Best String Trimmer to Pick in 2026
Updated August 2026
A string trimmer is what gives a lawn its finished edge, reaching the fence lines, tree bases, and tight corners a mower leaves behind. In 2026, cordless trimmers have the runtime and power to replace gas for most yards, so choosing the right cutting width, battery, and line-feed system makes all the difference. These are the best string trimmers we recommend this year, ranked best first.
Our Top 10 String Trimmer Picks for 2026
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX 12″ String Trimmer & Edger (LST522)
Lightweight 20V 12-inch trimmer with auto line feed and dual-speed PowerDrive.
- 12-inch swath with AFS automatic line feed
- LBXR2520 pack rated 66% more runtime than standard
- Dual-speed PowerDrive; wheeled edger conversion
12-inch swath keeps small lawns tidy.
2.5Ah pack rated 66% more runtime than the base cell.
Light plastic body, easy for any user to handle.
WORX WG163 20V 12″ Cordless String Trimmer & Lawn Edger, 2 Batteries
Wildly popular 2-in-1 trimmer and edger with instant line feed and free spools for life.
- 2-in-1: converts from string trimmer to wheeled lawn edger in seconds
- Push-button Command Feed instant line advance; free replacement spools for life
- 12" cutting width, 7,600 rpm, 5.5 lbs; 90° tilt head; includes 2 batteries & charger
12" swath, 7,600 rpm; 2-in-1 trimmer-to-edger in seconds.
WORX 20V PowerShare; includes 2 batteries.
5.5 lb with 90° tilt head and free spools for life.
BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX 13″ String Trimmer/Edger (LST136)
40V MAX 13-inch trimmer-edger with PowerCommand dial and a telescoping pole.
- 13-inch cutting swath; 40V MAX lithium battery
- PowerCommand dial trades max power for max runtime
- PowerDrive transmission; adjustable telescoping pole
13-inch swath suits most mid-size yards.
40V MAX with a runtime-saving PowerCommand mode.
40V platform reviewers report lasting 10-plus years.
WORX WG170 3-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer/Edger/Mower, 12″ 20V
3-in-1 trimmer, edger and mini-mower with command feed and two batteries included.
- 12-inch swath; converts to in-line edger and mini-mower
- Command Feed line advance; 7 handle and 6 head positions
- 5.5 lbs with two 20V batteries and charger included
12-inch swath across trimmer, edger and mower modes.
Ships with two 20V batteries to swap and keep going.
Versatile, but plastic mower wheels draw complaints.
WORX WG154 Cordless String Trimmer & Edger, 12″, 20V, Auto Feed
Featherweight 4.2-lb 20V trimmer that flips 180 degrees into a lawn edger.
- 12-inch swath; 2-in-1 trimmer and 180-rotating edger
- Only 4.2 lbs (3.2 lbs without the battery)
- Auto-feed line; 20V battery and charger included
12-inch swath, 2-in-1 trimmer and edger.
Single 20V pack; runtime is modest at best.
At 4.2 lbs it is very light but basic.
CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless String Trimmer/Edger, 13″ (CMCST900D1)
V20 13-inch trimmer-edger with automatic .065-inch feed and a telescoping pole.
- 13-inch cutting swath with automatic .065-inch line feed
- Two-speed control; ergonomic telescoping pole
- V20 platform; 2.0Ah battery and charger included
13-inch swath with smooth bump-free line feed.
20V 2.0Ah handles small-to-mid yards per charge.
Solid V20 build, though some report battery gripes.
EGO POWER+ ST1623T 16″ String Trimmer, LINE IQ, 56V 4.0Ah
Premium 16-inch trimmer with LINE IQ auto-feed and a telescopic carbon-fiber shaft.
- 16-inch cutting swath with patented LINE IQ auto-feed
- POWERLOAD one-button line winding; 56V 4.0Ah battery
- Telescopic carbon-fiber shaft adjusts to your height
16-inch LINE IQ swath — the widest cut here.
56V 4.0Ah — the largest pack for long runtime.
Carbon-fiber shaft and POWERLOAD head, top build.
Greenworks 40V 12″ String Trimmer + 390 CFM Blower Combo Kit
A 40V string trimmer and leaf blower bundled in one value yard kit.
- 12" auto-feed string trimmer (.065" line) cuts weeds up to 1" thick; 3-yr head warranty
- 390 CFM / 110 MPH leaf blower with cruise-control speed lock
- Shared 40V 2.0Ah battery (60-min charge); ~8 lb; works across the Greenworks 40V tool line
12" cutting swath, .065" auto-feed line; cuts weeds to 1".
Greenworks 40V 2.0Ah platform; 60-min charge.
Adjustable shaft; bundled with a 390 CFM blower.
EGO POWER+ ST1502SA 15″ String Trimmer, 56V 2.5Ah Battery
15-inch brushless trimmer with thick 0.095-inch dual-feed line and a Rapid-Reload head.
- 15-inch swath with 0.095-inch dual-feed twist line
- Brushless motor, IPX4 weather resistance, split shaft
- Rapid-Reload head; 56V 2.5Ah battery and charger included
15-inch swath with heavy 0.095-inch cutting line.
56V 2.5Ah gives about 40 minutes per charge.
Brushless motor with IPX4 weather resistance.
Greenworks 40V 13″ String Trimmer + 350 CFM Blower Combo Kit
40V combo pairs a 13-inch auto-feed trimmer with a 350 CFM leaf blower.
- 13-inch auto-feed trimmer plus a 350 CFM leaf blower
- 0.065-inch auto-feed line system; 40V platform
- 2.0Ah battery, charger and 3 bonus spools included
13-inch trimmer bundled with a 350 CFM blower.
One 40V 2.0Ah pack powers both tools.
Combo value, but the trimmer arm feels light-duty.
How to Choose the Best String Trimmer
Start with cutting width, the swath the trimmer clears in one pass: wider (15 to 16 inches) covers ground faster, while narrower heads maneuver around beds and obstacles. Power and runtime come next, where higher voltage and larger amp-hour batteries handle thick growth and bigger yards before needing a recharge. The line-feed system quietly shapes the experience, with bump-feed being cheap but fiddly, automatic feed convenient, and fixed-line heads simple and reliable. A straight shaft reaches under shrubs and suits taller users, while a curved shaft feels lighter for quick trims. Check whether the head rotates for edging along walks and driveways. As with all cordless yard tools, staying on one battery platform lets packs power your trimmer, blower, and mower. Match cutting width, runtime, and feed type to your lawn, and the best string trimmer gives every mow a clean, finished edge.
How-To Guides
Picked with expertise
We know these categories well, so each pick reflects what actually matters — not just headline specs.
Used in real conditions
We run this gear in the garage and driveway, not just off a spec sheet.
Flaws left in
Ratings keep the downsides visible so you know the trade-offs before you buy.