Best Inexpensive Corded Weed Trimmer With Easy Spool Replacement
Battery-powered string trimmers are quieter and lower-maintenance than their gas counterparts, but which one is best for you and your yard?
String trimmers, also known as weed wackers or weed eaters, let you cut grass in tight spaces your mower can't reach. With a good cordless string trimmer, you can make your scraggly lawn look professionally manicured — without the noise and fumes of a gas trimmer or being tethered to a power outlet.
But how can you choose the best string trimmer for your lawn? Lawn Love compared the latest models of battery-powered string trimmers to bring you our picks for the top 10 on the market. To come up with our top 10 list, we compared battery power and longevity, weight, cutting width, special features, and price of cordless string trimmers.
Because prices fluctuate with sales and availability, we've provided a general idea of price.
- "Inexpensive" – Under $100
- "Moderate" – $100-$200
- "Expensive" – $200 and above
We also have listed multiple buying options, when available, to make it easy to compare prices.
Top 10 Battery-Powered String Trimmers — Reviews
| Best Overall and Category Champs |
| 1. Best Overall: EGO Power+ ST1502 |
| 2. Best Performance: Makita XRU15 |
| 3. Best Budget Pick: Black+Decker 20V MAX |
| Runners-Up Best Battery-Powered String Trimmers |
| 4. Black+Decker 40V MAX |
| 5. Worx WG163 GT |
| 6. Greenworks 40V 14 Inch Brushless String Trimmer |
| 7. Craftsman V20 String Trimmer |
| 8. Greenworks Pro 80V String Trimmer + Blower |
| 9. DeWalt 20V MAX String Trimmer |
| 10: Lightweight Pick: Earthwise 10" Cordless String Trimmer |
1. Best Overall: EGO Power+ ST1502
This EGO Power+ string trimmer takes our top spot because it includes all the features of a professional machine at a reasonable price point.
Here's what we liked most:
- The 15-inch cutting swath will save you time, energy, and string.
- The EGO "Rapid Reload" system is easy to use and loads new cutting line in seconds
- Heavy-duty .095" line will make short work of any brush or weeds, and last longer when encountering solid objects.
- A variable-speed trigger allows you to regulate your power usage by applying more or less pressure.
- The 56V ARC lithium battery can last up to 2 hours on a single charge, and can easily be swapped into another EGO machine (Including our top pick for best self-propelled electric mower). EGO smart batteries charge in just 50 minutes, one of the fastest-charging batteries on the market.
Bonus points: EGO Power+ is an international brand that has been developing its battery-powered tech since 1993. Its 56V ARC lithium battery is one of the most advanced power systems on the market and can be used to power any EGO product.
Downsides: The ST1502 isn't the lightest option on the market. The 56-volt battery and heavy-duty mower make this cordless string trimmer bulky. To mitigate this, EGO Power+ makes a shoulder strap available that fits on all their handheld lawn tools.
If price isn't an issue, EGO's ST1521S is a substantial upgrade for a few extra bucks. This cordless string trimmer has a carbon-fiber shaft to reduce weight and a "Powerload" system that automatically winds new string.
Specifications
Power Source: 56V ARC lithium battery
Cutting Width: 15 inches
Variable Speed: Yes
Weight: 13 lbs
Price Range: Moderate
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Powerful and heavy-duty ✓ Long-lasting ✓ Easy load | ✗ Heavy ✗ Wheeled edger attachment sold separately |
Where to Buy
2. Best Performance: Makita XRU15
The Makita XRU15 is a commercial-grade string trimmer, designed to handle tough weeds with ease. Makita's battery system is unique, chaining together multiple 18V batteries at the same time to produce high engine performance with great longevity.
With 3-speed variability, this cordless string trimmer puts you in complete control. It also has an automatic mode that takes over engine speed to save power when possible.
This Makita machine boasts over a mile of continuous trimming: up to 40 minutes on the high power setting. It comes with 4 batteries and a 2-battery rapid charger for almost nonstop cutting.
Bottom line: If you have a large yard or are passionate about lawn care, the Makita XRU15 string trimmer is worth the higher price.
Specifications
Power Source: 36V (2x18V) lithium-ion
Cutting Width: 15 inches
Variable Speed: 3-speed
Weight: 14 lbs
Price Range: Expensive
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Commercial-grade durable construction ✓ Powerful, reliable motor ✓ 4-battery system works with all Makita tools | ✗ Heavy ✗ Expensive ✗ No edging guide |
Where to Buy
3. Best Budget Pick: Black+Decker 20V MAX
A practical pick for lawn care on any budget, the Black+Decker 12-inch string trimmer is a lightweight weed-eating machine. Available for under $100 from most retailers, it gets the job done without straining your wallet.
This cordless string trimmer has an automatic feed system that removes the need for bumping, and two speeds to save power when cutting thinner brush. This model has a foldable wheel that helps keep edges uniform and reduce its already light weight.
With up to an hour of battery life on the low-power setting, this Black+Decker trimmer is a great choice for small- to medium-sized lawns.
Specifications
Power Source: 20V lithium-ion battery
Cutting Width: 12 inches
Variable Speed: 2-speed
Weight: 7 lbs
Price Range: Inexpensive
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Lightweight ✓ Affordable ✓ Built-in edging wheel ✓ Auto-feed spool | ✗ Less powerful ✗ High-speed setting drains battery fast |
Where to Buy
4. Black+Decker 40V MAX
Another solid choice from Black+Decker, this 40V string trimmer has a more robust power system than the previous entry. The battery delivers more engine power and has an LED indicator to let you know how much charge is left.
With a 13-inch cutting swatch, this machine is marginally more efficient than its 12-inch cutting-width cousin. This cordless string trimmer doesn't feature a wheel attachment but has a fold-down metal loop to keep your edging depth uniform. This 40V string trimmer also has the same auto-feed spool system as the 20V model.
Priced on the more affordable side, this tool delivers a lot of bang for your buck.
Specifications
Power Source: 40V lithium-ion battery
Cutting Width: 13 inches
Variable Speed: No
Weight: 8 lbs
Price Range: Moderate
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Lightweight ✓ Fold-down edging guide ✓ Charge indicator ✓ Auto-feed spool | ✗ One power setting ✗ Mediocre battery life |
Where to Buy
5. Worx WG163 GT
This Worx 20V string trimmer is a great choice for medium-sized lawns. The front handle and head are fully adjustable to give you maximum ergonomic control. This cordless string trimmer also has a push-button feed controller to eliminate bumping.
Bonus points: The WG163 GTs wide spacer guard helps eliminate string contact with plants and ornaments, and the 20V Powershare battery can work with all of Worx's 20V OR 40V tools.
Worx also has a 40V trimmer available with increased power and run time.
Specifications
Power Source: 20V "Powershare" battery
Cutting Width: 12 inches
Variable Speed: No
Weight: 7 lbs
Price Range: Moderate
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Lightweight ✓ Edging wheel attached ✓ Push-button string feeder | ✗ One power setting ✗ Limited run time |
Where to Buy
6. Greenworks 40V 14-Inch Brushless String Trimmer
With up to 45 minutes of running time, a variable-speed trigger, and a fixed edging guide, this Greenworks string trimmer has all the features you'll need. It has a cushioned grip for smooth handling and a 14-inch cutting swath for efficient trimming.
This cordless string trimmer comes equipped with a pretty flimsy 0.06-inch cutting line, but can easily be swapped out for standard 0.08-inch line for heavier duty jobs.
Bonus points: Greenworks is one of the leading manufacturers of affordable electric lawn care products, and it's easy to see why. Their 40V battery system is compatible with a huge range of tools (including our top pick for Best Electric Lawn Mower).
Greenworks batteries also feature a built-in USB port for charging mobile devices in the field.
Specifications
Power Source: 40V lithium max battery
Cutting Width: 14 inches
Variable Speed: Yes
Weight: 8.7 lbs
Price Range: Moderate
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Wide cutting swath ✓ Lightweight ✓ Good battery life | ✗ Weak cutting line |
Where to Buy
7. Craftsman V20 String Trimmer
This V20 string trimmer, from long-trusted brand Craftsman, is another great option. It has a 180-degree handle that makes edging easy in either direction and a decently-sized 13-inch cutting swath.
This string trimmer has a push-button feed to eliminate bumping and up to 30 minutes of battery life on the higher power setting. Craftsman batteries have been on the market long enough that many generic replacement/supplement options are available at low costs.
Bonus points: If you're already a Craftsman user, this string trimmer is fully compatible with Craftsman's "Versatrack" storage system.
Specifications
Power Source: 20V Max lithium battery
Cutting Width: 13 inches
Variable Speed: 2-speed
Weight: 7.5 lbs
Price Range: Moderate
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Easy edging handle/guide ✓ Generic battery options available ✓ 3-year warranty included | ✗ Low cutting power ✗ Line advance feature sometimes jams |
Where to Buy
8. Greenworks Pro 80V String Trimmer + Blower
Another entry from Greenworks, this cordless string trimmer is designed with heavy-duty use in mind. The 80V battery is hefty, but this trimmer provides the most torque of any option on this list. This trimmer comes as a package deal with an 80V blower for the same price as the trimmer and battery kit.
Aside from the free blower, this cordless string trimmer is a great choice for yards and wooded areas with thick growth.
The downside: This string trimmer is designed to plow through the toughest brush, but its battery's power sacrifices longevity, lasting for only 30 minutes at high speeds. The Greenworks 80V battery charges in just 30 minutes, so purchasing a second battery extends this tool to nearly infinite use.
Specifications
Power Source: 80V lithium-ion battery
Cutting Width: 16 inches
Variable Speed: Yes
Weight: 12 lbs
Price Range: Expensive
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Highest power ✓ Fast-charging battery | ✗ No edging guide ✗ Heavy ✗ Expensive ✗ Short battery life |
Where to Buy
9. DeWalt 20V MAX String Trimmer
This 20-volt DeWalt cordless string trimmer features a good-sized 14-inch cutting swath and variable-speed trigger to save power. It has a hinged shaft for compact storage.
The MAX is a mid-weight trimmer with decent battery life, running about 30 minutes on its highest power setting. This cordless string trimmer is notable for its portability and power output, which is higher than most 20V machines.
DeWalt is no newcomer to the cordless string trimmer party. DeWalt's battery-powered tools have been on the market for decades.
Specifications
Power Source: 20V battery
Cutting Width: 14 inches
Variable Speed: Yes
Weight: 10.5 lbs
Price Range: Moderate
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Good power output ✓ Folds for storage and portability ✓ Good battery life | ✗ No edging guide ✗ Lighter, cheaper, and more powerful options exist |
Where to Buy
10. Lightweight Pick: Earthwise 10" Cordless String Trimmer
The lightest cordless string trimmer on this list weighs in at a remarkable 4.6 pounds including the battery. Made of lightweight aluminum, this Earthwise string trimmer is a great choice for users who are unable to operate a heavier machine.
The 10-inch cutting swath makes it a poor choice for larger yards, but this cordless string trimmer is a great option for smaller urban lawns.
This Earthwise string trimmer provides decent power for its size, and the telescopic pole adjusts in length for user comfort.
Specifications
Power Source: 20V Battery
Cutting Width: 10 inches
Variable Speed: No
Weight: 4 lbs
Price Range: Inexpensive
| Pros | Cons |
| ✓ Lightweight ✓ Adjustable size | ✗ Small cutting swath ✗ No edging guide ✗ Short battery life |
Where to Buy
Buyers Guide: Battery-Powered String Trimmers
Battery-powered trimmers and edgers are not a new invention, but they've certainly improved over the last decade. Battery motors are now just as reliable as gas engines, without the maintenance, fuel costs, or emissions.
Often equipped with modern brushless motors, cordless string trimmers get the job done without generating environmentally harmful and unhealthy exhaust fumes.
If you're looking to ditch your gas string trimmer, this buyers' guide will go over the most important specifications to look for in a string trimmer and how we ranked our list. Our goal?
To help you choose the best battery-powered string trimmer for your yard.
What to Look for in a Battery-Powered String Trimmer
The most important specs to look for in a cordless string trimmer/edger are battery power and longevity, weight, cutting width, and cost. These are the factors we looked at to narrow our top picks for cordless string trimmers after looking at over two dozen trimmers from 15 manufacturers.
Many trimmers have additional features, like wheels for easy edging and adjustable shafts for storage and comfort that are hard to quantify.
While we used an algorithm to factor in the numerical values, features were taken into account at the discretion of the reviewer.
Let's take a closer look at the key specs of cordless string trimmers:
Batteries: Power and Longevity
It may not shock you to learn that the battery is one of the most important features of a battery-powered tool.
Batteries have two major measurements: the voltage (V) and the amp-hours (Ah) that help to define the amount of torque the motor produces. Higher voltage batteries tend to have higher power output, and higher amp-hour batteries tend to last longer, though this is not always the case.
We compared the projected running times and power outputs to customer reviews from four different sites to get a feel for the actual specs of each trimmer.
It is important to note that most manufacturers make their batteries compatible with a whole range of tools to promote brand loyalty. This marketing strategy absolutely works: Having spare batteries on hand that fit all your tools is massively convenient. If you already own a battery compatible with any trimmer on this list, it may be worth extra consideration.
Weight
Holding a heavy machine for 30 minutes to an hour can get tiring. Having a good idea of what you're capable of lifting and for how long will help you choose a cordless string trimmer that's right for you.
Although it's not our main metric in determining performance, we've clearly indicated which models are designed with reduced weight in mind.
Many of the technical specifications online mention only the weight of the tool itself or the weight of the whole kit (with extra battery and charger). We made sure to dive into these specifications to provide you with the practical weight of the running tool with the battery pack inserted.
Cutting Width
The wider your cutting swath, the more brush you can trim with each pass. This saves you time and provides a more efficient cut. Wider machines tend to weigh more, but the general rule for this spec is that wider is better.
If you have a smaller lawn or less wild growth, cutting width is probably less important.
Special features
Some machines feature edging wheels or guides that make uniform cutting easier. Other examples of special features:
- Easy storage: Some machines, like the Earthwise and DeWalt models, can be shortened for easy storage.
- Multipurpose functionality: Some trimmers have made loading string easier, and the Greenworks machine can even charge your phone while you use it.
These extra features are handy (some more than others) and should be considered when comparing two otherwise identical options.
Price
Of course, every other specification is weighed against cost. We want to provide you with a good idea of the value of an item, not just the price.
Batteries are the most expensive parts of cordless string trimmers: More power and longevity are going to add to the total price tag, but are worth the cost if you have a larger lawn or thicker brush.
FAQ About Battery-Powered String Trimmers
1. What is the best string trimmer to buy?
We love the EGO Power+ line of tools. With the most advanced battery system and a great lineup across the board, we recommend the ST1502 model. If you're looking for a less expensive option, check out the Black+Decker 20V Max.
Battery compatibility is everything when choosing tools. If you already own any power tools that use the same battery as a trimmer on this list, that trimmer is probably your best bet. Ryobi, Husqvarna, and Milwaukee all make excellent string trimmers if you're already using their batteries.
2. What is "bumping"?
"Bumping" is a simple mechanism that advances the line in a string trimmer. You simply bump the head of the machine on the ground to feed more line out. This has been a standard mechanism in string trimmers for years, but newer models have been using other methods.
Bumping too hard can damage your trimmer, and your trim won't stay a uniform height. The advantage of a bump feed is that it's simpler and more reliable than a button or auto-feed system. Jams are less likely to occur and easier to clear.
3. How much should I spend on a string trimmer?
There are great cordless string trimmers on this list available for under $100. They're durable and will last years. If you're willing to spend more, the majority of cordless string trimmers run between $120 and $200.
When to Call a Lawn Care Pro
If buying a string trimmer and edging your own lawn takes more time or effort than you're able to give, Lawn Love pros can give your yard a professional manicure at affordable prices. Call 800-706-4117 to see how a professional lawn care crew can show your yard some Lawn Love.
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Main Photo Credit: Shutterstock photo with text overlay
Stephen Kime
Stephen Kime is a freelance writer and professional actor based in Washington, D.C. When he isn't in rehearsal, Stephen enjoys running, hiking, and experimenting with new cocktail recipes.
Source: https://lawnlove.com/blog/best-battery-powered-string-trimmers/