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Best picks

What Is the Best Cordless String Trimmer to Buy for Your Yard?

The EGO POWER+ 16-inch LINE IQ String Trimmer (ST1623T) is the strongest all-around choice for broad coverage and automatic line feeding. For a smaller yard or lighter jobs, consider the RYOBI PCLST01K; for a more compact 40V option, see Greenworks ST40B05.

GGearjury editorial team · Updated October 23, 2026· 8 min

Quick answer

The EGO POWER+ ST1623T is our top pick for broad cutting coverage: its official product page lists a continuous 16-inch cutting swath, LINE IQ automatic line feeding, and a brushless motor. The RYOBI PCLST01K suits small yards and includes an edging function; Greenworks ST40B05 is a 40V trimmer-edger with a 13-inch cut path. Choose based on yard size, battery ecosystem, and whether you want a kit or tool-only model.

EGO POWER+ ST1623T: Best for broad coverage and automatic line feeding
EGO POWER+ ST1520S: Best for easy line reloading
Greenworks ST40B05: Best for a 40V tool platform with edging
RYOBI PCLST01K: Best for small yards and occasional edging
Milwaukee M18 2828-20: Best for users invested in Milwaukee M18 tools

Official manufacturer image

Best for broad coverage and automatic line feeding

EGO POWER+ ST1623T

The manufacturer lists a continuous 16-inch cutting swath and LINE IQ line feeding.
It has a brushless motor and includes a 4.0Ah battery and charger in this kit configuration.

Drawback: Its wider cutting path and included battery kit may be more tool than a small yard needs.

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Official manufacturer image

Best for easy line reloading

EGO POWER+ ST1520S

POWERLOAD lets you insert line and press a button to wind it.
The manufacturer lists a 15-inch cutting swath, variable speed, and a brushless motor.

Drawback: The official page lists multiple configurations, so battery inclusion depends on the exact SKU.

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Best for a 40V tool platform with edging

Greenworks ST40B05

The manufacturer lists a 13-inch cutting path and a 2-in-1 trimmer-edger design.
Its head pivots to seven positions and its shaft rotates for edging.

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

Official manufacturer image

Best for small yards and occasional edging

RYOBI PCLST01K

The kit offers an adjustable 8-to-10-inch cut swath and an auto-feed head.
RYOBI says the included 2Ah battery can provide over 35 minutes of runtime.

Drawback: Its narrow maximum cut swath is better suited to lighter trimming than large, overgrown areas.

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Official manufacturer image

Best for users invested in Milwaukee M18 tools

Milwaukee M18 2828-20

Milwaukee identifies it as an M18 brushless string trimmer.
The product listing specifies a 14-to-16-inch cutting swath and variable-speed trigger.

Drawback: It is sold as a tool-only model, so you need a compatible M18 battery and charger.

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Compare them side by side

	Official manufacturer imageEGO POWER+ ST1623T	Official manufacturer imageEGO POWER+ ST1520S	Greenworks ST40B05	Official manufacturer imageRYOBI PCLST01K	Official manufacturer imageMilwaukee M18 2828-20
Cutting swath or path	16 inches	15 inches	13 inches	8–10 inches	14–16 inches
Line feed	LINE IQ automatic	Bump feed; POWERLOAD winding	Auto feed	Auto feed	Bump feed
Motor	Brushless	Brushless	—	—	Brushless
Battery platform	56V ARC Lithium	EGO ARC Lithium	40V	18V ONE+	M18
Kit configuration	4.0Ah battery and charger	Varies by configuration	Tool only	2Ah battery and charger	Tool only
	Check price on Amazon	Check price on Amazon		Check price on Amazon	Check price on Amazon

Common questions

Questions before you buy

What is a cordless string trimmer?

A cordless string trimmer is a battery-powered lawn tool that spins a flexible nylon line to cut grass and weeds along edges and in places a mower cannot reach. It avoids a power cord and does not use a gas engine.

What is the best cordless grass trimmer to buy for a small yard?

A compact model with a narrower cutting path can be easier to handle in a small yard. The RYOBI PCLST01K has an adjustable 8-to-10-inch swath and converts to an edger; check that its 18V battery system fits your existing tools.

What is the best cordless string trimmer on the market for a wide cutting path?

Among these picks, the EGO POWER+ ST1623T has the widest listed path at 16 inches and uses LINE IQ automatic line feeding. A wider path can cover more ground per pass, but may feel less nimble in tight spaces.

What should I compare when choosing a cordless grass trimmer?

Start with the cutting path and the thickness of grass you need to handle, then compare line feed, battery platform, tool weight, and whether the listing includes a battery and charger. Choose a battery ecosystem you can continue using.

Are cordless string trimmers powerful enough for weeds?

They can handle routine grass trimming and many common weeds when matched to the line, cutting head, and battery platform specified by the manufacturer. Dense woody growth may call for a brush cutter designed for heavier vegetation.

Sources and how we chose

EGO POWER+ ST1623T manufacturer product page · 2026-10-23
EGO POWER+ ST1520S manufacturer product page · 2026-10-23
Greenworks ST40B05 manufacturer product page · 2026-10-23
RYOBI PCLST01K manufacturer product page · 2026-10-23
Milwaukee M18 2828-20 manufacturer product page · 2026-10-23

Greenworks ST40B05

Compare them side by side

Questions before you buy

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