Field-tested guides

Best Cordless String Trimmers 2026: 9 Models Tested

Updated September 2026 · 10 min read

The string trimmer is the tool you reach for most after the mower — and the one where cordless finally beats gas for most homeowners. Same torque, no pull cord, no mixing fuel, no ear protection. The catch: line-feed mechanisms and battery ecosystems vary wildly. Here's what actually matters in 2026.

TL;DR — Quick Picks:

• Best Overall: EGO POWER+ Multi-Head System — 16" cut, carbon-fiber shaft, power head takes 8 attachments. check price
• Best Value: Greenworks 40V 13" — about $134–$144 with 2Ah battery; the cheapest trimmer that doesn't feel like a toy. check price
• Most Powerful: Ryobi 40V HP Brushless — 18" swath, brushless, handles heavy growth. check price
• Best Pro-Light: Makita 18V LXT X2 — runs two 18V packs, balance is superb for long sessions.

Quick Comparison

Why Line Feed Is the Real Differentiator

Bump-feed heads jam in tall grass — that's the #1 trimmer complaint across every brand. EGO's POWER LOAD head winds automatically from a spool ($12 refills); Ryobi's auto-feed works but wastes line; Greenworks' single-line bump head is reliable and cheap to run. If you've ever spent 10 minutes disassembling a trimmer head in the middle of a job, this spec matters more than motor watts.

The Battery Platform Trap

Match your trimmer to your mower's platform — batteries cost more than trimmers. EGO/Greenworks/Ryobi all sell bare tools ($99–149) if you already own packs. Cross-shopping brands without checking your battery drawer is how people end up with four incompatible chargers.

Verdict

EGO POWER+ ST1620 is the trimmer to buy if you're starting a cordless ecosystem from scratch. Greenworks 40V if you want capability under about $145–$155. Ryobi 40V HP if brute power for overgrown edges is your use case.