Key takeaways
- The cutting width of a string trimmer sounds like a minor detail until you are halfway along a fence line and the line has run out.
The cutting width of a string trimmer sounds like a minor detail until you are halfway along a fence line and the line has run out. The category splits along three decisions: corded or battery, a bare tool or a full kit, and a trimmer that also converts to an edger. The keyword “best string trimmers” covers all of those, and the right answer for a small townhouse yard is quite different from the right answer for half an acre of fence and garden bed. Weight, balance, and how long you can hold the shaft before your shoulders complain matter nearly as much as the numbers on the box.
This 2026 guide compares seven models from the listed titles, with brands that range from entry-level to pro-oriented. Cutting width, voltage, battery amp-hours, included accessories, and runtime are the only data points used, so confirm details such as weight, line size, and battery compatibility on each listing. Wear eye protection, long pants, and closed shoes while trimming, and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions for starting, refueling or charging, and storage. Keep bystanders and pets well back while the head is spinning.
Quick Picks
Our top picks
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX String Trimmer and Edger- The POWERDRIVE Transmission delivers more power from the…
- The Automatic Feed Spool - AFS automatically feeds…
- 2-in-1 Trim or Edge - easily converts from…
WORX 20V 12" 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer- Easily converts from a string trimmer to an…
- This grass trimmer has innovative push button command…
- HEAD TILTS 90°: So you can use string…
EGO POWER+ 15" Cordless Weed Trimmer with- The Rapid Reload head on EGO's cordless weed…
- With a 15-inch cutting swath and professional-grade 0.095…
- Battery string trimmer delivers up to 45 minutes…
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| Product | Best for | Key spec from the title |
|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER BESTA510 | Small yards near an outlet | 14 inch, 6.5-amp electric, auto feed |
| BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX | Cordless entry level | 12 inch steel deck, battery and charger |
| Greenworks 40V Combo | Trimming plus leaf clearing | 12 in trimmer, 390 CFM blower, 2.0 Ah |
| WORX WG163 | Spare-battery runs | 12 inch, Command Feed, 2 x 2.0Ah |
| EGO POWER+ ST1502SA | Wider cutting swath | 15 inch, battery and charger included |
| DEWALT DCST922B | Existing DEWALT 20V owners | 14 inch, XR, tool only |
| CRAFTSMAN V20 Kit | Longer sessions | 13 in, 4Ah battery, up to 63 minutes |
How to Choose
Corded, cordless, or tool-only
Corded electric models like the BESTA510 deliver steady power and never run down, but the cord limits range and needs an outdoor-rated extension. Cordless kits add freedom and include a battery and charger, so they work out of the box. A tool-only listing, as on the DEWALT, costs less up front only if you already own compatible batteries in that same platform. Count the batteries you own before choosing a brand, since a shared battery system saves money across mowers, blowers, and drills. If you own none, a kit that includes a battery and charger is the simpler path.
Cutting width and head design
Titles here range from 12 inches to 15 inches. A wider swath covers more ground per pass, but a heavier head can feel unwieldy around flower beds. Auto feed, Command Feed, or auto spool feed describes how line advances, which saves stopping to bump the head on the ground. Many models convert into an edger, which turns the head vertical for trimming along sidewalks. Check whether the conversion needs tools, because a quick change is the one you will actually use. Edging along a driveway is where this feature earns its keep, so think about how much hard-edge trimming your property has.
Battery size and runtime
Voltage and amp-hours together describe capacity. A 4Ah battery usually lasts longer than a 2.0Ah pack of the same voltage, and titles that list two batteries give you a swap-in option. The Craftsman title quotes up to 63 minutes of runtime, and that figure depends on load and conditions, so treat it as the manufacturer’s estimate. Brushy, thick grass drains packs faster than light edging. Keep a spare charged battery if your yard takes more than one session, and let a hot pack cool before putting it on the charger, as the manufacturer advises.
Where budget models cut corners
Entry-level trimmers often use smaller line, plastic shafts, and fixed-length handles. Premium and platform brands usually offer better balance, quicker line feed, and replacement parts that are easier to find. Fewer features does not mean worse for a small lawn, though, and heavier units can wear you down. Skip the extras you will not use, and consider weight, balance, and the availability of spare line and spools for the model you choose. Replacement line sizes differ, and using the wrong diameter can cause poor feeding or motor strain, so confirm what the listing says.
The 7 Best Options
BLACK+DECKER BESTA510
This corded 14-inch trimmer and lawn edger lists a 6.5-amp motor and auto feed, billed as lightweight and powerful. It suits yards where an outlet is close, and the two-in-one design covers edging jobs. For a small, flat lawn it is the sort of tool that lives in a garage corner and comes out every weekend without any battery management at all.
- 14-inch cutting width with auto feed
- Corded power avoids battery charging
- Trade-off: the cord limits reach, so plan an outdoor-rated extension cord
Skip it if your yard is far from an outlet or you dislike dragging a cord. Follow the manufacturer’s guidance on cord use and keep the cord clear of the cutting head.
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX
A 20V cordless trimmer and edger with auto spool feed, a 12-inch steel deck, and a battery and charger included, in red. It targets homeowners who want an out-of-the-box cordless setup. The steel deck wording points to a sturdier guard around the head, which can matter near fences, and the red body is easy to spot if it gets left in the grass.
- Battery and charger included in the kit
- 2-in-1 trimmer and edger with auto spool feed
- Trade-off: 12 inches covers less ground than the larger options
Skip it if you need a wider swath or heavy runtime. Check the battery capacity on the listing, and consider whether a spare pack would be worth adding for a larger yard.
Greenworks 40V Combo
Greenworks pairs a 12 inch string trimmer with a 390 CFM leaf blower and includes a 2.0 Ah battery, with auto feed line and cruise control in the title. The combo suits yards that need trimming and quick cleanup. Since the blower listing is part of the same order, you get a tool for sweeping clippings off the walkway right after you finish the edges.
- Trimmer and blower in a single kit
- Auto feed line and cruise control noted in the title
- Trade-off: a 2.0 Ah battery may not stretch across both tools on a large lot
Skip it if you only want a trimmer or need a long battery runtime. Confirm which tools share the battery, and whether the kit includes one pack or two. Wear hearing protection when using any loud outdoor tool for long stretches.
WORX WG163
This 20V, 12-inch 2-in-1 cordless trimmer and electric lawn edger has Command Feed, two 2.0Ah batteries, and a charger. The spare battery is the standout, since you can swap packs mid-session. Command Feed is the brand’s name for a line system that advances at a press, which may save the bump-and-hope routine that older trimmers required.
- Two batteries and a charger included
- Command Feed line advance and 2-in-1 versatility
- Trade-off: 2.0Ah packs are on the small side for long jobs
Skip it if you want a wide cutting swath. Check the listing for the edging conversion steps, and compare the 20V platform with other tools you may want to buy later.
EGO POWER+ ST1502SA
The EGO is a 15-inch cordless weed trimmer sold with a battery and a charger. The 15-inch width is the largest in the group, which means fewer passes over open ground. Owners with long fence lines and wide lawns will notice the savings in time, while those with small flower beds may find the swath awkward.
- Widest cutting swath listed
- Battery and charger included in the kit
- Trade-off: the title offers no runtime or voltage figures
Skip it if you prefer a lighter, narrower head for tight beds. Check the battery capacity and weight on the listing, and keep an eye on the charger type and whether any extras are bundled.
DEWALT DCST922B
This 20V MAX XR trimmer measures 14 inches and is sold tool only, meaning no battery or charger. It is aimed at buyers already invested in DEWALT’s 20V platform. The XR label signals a higher tier within the line, which owners often pair with other cordless yard tools to share batteries.
- 14-inch swath with a pro-oriented brand name
- Shares batteries with other 20V tools
- Trade-off: no battery or charger in the box
Skip it if you do not own compatible batteries or prefer a complete kit. Factor in the cost of a battery and charger, because a tool-only deal stops being a deal when you have to buy both separately.
CRAFTSMAN V20 Kit
The Craftsman kit is a 13-inch cordless trimmer and lawn edger with a 4Ah battery and charger, with up to 63 minutes of runtime, described as lightweight. The 4Ah pack and quoted runtime suit longer sessions. Buyers with mid-sized lots may appreciate that the kit includes the battery and charger, so there is nothing else to buy before the first use.
- 4Ah battery and charger included
- Runtime of up to 63 minutes quoted
- Trade-off: runtime depends on grass density and speed setting
Skip it if you want a combo kit with a blower. Treat the runtime as an estimate, not a promise, and choose a lower speed for light trimming to stretch the charge.
Which One Fits Your Situation
A townhouse yard with an outlet by the patio
The BLACK+DECKER BESTA510 is simple and light, and avoids battery cost. Use an outdoor-rated extension cord if needed, and keep the cord behind you as you work.
A half-acre lot with fences and beds
The CRAFTSMAN V20 Kit’s 4Ah battery or the EGO POWER+ ST1502SA’s wider swath suit larger jobs. Keep a spare battery charged, and plan the route so you trim the farthest fence line first.
A homeowner already using DEWALT tools
The DEWALT DCST922B saves money on batteries you already own. Confirm they are in the 20V MAX platform, and check that your charger and batteries are in good condition.
A first-time buyer who wants one box
The Greenworks 40V Combo includes a blower for cleanup, and the WORX WG163 ships with two batteries and a charger, which means a second session without waiting for a recharge.
Common Mistakes
- Buying a bare tool without checking battery platform compatibility
- Choosing the widest head for a yard full of tight corners and beds
- Skipping eye protection and closed shoes when trimming near gravel or fences
- Ignoring the battery capacity in the title and assuming all packs run equally long
- Forgetting to buy spare line and to check the spool type for the specific model
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is a cordless trimmer powerful enough?
For typical residential grass and weeds, yes. Thick brush may drain the battery faster, so match voltage and amp-hours to the job.
What does 2-in-1 mean?
It usually means the trimmer converts into an edger by rotating the head. Check how the conversion works before buying, as some models need a quick twist while others use a lever.
Can any battery fit any trimmer?
No. Batteries are specific to a brand and platform, so check the listing for compatibility before buying a tool-only unit.
How should a cordless trimmer be stored?
Remove the battery, keep it away from heat and moisture, and follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions. Store line spools out of direct sun, and wipe grass and debris off the head after each use.
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