Cordless string trimmers have reached a tipping point in 2026: battery models now match or exceed the cutting power of mid-range gas trimmers while running quieter, starting instantly, and requiring virtually no maintenance. More than 90% of battery string trimmers tested by Consumer Reports earn above-average marks for both trimming and edging, giving them a slight performance edge over gas models in those categories [src3]. The 56V EGO Power+ ST1623T stands out as the best overall pick across multiple reviewers, combining a 16-inch cutting swath, LINE IQ automatic line feeding, POWERLOAD technology, and a telescopic carbon fiber shaft with over 60 minutes of runtime on a 4.0 Ah battery [src1, src2, src5].
For homeowners on a budget, the Ryobi RY40290 delivers exceptional value at around $234 with its 40V HP brushless motor, carbon fiber shaft, and EXPAND-IT attachment compatibility [src1, src6]. Those already invested in a tool platform should strongly consider staying within their ecosystem — the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3046 delivers professional-grade 1.76 HP for M18 users, while the DeWalt DCST972 gives FlexVolt owners a 17-inch cutting swath with serious brush-clearing power [src1, src2, src4].
| Model | Price | Voltage | Cut Width | Weight | Battery | Best For | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EGO ST1623T | ~$299 | 56V | 16" | 12.6 lbs | 4.0 Ah | Best overall | Check price |
| Ryobi RY40290 | ~$234 | 40V | 13-15" | 11.0 lbs | 4.0 Ah | Best value | Check price |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3046 | ~$299 | 18V | 14-16" | 9.9 lbs | 8.0-12.0 Ah | Pro-grade power | Check price |
| DeWalt DCST972 | ~$329 | 60V | 15-17" | 13.5 lbs | 9.0 Ah | Heavy brush | Check price |
| Greenworks 60V ST60L254 | ~$153 | 60V | 16" | 11.2 lbs | 2.5 Ah | Large yards on a budget | Check price |
| EGO ST1521S | ~$229 | 56V | 15" | 9.9 lbs | 2.5 Ah | Ease of use | Check price |
| WORX WG163 | ~$90 | 20V | 12" | 5.5 lbs | 2x 20V | Lightest/simplest | Check price |
The EGO ST1623T earns the top spot across multiple expert reviews thanks to its LINE IQ auto-sensing line feed and POWERLOAD automatic line winding, which eliminate the most frustrating aspects of trimmer maintenance. Its 16-inch cutting swath, telescopic carbon fiber shaft with lifetime warranty, and 60+ minutes of runtime on a 4.0 Ah battery make it the most complete package available. [src1, src2, src5]
The Ryobi RY40290 delivers the best bang for the buck with a 40V HP brushless motor, lightweight carbon fiber shaft, and the REEL EASY+ bump-feed head that reloads in under 60 seconds. EXPAND-IT attachment compatibility extends its value as an edger, pole saw, or blower. [src1, src6, src7]
At around $153 on sale, the Greenworks 60V delivers power equivalent to a 26cc gas trimmer with a 16-inch cutting swath and 65 minutes of runtime. It operates at just 68 dB and comes with a 4-year warranty on both tool and battery. [src5, src6]
The DeWalt DCST972 pairs a 60V FlexVolt brushless motor spinning at up to 5,800 RPM with the widest cutting swath in this comparison at 17 inches. Its 9.0 Ah FlexVolt battery is backward-compatible with DeWalt's 20V MAX tools, and attachment capability adds versatility for larger properties. [src1, src2, src4]
Milwaukee's POWERSTATE brushless motor delivers 1.76 HP with three speed settings up to 6,200 RPM. The Easy Load trimmer head reloads 20 feet of .095" line in under 30 seconds, and QUIK-LOK attachment compatibility extends into 200+ M18 platform tools. [src1, src2]
At just 5.5 pounds, the WORX WG163 is one of the lightest full-featured cordless trimmers available. Its 20V PowerShare battery system is compatible with 75+ WORX tools, and it converts from trimmer to edger with a twist of the head. Two batteries included. [src5, src6]
The EGO ST1521S features POWERLOAD technology that winds trimmer line automatically at the press of a button. Its carbon fiber split shaft folds for compact storage, and at 9.9 lbs it balances 56V power with maneuverability. [src2, src5]
→ Get the Greenworks 60V ST60L254 (~$153 on sale) or the WORX WG163 (~$90). The Greenworks delivers 60V power with a 16-inch swath; the WORX is better if weight and simplicity matter more than raw power. [src5, src6]
→ Stay in the ecosystem. Battery and charger typically account for $100-$150 of the kit price, so buying a bare tool saves significantly. DeWalt FlexVolt: DCST972B ($259 bare); Milwaukee M18: 3046-20 ($299 bare); Ryobi 40V: RY40290; EGO 56V: ST1623T or ST1521S. [src1, src2]
→ Prioritize 40V+ systems with 4.0 Ah or larger batteries. The DeWalt DCST972 (9.0 Ah, 17-inch swath) covers the most ground per charge. The EGO ST1623T (4.0 Ah, 60+ min runtime) offers the best balance of runtime and features. Avoid 20V systems. [src2, src7]
→ Choose the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 3046 (1.76 HP, 6,200 RPM) or DeWalt DCST972 (5,800 RPM, 17-inch swath). Both accept brush-cutter blade attachments for woody stems. Avoid 20V models. [src1, src4]
→ The EGO ST1623T is the safest pick for unknown requirements. Its 56V power handles anything from light edging to moderate brush, LINE IQ eliminates line management hassles, and 60+ minutes of runtime covers most residential yards. [src1, src2, src5]