Buying Guide
Compared using published specifications, included components, compatibility, and practical trade-offs.: A Practical Garden Guide
Compared using published specifications, included components, compatibility, and practical trade-offs.
By Gardening Is Ezee Editors
8 min read5 products evaluated
We compared five current models that stay genuinely under this ceiling.
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
- WORX 20V 12-Inch 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer and Electric Lawn Edger, WG163 leads this shortlist for most buyers wanting established brand 2-in-1 functionality. 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 2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger, Auto Spool Feed, 3-in-1 Design. Confirm the exact model and included components before ordering.
- Trade-off to plan for
- No third function like the 3-in-1 model
The Practical Shortlist
A garden-first look at 5 options, organized around the job each one suits best.
Best Overall
WORX 20V 12-Inch 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer and Electric Lawn Edger, WG163
most buyers wanting established brand 2-in-1 functionality
Our take Check price for WORX 20V 12-Inch 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer and Electric Lawn Edger, WG163 (opens in a new tab)
Best Auto Spool Feed Pick
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX String Trimmer and Edger 2 in 1, Cordless Weed Wacker with Auto Spool Feed
buyers wanting automatic feed with established brand backing
Our take Check price for BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX String Trimmer and Edger 2 in 1, Cordless Weed Wacker with Auto Spool Feed (opens in a new tab)
Best 3-in-1 Pick
Worx 20V 12-Inch 3-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer, Lawn Edger, and Mini Mower, WG170.2
small yards wanting maximum versatility within this budget
Our take Check price for Worx 20V 12-Inch 3-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer, Lawn Edger, and Mini Mower, WG170.2 (opens in a new tab)
Best Value Pick
Greenworks 24V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer, 2.0 Ah Battery and Charger
buyers wanting a genuine single-function kit at good value
Our take Check price for Greenworks 24V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer, 2.0 Ah Battery and Charger (opens in a new tab)
Best Bare Tool Pick
Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer, Battery and Charger Not Included
existing Greenworks 40V owners wanting more power
Our take Check price for Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer, Battery and Charger Not Included (opens in a new tab)
Why Each Pick Made the Cut
Best Overall1 of 5
WORX 20V 12-Inch 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer and Electric Lawn Edger, WG163 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The strongest case for WORX 20V 12-Inch 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer and Electric Lawn Edger, WG163 is pivots between trimming and edging without swapping parts.
Best for
- most buyers wanting established brand 2-in-1 functionality
Why it made the shortlist
For most buyers wanting established brand 2-in-1 functionality, this is one of the more relevant configurations in the shortlist. The documented setup centers on 2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger, established Brand, 12-Inch Swath.
Its case starts with pivots between trimming and edging without swapping parts. Against the other 4 picks, the useful comparison starts with 2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger and established Brand. Those details show whether its configuration suits the job better than a neighboring recommendation.
The trade-off worth checking first is no third function like the 3-in-1 model. Confirm the exact model number and included components before ordering. Check dimensions, compatibility and maintenance needs against the way you plan to use and store it.
Key dimensions & specs
- 2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger
- Established Brand
- 12-Inch Swath
Pros
- Pivots between trimming and edging without swapping parts
- Established brand with a solid outdoor equipment track record
- Leaves substantial room under this budget's ceiling here
Cons
- No third function like the 3-in-1 model
- 20V power may be limited for thick, overgrown weeds
Best Auto Spool Feed Pick2 of 5
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX String Trimmer and Edger 2 in 1, Cordless Weed Wacker with Auto Spool Feed on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX String Trimmer and Edger 2 in 1, Cordless Weed Wacker with Auto Spool Feed is the better fit when buyers wanting automatic feed with established brand backing.
Best for
- buyers wanting automatic feed with established brand backing
Why it made the shortlist
The intended use case is buyers wanting automatic feed with established brand backing. The documented setup centers on auto Spool Feed, 2-in-1 Function, established Brand.
What separates it on paper is automatic spool feed avoids manual line adjustment hassle. Against the other 4 picks, the useful comparison starts with auto Spool Feed and 2-in-1 Function. Those details show whether its configuration suits the job better than a neighboring recommendation.
Before committing, account for 20V power may be limited for thick, overgrown weeds. Confirm the exact model number and included components before ordering. Check dimensions, compatibility and maintenance needs against the way you plan to use and store it.
Key dimensions & specs
- Auto Spool Feed
- 2-in-1 Function
- Established Brand
Pros
- Automatic spool feed avoids manual line adjustment hassle
- Established brand reputation in home power tools
- Doubles as both a trimmer and an edger
Cons
- 20V power may be limited for thick, overgrown weeds
- No confirmed brushless motor on this specific model
Best 3-in-1 Pick3 of 5
Worx 20V 12-Inch 3-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer, Lawn Edger, and Mini Mower, WG170.2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Worx 20V 12-Inch 3-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer, Lawn Edger, and Mini Mower, WG170.2 is the better fit when small yards wanting maximum versatility within this budget.
Best for
- small yards wanting maximum versatility within this budget
Why it made the shortlist
The intended use case is small yards wanting maximum versatility within this budget. The documented setup centers on 3-in-1 Design, includes Mini Mower Wheels, 12-Inch Swath.
What separates it on paper is third mini mower function covers tight grass patches. Against the other 4 picks, the useful comparison starts with 3-in-1 Design and includes Mini Mower Wheels. Those details show whether its configuration suits the job better than a neighboring recommendation.
Before committing, account for mini mower mode isn't a substitute for a full-size. Confirm the exact model number and included components before ordering. Check dimensions, compatibility and maintenance needs against the way you plan to use and store it.
Key dimensions & specs
- 3-in-1 Design
- Includes Mini Mower Wheels
- 12-Inch Swath
Pros
- Third mini mower function covers tight grass patches
- Includes wheel set for the mini mower mode
- 12-inch swath matches the other picks' coverage
Cons
- Mini mower mode isn't a substitute for a full-size
- Switching between three modes takes more setup time
Best Value Pick4 of 5
Greenworks 24V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer, 2.0 Ah Battery and Charger on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Greenworks 24V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer, 2.0 Ah Battery and Charger makes the shortlist because genuinely complete kit, battery and charger included.
Best for
- buyers wanting a genuine single-function kit at good value
Why it made the shortlist
This model is aimed at buyers wanting a genuine single-function kit at good value. The documented setup centers on 24V System, complete Kit, leaves Room Under Budget.
The most useful documented advantage is genuinely complete kit, battery and charger included. Its 24V System specification sits at the lower end of the comparable range in this 2-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 no 2-in-1 edger function like the WORX or Black+Decker. 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
- 24V System
- Complete Kit
- Leaves Room Under Budget
Pros
- Genuinely complete kit, battery and charger included
- Leaves substantial room under this budget's ceiling here
Cons
- No 2-in-1 edger function like the WORX or Black+Decker
- 24V power may be limited for thicker, overgrown weeds
Best Bare Tool Pick5 of 5
Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer, Battery and Charger Not Included on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer, Battery and Charger Not Included is the better fit when existing Greenworks 40V owners wanting more power.
Best for
- existing Greenworks 40V owners wanting more power
Why it made the shortlist
The intended use case is existing Greenworks 40V owners wanting more power. The documented setup centers on 40V System, bare Tool.
What separates it on paper is more sustained power than the 24V complete kit. Its 40V System specification sits at the upper end of the comparable range in this 2-product comparison. Treat the battery platform and included charger as part of the fit, not just the headline number.
Before committing, account for sold bare tool, 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
- 40V System
- Bare Tool
- Compared using published specifications, included components, compatibility, and practical trade-offs.
Pros
- More sustained power than the 24V complete kit
- Leaves substantial room under this budget's ceiling here
Cons
- Sold bare tool, battery and charger not included
- Real cost is higher without existing Greenworks 40V batteries
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.
- Budget Ceiling Verification
- We compared capacity, compatibility, included components, operating limits and warranty documentation.
- Function and Feature Comparison
- We compared 2-in-1 versus 3-in-1 functionality, brand track record, and kit completeness across all five models within this shared budget.
What Matters Before You Choose
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Verify the complete configuration
If established brand backing or added combo functions matter to you, this budget tier is worth the increase over the cheapest options.
2-in-1 vs. 3-in-1 vs. Single Function
These five models span single-function trimming, 2-in-1 trimmer and edger combos, and one 3-in-1 design with an added mini mower mode.
Decide whether added combo functions are genuinely useful for your yard before paying more for versatility you might not use.
Bare Tool vs. Complete Kit
One model here is sold bare tool, assuming existing Greenworks 40V batteries, while the other four include batteries as part of the package.
Factor in the real total cost of the bare-tool listing if you don't already own compatible 40V batteries.
Match the Tool to the Job
By Priority
| Priority | Recommended Pick |
|---|---|
| Established brand, 2-in-1 | WORX WG163 |
| Automatic feed, established brand | Black+Decker Auto Spool |
| Maximum versatility | WORX 3-in-1 WG170.2 |
| Single-function value | Greenworks 24V |
| Existing 40V battery owner | Greenworks 40V Bare Tool |
By Budget Room to Spare
| Priority | Recommended Pick |
|---|---|
| Most room to spare | Black+Decker Auto Spool or Greenworks 24V |
| Moderate room | WORX WG163 or Greenworks 40V |
| Least room, most versatile | WORX 3-in-1 |
2-in-1 vs. 3-in-1: The Verdict
The right choice depends on whether the mini mower function genuinely helps your yard.
- Choose 2-in-1 if
- Trimming and edging are your only real needs, keeping the tool simpler.
- Choose 3-in-1 if
- Your yard has small grass patches where a mini mower mode would genuinely help.
By Existing Battery Ownership
| Situation | Recommended Pick |
|---|---|
| Already own Greenworks 40V batteries | Greenworks 40V Bare Tool |
| No existing 40V batteries | WORX, Black+Decker, or Greenworks 24V |
For Automatic Feed Specifically
- Look for
- Confirmed automatic feed technology to avoid interrupting your session to manage the line manually.
- In this comparison
- The Black+Decker model specifically includes automatic spool feed.
When to Consider a Higher Budget
- Consider spending more if
- You want a genuine 40V complete kit or a wider cutting swath.
- Verify before ordering
- Options with more sustained power and wider swaths.
Before You Bring One Home
What should I verify before ordering?
Confirm the model number, dimensions, capacity, included components, compatibility, warranty coverage and storage requirements.
What should I verify before ordering?
Yes, if your yard has small grass patches too tight for a full-size mower. The WORX 3-in-1 model in this comparison adds this function at the top of this budget.
What should I verify before ordering?
The Black+Decker model specifically includes automatic spool feed, advancing the cutting line without manual bumping, within this budget.
What should I verify before ordering?
Confirm the model number, dimensions, capacity, included components, compatibility, warranty coverage and storage requirements.
Bottom Line
Best overall: WORX 20V 12-Inch 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer and Electric Lawn Edger, WG163 — best overall pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.
Browse all compared using published specifications, included components, compatibility, and practical trade-offs. on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.