What voltage do I need in a cordless string trimmer?

Voltage is a rough proxy for power output: 20V MAX trimmers like the Craftsman CMCST930P1 handle small to medium residential lots well; 40V and 56V models like the Ryobi RY40250 and EGO ST1521S add endurance on larger properties and in thicker growth; and 60V FLEXVOLT like the DeWalt DCST972X1 is appropriate for large lots with dense weeds. For most homeowners with a standard suburban yard, 40V to 56V is the sweet spot — it delivers more than enough power without the extra weight of the 60V machine.

What is POWERLOAD and is it worth the price premium?

POWERLOAD is EGO's automatic line-winding system on the ST1521S: instead of manually threading trimmer line through a bump-feed head, you insert a pre-loaded spool or feed line into the head and the motor winds it automatically. It eliminates one of the most common frustrations with string trimmers — tangled or incorrectly threaded line — and it works consistently. Whether it is worth the premium depends on how often you re-spool; for users who dread that chore, it is a meaningful quality-of-life upgrade.

Can I use a string trimmer as an edger?

Most of the trimmers in this guide can be rotated 90 degrees to cut a vertical line along a sidewalk or driveway — this is sometimes called straight-line edging. The Ryobi RY40250 and DeWalt DCST972X1 are both attachment-capable, meaning a dedicated edger blade attachment can replace the string head for cleaner, more consistent edging results. The EGO and Craftsman are not listed as attachment-capable for edger heads, though both can be rotated for basic freehand edging.

How long does a cordless trimmer battery last per charge?

Runtime depends on battery capacity, grass density, and motor load. A 2.5Ah battery like the one in the EGO ST1521S kit typically covers 30 to 45 minutes of trimming on a typical residential yard before needing a recharge. The Ryobi RY40250's 4.0Ah pack extends that to 45 to 60 minutes under similar conditions. For larger properties, investing in a second battery or a higher-capacity pack is more practical than pausing mid-yard.

Is bump-feed or fixed-line better for trimmer line?

Bump-feed is the most common system: you tap the trimmer head on the ground while it spins and a small amount of fresh line feeds out. It works well when the mechanism is clean and the line is not fused. Fixed-line systems use a pre-cut length of heavier line and are popular on commercial trimmers for their durability. EGO's POWERLOAD is effectively an automated version of spool-wind feed and is the most user-friendly of the systems in this guide for consumers who dislike rethreading.

Should I buy an attachment-capable trimmer?

Attachment capability adds real value if you have multiple yard tasks to cover: a single battery platform with a trimmer, edger, cultivator, and blower head covers jobs that would otherwise require four separate tools. Both the Ryobi RY40250 and DeWalt DCST972X1 are attachment-capable; the EGO ST1521S is not listed as attachment-capable for third-party heads, though EGO sells its own multi-head system separately. If you are building a battery-powered yard tool collection, the attachment-capable picks extend your investment further.

The Best Cordless String Trimmers of 2026

Updated 2026-06-12

Cordless string trimmers have effectively replaced gas models for most residential yards, and the EGO Power+ ST1521S is the one to buy if you are starting fresh. Its 56V brushless motor, POWERLOAD auto-wind system, and five-year warranty make it the most refined trimmer in this guide. Ryobi's RY40250 is the value pick for ONE+ platform owners and light-to-medium yard work, while DeWalt's DCST972X1 is the clear answer when commercial-grade power is the priority.

1Best overall

EGO Power+ ST1521S 56V Brushless String Trimmer

The ST1521S sits at the top of this guide because of the features that affect real use more than raw specs: POWERLOAD auto-wind technology means you never fumble with threading line through a bump-feed head again, the 56V brushless motor delivers consistent cutting speed across thick grass and light brush, and the five-year tool warranty is the longest on this list. At 9.9 lbs bare the trimmer is not ultralight, but its carbon fiber shaft and well-balanced weight distribution keep it comfortable through a typical yard session. The kit includes a 2.5Ah battery and charger — enough runtime for a medium yard in one charge.

✓ POWERLOAD auto-wind head eliminates manual line threading entirely
✓ 56V brushless motor maintains cutting speed through thick overgrowth
✓ Five-year tool warranty is the longest in this guide
✓ Carbon fiber shaft keeps weight distribution comfortable at 9.9 lbs bare

✗ Premium kit price is higher than the Ryobi and Craftsman picks
✗ EGO's 56V batteries are not shared with other major brand platforms

Read our full review →

2Best for large yards

DeWalt DCST972X1 FLEXVOLT 60V MAX Trimmer

The DCST972X1 is the heaviest trimmer in this guide — 13 to 15 lbs with battery — and the most powerful, running on DeWalt's 60V MAX FLEXVOLT platform with a 15- to 17-inch adjustable cutting swath. That combination makes it the pick for larger lots with dense grass, heavy weeds, or overgrown borders where lighter trimmers slow down. The FLEXVOLT battery doubles as a 20V MAX pack in other DeWalt tools, giving platform flexibility not available on EGO or Ryobi 40V. For users who already own a 60V MAX or 20V MAX battery collection, it is the most powerful extension of that ecosystem.

✓ 60V MAX FLEXVOLT delivers the most cutting power in this guide
✓ 15-17 inch adjustable swath covers more ground per pass on large lots
✓ FLEXVOLT battery works as a 20V MAX pack in compatible DeWalt tools
✓ Attachment-capable design supports additional tool heads

✗ 13-15 lbs with battery is the heaviest tool in this guide
✗ Premium kit pricing reflects the large FLEXVOLT battery included

Read our full review →

3Best value

Ryobi RY40250 40V Brushless String Trimmer

The RY40250 punches well above its price for users already on Ryobi 40V. Its brushless motor, 13- to 15-inch adjustable swath, and five-year warranty match or exceed what more expensive trimmers offer, and the attachment-capable shaft means it can take on edging, cultivating, or blowing with the right head. At 8.92 lbs with battery it is notably lighter than the DeWalt. The kit comes complete with a 4.0Ah battery and charger, making it one of the better complete values at this price tier.

✓ Brushless motor with 5-year warranty at a competitive price point
✓ Attachment-capable for edger, cultivator, and blower heads
✓ 4.0Ah battery included in the kit provides solid runtime per charge
✓ At 8.92 lbs it is lighter than the DeWalt and comfortable for extended use

✗ 40V platform is separate from Ryobi ONE+ 18V — batteries do not cross-charge
✗ 13-15 inch swath is narrower than the DeWalt's 17-inch maximum

Read our full review →

4Best for small yards

Craftsman CMCST930P1 20V MAX Brushless Trimmer

The CMCST930P1 is the lightest and most maneuverable trimmer in this guide, which makes it the natural fit for small yards, tight borders, and users who find heavier trimmers fatiguing. Its 20V MAX brushless motor and 11- to 13-inch swath cover compact residential lots efficiently, and at 6.8 lbs with battery it is noticeably easier to swing around raised beds, fences, and obstacles than the Ryobi or DeWalt. Craftsman's three-year warranty trails the EGO and Ryobi picks, but for light-to-medium yard work it is the most comfortable tool in the lineup.

✓ Lightest trimmer in this guide at 6.8 lbs with battery installed
✓ Brushless motor for efficient battery use on 20V MAX platform
✓ 11-13 inch swath is ideal for small to medium residential lots
✓ Battery and charger included — complete kit value at a lower price

✗ 3-year warranty trails the 5-year coverage on EGO and Ryobi picks
✗ 11-13 inch swath requires more passes on larger or irregular yards

Read our full review →

Choosing between gas and battery in 2026

Gas string trimmers dominated residential yards for decades, but the voltage and run-time available from lithium-ion platforms has shifted the balance. A 40V to 60V cordless trimmer now handles most of what a gas model did — without the carburetor maintenance, mixed fuel, and cold-start frustration. For residential use on lots up to a half acre with regular grass and light weeds, every trimmer in this guide is a practical gas replacement. Larger commercial acreage with heavy brush is still where gas or 60V commercial tools have an edge, but that describes a small fraction of the buyers reading this guide.

What the cutting swath actually affects

The cutting diameter — the width of the arc the line sweeps — determines how many passes you need to trim a given area. A 15- to 17-inch swath like the DeWalt DCST972X1's covers roughly 30 percent more ground per pass than an 11-inch swath. On a large open yard that matters; on a small lot with tight borders and obstacles, a narrower swath is easier to control and less likely to scalp ornamental plantings. The EGO and Ryobi both offer adjustable swath widths, letting you dial between a wider setting for open runs and a narrower setting for detail work.

Motor type and why brushless is the baseline

All four picks in this guide use brushless motors, and that is intentional. Brushless motors run more efficiently than brushed equivalents — they generate less heat, extend battery runtime, and last longer before needing service. In practical terms, a brushless trimmer gives you more cuts per charge and a longer usable life for the tool. The trade-off is a higher upfront price compared to brushed entry-level models, but the efficiency difference shows up every time you charge a battery.

EGO ST1521S: the best all-around trimmer

The ST1521S earns the top position primarily through the POWERLOAD system and the five-year warranty. POWERLOAD makes re-spooling — a chore most trimmer owners dread — something that takes under a minute and always comes out correctly. Over the multi-year life of a trimmer that adds up. The 56V brushless motor delivers consistent performance on thick late-season grass that causes lighter trimmers to slow noticeably. At 9.9 lbs bare it is not the lightest option here, but EGO's carbon fiber shaft keeps the balance point close to the handle, reducing the leverage effect that makes heavier trimmers fatiguing.

DeWalt DCST972X1: for bigger lots and platform users

If your lot is large — roughly a quarter acre or more — or if you have sections of dense overgrowth that require serious cutting power, the DCST972X1 is the right answer. Its 60V FLEXVOLT motor is the most powerful in this guide, and the 17-inch maximum swath width shortens the time to cover large open areas. The FLEXVOLT battery adds a layer of platform flexibility: it functions as a 60V pack in the trimmer and as a 20V MAX pack in standard DeWalt tools. For users building a DeWalt-centric tool collection, that cross-compatibility strengthens the case considerably. The weight — 13 to 15 lbs with the large battery — is the main real-world constraint; plan for shorter sessions or a sling strap if you are using it for extended periods.

Ryobi RY40250: serious performance at a fair price

The RY40250 is where performance and price overlap most favorably. Its brushless 40V motor, 13- to 15-inch adjustable swath, five-year warranty, and attachment-capable shaft deliver a spec sheet that rivals tools sold for significantly more. The included 4.0Ah battery is larger than what EGO packs in the ST1521S kit, which translates to longer runtime per charge. The note of caution is the platform: Ryobi's 40V is a separate voltage tier from its popular ONE+ 18V line, so batteries do not cross-charge between the two if you already own 18V Ryobi tools.

Craftsman CMCST930P1: the light-duty standout

For compact lots, elderly users, or anyone fatigued by heavier trimmers, the Craftsman is the easiest tool in this guide to handle for a full session. At 6.8 lbs with battery it is several pounds lighter than the Ryobi and EGO picks, which makes a tangible difference when you are trimming around raised garden beds or working overhead along a fence. Its 20V MAX platform is familiar to Craftsman and compatible-system owners. The trade-off is the narrower 11- to 13-inch swath and the three-year warranty, both of which trail the top picks. On a small lot neither limitation matters in daily use.

Frequently asked questions

What voltage do I need in a cordless string trimmer?: Voltage is a rough proxy for power output: 20V MAX trimmers like the Craftsman CMCST930P1 handle small to medium residential lots well; 40V and 56V models like the Ryobi RY40250 and EGO ST1521S add endurance on larger properties and in thicker growth; and 60V FLEXVOLT like the DeWalt DCST972X1 is appropriate for large lots with dense weeds. For most homeowners with a standard suburban yard, 40V to 56V is the sweet spot — it delivers more than enough power without the extra weight of the 60V machine.
What is POWERLOAD and is it worth the price premium?: POWERLOAD is EGO's automatic line-winding system on the ST1521S: instead of manually threading trimmer line through a bump-feed head, you insert a pre-loaded spool or feed line into the head and the motor winds it automatically. It eliminates one of the most common frustrations with string trimmers — tangled or incorrectly threaded line — and it works consistently. Whether it is worth the premium depends on how often you re-spool; for users who dread that chore, it is a meaningful quality-of-life upgrade.
Can I use a string trimmer as an edger?: Most of the trimmers in this guide can be rotated 90 degrees to cut a vertical line along a sidewalk or driveway — this is sometimes called straight-line edging. The Ryobi RY40250 and DeWalt DCST972X1 are both attachment-capable, meaning a dedicated edger blade attachment can replace the string head for cleaner, more consistent edging results. The EGO and Craftsman are not listed as attachment-capable for edger heads, though both can be rotated for basic freehand edging.
How long does a cordless trimmer battery last per charge?: Runtime depends on battery capacity, grass density, and motor load. A 2.5Ah battery like the one in the EGO ST1521S kit typically covers 30 to 45 minutes of trimming on a typical residential yard before needing a recharge. The Ryobi RY40250's 4.0Ah pack extends that to 45 to 60 minutes under similar conditions. For larger properties, investing in a second battery or a higher-capacity pack is more practical than pausing mid-yard.
Is bump-feed or fixed-line better for trimmer line?: Bump-feed is the most common system: you tap the trimmer head on the ground while it spins and a small amount of fresh line feeds out. It works well when the mechanism is clean and the line is not fused. Fixed-line systems use a pre-cut length of heavier line and are popular on commercial trimmers for their durability. EGO's POWERLOAD is effectively an automated version of spool-wind feed and is the most user-friendly of the systems in this guide for consumers who dislike rethreading.
Should I buy an attachment-capable trimmer?: Attachment capability adds real value if you have multiple yard tasks to cover: a single battery platform with a trimmer, edger, cultivator, and blower head covers jobs that would otherwise require four separate tools. Both the Ryobi RY40250 and DeWalt DCST972X1 are attachment-capable; the EGO ST1521S is not listed as attachment-capable for third-party heads, though EGO sells its own multi-head system separately. If you are building a battery-powered yard tool collection, the attachment-capable picks extend your investment further.