best overall
WORX WG163 20V Cordless String Trimmer and Edger
9.5
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For most yards the best all-around pick in 2026 is the WORX WG163 20V Cordless String Trimmer and Edger, a 12-inch trimmer that ships with two batteries and converts to a wheeled edger without extra tools. Have a larger, mixed-terrain yard and prefer gas power? The Husqvarna 122C is a lightweight curved-shaft gas trimmer built for everyday homeowner use, while the Ryobi 40V Attachment Capable trimmer gives cordless buyers the widest cutting swath and the option to add other yard attachments to the same power head later. For thick brush, tall weeds or a full acre or more, the Husqvarna 330LK straight-shaft gas trimmer and the professional-grade Echo X Series trimmer both bring the torque that battery trimmers still cannot fully match. Already own Ryobi ONE+ batteries, or just want the simplest possible corded or budget cordless option? The Ryobi ONE+ 18V kit, the BLACK+DECKER BESTA510 corded trimmer, the VARSK cordless trimmer, the BLACK+DECKER LST522 and the WEN ET1003 round out this list at lower price points. Below we compare all 10 on power source, cutting width and weight so you can match the trimmer to your actual yard instead of guessing.
| # | Product | Best for | Power Source | Cutting Width | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | WORX WG163 20V Cordless String Trimmer and Edger | best overall | Cordless Battery | 12 inch | 5.5 lbs | Check Price |
| 2 | Husqvarna 122C Gas String Trimmer | best gas trimmer for homeowners | Gas | 17 inch | 11 lbs | Check Price |
| 3 | Ryobi 40V Attachment Capable Cordless String Trimmer | best high-power expandable cordless | Cordless Battery | 13 to 15 inch | 9.5 lbs | Check Price |
| 4 | ECHO X Series 30.5cc Professional-Grade Gas String Trimmer | best professional-grade power | Gas | not specified | not specified | Check Price |
| 5 | BLACK+DECKER BESTA510 Corded Electric String Trimmer | best corded electric overall | Corded Electric | 14 inch | not specified | Check Price |
| 6 | Husqvarna 330LK Gas String Trimmer | best straight-shaft gas trimmer for large properties | Gas | 18 to 20 inch | not specified | Check Price |
| 7 | Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless String Trimmer and Edger | best for ryobi battery ecosystem owners | Cordless Battery | 13 inch | not specified | Check Price |
| 8 | VARSK 20V Cordless String Trimmer and Edger | best budget cordless with extras | Cordless Battery | 12 inch | not specified | Check Price |
| 9 | BLACK+DECKER LST522 20V MAX Cordless String Trimmer and Edger | best lightweight cordless for small yards | Cordless Battery | 12 inch | not specified | Check Price |
| 10 | WEN ET1003 Corded Electric String Trimmer | best ultra-budget pick | Corded Electric | 10 inch | 4.4 lbs | Check Price |
Why we picked it: The WORX WG163 earns the top spot because it removes the two biggest complaints people have about string trimmers in one move: it never needs gas or mixed fuel, and it comes with two 20V batteries so you are not left waiting on a single charge to finish the yard. The head tilts a full 90 degrees, so the same tool trims along fence lines and beds, then rotates into a wheeled edger for clean lawn edges without swapping tools. At 5.5 lbs it is light enough for most people to run for a full session without arm fatigue, and because it uses WORX Power Share batteries, the same packs work across other WORX yard tools if you already own them or plan to add more. It will not out-cut a gas trimmer in thick, waist-high brush, but for regular lawn maintenance on a typical residential lot it is genuinely hard to beat for the price.
Homeowners with a typical residential lawn who want one cordless tool that trims and edges without buying gas or mixing fuel.
Owners of a large property or heavily overgrown lot who need gas-level cutting power instead.
Key specs: 20V Power Share battery, 2 included, 12-inch cutting width, 10-inch line length, 0.065-inch line diameter, 5.5 lbs, 7,600 RPM
Why we picked it: The Husqvarna 122C is the pick for anyone who has been frustrated by a battery trimmer running out of charge halfway through a big yard. Its 22cc 2-cycle engine and curved shaft keep the whole unit light and easy to swing around flower beds, trees and other obstacles, and the Tap N Go head lets you advance the cutting line by tapping it on the ground rather than stopping to feed it by hand. Curved-shaft trimmers like this one trade a bit of reach and edging versatility for better maneuverability and lower weight, which is the right trade for most residential yards under an acre. Like any gas trimmer it needs 2-cycle fuel mixed at the correct ratio and periodic spark plug and air filter maintenance, but in exchange you get unlimited runtime as long as you have fuel on hand.
Homeowners with a mid-size to large yard who want unlimited gas runtime in a lighter, curved-shaft body.
Buyers who want to avoid fuel mixing and engine maintenance entirely and would prefer battery or corded power.
Key specs: 22cc 2-cycle engine, curved shaft, 17-inch cutting width, Tap N Go line head, approximately 11 lbs
Why we picked it: The Ryobi 40V Attachment Capable trimmer is built for buyers who want cordless convenience without giving up cutting width or power. Its 40V system and adjustable 13 to 15 inch cutting path let it clear more grass per pass than the smaller 20V trimmers on this list, and because the power head accepts Ryobi Expand-It style attachments, the same investment can later add an edger, blower or pole saw head rather than buying separate standalone tools. The included 4.0 Ah battery and 90-minute charger are sized to actually finish a mid-size yard on one charge, which is where smaller battery trimmers often fall short. It is heavier than the 20V cordless options here, which is the trade-off for the extra power and reach.
Buyers who want cordless power closer to gas performance and may want to expand into other attachment-based yard tools.
Buyers with a small, simple yard who do not need the extra cutting width or attachment ecosystem.
Key specs: 40V lithium-ion battery, 4.0 Ah battery and charger included, 13 to 15 inch adjustable cutting width, attachment capable, straight shaft
Why we picked it: The ECHO X Series is the trimmer to choose when a yard, or several yards, genuinely demands commercial-grade durability rather than a homeowner-grade tool. Its 30.5cc 2-stroke engine outputs 1.8 HP through a 2:1 high-torque gear ratio specifically tuned to push through thick, overgrown grass and tough weeds that would bog down a lighter homeowner trimmer or stall a battery unit. ECHO builds its professional line for landscaping crews running the tool for hours a day, which means the engine, shaft and gearbox are rated for a duty cycle well beyond occasional weekend use. This is a meaningful step up in price from the homeowner-grade picks on this list, so it makes the most sense for large properties, rental properties, or anyone doing paid lawn care work rather than a single small residential lot.
Landscaping professionals, large property owners, or anyone who needs a trimmer rated for daily commercial use.
Owners of a single small to mid-size residential yard who do not need commercial-duty power.
Key specs: 30.5cc 2-stroke engine, 1.8 HP, 2:1 high-torque gear ratio, straight shaft, professional-grade duty cycle
Why we picked it: The BLACK+DECKER BESTA510 is the best corded option here because it does not feel like a scaled-down cordless trimmer with a cord attached. Its 6.5 amp motor and POWERDRIVE Transmission push a 14-inch cutting path, wider than most cordless trimmers in this price range, and auto feed keeps the line advancing without stopping to bump-feed it manually. Rotating the head converts the trimmer into a wheeled edger, so one purchase covers both trimming and clean bed or walkway edges. The obvious trade-off with any corded trimmer is the cord itself, which limits how far from an outlet you can work and means managing an extension cord around the yard, but in exchange you get full, unlimited-runtime power with zero battery charging and zero fuel mixing.
Owners of a small to mid-size yard within reach of an outdoor outlet who want full power with no charging or fuel.
Buyers with a large yard or no easy outdoor outlet access, who need cordless or gas power instead.
Key specs: 6.5 amp motor, 14-inch cutting path, POWERDRIVE Transmission, auto feed, 2-in-1 wheeled edger conversion
Why we picked it: The Husqvarna 330LK is built for properties where a curved-shaft homeowner trimmer starts to feel undersized. Its 28cc engine is a meaningful step up from the 122C on this list, and the straight shaft gives more reach under low branches, along fence lines and around larger obstacles than a curved shaft allows. The cutting width adjusts between 18 and 20 inches, letting you widen the swath for open lawn and narrow it for tighter, more controlled trimming near landscaping. A spring-assisted starting system and air purge feature are aimed squarely at making a gas engine easier to pull-start, addressing one of the most common complaints about gas trimmers in general. The Rapid Replace head also speeds up reloading trimmer line compared with a standard bump-feed spool.
Owners of large properties, acreage, or commercial-adjacent lots who need reach and power beyond a standard homeowner trimmer.
Owners of a small, tight residential yard who would be better served by a lighter curved-shaft or cordless trimmer.
Key specs: 28cc 2-cycle engine, straight shaft, 18 to 20 inch adjustable cutting width, spring-assisted start, Rapid Replace head
Why we picked it: The Ryobi ONE+ 18V trimmer is the obvious choice for anyone already invested in the Ryobi ONE+ battery platform, since the included 4.0 Ah battery and charger work across the entire ONE+ lineup of drills, saws and other yard tools rather than being locked to just this trimmer. The cutting width adjusts from 11 to 13 inches to match the job, and it accepts both 0.065 and 0.080 inch trimmer line so you can choose lighter line for delicate trimming or thicker line for tougher weeds. Ryobi backs it with a 3-year warranty, longer than many trimmers at this price point. It is not the widest or most powerful cordless trimmer on this list, but for a typical yard paired with an existing ONE+ battery collection, it is a genuinely practical addition rather than a redundant purchase.
Existing Ryobi ONE+ battery owners who want a trimmer that shares batteries with their other tools.
Buyers with no other Ryobi ONE+ tools who would get better value from a wider-cut standalone trimmer.
Key specs: 18V ONE+ battery system, 4.0 Ah battery and charger included, 11 to 13 inch adjustable cutting width, compatible with 0.065 and 0.080 inch line, 3-year warranty
Why we picked it: The VARSK trimmer stands out among budget cordless options because of what actually ships in the box. Along with the trimmer and 2 included 20V batteries, it comes with 6 replacement line spools, enough to keep the tool running for multiple seasons without an immediate separate purchase. The automatic line feed keeps the cutting string advancing on its own as it wears down, and the head converts between trimming and edging modes for basic lawn upkeep. It will not match the cutting width or raw power of the pricier picks on this list, but for a smaller yard on a tight budget, getting two batteries, a charger and six spools of line in one purchase is a genuinely good deal.
Budget-conscious buyers with a smaller yard who want batteries, a charger and extra line included in one purchase.
Buyers who prioritize a well-known brand name or need a wider cutting path for a larger yard.
Key specs: 20V battery system, 2 batteries and charger included, 12-inch cutting width, automatic line feed, 6 replacement spools included
Why we picked it: The BLACK+DECKER LST522 is a straightforward, lightweight cordless trimmer aimed at small yards and simple upkeep rather than heavy-duty cutting. A single included 20V MAX battery and charger power the 12-inch trimmer, and 2-speed PowerDrive control lets you drop to a lower speed to extend runtime on lighter jobs or bump up power for tougher grass. It converts to a wheeled edger the same way as the other BLACK+DECKER trimmers on this list, and it is part of the broader 20V MAX battery system if you already own other BLACK+DECKER tools. It is the simplest cordless option here, with one battery rather than two, which means shorter total runtime per charge than trimmers that ship with a spare.
Owners of a small yard who want the simplest, lightest cordless trimmer without needing maximum runtime.
Buyers with a larger yard who need two batteries or a wider cutting path to avoid mid-job recharging.
Key specs: 20V MAX battery and charger included, 12-inch cutting width, 2-speed PowerDrive control, wheeled edger conversion
Why we picked it: The WEN ET1003 is the pick for anyone who just needs a basic, inexpensive trimmer for light touch-up work and does not want to think much beyond that. At 4.4 lbs it is the lightest trimmer on this list, and its 3-amp motor spins the line at up to 10,500 RPM for precise, light-duty trimming along edges and around obstacles. A built-in cord storage hook keeps the power cord from tangling underfoot, and it ships with a spool of replacement string so you are not searching for a compatible part on day one. Its 10-inch cutting diameter is the narrowest here, and the fixed cord means limited reach, so it suits a small yard or apartment-style outdoor space far better than a large property.
Buyers with a small yard or apartment patio who want the lightest, most affordable trimmer for occasional light trimming.
Buyers with a mid-size to large yard or thick grass and weeds who need more cutting width and power.
Key specs: 3-amp motor, 10,500 RPM no-load speed, 10-inch cutting diameter, 4.4 lbs, replacement spool included
Choose gas, like the Husqvarna or ECHO picks in this guide, if you have a large property, thick weeds, or need unlimited runtime away from any power source. Choose corded electric, like the BLACK+DECKER BESTA510 or WEN ET1003, if your whole yard is within reach of an outdoor outlet and you want full power with zero fuel or battery charging. Choose cordless battery, like the WORX, Ryobi or VARSK picks, if you want a balance of convenience and enough power for a typical residential yard without dealing with gas or a cord.
A 10 to 12 inch cutting width, as on the WEN, VARSK and BLACK+DECKER cordless trimmers, is enough for a small to mid-size residential yard with mostly open lawn. A 13 to 15 inch width, like the Ryobi 40V pick, or an 18 to 20 inch adjustable width, like the Husqvarna 330LK, is worth the extra size once your yard grows larger or includes more open ground to cover, since a wider head means fewer passes to finish the job.
A curved shaft, like the Husqvarna 122C in this guide, is lighter and easier to maneuver around trees, beds and furniture, which suits most typical residential yards. A straight shaft, like the Husqvarna 330LK or ECHO X Series, offers more reach under low branches and along longer fence lines and is generally the better choice for larger or more open properties. Most electric and battery trimmers use a straight-shaft-style design by default, so this distinction mainly applies when comparing gas trimmers.
Runtime depends heavily on battery capacity, trimmer power draw and how thick the grass or weeds are, which is why trimmers that include two batteries, like the WORX WG163 and VARSK in this guide, are worth considering over single-battery kits if you have a larger area to cover in one session. Higher-voltage systems, like the Ryobi 40V pick, generally deliver more runtime and power per charge than 18V or 20V trimmers, though they also tend to be heavier. If your yard is large enough that a single charge will not finish the job, a gas trimmer removes the runtime question entirely.
Gas trimmers, like the Husqvarna 122C, Husqvarna 330LK and ECHO X Series here, deliver unlimited runtime and the most raw cutting power, at the cost of fuel mixing, exhaust and more routine engine maintenance. Corded electric trimmers, like the BLACK+DECKER BESTA510 and WEN ET1003, give full, unlimited power with no battery or fuel at all, but the cord limits how far you can work from an outlet. Cordless battery trimmers, like the WORX WG163, the two Ryobi picks, the VARSK and the BLACK+DECKER LST522, trade some raw power for freedom from both cords and fuel, and the gap between battery and gas power has narrowed significantly on 40V and similar higher-voltage models.
A narrower 10 to 12 inch cutting width, as on the WEN, VARSK and both BLACK+DECKER cordless picks, works fine for a small to mid-size yard but means more passes across a larger lawn. A 13 to 15 inch width, like the Ryobi 40V trimmer, or an 18 to 20 inch adjustable width, like the Husqvarna 330LK, clears more ground per pass and is worth the extra size and weight once a yard grows past a typical suburban lot. Match the cutting width to your actual square footage rather than buying the widest option available, since a wider head is also a heavier, less maneuverable one around tight beds and obstacles.
Curved-shaft trimmers, like the Husqvarna 122C, keep the motor closer to your hands and the overall tool lighter, which makes them easier to swing around trees, beds and furniture, but they offer slightly less reach under low branches or along tall fence lines. Straight-shaft trimmers, like the Husqvarna 330LK and ECHO X Series, extend further and generally handle larger, more open properties better, at the cost of a bit more weight and a longer overall reach to manage in tight spaces. Most cordless and corded electric trimmers use a straight-shaft-style design regardless of price point, so this distinction matters most when comparing gas models.
If you already own tools on a specific battery platform, staying within that ecosystem, such as the Ryobi ONE+ 18V pick for existing Ryobi owners or the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX pick for existing BLACK+DECKER owners, means the battery and charger you already own can power the new trimmer too. If you are starting from zero, look closely at what ships in the box: the WORX WG163 and VARSK trimmers both include two batteries and a charger rather than one, and the VARSK also throws in six replacement line spools, which meaningfully changes the real first-year cost compared with a single-battery kit.
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Power source | Gas delivers the most power and unlimited runtime, corded electric gives full power with a cord to manage, and cordless battery trims the middle ground of convenience without fuel or cords. |
| Cutting width | A wider cutting swath clears more lawn per pass but adds weight and reduces maneuverability around obstacles, so match width to actual yard size. |
| Shaft type | Curved shafts stay lighter and easier to swing around obstacles, while straight shafts extend further and suit larger, more open properties. |
| Line feed system | Automatic or tap-to-advance line feed systems reduce how often you need to stop and manually feed new trimmer line during a job. |
| Battery and accessory inclusions | Trimmers that ship with two batteries, a charger and extra line spools reduce first-year costs compared with single-battery kits sold at a similar price. |
Every product above was scored out of 10 on the same six-part rubric, then sorted into an S to C tier. We do not accept free units or payment for placement, and price or affiliate commission never factors into the score.
| Criterion | What we check | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Core performance | The numbers that define the category: capacity, power, resolution, battery life, speed or output, taken from manufacturer specs and cross-checked against independent test data where it exists. | High |
| Build & reliability | Materials, warranty length, brand track record, and how often the model shows up in long-term failure or return complaints. | High |
| Real-world usability | Weight, dimensions, noise level, setup difficulty and day-to-day friction, drawn from owner reviews and published measurements. | Medium |
| Running cost | Ongoing costs beyond the purchase: subscriptions, consumables, energy use or maintenance, where they apply to the category. | Medium |
| Owner feedback | Patterns across aggregated verified owner reviews: recurring praise, recurring complaints, and whether the experience matches the marketing. | Medium |
| Value | What you get relative to the rest of the field at a similar price band, not an absolute price judgment. | Medium |
Sources: manufacturer spec sheets and manuals, retailer listing data, aggregated verified owner reviews, and published independent test results where available for the category.
Honesty note: We have not hands-on tested every product on this page. Where we have not personally used a product, its ranking is based on verified specs, aggregated owner feedback, availability and editorial comparison rather than a hands-on review. Hands-on impressions, when included in a product entry above, are clearly written from direct use.
We don't accept free units or payment for placement. Our rankings combine verified manufacturer specifications, real owner feedback and availability, compared on one transparent S to C rubric.
How this was written: our guides are researched and reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy.