Our Top Picks
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX String Trimmer and Edger 2One Size8.5 x 4.8 x 36.3 Inches5.7 poundsCheck on Amazon
Greenworks 40V 12 in String Trimmer & 39040V 12" + 390CFM (2.0Ah)64.5 x 7.5 x 5 inches16.53 poundsCheck on Amazon
WORX 20V 12" 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer &20V GT 3.0 Trimmer / Edger36.3 x 7.5 x 5.5 inches5.52 PoundsCheck on Amazon
Greenworks 60V 16 in Cordless String Trimmer60V 16" (4.0Ah)68.5 x 11.73 x 5 inches18.7 poundsCheck on Amazon
The best string trimmer for most people is a lightweight cordless model whose battery matches the size of the yard, and the ten listings below cover that range, from budget plug-in and 20V options up to 60V brushless and 15-inch kits. This guide sorts them by voltage platform, cut width, battery content and feed system, using only what each product title says. Where a title is silent, we say so and point you to the listing. Nobody on the team used or measured these units, so treat every spec as a seller claim.
Top picks at a glance
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX String Trimmer and Edger 2 in 1, Cordless Weed Wacker with Auto Spool Feed, Battery and Charger Included, 12 Inch Steel Deck, Reduced Vibration (LST300)
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Greenworks 40V 12 in String Trimmer & 390 CFM Blower Combo, 2.0 Ah Battery | 12" Weed Wacker & 390 CFM Leaf Blower Combo, Auto Feed Line, Cruise Control Blower, Lightweight 40V Lawn Maintenance Set
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BLACK+DECKER Weed Wacker with Auto Feed, 14-Inch 2 in 1 String Trimmer Lawn Edger, Powerful 6.5-Amp Lightweight Electric Weed Eater (BESTA510)
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WORX 20V 12" 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer & Electric Lawn Edger, WG163 | Command Feed, Works for Lawn Weed Removal Tasks, 2 x 2.0Ah Batteries & Charger Included, PowerShare
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Greenworks 60V 16 in Cordless String Trimmer, 4.0 Ah Battery | 60V Brushless Weed Wacker, 16-Inch, Attachment Capable, Load N’ Go Head with 0.095" Dual Line, Shoulder Strap
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HEYWORK 20V 12" Cordless String Trimmer, Electric Weed Wacker & Edger | Two 4AH Battery,Auto feed weed wacker with 8 spools for lawn edges, garden trimming, yard care, and outdoor cleanup.
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EGO POWER+ 15" Cordless Weed Trimmer with Battery and Charger - ST1502SA
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Greenworks 60V 13 in String Trimmer & 540 CFM Blower Combo, 4.0 Ah Battery | 60V Cordless Combo, 13" Weed Wacker, 0.080" Dual Bump Feed Line, 540 CFM Turbo Blower, Lightweight for Medium & Large Yards
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CRAFTSMAN V20 String Trimmer and Lawn Edger Kit with 4Ah Battery and Charger, 13 in. Cordless Weed Wacker with Up to 63 Minutes Runtime, Lightweight (CMCST901M1)
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Greenworks 40V 12 in Cordless String Trimmer, 2.0 Ah Battery and Charger | 12" Dual-Line String Trimmer, Auto Feed, Variable Speed, Lightweight Weed Wacker for Lawn Yard Trimming
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| Model | Key point from title | Price tier | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER LST300 | 20V MAX, trimmer and edger, auto spool feed | Budget | Small lawns, light edging |
| Greenworks 40V 12 in with 390 CFM blower | Trimmer and blower combo, 2.0 Ah | Premium | Owners who want both tools |
| BLACK+DECKER BESTA510 | 14-inch, 6.5-amp electric, auto feed | Budget | Small yards near an outlet |
| WORX WG163 | 20V 12 in, two 2.0 Ah batteries, PowerShare | Mid-range | Mixed battery households |
| Greenworks 60V 16 in | Brushless, 4.0 Ah, attachment capable | Mid-range | Larger yards, tougher growth |
| HEYWORK 20V 12 in | Two 4AH batteries, auto feed | Budget | Value hunters, light jobs |
| EGO POWER+ ST1502SA | 15-inch cordless, battery and charger | Premium | Buyers wanting a wide cut |
| Greenworks 60V 13 in with 540 CFM blower | Combo, 4.0 Ah, 0.080 in dual line | Premium | Medium and large yards |
| CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCST901M1 | 13 in, 4Ah battery, claimed 63 minutes | Mid-range | Existing V20 owners |
| Greenworks 40V 12 in | 2.0 Ah, dual line, variable speed | Mid-range | Everyday suburban trimming |
What’s changing in this category
Cordless outdoor tools have moved from a niche into the default choice for many homeowners, and string trimmers are a big part of that shift. Brands now build whole families around one battery, so a trimmer, blower and edger can share a pack. That is why several listings here are sold as combos, and why battery voltage has become the first filter many shoppers apply.
Brushless motors are another visible trend. Manufacturers generally say they run cooler and make better use of battery energy than brushed designs, which is why the word brushless appears in titles at the higher end. Treat that as a manufacturer position, not a guarantee of how any single unit behaves in your yard.
Feed systems are also changing. Auto feed, bump feed and pre-wound spool heads all aim to reduce the chore of re-lining. Listings increasingly promote line diameter, because thicker line is usually pitched at tougher growth while thinner line is pitched at light trimming and quiet operation.
Finally, the 2-in-1 trimmer and edger has become a standard feature on lower-cost models, and attachment-capable shafts are common on the higher-voltage platforms. If you only trim a few edges a month, a simple kit may be enough. If you plan to add a pole saw or cultivator later, platform choice matters more than the first tool.
How we picked these
We compared the ten listings using published specifications, manufacturer documentation and buyer reviews as the basis, grouping them by voltage, cut width, battery content and feed type. We favoured listings whose titles state concrete details such as battery capacity and line diameter, and we flagged anything ambiguous. Nobody on the team used or measured these units. Price tiers are relative within this set and are not exact prices.
The ten string trimmers
BLACK+DECKER LST300 20V MAX trimmer and edger
The title describes a cordless 2-in-1 trimmer and edger on the 20V MAX platform, with auto spool feed, a battery and charger included, and reduced vibration. It also mentions a 12 inch steel deck, which is an unusual phrase for a trimmer, so read that as ambiguous and confirm on the listing what the 12 inches refers to.
Buyers comparing this with other 20V kits should note that the title promises a battery and charger but gives no amp-hour figure, so runtime is an open question. For a lawn you can finish in fifteen or twenty minutes that may not matter. For anything larger, the missing number is the first thing to look up before you add it to a cart.
It suits a small yard, a townhouse patio or a gardener who mostly cleans fence lines and walkway edges. Picture a Saturday morning spent tidying a narrow strip beside a driveway: a lighter 20V tool is easier to carry around than a heavy shaft.
- Pro: Battery and charger are listed as included.
- Pro: Auto spool feed reduces manual line adjustments.
- Con: 20V class is aimed at lighter work than the 60V models here.
- Con: The deck wording is confusing.
Check the listing for battery capacity, charge time, line diameter and what the deck measurement means. Question to ask: is the battery shared with other tools you may already own?
Greenworks 40V 12 in trimmer and 390 CFM blower combo
This listing bundles a 12-inch string trimmer with a blower rated at 390 CFM, powered by a 40V platform with a 2.0 Ah battery. The title also lists auto feed line and a cruise control blower, and calls it a lightweight lawn maintenance set. Compare it with the plain Greenworks 40V 12 in trimmer further down, since the class overlaps.
The CFM figure describes air volume, not air speed, so a bigger number does not automatically mean it will move wet leaves or packed debris. Treat the blower as a driveway and patio tool, and expect the trimmer to be the same class as the stand-alone 40V 12 in model rather than a step up in cutting ability.
It fits homeowners who want to trim and then clear clippings off the driveway with one battery system. A realistic scenario is a quarter-acre lot where trimming takes twenty minutes and blowing takes ten.
- Pro: Two tools sold together under one platform.
- Pro: Auto feed line is listed.
- Con: Only one 2.0 Ah battery is named, so sharing it between both tools means waiting to recharge on bigger jobs.
- Con: Higher tier of price within the set because of the blower.
Check the listing for how many batteries ship, charger speed and line diameter. Question to ask: do you need a blower, or would you rather spend the difference on a bigger battery?
BLACK+DECKER BESTA510 14-inch electric trimmer and edger
This is the only clearly plug-in style listing in the group, described as a 14-inch 2-in-1 trimmer and lawn edger with a 6.5-amp electric motor, auto feed and a lightweight build. The amp rating suggests mains power, but the title does not say corded, so confirm that on the listing.
Plug-in tools have a quiet advantage: they do not fade as a battery drains, so power should feel steady from the first minute to the last. The trade-off is the cord, which must be kept clear of the cutting path. Keep the cord behind you as you work and unplug the tool before clearing a jam or changing line.
It suits a small yard where an outdoor outlet or an extension cord reaches every corner, and where nobody wants to manage batteries. Think of a compact rear garden with raised beds and a short lawn.
- Pro: No battery to charge if it is mains powered.
- Pro: The 14-inch cut width is the third widest here, behind the 16-inch and 15-inch cordless models.
- Con: Cord management limits range and adds a trip hazard.
- Con: Not suited to large or detached areas.
Check the listing for cord length requirements, the recommended extension cord gauge and the weight. Question to ask: how far is your farthest edge from a safe outdoor outlet?
WORX WG163 20V 12 in trimmer and edger
The title lists a 20V 12-inch 2-in-1 cordless trimmer and electric edger with Command Feed, two 2.0 Ah batteries, a charger and PowerShare compatibility. Two batteries in the box is the headline value, because it lets you swap packs mid-job.
The Command Feed name suggests a line-advance mechanism, but the title does not explain how it works, so read the manual or product page before assuming it feeds automatically. A pair of 2.0 Ah packs gives flexibility, though the combined runtime still depends on how thick the growth is and how hard you push the head.
It suits a household that already owns, or plans to own, other PowerShare tools. Imagine alternating between trimming a front yard and a side strip, with one pack charging while the other works.
- Pro: Two batteries are named in the title.
- Pro: PowerShare indicates a shared battery platform.
- Con: 2.0 Ah packs at 20V are modest for long sessions.
- Con: Mid-range tier without a brushless claim.
Check the listing for which PowerShare tools are compatible, charger type and weight. Question to ask: will you use the second battery in other tools, or only here?
Greenworks 60V 16 in cordless string trimmer
This listing stands out on paper: 60V, a brushless motor, a 16-inch cut, a 4.0 Ah battery, a Load N’ Go head, 0.095 inch dual line and a shoulder strap. The title also says attachment capable, which points to optional add-on heads sold separately.
Brushless and 60V together point to the heavy end of cordless homeowner tools, which is useful if gas has been your usual choice. The title does not state whether a charger ships with the kit, so verify that, because a battery without a charger is an unpleasant surprise on delivery day.
It suits larger yards, overgrown borders and people who find a 12-inch head too slow. A good scenario is a half-acre property with fence lines, where a wider cut and thicker line shorten the work.
- Pro: Widest cut in the set and a heavier line than the 20V options.
- Pro: Shoulder strap is listed.
- Con: Higher voltage platforms are usually heavier.
- Con: Attachments are separate purchases.
Check the listing for weight, charger included or not, and which attachments are compatible. Question to ask: do you want to build on the 60V platform later?
HEYWORK 20V 12 in cordless trimmer and edger
The title names a 20V 12-inch trimmer and edger with two 4AH batteries and an auto feed head, plus eight spools. Large capacity claims at this voltage and the budget tier deserve a closer look, as does the rather loose wording throughout the title.
The title is crowded with keywords and uses mixed capitalization, which makes it harder to trust than a tidy manufacturer listing. That is not proof of a problem, but it is a reason to read the product page, the included parts list and the return policy before you rely on it for a whole season.
It suits a small lawn and light edging, or a first purchase for someone who wants to try cordless without spending much. Think of a weekend chore on a small, flat lot.
- Pro: Two batteries and eight spools are claimed.
- Pro: Budget tier.
- Con: Unfamiliar brand, so support and parts availability need checking.
- Con: Battery capacity claims are the seller’s own.
Check the listing for warranty terms, replacement spool compatibility and charger details. Question to ask: who do you contact if a battery fails after the return window?
EGO POWER+ ST1502SA 15-inch cordless trimmer
The title is short: a 15-inch cordless weed trimmer with battery and charger, model ST1502SA. It does not state battery capacity, line diameter or feed type, so those are all things to check on the listing rather than assume.
Because the title is so brief, this is the listing where a careful read of the product page matters most. A model number is useful: you can search it directly to find the manual, the parts diagram and the replacement line spec. Those documents answer the questions the title leaves open.
It suits buyers who want a wide cutting path without moving to gas, and who would like to start a battery platform. Picture a larger suburban lot with long runs along a fence.
- Pro: The 15-inch width is second only to the Greenworks 16-inch.
- Pro: Battery and charger are included.
- Con: Highest tier of price in the group.
- Con: Title gives little detail.
Check the listing for battery size, feed type, weight and warranty. Question to ask: does the battery work with other tools you plan to buy?
Greenworks 60V 13 in trimmer and 540 CFM blower combo
This combo pairs a 13-inch trimmer with a 540 CFM turbo blower on the 60V platform, with a 4.0 Ah battery and 0.080 inch dual bump feed line. The title describes it as lightweight for medium and large yards.
Dual bump feed line means you tap the head on the ground to release more line, which some people like for control and others find fiddly. At 0.080 inch the line is a mid-weight choice, so expect it to suit grass and light weeds rather than woody stems.
It suits owners of medium to large properties who want one battery for trimming and clearing. A typical day might be trimming the perimeter, then blowing grass off the driveway and patio.
- Pro: Larger 4.0 Ah battery than the 40V combo.
- Pro: Stronger blower rating than the 40V combo.
- Con: Thinner line than the 60V 16-inch listing.
- Con: Premium tier of price.
Check the listing for whether the trimmer is brushless, the weight and the battery count. Question to ask: would a dedicated trimmer with a wider cut suit you better?
CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCST901M1 trimmer and edger kit
The title describes a 13-inch cordless trimmer and lawn edger kit with a 4Ah battery, charger and a claimed runtime of up to 63 minutes. The runtime figure is a seller claim and depends on conditions the title does not describe.
The model number CMCST901M1 helps you find the manual and spare parts. Because the 63-minute figure is a maximum, do the arithmetic with a safety margin: if your yard needs thirty minutes of steady cutting, a pack advertised at sixty-three should leave room, while forty-five minutes of dense work might not.
It suits people already invested in the V20 platform or who want a mid-sized battery at a moderate tier. Imagine a regular weekly trim of a medium lawn.
- Pro: 4Ah battery is named.
- Pro: A runtime claim is given for planning.
- Con: Runtime likely refers to a low speed or light load.
- Con: 20V class power.
Check the listing for the conditions behind the runtime claim and the charge time. Question to ask: how much of your trimming is dense growth that drains a battery faster?
Greenworks 40V 12 in cordless trimmer
This is a straightforward 12-inch dual-line trimmer with a 2.0 Ah battery, charger, auto feed and variable speed. It overlaps with the 40V combo above, so check whether you actually want the blower.
Dual-line heads cut a wider swath per revolution than single-line heads, which can speed up open grass. Variable speed is also helpful for quieter operation near windows or patios. Because the platform matches the combo above, a blower or hedge trimmer can be added later without another battery system.
It suits everyday suburban trimming where you want a simple tool with speed control. A variable speed trigger helps when you move from light edging to thicker patches.
- Pro: Variable speed is listed.
- Pro: Simpler and cheaper than the combo.
- Con: 2.0 Ah battery limits long jobs.
- Con: Similar to other 40V 12-inch listings.
Check the listing for battery count and line size. Question to ask: is a second battery available if you outgrow the first?
Buying guide: what to consider when choosing a string trimmer
Power source and voltage
Start with how you want to power the tool. Mains-powered electric models need no battery but need a cord; cordless models trade that for freedom and running costs. In this set, 20V platforms target light work, 40V sits in the middle and 60V is pitched at larger yards. Voltage alone does not decide performance, but it is a useful first sort.
Cut width and line size
Cut width ranges from 12 to 16 inches here. A wider path covers ground faster but can feel heavier and be harder to place near flower beds. Line diameter matters too: thicker line cuts tougher growth, thinner line is quieter and gentler on delicate plants.
Battery capacity and runtime
Amp-hours indicate how much energy a battery stores, so 4.0 Ah holds roughly twice what a 2.0 Ah pack holds at the same voltage. Runtime claims in titles are usually best-case. If your yard needs 40 minutes of trimming, a pack advertised at 63 minutes on a light setting may not last.
Feed system, weight and safety
Auto feed and bump feed save time but behave differently, so read how each works. Weight and balance matter if you trim for an hour, and a shoulder strap helps. Wear eye protection, sturdy shoes and long pants, keep bystanders back, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local rules about noise and battery disposal.
Trimmer, weed eater and edger: what is the difference?
Trimmer, weed eater and weed wacker are interchangeable in daily speech. An edger is a different job: it cuts a vertical line along a sidewalk or bed so the lawn stays crisp. Several listings here are 2-in-1 models that rotate the head to do both, which saves money but means the edging mode is usually a compromise compared with a dedicated edger.
Maintenance and storage
Brush grass from the head and guard after each session, keep spare line on hand and store batteries indoors away from extreme heat or freezing temperatures, as the manuals generally advise. Remove the battery before cleaning or changing line. Following the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storage also helps protect the pack over many seasons.
Worked example with stated assumptions
Assume a yard with 300 feet of fence and edge, trimmed at a walking pace of about 10 feet per minute, giving roughly 30 minutes of cutting. Assume a 2.0 Ah pack delivers about 25 minutes under that load, and a 4.0 Ah pack about 50 minutes. These are labeled estimates, not measurements. Under those assumptions the 2.0 Ah models need a recharge or second battery, while the 4.0 Ah models finish in one session.
| Spec concept | What to look for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 20V to 60V by yard size | Sets platform and power class |
| Amp-hours | 4.0 Ah for bigger jobs | Drives runtime |
| Line diameter | Thicker for tough growth | Cutting capability |
| Feed type | Auto or bump | Convenience when re-lining |
As a related option, our guide to DeWalt 20V string trimmers covers another battery platform.
Mistakes buyers make
The first mistake is choosing on voltage alone. A high-voltage label does not fix a small battery or a thin line. The second is ignoring battery count, because a trimmer with one 2.0 Ah pack can feel limiting on a larger lot.
A third is buying a combo you will not use. If you already own a blower, the extra cost buys nothing. A fourth is trusting runtime claims, which describe ideal conditions. Finally, many people skip eye protection and closed shoes, and the head can throw stones and debris further than you expect.
One more error is forgetting the shaft length and balance. A tool that suits a tall adult may feel awkward to a shorter user, and a front-heavy head tires the wrist. Hold a similar tool in a store if you can, or check the return policy before ordering online.
Verdict by use case
For small lawns on a tight budget, the BLACK+DECKER LST300 and the HEYWORK 20V are the lower-cost starting points, with the BESTA510 if a cord suits you. For a balanced everyday pick, the Greenworks 40V 12 in trimmer and the CRAFTSMAN V20 kit sit in the middle. For bigger yards, the Greenworks 60V 16 in and the EGO 15-inch are the wider-cut options, and the two Greenworks combos make sense only if you want the blower too.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a string trimmer, a weed eater and a weed wacker?
In everyday American use the three names describe the same tool: a powered shaft with a spinning head that swings nylon line to cut grass and weeds. Weed Eater and Weed Wacker began as brand names and became common nouns. A lawn edger is different, because it turns the head vertical to cut a clean border along a walk or bed, although many 2-in-1 models switch between both jobs.
Is a cordless string trimmer powerful enough for a typical yard?
For small and medium suburban lots, a cordless trimmer with a reasonable battery usually handles ordinary grass and light weeds. Thick brush, saplings and very large properties are where gas or higher-voltage platforms make more sense. Match battery capacity to the area you trim, keep a spare battery if the job is long, and read the manufacturer’s runtime notes as best-case figures.
Does a higher voltage platform always cut better?
Not automatically. Voltage is only one part of the picture, alongside motor type, line diameter, head speed and battery capacity. A 60V listing with a brushless motor and thicker line is aimed at tougher work than a 20V model, but a well-matched 20V tool can be perfectly adequate for edges and light weeds. Compare the whole spec set and your own yard.
How do I stop a trimmer from wasting line?
Wind the line evenly and in the direction shown on the head, avoid forcing the spinning line into fences and stone, and trim with the tip rather than pushing the whole head into tall growth. Auto-feed and bump-feed heads release line differently, so follow the manual. Keeping the line dry and not overfilling the spool also reduces tangles and jams.
What safety gear should I wear when using a string trimmer?
Wear impact-rated eye protection, long pants, closed sturdy shoes and gloves, and consider hearing protection even on quieter electric models. Clear the area of stones, toys and pets before you start, because the head can throw debris. Remove the battery or unplug the tool before changing line, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions and local rules.
Can I use one battery across different tools?
Often yes within the same brand and voltage family, which is why platform choice matters. A 40V Greenworks pack, for example, is described as part of that brand’s system, but you should confirm compatibility on the listing before assuming. Mixing voltages is not possible, so decide on a platform before buying extra tools.
