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Best picks

Best Cordless String Trimmers for Home and Heavy-Duty Use

Ryobi's 40V RY402013BTL is a versatile starting point for medium yards; DEWALT's 60V tools suit heavier work, while WORX offers compact trim-and-edge models.

GGearjury editorial team · Updated October 18, 2026· 6 min

Quick answer

Choose the Ryobi RY402013BTL for an adjustable 10–12-inch cut and a stated runtime over 65 minutes with a 4Ah battery. For demanding brush, DEWALT's 60V MAX DCST970B has a 15-inch swath; Greenworks and WORX provide two-in-one edger choices.

Ryobi 40V 12-inch String Trimmer RY402013BTL: Best all-round cordless grass trimmer
DEWALT DCST970B 60V MAX FLEXVOLT String Trimmer: Best for dense weeds
Greenworks 40V 13-inch String Trimmer / Edger Gen 2: Best for lawn edges
WORX WG163 20V 12-inch String Trimmer: Best for small yards
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16-inch String Trimmer Kit 3046-21HD: Best for Milwaukee M18 users

Ryobi 40V 12-inch String Trimmer RY402013BTL

Official manufacturer image

Best all-round cordless grass trimmer

Ryobi 40V 12-inch String Trimmer RY402013BTL

Ryobi specifies an adjustable 10–12-inch cutting swath.
The manufacturer states over 65 minutes with its 40V 4Ah battery.
Auto-feed line simplifies line advancement.

Drawback: That runtime is associated with a specified battery and will vary with the cutting load.

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Best for dense weeds

DEWALT DCST970B 60V MAX FLEXVOLT String Trimmer

Brushless drive and 60V MAX FLEXVOLT platform are listed by DEWALT.
Its 15-inch cutting swath accepts 0.080-inch and 0.095-inch line.
Two speed ranges and a variable trigger provide control.

Drawback: Tool-only; battery and charger must be sourced separately.

Best for lawn edges

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

Greenworks specifies a 13-inch cutting path.
The head rotates and includes an edging wheel.
The 40V platform is shared with compatible Greenworks tools.

Drawback: The cited version is tool-only.

Official manufacturer image

Best for small yards

WORX WG163 20V 12-inch String Trimmer

WORX lists the WG163 in its PowerShare 20V range.
The model is listed as a 12-inch trimmer/edger.
It gives owners of compatible PowerShare packs a compact option.

Drawback: Its compact platform is not our choice for frequent heavy brush clearing.

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Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16-inch String Trimmer Kit 3046-21HD

Official manufacturer image

Best for Milwaukee M18 users

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16-inch String Trimmer Kit 3046-21HD

Milwaukee lists a 16-inch M18 FUEL string trimmer kit.
The M18 system covers a broad compatible tool range.
Its brushless motor is identified in the product listing.

Drawback: Verify the exact kit contents with the retailer before purchase.

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Compare them side by side

	Official manufacturer imageRyobi 40V 12-inch String Trimmer RY402013BTL	DEWALT DCST970B 60V MAX FLEXVOLT String Trimmer	Greenworks 40V 13-inch String Trimmer / Edger Gen 2	Official manufacturer imageWORX WG163 20V 12-inch String Trimmer	Official manufacturer imageMilwaukee M18 FUEL 16-inch String Trimmer Kit 3046-21HD
Platform	40V	60V MAX FLEXVOLT	40V	20V PowerShare	M18
Cutting width	10–12 in	15 in	13 in	12 in	16 in
Edging function	—	Attachment system on compatible models	Yes	Yes	QUIK-LOK attachment system
Published runtime	Over 65 min with 4Ah	—	—	—	—
	Check price on Amazon			Check price on Amazon	Check price on Amazon

Common questions

Questions before you buy

What is the difference between a cordless string trimmer and a cordless grass trimmer?

They are commonly names for the same line-cutting garden tool in the US. Product design, line feed and cutting width matter more than the wording in a listing.

Should I choose a 20V or 40V cordless trimmer?

Start with yard size, vegetation and batteries you already own. A 20V compact trimmer can suit lighter maintenance, while a wider 40V model may be a better match for larger areas; voltage alone does not guarantee runtime.

Can a cordless trimmer also edge a lawn?

Some models, such as WORX WG163 and Greenworks' cited 40V model, are sold as trimmer/edger combinations. Other tools need an attachment or a separate edger, so check the exact model.

How long does a cordless string trimmer battery last?

There is no single runtime for all tools. Ryobi publishes over 65 minutes for RY402013BTL with a 4Ah battery; speed, line, grass density and battery condition affect actual use.

Sources and how we chose

Ryobi RY402013BTL · 2026-10-18
DEWALT DCST970B · 2026-10-18
Greenworks 40V 13-inch trimmer/edger · 2026-10-18
WORX trimmers and edgers · 2026-10-18
Milwaukee string trimmers · 2026-10-18

Ryobi 40V 12-inch String Trimmer RY402013BTL

DEWALT DCST970B 60V MAX FLEXVOLT String Trimmer

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

WORX WG163 20V 12-inch String Trimmer

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16-inch String Trimmer Kit 3046-21HD

Compare them side by side

Questions before you buy

Related guides

Grass Strimmer Cordless Options for Different Yards

Weed Eater Battery-Powered Models for Home Yards

Cordless Ryobi Strimmer Options for Different Yards

Cordless Strimmers: Find the Right Battery-Powered Tool