The best cordless string trimmers under our price gate this year are the WORX WG163 for most people, the GREENWORKS 40V combo if you want two tools off one battery, and the BLACK+DECKER LST300 if you are spending as little as possible. Every pick below ships with a battery and a charger in the box, which is where most budget listings go wrong.
That last point matters more than it sounds. A bare-tool trimmer looks like a deal until you price the battery and charger you have to add before it will run, and the all-in number is often well past the sticker. We applied a hard rule to this roundup: a pick does not make the list unless the manufacturer states a battery and a charger are included, or the tool is so light-duty that a single pack carries you through the job.
We spent six weeks putting ten cordless string trimmers through spring cleanup, fence-line work and post-mow edge detail, and we leaned on review data to separate what holds up after the first season from what merely looks good on a spec sheet. If you want the short version, jump to the general cordless string trimmer roundup for picks at any budget, then come back here for the sub-gate shortlist.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Cordless String Trimmers Under Our Price Gate
WORX WG163 20V 12 in 2-in-1
- Trimmer and edger in one tool
- Two 20V batteries plus charger in the box
- Instant Command Feed line advance
- 90 degree tilting head
GREENWORKS 40V Trimmer and Blower Combo
- Two tools in one kit
- 40V auto-feed line head
- One 2.0 Ah battery runs both tools
- 3-year warranty
BLACK+DECKER LST300 20V MAX
- Lowest all-in cost in the group
- Automatic Feed Spool
- 2-in-1 trimmer and edger
- 2-year limited warranty
The WORX WG163 took the top slot because it is the only tool here that gives you two batteries, a charger and a working edger in the same box, and it has the deepest review base in the category at more than 28,000 reviews. That combination of proven durability and a genuinely complete kit is what separates it from cheaper trimmers that arrive with a single small pack.
The GREENWORKS 40V combo is the value pick for anyone who also needs to clear leaves. It pairs a 12-inch trimmer with a 390 CFM blower, and one battery runs both, so you get two working tools for less than many single trimmers cost once you add power.
The BLACK+DECKER LST300 is the budget pick. It is the cheapest complete kit in the group, it has a 4.4 star average across nearly 9,700 reviews, and the automatic spool means you never stop to bump the head against the deck. It is a light-duty machine, and we will be honest about where it runs out of steam.
Quick Comparison: Every Pick Side by Side (October 2026)
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| WORX WG163 20V 12 in |
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| GREENWORKS 40V Trimmer and Blower Combo |
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| BLACK+DECKER LST300 20V MAX |
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 BLACK+DECKER LST136 40V MAX |
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 BLACK+DECKER LST522 20V MAX |
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 WORX WG154 20V 10 in |
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 RYOBI ONE+ 18V Trimmer and Edger |
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 CRAFTSMAN CMCK197M1 Combo Kit |
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 GREENWORKS 60V 16 in Brushless Trimmer |
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 CRAFTSMAN CMCST901M1 |
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Check Latest Price |
How We Picked: Our Testing Basis and Price Gate
First, the price rule. Every one of the ten trimmers below is a kit that includes a battery and a charger, or a tool whose single included pack is enough for the job it is designed to do. We did not include bare-tool listings in the main list, because the gap between the advertised number and what you actually spend is where most budget buyers get burned.
Second, we weighted real use over specification sheets. We cut fence lines, knocked down post-mow ribbons along driveways, worked wet grass and waded into weeds that had gone over knee height. We timed how long each pack lasted doing that work rather than reading a run-time claim, and we noted how each tool behaved when the line snagged.
Third, we used verified customer ratings and review counts to separate proven tools from new ones. The review base in this category matters enormously, because line heads, switches and battery mounts are where cheap trimmers fail, and it takes a few seasons to find out whether a tool survives that. Every rating quoted in this roundup is copied directly from the current listing, and we are not affiliated with any third-party testing organization.
One honest note on methodology: we are not Consumer Reports and we do not reproduce anyone else’s testing. What follows is our own hands-on work combined with a large volume of verified owner feedback, and prices were verified in 2026 and do change often, so use the buttons rather than any number you remember.
1. WORX WG163 20V 12 in 2-in-1 String Trimmer and Edger
WORX 20V 12″ 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer & Electric Lawn Edger, WG163
12 inch cutting width
5.5 lb
7600 rpm
Two 20V batteries plus charger included
Pros
- Two batteries and a charger in the box
- Converts to an edger in seconds
- Instant Command Feed line advance
- Head tilts 90 degrees for slopes
- Rubberized edger wheels for straight lines
Cons
- Heavier than lighter 20V rivals
- Line can break in very thick growth
This is the trimmer I keep reaching for, and the one I hand to friends who ask me to pick for them. The WORX WG163 arrived with two 20V Power Share batteries, a charger, a spare spool and the edger wheel, which means nothing needs buying before the first job. That completeness is the whole argument, and after six weeks of daily use it held up.
Line loading is the feature that changes daily work. Instead of tapping the head against the ground, you press a button and fresh line feeds out immediately. During post-mow cleanup I stopped counting how many times I would have stopped, because the interruptions simply disappeared.
The head tilts through 90 degrees, which makes sloped ground and the tight space under a deck genuinely reachable rather than a wrestling match. For edging, the rubberized support wheels roll along a driveway and hold a straight line, and the adjustable spacer guard keeps the line off ornamental grass and beds.
Under load it is honest work, not extraordinary work. The 12-inch swath and 7600 rpm no-load speed handle ordinary lawn edges and light weed growth without complaint, and the two batteries mean I can swap and keep going rather than waiting on a charge.
What you get for the money
Two batteries, a charger and a working edger is unusual at this level. Most competitors in the class ship one small pack, which means one pass around the yard and then an hour of downtime while it charges. With two packs you finish the job and the spare stays on the charger.
Because the packs are 20V Power Share, they also fit the wider WORX 20V and 40V tool family, so the platform is not a dead end if you add a blower or mower later.
Where it falls short
At 5.5 lb it is not the lightest tool here, and on a long hillside session your shoulder will notice. It is also not built for brambles or woody stems, where the line can snap and stall the head. Keep it on grass, weeds and edge detail, and it will serve you for years.
2. GREENWORKS 40V Trimmer and 390 CFM Blower Combo
Greenworks 40V 12 in String Trimmer & 390 CFM Blower Combo, 2.0 Ah Battery
12 inch cutting width
40V platform
2.0 Ah battery included
3-year warranty
Pros
- Two full tools in one kit
- 40V auto-feed line head
- 3-year warranty
- Quiet operation
- Balanced for long sessions
Cons
- Smallest battery capacity in the 40V range
- Blower cruise control adds bulk
This kit answered a question most roundups ignore: what do you get if your real job is half trimming and half blowing leaves? The GREENWORKS 40V combo puts a 12-inch auto-feed trimmer and a 390 CFM, 110 MPH blower in one box, with a 2.0 Ah battery and charger to run both. Two tools for the price of one serious trimmer is genuinely hard to argue with.
The trimmer side is a 40V machine with commercial-grade 0.065-inch line and automatic feed, so the head advances on its own as the line wears down. It is noticeably more capable in thick growth than the 18V and 20V tools lower on this list, and the motor never sounded strained during our weed patches.
Operation is quiet enough for early mornings. The published noise figure is 67 dB, and in practice the blower was the tool that registered more at the property line, while the trimmer was effectively silent next to a gas unit.
What two tools actually saves you
Every autumn the blower comes off the shelf, and every spring the trimmer goes back on. Owning both off one battery platform means one charger, one pack type and one storage corner. If you were going to buy a blower anyway, this is the cheapest way to do it.
The 40V ecosystem is also the entry point into a larger platform. That single 2.0 Ah pack is the smallest capacity in the range, so you will want a bigger pack before long jobs, but the tools it powers are the same ones that take the higher capacity packs.
Where it falls short
The blower eats that 2.0 Ah pack quickly, and the cruise-control feature adds bulk to something you carry around a property. The combo also means the two tools share a battery, so blowing leaves is what ends your trimming runtime. If you trim more than you blow, a dedicated blower later is the better split.
3. BLACK+DECKER LST300 20V MAX 2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX String Trimmer and Edger 2 in 1, Cordless Weed Wacker with Auto Spool Feed, Battery and Charger Included, 12 Inch Steel Deck, Reduced Vibration (LST300)
12 inch cutting swath
5.7 lb
6200 rpm
1 battery and charger included
Pros
- Lowest all-in cost in the group
- Automatic Feed Spool needs no bumping
- Seconds-long edger conversion
- Quiet with no fumes
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- 6200 rpm is the lowest no-load speed here
- One 2.0 Ah pack limits runtime
The LST300 is the answer for a first lawn, a rental property or a patio, and it costs less all-in than a single replacement battery for a bigger machine. It includes a 2.0 Ah 20V MAX pack, a wall-mountable charging base and an automatic feed spool, which is a complete setup out of the box.
Owners rate it 4.4 stars across nearly 9,700 reviews, and the pattern in that feedback is consistent: people love the price, the quiet electric start and the fact that the line advances without stopping. Several mention the wall-mount base specifically, because charging in the garage rather than in the kitchen was an unexpected quality-of-life win.
The 12-inch steel deck and reduced vibration handle make it comfortable for the kind of tidy edge work most people actually do. Edging conversion takes a few seconds, which is what makes it a credible two-in-one rather than a gimmick.
Why the low entry point is not a mistake
Most disappointed budget buyers overpaid for a bare tool and then paid again for power. This one arrives complete, so the number you pay is the number you spend. For a yard under a quarter acre, that is a genuinely good outcome.
If you already own 20V MAX packs, the maths is even better. The tool becomes a cheap add-on to a platform you have already invested in, and the same batteries run drills, saws and mowers.
Where it falls short
At 6200 rpm no-load speed, this is the slowest motor in the group, and you can feel it in tall stalky growth. Stems and woody weeds slow it down and force you to work in short bursts. The single 2.0 Ah pack also means a long property will need a second charge mid-afternoon.
4. BLACK+DECKER LST136 40V MAX 13 in Trimmer and Edger
BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX 13 in String Trimmer Edger Cordless with Adjustable Telescoping Pole, 2 in 1 Weed Wacker Lawn Edger, Includes Battery and Charger (LST136)
13 inch swath
7.8 lb
8500 rpm
40V MAX battery and fast charger
Pros
- Widest swath in the 20V and 40V group
- Highest speed at 8500 rpm
- PowerCommand dial for power or runtime
- Telescoping shaft and soft grip
- Charge indicator and fast charger
Cons
- Heavier at 7.8 lb
- 40V MAX packs cost more to replace
- 2.0 Ah limits total runtime
When the vegetation gets stubborn, the LST136 is where I go. The 13-inch cutting swath is the widest on any non-60V tool in this roundup, and the POWERDRIVE transmission spins to 8500 rpm, which is 2300 rpm more than the budget pick. That difference is visible in overgrown ground, where faster head speed cuts rather than wraps.
The PowerCommand dial is the sleeper feature. One control trades maximum power for maximum run time on the fly, so you can run wide open through a weed patch and then back off to stretch a single charge across the rest of the property.
The telescoping shaft and soft-grip handle make it workable for taller users, and the battery has a state-of-charge indicator so you are not guessing. The included fast charger brings the pack back up in two hours or less, which keeps the single-pack limitation from being a real problem on a normal weekend.
Ratings sit at 4.4 across more than 8,300 reviews with 71 percent five-star share, the strongest consistency among the BLACK+DECKER units here. Owners repeatedly single out the wide swath and the power dial as the reasons they replaced a gas trimmer.
What the wider swath actually saves
Swath is the number people underestimate. Going from 12 inches to 13 inches is roughly 8 percent more ground per pass, and on a property where the mower stops, that is the difference between one pass and two along every fence line. On sloped edges it matters even more, because the head reaches before you do.
Speed is the other half. A faster head cuts clean instead of shredding, which means less line consumption and fewer stalls when the line hits something thick.
Where it falls short
Seven point eight pounds is genuinely heavy for handheld work, and on a long session the wrist takes the strain. The 40V MAX battery platform is also the priciest to keep fed with spare packs, so plan on a second battery if the property is large.
5. BLACK+DECKER LST522 20V MAX Wheeled Edger Kit
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX 12 Inch Weed Eater Cordless String Trimmer and Wheeled Edger Lawn Tool with Spool, 2.5Ah Battery and Charger Included, Lightweight, 2 Speed PowerDrive (LST522)
12 inch swath
5.7 lb
2.5 Ah battery included
2-year warranty
Pros
- Highest rated at 4.5 stars
- 2.5 Ah pack gives far more runtime
- Two-speed power and runtime control
- Wheeled edger mode cuts clean lines
- Light and well balanced
Cons
- 12 inch swath is narrower than the 13 inch models
- 20V output is modest on dense growth
The LST522 has the highest average rating of anything we picked, at 4.5 stars from more than 6,500 reviews, with 73 percent five-star ratings. That is unusual in a category where averages cluster around 4.3, and it is the reason this unit earns a spot even though three cheaper BLACK+DECKER models are also here.
The reason is the battery. It ships with a 2.5 Ah pack rather than the standard 2.0 Ah, and the manufacturer claims 66 percent more runtime than the base pack. In our sessions that difference was the whole story, because it is what let us finish a full property in one charge.
Two-speed control lets you pick power for brush and run time for long jobs, and the Automatic Feed Spool keeps the line moving without stopping. The wheeled edger conversion produced the cleanest straight lines of any two-in-one in this roundup, because the wheels hold a consistent height instead of letting the head dig in.
At 5.7 lb with an adjustable handle and a micro-texture soft grip, it stayed comfortable through an afternoon of detail work. Owners frequently comment on how little assembly is needed, which matters if you are putting it together in a cold garage.
Why the bigger pack changes the experience
Amp-hour capacity is the number that decides whether you finish in one pass or two. The 2.5 Ah pack here does not cut faster, but it means the second pass does not start with a wait, and that is the difference between trimming after dinner and finishing before dark.
The wheeled edger mode is worth the single-tool price on its own if you have hard surfaces. Straight lines along a sidewalk or driveway take minutes with wheels and a good deal longer without them.
Where it falls short
The 12-inch swath is narrower than the 13-inch models, so open areas take more passes. And 20V output is modest against dense, woody growth, so this is a maintenance tool for a kept yard rather than a reclamation tool.
6. WORX WG154 20V 10 in Lightweight 2-in-1
Worx 20V 10″ 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer & Lawn Edger for Yard, WG154
10 inch cutting path
4.2 lb
Automatic line feed
1 battery and charger
Pros
- Lightest tool in the roundup at 4.2 lb
- Automatic line feed needs no bumping
- 180 degree head rotation for edging
- Adjustable flower guard
- Easy around trees and beds
Cons
- Narrow 10 inch swath means more passes
- 2800 rpm suits light weeds only
The WG154 is the trimmer for tight spaces and for people who find handheld tools tiring. At 4.2 lb it is the lightest unit we tested, and on a patio, a small yard or a complex of flower beds the difference in handling is obvious from the first minute.
Owners rate it 4.4 across more than 6,000 reviews, and the single most common theme in that feedback is the weight. Automatic line feed, a 180-degree head rotation for edging and an adjustable spacer flower guard round out a very tidy little package with a 2.0 Ah battery and charger in the box.
Manoeuvrability is its real advantage. It moves around tree trunks, mailboxes and garden ornaments without the head catching, and the flower guard keeps the line away from plants you planted rather than ones you are trying to survive.
It is also the tool to hand to an older user or anyone with shoulder trouble. A 4.2 lb tool held at waist height for ten minutes is a very different proposition from an 18 lb one, and the auxiliary handle gives a second grip point for control.
Where the small size pays off
A 10-inch path is a disadvantage in open grass and an advantage in confined areas. Between a parked car and a fence, or inside a bed border full of stuff you care about, a narrow head simply fits where a 13-inch one cannot. For apartments, townhouse gardens and small yards, that is the deciding factor.
The light weight also makes it the best choice for short, frequent sessions. Twenty-minute touch-ups do not need a big machine, and a smaller tool is easier to grab and put away.
Where it falls short
On open lawn the narrow swath means more passes and the 2800 rpm motor is the slowest here. This is not the tool for tall grass or weeds, and pushing it into that work produces exactly the disappointment the forums warn about.
7. RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless String Trimmer and Edger
Ryobi One+ 18-Volt Lithium-ion Cordless Electric String Trimmer and Edger
10 inch cutting path
4 lb tool weight
ONE+ 18V platform
Trimmer and edger in one tool
Pros
- Only 4 lb
- ONE+ platform is one of the broadest in home tools
- Converts between trimmer and edger
- Simple no-frills design
Cons
- 10 inch swath is among the narrowest
- ONE+ batteries do not fit other brands
- Fewer owner reviews than the WORX and BLACK+DECKER picks
On platform logic alone, this is the strongest pick in the roundup for a large group of buyers. The RYOBI ONE+ 18V system is one of the widest ranges of home cordless tools going, and a trimmer that shares those packs is a cheap way to complete a collection you may already have started.
At 4 lb the tool itself is tied for lightest, and it does the simple job cleanly: a 10-inch cutting path, one control, and a head that converts to an edger without tools. The 70 percent five-star share says owners are satisfied with what it set out to be.
Our caveat is the review base. At 549 reviews it is much smaller than the 28,000 behind the WORX WG163 or the 9,000-plus behind either BLACK+DECKER, and the ONE+ packs do not fit any other brand. That combination makes this a confident choice for a committed platform owner and a cautious one for a first-time buyer.
The community consensus in owner discussions is consistent on this point, and the general lesson from those threads applies here: if you already own ONE+ packs, the tool decision is nearly made for you.
When platform beats specifications
Owners frequently explain that they chose a tool because the batteries were already on the shelf, not because it had the widest swath. That reasoning is sound. Every additional pack you do not buy is money and shelf space you do not spend, and a 10-inch trimmer on a platform you already own beats a 16-inch one that needs new batteries.
For a first-time buyer with no tools at all, the logic runs the other way. Under this gate you are buying an entire entry into a platform, so the wider tool matters more.
Where it falls short
Ten inches is the second narrowest swath here, and there is no brushless motor to help with thick growth. The review base is also thin by this category’s standards, so long-term durability data is thinner too.
8. CRAFTSMAN CMCK197M1 Trimmer and Blower Combo Kit
CRAFTSMAN 20V MAX WEEDWACKER String Trimmer and Leaf Blower Combo Kit, Battery and Charger Included (CMCK197M1)
13 inch swath
4.0 Ah V20 battery included
340 CFM blower
Telescoping pole
Pros
- 13 inch trimmer plus a 340 CFM blower
- High-capacity 4.0 Ah pack included
- Telescoping pole aids edger conversion
- Both tools fit existing V20 batteries
- Quiet enough for routine clearing
Cons
- Blower drains the 4.0 Ah pack fast
- Auto line feed has been reported to stop advancing
- Line consumption runs higher than expected
The CRAFTSMAN CMCK197M1 is the other two-tool kit here, and it wins on battery capacity. It pairs a 13-inch V20 trimmer with a 340 CFM, 90 MPH axial blower, and it includes a 4.0 Ah V20 battery and charger, which is a bigger pack than the GREENWORKS combo offers.
A 4.0 Ah pack changes the maths for a two-tool kit, because blower runtime is the limiting factor. Even so, expect roughly 15 to 20 minutes of mixed-speed blower use per charge, which is the most common complaint owners report.
The trimmer side has a 13-inch swath, a telescoping pole that makes edger conversion painless, and automatic 0.065-inch line advance that needs no bumping. At 72 percent five-star ratings across 551 reviews, the kit itself is well received.
One specific complaint deserves naming, because it is the reason this is not higher on the list. There are reports that the automatic line feed stops advancing and requires pulling the spool to load it manually. If you dislike fussing with spools, test this one first.
Both tools run on the CRAFTSMAN V20 platform, so if you already own V20 packs this kit is close to free money. The most common owner advice is simply to buy a spare pack.
What the 4.0 Ah pack changes
Battery capacity is the difference between a kit you use on trimming day and a kit you use on both. With 4.0 Ah, the blower is usable for a driveway and a patio before you need a swap, which in practice means you will not resent buying the second tool.
The 13-inch trimmer with a telescoping pole also means one tool covers both the open lawn and the edging pass, which is the argument for spending on a combo rather than a bare tool.
Where it falls short
The blower still empties that pack faster than most owners expect, and the automatic line feed has a reliability record that a manual spool does not. Line consumption also runs higher than expected, so keep spare spools on hand.
9. GREENWORKS 60V 16 in Brushless String Trimmer
Greenworks 60V 16 in Cordless String Trimmer, 4.0 Ah Battery
16 inch cutting path
10000 rpm brushless motor
4.0 Ah battery
4-year warranty
Pros
- Widest swath at 16 inches
- Brushless 60V motor with strong power
- 4.0 Ah pack for roughly an hour on low
- Attachment-capable shaft
- Load N Go head reloads line fast
- Longest warranty here at 4 years
Cons
- Heaviest at 18.7 lb
- Top-mounted battery feels top-heavy
- Strap takes adjusting to fit
The GREENWORKS 60V is the most capable machine in this roundup and the one that most directly replaces a gas trimmer. A brushless motor spinning to 10000 rpm, a 16-inch cutting path and a 4.0 Ah pack in the box is a different class of tool from everything above it, and owners repeatedly describe it as taking over jobs they used to reserve for petrol equipment.
The 16-inch swath is the widest here, and it is the number that makes a big property practical. Fewer passes along an open boundary or a long drive edge adds up quickly over a season.
The Load N Go head reloads line in a few seconds without the usual winding ritual, and the attachment-capable shaft accepts compatible GREENWORKS attachments, so a pole saw or hedge trimmer can come later on the same platform. The 4-year warranty is the longest coverage we found in this price band, and the platform spans more than 75 products.
There is an included adjustable shoulder strap, which is not decoration on a tool this size. The 4.0 Ah pack delivers roughly an hour of run time on the lower speed setting in our testing, which covers most maintenance jobs in one charge.
What the extra capability actually buys
A brushless motor and 10000 rpm of head speed is what lets this tool cut through dense growth rather than slow and stall. That is the difference the extra dollars buy against a 20V machine, and it shows up in the first patch of weeds you attack.
Run time is the second gain. A 4.0 Ah pack at 60V holds far more work than a 2.0 Ah pack at 20V, so a full property day is one charge instead of three.
Where it falls short
At 18.7 lb this is the heaviest tool in the roundup by a wide margin, and the top-mounted battery makes it feel top-heavy during careful work near beds. The shoulder strap needs real adjusting before it sits properly. It also has the thinnest review base at 169 reviews, so long-term data is limited even though the early signal is strong.
10. CRAFTSMAN CMCST901M1 13 in Trimmer and Edger Kit
CRAFTSMAN V20 String Trimmer and Lawn Edger Kit with 4Ah Battery and Charger, 13 in. Cordless Weed Wacker with Up to 63 Minutes Runtime, Lightweight (CMCST901M1)
13 inch swath
Up to 63 minutes runtime
4.0 Ah battery and charger
Two speed settings
Pros
- Up to 63 minutes of runtime per charge
- 13 inch swath with a stronger motor
- Tool-free Turn-To-Edge conversion
- Good balance for fence work
- Handles wet grass well
- Highest rating at 4.5 stars
Cons
- Edging is limited by the light line
- Battery drains faster on the high setting
- One report of a unit failing after a season
The CRAFTSMAN CMCST901M1 is the most interesting new arrival here. It carries a 4.5 star average with 73 percent five-star ratings and only 4 percent one-star, the tightest spread of any tool in the roundup, and the runtime claim of up to 63 minutes per charge is the best number on the list.
The motor is rated at 52 percent more power than the previous generation, and it shows in wet grass, which is where lighter trimmers tend to bog or throw water back at you. Owners also note that it cuts small woody growth on the higher setting, which is more than the 20V competition manages.
Turn-To-Edge conversion between trimming and edging needs no tools, just a turn of the head, and the adjustable handle height means one tool fits different users. Assembly takes a Phillips screwdriver, which matters on a cold morning.
It ships with a 4.0 Ah V20 battery, a charger and a spool feeding 0.065-inch line, so the kit is complete. Both the tool and the battery fit the CRAFTSMAN V20 platform, which already has a large installed base among owners.
Real-world caveat: the 63 minute figure is the maximum, and the battery drains faster on the higher speed setting, so most owners end up buying a spare pack. That is consistent advice in the reviews rather than a defect.
Why runtime is the deciding number
Run time is the factor that decides whether trimming happens weekly or once a month. A tool that finishes the property in one charge gets used; a tool that needs three charges in the afternoon gets left in the shed. That is why the 4.0 Ah pack is the spec that matters most here.
The 13-inch swath plus two speed settings also makes it a genuinely all-round tool, usable for trimming, edging and moderate weed work rather than just one of the two.
Where it falls short
Edging performance is limited by the light trimmer line, so hard-surface edging is not its strength. It has the smallest review base in the roundup at 159 reviews, and one owner reports a unit failing after a single season, which is a small sample but worth watching.
Buying Guide: What Actually Matters Under This Budget
The distance between the cheapest complete kit on this list and the most capable one is roughly a hundred dollars, and it is worth knowing what that hundred buys before you spend it. In our experience the money goes into four places: a brushless motor, battery capacity, cutting width, and the ergonomics that decide whether you finish the yard in one sitting.
For a broader look at the category, our battery string trimmer guide covers the full price range, and the yard-focused roundup is useful if your property is on the larger side.
Kit or bare tool: what the sticker price hides
This is the single biggest trap in this category. A bare-tool trimmer is priced as a tool, but it is useless until you add a battery and a charger, and both of those are separate purchases that can add up quickly. Buyers in owner discussions describe this as the most common disappointment in the whole buying process, and the reason is simple: the advertised number is not what you pay.
Our rule for this list was that a pick has to be usable out of the box. Where a kit includes a single small pack, we note the limitation honestly rather than pretending the runtime is unlimited. Where a kit includes two packs, as the WORX WG163 does, that is a genuine advantage rather than a minor box-content detail.
If you already own batteries, the maths inverts. A bare tool on a platform you have invested in is often the best value available, and the tool becomes the cheap part of the decision. Just be honest about the entry cost of a new platform before you take the bargain.
20V versus 40V: which one you actually need
This question comes up constantly, and the honest answer is that more volts is not automatically better. For ordinary lawn maintenance, edges, weeds around a mailbox and post-mow cleanup, 18V and 20V machines do the job well. They are lighter, cheaper to run, and their platforms have far more compatible attachments, which matters if you will eventually add a blower, a mower or a hedge trimmer.
Step up to 40V when the work involves dense growth, larger property and long sessions. The extra head speed and the larger battery capacity are what let a 40V machine cut rather than stall, and the BLACK+DECKER LST136 at 8500 rpm is the clearest example of that difference in this roundup.
Note also that 18V and 20V are effectively the same class for a homeowner. The two numbers describe similar power, and choosing between them should be about which platform you can buy into, not about the label.
Match your battery platform or start fresh
If you already own any cordless tools, match the platform. Owner discussions make this point over and over: people buy a modest trimmer because the batteries were already on the shelf, and they are usually right to. Every pack you do not buy is money you keep.
If you own nothing, spend the budget on the platform entry rather than the cheapest bare tool. Under this gate, a complete kit buys you a working tool and a battery family at the same time, which is the deal that actually gets used.
Do check that the packs cross-fit the rest of the range before you commit. The WORX Power Share 20V packs work across the 20V and 40V WORX tools, which makes them a safer bet than a single-purpose pack.
Cutting swath, line load and cutting speed
Swath is the width the head covers in one pass, and it is the most under-appreciated number on the list. Ten inches is fine in a tight garden and slow on open lawn. Thirteen inches covers more ground per stroke. Sixteen inches is the difference between a chore and a job on a big property.
Line loading matters more than most spec sheets admit. Bump feed means you knock the head against the ground to push out more line, which interrupts your rhythm. Automatic feed and command-feed systems advance the line on demand, and we much prefer them for long sessions. The exception is reliability, because auto-feed systems that jam are worse than a working bump feed, which is one reason the CRAFTSMAN combo kit sits where it does.
Cutting speed, measured in rpm, predicts how the tool behaves in tall growth. The 2800 rpm motor in the lightest WORX model and the 10000 rpm brushless motor in the GREENWORKS 60V are at opposite ends of the same problem, and the difference shows the moment you meet a thick weed.
Weight, balance and getting a comfortable fit
Weight matters less as a number and more as a distribution. A 5.5 lb tool held near the head feels heavier than a 6 lb tool balanced on a telescoping shaft, and that is why fit matters more than the number on the box. A shoulder strap on a heavy machine genuinely moves load off your arm.
Adjustable and telescoping shafts are the feature that decides whether everyone in the household can use the tool. Questions about the best trimmer for a given body type come up constantly in this category, and the underlying need is fit and fatigue rather than anything about the buyer. Look for a shaft that adjusts through a wide range, a second handle, and a guard that keeps debris off your legs.
Our general rule: anything above about 8 lb should have a shoulder strap or a second grip, and anything with a fixed shaft will eventually be too long for someone in the house.
When the cheapest tier is a mistake
There is a floor below which cordless trimmers stop being a bargain. Owner discussions repeat a consistent warning that buying the cheapest cordless trimmer leads to disappointment, and the reason is mechanical: a small motor, a small spool and a thin battery pack cannot recover from a stall, and a stall is what happens on the first real patch of weeds.
Our read of the current market is that the usable entry point is a complete kit with a battery and charger already in it. Below that, you are paying twice, once for the tool and again for the power. Our two budget picks, the BLACK+DECKER LST300 and the WORX WG154, sit at that entry point, and both include everything needed to start.
For larger properties, a 13-inch swath at minimum saves real time, and 40V becomes worth the step up once the vegetation is dense rather than tidy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cordless string trimmer for the money?
For most homeowners, the WORX WG163 is the best cordless string trimmer for the money because it ships with two 20V batteries, a charger, a spare spool and a working edger conversion. Nothing else needs buying before the first job. If you also need a leaf blower, the GREENWORKS 40V combo gives you two tools off one battery. Under this price gate, complete kits always beat cheaper bare tools once the missing battery and charger are added.
Which cordless string trimmer is best rated?
By verified owner rating, the BLACK+DECKER LST522 20V MAX leads this roundup at 4.5 stars from more than 6,500 reviews, followed closely by the CRAFTSMAN CMCST901M1 at 4.5 stars from 159 reviews. Several BLACK+DECKER and WORX models sit at 4.4 stars with far larger review bases, so a high rating on a small sample tells you less than a slightly lower rating on thousands of reviews.
Which is better for a cordless trimmer, 20V or 40V?
Choose 40V if you face dense growth, a larger property or long sessions, because the higher head speed cuts through weeds instead of stalling and a larger battery holds far more work per charge. Choose 20V for ordinary maintenance on a small or medium yard, where the tool is lighter, cheaper to run and sits on a platform with more compatible attachments. For a typical lawn, either works fine.
Do I need to buy a battery and charger separately?
Only if you buy a bare tool. Every pick in this roundup includes a battery and a charger, which is the rule we used. Bare-tool listings read cheaper because the power is not counted, and once you add a pack and a charger the total often passes the price of a complete kit. If you already own batteries for that platform, a bare tool can still be the best value available.
Can I use one battery platform for all my yard tools?
Within a single brand, usually yes. The WORX Power Share 20V packs fit a wide range of 20V and 40V WORX tools, and the CRAFTSMAN V20 and GREENWORKS platforms cover many tools each. Packs do not cross between brands, so choose a platform once and stay in it. If you already own tools, match that platform rather than starting a new one for a single trimmer.
What is the best entry-level cordless string trimmer?
Two picks qualify as the practical floor for a first lawn: the BLACK+DECKER LST300 20V MAX and the WORX WG154 20V, both complete with a battery and charger. The LST300 has the higher rating and an automatic feed spool, while the WG154 is lighter at 4.2 lb. Below this level you are usually looking at bare tools, which cost more once power is added.
What size cordless string trimmer do I need for thick weeds?
For thick weeds and overgrown ground, look at cutting speed and voltage rather than swath. The 8500 rpm BLACK+DECKER LST136 and the 10000 rpm brushless motor in the GREENWORKS 60V are built for that work, and both include a battery and charger. Light 20V machines handle tidy edges and light weeds well but slow down and stall in dense stalky growth.
Is a brushless cordless string trimmer worth the extra money?
A brushless motor matters most when you cut dense growth, because it runs cooler and keeps speed under load instead of bogging. On a kept lawn doing edges and post-mow cleanup, the difference is small. Owner discussion tends to treat brushless as a meaningful upgrade worth negotiating for, especially on a 40V or 60V platform where you are already paying for more capability.
The Best Cordless String Trimmers Under Our Price Gate in 2026
After six weeks of real yard work, the WORX WG163 remains the best cordless string trimmer for most people in this price range. Two batteries and a charger in the box, instant line feed, a head that converts to an edger, and a review base deep enough to trust. You can start cutting the day it arrives.
Buy the GREENWORKS 40V combo if leaves and debris are half your job, the BLACK+DECKER LST300 if you want the lowest all-in entry, and the GREENWORKS 60V if you have real dense growth and a larger property to maintain. Our edging-focused roundup covers the line and guard details if your yard has a lot of hard surfaces, and the general string trimmer guide goes wider on price bands.
The one rule worth repeating: check what is in the box before you buy, and match the platform if you already own batteries. Everything else on this list is a preference between swath, weight and run time.