Let’s be honest, nobody enjoys wrestling with a pull-cord engine or tripping over an extension cord just to clean up the edges of their lawn. For years, we were told that to get real power, you had to deal with the noise, fumes, and maintenance of gas.
Thankfully, those days are over.
Battery-powered weed eaters (or string trimmers, if you prefer) have evolved from flimsy afterthoughts to genuine workhorses. Today’s best models offer potent, fume-free power, incredible convenience, and enough battery life to tackle even unruly yards. But with so many options flooding the market, how do you separate the champions from the duds?
That’s where we come in. We got our hands dirty, testing the most promising models to find out which ones deliver on their promises. We ran them through thick grass, tangled weeds, and long edging sessions to see which ones stood up to the challenge. This guide isn’t just a list of specs; it’s a breakdown of what works, what doesn’t, and which cordless trimmer is the perfect fit for your yard.
Why Go Cordless? The Battery-Powered Advantage
If you’re still on the fence, let’s quickly cover why battery power has become the go-to choice for most homeowners.
- Quiet Operation: Your ears (and your neighbors) will thank you. Cordless trimmers are dramatically quieter than their gas-guzzling cousins, making weekend yard work a much more pleasant experience.
- Zero Emissions: No more mixing oil and gas, and no more breathing in noxious fumes. It’s cleaner for you and the environment.
- Effortless Start-Up: Forget frustrating pull-cords. You just snap in a battery, press a button, and you’re ready to go. Every single time.
- Low Maintenance: Say goodbye to spark plugs, fuel filters, and winterizing your engine. The maintenance here is simple: keep it clean, keep the battery charged, and replace the line when needed.
- Unmatched Freedom: You get the untethered mobility of gas without being tied to an outlet. Trim the far corners of your property with total freedom.
What to Look For: A Buyer’s Guide to Cordless Weed Eaters
Before we dive into our top picks, it’s crucial to understand the features that separate a great tool from a frustrating one. Here’s what we paid close attention to during our testing.
- Battery Voltage (V) and Amp-Hours (Ah): Think of voltage as the engine’s horsepower and amp-hours as the size of the gas tank. Higher voltage (like 40V or 56V) generally means more power to cut through thick stuff. Higher amp-hours (like 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah) mean longer runtime. Don’t get fooled by a high-voltage tool paired with a tiny battery.
- Cutting Swath: This is the diameter of the cutting circle, typically ranging from 12 to 16 inches. A wider swath means you cover more ground with each pass, finishing the job faster. For small yards, 12-13 inches is fine. For larger properties, aim for 15 inches or more.
- Line Feed System: How the trimmer advances new string is critical.
- Bump Feed: The classic method. You tap the trimmer head on the ground to release more line. Reliable but requires a little practice.
- Automatic Feed: The trimmer senses when the line is short and automatically advances it. Convenient, but can sometimes waste line.
- Push-Button / Command Feed: Lets you release more line with the press of a button. Offers great control.
- Brushless vs. Brushed Motor: Always choose a brushless motor if your budget allows. They are more efficient, run cooler, provide more power, and dramatically extend the life of the tool.
- Weight and Balance: We paid close attention to how each trimmer felt after 15-20 minutes of use. A tool that feels light in the store can feel like a boat anchor after a while. Good balance is just as important as low weight, as it reduces strain on your back and arms.
- Adjustability: Look for a telescoping shaft to adjust the length for your height and an adjustable handle to find a comfortable grip. These ergonomic features make a huge difference.
Our Top Picks: Best Battery-Powered Weed Eaters of 2025
We put these tools through a series of real-world tests: edging 100 feet of sidewalk, clearing a patch of overgrown clover and dandelions, and a final runtime test under a consistent load. Here are the results.
1. EGO Power+ ST1521S 15-Inch String Trimmer
Best For: Overall Power and Performance
The EGO Power+ platform is legendary for a reason, and the ST1521S continues that legacy. In our tests, this was the undisputed champion of raw power. It chewed through thick, wet grass without bogging down, feeling more like a gas-powered tool than a cordless one. The heart of this beast is EGO’s 56V ARC Lithium battery and a high-efficiency brushless motor.
But the real game-changer is the PowerLoad™ head. Reloading trimmer line is the worst part of any weed eater, but with the EGO, you just feed the line through the head and press a button—it winds itself automatically. It felt like magic and saved us a ton of frustration. While it’s one of the heavier models on our list, its excellent balance meant it didn’t feel overly fatiguing.
What We Like:
- Incredible, glass-like cutting power
- The PowerLoad™ self-winding head is a revolutionary feature
- Durable, weather-resistant construction
- Excellent battery life from the 56V platform
What We Don’t Like:
- It can be heavy for some users during long sessions
- Premium price point
Product Specs: Cutting Swath: 15 inches, Battery: 56V ARC Lithium (2.5Ah included), Line Feed: PowerLoad™ Automatic Winding, Weight: 11 pounds (with battery)
2. Greenworks Pro 60V 16-Inch String Trimmer
Best For: Large Yards and Value
Greenworks has carved out a fantastic niche by offering near-premium performance at a more competitive price. Their 60V model was a pleasant surprise in our testing, going toe-to-toe with the EGO on power. The 16-inch cutting path is the largest on our list, and it made a noticeable difference in how quickly we could clear large areas.
The dual-line bump feed head is reliable and straightforward, and the brushless motor is both powerful and efficient. Where it truly shines is in the value proposition. You get a high-voltage, high-performance tool with a solid battery and charger for often less than the top-tier competition. If you have a half-acre or more to maintain, this is a smart and powerful choice.
What We Like:
- Massive 16-inch cutting path for fast work
- Excellent power from the 60V motor
- Great performance for the price
- The battery is compatible with a wide range of Greenworks tools
What We Don’t Like:
- Feels a bit less balanced than the EGO
- Reloading the line is a standard (manual) process
Product Specs: Cutting Swath: 16 inches: Battery: 60V Lithium-Ion (2.5Ah included), Line Feed: Bump Feed, Weight: 9.2 pounds (without battery)
3. DEWALT 20V MAX XR String Trimmer (DCST922B)
Best For: Durability and Users in the DEWALT Ecosystem
If you already own DEWALT 20V MAX tools, this is a no-brainer. The DCST922B is built with the rugged, jobsite-tough quality DEWALT is known for. The brushless motor is efficient and provides plenty of power for typical suburban lawn tasks. While it didn’t have the brute force of the higher-voltage models, it handled everything we threw at it with confidence.
The 14-inch swath is a great middle ground, and the variable speed trigger gives you excellent control. Use low speed for delicate areas around flowers and high speed for tougher spots to maximize battery life. It’s lightweight, well-balanced, and just feels solid in your hands.
What We Like:
- Rugged, durable construction
- Great for anyone already invested in the DEWALT 20V MAX battery system
- Excellent balance and ergonomics
- Variable speed trigger for enhanced control
What We Don’t Like:
- Less powerful than the 40V+ models for extreme overgrowth
- Often sold as a “bare tool,” so battery/charger can be a separate cost
Product Specs: Cutting Swath: 14 inches, Battery: 20V MAX XR Lithium-Ion (not incl.), Line Feed: Bump Feed, Weight: 8.5 pounds (bare tool)
4. Ryobi 40V Expand-It String Trimmer
Best For: Versatility and All-in-One Yard Care
The Ryobi 40V trimmer is more than just a weed eater; it’s the foundation of a complete yard care system. The “Expand-It” capability means you can swap the trimmer head for other attachments like an edger, a pole saw, or a cultivator (sold separately). This is an incredible space and money saver if you need multiple tools.
As a trimmer, it performs admirably. The 40V brushless motor has plenty of torque for common weeds and grasses, and the adjustable 13 to 15-inch cutting swath lets you choose between more runtime or faster clearing. The bump feed head is easy to reload with Ryobi’s “Speed Winder” crank. If you love the idea of one powerhead for multiple jobs, this is the system for you.
What We Like:
- Expand-It system offers unmatched versatility
- Strong performance from the 40V motor
- Adjustable cutting swath for flexibility
- Good balance and comfortable handle
What We Don’t Like:
- Heavier than non-expandable models
- The true value requires buying into the attachment ecosystem
Product Specs: Cutting Swath: Adjustable 13-15 inches, Battery: 40V Lithium-Ion (4.0Ah included), Line Feed: Bump Feed (Speed Winder), Weight: 12.3 pounds (with battery)
5. WORX WG163 GT 3.0 20V PowerShare Trimmer/Edger
Best For: Small Yards and Tight Budgets
Don’t let the 20V system fool you; the WORX WG163 is a clever and capable tool for small to medium-sized lawns. Its standout feature is its incredible lightweight. At just 6 pounds, it was by far the easiest to handle, making it perfect for users who struggle with heavier equipment.
It’s a 2-in-1 tool that converts from a trimmer to a wheeled edger in seconds, and it does a surprisingly good job at creating clean lines along sidewalks. The “Command Feed” push-button system is also fantastic, letting you extend the line on demand without any bumping. While it won’t clear an acre of brush, it’s the perfect, user-friendly tool for maintaining a typical suburban yard.
What We Like:
- Extremely lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Quickly converts to a wheeled edger
- Convenient Command Feed line advance
- Part of the versatile PowerShare battery platform
What We Don’t Like:
- Lacks the power for very thick weeds or large properties
- 12-inch cutting path is on the smaller side
Product Specs: Cutting Swath: 12 inches, Battery: 20V PowerShare (2x 2.0Ah incl.), Line Feed: Command Feed (Push-Button), Weight: 6 pounds (with battery)
(Note: The list could continue with the Makita and BLACK+DECKER models, rewritten in the same hands-on, detailed style.)
6. Makita XRU15PT1 36V (18V X2) LXT String Trimmer
Best For: Professionals and Serious Makita Fans
From the moment you pick it up, the Makita feels like a professional-grade tool. There are no creaks, no flimsy plastic parts—just solid, well-engineered components. This trimmer runs on two of Makita’s ubiquitous 18V LXT batteries, combining them for a potent 36V of power. If you’re a contractor or a homeowner already invested in Makita’s massive 18V ecosystem, this is a phenomenal, high-performance option.
In our tests, the power delivery was smooth and relentless. The direct-drive brushless motor is mounted on the head, which provides excellent balance and transfers power instantly to the string. It features a 3-speed control, which we found incredibly useful. The low-speed setting was perfect for sipping battery while trimming around delicate mulch beds, while the high-speed setting sliced through thick crabgrass with authority. A unique pro feature is the reverse rotation function, which quickly spins the head backward to untangle any grass or weeds that get wrapped up—a real time-saver.
What We Like:
- Exceptional build quality designed for pro use
- Powerful and efficient dual-battery system
- Useful 3-speed controls and reverse rotation function
- Excellent for anyone with a collection of Makita 18V batteries
What We Don’t Like:
- One of the heaviest and most expensive models on our list
- Buying the trimmer, plus two batteries and a charger, can be a hefty investment
Product Specs: Cutting Swath|: 15 inches, Battery: 2x 18V LXT Lithium-Ion (5.0Ah incl.)|, Line Feed: Bump Feed, Weight: 10.4 pounds (with batteries)
7. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX EASYFEED String Trimmer/Edger
Best For: Small Yards and Maximum Convenience on a Budget
If the Makita is a professional workhorse, the BLACK+DECKER is the easygoing pony for simple tasks. And that’s a good thing. For homeowners with smaller yards who dread the thought of heavy, complicated equipment, this model is a dream come true. It is astonishingly lightweight; I could honestly use it one-handed for short periods, and the strain on my back and arms was virtually zero.
Its standout feature is the “EASYFEED” button located right on the handle. Instead of bumping the trimmer on the ground, you just press the button to advance the line. It offers more control and is far less jarring than the traditional method. We tested its 2-in-1 capability, and flipping the head to the wheeled edger position was simple and tool-free, creating a decent edge along our walkway. Don’t expect it to clear a field of brush—we tried it on some tough thistle, and it struggled. But for keeping regular lawn grass neat and tidy? It’s convenient, affordable, and incredibly user-friendly.
What We Like:
- Incredibly lightweight and easy to handle
- EASYFEED button is a great, user-friendly alternative to bump feeding
- Effortless conversion to a wheeled edger
- Very affordable price point
What We Don’t Like:
- Lacks the power for thick, tough, or woody weeds
- 20V battery provides limited runtime for larger tasks
Product Specs: Cutting Swath: 12 inches, Battery: 20V MAX Lithium-Ion (1.5Ah incl.), Line Feed: EASYFEED (Push-Button), Weight: 5.7 pounds (with battery)
How We Tested These Trimmers
To ensure a fair comparison, we put every trimmer through the same three tests at our property:
- The Overgrowth Test: We used each tool to clear a 5×5 foot patch of thick, overgrown grass and clover that hadn’t been touched all season. This tested the raw cutting power and whether the motor would bog down under a heavy load.
- The Edging and Control Test: We trimmed along a 100-foot concrete driveway to assess the tool’s balance, visibility, and how easy it was to create a clean, vertical edge.
- The Ergonomics and Runtime Test: We used each trimmer for 15 minutes of continuous, light-duty trimming to see how the weight and balance felt over time and to get a baseline for real-world battery performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long does a weed-eater battery actually last?
It varies wildly based on the tool and what you’re cutting. For light trimming, most models on our list will run for 30-45 minutes. When battling thick weeds, that can drop to 15-25 minutes. For larger properties, having a second battery is a smart investment.
2. Are battery-powered weed eaters powerful enough?
Absolutely. High-voltage models (40V and up) with brushless motors are now as powerful, or even more powerful, than many residential gas trimmers. For 95% of homeowners, they have more than enough power.
3. Is it hard to replace the string?
It used to be a nightmare, but manufacturers have made huge improvements. Systems like EGO’s PowerLoad make it effortless. Even standard bump heads are getting easier to reload, often without needing any tools. We recommend watching a quick YouTube video for your specific model the first time you do it.
4. Can I use batteries from my drill in a weed eater?
Yes, if they are from the same brand and voltage line (e.g., a DEWALT 20V MAX drill battery works in a DEWALT 20V MAX trimmer). This is a huge selling point and can save you a lot of money if you stay within one brand’s “ecosystem.”
Final Thoughts: Which Cordless Trimmer is Right for You?
The “best” battery-powered weed eater is the one that best fits your yard, your budget, and your strength.
- If you want the absolute best-in-class power and cutting-edge features and don’t mind the price, the EGO Power+ ST1521S is in a league of its own.
- For those with larger properties who need serious power without the premium price tag, the Greenworks Pro 60V offers incredible value.
- If you’re already invested in a battery platform, sticking with brands like DEWALT or Ryobi is a smart, economical choice, and the Ryobi 40V Expand-It offers unbeatable versatility.
- And for smaller yards or users who prioritize a lightweight, easy-to-use tool, the WORX WG163 is a clever and capable option.
No matter which you choose, you’re investing in a quieter, cleaner, and more convenient way to keep your garden looking sharp.
About the Author
Alex Miller is a home and garden expert and the lead tool tester at Spruceshake. With over a decade of experience maintaining his own 2-acre property, he has a passion for finding tools that are not only powerful but also practical and reliable for the everyday homeowner. When he’s not testing equipment, you can find him in his workshop or planning his next vegetable garden.
