8 Best Battery Powered String Trimmers [2024 Reviews & Buyers Guide] (2024)

Are you tired of dealing with messy cords and heavy equipment when it comes to lawn care?

Our expert team has years of experience in the lawn care industry, and we’ve put together a comprehensive list of the best cordless weed eaters for hassle-free lawn care. From trimming around trees to edging along sidewalks, these cordless weed eaters will make your lawn maintenance a breeze.

Say goodbye to the hassle of cords and hello to a perfectly manicured lawn with our top picks!

Top Cordless Weed Whackers for Hassle-Free Lawn Care

Reviews of Cordless String Trimmers for Easy Lawn Maintenance

1) DEWALT DCST970X1 60V Brushless String Trimmer

Likes:

• Brushless motor provides great power and smooth operation with variable speed trigger
• Lightweight (12 pounds) and features an ergonomic design that minimizes arm stress and maximizes control
• 60V FlexVolt Battery is long-lasting

Dislikes:

• A larger defector would offer better protection
• String that comes standard could be thicker

The DEWALT DCST970X1 features a 60 Volt 3.0AH battery, a bump feed, 2 lines, 2 speeds, and has a 3-year limited warranty.

The electric motor is plenty powerful and offers a long run time. In only very rare cases do I run out of battery. It almost always lasts me long enough to edge my entire property – 12,000 square feet.

I love the fact that the batteries are backwards compatible. Meaning you can the 60V battery in your other DEWALT 20V and 120V tools. Great idea!

It was hard to find a downfall for this tool. The only thing I could come up with is the deflector guard is too small. You will get covered in debris as you weed whack, so it’s very important to wear safety goggles.

I own this model and use it almost every time I cut my grass. It’s a great tool!

2) Makita XRU09PT Lithium Ion Trimmer

Likes:

• Powerful, commercial like build quality
• 2 lines for added cutting power with bump feed
• Up to 60 minute run time

Dislikes:

• Expensive – compared to competitors
• Shaft on the shorter side – not ideal for tall people

The Makita XRU09PT is about as close to a commercial grade weed whacker as you are going to get with a battery powered model. It is extremely well built with just the right amount of functions to limit repairs.

It’s 2 battery system is great and provides plenty of power and long run time. It also charges fairly quickly – which is a nice bonus compared to competitors.

The bump head works well and the line provided is strong enough for most homeowners and some professionals.

It is on the expensive side which may steer some people away from it, but if you are looking for a durable trimmer, you should strongly consider this one.

3) EGO ST1502SF Battery Powered String Trimmer

Likes:

• Great for taller people with a 49″ shaft
• Wide, 15″ cutting swath
• 56 Volt motor runs with 5 year warranty

Dislikes:

• Brand needs better customer service
• Difficult to reload string in some instances

EGO has been making quality cordless products for a long time now. They were some of the first to start to use high voltage batteries. The ST1502SF is another excellent product.

I am tall (6’4″), so I can really appreciate the longer shaft at 49″. It is much easier on my back when I’m using this tool for extended periods of time.

The 56 Volt battery in combination with the 15″ swath and brushless motor are close to as powerful as gas models. It’s plenty for most homeowners.

I have heard (but not experienced personally) that EGO needs to improve response time from their customer service team. They offer a great warranty (5 years), which lets you know they stand behind their products.

4) Milwaukee M18 2725-21HD Cordless String Trimmer

Likes:

• Reaches full power in under 1 second
• Pro bump head accepts 0.080″ & 0.095″ line
• Battery works across all M18 power tools

Dislikes:

• Would prefer more powerful battery
• A few customers have complained about quality issues

If you know tools, you know Milwaukee. The company has a long history of making high quality power tools. The 2725 M18 is no exception.

It gets to full power so fast, it’s almost too fast. You need to be ready to use it as soon as you pull the trigger because it will be roaring to go.

I do wish they would have put a more powerful battery in this unit. The 18 volt battery is a bit under powered compared to its competitors. Although it is the perfect match if you have other M18 tools.

It has a rock solid head, shaft and motor, but it is a little expensive for a 18 Volt trimmer in my opinion.

5) Worx WG163 GT 3.0 Battery Powered Trimmer & Edger

Likes:

• 2-in-1 wheels for edging & trimming
• Quick telescopic height adjustments and a 90-degree tilting head
• Automatic 100% single-line feed. No bumps ever!

Dislikes:

• Not for heavy use – lacks power
• Short battery life

The Worx WG163 is perfect for light use around small yards and gardens. It is simple to use, lightweight and very versatile. It’s priced right, that you could really own this as a secondary trimmer to a more heavy duty model for larger jobs.

I love how easy it is to switch between trimming & edging. Worx has the 2 in 1 tool system down to a science.

Don’t expect the WG163 to provide the same cutting power as a gas weed whacker or a more powerful cordless model. It’s not made or priced to compete with those models, but it does do an excellent job for a lightweight, everyday trimmer.

6) Husqvarna 220iL Cordless Weed Eater

Likes:

• Priced very competitively, below average in most cases
• Telescopic shaft makes it easy to adjust the length
• Power save mode helps to increase run time

Dislikes:

• Hard to get replacement parts if something goes wrong
• Head has too much plastic

I am a big fan of Husqvarna products. They provide good value for your money plus I love the orange color.

The 220iL should probably be higher up on my list, but Husqvarna is still fairly new at making battery operated products. They have an excellent history with gas powered tools, so I am sure their cordless products will excel as well. This one is just too new for me to rank it higher.

The Husqvarna 220iL is powered by a brushless motor and has a 40v battery. If has a good power to run time ratio. I really like the telescoping shafts easy adjustability.

I do feel like Husqvarna should offer a longer consumer warranty (it’s on 2 years). I am also not a fan of the plastic head – it just seems prone to breaking after heavy use.

7) Greenworks Pro ST80L210 80V Cordless String Trimmer

Likes:

• Very powerful and reliable motor
• Provides 60 minutes of runtime
• 16″ cutting swath cuts quickly

Dislikes:

• It’s a bit on the heavy side
• The shield is too small

I’m a big fan of Greenworks products and the ST80L210’s wide, 16″ cutting swath, dual line and 80V battery lives up to expectations.

The weed whacker will make quick work of most homeowners trimming needs. It is powerful and well built from a company that has been making cordless tools for a long time.

The steel shaft splits so storage is simple. It also has a front motor mount which helps with balance and fatigue.

There is also a big brother to this tool that has an attachment shaft for things like a brush cutter or an edger.

I have read that some people find this trimmer to be too heavy and not good for extended use. There have also been complaints that the guard is too small as well and doesn’t protect from flying debris very well.

8) Toro PowerPlex 51482 Battery Powered Weed Whacker

Likes:

• Toro brand quality
• Decent run time – up to 40 minutes
• Foldable for simple storage

Dislikes:

• Feels underpowered
• Plastic feels flimsy and cheap to me

Toro has been making high quality lawn products for a long time. They are one of the most popular commercial lines used to maintain golf courses – so they know how to make great equipment!

The PowerPlex 51482 is another high quality product. It is lightweight, has a solid engine and my favorite part is it is foldable.

I don’t about you, but I am always looking for a better way to store my lawn care tools and having a foldable shaft is awesome!

I am a bit disappointed in the power and quality of the materials. The plastic housings feel cheap to me compared to similar priced products. I am not sure how long it will last with weekly (or more) use.

How to Use a Cordless String Trimmer

The first thing to remember about using a battery powered weed eater is spin direction. Get this wrong and you will risk damage to nearby homes, cars, etc. Trust me, I’ve done it 🙂

If your trimmer spins clockwise, it throws out material from the right side of the machine and cuts the best with the left side. If you’re walking along a low fence, curb, or walkway, the left side of your body should be kept closer to the work, so the tool head will be able to both cut and eject toward the right.

Naturally, if you have a trimmer that spins counter clockwise, it will discharge materials from the left-hand side and will cut best with its right side.

There are several different cutting techniques to remember – scything, screeding, edging, and tapering.

Keep in mind one important fact – the cutting power is located at the end of the string – meaning you don’t want to cut with the center of the head, but more on the ends of the string.

Scything is used when you’re working up against something that you either can’t walk easily along or whenever you’re working in some tall grass.

Bring your trimmer out of and into the work using a slight shallow U motion. Overlap this scythe motion to even out the cut.

Screeding is used for weeds and grass that are growing in paths, driveways, and sidewalk cracks. Tip your cordless string trimmer so that its string-tips are lightly bouncing off the pavement; next, cut flush into the hard surface of the weed’s base.

Remember that if your cutting angle is too shallow, you won’t be cutting effectively. If your cutting angle is too sharp, the string won’t be able to cut the plant base evenly.

For edging, turn your battery powered weed eater so that the string is vertical, and walk the tool directly into the just cut path. The tool will pull up debris, rocks, and dirt doing this, but this is expected, so make sure you wear protective gear. Then, on a weekly basis, slowly ‘sneak up’ on the exact edge that you want, and it will be easy to maintain after that.

Tapering, or holding the tool, so it hits the grass at a very slight angle, is preferred when you’re working along a fence, retaining wall, curb, or tree.

You will be cutting less grass with the tapering method, and leaving a tight edge which will blend into the height of the grass you’ve just mowed for a nice, clean look.

How to Determine the Best Cordless Trimmer to Buy

There are many considerations when deciding on which is the best cordless weed trimmer for you:

• Make sure you find one with the appropriate battery size. You don’t want to overpay for more than you will use, but you also don’t want to have the battery die during use.
• Consider the weight of the trimmer since you’re the one who’s going to be carrying it around. Look for a lighter weight model that offers excellent maneuverability.
• Look for a trimmer that has a decent-sized safety guard to protect you against flying debris (of course you should always wear goggles when whacking to protect your eyes against flying grass and rocks).
• Look for a weed whacker that has a trigger lock to prevent it accidentally running when not in use. The switch should be easy to reach.
• Decide whether or not you want to have an automatic feed system or a bump feed system. Either one works well, so it’s just a matter of your personal preference. More expensive trimmers will usually feature a spool that you’ll be able to load quickly with new lines.
• Look for durable construction (but remember that even the costliest models use a few plastic details to reduce their weight).
• Find one that is well balanced. You are going to be using your trimmer a lot, so you want to make sure that it is comfortable to hold and move around.

How Much Should I Expect to Pay?

The top rated cordless models can cost more than gas models.

Of course, with a cordless trimmer you won’t have any of the expenses of oil or gas costs or engine maintenance, so your initial cost is most often offset by a gas trimmer’s ongoing expenses.

A good cordless trimmer will cost anywhere from about $150 to $350. You definitely get what you pay for when it comes to batteries and electric motors, so make sure you pick something appropriate for your yard size.

If you pick a model with a fairly short run time, you will want to factor in the cost of buying another battery as well.

Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Models

What is the difference between cheap battery powered weed eaters and more expensive models? There are a number of points to consider:

• Cheap weed eaters won’t be made nearly as sturdy as more expensive models. They will have more plastic parts and cheaper build qualities.
• More expensive models will be more powerful, last longer, and will usually come with a longer warranty.
• If you have a small yard and minimal landscaping tasks, a cheap weed eater might be everything you need. If you do extensive landscaping work, edging, trimming and mowing, you will want to purchase a more expensive model.
• Cheap weed whackers typically come with weaker line – meaning you will have to replace the line more often.
• More expensive models of weed eaters will have their weight evenly distributed. Their controls will be easy to reach and will work smoothly. Cheaper models may have a design flaw that allows weeds and tall grasses to wrap themselves around the cutting head which can be frustrating.

Do I Need a Gas Trimmer Instead?

If you have a large yard and need 16-18“of cutting swath, don’t mind the louder noise, heavier weight, and the necessity of keeping both oil and gas on hand, then a gas-powered model might be the right choice to make.

In general, if you have a larger yard, or need to do heavy duty work, then a gas-powered model may work better for you. Although the power in battery powered trimmers has come a long way in recent years with the introduction of brushless motors and lithium ion batteries.

Most landscape professionals still rely on gas powered models because it’s more feasible to carry extra gas vs trying to find a place to charge batteries.

Or if you need to get through some really heavy brush, I’d even consider buying a push or walk behind trimmer. They will knock down very thick grass and brush much faster than a handheld model.

Is RPM Important?

A general rule, the higher the battery voltage, the more RPMs that device can achieve. The higher revolutions per minute that your weed whacker produces will give you increased cutting power. An 80V battery, for instance, will produce an equal amount of power as a 32cc gas engine.

How Much Power Do I Need?

The cordless trimmers being reviewed here today all use a lithium ion battery, which are the most popular kind of rechargeable batteries on the market today.

These batteries are a lightweight alternative to heavier Ni-cad batteries, and the newest ones are so much improved that they’ll give a tank of gas a run for its money.

Lithium ion batteries come in several different voltages – from 18 volts all the way up to 82 volts.

For instance, a 40V MAX lithium 4.0Ah battery will provide you with 120 watt-hours of energy. A 20V battery is sufficient for most trimming requirements of a small to medium-sized yard (approximately 20 to 30 minutes of actual cutting).

An 80V battery will provide about 45 minutes of run time, which is good for larger yards.

How to Maintain Your Weed Eater

All string trimmers will have to have the trimmer line replaced at some point.

The way to replace the line will depend on whether the trimmer is a single-line model or a dual-line model, and if you wind the line(s) yourself, use a spool that is pre-wound, or use pre-cut pieces of line.

In all cases follow the instructions from the manufacturer carefully and use the trimmer line that is specified.

While you are replacing the line, make sure to clean the area circling the trimmer head and the cutting shield. Inspect the machine for wear and tear. Make sure only to use approved replacement parts.

Before storage, allow your trimmer to cool, brush off any debris or clippings, and apply any necessary lubrication. All metal surfaces can be sprayed with a light oil to prevent rust. Store it in a dry, well-ventilated area, out of children’s reach.

In general though, battery powered lawn tools require very little maintenance. Just a general cleaning after each use is mainly it.

Conclusion

After looking at hundreds of cordless weed eaters, I can confidently say that my favorite is the DEWALT DCST970X1. I own it and use it all the time – it has yet to let me down. In my opinion, it’s the best battery powered string trimmer on the market.

It may not be the right choice for you, so please read through my buyers guide carefully to help choose one that fits your needs.