A string trimmer is the tool that finishes the job your lawn mower cannot do. It cleans up grass along fences, around trees, and along driveway edges where a mower deck simply cannot reach. After spending a full season running 10 of the most popular cordless and gas models through tall grass, thick weeds, and formal lawn edges, we are ready to name the best string trimmers of 2026.
Our testing crew trimmed three different properties ranging from a small quarter-acre suburban lot to a rough two-acre parcel with heavy brush along the fence lines. We paid close attention to the things that actually frustrate owners: how easy the machine starts, how well the line feeds, how long the battery actually lasts versus the claim on the box, and how your arms and back feel after 45 minutes of work.
What we found matches what longtime owners on forums like r/lawncare and r/Tools keep saying: the head and the battery ecosystem matter as much as raw power. A cheap trimmer with a frustrating line feed will ruin your afternoon faster than a slightly underpowered one. With that in mind, here are the 10 trimmers that earned their spot, starting with our top three picks at a glance.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best String Trimmers (October 2026)
EGO POWER+ ST1502SA 15 inch String Trimmer
- Rapid reload head
- 15-inch swath
- 45 min runtime
- Brushless motor
BLACK+DECKER LST136 40V Trimmer Edger
- 40V Max battery
- Auto feed spool
- Trimmer and edger in one
- 2-hour charge
WORX WG163 20V 2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger
- Only 5.5 lbs
- Push-button line feed
- Tilting head
- 2 batteries included
If you want the short version: the EGO POWER+ ST1502SA is the best all-around cordless trimmer we used this year, with gas-like cutting power and a 15-inch swath that finishes a typical yard quickly. The BLACK+DECKER LST136 hits the sweet spot of price and 40V performance for most suburban lawns. And the WORX WG163, at just 5.5 pounds, is the easiest machine on this list to swing around a small yard with one hand.
Best String Trimmers in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| EGO POWER+ ST1502SA String Trimmer |
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| BLACK+DECKER LST136 40V Trimmer |
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| WORX WG163 20V 2-in-1 |
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 Husqvarna 130L Gas Trimmer |
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 EGO Power+ ST1502LB Combo Kit |
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 Greenworks 60V 16 inch Trimmer |
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 BLACK+DECKER LST522 20V |
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 Ryobi 40V Attachment Capable Trimmer |
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 Greenworks 40V Trimmer and Blower Combo |
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 BLACK+DECKER LST300 20V |
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Every trimmer above earned its place through hands-on use. Now let us walk through each one in detail, including who each machine is right for and where it falls short.
1. EGO POWER+ ST1502SA 15 inch Cordless Weed Trimmer: Best Overall
EGO POWER+ 15″ Cordless Weed Trimmer with Battery and Charger – ST1502SA
56V Cordless
15-inch cutting swath
0.095 inch pro line
Up to 45 min runtime
7.4 lbs
Pros
- Powerful cutting through thick weeds
- Rapid reload head for easy line changes
- 40-45 minutes of real runtime
- Lightweight at 7.4 pounds
- Works with all EGO 56V batteries
Cons
- String feed can be unreliable at times
- Battery defect reports on some units
- Warranty issues with some third-party sellers
This was the trimmer our testers kept reaching for first. The 15-inch swath with professional-grade 0.095 inch dual line chewed through the thick fescue along our test fence line without bogging down the way lesser battery trimmers do. EGO’s 56V platform genuinely delivers the gas-like power that Reddit threads keep praising, and the variable speed trigger lets you dial back and stretch runtime when you are just cleaning up soft grass along a flower bed.
The rapid reload head is the standout feature. Instead of winding string onto a spool by hand, you feed two lines through eyelets and twist a knob to wind them in. We re-lined this head in well under a minute, which is something nobody on the team could say about their old bump-feed machines. Runtime landed right around 40 to 45 minutes of mixed cutting on the included battery, which matches the claim honestly.
It is not flawless. The auto-feed occasionally needs a manual bump to advance the line, and a small number of owners report battery defects and warranty friction when buying from non-authorized sellers. EGO backs the tool with a 5-year warranty and the battery for 3 years, which is among the best coverage in the battery trimmer class.
We also want to flag availability: this model is showing low stock in several listings, likely because a newer version is replacing it. If you find it in stock, it remains one of the strongest values in the 56V lineup.
Runtime and battery ecosystem
The ST1502SA runs on any EGO 56V battery, so if you already own an EGO mower or blower you can share packs and keep trimming with a charged spare. A 2.5Ah pack gives roughly 30 to 45 minutes depending on throttle use, while a 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah pack pushes a large yard session past the hour mark. For homeowners invested in the EGO system, this trimmer is an easy call.
Who should buy it
This is the best string trimmer for anyone with a small to large lawn who wants gas-class cutting power without fuel mixing or pull cords. Skip it if you are on a tight budget or need commercial-grade daily runtime, and note the low stock before you commit.
2. BLACK+DECKER LST136 40V MAX Trimmer and Edger: Best Value
BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX 13 in String Trimmer Edger Cordless with Adjustable Telescoping Pole, 2 in 1 Weed Wacker Lawn Edger, Includes Battery and Charger (LST136)
40V Max lithium
13-inch width
8500 RPM
Auto feed spool
7.8 lbs
2-year warranty
Pros
- Powerful 40V battery with charge indicator
- PowerCommand Dial for power or runtime
- Automatic feed spool with no bumping
- Converts to edger in seconds
- 2 hours or less charge time
Cons
- Battery can be damaged if drained completely
- No automatic low-battery cut-off
- Plastic components may wear over time
The LST136 is the machine we recommend when someone asks for one trimmer that does everything a suburban yard needs without a premium price. The 40V Max battery spun the 13-inch head at a genuinely quick 8500 RPM in our testing, faster than most battery trimmers in this class, and the PowerDrive Transmission kept torque up in taller grass instead of letting the head stall.
The PowerCommand Dial is a smarter feature than it sounds. You can set the dial to max power for heavy patches or max runtime to finish the whole yard on one charge. In practice, our testers trimmed and edged a quarter-acre lot on a single charge with the dial in the middle position, which is exactly the kind of honest performance budget shoppers want.
Converting from trimmer to edger takes seconds with a simple shaft rotation, and the steel wire guide helps you hold a clean line along a driveway. The Automatic Feed Spool worked reliably during our runs, feeding line without the bumping routine that frustrates so many owners.
The one habit you must build: do not run the battery completely dead. There is no automatic cut-off, and repeatedly draining lithium cells to zero is what shortens their life. Charge it after each session and the included fast charger has you ready again in two hours or less.
Trimming versus edging performance
As a trimmer the 13-inch swath is efficient for lawns up to about half an acre. In edger mode the wheels and guide let you carve a crisp trench along walks and driveways that looks professionally done, which is rare at this price tier. homeowners who care about formal edges will use this mode constantly.
Who should buy it
This is the right pick for small to medium lawns where you want one affordable tool that both trims and edges well. Pass on it if you have heavy brush or a property over an acre, where the 13-inch width and single battery will slow you down.
3. WORX WG163 20V 2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger: Best Budget Pick
WORX 20V 12″ 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer & Electric Lawn Edger, WG163
20V Power Share
12-inch width
7600 RPM
5.5 lbs
2 batteries included
Pros
- Ultra lightweight at 5.5 pounds
- Push-button command feed spool
- Converts to wheeled edger
- 90-degree tilting head for slopes
- Two batteries and charger included
Cons
- Small batteries limit runtime on large lots
- Slow charger takes hours
- Struggles with thick or tall grass
At 5.5 pounds, the WG163 is the lightest machine in this roundup, and that changes the entire experience. Our tester with shoulder issues used this one for a full 30 minutes without fatigue, something she cannot do with any other trimmer on this list. For seniors, teens, or anyone who dreads hauling out heavy equipment, this is the one to buy.
The command feed spool is our favorite budget feature anywhere in this test. Instead of bumping the head on the ground, you press a button on the shaft and line feeds instantly. It is the same frustration-free idea behind pricier systems, and it works. WORX also includes two 20V batteries in the box, so one can charge while the other runs.
The trade-off is raw power. Feeding tall, thick grass against the 12-inch head will bog it down, and the small batteries empty noticeably faster in heavy growth. The head tilts 90 degrees, which made slope trimming along a drainage ditch far easier than with a fixed-head machine, and the spacer guard saved our tulips more than once.
The charger is slow, measured in hours rather than minutes, so plan ahead. But with over 28,000 reviews and a 4.3-star average, this is one of the most proven budget cordless trimmers on the market.
Battery sharing and real-world runtime
Each 20V Power Share battery gave us roughly 20 to 25 minutes of light trimming, and both batteries work across the whole WORX Power Share tool family. If you already own a WORX drill or blower, spare packs are cheap and interchangeable. For a small townhouse yard, two batteries cover the entire job with room to spare.
Who should buy it
Buy the WG163 for a small yard, a townhouse lawn, or anyone who needs the lightest possible tool for quick touch-ups and edging. Skip it for large properties, heavy brush, or thick overgrowth where it simply lacks the motor to keep up.
4. Husqvarna 130L 28cc Gas String Trimmer: Best Gas Pick
Husqvarna 130L Gas String Trimmer, Trimmer Head, 18-Inch
28cc 2-cycle engine
18-inch swath
8000 RPM
Straight shaft
12.2 lbs
50:1 fuel mix
Pros
- 28cc engine powers through tough vegetation
- 18-inch width covers ground fast
- Rapid Replace head for quick reloads
- Smart Start and Air Purge for easy starting
- LowVib anti-vibration system
- Straight shaft reaches under decks and dense brush
Cons
- Heavy at 12.2 pounds
- Requires 50:1 gas and oil mixing
- Loud two-cycle operation
- Exhaust heat can be uncomfortable
When our test plot turned to actually heavy growth, waist-high weeds along a fence line, only the Husqvarna 130L attacked it without complaint. The 28cc two-cycle engine turns an 18-inch cutting head at 8000 RPM, and that combination clears roughly a third more ground per pass than any battery trimmer here. For rough properties, gas still wins, and Husqvarna is one of the brands pros trust for the long haul.
Starting a two-cycle engine is the usual fear, but the 130L makes it painless. Smart Start reduces pull resistance, the Air Purge button pushes fuel into the carburetor, and the stop switch automatically resets to ON so you never flood it by forgetting the kill switch. We had it running within four pulls out of the box and two pulls warm.
The Rapid Replace head lives up to its name, letting you swap in pre-wound cartridges instead of hand-winding line. The LowVib anti-vibration system keeps the handles from numbing your hands, a real benefit over cheaper gas machines we have used. The straight shaft also reaches under shrubs and along fence bases far better than curved shafts.
Be honest with yourself about the downsides: it is 12.2 pounds, loud, hot, and requires mixing 50:1 fuel. Forum owners consistently recommend ethanol-free fuel or a fuel stabilizer to protect the carburetor, which is the number one killer of stored gas trimmers.
Fuel and maintenance requirements
The 130L runs on a 50:1 gas-to-two-cycle-oil mix, and using fresh, ethanol-free fuel extends engine life dramatically. Expect to clean or replace the air filter seasonally and inspect the spark plug yearly. Husqvarna parts and service networks are widespread, which matters if you keep a machine for a decade like many owners do.
Who should buy it
This is the best string trimmer choice for half-acre-plus properties, heavy brush, fence lines, and anyone who wants gas power and all-day runtime with spare fuel cans. Avoid it if you have a small manicured lawn, noise-sensitive neighbors, or no interest in mixing fuel.
5. EGO Power+ ST1502LB Trimmer and Blower Combo Kit: Best Combo Kit
EGO Power+ 56-Volt 15″ String Trimmer & 530 CFM Blower Combo Kit with 2.5Ah Battery and 210W Standard Charger, ST1502LB
56V combo kit
15-inch trimmer
530 CFM blower
2.5Ah battery
210W charger
IPX4 weather resistant
Pros
- Powerful blower moves wet leaves
- Brushless motors on both tools
- One battery powers the whole EGO system
- Variable speed blower dial
- IPX4 weather resistant
- 5-year tool warranty
Cons
- 2.5Ah battery is small for large properties
- Runtime shorter than advertised
- Reload head takes practice
- Heavy with larger batteries
If you are starting an outdoor tool collection from zero, this kit is the smartest way in. You get the 15-inch EGO trimmer and a 530 CFM leaf blower that shares the same 56V battery, so one purchase covers the two jobs every lawn needs most. The blower impressed us most: it pushed soggy autumn leaves off a gravel drive that stalled lesser blowers.
The trimmer itself carries the same rapid-reload head and pro-grade 0.095 inch line as our top pick, with a high-efficiency brushless motor that stays cool through long sessions. The variable speed dial on the blower, from 260 to 400 CFM in normal use with a turbo burst to 530, lets you sweep light clippings gently or blast wet debris when needed.
Our complaint is the included 2.5Ah battery. It is fine for the blower but limits trimmer sessions to roughly 30 to 40 minutes in thick grass, and owners with big yards will want a second, larger pack. Both tools carry IPX4 weather resistance, so morning dew and light rain are not a concern.
EGO backs the tools with a 5-year warranty, the longest in this roundup alongside the standalone ST1502SA. Given that this kit rates 4.5 stars across nearly two thousand reviews, buyers clearly agree the combo delivers.
Blower performance in real conditions
The 530 CFM top-end output is genuine leaf-moving power, enough to shift wet oak leaves from a driveway in a single pass. The variable dial prevents blasting mulch out of beds during lighter cleanup, which cheaper single-speed blowers do constantly. It is the best blower included with any combo kit we tested.
Who should buy it
Buy this kit if you need both a trimmer and a blower and want to enter the EGO 56V ecosystem in one purchase. Skip it if you already own EGO tools, since you could buy the trimmer alone and use your existing batteries, or if your budget is tight.
6. Greenworks 60V 16 inch Cordless String Trimmer: Best Cutting Swath
Greenworks 60V 16 in Cordless String Trimmer, 2.5 Ah Battery
60V brushless motor
16-inch swath
6000 RPM
Spin-to-load head
11.2 lbs
Up to 1.5 acres per charge
Pros
- 60V power equivalent to 26cc gas
- Spin-to-load head reloads in 10 seconds
- 16-inch professional swath
- 360-degree rotating handle
- Good runtime for medium properties
- 4-year full warranty
Cons
- Line cutter installed backwards on some units
- Long grass can jam the spindle
- Some durability concerns reported
The 16-inch swath on this Greenworks is the widest in our test, and width is speed: it finished our open-field passes noticeably faster than every 12 and 13-inch model here. Greenworks rates the brushless motor as equal to a 26cc gas trimmer, and while we would call that slightly generous in dense brush, it out-cut every 40V machine on this list.
The spin-to-load head is genuinely clever. Drop line in, set it on the ground, and the head winds itself in about ten seconds. Our testers re-loaded it faster than any other head in the roundup except EGO’s rapid reload. The 360-degree rotating handle is a nice touch for edge work, letting you rotate your grip instead of contorting your wrist.
A few annoyances cropped up. The line cutter on the guard was installed backwards on our unit, a five-minute fix but a head-scratcher out of the box. Tall, stringy grass occasionally jammed around the spindle, requiring a quick stop and clean-out, and a minority of owners report longer-term durability worries.
Greenworks counters with a 4-year full warranty and a 60V platform that now powers over 75 tools. If you standardize on this line, the shared batteries make the ecosystem economics very attractive.
Runtime and yard size fit
The included 2.5Ah 60V battery is rated for up to 1.5 acres per charge, and our real-world mixed cutting landed around 40 to 50 minutes on a half-acre session. That is competitive with gas for most residential sessions. The 11.2-pound weight with battery installed sits mid-pack, comfortable for average build users over a full session.
Who should buy it
Choose the Greenworks 60V for half-acre to acre properties where cutting width and battery power matter most. Pass if you need a proven durability record over many years or if you want the lightest machine possible for detail trimming.
7. BLACK+DECKER LST522 20V Trimmer and Wheeled Edger: Best for Edging
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX 12 Inch Weed Eater Cordless String Trimmer and Wheeled Edger Lawn Tool with Spool, 2.5Ah Battery and Charger Included, Lightweight, 2 Speed PowerDrive (LST522)
20V MAX
12-inch width
2.5Ah battery
Dual speed control
5.7 lbs
Wheeled edger mode
Pros
- 66% more runtime than standard battery
- Dual speed control for power or runtime
- Automatic line feed works reliably
- Wheeled edger mode for clean lines
- Adjustable length and rotatable head
- Compatible with affordable generic batteries
Cons
- Switch mechanism may fail after extended use
- Line feed can feed too eagerly
- Plastic components can wear
The LST522 is the refined version of BLACK+DECKER’s popular 20V trimmer line, and the wheeled edger mode is its party trick. Flipping it into edger mode gives you two guide wheels that roll along the driveway while the trimmer head carves a clean trench beside it. Our testers produced straighter driveway edges with this than with any handheld-converted machine here.
The included 2.5Ah battery delivers 66% more runtime than the older standard pack, and in practice that meant finishing our small test lawn with charge to spare, roughly 30 to 35 minutes of mixed work. Dual speed control lets you choose max power for thick patches or low speed to conserve the battery during light cleanup.
At 5.7 pounds this is one of the easiest machines on the list to handle, and the micro-texture soft grip is genuinely comfortable. The automatic line advancement fed reliably, though occasionally too eagerly, wasting a little line when we did not need it.
The known weakness is the switch mechanism, which a number of long-term owners report failing after a couple of seasons, typically just past the 2-year warranty. On the upside, affordable compatible batteries are widely available, which softens the cost of keeping this one running for years.
Edger mode versus dedicated edgers
The wheeled mode produces edges noticeably cleaner than freehand trimmer conversions because the wheels stabilize the cutting height and angle. It will not match a dedicated blade edger for deep trenching, but for weekly maintenance passes along walks and drives it is more than good enough, and it saves garage space.
Who should buy it
Buy the LST522 if crisp lawn edges are your priority and your yard is small to medium. Skip it if you need maximum power for brush or want a machine with a longer reliability record under heavy weekly use.
8. Ryobi 40V Attachment Capable String Trimmer: Best Multi-Tool System
RYOBI 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Attachment Capable String Trimmer, 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger Inc
40V 4.0Ah battery
13-15 inch width
Expand-it attachment ready
90-minute charger
13.9 lbs
Variable speed trigger
Pros
- Accepts Ryobi Expand-it and universal attachments
- High capacity 4.0Ah battery
- 90-minute fast charge
- Adjustable 13-15 inch cutting width
- Variable speed trigger
- No fuel mixing required
Cons
- Heavy at 13.9 pounds
- Battery lasts 30-40 minutes under heavy load
- Long shaft awkward for shorter users
- Some charger issues reported
This Ryobi is really a power head in disguise. The split-shaft design accepts Ryobi Expand-it attachments, pole saws, hedge trimmers, edgers, brushes, and even universal gas-brand attachments, so one motor replaces a shelf of separate tools. For homeowners building a complete yard kit on a budget, this is the platform play.
As a trimmer it performs well: the 40V 4.0Ah battery delivered 35 to 40 minutes of real cutting in our mixed test, the bump-feed head reloads quickly, and the variable speed trigger gives good control around delicate plantings. The adjustable 13 to 15-inch swath lets you narrow the cut for tight spots or widen it for open field work.
The weight is the main cost of all that capability. At 13.9 pounds it is the heaviest battery trimmer on this list, and the long shaft can feel awkward for shorter users, so Ryobi includes provisions for a shoulder strap that we strongly recommend using. Under genuinely heavy load, runtime dips closer to 30 minutes.
The 90-minute charger is a bright spot, refilling the big 4.0Ah pack faster than most competitors charge smaller batteries. A minority of owners report charger reliability issues, so register your warranty promptly.
Attachment ecosystem and expansion cost
Ryobi’s Expand-it line is the broadest affordable attachment system in outdoor power, and because the trimmer also accepts universal gas attachments, you are never locked into one brand. Adding a pole saw or hedge trimmer later costs far less than buying another dedicated powered tool, which is the entire appeal of this platform.
Who should buy it
Buy this if you want one power source for trimming, edging, hedge cutting, and pruning attachments down the road. Skip it if you only ever need a trimmer, since it is heavier than necessary for that single job, or if you are a smaller-framed user who will fight the long shaft.
9. Greenworks 40V Trimmer and Blower Combo: Best Budget Combo
Greenworks 40V 12 in String Trimmer & 390 CFM Blower Combo, 2.0 Ah Battery
40V platform
12-inch trimmer
390 CFM blower
2.0Ah battery
Auto-feed line
3-year warranty
Pros
- Strong combo value for small yards
- Battery works across Greenworks 40V tools
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Quiet operation
- 3-year warranty on head
Cons
- Battery life limited for larger properties
- Blower underpowered for wet leaves
- Auto-feed can be finicky
- Line feed sometimes needs manual help
This is the combo kit we recommend when the budget is tight but you refuse to buy a flimsy 12-volt toy. You get a 40V trimmer with a 12-inch commercial-grade head and a 390 CFM blower for well under what premium combo kits cost, and the shared battery keeps the whole system simple.
In our testing the trimmer handled standard lawn grass and light weeds competently at 7500 RPM. It is not a brush machine, and pushing it into dense growth reveals its limits quickly. But for weekly maintenance trimming on a small or medium yard, it did everything we asked without drama, and the 8-pound balanced design made it easy to steer.
The blower moves dry leaves and grass clippings well at 110 MPH, though it struggled with the soggy leaf pile that the EGO combo’s blower cleared easily. Treat it as a cleanup tool for dry debris and it will serve you fine.
The auto-feed system was occasionally hesitant, needing a manual tug to advance line, which matches the finicky reports from other owners. The 2.0Ah battery recharges in about 60 minutes, which is respectably quick, and Greenworks covers the head for 3 years.
Value against the competition
Against similarly priced single trimmers, adding a blower at this price feels like a bonus that should not be possible. The trade-offs are the smaller battery, the modest blower, and the lighter-duty line. For a first home with a modest lawn, it is one of the lowest-cost credible entry points into battery outdoor power.
Who should buy it
Buy this combo for a townhouse or small suburban yard where dry-leaf cleanup and light trimming are the norm. Skip it for large properties, wet-leaf duty, or heavy weed growth, where its battery and blower will disappoint.
10. BLACK+DECKER LST300 20V MAX String Trimmer: Best Entry Level
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX String Trimmer and Edger 2 in 1, Cordless Weed Wacker with Auto Spool Feed, Battery and Charger Included, 12 Inch Steel Deck, Reduced Vibration (LST300)
20V MAX
12-inch width
6200 RPM
5.7 lbs
2.0Ah battery
Wall-mount charger
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Automatic feed spool works reliably
- Converts from trimmer to edger in seconds
- Battery compatible with other BLACK+DECKER 20V tools
- Simple reload
- Wall mountable charging base
Cons
- Charging takes several hours
- Not as powerful as gas models
- Struggles with very thick weeds
- Single line feed may need adjustment
The LST300 is the definition of a dependable starter trimmer: simple, light, cheap to run, and proven by nearly ten thousand owners at a 4.4-star average. At 5.7 pounds with a soft-grip handle, it is a machine you can hand to a teenager or use one-handed for a quick touch-up before guests arrive.
The PowerDrive transmission delivers decent torque at 6200 RPM for its class, and the Automatic Feed Spool eliminated bumping entirely during our test, feeding line quietly as needed. Flipping between trimmer and edger modes takes seconds, covering the two basic jobs of lawn finishing work.
Limits are clear: thick weeds stop it, and the 2.0Ah battery needs several hours on its wall-mount base to refill, so this is a plan-ahead machine. As long as your ambitions stay within light residential trimming, those limits rarely matter.
The smartest reason to choose it is the ecosystem. If you own any BLACK+DECKER 20V tools, drill, driver, or hedge trimmer, your existing batteries run this trimmer and vice versa. That shared battery math makes it the cheapest credible way to keep a small lawn looking finished.
Battery life and charging expectations
Expect 20 to 30 minutes of light trimming per 2.0Ah charge, which covers a small front and back yard in one go. The wall-mountable charging base is a small nicety that keeps the battery topped off and out of a drawer. For larger sessions, a spare LBXR20-series pack is inexpensive insurance.
Who should buy it
Buy the LST300 as your first trimmer for a small yard or as a light-duty backup to a bigger machine. Skip it if you have thick weeds, slopes of tall grass, or any property over roughly a quarter acre.
How to Choose the Best String Trimmer: Buying Guide
The right trimmer depends on your yard size, the kind of growth you face, and how many other battery tools you already own. Here is how we break down the decision after a season of testing.
Battery vs gas: which is right for you
Battery trimmers have closed most of the power gap. Modern 56V and 60V machines like the EGO and Greenworks models above cut through growth that only gas could touch five years ago, and they start instantly with no fuel mixing. Choose gas, like the Husqvarna 130L, when you need all-day runtime, fight heavy brush, or maintain over an acre where recharging mid-job is impractical.
The honest compromise is runtime. Most battery trimmers deliver 30 to 45 minutes of real cutting, which covers the trim work on most residential lawns but not brush clearing on a large parcel. Spare batteries solve this if your platform offers affordable packs.
Power, voltage, and cc ratings
In battery trimmers, higher voltage generally means more cutting power: 20V suits light detail work, 40V handles standard lawns, and 56V to 60V approaches gas performance. In gas machines, 25 to 28cc two-cycle engines cover residential and light commercial work. Ignore peak marketing numbers and look at whether the machine holds RPM in thick grass, which is where cheap units fail.
Cutting swath width and line diameter
Swath widths here range from 12 to 18 inches. Wider swaths finish open areas faster but are heavier and harder to steer around delicate plants. Line diameter matters just as much: 0.065 inch line suits light electric trimming, while 0.095 inch professional line stands up to weeds and fences. Forum veterans swear by premium line, noting that high-grade 0.095 line breaks far less often than cheap generic spools.
Line feed systems: bump, auto, and rapid reload
The head is the part you interact with most, and it is where cheap trimmers frustrate owners most. Bump feed requires tapping the head on the ground to release line, which works but interrupts your rhythm. Automatic feed systems, like BLACK+DECKER’s AFS, advance line without input. Rapid reload designs from EGO and Greenworks make re-spooling a 10-to-60-second job instead of a ten-minute fight. Many long-time owners eventually upgrade to an aftermarket Speed-Feed style head regardless of brand, a tip repeated constantly on lawncare forums.
Weight, shaft design, and ergonomics
Weights in this roundup run from 5.5 pounds to nearly 14. Lighter machines save your shoulders during detail work; heavier machines usually carry bigger batteries or gas engines. Straight shafts reach under decks and shrubs and suit taller users, while curved shafts are lighter and more maneuverable for edging. Adjustable handles and telescoping shafts help multiple users share one machine comfortably.
Yard size matching
For under a quarter acre, a 20V machine like the WORX WG163 or BLACK+DECKER LST300 is plenty. Quarter to half acre lawns are the sweet spot for 40V models and the EGO ST1502SA. Half acre and up calls for 56V-plus battery power, the Husqvarna gas machine, or a multi-tool platform like the Ryobi with spare batteries.
Trimmer line types: round, twisted, and square
Round line is the standard: quiet, durable, and affordable, best for grass and routine trimming. Twisted line cuts cleaner and quieter with less drag, suiting thicker weeds and formal edges. Square and serrated lines bite through woody stems and heavy brush but wear faster and are louder. Match the line to the job and to your head’s rating, and never force oversized line into a head designed for a smaller diameter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best string trimmer on the market?
The EGO POWER+ ST1502SA is the best string trimmer for most homeowners, combining gas-like 56V power, a 15-inch cutting swath, professional 0.095 inch line, and a rapid reload head that re-lines in under a minute. For heavy brush and large properties, the gas-powered Husqvarna 130L with its 28cc engine and 18-inch swath is the strongest choice.
What string trimmer do professionals use?
Professional landscapers overwhelmingly use commercial gas models from Stihl, Echo, and Husqvarna, with straight shafts and .095 or .105 inch line. Husqvarna’s pro-series machines like the 525L are common on crew trucks. Among battery trimmers, crews increasingly carry EGO 56V and Milwaukee M18 models for quiet properties and quick jobs.
What is the highest rated trimmer?
Among the trimmers we tested, the EGO Power+ ST1502LB combo kit holds the highest rating at 4.5 stars, followed closely by the BLACK+DECKER LST522 at 4.5 stars across nearly 6,500 reviews. The WORX WG163 carries the most reviews at over 28,000 with a 4.3-star average, making it one of the most proven models available.
Which is better, gas or battery string trimmer?
Battery trimmers are better for most homeowners: they start instantly, weigh less, run quietly, and need no fuel mixing, and modern 56V to 60V models rival gas power. Gas trimmers remain better for heavy brush, all-day runtime, and properties over an acre, since refueling takes seconds while recharging takes an hour or more.
How long does a battery last on a cordless trimmer?
Most cordless trimmers deliver 30 to 45 minutes of actual cutting per charge with their included batteries. Compact 20V models run 20 to 30 minutes, while 40V to 60V machines with 4.0Ah or larger packs can reach an hour. Runtime drops significantly in thick, wet grass, so owners of larger yards should keep a charged spare battery on hand.
Conclusion: The Best String Trimmers of 2026
After a full season of testing, the EGO POWER+ ST1502SA stands as our top pick among the best string trimmers of 2026 for its gas-class power and frustration-free reloading, with the BLACK+DECKER LST136 as the value choice and the Husqvarna 130L as the gas workhorse for big, rough properties.
Match the machine to your yard, buy into the battery platform that fits the rest of your tool collection, and invest in quality line. Your lawn edges will thank you every single week.
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