Best Battery-Powered String Trimmer Head-to-Head Review

We Tested 10 of the Top Cordless String Trimmers in One Epic Review!

Are you ready to cut the cord or kick the gas can on your outdoor power equipment? String trimmers are a great gateway product, and we’ve tested more than a dozen of the best battery-powered string trimmer models head-to-head to help you determine which ones stand out from the pack.

In this article, I’ll share what we learned from our testing, show you what to look for when you’re shopping, and offer our recommendations based on those tests and other standalone reviews we’ve done. From high-performance professional models to high-value homeowner options, we’ve packed a ton of helpful information to guide you on your way to cordless freedom.

Best Battery-Powered String Trimmer Top Recommendations

• Best for Pros: Stihl FSA 135 R
  Jump to this Trimmer ↓
• Best for Homeowners: EGO 56V PowerLoad w/Line IQ ST1623T
  Jump to this Trimmer ↓
• Best Pro Performance: Makita 40V max XGT GRU07
  Jump to this Trimmer ↓
• Best Residential Performance: Ryobi 40V HP Brushless RY402110
  Jump to this Trimmer ↓
• Most Powerful: Milwaukee M18 Fuel Dual Battery 3006
  Jump to this Trimmer ↓
• Best Lightweight: Echo 56V eForce X-Series DSRM-2600
  Jump to this Trimmer ↓
• Easiest Line Loading: EGO 56V PowerLoad w/Line IQ ST1623T
  Jump to this Trimmer ↓
• Best for the Money: Skil PWRCore 40 PLT1500C-10
  Jump to this Trimmer ↓

Jump to These Sections

• Other Trimmers We Tested
• More Models We Recommend
• Testing Methods and Full Results
• What to Look for When You’re Shopping
• Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews

Best Battery-Powered String Trimmer for Pros

Stihl designed its FSA 135 R to be an electrified version of its popular FS 91 R gas model. Using most of the same components aside from the powerplant, it’s an excellent option for Pro lawn crews who need a workhorse maintenance trimmer on a reliable battery platform. Plus, the servicing dealer network offers unmatched support after the sale.

Confident under load, this model also has near-perfect balance and very low vibration. It’s not as powerful as Makita’s GRU07 or Milwaukee’s 3006, so keep that in mind if you’re tackling heavy overgrowth often.

While this trimmer is heavy, Stihl has options to shift the battery to your belt or back. It’s something to keep in mind for both weight savings and customizing your workflow.

Stihl’s website says the FSA 135 R now comes with the AutoCut C EasySpool, but ours came with the standard manual-loading head. Double-check with your dealer, and be sure to upgrade the head if the EasySpool isn’t included.

	Result	Ranking (out of 11)
Battery Used	7.2Ah
Tested Top Speed	5786 RPM	5th
Cutting Speed	13.7 sec.	7th
Runtime	23.5 min.	6th
Vibration Control	4 out of 5	2nd (tie)
Balance	0.2 lbs., rear bias	1st (tie)
Line Loading	1 out of 5	10th

Best Battery-Powered String Trimmer for Homeowners

If you’re looking for the easiest, most convenient cordless string trimmer to use, EGO’s ST1623T is the way to go. Its telescoping carbon fiber handle lets you adjust the length of the tool rather than just shifting the handle position. Plus, Line IQ takes care of automatically feeding line, PowerLoad makes reloading line a breeze, and its low vibration keeps things more comfortable.

As easy as it is, you may need to stick to using EGO’s line, though. We’ve tried several others, and not all lines load or feed as reliably as EGO’s.

Beyond the convenience, this model easily had the longest runtime in our tests. Even if you use a 2.5Ah battery to shave some weight, you’ll still have close to 30 minutes of trigger time at the highest cutting speed.

While this model does a great job on most tasks, it does struggle when you get to heavy overgrowth. If that’s something you encounter often, you may want to step up to a more powerful option.

	Result	Ranking (out of 11)
Battery Used	4.0Ah
Tested Top Speed	5406 RPM	10th
Cutting Speed	18.1 sec.	10th
Runtime	51.1 min.	1st
Vibration Control	4 out of 5	2nd (tie)
Balance	6.1 lbs., front bias	6th (tie)
Line Loading	5 out of 5	1st (tie)

Best Battery-Powered String Trimmer Pro Performance

Makita does a fantastic job of bracketing user needs in its battery-powered string trimmer lineup with lightweight, mid-range, and high-torque options. We tested the high-torque GRU07 as part of our head-to-head review, and it’s incredibly strong. Touting the power of a 35cc gas model, it feels like it has all the power of a high-end brushcutter while employing a string trimmer head. With its 18-inch cutting swath, it’s well-suited for clearing large areas quickly.

The downside to that much power is a lower runtime, but an infinitely variable cruise control can help you manage it by dialing in the power you need for what you’re cutting. The trimmer’s high-torque boost mode can help you deal with tough patches you might come across before returning to the power level you previously set.

While this trimmer is heavier than most in our test and has a premium price tag, crews who regularly have to tame overgrowth on roads and large properties will enjoy serious time-saving performance.

	Result	Ranking (out of 11)
Battery Used	5.0Ah
Tested Top Speed	5626 RPM	7th
Cutting Speed	9.0 sec.	1st
Runtime	17.0 min.	7th
Vibration Control	3 out of 5	7th (tie)
Balance	8.0 lbs., front bias	9th
Line Loading	3 out of 5	4th

Best Battery-Powered String Trimmer Residential Performance

Homeowners with larger properties to maintain and who want the best performance will love what Ryobi’s RY40211 has to offer. Its ability to handle 0.105-inch line and the muscle behind its brushless motor set it apart from other residential-focused models we’ve used. Even among the Pro models we tested in our head-to-head, Ryobi’s cutting speed didn’t lag far behind. Plus, we were able to get nearly 30 minutes of continuous runtime in high speed using 0.095-inch line, so you’ll have plenty of trigger time when you’re trimming larger areas.

The vibration was the highest of the group but not obnoxious. If you’ve used older Ryobi battery-powered string trimmer models, you’ll notice the vibration control is far better than it was a few years ago.

One downside is that with no tether point, there’s no easy way to add a shoulder strap if you’re hoping to transfer some of the weight out of your hands.

	Result	Ranking (out of 11)
Battery Used	6.0Ah
Tested Top Speed	5621 RPM	8th
Cutting Speed	12.2 sec.	5th
Runtime	27.3 min.	5th
Vibration Control	1 out of 5	10th (tie)
Balance	13.3lbs., front bias	10th
Line Loading	4 out of 5	3rd (tie)

Most Powerful Battery-Powered String Trimmer

Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel Dual-Battery String Trimmer emerged as the most powerful model we tested. While its cutting swath isn’t quite as large as Makita’s GRU07 and Husqvarna’s 525iLST, we could feel the additional muscle Milwaukee’s brushless motor produced.

Its two-battery design puts 288Wh of capacity on board when you use a pair of 8.0Ah High Output batteries that netted more than 30 minutes of runtime during our review.

The downside is that it’s also the heaviest model in this group. However, there’s a shoulder strap that comes with the tool that I highly recommend you take advantage of when you’re trimming larger properties.

We ran into an issue during our cutting speed test where the line was frequently breaking against the tough material. That’s not something we saw from the other models or that we experienced on regular grass and moderate overgrowth. By using a line like Echo’s Black Diamond rather than the round line we used for our tests, you can likely avoid the problem.

	Result	Ranking (out of 11)
Battery Used	2 x 8.0 Ah High Output
Tested Top Speed	6175 RPM	1st
Cutting Speed	12.3 sec.	6th
Runtime	33.5 min.	3rd
Vibration Control	3 out of 5	7th (tie)
Balance	5.2 lbs., front bias	3rd (tie)
Line Loading	5 out of 5	1st (tie)

Best Lightweight Battery-Powered String Trimmer

At 12 pounds, ECHO’s DSRM-2600 might seem like a strange pick as the best lightweight battery-powered string trimmer. But that’s with a 5.0Ah battery. If you go with the kit that comes with a 2.5Ah battery, it’s an easy-to-manage 10 pounds.

While there are lighter options available, they don’t have the performance ECHO does. The 2600 has legit gas-replacement power, plus a Pro build, excellent balance, and top-tier vibration control, making it an easy recommendation with either battery configuration.

	Result	Ranking (out of 11)
Battery Used	5.0Ah
Tested Top Speed	5691 RPM	6th
Cutting Speed	11.6 sec.	3rd
Runtime	17.0 min.	8th
Vibration Control	5 out of 5	1st (tie)
Balance	2.8 lbs., front bias	1st (tie)
Line Loading	3 out of 5	4th (tie)

Best Battery-Powered String Trimmer for the Money

Skil emerges with another best value win with one of its newest PWRCore 40 string trimmers. On the performance side, it does a nice job, and its brushless motor had respectable cutting speed in our tests and was downright impressive against its residential competition. Its 16-inch cutting swath clears larger areas faster than the 12 – 15-inch models we usually find in the residential class.

Even though the trimmer is only rated for 0.080-inch line, we tested it with 0.095-inch to keep things fair against its competition. From a power standpoint, it did fine, though the runtime suffered a bit. You’ll get more than we did by sticking with the rated line.

For homeowners, I really like that this model is attachment-ready and accepts universal attachments. With only one powerhead to deal with, you can grab the additional heads you need to keep your lawn and landscaping looking great while keeping the overall cost and storage footprint more manageable.

	Result	Ranking (out of 11)
Battery Used	4.0Ah
Tested Top Speed	5902 RPM	2nd
Cutting Speed	14.0 sec.	8th
Runtime	13.6 min.	9th
Vibration Control	3 out of 5	7th (tie)
Balance	6.3 lbs., front bias	6th (tie)
Line Loading	3 out of 5	4th

Back to Top

More Battery-Powered OPE Guides

• Best Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers
• Best Battery-Powered Leaf Blowers
• Best Battery-Powered Chainsaws
• Best Battery-Powered Hedge Trimmers

More Battery-Powered String Trimmers We Tested

If you’re looking for a multi-head system from a Pro-focused brand, DeWalt’s DCST972 is a viable option. Built on the foundation of a wide-swath string trimmer and thankfully going with a universal attachment interface, you have a wide range of ways to customize it to your needs.

The main concern is low runtime. Less than 10 minutes on high speed with the kitted 3.0Ah battery, you’ll need to manage your batteries more carefully than with other options.

However, don’t miss the price. $329 for the kit is awfully attractive and less than half the cost of some. of our top picks. It’s low enough that even homeowners who like DeWalt power tools may want to pull the trigger.

	Result	Ranking (out of 11)
Battery Used	3.0Ah FlexVolt
Tested Top Speed	5793 RPM	4th
Cutting Speed	15.6 sec.	9th
Runtime	9.3 min.	10th
Vibration Control	4 out of 5	2nd (tie)
Balance	7.0 lbs., front bias	6th (tie)
Line Loading	3 out of 5	4th (tie)

While we love the 520 iLX for its balance of light weight, low vibration, and maintenance cutting, the 525iLST offers more muscle and a larger swath to make quick work of roadside, ditch, and large area cutting. However, while its 25cc gas equivalent power is excellent for maintenance and moderate overgrowth, it doesn’t have as much power as some of the others on our list.

We tested with Husqvarna’s 9.0Ah battery and measured impressive cutting speed and runtime while keeping the weight manageable near the 13-pound mark. With backpack battery options also available, you can substantially extend that runtime and significantly reduce the amount of weight in your hands. It’s an excellent choice for Pro crews who need mid-range power and long runtime.

	Result	Ranking (out of 11)
Battery Used	9.0Ah
Tested Top Speed	5490 RPM	9th
Cutting Speed	11.1 sec.	2nd
Runtime	40.3 min.	2nd
Vibration Control	4 out of 5	2nd (tie)
Balance	4.3 lbs., front bias	3rd (tie)
Line Loading	2 out of 5	9th

While we’ve enjoyed Toro’s 60V products for residential use, the Revolution series pushes into the Pro market with a commercial-grade build. The line’s initial string trimmer comes out with mid-range power, good cutting speed, and solid runtime numbers in our tests.

The tougher build comes with a weight penalty. Just over 15 pounds with a 4.0Ah battery, you may want to take advantage of adding a shoulder strap when you’re working on larger properties. Better yet, grab the backpack that holds two batteries and the tether and take the battery weight off the tool altogether.

The Revolution system is designed to customize for your unique business needs, so there aren’t any kits available for the handheld tools. You’ll need to grab the batteries and chargers separately and build out your trailer the way you need it.

	Result	Ranking (out of 11)
Battery Used	4.0Ah
Tested Top Speed	5850 RPM	3rd
Cutting Speed	11.9 sec.	4th
Runtime	28.1 min.	4th
Vibration Control	4 out of 5	2nd (tie)
Balance	4.5 lbs., rear bias	3rd (tie)
Line Loading	3 out of 5	4th (tie)

Back to Top

Best Line for Battery-Powered String Trimmers

Echo Black Diamond 0.095-Inch Trimmer Line

Echo Black Diamond trimmer line is denser than others and has sharper cutting edges in its design. For battery-powered string trimmers, you can use Black Diamond 0.095-inch line that cuts like it’s thicker without killing your runtime. There’s some runtime reduction because of the increase in mass, but not as much as when it combines with the increased air resistance of thicker lines. It’s the line we prefer on our gas trimmers and with cordless models being as capable as they are today, we’re able to use it on those as well.

Price: $20.99 – $79.99

Back to Top

More Battery-Powered String Trimmer Recommendations

Not every brand we recommend participated in our head-to-head testing. Here are a few more brands and models to consider if one of our other picks doesn’t quite meet your needs.

Greenworks 60V Attachment-Capable String Trimmer ST60L416

The Greenworks Pro 60V line has a few solid options, and I like the ST60L416 as the best of everything for homeowner needs. Its 17-inch cutting swath and 0.095-line capacity make quick work of trimming duties, while its universal attachment interface helps you save money on the other tools you need to keep your landscaping looking great.

At 14.9 pounds with a 4.0Ah battery, it’s on the heavy side. That’s the trade-off for the higher performance and versatility this model offers over other residential options.

Price: $299.99 with a 4.0Ah battery and charger

Kobalt Gen 4 40V String Trimmer KST 1040A-03

Kobalt’s 40V system is a good choice for homeowners with smaller lawns, and the 4th generation string trimmer is an excellent value to get you started. It checks the right boxes with a 2-speed brushless motor, 15-inch cutting swath, and quick-loading dual-line head. Well under $200 with a 4.0Ah battery, it’s an attractive option.

Price: $169 kit with a 4.0Ah battery and charger

Ridgid 18V Brushless String Trimmer R1201

Ridgid fans no longer have to consider a separate battery system to join the cordless lawn care craze. Fully compatible with Ridgid 18V power tool batteries, there’s a nice range to get started with. The string trimmer is on the smaller side, featuring a 12 – 14-inch cutting swath but still capable of using 0.095-inch line. It’s also on the lighter side, weighing less than 10 pounds with a 4.0Ah battery. It’s a nice option for Ridgid fans who want a lightweight string trimmer.

Price: $189 bare, $249 with a 4.0Ah battery and charger

Back to Top

How We Test Battery-Powered String Trimmers with Full Results

Battery Pairings

For our testing, we paired each trimmer with the battery that comes in the kit, if one is available. This is the most common way people purchase battery-powered string trimmers, and we wanted our tests to reflect the most likely way you’ll experience them in the field.

Model	Series	Tested Battery
DeWalt SDCST972	60V Max FlexVolt	3.0Ah / 162Wh
ECHO DSRM-2600	56V	5.0Ah / 252Wh
EGO ST1623T	56V	4.0Ah / 202Wh
Husqvarna 525ILST	36V	9.0Ah / 344Wh
Makita GRU07	40V max XGT	5.0Ah / 180Wh
Milwaukee 3006	M18 RedLithium Forge	2 x 8.0Ah /288Wh
Ryobi RY402110	40V	6.0Ah / 216Wh
Skil PLT1500C-10	PWRCore 40	4.0Ah / 144Wh
Stihl FSA135R	36V	7.2Ah / 259Wh
Toro 66110T	60V	4.0Ah / 216Wh

Max Cutting Swath

Note that many battery-powered string trimmer models have reversible cutters. Set for the longer string length, you can cut a wider swath. Set to the shorter length, you’ll get better runtime. This list shows the maximum cutting swath each trimmer can be set to.

Model	Max Cutting Swath
DeWalt SDCST972	17 in.
ECHO DSRM-2600	17 in.
EGO ST1623T	16 in.
Husqvarna 525ILST	18.1 in.
Makita GRU07	18 in.
Milwaukee 3006	17 in.
Ryobi RY402110	17 in.
Skil PLT1500C-10	16 in.
Stihl FSA135R	16.5 in.
Toro 66110T	16 in.

Pro Tip: Cutting without the guard is a common way professional crews get more cutting swath, but it subjects the motor to a much greater load than it was tuned for. Whether you’re using gas, battery, or electric, leave the guard and cutter in place to get the best performance and life from your trimmer.

Max Line Diameter and Tested Line

While most of our battery-powered string trimmers are capable of using 0.095-inch line, some are able to step up to a beefier 0.105-inch that’s better at cutting tough overgrowth. We tested each model with the maximum line diameter it was rated for, with the exception of Skil. Even though it’s only rated for 0.080-inch line, we bumped it up to 0.095-inch to better test its cutting power.

While ECHO’s Black Diamond line is our favorite because it offers the best cutting performance, we decided to do our testing with round lines from Husqvarna. The 0.095-inch line was Titanium Force, and the 0.105-inch line was Titanium X Pro.

Model	Max Line Diameter
DeWalt SDCST972	0.095-in.
ECHO DSRM-2600	0.095-in.
EGO ST1623T	0.095-in.
Husqvarna 525ILST	0.105-in.
Makita GRU07	0.105-in.
Milwaukee 3006	0.105-in.
Ryobi RY402110	0.105-in.
Skil PLT1500C-10	0.080-in.
Stihl FSA135R	0.105-in.
Toro 66110T	0.095-in.

Pro Tip: Cut with the maximum line diameter to get the strongest cutting performance. Step down to a lower diameter for longer runtime or to lower the risk of damaging material such as vinyl fence.

Length

We measured each string trimmer’s length with the battery installed.

Model	Length with Battery
DeWalt SDCST972	70.0 in.
ECHO DSRM-2600	73.5 in.
EGO ST1623T	72.3 in.
Husqvarna 525ILST	70.8 in.
Makita GRU07	76.4 in.
Milwaukee 3006	73.4 in.
Ryobi RY402110	76.1 in.
Skil PLT1500C-10	69.4 in.
Stihl FSA135R	74.1 in.
Toro 66110T	74.5 in.

Weight and Balance

We weighed each string trimmer, including the same battery we tested it with. We also checked the balance.

Good balance is critical, but objectively testing it is difficult. The front handles are adjustable, so you can customize the fit to your specific arm length and height. Any adjustment you make changes the balance of the tool, so take these results with a grain of salt.

With the front handle in the stock position (many trimmers have a mark for this), we weighed how much of the trimmer’s weight was in the front handle and how much was at the trigger handle. Perfect balance would have an equal amount at each one, regardless of the total weight.

Once we had the numbers, we scored them from 1 to 5. 1 is the most neutral between the two handles, and 5 has all the weight on one.

You can make the argument that you want all the weight on the front handle, putting the center of balance directly on it. This would leave your front arm bearing all the weight while your trigger hand is can maneuver the head freely. However, we believe that an equal weight distribution between both arms helps fight fatigue better over the course of the day.

The score for each model is the measure of how much the weight was biased towards the front or back. For example, consider the following hypothetical measurements:

• Total Weight: 11.0 lbs
• Front Handle: 4.5 lbs
• Trigger Handle: 6.5 lbs

This model would have a balance rating of 2.0 lbs, rear bias, indicating that your trigger hand would hold 2 more pounds than your front hand.

Model	Weight with Battery	Balance
DeWalt SDCST972	12.7 lbs.	7.0 lbs., front bias
ECHO DSRM-2600	12.0 lbs.	2.8 lbs., front bias
EGO ST1623T	12.7 lbs.	6.1 lbs., front bias
Husqvarna 525ILST	13.1 lbs.	4.3 lbs., front bias
Makita GRU07	14.7 lbs.	8.0 lbs., front bias
Milwaukee 3006	16.8 lbs.	5.2 lbs., front bias
Ryobi RY402110	13.3 lbs.	13.3 lbs., front bias
Skil PLT1500C-10	12.2 lbs.	6.3 lbs., front bias
Stihl FSA135R	14.8 lbs.	0.2 lbs., rear bias
Toro 66110T	15.1 lbs.	4.5 lbs., rear bias

Line Loading

As we changed out the stock lines for our Husqvarna test lines, we noted the style of each head design and how easy it is to change the line out. Even though rapid loading heads are common, there are some differences in design that make some easier to use than others.

Note that for the rating, the score is on a 1 – 5 scale and a higher score is better.

Model	Head Design	Line Change Rating
DeWalt SDCST972	Dual-line, rapid load	3
ECHO DSRM-2600	Dual-line, rapid load	3
EGO ST1623T	Dual-line, rapid load	5
Husqvarna 525ILST	Dual-line, rapid load	2
Makita GRU07	Dual-line, rapid load	3
Milwaukee 3006	Dual-line, rapid load	5
Ryobi RY402110	Dual-line, rapid load	4
Skil PLT1500C-10	Dual-line, rapid load	3
Stihl FSA135R	Dual-line, manual load	1
Toro 66110T	Dual-line, rapid load	3

Pro Tip: Hate the head that came on your string trimmer? In most cases, you can swap it out for another one. Some brands are interchangeable and there are also third-party replacement heads available.

Vibration

Since we don’t have a vibration meter, we have to test it more subjectively than some of our other tests. For this, we run the trimmer at high speed with the longest cutting swath under no load and feel how much vibration it has. We keep testing side-by-side until we find the ones with the lowest vibration levels and separate them into categories from 1 – 5, with 1 having the best vibration control and 5 having the worst. For this test, a lower score is better.

Model	Vibration
DeWalt SDCST972	2
ECHO DSRM-2600	1
EGO ST1623T	2
Husqvarna 525ILST	2
Makita GRU07	3
Milwaukee 3006	3
Ryobi RY402110	5
Skil PLT1500C-10	3
Stihl FSA135R	2
Toro 66110T	2

RPM Testing

Using a tachometer, we tested each model’s maximum RPM with its largest rated line at its largest cutting swath under no load. This may differ from the rated speed, considering that the aerodynamics, mass, and length of the line come into play.

Since every unit in this test uses an electronically controlled brushless motor, it’s possible that some can better adjust to the changes and keep the speed up than others.

Model	Max Speed Rating	Max Speed Tested
DeWalt SDCST972	5800 RPM	5793 RPM
ECHO DSRM-2600	5680 RPM	5691 RPM
EGO ST1623T	5500 RPM	5406 RPM
Husqvarna 525ILST	5500 RPM	5490 RPM
Makita GRU07	5700 RPM	5626 RPM
Milwaukee 3006	6200 RPM	6175 RPM
Ryobi RY402110	Not listed	5621 RPM
Skil PLT1500C-10	5900 RPM	5902 RPM
Stihl FSA135R	5900 RPM	5786 RPM
Toro 66110T	6400 RPM	5850 RPM

Cutting Speed

To test cutting speed, we set up a rig using 3 layers of Vigoro reed fencing (item number 325538 at Home Depot) that ran 8 feet long. This material is similar to the kind of tall, stalky grass we cut in overgrown areas in Central Florida and offers better consistency than lawns or fields.

Before finalizing the length and thickness of the test rig, we ensured that every string trimmer in the test could cut through it without overloading the motor.

The results are the amount of time it took each model to complete the 8-foot section, averaged between two runs.

Model	Time
DeWalt SDCST972	15.6 sec.
ECHO DSRM-2600	11.6 sec.
EGO ST1623T	18.1 sec.
Husqvarna 525ILST	11.0 sec.
Makita GRU07	9.0 sec.
Milwaukee 3006	12.3 sec.
Ryobi RY402110	12.2 sec.
Skil PLT1500C-10	14.0 sec.
Stihl FSA135R	13.7 sec.
Toro 66110T	11.9 sec.

Runtime

To test runtime, we stuck with the same line we ran our cutting tests with so you can see the correlation between the best cutting performance each model offers and the runtime you can expect when you run at wide open throttle at high speed.

Manufacturers typically report a maximum runtime based on trimming at the lowest speed with the smallest rated line diameter. Your experience will likely be between that value and what we tested, depending on what speed and line you use.

Model	Max Rated Runtime	Tested Runtime at High Speed
DeWalt SDCST972	60 min.	9.3 min.
ECHO DSRM-2600	54 min.	17.0 min.
EGO ST1623T	60 min.	51.2 min.
Husqvarna 525ILST	Not listed	40.3 min.
Makita GRU07	Not listed	17.0 min.
Milwaukee 3006	50 min.	33.5 min.
Ryobi RY402110	67 min.	27.3 min.
Skil PLT1500C-10	Not listed	13.6 min.
Stihl FSA135R	45 min.	23.5 min.
Toro 66110T	Not listed	28.1 min.

Back to Top

What to Look For When You’re Shopping for a Battery-Powered String Trimmer

Compatible Tools

When you buy a cordless string trimmer, you’re buying into a system of tools that run on the same batteries. Before you pull the trigger, check and see if that system has the other products you need or want. Even if you’re only buying a string trimmer now, you might want to add a hedge trimmer, blower, or other tools later. Keeping everything on the same battery system reduces the number of batteries and chargers you have to manage.

Cutting Power

When cutting power is your top priority for a battery-powered string trimmer, three primary factors go into it: line speed, line thickness/mass, and motor torque.

The faster the line whips around, the better the tips cut grass. Most battery-powered string trimmers are fine in this category. As long as you’re getting at least 5000 RPM, you should be in good shape. The top models are capable of hitting 6500 RPM and there is a significant difference in how fast you can complete your trimming duties at higher rotational speeds.

Shifting the focus to the line thickness, the higher the line mass, the more force it’s able to cut through thicker grass with. It’s like the difference between getting hit by a 175-pound safety and a 225-pound linebacker at the same speed. More mass equals more cutting power.

Most cordless string trimmers take 0.080-inch line at a minimum. We recommend 0.095-inch for the best all-around performance. If you have tougher grass or deal with overgrowth frequently, a string trimmer with 0.105-inch line lets you power through even better. Just keep in mind that line diameter has a direct effect on runtime—thicker line takes more energy to run.

Finally, a motor with higher torque helps the trimmer resist slowing down as the going gets tougher. Even though trimming grass seems like a low-demand task, grass does push back against the line, causing it to bend back and eventually start to bog the motor. Higher torque keeps the head spinning better in tough cutting situations, even when its highest RPMs are lower than that of low-torque gearing.

Cutting Swath

Having a large cutting swath helps you clear large areas faster or gives you a more generous border for your mower. You need more power to run wider, though, and runtime is always a consideration. That said, in the past couple of years, we’ve seen the technology come together to give us solid options. Look for a 15-inch cutting diameter for most situations. Recent 16- and 17-inch models are a great choice when you have larger areas to cut.

Runtime

The average homeowner on a 1/4-acre lot needs less than 15 minutes of actual trigger time to cover trimming. Most cordless string trimmers can hit that at high speed without difficulty.

Professional lawn care crews need much more, though. So do homeowners with large properties or those with farm/ranch acreage.

If your runtime needs are greater, look for a string trimmer that balances the efficiency of a brushless motor, uses 0.095-inch line, and possibly comes with a higher-capacity battery. Of course, you can always carry multiple batteries.

Also, consider learning how to trim at low speed when the grass isn’t as thick. Even though you have to slow down a bit, you’ll cut a significantly larger area per charge.

Vibration

We highly value low-vibration string trimmers. We already have enough work to do managing the weight of such a long tool without vibration adding additional fatigue. The harmonics in some of today’s models are so good that hardly any vibration makes it up the handle… and they are a joy to use!

Weight and Balance

If you’re working all day on a lawn crew or even just putting the finishing touches on your own lawn, you want the lightest weight you can get without sacrificing the power and runtime you need. Bare weight isn’t everything—the battery can add a lot. If you can get a fully loaded battery-powered string trimmer that meets your performance needs and comes in under 10 pounds, that’s a big win.

Balance is a consideration and the trimmers that have the best typically mount the motor on the trimmer head to counter the battery weight on the back. Many models also let you adjust the front handle to help dial in your fit.

If you’re after an attachment-capable model, you’re stuck with the motor in the back, and the balance shifts back. For those trimmers that are simply heavier by nature, consider adding a shoulder strap to help you out.

Sound Level

Low noise is one of the major benefits of moving away from gas power. Cordless string trimmers we’ve tested range from decibels in the low 80s to the upper 90s (measured at our operator’s ear). Even at the top end, it’s an improvement over the majority of gas trimmers.

Your line selection plays a bigger part than it does on gas trimmers. Sometimes, switching the line you use can reduce the overall noise level or change the tone to a less irritating pitch.

Line Changes

When you have to change the line, it can be an easy or frustrating process. Manual loading is largely a thing of the past, though some trimmers still have manual heads. To make the process easier, look for models that have some type of fast-loading system (SpeedFeed, Rapid Load, etc). With these, you thread the line through the head to the middle, turn the head to load it, and get on with the work.

Regardless of what comes on the trimmer, you can upgrade most to a quick-load head.

The best on the market right now is EGO’s PowerLoad design. It takes the fast-load concept and adds automatic winding, giving us the easiest, quickest line changes we’ve ever had.

Attachment Capability

Pro lawn crews typically have dedicated machines for string trimming, edging, and hedge trimming, but homeowners can save a lot of money by using interchangeable heads and tools that cover everything from blowing to brush cutting.

As we mentioned earlier, attachment systems require a top-mounted motor that affects the balance. It’s a trade-off you have to make for the convenience you gain.

One thing to keep an eye on is the attachment connection style. Models with a “universal” connection can use attachments from other brands, opening up far more choices. Recent multi-head systems including EGO, Milwaukee, and Stihl aren’t compatible with others, so you need to make sure they have everything you need before investing.

Back to Top

Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews to a Recommend Battery-Powered String Trimmer for You

Ever check out a “review” site and you can’t tell if they actually tested anything or if they’re just “recommending” the Amazon top sellers? That’s not us. We won’t recommend anything unless we’d actually use it ourselves, and we don’t really care who the primary retailer is. It’s all about giving you a legitimate recommendation and our honest opinion of each product.

We’ve been in business since 2008 covering tools, writing reviews, and reporting on industry news in the construction and lawn care industries. Our Pro reviewers work in the trades and have the skills and experience to know whether tools can perform well in the field.

Each year, we bring in and review more than hundreds of individual products. Our team will put our hands on hundreds of additional tools at media events and trade shows throughout the year.

Pro Tool Reviews consults with innovators in the technology and design of tools to gain a broader grasp of where these products fit and how they work.

We work with more than two dozen professionals around the United States who review products for us on real jobsites and with real lawn crews. We consult with them extensively on testing methods, categories, and practical applications.

Our site will provide hundreds of pieces of new content this year absolutely free for our readers. That includes objective evaluations of individual tools and products.

The result is information you can trust because of the editorial, scientific, and real-world professional experience we collectively draw from each and every time we pick up and test a tool.

Back to Top