The Best Battery Trimmers of 2024 to Tidy Up Your Yard Cord-Free, Tested
If you need a sturdy tool to trim a lawn’s edges or tackle overgrown weeds, a battery trimmer might be a wise investment. Cordless grass trimmers offer similar performance to gas string trimmers, and they’re quieter, less polluting, and more mobile than corded electric lawn trimmers.
To determine which battery-powered trimmers were best, we tested a dozen highly rated models doing different tasks, such as edging a lawn, trimming fence lines, and cutting down overgrown ditch weeds.
Ideally, the best string trimmer should be lightweight, durable, and easy to operate. The string line should advance smoothly, and the user shouldn’t need to frequently stop and untangle the line. It also has to produce enough cutting force to buzz through grass and chop down coarse weeds and light brush. We like the Stihl FSA 80 R Battery-Powered String Trimmer the most out of this lineup for its smooth but powerful cutting performance on a variety of greenery.
That said, since some models excel at the lightweight and easy-to-use aspect, and others perform the heavy-duty jobs better, it’s important to match your needs to the tool’s strengths. Ahead, we will offer our observations from testing these popular models in order to help you find the best battery trimmer for your landscaping needs.
- BEST OVERALL: Stihl FSA 80 R Battery-Powered String Trimmer
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Black+Decker 20V MAX EasyFeed String Trimmer/Edger
- BEST HEAVY-DUTY: DeWalt 60V MAX 17″ Brushless String Trimmer Kit
- BEST FOR LARGE YARDS: Echo eForce 56V Battery String Trimmer
- BEST LOADING SYSTEM: Ego Power+ ST1511T 15″ Powerload String Trimmer
- BEST CONTROL OPTIONS: Makita 36V LXT Brushless String Trimmer Kit
- BEST DUAL-DIRECTION: Husqvarna 320iL Weed Eater Kit
- BEST TRIMMER/EDGER COMBO: Milwaukee M18 Fuel String Trimmer With Quik-Lok
- BEST EXPANDABLE: Ryobi 40V Attachment Capable 15″ String Trimmer Kit
- BEST FOR OPEN SPACES: Greenworks 60V 17″ Carbon Fiber Shaft Battery Trimmer
How We Tested the Best Battery Trimmers
We were picky when selecting the battery-powered weed eaters for testing. We considered the brand; after all, Makita and DeWalt are well-respected players in the power tool industry. Still, we didn’t automatically eliminate up-and-comers like Greenworks and Ryobi, who are making exciting waves in battery-powered technology. We took brand reputation, user reviews, and our own experience with similar tools to select the products we wanted to test.
Before testing, we assembled the weed trimmers and charged the batteries. Most arrived with batteries that were about 25 percent charged right out of the box, but a full charge allowed us to gauge runtime at full power. Although some of the trimmers offer reduced power settings that extend runtime, we found the lower settings also reduced performance on coarse weeds, so we ran them at full power for testing.
We put each tool through its paces in several real-yard scenarios, such as trimming “clean” lawn grass, weedy grass, and natural areas replete with coarse, weedy seedlings and vines. To earn a spot in our lineup, the lightweight 20-volt (V) trimmers we tested had to deliver a crisp cut in both clean and weedy grass sections.
In addition to trimming the grass zones, we used the 36V, 56V, and 80V models to cut through woody, viny growth in natural areas. We also noted battery runtime, maneuverability, and operator comfort. We scored each model using a rubric to help determine the best battery trimmer by category.
Testing Stats
- Products tested: 10
- Hours spent testing: 20+
- Tests performed: 4
- Price range: $95 to $600
Our Top Picks
The following reviews will walk through the key features of each cordless string trimmer and detail how the models performed in our backyard tests.
Best Overall
Stihl FSA 80 R Battery-Powered String Trimmer
This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.
Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.
Our Ratings: Power 5/5; Performance 5/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Safety 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Battery type: 36V 4.0-amp-hour (Ah) lithium-ion
- Runtime: 25 minutes
- Weight: 13.2 pounds
What We Like
- Excellent power and performance
- Useful safety features, such as throttle trigger interlock
- Compatible with 0.095- and 0.105-inch weed eater string
- Adjustable loop handle fits operators of different sizes
What We Don’t Like
- Shorter runtime than others in the test group
A bit beefier than the Stihl FSA 60 R battery trimmer we tested in the past, the FSA 80 R is one of the best string trimmers in Stihl’s battery-powered residential tool lineup. It comes equipped with a 36V 4 Ah lithium-ion battery and a bump-advance string trimmer head that works with either 0.095- or 0.105-inch weed eater string. This battery grass trimmer features a variable-speed throttle trigger and a loop handle with a quick-release function for fast, tool-free adjustments. In standard cutting conditions, the FSA 80 R runs up to 25 minutes per charge. The included charger replenishes the AK 20 battery in 180 minutes.
Although it had a relatively short runtime per charge, the FSA 80 grass trimmer ran long enough for us to take care of our routine lawn maintenance needs. The motor and trimmer head ran smooth and strong in our tests, producing very little vibration. The trimmer cut crisp, clean edges in the grassy areas, and in the weedy patches, it easily tore through coarse vegetation, vines, and woody stems up to ¼ inch thick. The adjustable forward handle made it easy to get a comfortable fit no matter who was operating. This is an ideal option for general suburban yard maintenance.
Get the Stihl battery trimmer at Ace Hardware or Northern Tool + Equipment.
Best Bang for the Buck
Black+Decker 20V MAX EasyFeed String Trimmer/Edger
Our Ratings: Power 4/5; Performance 3/5; Ease of Use 4.5/5; Safety 4/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Battery type: 20V 2.0Ah lithium-ion
- Runtime: 25 minutes
- Weight: 8 pounds
What We Like
- Lightweight and easy to operate
- Compact design with adjustable handle
- Easy-feed trimmer string system
- Wheeled support simplifies trimming and edging
What We Don’t Like
- Brushed motor drains batteries faster than brushless
- Taller users may have to stoop during use
Reliable lawn equipment doesn’t always cost an arm and a leg. Black+Decker’s compact EasyFeed trimmer/edger is one of the most affordable models around, and it offers enough trimming power and runtime to maintain a small yard.
This battery-powered electric weed eater is designed to clip grass quickly, and once the job is done, it stows away in a tiny amount of space. It features a pistol-style throttle grip, an adjustable forward loop handle, and a telescoping shaft for easy height adjustment. It also has a rotating head that allows you to transition from a horizontal weed-eating position to a vertical edging configuration without having to hold the grips upside down. When it’s in the edging position, you get the added benefit of a wheel for added support.
Although the Black+Decker offered significantly less cutting power than the other tools in our test group, it did a fine job on our lawn grass. The handles were comfortable, and we appreciated the push-button line feed (as opposed to a traditional bump-advance trimmer head). Our two testers—one over 6 feet tall and the other under 5.5 feet tall—both found it comfortable and easy to use without undue strain, bending, stooping, or lifting.
Get the Black+Decker battery trimmer at Amazon, Lowe’s, Walmart, or Target.
Best Heavy-Duty
DeWalt 60V MAX 17" Brushless String Trimmer Kit
Our Ratings: Power 4.5/5; Performance 4/5; Ease of Use 4.5/5; Safety 4.5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Battery type: 60V 3 Ah FlexVolt lithium-ion
- Runtime: 40 minutes
- Weight: 12.95 pounds
What We Like
- Outstanding power for clearing overgrown weeds and brush
- Works with 0.080-or 0.095-inch trimmer line
- Excellent runtime for typical grass trimming
What We Don’t Like
- Fairly heavy; no shoulder strap included
- Noisy operation, especially when initially triggering
When an established leader in pro-grade cordless hand tools enters the lawn care category, shoppers will want to take note. The DeWalt battery trimmer packs a heavy-duty brushless motor powered by a 60V 3 Ah FlexVolt lithium-ion battery that lets it tear through all kinds of tough weeds for at least 40 minutes per charge.
This attachment-capable trimmer comes equipped with a straight shaft and rapid-loading adjustable spool. It uses 0.080-inch trimmer line to cut either a 15-inch or 17-inch swath. A safety switch in the grip prevents accidental starts. To adjust the trimmer to the task at hand, users can select high or low power and control the trimming revolutions per minute with a variable-speed trigger. The universal attachment feature lets owners replace the trimmer attachment with a variety of other tool heads, including an edger, hedge trimmer, pole saw, and more.
The DeWalt battery grass cutter was one of the heaviest we tested but also the most powerful. With the standard 0.080-inch trimmer line that came prespooled, this tool had no trouble weed wacking grass, thin tree seedlings, and even tough blackberry canes. In low-power mode, it offered more cutting force than the high-power setting of most others we tested. To be honest, high power was too much for many of our applications, so we also tested it thoroughly on low-power mode. It ran about 40 minutes on high and about 60 on low.
Other than its heavy weight, the only negative point we have to offer is the noise. The trimmer is loud in general, but when initially triggering or feathering the trigger, it makes an even louder whine/whistle sound. Still, considering its power and runtime, it’s a very impressive tool at a fair price. This trimmer is a good choice for maintaining large properties or cleaning up overgrown areas.
Get the DeWalt battery trimmer at Ace Hardware or The Home Depot.
Best for Large Yards
Echo eForce 56V Battery String Trimmer
Our Ratings: Power 4.5/5; Performance 4.5/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Safety 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Battery type: 56V 2.5Ah lithium-ion
- Runtime: 56 minutes
- Weight: 9.75 pounds
What We Like
- Excellent price considering its power and runtime
- Wide-cutting swath and enough power for large properties
- Rapid charging system; charges in under 40 minutes
What We Don’t Like
- Forward-heavy design detracts from lightweight construction
A wide-cutting swath, extended runtime, and powerful trimming ability make the Echo DSRM-2100 eForce an excellent choice for large yards. Driven by a brushless motor, the straight-shaft trimmer is powered by a 56V 2.5 Ah lithium-ion battery that provides up to 56 minutes of powerful performance, rivaling traditional 2-cycle trimmers. It cuts a 16-inch-wide swath to get the job done efficiently.
This battery trimmer weighs in at a comfortable 9.75 pounds, making it a relatively lightweight choice considering its robust power. It features battery-saving power settings for different cutting conditions, a variable-speed trigger, and a cushioned handle grip for comfort. The Speed-Feed cutting head comes preloaded with 0.095-inch trimmer line and reloads quickly without disassembly.
The Echo eForce battery trimmer is an excellent value for large-property maintenance. In our tests, the cutting power seemed to be slightly less than that of the DeWalt trimmer, but it was still very capable. In high-power mode, it trimmed for about 40 minutes. The above-average power and wide swath meant that in 40 minutes with the Echo, we were able to complete work that other trimmers would need an hour to accomplish. The noise level was good, and reloading was fast and easy.
This trimmer could have scored higher with improved balance. Although it is a lightweight trimmer overall, the majority of its weight is concentrated at the working end. The heavy cutting head forces the operator to compensate by lifting upward on the front handle and pushing downward on the rear handle while working. We tested it with the 2.5 Ah battery, which comes standard. Working with the available 5 Ah battery (sold separately) would rebalance the trimmer to some degree while doubling its runtime and increasing its overall weight.
Get the Echo battery trimmer at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Loading System
Ego Power+ ST1511T 15" Powerload String Trimmer
Our Ratings: Power 5/5; Performance 5/5; Ease of Use 5/5; Safety 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Battery type: 56V 2.5 Ah lithium-ion
- Runtime: 45 minutes
- Weight: 10.3 pounds
What We Like
- Auto-loading trimmer head reduces downtime while working
- Adjustable telescoping straight shaft provides a custom fit
- Excellent power and runtime considering the price
What We Don’t Like
- Heavy; less forward weight to keep head down
- Bulky battery makes extended use tiring
Ego Power+ has made a name for itself in the outdoor power equipment category by building an affordable line of battery-powered tools tha