Buying Guide
Our Guide to the Best Brushless Cordless String Trimmers
The best brushless cordless string trimmers compared, delivering more efficient runtime and longer motor life than a traditional brushed design.
By Gardening Is Ezee Editors
8 min read3 products evaluated
A brushless motor generally runs more efficiently and lasts longer than a traditional brushed motor, translating into more runtime per charge and less wear over years of use. We compared three current brushless models across different brands and power tiers.
Gardening Is Ezee field notes
The Garden Fit Check
A quick way to connect the shortlist to the space, workload and ownership details that matter after the box arrives.
- Start with the job
- Makita XRU23Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 13-Inch String Trimmer, Tool Only leads this shortlist for existing Makita LXT owners wanting genuine brushless efficiency. Use that fit as a reference point, then compare the alternatives against your own space and workload.
- Specs that separate the picks
- The first details to compare are Brushless Motor, 60V System, Variable-Speed Brushless. Confirm the exact model and included components before ordering.
- Trade-off to plan for
- Sold tool only, battery and charger not included
The Practical Shortlist
A garden-first look at 3 options, organized around the job each one suits best.
Best Overall
Makita XRU23Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 13-Inch String Trimmer, Tool Only
existing Makita LXT owners wanting genuine brushless efficiency
Our take Check price for Makita XRU23Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 13-Inch String Trimmer, Tool Only (opens in a new tab)
Best Higher-Power Pick
Greenworks 60V 16 in Cordless String Trimmer, 4.0 Ah Battery
larger properties needing maximum swath and sustained power
Our take Check price for Greenworks 60V 16 in Cordless String Trimmer, 4.0 Ah Battery (opens in a new tab)
Best Value Pick
80V 16-Inch Brushless Cordless String Trimmer, 5635 RPM Variable-Speed
buyers comparing capacity, compatibility, included components and storage needs
Our take Check price for 80V 16-Inch Brushless Cordless String Trimmer, 5635 RPM Variable-Speed (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Best for | Key spec | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| existing Makita LXT owners wanting genuine brushless efficiency | Brushless Motor | Check price for Makita XRU23Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 13-Inch String Trimmer, Tool Only (opens in a new tab) |
| larger properties needing maximum swath and sustained power | 60V System | Check price for Greenworks 60V 16 in Cordless String Trimmer, 4.0 Ah Battery (opens in a new tab) |
| buyers comparing capacity, compatibility, included components and storage needs | Variable-Speed Brushless | Check price for 80V 16-Inch Brushless Cordless String Trimmer, 5635 RPM Variable-Speed (opens in a new tab) |
Why Each Pick Made the Cut
Best Overall1 of 3
Makita XRU23Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 13-Inch String Trimmer, Tool Only on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Choose Makita XRU23Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 13-Inch String Trimmer, Tool Only for brushless motor delivers efficient sustained cutting power.
Best for
- existing Makita LXT owners wanting genuine brushless efficiency
Why it made the shortlist
Makita XRU23Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 13-Inch String Trimmer, Tool Only is positioned for existing Makita LXT owners wanting genuine brushless efficiency. The documented setup centers on brushless Motor, 18V LXT System, genuine Makita.
The feature doing most of the work here is brushless motor delivers efficient sustained cutting power. Its 18V LXT System specification sits at the lower end of the comparable range in this 3-product comparison. Treat the battery platform and included charger as part of the fit, not just the headline number.
The practical constraint here is sold tool only, battery and charger not included. Confirm whether the battery and charger are included with the exact package. Check platform compatibility and published runtime against the area or workload you need to cover.
Key dimensions & specs
- Brushless Motor
- 18V LXT System
- Genuine Makita
Pros
- Brushless motor delivers efficient sustained cutting power
- Genuine Makita manufacturing and warranty backing overall
- Shares batteries with Makita's extensive 18V LXT ecosystem
Cons
- Sold tool only, battery and charger not included
- Real cost is higher without existing Makita LXT batteries
Best Higher-Power Pick2 of 3
Greenworks 60V 16 in Cordless String Trimmer, 4.0 Ah Battery on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Greenworks 60V 16 in Cordless String Trimmer, 4.0 Ah Battery makes the shortlist because substantially wider 16-inch cutting swath covers more ground.
Best for
- larger properties needing maximum swath and sustained power
Why it made the shortlist
This model is aimed at larger properties needing maximum swath and sustained power. The documented setup centers on 60V System, 16-Inch Swath, large Battery.
The most useful documented advantage is substantially wider 16-inch cutting swath covers more ground. Its 60V System specification sits at between the lower and upper ends of the comparable range in this 3-product comparison. Treat the battery platform and included charger as part of the fit, not just the headline number.
The main limitation to plan around is 60V batteries aren't compatible with lower-tier Greenworks tools. Confirm whether the battery and charger are included with the exact package. Check platform compatibility and published runtime against the area or workload you need to cover.
Key dimensions & specs
- 60V System
- 16-Inch Swath
- Large Battery
Pros
- Substantially wider 16-inch cutting swath covers more ground
- Large 4.0Ah battery extends real usable runtime
- Most sustained power tier among these three models
Cons
- 60V batteries aren't compatible with lower-tier Greenworks tools
Best Value Pick3 of 3
80V 16-Inch Brushless Cordless String Trimmer, 5635 RPM Variable-Speed on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
80V 16-Inch Brushless Cordless String Trimmer, 5635 RPM Variable-Speed is the better fit when buyers comparing capacity, compatibility, included components and storage needs.
Best for
- buyers comparing capacity, compatibility, included components and storage needs
Why it made the shortlist
The intended use case is buyers comparing capacity, compatibility, included components and storage needs. The documented setup centers on variable-Speed Brushless, 5635 RPM, 80V System.
What separates it on paper is variable-speed brushless motor rated at 5635 RPM. Its 80V System specification sits at the upper end of the comparable range in this 3-product comparison. Treat the battery platform and included charger as part of the fit, not just the headline number.
Before committing, account for newer brand with a shorter track record. Confirm whether the battery and charger are included with the exact package. Check platform compatibility and published runtime against the area or workload you need to cover.
Key dimensions & specs
- Variable-Speed Brushless
- 5635 RPM
- 80V System
Pros
- Variable-speed brushless motor rated at 5635 RPM
- Wide 16-inch cutting swath matches the Greenworks pick
Cons
- Newer brand with a shorter track record
How We Built This Shortlist
Each pick was assessed across 3 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Real, Current Listings
- We compared capacity, compatibility, included components, operating limits and warranty documentation.
- Brushless Motor Verification
- We confirmed brushless motor technology on each listing rather than assuming all string trimmers use this design.
- Brand Track Record Comparison
- We noted brand track record, power tier, and cutting swath width across all three models.
What Matters Before You Choose a Brushless Cordless String Trimmers (2026)
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Brushless vs. Brushed Motor Efficiency
A brushless motor generally runs more efficiently and lasts longer than a brushed alternative, translating into more runtime per charge and less wear over years of use.
All three models here specifically confirm brushless technology, a genuine advantage over the many string trimmers that still use brushed motors.
Genuine Brand vs. Newer Entrant
Confirm capacity, dimensions, compatibility, included components, warranty coverage and storage requirements before choosing.
Power Tier and Cutting Swath
These three brushless models span different voltage tiers and cutting swath widths, from a compact 13-inch LXT model to wider 16-inch options.
Match power tier and swath to your actual yard size rather than assuming the highest voltage is always the better choice.
Match a Brushless Cordless String Trimmers (2026) to Your Garden or Yard
By Priority
| Priority | Recommended Pick |
|---|---|
| Established brand, LXT ecosystem | Makita XRU23Z |
| Maximum power and swath | Greenworks 60V |
| Compared using published specifications, included components, compatibility, and practical trade-offs. | 80V Value Pick |
By Budget
| Budget | Recommended Pick |
|---|---|
| Lower cost | 80V Value Pick |
| Mid-range established brand | Makita XRU23Z |
| Premium maximum power | Greenworks 60V |
Established Brand vs. Value: The Verdict
The right choice depends on how much brand track record matters to you.
- Choose an established brand if
- Confirm dimensions, compatibility and included components for your setup.
- Choose the value pick if
- Confirm dimensions, compatibility and included components for your setup.
By Cutting Swath
| Need | Recommended Pick |
|---|---|
| Widest swath | Greenworks 60V or 80V Value Pick, both 16-Inch |
| Compact swath is sufficient | Makita XRU23Z 13-Inch |
For Motor Longevity Specifically
- Look for
- Confirmed brushless motor technology, which reduces wear compared to a traditional brushed design.
- In this comparison
- All three models specifically confirm brushless motors.
When a Brushed Motor Is Acceptable
- Consider a brushed model if
- Occasional light use makes motor longevity a lower priority than upfront cost.
Before You Bring One Home
What does a brushless motor mean on a string trimmer?
It's a motor design without physical brushes contacting a commutator, generally running more efficiently and lasting longer than a traditional brushed motor.
Is a brushless string trimmer worth the extra cost?
Yes, for regular use, since the improved efficiency and reduced wear typically pay off over the tool's lifespan compared to a brushed alternative.
Do all high-voltage string trimmers use brushless motors?
No, voltage and motor type are separate specifications. Always check for explicit brushless confirmation on a listing rather than assuming higher voltage implies brushless technology.
Which brushless string trimmer has the most power?
The Greenworks 60V model offers the most sustained power and largest battery in this comparison, suited to larger properties or the most demanding trimming needs.
Bottom Line
Best overall: Makita XRU23Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 13-Inch String Trimmer, Tool Only — best overall pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all brushless cordless string trimmers (2026) on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.