A lot goes into keeping your yard looking presentable, including cutting the grass and trimming unsightly weeds. You can use a lawnmower for much of this work, but investing in a weed eater is also a good idea for areas the mower can’t reach.
While gas-powered and electric string trimmers have been around for decades, battery-powered units are a relatively new addition to the market. These products combine the cordless convenience of a gas motor with an electric product’s low noise and environmentally-friendly attributes.
Here’s some information on the best battery powered weed eaters you can purchase today.
- Things to Consider When Shopping for Battery Powered Weed Eaters
- Top 10 Best Battery Powered Weed Eaters 2023
- 1. Best Overall Battery Powered Weed Eater: Worx WG163 GT 3.0 20V PowerShare
- 2. Best Budget Pick: Greenworks 12-Inch 24V String Trimmer/Edger
- 3. Best Premium Battery Powered Weed Eater: Makita XRU15PT1 String Trimmer Kit
- 4. Best for Small Yards: Black+Decker LST136 40V Max String Trimmer
- 5. Quietest: Greenworks 13-Inch 40V String Trimmer/Edger
- 6. Easiest to Use: Black+Decker LSTE525 20V Max String Trimmer
- 7. Most Maneuverable: Worx WG170 GT Revolution 20V 12" Grass Trimmer
- 8. Best for Large Yards: Craftsman V20 String Trimmer
- 9. Most Adjustable: Ryobi 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless String Trimmer
- 10. Best for Thick Grass: DeWalt String Trimmer
- Guide to Buying the Best Battery Powered Weed Eaters
- Wrapping Things Up
Things to Consider When Shopping for Battery Powered Weed Eaters
The advantages of choosing a battery-powered string trimmer over a gas or electric unit are numerous.
There’s the portability, for starters, as battery-powered products are lighter than gas units and don’t have a cord, like their electric counterparts. They also run quietly, don’t vibrate much, and start right away without having to pull on a cable.
There are many different aspects to consider when selecting a battery-powered weed eater, including the battery’s voltage and amp hours. The unit you choose should also take into account your yard’s size and the thickness of your weeds and grass.
Picking up one of these products is sure to make your life a lot easier because you won’t have to worry about the many problems that gas and wired electric string trimmers cause.
Battery Volts
A battery’s voltage measures the difference in electric potential between its positive and negative sides and determines its output power. Although other factors, including the unit’s design, can alter its output, a 40-volt battery will generally provide more power than a 20-volt battery.
When selecting your string trimmer, look at the voltage of the battery that comes with the unit. You might also consider whether a higher voltage battery is compatible with the weed eater because that can help you generate more power if needed.
Battery Amp Hours
A battery’s amp hours determine how long it will run before requiring a recharge. A 2.0Ah battery will need more frequent charging than a 5.0Ah battery. Therefore, you’ll experience less runtime when using the product with fewer available amp hours.
Keep in mind that the energy output affects the amp hours, too. Running a weed eater at full power will kill the battery faster than operating it at half speed.
Cut Radius
Your unit’s cut radius is an essential factor to consider because it determines how much grass you can trim at one time. This radius is the length that the trimmer’s line extends from the unit’s head, so the larger the cut radius, the more you can trim with each pass.
Keep in mind that while gas-powered weed eaters often have a cut radius of 17 inches or more, a 13-inch radius is relatively standard in battery-powered units. As a result, you won’t get as much coverage when selecting one of these products.
Number of Batteries
It’s worth considering how many batteries a unit comes with before making a final decision. Some products on this list, like the Greenworks 12-Inch 24V Cordless String Trimmer/Edger, only come with a single battery. The Makita XRU15PT1 Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless String Trimmer, on the other hand, comes with four.
Generally, having multiple batteries allows you to operate your weed eater for longer during each session, making the product more convenient to use.
Weight
Battery-powered weed eaters are lighter than gas units. These lighter weights make them easier to operate, particularly for older or smaller individuals who could struggle with the additional power and heavier weights of gas string trimmers.
At the same time, some battery-powered products are far lighter than others. It’s a good idea to look carefully at each item’s weight to choose the one you know you can handle.
Line Feed
There are various types of line feeds from which to choose when selecting a string trimmer. The line feed is basically the method the product uses to provide you with more string while using it.
For example, some products have a manual feed, which means you’ll have to pull out more line from the head when the section you’re using wears down.
Other products, like the Worx WG170 GT Revolution 20V 12″ Grass Trimmer, have a push-button auto-feed system, where more line comes when you press the button.
The CraftsmanV20 String Trimmer has a system where some new line is automatically released when you take your finger off the trigger.
Consider the various feed types and choose the one that you’re most comfortable using.
Speed Controls
A string trimmer’s speed controls are important for two reasons: power and battery life. The gist is that the speed control allows you to increase the power for thicker weeds and reduce it for thinner ones, saving battery life.
Not every product on the market has this feature, making premium options like the Makita XRU15PT1 Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless String Trimmer such great buys.
Unit Design
Going over each product’s design is essential, especially if certain features are critical for you. For example, taller individuals might look for a unit with a long shaft, while guard quality is vital for heavy-duty users. There’s also the ergonomics of the item, as selecting a weed eater that’s comfortable to hold and carry will make your life much easier.
Making a Decision
After ensuring your battery-powered string trimmer is powerful enough for your needs, you’ll have plenty of other aspects to consider. Carefully look at how well each product will fit into your life and make your decision based on your yard and how you plan to use the item.
Yards are a lot of work, and it seems as though there’s always something that needs attention in the summer months. When you aren’t worrying about watering the grass and keeping pests out of the garden, you’re mowing the lawn and pruning the trees.
One product that can make your life a lot easier is a battery-powered weed eater, as it allows you to quickly trim sections of grass and weeds without having to resort to using the lawnmower.
These products also fit into tighter spaces and can handle areas close to your home, at the edge of your yard, and around trees that your mower can’t reach. This makes a good weed eater an essential compliment to a riding lawn mower.
If you find yourself struggling to get into these tight spaces and are completely over pulling weeds and grass by hand, these products are the perfect solution to your problem.
Top 10 Best Battery Powered Weed Eaters 2023
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Battery volts: 20V
- Weight: 5.3 pounds
- Cut radius: 12 inches
Despite coming with a 20-volt lithium-ion battery, the Worx WG163 GT 3.0 20V PowerShare generates a great deal of power and can handle most grass and weeds in small yards. As a bonus, the unit comes with a back-up battery, giving you twice the cutting time. However, you should know that the 2.0Ah battery won’t last long, so it isn’t ideal if you have a large yard.
Key Features
The features available with the Worx WG163 GT 3.0 20V PowerShare are nearly endless, as it comes with a telescopic straight shaft that is easily adjustable. The unit’s push-button command feed makes it incredibly simple to get more line, and it has edging capability that will save your flower beds and gardens from accidental cuts. The string trimmer’s battery is usable with other Worx products, and you can even upgrade to a 40-volt battery for some additional power.
Verdict
Overall, you won’t find much to dislike about the Worx WG163 GT 3.0 20V PowerShare other than its low battery life and some issues with the spool of line sometimes jamming. Other than that, this is a lightweight, versatile product that generates enough power for most small yards. It’s also extremely quiet and won’t hurt your hands with heavy vibrations like gas string trimmers do.
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight
- Surprisingly powerful
- Low vibrations
Cons
- Short runtime
- Spool line sometimes jams
2. Best Budget Pick: Greenworks 12-Inch 24V String Trimmer/Edger
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Battery volts: 24V
- Weight: 8.8 pounds
- Cut radius: 12 inches
The battery is an important factor when selecting a weed eater, and the Greenworks 12-Inch 24V Cordless String Trimmer/Edger makes the choice much more straightforward. This unit’s battery lasts for up to an hour, outperforming many other lightweight products on the market. However, keep in mind that the battery only lasts for about 25 minutes when running at full capacity.
Key Features
One of the first things you’ll notice about the Greenworks 12-Inch 24V Cordless String Trimmer/Edger is how smooth and quiet it is, as you’ll barely even notice that it’s running. The product is also relatively light and has a three-position pivoting head, helping it get into difficult-to-reach sections of your yard.
However, there is an issue with the line’s auto-feed feature, as it gets jammed. When this happens, you’ll have to turn the unit off and manually pull the string to continue using the product. The device only comes with one battery, as well.
Verdict
For the price, the Greenworks 12-Inch 24V Cordless String Trimmer/Edger is an excellent option because it provides a fair amount of power and is light enough for most to use effortlessly. There are issues with the auto-feed features, and you could find yourself charging the battery frequently when running it at full power, but for a quiet, inexpensive string trimmer, you could certainly do worse.
Pros
- Very quiet
- Relatively lightweight
- Powerful
Cons
- Issues with the auto-feed
- Only one battery
- Battery sometimes dies quickly
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Battery volts: 18V
- Weight: 10.4 pounds
- Cut radius: 15 inches
If you’re looking for cutting power and a prolonged time of use, the Makita XRU15PT1 Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless String Trimmer is worth a look. You’ll attach two 18-volt batteries to this product at a time, allowing it to generate additional power to take down all types of weeds and grass. The battery also offers 5.0Ah, so it lasts far longer than products with 2.0Ah batteries.
Remember that this unit is expensive and comes with a low-quality line you’ll likely want to replace.
Key Features
There’s a lot to like about the Makita XRU15PT1 Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless String Trimmer, as it’s one of the most powerful battery powered weed eaters available. The unit’s brushless motor allows it to generate additional cutting power, and since the engine is located in the head, it has less vibration and noise than other units, too. There are three speed options, as well, helping generate variable power and saving battery life.
The batteries are another positive, as they last for close to an hour and fully charge in about 45 minutes. The unit comes with four of them, too, so you aren’t left waiting for them to charge to finish your yard. The 15-inch cut radius is remarkably large for a battery-powered string trimmer, and the product somehow manages to stay relatively quiet despite its power.
Verdict
The Makita XRU15PT1 Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless String Trimmer is about as close as you can get to a gas-powered string trimmer regarding performance. However, you won’t have to deal with maintaining a gas-powered engine, adding convenience to this product. If you can get past the cost and the easy-breaking line that comes with it, this unit is a highly recommended option for your yard.
Pros
- Gas-level power
- Long-lasting battery
- Comes with four batteries
Cons
- Pricey
- Poor line quality
4. Best for Small Yards: Black+Decker LST136 40V Max String Trimmer
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Battery volts: 40V
- Weight: 7.8 pounds
- Cut radius: 13 inches
First things first, the Black+Decker LST136 40V Max String Trimmer isn’t going to work if you have a large rural property. In that case, you’ll want something a little more potent like the Makita XRU15PT1 Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless String Trimmer.
For a small yard, however, this product packs more than enough punch and is light enough for anyone to lug around the property. It also comes with dozens of features, including a battery level indicator and multiple speed settings, making it incredibly easy to use.
The unit only comes with a single battery that won’t last much longer than 20 minutes when running at full capacity, and there are some durability concerns because much of the product is plastic.
Key Features
The Black+Decker LST136 40V Max String Trimmer comes with a power drive transmission, which delivers force from the head, rather than the handle. The result is more cutting power. It also has a telescoping pole that you can adjust to the right height, an adjustable handle, and the ability to convert to an edger.
The string trimmer has an automatic feed spool, so you can put out more line without needing to bump the unit on the ground. You’ll also love the PowerCommand dial that allows you to alter the unit’s power output and, therefore, extend its battery life.
Verdict
There’s a lot to like about the Black+Decker LST136 40V Max String Trimmer, particularly if you don’t have a large area to trim and your requirements for your string trimmer are limited. The product is straightforward to use and packs a lot of power into its light frame. Simultaneously, it sacrifices some durability because of its lower weight, and the battery doesn’t last as long as you might wish.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Decent power
Cons
- Not durable
- Short battery life
5. Quietest: Greenworks 13-Inch 40V String Trimmer/Edger
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Battery volts: 40V
- Weight: 9.3 pounds
- Cut radius: 13 inches
Although the Greenworks 13-Inch 40V Cordless String Trimmer/Edger weighs more than some of the options on our list, it’s still a lightweight weed eater that gets the job done. Much of that weight comes in the larger 40-volt battery, which provides additional cutting power for thicker grass and weeds. The product also starts up quickly and is very quiet to operate.
Key Features
For under $100, you really can’t go wrong with the Greenworks 13-Inch 40V Cordless String Trimmer/Edger. You won’t find many other products offering a 40-volt battery at that price point, and the product’s ease-of-use and power make it one of the market’s top products. It gets good battery life, despite it only offering 2.0Ah, and has a pivoting head that makes it useful as an edger. The unit has an automatic line feed, too, but it’s a challenge to use because it frequently jams up.
Verdict
Suppose you can get past the fact that the Greenworks 13-Inch 40V Cordless String Trimmer/Edger only comes with a single 2.0Ah battery and the line auto-feed issues. In that case, this product is extremely powerful for a battery-powered trimmer while remaining quiet to use. It starts reliably and is as low-maintenance as it gets for a string trimmer as well.
Pros
- Powerful battery
- Quiet
- inexpensive
Cons
- Comes with only one battery
- Issues with the line auto-feed
6. Easiest to Use: Black+Decker LSTE525 20V Max String Trimmer
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Battery volts: 20V
- Weight: 6.3 pounds
- Cut radius: 12 inches
The Black+Decker LSTE525 20V Max Lithium Easy Feed String Trimmer is just over six pounds and excellent for older homeowners looking for an easy-to-use, lightweight method of keeping their grass in check.
You’ll find the string trimmer lacking in power if you have larger weeds around your property, and the batteries tend to die quickly when using the unit at full capacity.
Key Features
The Black+Decker LSTE525 20V Max Lithium Easy Feed String Trimmer is a highly versatile product that you can use as a string trimmer or edger. It has power boost capabilities, which you can use when dealing with thicker weeds, and its push-button line system makes it easy to keep cutting. The unit comes with two 20-volt batteries that you can use with other Black+Decker products, and its adjustable handle makes it comfortable to use.
Verdict
If you’re more worried about ease of use than power and battery capacity, the Black+Decker LSTE525 20V Max Lithium Easy Feed String Trimmer is worth a look. It won’t blow you away with its power, but for the occasional user who only requires 15 or 20 minutes of string trimming per session, you could certainly do much worse than this product.
Pros
- Very light
- Easy to use
- Comes with two batteries
Cons
- Not much power
- Batteries die quickly
7. Most Maneuverable: Worx WG170 GT Revolution 20V 12" Grass Trimmer
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Battery volts: 20V
- Weight: 5.5 pounds
- Cut radius: 12 inches
The Worx WG170 GT Revolution 20V 12″ Grass Trimmer is a lightweight trimmer that far outperforms its size. The product is powerful, incredibly lightweight, and comes with two 20-volt batteries. There is an issue with the batteries, though, as they take multiple hours to charge.
Key Features
The Worx WG170 GT Revolution 20V 12″ Grass Trimmer generates a lot of power from its small battery and frame, ensuring you can cut through tall, thick grass with ease. It has a wheel, as well, so it can switch over to an edging tool without any hassle. The shaft and handle are adjustable, too, making this a comfortable product to use. You’ll also appreciate that this string trimmer comes with two batteries, and you can upgrade to 4.0Ah options if you need a bit more runtime.
You might experience issues with the string, as the auto-feed is a bit of a pain and the line that comes with the unit is thin and brittle. These problems reduce the unit’s efficiency.
Verdict
Overall, you can’t go wrong with the Worx WG170 GT Revolution 20V 12″ Grass Trimmer because of how much power it packs into a small frame. You’ll find it easy to maneuver this product around your yard, and if you can get past the time it takes to charge the battery and deal with the line, it’s a winner in nearly every regard.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Powerful
- Adjustable handle and shaft
Cons
- Slow-charging batteries
- Thin string
- Auto-feed doesn't always work
8. Best for Large Yards: Craftsman V20 String Trimmer
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Battery volts: 20V
- Weight: 6.3 pounds
- Cut radius: 13 inches
Battery life is a crucial selling point for the Craftsman V20 String Trimmer, as you can expect the unit to stay powered for close to an hour. The variable speeds help with this longevity, too, as you can run it at a lower rate when cutting thinner grass and weeds to conserve energy. However, keep in mind that line comes out automatically every time you take your finger off the throttle. This feature results in you going through lots of string whenever you use the product.
Key Features
You can get through even large yards on a single charge with this product. Although the unit only comes with one battery, it’s a 4.0Ah variety, which will provide you with more runtime than most battery-powered weed eaters on the market.
The shaft is also highly adjustable, making it a solid choice for taller individuals who struggle with the limited length of other products. Despite this length, the device isn’t the most ergonomic option, and you might find it a little awkward to hold because of the handle position. This feature can put some strain on your arms, despite the product’s low weight.
Verdict
For battery longevity, very few items can compete with the Craftsman V20 String Trimmer. It outlasts other 20-volt products and its multiple speed options mean you won’t miss out on any power. The ergonomics are a mixed bag, the auto-feed set-up is confusing, and there’s only one battery, but the product remains a winner because that single battery is a good one.
Pros
- Good battery life
- Multiple speed options
- Long, adjustable shaft
Cons
- Goes through a lot of line
- Awkward to hold
- Only one battery
9. Most Adjustable: Ryobi 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless String Trimmer
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Battery volts: 40V
- Weight: 13.37 pounds
- Cut radius: Adjustable – 13-15 inches
In many ways, the Ryobi 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless String Trimmer compares favorably to a gas-powered weed eater because of its power. While some products struggle to generate enough power for thick weeds, that is never an issue with this unit. There are multiple speed settings, too, if you need a bit more to get through a particularly challenging section of your yard.
The device’s power comes from its 40-volt battery, which has some positives and negatives worth discussing. First, the battery holds a charge for a long time. This feature allows you to cut a lot of grass on a single charge. Unfortunately, the battery gets really hot and has a relatively short lifespan, problems that might prevent you from buying this product.
Key Features
There’s a lot to like physically about the Ryobi 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless String Trimmer. The product has an adjustable cut path, depending on how much grass you want to trim at once, and it holds a 0.080-inch line, allowing it to cut thick weeds. Unfortunately, the product is a little heavier than other battery-powered units, causing problems for older individuals with large yards.
Verdict
There are many things the Ryobi 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless String Trimmer does well, as it’s comparable in power to some gas-powered units, and you can trim a large yard on a single charge. Its weight and some design flaws with its battery keep it out of the upper echelon of battery-powered trimmers, though, particularly because the device has a pretty high price point.
Pros
- Good battery life
- Lots of power
- Multiple speed settings
Cons
- A little heavy
- Battery gets hot
- Battery lifetime issues
10. Best for Thick Grass: DeWalt String Trimmer
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts
- Battery volts: 20V
- Weight: 11.38 pounds
- Cut radius: 13 inches
Power is the name of the game with the DeWalt String Trimmer. This product is a little heavier than other products on this list but makes up for it with a significant amount of power thanks to its variable trigger with high and low-speed controls. The unit also has a 0.080″ line, unlike many products that have 0.065″, giving it the ability to cut thicker weeds and help the string last longer.
There are some issues with the guard, as it is too small for the unit, and you might find that the product isn’t correctly balanced because the head is heavier than the lightweight battery.
Key Features
First things first, the DeWalt String Trimmer is quiet and easy to use, making it a top option for those who need a bit of extra power without the noise of a gas-powered unit. The drive-gear transmission amplifies the torque, allowing it to generate more power than many other battery-powered products.
You might need to purchase a second battery because the DeWalt String Trimmer only comes with one, and much like other battery-powered units, it will last for less than an hour.
Verdict
A battery-powered weed eater with variable speed controls and drive-gear transmission is always positive because it helps you conserve power when cutting thinner sections of grass. From there, you can use a greater output when dealing with thicker weeds. The DeWalt String Trimmer offers these features and generates a lot of power for overgrown sections of grass. There are problems with the design, like the guard and balance, but the product is worth a shot if you’re looking for commercial-grade power without resorting to a gas engine.
Pros
- Lots of power
- Thick line
- Variable speed controls
Cons
- Guard is too small
- Poorly balanced
- Only one battery
Guide to Buying the Best Battery Powered Weed Eaters
Buying a battery powered string trimmer can make your life a lot easier because it provides easy-to-use cutting power without the hassle of a gas or electric model. There are many reasons to consider this type of weed eater, and it’s best to learn these benefits before making your purchase. That way, you can be confident that you’re ending up with the right unit to meet your needs.
Environmental Benefits
Going with a battery-powered weed eater can benefit you, but what about the environment?
In short, these products put out zero emissions, making them far superior to gas-powered units from an environmental standpoint.
The toxic emissions from a gas string trimmer can also be harmful to the user, as carbon dioxide can damage your lungs, cardiovascular system, and bladder. It’s also potentially carcinogenic. While it’s doubtful that you’ll develop cancer just by using a gas weed eater, doing your part to prevent pollutants from entering the atmosphere is only one benefit of going with a battery unit.
Noise
Battery-powered trimmers make far less noise than gas-powered devices, so they’re a far better choice if you live in a multi-unit complex or have neighbors living close to you. The lack of noise is also good if you need to hear what’s going on around you or don’t want to wear ear protection while cutting your grass and weeds.
Versatile Batteries
A great thing about a battery-powered weed eater is the versatility of the batteries. In many cases, you can use the battery with other products from the same line. For example, the Greenworks 13-Inch 40V Cordless String Trimmer/Edger has a battery that is usable in over 25 products, including the company’s lawnmowers, chainsaws, and leaf blowers.
That type of versatility provides additional value and makes it easy to add new battery-powered products to your lineup of yard tools.
Less Maintenance
One of the main reasons you might go with a battery-powered weed eater is that they require less maintenance than gas units. When dealing with a gas string trimmer, you’ll have to keep the tank full, mix oil into the fuel, and winterize the device before putting it away for the season.
You’ll also have to change spark plugs and fuel lines, adjust the carburetor, and handle many other issues that go along with using a gas-powered product.
With a battery-powered string trimmer, all you have to do is charge the battery and make sure there’s some line in the unit. The low-maintenance properties of these products are often reason enough to give them a try.
Tips for Using a Battery Powered Weed Eater
Perhaps the most important thing when buying a battery-powered weed eater is figuring out how to use it properly. Each unit will have some quirks, so it’s a good idea to read the manual. You’ll also want to consider a few things when making your purchase.
First, make sure you fully charge the battery before heading into your yard. There are many complaints about these units’ battery life, but if you don’t charge it before use, the battery is sure to die before you have the chance to cut your grass.
Next, you’ll want to buy a unit with a long enough shaft. Most products have adjustable poles, but not all of them reach a significant enough length for tall users. The Ryobi 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless String Trimmer is one product that extends quite far, making it a solid choice for taller individuals.
Thirdly, always wear safety gear when using your weed eater. Ear protection probably isn’t necessary when a battery-powered unit because they’re so quiet, but you’ll want to wear safety glasses, long pants, gloves, and close-toed shoes, at the very least. These precautions can prevent injuries caused by flying debris as you clear your yard of grass and weeds.
Finally, take extra care and attach the guard the right way. Sometimes, individuals don’t even secure the guard to their units and wonder why so much debris is hitting them. In other cases, they don’t attach the safety guard properly, leading to a similar situation. The manual will tell you how to connect the guard, so follow the directions to prevent injuries.
Wrapping Things Up
Having a nice-looking yard will ensure that your property as a whole is appealing, making it a priority for most homeowners. Simultaneously, the constant workload of maintaining your yard can be exhausting, but investing in an easy-to-use tool like a battery-powered weed eater can make it far more manageable. Always select a unit with the right features to meet your needs to ensure you get the most use out of it in the summer months.