The string trimmer is where battery power beat gas first: instant start, no mixing fuel, half the noise, and more than enough torque for grass and weeds. The remaining differences between models come down to line feeding, runtime, and how the trimmer balances in your hands.
Line management matters more than any spec sheet admits — rewinding a spool by hand is the chore that makes people hate their trimmer. We evaluated cutting power, runtime, line feed systems, weight, and edging capability to find the best.
What to Look For
- Cutting swath: 15-inch swaths clear large yards fast; 12-13 inch heads are lighter and more precise around beds and fences.
- Line feeding: Bump feed is reliable; push-button command feed is easier; EGO's PowerLoad — thread the line, press a button, done — has effectively solved the worst chore in yard work.
- Battery platform: Buy into the platform, not just the tool. A trimmer that shares batteries with your mower and blower halves the cost of every future tool.
- Edging: Heads that rotate 90 degrees with a guide wheel turn the trimmer into a real edger. If you have sidewalks, do not buy without it.
- Weight and balance: Trimmers run 5-12 pounds with battery. Telescoping or split shafts let you set the length for your height — your lower back will notice.
Our Top Picks
EGO Power+ ST1511T PowerLoad
PowerLoad rewinds line at the press of a button, the carbon-steel 15-inch head powers through heavy weeds, and the 56V 2.5Ah battery runs about 45 minutes. The trimmer that fixed string trimming.
Greenworks 40V 13" 2-in-1
A one-button switch between trimming and edging, 90-degree rotating head, telescoping shaft, and the same 40V batteries as Greenworks mowers. The right pick if you are already on the platform.
Worx GT 3.0 WG163
Converts from trimmer to wheeled edger in seconds with push-button command feed and free replacement spools for life. Light at 5.3 pounds, with two 20V batteries included.
BLACK+DECKER LSTE525
EasyFeed line advance, a 2-speed power/runtime switch, wheeled edging, and two 20V batteries for under $100. Everything a small yard needs from the biggest name in budget yard tools.
Bottom line: The EGO ST1511T is the best string trimmer you can buy — PowerLoad alone is worth the price. On smaller yards, the Worx GT 3.0 and BLACK+DECKER LSTE525 both cover trimming and edging for half the money.
