Battery String Trimmers Best Battery String Trimmers for Every Yard Size
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By the Pickpedia Team
·9 picks compared
·Last verified November 2026
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Quick answer
The Greenworks 40V combo tops our battery string trimmer list, pairing a 12 inch trimmer with a 390 CFM blower on one 2.0Ah battery. The Milwaukee M18 Fuel and the Makita XRU23Z follow as the strongest bare-tool picks for anyone already invested in those battery systems.
Best Battery String Trimmers for Every Yard Size at a glance
Why you can trust this guide
We compared these picks using verified manufacturer specifications, available manuals and documentation, current retailer listings, and patterns in owner feedback, alongside editorial research. We focus on measurable differences such as performance, capacity, usability, and build quality. Pickpedia does not present editorial research as laboratory testing, and we do not claim hands-on testing unless it was actually performed.
A battery string trimmer frees you from cords and gas cans, and the right one depends on how much yard you have and which batteries you already own. Some shoppers want a complete kit with a charger and spare battery, while others already have a garage full of 18V packs and only need the tool.
We compared nine cordless trimmers on cutting width, motor type, weight, line feed and battery platform. The picks below range from a 3.5 pound brush cutter with five blade types to a 16 inch brushless Milwaukee that trims a full lawn on one charge. Each entry notes who it suits best.
Our top picks
This combo pairs a 12 inch trimmer with a 390 CFM blower and includes a 2.0Ah battery that charges in about 60 minutes. The auto-feed head takes 0.065 inch line and the trimmer weighs 8 pounds, which Greenworks calls about 30 percent lighter than gas alternatives. The blower reaches 110 MPH with cruise control for clearing driveways and gutters.
Cutting width12 inches
Line0.065 inch, auto feed
Battery40V 2.0Ah, 60 minute charge
Blower output110 MPH, 390 CFM
Pros
- Trimmer and blower share one 40V battery
- Auto-feed head needs no bumping
- Fits the wider Greenworks 40V tool lineup
Cons
- Only one battery in the kit
- 12 inch swath is narrow for large lawns
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The POWERSTATE brushless motor in this Milwaukee delivers more power than a 31cc gas powerhead, according to the brand. It accepts all 13 Milwaukee QUIK-LOK attachments, so one handle and battery can run multiple yard tools. It is a bare tool, so the M18 battery and charger come separately.
MotorPOWERSTATE brushless
AttachmentsAll 13 QUIK-LOK tools
Power claimMore than 31cc gas powerhead
BatteryM18, sold separately
Pros
- Shared powerhead across 13 attachments
- Brushless motor built for heavy trimming
- Slots into the existing M18 battery system
Cons
- Battery and charger not included
- Attachment system adds parts to store
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This M18 trimmer runs a brushless motor up to 6,200 RPM across a 16 inch cutting swath. It uses a bump line advance and accepts 0.080 and 0.095 inch line. The tool weighs 9.1 pounds and measures 71 inches tall, and it ships without a battery.
Cutting width16 inches
Motor speedUp to 6,200 RPM
Line0.080 and 0.095 inch, bump feed
Weight9.1 pounds
Pros
- Widest swath among the 18V picks here
- Brushless motor tuned for trimming
- Takes two common line sizes
Cons
- Bump feed rather than auto feed
- Heaviest of the bare-tool entries
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Makita's brushless motor spins up to 6,000 RPM, and the brand rates run time at up to one hour with an 18V LXT 4.0Ah battery. The cutting swath is 13 inches. It is sold as a tool only, so the battery and charger are separate.
Cutting width13 inches
Motor speedUp to 6,000 RPM
RuntimeUp to 1 hour with 4.0Ah LXT
Battery18V LXT, sold separately
Pros
- Up to an hour of run time on a 4.0Ah pack
- Brushless motor for longer tool life
- Compact 13 inch head for edge work
Cons
- Battery and charger not included
- Runtime figure depends on the larger pack
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This renewed Craftsman kit combines a 13 inch trimmer with a 340 CFM, 90 MPH blower. The trimmer has a telescoping pole for turning to edge and an automatic line advance that feeds 0.065 inch line without bumping. The blower offers dual-speed control to trade power for runtime.
Cutting width13 inches
Line0.065 inch, automatic advance
Blower output340 CFM, 90 MPH
ConditionRenewed
Pros
- Telescoping pole eases edging
- Auto line advance needs no bumping
- Dual-speed blower control
Cons
- Renewed rather than new stock
- Blower output below the Greenworks combo
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A 650W pure copper motor turns at 11,000 RPM no-load speed, and two 24V 2.0Ah batteries extend runtime across the job. The shaft adjusts from 35 to 47 inches and the head pivots for slopes and corners. Five interchangeable blades cover thick weeds, small branches, and soft lawn grass.
Motor650W pure copper
Speed11,000 RPM no-load
BatteriesTwo 24V 2.0Ah
Shaft35 to 47 inches, pivoting head
Pros
- Five blade types for mixed yard work
- Two batteries in the box
- Pivoting head reaches slopes and corners
Cons
- Blade changes add setup time
- Higher RPM is not a string trimmer head
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This weed wacker weighs 3.5 pounds and converts between trimmer and edger, with metal blades, circular saw blades, plastic blades and wire rope in the box. Two 4000mAh batteries each run up to 40 minutes, and the telescopic handle adjusts from 30 to 47 inches. A 90 degree head and double switch safety system round out the design.
Weight3.5 pounds
BatteriesTwo 21V 4000mAh
RuntimeUp to 40 minutes per battery
HandleTelescopic, 30 to 47 inches
Pros
- Very light at 3.5 pounds
- Two batteries plus a full blade set
- Adjustable shaft and 90 degree head
Cons
- Blade-based cutting rather than string only
- Runtime is per battery, not combined
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This 12 inch string trimmer runs a 9000 RPM cutting head on a single 4.0Ah battery rated for about 30 minutes. The auto-feed system releases line on startup, and you can pull 0.4 inch increments with the release button. At 5.27 pounds with an adjustable handle, it is built for easy handling.
Cutting width12 inches
Speed9000 RPM
Battery4.0Ah, about 30 minutes
Weight5.27 pounds
Pros
- Auto-feed line with manual backup
- Light 5.27 pound build
- One battery and charger keep it simple
Cons
- Single battery means charging breaks
- 12 inch swath suits smaller lawns
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The 12 inch cutting width and 9000 RPM head clear grass quickly, and the tool switches between trimming and edging modes. Two 2.0Ah batteries each deliver roughly 15 to 20 minutes, with a matching charger to swap between them. Line feeds automatically on startup or 0.4 inch per manual press.
Cutting width12 inches
Speed9000 RPM
BatteriesTwo 2.0Ah
RuntimeAbout 15 to 20 minutes each
Pros
- Spare battery limits downtime
- Converts to an edger for borders
- Auto and manual line feed
Cons
- Short runtime per battery
- Two small packs instead of one large one
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What to look for
Matching the trimmer to your battery platform
If you already own 18V or 40V batteries from a tool brand, a bare tool is often the smarter pick. The Milwaukee M18 and Makita XRU23Z entries both run on packs you may already have. Shoppers starting from scratch are better served by a kit that includes a battery and charger, like the Greenworks combo.
Cutting width and motor type
Cutting swaths here run from 12 to 16 inches, and wider heads finish a lawn in fewer passes. Brushless motors appear on the Makita and both Milwaukee trimmers, which the brands rate for higher RPM and longer run time. Blade-based tools like the 24V weed wacker suit thick brush and small branches that string heads struggle with.
Weight, handle and comfort
Trimming along a fence line means holding the tool out from your body, so weight matters. The 3.5 pound 21V wacker and the 5.27 pound 12 inch trimmer are the lightest here, while the 9.1 pound Milwaukee is the heaviest. Telescopic shafts adjust to different heights, and pivoting heads help on slopes and tight corners.
Line feed and everyday upkeep
Auto-feed heads release line on startup, and the Greenworks, Craftsman and both 21V string trimmers use that approach. Bump feed, found on the Milwaukee 2828-20, gives you direct control over line length. Check which line sizes the head accepts, since the Milwaukee takes 0.080 and 0.095 inch line while the Greenworks uses 0.065 inch.
Frequently asked questions
Is a lightweight battery string trimmer worth it for beginners?
Yes, if the yard is small to mid-sized. The 3.5 pound 21V wacker and the 5.27 pound 12 inch trimmer are easy to control for new users, and both include batteries and a charger so there is nothing else to buy.
How do I choose a battery string trimmer for a suburban yard?
Start with cutting width and battery count. A 12 to 13 inch head handles most suburban lots, and two batteries or a kit with a charger keeps you working. The Greenworks combo adds a blower on the same 40V pack.
Can a battery string trimmer handle sloped lawns?
A pivoting or angled head helps on slopes, and the 24V 3-in-1 wacker offers both an adjustable 35 to 47 inch shaft and a pivoting head. Lighter tools are easier to hold steady on an incline.
What should I look for in an adjustable handle?
Look for a telescopic shaft with a stated range, such as 30 to 47 inches or 35 to 47 inches. That lets taller and shorter users set a comfortable working height without bending.
Does a rechargeable battery trimmer work well for older homeowners?
Weight is the main factor. The 3.5 pound and 5.27 pound models are the easiest to carry, and the Greenworks combo is described as about 30 percent lighter than gas alternatives. Auto-feed heads also remove the need to bump the head on the ground.
Which trimmer combines quiet operation with a rechargeable battery?
All the cordless models here run on batteries rather than gas, so they avoid engine noise. The 21V wacker lists a low noise design, and the 12 inch single-battery trimmer is built for small yards and everyday garden areas.
How long does a battery last on a string trimmer?
It varies by pack and tool. Makita rates up to one hour with an 18V LXT 4.0Ah battery, the 21V 4.0Ah trimmer runs about 30 minutes, and the two 2.0Ah packs in the 21V edger kit deliver roughly 15 to 20 minutes each.
Do I need a trimmer with attachments?
Only if you want one powerhead for several tools. The Milwaukee M18 Fuel with QUIK-LOK accepts all 13 Milwaukee attachments, which suits owners who plan to add more yard tools later. Otherwise a standalone trimmer is simpler.
The verdict
Greenworks 40V 12 in String Trimmer & 390...
9.2/10/10
The Greenworks 40V combo earns the top spot by covering trimming and blowing on one battery, which suits most suburban yards. If you already own Milwaukee or Makita packs, the M18 Fuel and XRU23Z bare tools are the stronger long-term buys. For small lots and light work, the 3.5 pound 21V wacker keeps the job easy.
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