Buying Guide
Our Guide to the Best Cordless String Trimmers
The best cordless string trimmers compared by line diameter, cutting swath, and attachment capability, from a genuine DeWalt 60V flagship to a WORX 2-in-1.
By Gardening Is Ezee Editors
11 min read6 products evaluated
A cordless string trimmer's real cutting capability comes down to line diameter and swath width more than the headline voltage number, since a higher voltage battery paired with a thin line still struggles on thick weeds the way a thicker line at lower voltage sometimes doesn't. We compared six current models by line gauge, cutting width, and attachment capability to see which ones deliver genuine gas-level performance.
Line feed mechanism also matters more day to day than most buyers expect. A bump-feed head requires tapping the trimmer on the ground to release more line as it wears, while an automatic feed releases line on its own, a genuine convenience during a long session but one more moving part that can eventually need replacement.
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
- DEWALT 60V Cordless String Trimmer with Battery & Charger Included, 17 Inch, Attachment Capable leads this shortlist for buyers who want the widest cutting swath and future attachment flexibility. 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 17-Inch Swath, 40V System, 16-Inch Swath. Confirm the exact model and included components before ordering.
- Trade-off to plan for
- 60V batteries aren't compatible with DeWalt's 20V MAX tools
The Practical Shortlist
A garden-first look at 6 options, organized around the job each one suits best.
Best Overall
DEWALT 60V Cordless String Trimmer with Battery & Charger Included, 17 Inch, Attachment Capable
buyers who want the widest cutting swath and future attachment flexibility
Our take Check price for DEWALT 60V Cordless String Trimmer with Battery & Charger Included, 17 Inch, Attachment Capable (opens in a new tab)
Best Ryobi Attachment Pick
RYOBI 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Attachment Capable String Trimmer, 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger Included
buyers comparing capacity, compatibility, included components and storage needs
Our take Check price for RYOBI 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Attachment Capable String Trimmer, 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger Included (opens in a new tab)
Best Higher-Voltage Pick
Greenworks 60V 16 in Cordless String Trimmer, 2.5 Ah Battery
buyers comparing capacity, compatibility, included components and storage needs
Our take Check price for Greenworks 60V 16 in Cordless String Trimmer, 2.5 Ah Battery (opens in a new tab)
Best Genuine Makita Pick
Makita XRU23SM1 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 13" String Trimmer Kit (4.0Ah)
Makita 18V LXT owners who want genuine brushless reliability
Our take Check price for Makita XRU23SM1 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 13" String Trimmer Kit (4.0Ah) (opens in a new tab)
Best Value
Greenworks 40V 12 in Cordless String Trimmer, 2.0 Ah Battery and Charger
buyers comparing capacity, compatibility, included components and storage needs
Our take Check price for Greenworks 40V 12 in Cordless String Trimmer, 2.0 Ah Battery and Charger (opens in a new tab)
Best Budget 2-in-1 Pick
WORX 20V 12" 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer & Electric Lawn Edger, WG163
buyers who want a genuine trimmer-to-edger conversion at low cost
Our take Check price for WORX 20V 12" 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer & Electric Lawn Edger, WG163 (opens in a new tab)
Why Each Pick Made the Cut
Best Overall1 of 6
DEWALT 60V Cordless String Trimmer with Battery & Charger Included, 17 Inch, Attachment Capable on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
DEWALT 60V Cordless String Trimmer with Battery & Charger Included, 17 Inch, Attachment Capable makes the shortlist because widest 17-inch cutting swath in this entire comparison.
Best for
- buyers who want the widest cutting swath and future attachment flexibility
Why it made the shortlist
This model is aimed at buyers who want the widest cutting swath and future attachment flexibility. The documented setup centers on 17-Inch Swath, 60V System, attachment Capable.
The most useful documented advantage is widest 17-inch cutting swath in this entire comparison. Its 60V System specification sits at the upper end of the comparable range in this 6-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 DeWalt's 20V MAX 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
- 17-Inch Swath
- 60V System
- Attachment Capable
Pros
- Widest 17-inch cutting swath in this entire comparison
- Attachment capable for future DeWalt tool head additions
- Complete kit with battery and charger included
Cons
- 60V batteries aren't compatible with DeWalt's 20V MAX tools
Best Ryobi Attachment Pick2 of 6
RYOBI 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Attachment Capable String Trimmer, 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger Included on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
RYOBI 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Attachment Capable String Trimmer, 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger Included makes the shortlist because attachment capable through Ryobi's Expand-It system overall.
Best for
- buyers comparing capacity, compatibility, included components and storage needs
Why it made the shortlist
This model is aimed at buyers comparing capacity, compatibility, included components and storage needs. The documented setup centers on 40V System, attachment Capable, 4.0Ah Battery Included.
The most useful documented advantage is attachment capable through Ryobi's Expand-It system overall. Its 40V System specification sits at between the lower and upper ends of the comparable range in this 6-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 narrower cutting swath than the DeWalt 60V model. 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
- 40V System
- Attachment Capable
- 4.0Ah Battery Included
Pros
- Attachment capable through Ryobi's Expand-It system overall
- Genuinely large 4.0Ah battery for extended runtime
Cons
- Narrower cutting swath than the DeWalt 60V model
- 40V batteries aren't compatible with Ryobi's 18V ONE+ tools
Best Higher-Voltage Pick3 of 6
Greenworks 60V 16 in Cordless String Trimmer, 2.5 Ah Battery on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Choose Greenworks 60V 16 in Cordless String Trimmer, 2.5 Ah Battery for 16-inch swath nearly matches the widest pick here.
Best for
- buyers comparing capacity, compatibility, included components and storage needs
Why it made the shortlist
Greenworks 60V 16 in Cordless String Trimmer, 2.5 Ah Battery is positioned for buyers comparing capacity, compatibility, included components and storage needs. The documented setup centers on 16-Inch Swath, 60V System, 2.5Ah Battery Included.
The feature doing most of the work here is 16-inch swath nearly matches the widest pick here. Its 60V System specification sits at the upper end of the comparable range in this 6-product comparison. Treat the battery platform and included charger as part of the fit, not just the headline number.
The practical constraint here is not attachment capable like the DeWalt or Ryobi models. 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
- 16-Inch Swath
- 60V System
- 2.5Ah Battery Included
Pros
- 16-inch swath nearly matches the widest pick here
- Reasonable battery capacity balances runtime and weight
Cons
- Not attachment capable like the DeWalt or Ryobi models
- 60V batteries aren't compatible with lower-voltage Greenworks tools
Best Genuine Makita Pick4 of 6
Makita XRU23SM1 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 13" String Trimmer Kit (4.0Ah) on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Choose Makita XRU23SM1 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 13" String Trimmer Kit (4.0Ah) for genuine Makita manufacturing with brushless motor efficiency.
Best for
- Makita 18V LXT owners who want genuine brushless reliability
Why it made the shortlist
Makita XRU23SM1 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 13" String Trimmer Kit (4.0Ah) is positioned for Makita 18V LXT owners who want genuine brushless reliability. The documented setup centers on brushless Motor, 18V LXT System, genuine Makita.
The feature doing most of the work here is genuine Makita manufacturing with brushless motor efficiency. Its 18V LXT System specification sits at the lower end of the comparable range in this 6-product comparison. Treat the battery platform and included charger as part of the fit, not just the headline number.
The practical constraint here is narrower 13-inch swath than the wider-cutting picks here. 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
- Genuine Makita manufacturing with brushless motor efficiency
- Shares batteries across Makita's extensive 18V LXT lineup
- Includes a substantial 4.0Ah battery for real runtime
Cons
- Narrower 13-inch swath than the wider-cutting picks here
Best Value5 of 6
Greenworks 40V 12 in Cordless String Trimmer, 2.0 Ah Battery and Charger on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The strongest case for Greenworks 40V 12 in Cordless String Trimmer, 2.0 Ah Battery and Charger is complete kit with battery and charger included.
Best for
- buyers comparing capacity, compatibility, included components and storage needs
Why it made the shortlist
For buyers comparing capacity, compatibility, included components and storage needs, this is one of the more relevant configurations in the shortlist. The documented setup centers on 12-Inch Swath, 40V System, complete Kit.
Its case starts with complete kit with battery and charger included. Its 40V System specification sits at between the lower and upper ends of the comparable range in this 6-product comparison. Treat the battery platform and included charger as part of the fit, not just the headline number.
The trade-off worth checking first is narrower swath than the premium picks in this comparison. 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
- 12-Inch Swath
- 40V System
- Complete Kit
Pros
- Complete kit with battery and charger included
- 12-inch swath suits routine residential trimming well
Cons
- Narrower swath than the premium picks in this comparison
- 40V batteries aren't compatible with Greenworks' 24V or 60V
Best Budget 2-in-1 Pick6 of 6
WORX 20V 12" 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer & Electric Lawn Edger, WG163 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The strongest case for WORX 20V 12" 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer & Electric Lawn Edger, WG163 is genuine 2-in-1 conversion between trimmer and edger.
Best for
- buyers who want a genuine trimmer-to-edger conversion at low cost
Why it made the shortlist
For buyers who want a genuine trimmer-to-edger conversion at low cost, this is one of the more relevant configurations in the shortlist. The documented setup centers on 2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger, 20V System.
Its case starts with genuine 2-in-1 conversion between trimmer and edger. Its 20V System specification sits at between the lower and upper ends of the comparable range in this 6-product comparison. Treat the battery platform and included charger as part of the fit, not just the headline number.
The trade-off worth checking first is narrowest cutting swath among the picks in this comparison. 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
- 2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger
- 20V System
- Compared using published specifications, included components, compatibility, and practical trade-offs.
Pros
- Genuine 2-in-1 conversion between trimmer and edger
- Covers both trimming and clean edging in one tool
Cons
- Narrowest cutting swath among the picks in this comparison
- Lower voltage than the premium 40V and 60V models
How We Built This Shortlist
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- Real, Current Listings
- We compared capacity, compatibility, included components, operating limits and warranty documentation.
- Swath Width and Attachment Capability Comparison
- We specifically compared cutting swath width and attachment capability across all six models, since these two factors most directly determine real-world cutting efficiency and long-term platform value.
- Genuine Brand Verification
- We confirmed each model is a genuine brand-manufactured product from DeWalt, Ryobi, Greenworks, Makita, or WORX, rather than a third-party accessory built for compatibility with a given battery platform.
- Complete Kit vs. Value Positioning
- We compared capacity, compatibility, included components, operating limits and warranty documentation.
What Matters Before You Choose a Cordless String Trimmers (2026)
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Cutting Swath Width
Swath width in this comparison ranges from 12 inches on the more compact models up to 17 inches on the DeWalt flagship, a real difference in how many passes a given area of overgrown grass takes.
A wider swath covers more ground faster but generally means a larger, heavier trimmer head to maneuver around obstacles like trees and garden beds.
Match swath width to your actual lawn size and how much maneuvering around obstacles you'll need to do, rather than assuming the widest swath is always the better choice.
Attachment Capability for Future Tools
The DeWalt and Ryobi models here are attachment capable, letting the same shaft and battery power other compatible tool heads like edgers, pole saws, or hedge trimmers beyond just string trimming.
This adds genuine long-term value if you plan to expand into other yard tools on the same platform, but adds no benefit if you never buy additional attachments.
Consider whether you're likely to invest in additional attachments on the same platform before paying a premium for attachment capability you might not use.
Genuine Brand vs. Complete Value Kit
Genuine brand engineering generally means better long-term motor durability, while value kits deliver more immediate features per dollar spent.
Weigh brand reliability against complete kit value based on how frequently and how long-term you plan to use the trimmer.
2-in-1 Edging Capability
The WORX WG163 specifically converts into a dedicated lawn edger, a genuine functional shift rather than just angling the standard trimmer head sideways like some competitors attempt.
For clean, straight edges along walkways and garden beds, a genuine edging conversion produces better results than improvising with a standard trimming head.
If clean edging matters to your yard maintenance routine, prioritize a genuine 2-in-1 conversion design like the WORX rather than assuming any trimmer edges equally well.
Match a Cordless String Trimmers (2026) to Your Garden or Yard
By Cutting Swath
| Lawn Size | Recommended Pick |
|---|---|
| Large yard, widest swath | DeWalt 60V (17-inch) |
| Moderate yard, strong voltage | Greenworks 60V (16-inch) |
| Small yard, routine trimming | Greenworks 40V (12-inch) |
By Budget
| Budget | Recommended Pick |
|---|---|
| Most accessible in the lineup | WORX WG163 2-in-1 |
| Mid-range, strong value | Greenworks 40V or 60V |
| Flagship, attachment capable | DeWalt 60V |
Attachment Capable vs. Standalone: The Verdict
The right choice depends on whether you plan to expand into other yard tools on the same platform.
- Choose attachment capable if
- You plan to add other compatible tool heads later, where the DeWalt or Ryobi's Expand-It system offers that expandability.
- Choose a standalone trimmer if
- You just need trimming and edging without future expansion, where the Greenworks or WORX models cover that core need.
By Battery Ecosystem
| Situation | Recommended Pick |
|---|---|
| Already own Makita 18V LXT batteries | Makita XRU23SM1 |
| Already own DeWalt 60V batteries | DeWalt Attachment Capable |
| Already own Ryobi 40V batteries | Ryobi Attachment Capable |
For Edging Specifically
- Look for
- A genuine 2-in-1 trimmer-to-edger conversion rather than assuming any standard trimmer head edges cleanly.
- In this comparison
- The WORX WG163 is specifically designed for this genuine trimmer-to-edger conversion.
When to Spend More
- Spend more if
- You want the widest cutting swath and future attachment flexibility, where the DeWalt 60V justifies the top of this comparison.
- Save if
- Your lawn is modest in size, where the WORX or Greenworks 40V covers routine trimming affordably.
Before You Bring One Home
What cutting swath width do I need for a string trimmer?
For a larger yard with substantial overgrown areas, a wider swath like DeWalt's 17-inch or Greenworks' 16-inch covers more ground per pass. For routine residential trimming and edging, a narrower 12 to 13-inch swath is generally sufficient.
What does attachment capable mean on a string trimmer?
It means the trimmer's shaft and battery can also power other compatible tool heads from the same brand's system, like an edger, pole saw, or hedge trimmer, beyond just string trimming. DeWalt and Ryobi's Expand-It system in this comparison both offer this capability.
Can a string trimmer also edge my lawn?
Some can. The WORX WG163 in this comparison specifically converts into a dedicated lawn edger, a genuine functional shift rather than just angling the standard trimmer head. Not every string trimmer offers this specific conversion.
Is a higher voltage string trimmer always more powerful?
Generally higher voltage correlates with more cutting power, but line diameter and swath width also significantly affect real-world performance. A 60V trimmer with a narrow swath and thin line may not outperform a well-designed 40V model with a wider swath for your specific yard.
Bottom Line
Best overall: DEWALT 60V Cordless String Trimmer with Battery & Charger Included, 17 Inch, Attachment Capable — best overall pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all cordless string trimmers (2026) on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.