery string trimmer questions

What size cutting swath is best for a battery string trimmer?

Around 15 to 17 inches covers many residential needs. Wider swaths can speed up large-property work, while smaller tools may feel lighter and easier around tight landscaping.

How much battery capacity does a string trimmer need?

That depends on property size, vegetation and how aggressively the tool is used. A moderate battery may be more comfortable for small yards, while larger lots benefit from higher-capacity packs or a second battery.

Are attachment-capable battery trimmers worth it?

They can be excellent when you need an edger, pole saw, hedge-trimmer attachment or similar tools and want one powerhead. If you only trim grass, a dedicated trimmer may be simpler and lighter.

Should I choose a trimmer based on batteries I already own?

Existing batteries can lower the effective cost and simplify charging, but the trimmer still needs to fit your property, balance well and handle the vegetation you cut.

Can a battery string trimmer replace gas?

For many residential properties, yes. Gas remains useful when trimming sessions are very long, refueling must be immediate or the work involves unusually heavy vegetation.

Continue researching

Build the rest of the trimming decision

Category guideBattery String TrimmersSwath, balance and use cases → System guideBattery PlatformsCompare the ecosystems behind the batteries → Power sourceBattery vs Gas String TrimmersRuntime, refueling and maintenance tradeoffs → ShoppingBattery Tool DealsCompare kits, batteries and buying paths →