Battery-Powered Harness Trimmers to Continue in 2023
Even if you're not ready to pull the trigger on an electric lawn mower, cordless cord trimmers are easier for most homeowners to pick up. Even professional lawn caregivers have legal options for replacing gasoline models. What's the best battery-operated cord trimmer for your needs? We convened our teams to identify top picks for a set of priorities.
Want to see our top overall cord trimmer picks, including gas models? Check out this article!
Table of contents
- best overall
- best power
- The Best Lightweight String Trimmers
- Best Attachment System
- The Best Bike Handlebar String Trimmers
- best budget
- The best line of cordless cord trimmers
- More testimonials from brands we trust
- Battery Powered Lawn Mower Buying Guide
- Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews
EGO PowerLoad Cord Trimmer with Line IQ ST1623T
The EGO kicks off the cordless cord trimmer with surprisingly strong performance and eye-opening vibration control. Since then, it's only gotten better as battery and motor technology improves. Beyond that, EGO's PowerLoad feature makes line changes the easiest way to load a line we've ever used – just thread your line in the middle and push a button.
As for the latest advances, the Line IQ automatic wire feed maintains a 16-inch cutting line without bumping your head. It sets the bar high for any other brand looking to compete for the title of best battery-operated cord trimmer.
Price: Price: $219.00 bare, $299.00 with 4.0Ah battery and charger
Best Battery-Operated Harness Trimmer Power Supply
Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series Carbon Fiber Shaft String Trimmer RY402110VNM
In case you haven't noticed, Ryobi has definitely made a difference in the lawn care department. The impressive lineup of 40V HP brushless products takes the Home Depot exclusive brand to a whole new level of OPE. For the latest flagship cord cutter, this means impressive cutting capabilities.
The combination of advanced battery and brushless motor technology lets you use wires up to 0.105 inches long and cutting tape up to 17 inches. This is great when you're cultivating overgrown areas or just need to maintain a lot of lawn. It gets even better though, as this model is also part of the Whisper range, which is 60% quieter than comparable gas models thanks to special attention paid to the pitch of the sound.
Price: $279.00 bare, $329.00 with 6.0Ah battery and fast charger
The best lightweight battery-operated cord trimmers
Husqvarna 520iLX Battery Powered Lawn Mower
When we talk about the best all-weather everyday pro cord cutter for workers who prefer a lighter model, we love Husqvarna’s 520iLX. What helps it stand out is its combination of light weight, extremely low vibration, a thoughtful feature set, and great performance—all with an operating weight of less than 10 pounds. Other specialty brands have several of the same elements, but none quite put them together like Husqvarna.
Price: $299.99 bare metal
Best Accessories for Battery Operated Cord Trimmers
STIHL Battery Powered Kombi Systems KMA 135 R
When we tested cordless accessory systems, none of them had the same overall performance as Sithl's 36V KombiSystem. This is the closest you get to using a gas powered head. Now, the performance of the KMA 135 R powerhead is even better.
Although Stihl doesn't use a universal attachment mechanism, the brand's list of available attachments is deeper than we've seen from any other brand. In addition, STIHL's extensive dealer and service network will provide you with after-sales support.
Price: $349.99 Powerhead only
The Best Cordless Handlebar String Trimmers
Greenworks Commercial 82V Bike Handlebar String Trimmer
The Bike Handlebar Line Trimmer is ideal for trimming large areas or long fences. Their harness shifts the weight of your arms and lower back while providing a stable platform for maneuvering.
The Greenworks Commerical 82V Bike Grip Cord Trimmer is our top pick among battery-operated options on the table. Boasting a higher power level than the 36cc gasoline model, its 5700 RPM top speed and 18-inch cutting belt clears out overgrowth quickly.
The 4.0Ah battery can power the brushless motor for up to 45 minutes, and Greenworks' fast charger can get it back into the game in just 30 minutes. With a pair of batteries at your disposal, you can charge one battery while using the other, just stop long enough to replace them.
Price: $471.99 bare metal
Best Budget Battery-Operated Cord Trimmers
SKIL 40V PWRCore Brushless Cord Trimmer LT4818-10
If you're on a tight budget, there are still good quality cord trimmers available. There are plenty of good high voltage products under $200, and some of the largest 18V/20V models available for under $150. But what if you want step-up performance but $200 is still too much?
That's where the Skil PWRCore 40 Brushless Cord Trimmer steps in. This brushless, battery-operated trimmer fills the need for a capable weeder without breaking the bank on weight or price. Higher power than 18V/20V models, ideal for individuals on a budget. It also comes with a 5-year limited warranty.
Price: $159.00 with 2.5Ah battery and charger
The best line of battery powered harness trimmers
Echo Black Diamond 0.095" Trimmer Cable
Echo Black Diamond Trim Wire is denser than other wires and is designed with sharper cutting edges. For a battery-operated cord cutter, you can use the Black Diamond 0.095-inch cord, which cuts just as well as thicker ones without affecting your run time. There's some reduction due to the increased mass, but not as much when it's combined with the increased air resistance of the thicker lines. This is our preferred line when it comes to gas trimmers, and while the cordless models are as capable as they are today, we can use them on those too.
Price: $14.99 for a 1-pound pack (253 feet)
The best battery-operated cord trimmers: More recommendations from brands we trust
Best DeWalt Battery-Operated String Trimmer: 60V Max DCST972
DeWalt features an impressive 17-inch cutting cord on its newest 60V Max brushless cord trimmer. This is a 2-speed attachment trimmer that uses the Universal Attachment System, offering more options than DeWalt attachments. At 5800 RPM on the high end (4650 RPM on the low), it's so fast you can swap out the 0.080" wire that comes pre-wound to 0.095".
It's sturdier than some models with a 3.0Ah 60V battery, and weighs over 11 pounds overall. The trigger grip section is also a bit thicker than most, so if you have smaller hands, you probably won't care about it. On the plus side, the attachment brake has three points to lock in, which makes it easy to convert the trimmer head into a string edger.
Price: $259.00 bare, $329.00 with 3.0Ah battery and charger
Best Echo Cordless String Trimmer: 56V eForce X-Series 2600 Series
Our top picks for the Echo are a little different than the other brands, as we recommend a line that builds on the same foundation. The DSRM-2600 features three speeds and the top performance of a brushless motor with a maximum speed of 5700 RPM. Add the 17" mowing belt and you have a cordless, fast lawnmower that you can confidently use.
This model comes in several forms, starting with a standard cord trimmer (DSRM-2600) and a bicycle handle version (DSRM-2600U). If that's your preferred route, there's also a model (DPAS-2600) with accessory capabilities.
Price: $379.99 – $549.99
Best Greenworks Battery Operated Harness Trimmer: To 60V ST60L254
Greenworks has several options for its Pro 60V line, we like the ST60L04 as it offers the best overall balance of performance and price in fine tuning. It's a smooth-running trimmer with easy-to-load Load N' Go heads, uses a 0.095-inch cord, and runs for over half an hour on a 2.5Ah battery.
Price: $199.99 with 2.5Ah battery and charger
Best HART Battery Powered Harness Trimmer: 40V HLST051VNM
HART has stepped up the pace with a brushless 15" carbon fiber shaft model for its 40V Supercharge line. This is another attachment option that uses a universal connection, capable of hitting a 0.095-inch line at the top performance a 25cc gas model can achieve. Thanks to its carbon fiber shaft, the weight is reduced a bit without sacrificing the strength you need for the job.
Price: $237.00 with 4.0Ah battery and fast charger
Best Makita Battery Powered Wire Cutter: Max 40V XGT GRU03
We realize that not everyone can jump on Makita's ConnectX system. If you want high performance with wider OPE and power tool compatibility, take a look at the XGT GRU03 with a maximum voltage of 40V. It has three speeds up to 7000 RPM. Additionally, the trimmer's 30cc gas equivalent features a 17-inch cutting belt for use with brushcutter blades, making it the most powerful string trimmer in the line.
Price: $299.00 bare metal, $399.00 with 4.0Ah battery and fast charger
Best Milwaukee Battery-Operated Cord Trimmer: M18 Brushless 2828
Milwaukee's M18 Brushless String Trimmer comes with the M18 Fuel Quik-Lok Attachment System as two of Team Red's options. Both are good options, and it's the dedicated brushless cord trimmer that earns our top recommendation.
While not part of the M18 fuel system, it is brushless and compatible with all of Milwaukee's M18 batteries. This 2-speed model has a 14 – 16 inch cutting strip and cut with great confidence in our tests. The most important thing is the value proposition. It costs less than $200 in a kit and comes with a 6.0Ah high-output battery, which retails for $179 if you buy it separately. If you're a fan of Milwaukee tools, this is a great entry into their OPE line.
Price: $179.00 bare metal, $199.00 with 6.0Ah high output battery and charger
Best Ridgid Cordless Cord Trimmer: 18V Brushless R1201
Ridgid fans no longer have to think about using a separate battery system to join the cordless lawn care craze. Fully compatible with Ridgid 18V power tool batteries, there is a good range to get started.
The string trimmer is on the smaller side, with a 12 – 14" cutting strip, but still capable of using a 0.095" cord. It's also relatively light, weighing less than 10 pounds, with a 4.0Ah battery.
Price: $189.00 bare metal, $249.00 with 4.0Ah battery and charger
Best Stihl Battery-Powered Wire Cutter: 36V FSA 135 R
Stihl already does well in the professional battery-operated lawn care department, but the 135 Series goes a step further with even more performance and durability. Compared to the power offered by the FS 91, it matches one of Stihl's workhorse gas models. The trimmer fits best on 0.095" cords and has a 16.5" cutting band. It's also available in standard and bike handle models, giving you great options for cleaning large areas.
Best Toro Cordless Cord Trimmer: 60V Flex Force 51830
Toro's 60V 51830 is the top performer in the Flex Force line. Its brushless motor provides an excellent 16-inch cutting range and a well-balanced design. While it doesn't have some of the cutting-edge features that some other models have, we have no complaints. It's an excellent all-around option at a reasonable price.
Price: $149.99 bare metal, $219.99 with 2.5Ah battery and charger
Best battery-operated wire cutter buying guide: what we look for
cutting force
Three main factors affect cutting power: wire speed, wire thickness/quality, and motor torque.
The faster the line is wound, the better the tip mows. Most battery-operated cord trimmers fall into this category. As long as you're getting at least 5000 RPM, you should be in good shape. The top model is capable of 6500 RPM and there is a noticeable difference in how quickly it completes trimming tasks at higher rpm.
Shifting the focus to the thickness of the line, the higher the quality of the line, the more forcefully it will be able to cut through thicker grass. It's like the difference between getting hit by a 175-pound safety versus a 225-pound linebacker at the same rate. More quality equals more cutting power.
Most cordless cord trimmers use at least a 0.080-inch line. We recommend using 0.095" for best all-around performance. If your grass is tough or often deals with overgrowth, a cord trimmer with a 0.105-inch cord will get you through better. Remember that wire gauge has a direct effect on run time – thicker wire requires more power to run.
Finally, a motor with higher torque helps the trimmer resist deceleration when the going gets tougher. While mowing grass may seem like an undemanding task, the grass does push the wire back, causing it to bend backwards and eventually start bogging down the motor. Higher torque hold allows the bit to spin better in tough cutting situations, even at a lower top RPM than the low torque gear.
cutting tape
Having a larger mowing belt can help you clear large areas faster or give your mower a wider border. However, you need more power to run farther, and runtime is always a consideration. That said, over the past few years, we've seen technology come together to give us solid options. Look for a 15-inch cutting diameter in most cases. The latest 16-inch and 17-inch models are great choices when you need to cut larger areas.
run
The average homeowner on a 1/4 acre lot only needs about 15 minutes of consistent trigger time to mow. Most cordless cord trimmers are capable of hitting it at high speed without too much trouble.
Professional lawn caregivers need more, though. The same goes for homeowners with large properties and farm/ranch acreage.
If your runs require longer, look for a string trimmer that balances brushless motor efficiency, uses a 0.095-inch cord, and may have a higher-capacity battery. Of course, you can always carry multiple batteries.
Also, consider learning how to mow at slower speeds when the grass is not as thick. Even if you have to slow down, you'll be cutting a larger area.
vibration
We highly value low vibration cord trimmers. We've had enough work to manage the weight of such a long tool without the vibration adding extra fatigue. Some of today's models have very good harmonics, barely any vibration in the handle…and a joy to use!
weight and balance
If you're working with the lawn crew all day, or even just putting the finishing touches on your own lawn, you want the lightest possible weight without sacrificing the power you need. Bare weight isn't everything — batteries can add a lot. If you can get a fully loaded battery-powered cord trimmer that meets your performance needs and weighs less than 10 pounds, that's a huge win.
Balance is a consideration, and trimmers with the best balance usually have the motor mounted on the trimmer head to counteract the weight of the battery on the back. Many models also allow you to adjust the front handle to help adjust your fit.
If you're after a model with attachment capabilities, you're stuck with the motor in the back, and the balance shifts backwards. For those trimmers that are naturally heavy, consider adding a shoulder strap to help you out.
sound level
Low noise is one of the main benefits of moving away from gas power. The decibel range of the cordless cord trimmers we've tested ranges from just over 80 decibels to just over 90 decibels (measured at our operator's ear). Even at the top end, it's an improvement over most gas trimmers.
Your line choice plays a bigger role than gas trimming. Sometimes switching the line you use can reduce the overall noise level or change the tone to a less stimulating one.
new line
When you have to change lines, it can be a simple or frustrating process. Manual loading is largely a thing of the past, although some trimmers still have manual heads. To make this process easier, look for models that have some type of rapid loading system (SpeedFeed, Rapid Load, etc.). With these, you can thread the line from the head to the middle, turn the head to load it, and get on with your work.
No matter what's on the trimmer, you can upgrade to a quick-load head.
The best on the market today is EGO's PowerLoad design. It takes the quick-load concept and adds an auto-winding feature, giving us the easiest and fastest line change we've ever had.
Attachment ability
Professional lawn crews often have dedicated machines for string trimming, trimming and hedge trimming, but homeowners can save a lot of money by using interchangeable heads and tools that cover everything from blowing to shrub cutting .
As we mentioned before, the attachment system requires a top mounted motor which affects the balance. This is a tradeoff that has to be made for convenience.
One thing to watch out for is how the accessories are connected. Models with a "universal" connection can use accessories from other brands, allowing even more options. The latest multi-head systems including EGO, Milwaukee and Stihl are not compatible with others, so you need to make sure they have everything you need before investing.
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