Gas trimmers still dominate the job sites, but in 2026 the battery options have caught up everywhere it matters for homeowners. We’re talking real cutting power, 30-45 minutes of runtime per charge, and battery ecosystems that share packs with your other tools. The only thing holding back a lot of people is knowing which one to buy.
We dug into the five best cordless string trimmers of 2026 — covering every budget from $179 to $327, and every major brand that actually shows up in a Home Depot or ships from Amazon. Here’s what to buy and why.
Quick Picks: Best Cordless String Trimmers 2026
| Award | Model | Price | Rating | Why We Picked It | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | EGO ST1521S 56V | ~$240 | 4.4★ (7,055) | PowerLoad auto-threading, 56V power, 7,000+ reviews don’t lie | Buy Now |
| Best Value | Ryobi RY40250 40V | ~$179 | 4.4★ | Battery and charger included, brushless motor, 40+ attachments | Buy Now at Home Depot |
| Best for Pros | Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2825-21ST | ~$299 | 4.6★ | QUIK-LOK attachment system, M18 ecosystem, most torque in class | Buy Now at Home Depot |
| Most Powerful | DeWalt DCST970X1 60V | ~$327 | 4.4★ (2,890) | 60V MAX FLEXVOLT, two-speed control, FLEXVOLT battery compatibility | Buy Now on Amazon |
| Commercial Grade | Greenworks Pro 80V | ~$300 | 4.4★ | 80V platform, 16″ cut, attachment-capable for commercial-lite use | Buy Now on Amazon |
Best Cordless String Trimmers 2026 — Full Reviews
EGO Power+ ST1521S 56V — Best Overall
Price: Around $240 at time of writing | Rating: 4.4★ (7,055 reviews)
EGO built its reputation on outdoor battery tools, and the ST1521S is the trimmer that earned most of it. The headline feature is PowerLoad — EGO’s automatic line-loading system. Instead of fighting with a spool and trying to thread 0.095″ line in a tight little channel, you drop a pre-cut length of line into the head and it loads itself. If you’ve ever thrown a trimmer across the yard in frustration over re-spooling, this is your solution.
The 56V platform gives you real cutting torque — it handles thick ornamental grasses and overgrown edges that make lower-voltage trimmers bog down. The split straight shaft is a nice touch: unclip it for compact storage in a vehicle or small shed, click it back together in seconds. Seven thousand reviewers rating it at 4.4 stars is hard to argue with.
Pros
- PowerLoad eliminates the spool threading frustration entirely
- 56V delivers genuine power for heavy vegetation
- Split shaft for compact storage and transport
- 7,000+ verified reviews — most tested trimmer on this list
- Compatible with entire EGO 56V outdoor battery ecosystem
Cons
- PowerLoad uses pre-cut line segments — you can’t use a bulk spool
- $240 is mid-range, not budget
- Heavier than curved-shaft budget models
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 56V |
| Cutting Width | 15 inches |
| Motor Type | Brushless |
| Line Feed System | PowerLoad (automatic) |
| Shaft Type | Straight (split) |
| Line Diameter | 0.095 inches |
| Battery Included | Yes — 2.5Ah |
| Charger Included | Yes |
Bottom Line: The EGO ST1521S is the best cordless string trimmer for homeowners who want to stop fighting their equipment. PowerLoad alone is worth the price over a frustrating bump-feed competitor.
Ryobi RY40250 40V Expand-It — Best Value
Price: Around $179 at time of writing | Rating: 4.4★
Ryobi’s 40V line lives at Home Depot, and the RY40250 is a genuinely strong deal at $179. You get a brushless motor, a 4.0Ah battery, a charger, and a straight shaft all in the box. The Expand-It attachment compatibility is a real feature — if you want to add an edger blade, pole saw, or other head later, the same power head drives them. That’s 40+ attachments without buying another battery-powered tool.
The 40V platform won’t match the raw muscle of EGO 56V or DeWalt 60V MAX on thick brush, but for a typical suburban lawn — trimming edges, clearing around raised beds, cleaning up a fence line — it does the job without complaint. At $179, it’s the easiest buy recommendation on this list for anyone starting fresh.
Pros
- $179 with 4.0Ah battery and charger — best complete-kit price here
- Brushless motor for longer tool life and better efficiency
- Expand-It system: add edger, pole saw, and other heads later
- HD-exclusive — easy to buy, return, and get support
- Straight shaft for better reach under shrubs
Cons
- 40V won’t match 56V/60V power on heavy vegetation
- Home Depot only — no Amazon option
- Bump feed can be tedious compared to EGO’s PowerLoad
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 40V |
| Cutting Width | 15 inches |
| Motor Type | Brushless |
| Line Feed System | Bump feed |
| Shaft Type | Straight |
| Attachment System | Expand-It compatible |
| Battery Included | Yes — 4.0Ah |
| Charger Included | Yes |
Bottom Line: Best bang-for-buck on this list. If $179 for a brushless kit with expansion potential sounds good, get the Ryobi. Don’t overthink it.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2825-21ST — Best for Pros
Price: Around $299 at time of writing | Rating: 4.6★
If you’re already in the Milwaukee M18 ecosystem — tools in your truck, batteries on the charger — the M18 FUEL QUIK-LOK trimmer is a natural add. The QUIK-LOK attachment system is Milwaukee’s answer to multi-head yard work: the same power unit drives a string trimmer head, a hedge trimmer attachment, an edger, a pole saw, and more. Buy the heads as you need them.
The brushless M18 FUEL motor punches hard — 17-inch cutting width versus the 15-inch on EGO and Ryobi — and the 8.0Ah battery in this kit gives you serious runtime. Milwaukee’s higher price is partly the brand premium and partly the quality of the FUEL motor. If you’re a contractor or serious DIYer who’s already committed to M18, this trimmer belongs in the kit.
Pros
- QUIK-LOK: most versatile attachment system of any brand
- 17-inch cutting width — wider swath than competitors
- 8.0Ah battery included — excellent runtime
- Highest-rated trimmer on this list (4.6★)
- Shares batteries with your entire M18 tool collection
Cons
- Home Depot only — Milwaukee is not sold on Amazon
- 18V M18 platform is lower voltage than EGO 56V or DeWalt 60V MAX on paper
- Attachment heads are an additional cost
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 18V (M18 FUEL) |
| Cutting Width | 17 inches |
| Motor Type | Brushless (FUEL) |
| Line Feed System | Bump feed |
| Shaft Type | Straight |
| Attachment System | QUIK-LOK |
| Battery Included | Yes — 8.0Ah |
| Charger Included | Yes |
Bottom Line: The best trimmer for Milwaukee users. The QUIK-LOK system and 17-inch cutting path make it the most capable tool on this list for anyone willing to invest in the ecosystem.
DeWalt DCST970X1 60V MAX — Most Powerful
Price: Around $327 at time of writing | Rating: 4.4★ (2,890 reviews)
DeWalt’s 60V MAX FLEXVOLT platform is overkill for a small suburban yard and exactly right for larger properties. The DCST970X1 is a 60V brushless trimmer with a two-speed trigger — use the lower setting for light edging work, kick it to high speed for thick ornamental grasses or overgrown areas. The FLEXVOLT battery is the real trick: it automatically switches between 20V and 60V modes, so it powers both your existing 20V MAX tools and the FLEXVOLT lineup.
The 3.0Ah battery included isn’t as large as Milwaukee’s 8.0Ah, but the 60V chemistry delivers more cutting energy per amp-hour. At nearly $330, this is the most expensive pick here, but it’s also the only one targeting the DeWalt ecosystem specifically. If you run DeWalt everywhere, this trimmer fits right in.
Pros
- 60V MAX: highest voltage on this list — most cutting power in dense growth
- Two-speed trigger for edging versus heavy cutting
- FLEXVOLT battery: compatible with 20V MAX and 60V MAX tools
- Strong 2,890-review track record on Amazon
- Straight shaft, brushless motor
Cons
- Most expensive trimmer on this list at ~$327
- 3.0Ah battery is smaller than Milwaukee’s 8.0Ah kit battery
- No attachment system comparable to QUIK-LOK or Expand-It
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 60V MAX FLEXVOLT |
| Cutting Width | 15 inches |
| Motor Type | Brushless |
| Line Feed System | Bump feed |
| Speed Settings | Two-speed (variable trigger) |
| Battery Included | Yes — 3.0Ah FLEXVOLT |
| Charger Included | Yes |
Bottom Line: The DeWalt 60V MAX is built for DeWalt users and larger yards. If you’ve already committed to FLEXVOLT, this trimmer is a logical addition. For everyone else, the EGO or Ryobi is a better fit.
Greenworks Pro 80V — Commercial Grade
Price: Around $300 at time of writing | Rating: 4.4★
Greenworks Pro’s 80V platform is their commercial-lite tier — higher voltage than the EGO 56V or Ryobi 40V, 16-inch cutting width, and the ability to accept attachment heads. If you’re maintaining a larger property or dealing with consistently thick vegetation that mid-voltage trimmers struggle with, the 80V platform gives you headroom. The 2.5Ah battery is smaller than some competitors, but 80V chemistry compensates with more energy per cell.
The Greenworks Pro 80V trimmer is newer to market (fewer reviews than EGO or DeWalt), but it’s built on the same proven 80V platform as their popular chainsaws and leaf blowers. If you already have Greenworks 80V batteries from their chainsaw or mower, this trimmer adds to that ecosystem without buying a new pack. Note the lower review count — verify current availability before purchasing.
Pros
- 80V platform — highest voltage on this list
- 16-inch cutting width (widest on this list)
- Attachment capable for future head swaps
- Compatible with Greenworks Pro 80V chainsaw, leaf blower, lawn mower batteries
Cons
- Fewer reviews than EGO or DeWalt — less real-world data
- 2.5Ah battery is smaller than Milwaukee’s 8.0Ah or Ryobi’s 4.0Ah
- Greenworks Pro is a smaller brand — support and availability vary
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 80V |
| Cutting Width | 16 inches |
| Motor Type | Brushless |
| Line Feed System | Bump feed |
| Attachment Capable | Yes |
| Battery Included | Yes — 2.5Ah |
| Charger Included | Yes |
Bottom Line: The Greenworks Pro 80V is the pick for users already in the 80V ecosystem or those managing a larger yard who want the most cutting headroom. For everyone else, EGO or Ryobi is a safer bet.
Battery Platform Compatibility: Use What You Already Own
The smartest move in cordless yard tools is picking a battery ecosystem and sticking with it. Here’s how the string trimmer brands map to the broader platforms:
- Milwaukee M18 → The M18 FUEL 2825-21ST works with every M18 battery, including the 8.0Ah HD-packed. If you run Milwaukee on the job site, you already own batteries that work here. See our battery platforms comparison for a full breakdown.
- DeWalt FLEXVOLT 60V MAX → The DCST970X1 uses FLEXVOLT batteries that also power your 20V MAX tools. One charger, two voltage levels, one ecosystem.
- EGO 56V → The 56V platform spans EGO’s entire OPE lineup: the ST1521S trimmer uses the same batteries as our best leaf blower pick and their lawn mowers. If you’re building an EGO yard, start here.
- Ryobi 40V → Home Depot exclusive. Pairs with Ryobi 40V mowers, chainsaws, and snowblowers. Our chainsaw roundup includes the Ryobi 40V HP as the budget chainsaw pick — same battery system.
- Greenworks Pro 80V → If you already own a Greenworks 80V chainsaw or leaf blower, the 80V string trimmer adds to that ecosystem without buying a new pack.
For deeper reading on how these platforms compare across more tool categories, check out our power tool battery technology guide.
Cordless String Trimmer Buying Guide 2026
Voltage and Runtime: How Much Battery Do You Need?
Voltage is a rough proxy for power. Here’s how to match voltage to yard size:
- 40V (Ryobi): Light to medium residential use. Trim edges, clean up garden beds, maintain a tidy lawn under 1/4 acre. Plenty for most suburban homeowners.
- 56V/60V (EGO, DeWalt): Medium to large residential. Handles thicker grass, longer trimming sessions, properties up to 1/2 acre before needing a battery swap.
- 80V (Greenworks Pro): Large residential and light commercial. Best for consistent heavy use, thick ornamental grasses, or properties over 1/2 acre.
- 18V M18 FUEL (Milwaukee): Don’t let the voltage number fool you. Milwaukee’s FUEL motor system extracts more performance from 18V than the spec sheet suggests — the M18 FUEL QUIK-LOK outperforms many 40V competitors in real-world cutting tests.
Line Feed Systems: Bump, Auto, and PowerLoad
How your trimmer delivers fresh line matters more than most buyers realize:
- Bump feed: You tap the trimmer head against the ground while it spins to release more line. Simple, reliable, gives you control. Used by Milwaukee, DeWalt, Ryobi, and Greenworks on this list.
- Auto-feed: The trimmer senses when line is getting short and feeds automatically. No tapping required, but it can waste line if the sensor overcorrects.
- PowerLoad (EGO): The best system. Drop a pre-cut line segment into the head, press a button, and it self-loads. No spool threading, no frustration. This feature alone justifies the EGO premium for many buyers.
Straight Shaft vs. Curved Shaft
All five trimmers on this list have straight shafts, which is correct for yard work. Here’s why it matters:
- Straight shaft: Better reach under bushes and shrubs, more ergonomic for taller users, professional standard. All five picks here are straight-shaft.
- Curved shaft: Lighter, more maneuverable for close trimming, better for shorter users. Common on budget-tier models not on this list.
Attachment Systems: Worth the Investment?
Three of the five trimmers on this list support attachment heads: Milwaukee QUIK-LOK, Ryobi Expand-It, and Greenworks’ attachment system. Here’s how to think about it:
- Buy the attachment-capable trimmer if: You plan to add an edger, pole saw, or hedge trimmer head in the future. One battery platform, multiple tool types.
- Skip it if: You only need a trimmer. EGO’s ST1521S and DeWalt’s DCST970X1 are purpose-built for string trimming and don’t try to do everything.
- Milwaukee QUIK-LOK leads the field for attachment variety and build quality. Ryobi Expand-It has the most attachments available at a lower price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cordless string trimmer for the money in 2026?
The Ryobi RY40250 40V Expand-It ($179) delivers the best value in 2026. It includes a 4.0Ah battery and charger, cuts a 15-inch swath with a brushless motor, and works with 40+ Expand-It attachments if you want to grow your toolkit. For under $200 with battery included, nothing touches it.
How long does a battery string trimmer last on a single charge?
Runtime depends on battery capacity and vegetation density. As a general guide: a 2.5Ah battery handles roughly 15-20 minutes of trimming a small yard. A 4.0Ah-5.0Ah battery stretches to 30-45 minutes of normal use. High-voltage platforms (56V, 60V MAX, 80V) are more efficient and extend runtime further. Check the manufacturer’s specs for each model, since exact runtimes vary by conditions.
Can I use my existing Milwaukee, DeWalt, or EGO battery in a string trimmer?
Yes — if you’re already in an ecosystem, the string trimmer uses the same batteries. Milwaukee M18 batteries work in the 2825-21ST. DeWalt 20V MAX and FLEXVOLT 60V batteries are cross-compatible. EGO 56V batteries work across all EGO outdoor power equipment. This interchangeability is one of the strongest arguments for sticking with a single brand across your yard tools.
Is a cordless string trimmer powerful enough to replace a gas trimmer in 2026?
For most homeowners, yes. High-voltage cordless trimmers (40V-80V) match gas performance for typical residential work: edging driveways, cleaning fence lines, clearing garden beds. Where gas still wins: commercial operators trimming 8+ hours a day, or very thick brush. The EGO 56V, Milwaukee M18 FUEL, and DeWalt 60V MAX all deliver enough power that the average homeowner won’t miss gas.
What is the difference between bump feed and auto-feed string trimmers?
Bump feed: Tap the trimmer head against the ground while spinning to advance new line from the spool. Simple, reliable, gives you manual control. Auto-feed: The trimmer detects short line and feeds it automatically, no tapping required. EGO’s PowerLoad goes a step further: it automatically loads pre-cut line sections so you never have to thread line manually — the best system on this list.
Are QUIK-LOK and Expand-It attachment systems worth the extra cost?
If you plan to buy multiple yard tools, yes. Milwaukee QUIK-LOK and Ryobi Expand-It let you swap the trimmer head for edger, hedge trimmer, pole saw, or blower attachments. Instead of four separate battery tools, you buy one power head and three or four attachment heads. The math works in your favor if you’re building out a yard tool kit. If you only need a trimmer and nothing else, skip the attachment system and save money.
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