Whether you call it a weed whacker, weed eater, or even a Destructroweed 3000, a string trimmer is an essential tool in your landscaping arsenal. Paired with the right lawn mower, your string trimmer will allow you to take care of all the pesky details of your yard.

Gas-powered and corded electric models have been around for a long time. Gas trimmers have typically provided superior power and efficiency (along with the most noise and fumes). I’m here to tell you the days of gas trimmer dominance are over.

Battery-powered weed eaters now offer up enough sustained electric power and torque to rival the biggest, baddest gas trimmers on the block. And that’s without making a total racket or producing nasty exhaust fumes. On top of that, many vendors offer a platform of tools that share the same batteries making for some seriously streamlined landscaping.

Ego Power+ does one thing: make great electric power tools. I’ve looked at their lawn mowers and they make a persuasive argument to upgrade to electric yard maintenance equipment. The EGO Power+ ST1504SF 15-Inch Foldable Shaft String Trimmer will simply pile on that argument, twisting your arm behind your back until you seriously give consideration to electric-only equipment. The ST1504 uses a 56V brushless motor for quiet, powerful performance and comes packaged with a 5Ah battery. A 2.5Ah package is also available. I have an average-sized yard so I’m sure at 30 minutes of run time that the 2.5Ah would be fine. But I hate waiting for charging batteries more than I like saving a buck so I’d go with the 5Ah package. Plus it’s a better deal when considering 5Ah batteries cost $250!

The Rapid Reload head is a very slick idea, simply thread your line through the head and twist it to wind it in. No fuss, no muss. The trimmer shaft is made of carbon fiber and comes with a lifetime guarantee on top of the five-year warranty and the three-year battery warranty. Sixty minutes of trimming using the Ego Power+ ST1504 is going to be more than enough for pretty much any yard but since the batteries are interchangeable with other Ego products, you could finish trimming then slap that battery into a leaf blower or another tool and keep going. 

I’m a fan of Ego Power+ and what they’re doing. Their newest products outperform gas models in a big way and they’ve recently been hinting at a battery-powered riding lawn mower coming out in 2021. They get electric yard tools and based on the ST1504 cordless electric string trimmer, you would be wise to consider grabbing one of these for your yardwork arsenal.

Find more EGO Power+ ST1504SF Foldable Shaft String Trimmer information and reviews here.

Makita arguably makes the finest power tools on the planet however they are expensive. Some will say that the cost is justified because they are simply that good. Others will make do with a lesser brand to save money. The Makita XRU15PT1 LXT Cordless Electric String Trimmer goes a long way to demonstrate why, while it may cost a lot, it deserves your consideration as the indispensable yard care tool you may own.

This kit includes two 18V 5Ah batteries which is a great deal in itself. Makita also offers a kit with four (that’s right, FOUR) 18V 5Ah batteries. Stop and consider that for the approximate $150 more than the bare tool, Makita is throwing in four 18V 5Ah batteries and a dual charger with a 45-minute charge time. Purchasing these items separately will cost you close to $400! If you own or are considering buying other Makita tools, this is a steal.

Like their LXT lawn mower, this trimmer offers up some serious power utilizing two 18V batteries for a full 36V power load. That’s 90 minutes of run time. That’s right. You heard me. Ninety. Minutes. You could trim the entire block with that kind of power.

There are three speed options to give you what you need for power management depending on what you have to cut down. Not sure what speed you will require? Don’t worry: automatic torque drive tech automatically shifts between 3,500 and 6,500 RPM for added power through thick brush and turf. 15 inches of cutting diameter will make short work of that overgrown grass that’s been laughing at you.

The bottom line is this: Makita’s LXT String Trimmer is durable, tough, balanced, and awesome. It’s like this tool is that trusty dog you had as a kid that just wants to go out and have fun. It’s practically begging you to go outside and decimate the weeds. Go get ’em.

Find more Makita XRU15PT1 LXT Cordless Electric String Trimmer information and reviews here.

Like their other power tools that are top-quality and deliver great performance, the M18 Fuel Cordless Electric String Trimmer from Milwaukee has the power to clear thick brush, reaches full throttle in less than a second and delivers up to 60 minutes of running time. The M18 Fuel comes packaged with an 18V 8Ah battery and charger. This trimmer is one of the few I’ve seen that comes with a battery that large. On top of that, the charge time is only an hour. For an 8Ah battery. That’s AWESOME.

The M18 Fuel features a “Quik-Lok” system that allows for multiple attachments like a lawn edger, hedge trimmer, and pole saw. This system was definitely made to meet the needs of professional landscape maintenance with a brushless electric motor. It’s big, it’s bad, it’s going to scare whatever brush and weeds you have back to the Stone Age. It’s so big and bad that you may want to consider picking up a shoulder strap to help you maneuver this beast if you’re a smaller person.

Yes, the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Cordless String Trimmer is more expensive than other trimmers but you must consider a few things. First, Milwaukee tools are incredibly good. Second, the battery is massive and charge time is extremely low. Third, this tool will save you more time and trouble than any other model. I would be hard-pressed to find a better cordless electric string trimmer out there. It’s really that good.

Find more Milwaukee M18 Fuel Cordless Electric String Trimmer information and reviews here.

Oregon is primarily known for its quality line of chainsaws for both the professional and consumer market. They also have a family of 40V battery-powered products including lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, and more including the Oregon ST275 Cordless Electric String Trimmer. A 4Ah battery and charger is provided with the unit that will give approximately 30-40 minutes of operational time on a full charge. The trimmer weighs less than 10 pounds and may be converted to an edger with a simple flip of the guard. It’s a very good tool for your yard.

Here’s where this cordless electric string trimmer breaks away from the pack: Oregon includes a “Gator SpeedLoad” trimmer head that uses pre-loaded disks of cutting line. No winding, twisting, or taking the head off to load up more string here. Simply uncap the trimmer head, insert the disk, and re-attach. This process can be done in 20 seconds or less. That’s a unique idea in the world of string trimmers.

When I first looked at this setup, I was skeptical because proprietary disks of string are going to be more expensive than a bulk spool. A ten pack of .080-inch trimmer line disks is more expensive than your average bundle of .080″ string however the tongue-and-groove design of the Oregon string should last roughly twice as long. It’s really up to you how much you want to waste time loading string into your trimmer.

Find more Oregon ST275 Cordless Electric String Trimmer information and reviews here.

I really enjoyed looking at the Snapper XD 82V MAX 21-inch cordless electric lawn mower earlier this year. It’s powerful, looks sharp, and is more than a match for a gas mower. The Snapper XD line includes a number of great machines including this companion to the mower, the Snapper XD 82V MAX Cordless Electric String Trimmer that share the same family of large batteries. I’m happy to say that this trimmer is the perfect addition to use alongside the Snapper mower.

82 volts of power can do significant damage to those dastardly weeds without the kickback and flying debris that frequently accompany gas-powered weed eaters. I was concerned about how long a 2Ah battery could go but the 30 minutes of operational time is good enough for a half-acre of shaving around the perimeter and various flower beds and trees. Still, if you don’t already have the Snapper mower, I recommend keeping an extra battery on hand just in case.

The dual-line, bump-feed head can handle cutting just about anything down short of larger bushes and is easy to restring. Snapper makes several attachments for this trimmer including a hedge trimmer, cultivator, and pole saw. Swapping out the trimmer head with one of the others is essentially painless. This Snapper line is really impressive with its 82V batteries and the mix and matching you can do with the family of tools. 

Find more Snapper XD 82V MAX Cordless Electric String Trimmer information and reviews here.

Ah, Craftsman. Just the name makes me think of apple pie and fireworks on the Fourth of July. Their cordless electric string trimmer, the Craftsman V20, comes packaged with a 20 Volt 4Ah battery and charger that should give you enough life to edge and trim your medium-sized yard, around 30 to 40 minutes of run time. The line feed adjustment is managed through a button near the throttle instead of bumping the cutting head. High and low settings allow for serious cutting when you need it but the running low will take care of just about anything you need save for tall, thick turf. 

The Craftsman V20 (I like the marketing decision of putting the V for Volts in front of the 20, making it sound like an engine) only has a 13-inch cut swath but for the average homeowner, that’s probably okay. The support handle and pole length are both adjustable depending on your build. A cutting guard (colored red…nice) will help protect your delicate flowers and your string from making contact with bricks and trees.

V20 batteries are interchangeable with other Craftsman tools but be aware that the battery that comes with this trimmer may not fit your older Craftsman V20 tools. Craftsman also doesn’t fool around with manufacturing a central machine that accommodates separate attachments like hedge trimmers and pole saws. One tool for one job, sir, however a dedicated tool is not necessarily a bad thing. And while one battery should be enough for what you’re doing with the trimmer, you may want to pick up another battery in case you have a long day of trimming planned or you have other Craftsman V20 tools. For whatever reason, it’s cheaper to purchase a 20V 4Ah battery separately than the bundle with two batteries. Go figure.

Find more Craftsman V20 Cordless String Trimmer & Edger information and reviews here.

The DeWalt DCST920B 20V MAX Cordless Electric String Trimmer is part of the large power tool line that utilizes 20V MAX batteries from DeWalt. Like other brands, the batteries are proprietary and only fit DeWalt 20V tools. The motor is brushless to maximize efficiency and durability. This trimmer uses a dual .080″ line, bump-feed head with a 13-inch cutting diameter.

A variable trigger offers speed control depending on your conditions. It is calibrated nicely to control the power, even better than some gas-powered trimmers. DeWalt claims they have a patented gear drive design that provides more torque and maintains cut speed when plowing through thick vegetation. For its size and power, this definitely seems to be the case.

Unfortunately, DeWalt only offers this trimmer on its own without any sort of bundle package. You’ll have to pick up this battery starter kit including two 5Ah batteries and a charger. The charger can handle 12V, 20V, and 60V capacities and also includes a soft tool bag. 

DeWalt has a reputation of producing high-quality tools and this cordless string trimmer is no exception. Lightweight and compact, the DCST920B is a great string trimmer for almost any environment.

Note: I need to report something that came up a few times during my research for this review. Some users of the DeWalt DCST920B have reported issues with the string head. Apparently DeWalt offers up four types of design and the one that comes with this model, Type 4, doesn’t have a divider for each side of the chamber making the string prone to snags during operation. I don’t think this is a deal-breaker but it’s good to know just the same.

Find more DeWalt DCST920B Cordless Electric String Trimmer information and reviews here.

This model, the Worx GT 3.0 Cordless String Trimmer & Edger, is part of the “PowerShare” line of Worx tools that share the same series of batteries and offer a less expensive option to other yard machines out there. Worx has carved themselves a niche between the bargain basement appeal of Sun Joe and the more professional Ryobis and Milwaukees of the world.  This trimmer is economical and is one of the few that comes packaged with two batteries (they’re weaker at only 2Ah, but you could still keep one in the charger ready to go). If you decided to pick up a third, they’re inexpensive enough that your budget is kept intact.

Motor performance is excellent. The trimmer is lightweight (less than six pounds) and offers just a 12-inch cutting diameter so this is a particularly good option for people who may be smaller or have challenges using a professional machine. Feeding line into the spool head is easy enough that pretty much anyone can do it without effort. If your line is getting short, use the “Command Feed” push button near the throttle trigger to get more without bumping the trimmer head. The string that comes with the trimmer is not of the greatest quality; consider upgrading to a better product. 

The support handle adjusts for varying heights and your own particular comfort level. A spacer guard acts as a visual for the user and protects plants and obstacles against errant damage. If you’re feeling crazy, shove it back in the trimmer head and go wild. The head also pivots 90 degrees to get under that playset or to attack those hills that need trimming STAT.

When you’re ready to convert from trimming to edging, simply unlock the buckle on the shaft, turn the cutting head, and lock it back. You can do it in under five seconds, seriously. I’m not a huge fan of using string trimmers to edge however for small areas, the Worx GT 3.0 would do a decent job of cleaning up that grass to sidewalk division.

The package consisting of trimmer, string, batteries, and charger costs less than $100. For anyone considering getting into a cordless electric string trimmer, you could do a lot worse than giving this a shot. Given the multiple positive reviews from users online, Worx has created a solid machine.

Find more WORX GT 3.0 20V PowerShare Cordless String Trimmer & Edger information and reviews here.

Disclaimer: I own a Ryobi gas-powered string trimmer and I love it. It’s powerful, easy to use, and I swap the trimmer head with the edger head on a regular basis when maintaining my yard. Other than putting up with a gas tank that’s awkward to fill, I love the thing. This model, the Ryobi 40 Volt Attachment Capable Cordless String Trimmer is as good or better than the gas-powered model with none of the hassle of spilling gas all over the place (I’m embarrassed to say that it’s happened more often than I care to mention).

Part of the 40 Volt family of cordless electric products from Ryobi, this trimmer comes with a 4Ah battery (and charger) good enough to mow down an acre’s worth of perimeter on one charge.  I don’t have nearly that much to take care of so the battery packs more than enough juice for me to edge the grass and trim in one go. Keep in mind that your first couple of sessions will last shorter until you break in your battery. It will take 90 minutes on average to fully charge the battery. I’m also a stickler for having a spare battery ready to go in the charger just in case; I hate waiting for batteries to charge.

The “Reel-Easy” bump-feed string head is actually easy to fill with cutting line and a satisfying step above older heads. The Ryobi 40 Volt Attachment Capable Cordless String Trimmer is compatible with their entire family to attachments including a pole saw, leaf blower, lawn edger, and hedge trimmer among others. It’s also compatible with other universal attachments made by other manufacturers. I’ve had great luck with Ryobi models (and I’m a bit of an organizational freak when it comes to tools), so I stick with them.

All in all, this Ryobi cordless string trimmer will have you shaping up your yard in nothing flat so you can enjoy the rest of your weekend. Highly recommended.

Find more Ryobi 40 Volt Attachment Capable Cordless String Trimmer information and reviews here.

Greenworks has done a great job of carving out a large niche for themselves in the electric power tool market. Their line of yard equipment is tough and powerful. This model, the Greenworks Pro 16-Inch 80V Cordless String Trimmer, offers up to 45 minutes  of run time with a fully charged 2.0Ah battery. The motor is brushless so it’s more reliable and delivers the performance equivalent to a 32cc gas engine. Not too shabby. Unfortunately this trimmer doesn’t come packaged with the battery nor the charger however you can order them at the links provided if this is your first Greenworks tool.

The trimmer spool is self-winding with a nicely intuitive feed structure. You really shouldn’t have any issues reloading string into this trimmer. The 80V battery is heavy but the tool balance is like an average gas trimmer. The shaft handle may be adjusted to suit your particular working style. When operating, the trimmer runs at a moderate speed. Hit the speed switch and you immediately head to 80V territory for heavy-duty tasks. 

The Greenworks Pro has a feature not found on many other (if any) trimmers: the ability to interface with attachments made by other companies such as Ryobi, Homelite, Poulson, and others. This means you could grab a pole saw from another manufacturer and use it with the trimmer with enough power and style to get the job done. 

Find more Greenworks Pro 16-Inch 80V Cordless String Trimmer information and reviews here.

When I’m putting these lists together, I always like to include one of the products from Sun Joe and the reasons are this: they definitely have a fan base and they’re just plain cheap, in price more so than quality. The Sun Joe 24V SB10-LTE Cordless Electric Stringless Lawn Trimmer does not include the required 24V battery nor the charger; make sure to pick one (and maybe a spare) up. This model weighs next to nothing and is a great little trimmer for a small to medium-sized yard. You’re going to get between 20 to 30 minutes of use on one charge depending on how you use it. 

The Sun Joe features stringless trimming with a flexible, yellow, plastic, 10-inch blade that mows down thick grass like butter. The head rotates 180 degrees at the top where you control it to create an effective edging machine. There’s also a wire guard at the front of the trim head that protects plants from your wicked, whirling blade of death, provides a guide while edging, and that gives you a visual of where the blade is at.

Here’s my challenge: I really don’t know how much damage the one (come ON, Sun Joe; one?) blade can take. I whack weeds around all sorts of trees, brick, concrete, and what have you so I can only imagine it wouldn’t take an inordinate amount of time. That said, Sun Joe promotes that their blades are equal to over 200 feet of string and I really couldn’t find any reports of anyone that had problems with the blade. I think you ought to pick up some replacement blades just in case.

I like that Sun Joe doesn’t get full of themselves. They understand their core market: owners of small yards that need a light and half-way durable machine that doesn’t cost a fortune. You can’t argue with the online reviews from people who love this trimmer. The Sun Joe 24V SB10-LTE Cordless Electric Stringless Lawn Trummer costs next to nothing and does a reasonably good job at what it’s supposed to do.

Find more Sun Joe 24V SB10-LTE Cordless Electric Stringless Lawn Trimmer information and reviews here.

The Ryobi One Plus 18V Cordless Electric String Trimmer is not a professional yard maintenance tool that will take out vast patches of tall, thick weeds for eight hours straight. If you need to trim a half-acre or more look elsewhere on our list and you’ll find a better machine for you. No, what the Ryobi One Plus 18V trimmer does is provide that perfect solution for small yards or limited trimming or edging needs.

It’s perfect for anyone who doesn’t want the hassle of a large power tool. In fact, one online review claimed that they could use this trimmer from their mobility scooter. That’s pretty cool. Before I read that, I hadn’t considered that sort of need. Consider me schooled.

This Ryobi One Plus 18V trimmer has 20% more power than the previous version yet only weighs five pounds. The cutting head features a single string but offers an auto-feed feature that gets away from the constant bumping of other models. It most likely has more power and durability than most people need for a typical lawn.

Be aware: this trimmer does not come with any batteries or a charger; take a look at this 3Ah battery two-pack and charger if you don’t already have 18V Ryobi batteries.

Find more Ryobi 18V One Plus Cordless Electric String Trimmer information and reviews here.

A less expensive and powerful model than the Greenworks Pro 16-Inch Trimmer, the Greenworks 14-Inch 40V Cordless String Trimmer is more than enough machine for taking care of a medium-sized load of lawn maintenance. The brushless motor is built to last longer, run quieter, and deliver more torque while also providing a higher battery efficiency. The trimmer can be put together easily, right out of the box, and will start within seconds (using a freshly charged battery) with the power comparable to a gas-powered engine.

Unlike the 16-inch model, the 14-inch string trimmer comes with a 2Ah battery and charger at a reduced bundle price. The cutting head turns into an edger when needed and is attachment capable with the line of Greenworks products or competitor brands with a square drive shaft.

There are fewer ergonomic considerations with Greenworks than other brands. The support handle isn’t adjustable nor is the pole. At almost 13 pounds, it’s also heavier than other electric lawn trimmers. That aside, the power and efficiency the Greenworks 14-Inch 40V Cordless String Trimmer delivers makes up for its flaws and at a better price than its larger brother.

Find more Greenworks 14-Inch 40V Cordless String Trimmer information and reviews here.

String trimmers are one of the most useful machines that a homeowner can have to maintain and detail their property. Whether used for wiping out vast swatches of scrubland or to put that finishing touch after cutting the grass, battery-powered weed eaters provide extension cord freedom and enough power to rival (or surpass) gas-powered models.

Before making a final decision on which string trimmer is best for your yard, take a look around. What kind of grass is your lawn primarily made up of? Thicker turf or brush will need more power than bluegrass.

The size of your yard will also make a difference. Make sure that whatever battery powers your machine offers enough runtime for what you need to do. 

Obstacles also come in to play: fences, pots, foundations, trees, flower beds, and more. Does the trimmer you're looking at feature a head that rotates for edging work? Some models offer replaceable heads so your trimmer can turn into an edger, leaf blower, hedge trimmer, or even a chainsaw.

Consider the vibration the unit makes along with the power-to-weight ratio. It's no fun to get wiped out by your new electric weed eater by the time the job is done. Take a look at how replacement cutting string is loaded into the head and also how the string is replenished during work.

Nothing is worse than having to shut the trimmer down to fish out more cutting line because the auto-feed feature doesn't work! Maybe you need a shoulder strap to help lug your trimmer around?

Finally, a note about safety: use caution and common sense when operating your string trimmer! Flip flops are just plain stupid when working with this tool. Your toes will hate you if that thin plastic line rotating at 6,500 RPM even thinks of grazing them.

Wear safety goggles. Summer is going to be over real quick if you take a rock to the face. Work gloves are a great idea, too.

And, yeah, I understand that it might be 90 degrees out but long pants are a must when operating landscaping power tools. It will take just one slip of the trimmer into a patch of gravel to give your shins a serious case of road rash. Be smart!