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Best picks

Best Battery-Powered Weed Eaters for Different Yards

For a practical balance, start with the Ryobi 40V 12-inch String Trimmer; choose DEWALT 60V for heavier growth or WORX 20V for lighter edging and trimming.

Quick answer

The Ryobi 40V 12-inch String Trimmer suits medium yards, with an adjustable cutting path and a manufacturer-stated runtime over 65 minutes using a 4Ah battery. For tougher growth, consider DEWALT's 60V FLEXVOLT DCST970B; for a compact 20V option, look at WORX WG163.

02

Best for heavier overgrowth

DEWALT DCST970B 60V MAX FLEXVOLT Brushless Cordless String Trimmer

  • DEWALT lists a 60V MAX FLEXVOLT platform and brushless motor.
  • The cutting swath is 15 inches.
  • Variable speed trigger and high/low control let you trade power for runtime.

Drawback: This is a tool-only listing, so battery and charger are separate.

03WORX WG163 20V 12-inch String TrimmerOfficial manufacturer image

Best for small yards and edging

WORX WG163 20V 12-inch String Trimmer

  • WORX lists a 20V PowerShare platform.
  • The 12-inch head converts between trimming and edging roles.
  • The shared battery platform can suit owners of compatible WORX tools.

Drawback: A 20V compact model is less suited to extended heavy clearing than higher-voltage choices.

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05

Best for trimming plus walk-behind edging

Greenworks 40V 13-inch Cordless String Trimmer / Edger Gen 2

  • Greenworks specifies a 40V lithium-ion platform.
  • The 13-inch cutting path and 2-in-1 configuration are listed by Greenworks.
  • Its head pivots and rotates for edging use.

Drawback: The cited page is tool-only, with battery sold separately.

Compare them side by side

Ryobi 40V 12-inch String Trimmer RY402013BTLOfficial manufacturer imageRyobi 40V 12-inch String Trimmer RY402013BTLDEWALT DCST970B 60V MAX FLEXVOLT Brushless Cordless String TrimmerWORX WG163 20V 12-inch String TrimmerOfficial manufacturer imageWORX WG163 20V 12-inch String TrimmerMilwaukee M18 FUEL 16-inch String Trimmer Kit 3046-21HDOfficial manufacturer imageMilwaukee M18 FUEL 16-inch String Trimmer Kit 3046-21HDGreenworks 40V 13-inch Cordless String Trimmer / Edger Gen 2
Battery platform40V60V MAX FLEXVOLT20V PowerShareM1840V
Cutting path10–12 in15 in12 in16 in13 in
Stated runtimeOver 65 min with 4Ah————
Edger conversion—Attachment system varies by modelYesQUIK-LOK attachments availableYes
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Common questions

Questions before you buy

Does a higher-voltage weed eater always run longer?

No. Voltage describes the battery platform, while runtime also depends on battery capacity, cutting load, line and speed setting. Compare stated runtime only when the battery and test conditions are specified.

What does 4Ah mean on a battery weed eater?

Amp-hours describe battery capacity. Ryobi's published runtime for the RY402013BTL specifies a 4Ah battery, so results with another capacity may differ.

Can one battery fit every cordless weed eater?

No. Battery compatibility is platform-specific. Match the pack to the exact manufacturer platform and tool model before buying.

Is a battery-powered trimmer suitable for thick weeds?

It can be, but dense growth calls for a wider cutting path, suitable line and a tool designed for heavier work. DEWALT describes the DCST970B for tough overgrowth; check its manual and battery requirements.

Sources and how we chose