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Quick recommendation for regular home-lawn care
Start with the EGO ST1623T if you want a complete cordless kit
The EGO ST1623T combines a 16-inch cut with powered line loading and automatic line advance, plus a 4.0Ah battery and charger. For a small lawn needing wheeled edging, compare the WORX WG163. Already own suitable outdoor-tool batteries? Check the matching bare-tool options before starting another platform.
The best string trimmer is the one that fits your lawn edges, vegetation, working stance and power setup. A wider cutting path is useful on open grass, but a compact tool can be easier to justify around a small lawn. Line handling, battery packages and edging features often matter more than a voltage number.
This guide compares 10 distinct trimmers for US readers. We separate complete kits, full-size platform options and gas or corded alternatives. The recommendations use manufacturer information and matched Amazon models; they do not imply personal cutting tests or promise a fixed runtime.
Frequent trimming with easy line handling
EGO ST1623T LINE IQ kit
Check the ST1623T complete kit and its automatic-feed preference.
Small lawn and wheeled edging
WORX WG163 kit
The WG163 kit includes two batteries and converts to a wheeled edger.
Existing M18 outdoor setup
Milwaukee 3016-20ST QUIK-LOK trimmer
Compare the complete 3016-20ST tool-only configuration with your suitable batteries.
Compare 10 string trimmers by lawn and power setup
Swipe the table sideways on a phone.
| Model and buying link | Choose it for | Key feature | Consider first | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EGO ST1623T LINE IQ kit | Frequent home-lawn trimming with convenient line handling | 16-inch cut; 4.0Ah battery and charger included | Compare the complete handling weight and automatic-feed preference | Check current offer |
| EGO ST1511T POWERLOAD kit | A simpler EGO kit with bump-feed control | 15-inch cut; telescopic aluminum shaft; 2.5Ah battery kit | POWERLOAD loads line; it does not provide LINE IQ automatic advance | Check current offer |
| WORX WG163 kit | Small lawns and wheeled edging | 12-inch cut; Command Feed; two batteries and charger | Light grass-maintenance role rather than clearing woody vegetation | Check current offer |
| BLACK+DECKER LSTE525 kit | Small-yard trimming with push-button line advance | 12-inch cut; EASYFEED; two batteries and charger | Compare lawn size and vegetation before choosing a compact trimmer | Check current offer |
| DeWalt DCST972X1 FLEXVOLT kit | A larger swath and attachment-capable power setup | Adjustable 15/17-inch cut; 60V MAX FLEXVOLT battery kit | Requires appropriate FLEXVOLT power; verify each attachment | Check current offer |
| DeWalt DCST922B folding trimmer | 20V MAX owners needing compact storage | 14-inch cut; folding hinge; quick-load 0.080-inch spool | Bare tool: compatible battery and charger are separate | Check current offer |
| Milwaukee 3016-20ST QUIK-LOK trimmer | M18 owners planning compatible outdoor attachments | Complete powerhead and string-trimmer attachment; tool-only package | Do not confuse 3016-20ST with the powerhead-only 3016-20 | Check current offer |
| Makita XRU15Z LXT trimmer | Users already invested in two compatible 18V LXT batteries | 15-inch cut; three speeds; automatic torque-drive mode | Needs two compatible batteries together; Z package is bare | Check current offer |
| Husqvarna 330LK gas trimmer | A gas alternative with a detachable shaft | 28cc engine; adjustable 18/20-inch cutting path | Fuel, starting, servicing and complete handling weight need planning | Check current offer |
| WORX WG119 corded trimmer | Trimming within convenient reach of an outlet | 5.5-amp motor; 15-inch cut; dual automatic-feed line | Requires the proper outdoor cord and a clear cable route | Check current offer |
Compare the exact model, included accessories, condition and seller before ordering. Prices and availability change; a listing is not a guarantee of stock or manufacturer warranty coverage.
Choose a trimmer around your lawn
Complete cordless kits for routine lawn care
1. EGO ST1623T LINE IQ kit — Frequent home-lawn trimming with convenient line handling
The ST1623T is our starting recommendation for a homeowner buying a complete cordless setup for regular grass trimming. EGO combines a 16-inch cutting swath, telescopic carbon-fiber shaft and two speed settings with a 4.0Ah battery and charger in this named kit. It uses dual 0.095-inch line.
Two conveniences do different jobs: POWERLOAD winds replacement line into the head, while LINE IQ advances line during trimming without bumping. That distinction matters if your main frustration is stopping to refill or feed a spool. It also separates this model from EGO’s less expensive bump-feed alternatives.
Choose it when the complete kit and line-handling features fit your routine. For short sessions or a buyer who prefers bump feed, compare the ST1511T. A larger battery can add useful capacity but also affects balance. We have not measured runtime on your lawn, so the recommendation does not promise a fixed number of minutes or acres.
Worth considering: 16-inch cut; 4.0Ah battery and charger included.
Before you buy: Compare the complete handling weight and automatic-feed preference.
2. EGO ST1511T POWERLOAD kit — A simpler EGO kit with bump-feed control
The ST1511T is the EGO alternative to compare when you want powered line loading without buying the LINE IQ configuration. Its telescopic aluminum shaft and 15-inch swath suit routine grass trimming, and the named package includes a 2.5Ah battery and standard charger. EGO specifies dual 0.095-inch line and two speed settings.
During use, this model advances line by bump feed. POWERLOAD helps wind fresh line into the head when refilling; it does not make this an automatic-feed trimmer. That clear difference is more useful than assuming every EGO model shares the same head system.
We would shortlist it for an ordinary lawn where a smaller kit is sufficient and bump-feed control is welcome. Check the total current offer beside the ST1623T, including battery capacity and charger. More expensive does not automatically mean better for a short perimeter, while a smaller pack should not be treated as a guaranteed all-day power supply.
Worth considering: 15-inch cut; telescopic aluminum shaft; 2.5Ah battery kit.
Before you buy: POWERLOAD loads line; it does not provide LINE IQ automatic advance.
3. WORX WG163 kit — Small lawns and wheeled edging
The WG163 is our small-yard option for a reader who values a trimmer that converts to a wheeled edger. The verified package includes two 20V Power Share batteries and a charger. Its 12-inch cutting diameter and 0.065-inch line belong in a different comparison class from the wider full-size trimmers.
Command Feed advances line with a button, and the adjustable shaft and pivoting head help adapt the tool to the working position. The edging wheels can support the head along a lawn boundary. They do not turn it into a dedicated blade edger for cutting a deep new trench.
Choose it for regular grass maintenance near beds, paths and a modest lawn perimeter. Compare the handling position before buying, particularly if you are tall or expect long sessions. Two supplied batteries let you swap packs; they do not double every possible runtime measurement under changing grass conditions. Check the exact WG163 kit rather than the WG163.9 bare-tool offer.
Worth considering: 12-inch cut; Command Feed; two batteries and charger.
Before you buy: Light grass-maintenance role rather than clearing woody vegetation.
4. BLACK+DECKER LSTE525 kit — Small-yard trimming with push-button line advance
The LSTE525 is another complete small-lawn package to compare with the WG163. BLACK+DECKER lists two batteries and a charger, a 12-inch cut and conversion to a wheeled edger. The adjustable height and auxiliary handle are relevant to finding a comfortable working stance.
EASYFEED advances line at the press of a button, while the two-speed control gives a choice between a higher output setting and conserving battery use. Neither feature is a measured claim of superior cutting performance against the other picks. The guard and correct spool remain part of the operating setup.
Consider it when an existing BLACK+DECKER battery system or a compact trimming-and-edging routine makes the complete package sensible. For a large perimeter or repeated dense growth, compare a full-size option before buying. The Amazon listing identifies the LSTE525 kit; the included trimmer body may be labeled LSTE520. Verify the package contents rather than mistaking the body designation for a different kit.
Worth considering: 12-inch cut; EASYFEED; two batteries and charger.
Before you buy: Compare lawn size and vegetation before choosing a compact trimmer.
Full-size trimmers for an existing battery platform
5. DeWalt DCST972X1 FLEXVOLT kit — A larger swath and attachment-capable power setup
The DCST972X1 is the full-size DeWalt choice to compare when a wider cut and an attachment-capable shaft are useful. The verified offer is a battery-and-charger kit, with an adjustable 15- or 17-inch cutting swath and variable trigger plus high/low control. The head uses a quick-load spool.
This is a 60V MAX FLEXVOLT tool. An ordinary 20V MAX-only battery should not be assumed to run it. Include the correct pack and charging setup when comparing purchase cost or the weight you will handle. Battery labels across voltage modes are not a direct runtime comparison with another brand.
An attachment-capable tool can save storage space, but compatibility needs checking for every additional head. Do not assume that a product described as universal fits every accessory on the market. Choose this kit for its documented configuration and useful platform expansion; compare the simpler DCST922B if folding storage and an existing 20V setup matter more.
Worth considering: Adjustable 15/17-inch cut; 60V MAX FLEXVOLT battery kit.
Before you buy: Requires appropriate FLEXVOLT power; verify each attachment.
6. DeWalt DCST922B folding trimmer — 20V MAX owners needing compact storage
The DCST922B is the storage-focused DeWalt option. Its folding hinge reduces the space needed for transportation and storage, while the 14-inch swath is a more compact configuration than the DCST972. DeWalt specifies a quick-load spool for 0.080-inch line, a variable trigger and high/low control.
The B suffix offer linked here is the bare tool. Budget for a compatible 20V MAX battery and charger unless you already own suitable equipment. A folding tool still needs the prescribed hinge and guard setup before use; the storage feature does not change the operating procedure.
Compare it for a home-lawn perimeter and buyers sharing DeWalt 20V equipment. It is not the same purchase as the DCST972X1 attachment-capable FLEXVOLT kit. For longer sessions, consider pack capacity and the weight of the complete tool. We favor this model for the specific storage advantage rather than an unsupported claim that it cuts every type of brush.
Worth considering: 14-inch cut; folding hinge; quick-load 0.080-inch spool.
Before you buy: Bare tool: compatible battery and charger are separate.
7. Milwaukee 3016-20ST QUIK-LOK trimmer — M18 owners planning compatible outdoor attachments
The 3016-20ST is the Milwaukee configuration to compare if you already have suitable M18 batteries and want the QUIK-LOK outdoor system. We matched the Amazon model-number field to 3016-20ST, the complete tool-only string-trimmer configuration. The plain 3016-20 powerhead is a different purchase and does not by itself supply the trimming attachment.
Milwaukee’s current system uses a selectable-speed powerhead and dedicated QUIK-LOK attachments. The manufacturer link also describes the 3016-21ST battery kit. Its supplied battery and charger must not be transferred into the description of the bare offer linked here.
Choose around the whole system: appropriate battery, charger, attachment and the other tasks you actually intend to do. An existing compact drill battery may fit a platform without being the best configuration for sustained outdoor work. Check the recommended pack and exact attachment instructions. We have not made a controlled gas-equivalent performance or runtime comparison.
Worth considering: Complete powerhead and string-trimmer attachment; tool-only package.
Before you buy: Do not confuse 3016-20ST with the powerhead-only 3016-20.
8. Makita XRU15Z LXT trimmer — Users already invested in two compatible 18V LXT batteries
The XRU15Z is the Makita option for a buyer who already owns the right LXT power setup. It runs on two compatible 18V LXT batteries together and provides a 15-inch cut. The tool-only Z package does not include batteries or a charger.
Makita specifies three speed settings and an Automatic Torque Drive mode that adjusts operation to the load. The bump-feed head uses 0.080-inch line, and a reverse function helps address entangled grass. These are documented controls, not evidence that one mode guarantees a fixed runtime or replaces stopping to inspect the head.
Compare it when sharing existing batteries makes the total purchase practical. A newcomer must include two packs and the charging arrangement, which changes the cost comparison substantially. Consider the complete handling weight with those batteries installed. Choose it for a dedicated trimmer on the Makita platform; do not assume it is an interchangeable attachment powerhead or a one-battery 18V tool.
Worth considering: 15-inch cut; three speeds; automatic torque-drive mode.
Before you buy: Needs two compatible batteries together; Z package is bare.
Gas and corded alternatives
9. Husqvarna 330LK gas trimmer — A gas alternative with a detachable shaft
The 330LK is the gas choice to compare when battery charging does not suit your work pattern. Husqvarna’s current US specifications list a 28cc engine and an adjustable 18- or 20-inch cutting path. The detachable shaft supports compatible additional attachments.
The named configuration supplies the RapidReplace trimmer head, with spring-assisted starting and vibration-damping features. A harness and cutting blades are not included. The published 12.85-pound weight excludes cutting equipment, so it should not be compared directly with another brand’s complete operating weight.
Choose it only if fuel management, engine care and starting are acceptable parts of your routine. Read the exact fuel and storage instructions and confirm the correct head and guard for the job. Attachment capability does not authorize fitting arbitrary blades. We include a gas option for a distinct workflow, not a claim that every large yard needs gas or that this engine outperforms every cordless pick.
Worth considering: 28cc engine; adjustable 18/20-inch cutting path.
Before you buy: Fuel, starting, servicing and complete handling weight need planning.
10. WORX WG119 corded trimmer — Trimming within convenient reach of an outlet
The WG119 is the corded alternative for a small property where an outlet and cable route are practical. WORX specifies a 5.5-amp motor, 15-inch cutting diameter and 0.065-inch dual line. The head advances line automatically without bumping.
Its adjustable handle and shaft, pivoting head and trimmer-to-edger conversion provide ways to fit routine lawn work. The package supplies the trimmer and spool rather than batteries. Check the outdoor extension-cord requirements in the manual before adding a cord to the purchase.
Choose it if the cable can stay clear of the head and obstacles throughout the working area. For disconnected patches, long distances or awkward cable routing, a cordless option can be a better fit. An outlet avoids waiting for a pack to charge, but it does not make the machine appropriate for continuous heavy brush clearing. Compare the complete setup, including the cord, with a compact battery kit.
Worth considering: 5.5-amp motor; 15-inch cut; dual automatic-feed line.
Before you buy: Requires the proper outdoor cord and a clear cable route.
How to choose a string trimmer for your yard
Start with the perimeter and vegetation, not lawn acreage alone
Walk the areas you actually trim: fence lines, beds, tree borders, slopes, drainage edges and patches the mower cannot reach. A large open lawn may have a short trimming perimeter, while a small landscaped yard can require many careful passes. The distance from storage and power also changes the practical choice.
Separate maintained grass from neglected woody growth. A string trimmer is not automatically a brush cutter. If the job needs a different cutting attachment, use a tool and approved configuration designed for it. Do not fit improvised blades or wire into a line-trimmer head. The best purchase may involve two tools for different tasks rather than forcing one to do everything.
Choose the whole power setup
A cordless kit is useful when you need batteries and a charger. A bare tool can be economical when appropriate packs already exist. Confirm the exact model suffix and included components in the current offer; do not infer contents from another listing’s photograph or a related kit. Add spare line and any approved support equipment to the comparison.
Battery platforms are not interchangeable just because the printed voltage looks similar. Makita XRU15Z uses two compatible LXT batteries; the DCST972 requires appropriate FLEXVOLT power, while the DCST922 uses the 20V MAX platform. Larger packs can change both capacity and balance. Gas adds fuel and servicing; corded tools add a properly rated outdoor cord and routing plan.
Understand line loading and line feeding
Loading replaces the line in the head; feeding advances usable line while working. EGO POWERLOAD helps with loading. LINE IQ advances line automatically. A bump-feed head requires the stated bump procedure, while WORX Command Feed and BLACK+DECKER EASYFEED use a button. These are different controls rather than interchangeable descriptions.
Think about the frustration you want to solve. Easier winding helps at refill time; an automatic or button system can reduce interruption during trimming. Every system still needs suitable line, correct loading and inspection. Follow the model’s instructions for capacity and winding direction. Overfilling or substituting an unapproved diameter can cause problems even on an otherwise convenient head.
Compare cutting width, line and control together
A broad swath can cover open grass efficiently, but it also changes the load and clearance near planting. A smaller cut can suit confined areas. Adjustable widths are useful when the stated configuration supports them; use the manufacturer procedure and guard arrangement. A wider advertised diameter is not a measured power ranking.
Use the approved line size and type for the head. Thicker line is not automatically an upgrade, and thin line is not automatically a defect. Two speed settings or a variable trigger help match the working pace, but no setting guarantees a particular runtime. Compare the design with your maintained grass and trimming schedule rather than treating voltage, motor size or RPM as a universal score.
Check fit and edging before committing
Consider shaft adjustment, auxiliary-handle position, head angle and the complete weight with batteries or fuel. The tool should allow you to work without constantly reaching or bending. Published weights may exclude batteries, cutting equipment or both; avoid comparing incompatible figures. For extended sessions, verify approved support accessories and their fitting instructions.
Wheeled edging on the WG163 or LSTE525 is convenient for maintaining a lawn boundary. It is different from a dedicated blade edger creating a defined trench. If precise repeated edging is your main task, compare that separate tool or an approved system attachment. Features that suit a walkway may be less helpful along an irregular slope or tightly planted border.
Plan runtime and attachments realistically
Runtime changes with pack condition, speed, vegetation, technique and line configuration. Manufacturer maximum figures are conditional, not a promise for your lawn. For long sessions, plan appropriate spare batteries and charging access or a deliberate gas workflow. Routine trimming before growth becomes dense can change the workload more than a small specification difference.
Attachment systems can make sense when you actually need multiple outdoor tools. Confirm compatibility for the exact powerhead and head, including required guards and handles. A shared shaft size or a universal marketing description does not prove every combination is approved. Consider whether a dedicated tool would be easier to handle for the task you repeat most often.
Setup, trimming technique and maintenance
Inspect and prepare the area
Read the specific manual before assembly and use. Fit the prescribed guard, handle and head, and check fasteners and line condition. Remove stones, wire, toys and other loose debris from the work area. Keep people and pets outside the clearance stated in the manual. Eye protection, suitable footwear, clothing and any required hearing protection belong in the operating plan.
Confirm where the head throws material before working near windows, parked vehicles or beds. Keep the line clear of tree bark, painted surfaces and delicate edging. A spacer guard can help positioning but does not make plant contact harmless. Work from a stable stance and stop when the area cannot be kept clear.
Use controlled passes and the approved head
Use the cutting part of the line rather than forcing the entire head into dense grass. Make manageable passes and avoid wrapping long vegetation around the shaft. Follow the instructions for slopes, edging and line advance. Keep the tool under control and the guard in place; do not use an improvised cutting attachment to compensate for the wrong tool.
If grass tangles or the head jams, stop and isolate power before touching it. Remove batteries, disconnect the cord, or follow the gas engine’s shutdown and ignition-isolation instructions as applicable. A reverse feature is not permission to reach into a powered head. Resume only after the cause is addressed and the head is secure.
Reload and clean without accidental starting
For line changes, isolate the power source and follow the stated line length, diameter and winding direction. Inspect the spool and cap for wear or damage. Keep spare line in suitable storage and use the correct replacement head or spool. Do not remove the guard’s line-cutting arrangement to create an unauthorized cutting diameter.
Clear grass buildup after use using the cleaning method in the manual. Keep vents, controls and connectors clean and dry; do not assume a weather-resistance rating permits pressure washing. Inspect a corded tool’s cable and extension cord before each session. Damaged electrical equipment should be addressed before further operation.
Store batteries, cords and gas equipment appropriately
Let equipment cool and follow the battery and charger instructions for storage and charging. Use compatible approved charging equipment and inspect packs for damage. Store the tool where the head and shaft are protected from being knocked or loaded. Keep replacement consumables together so the next trimming session begins with the correct line.
Gas tools need the exact manufacturer fuel, service and seasonal-storage procedure. Work outdoors and refuel only as instructed with the engine stopped and cooled. Do not assume one fuel mixture applies to every engine. For cordless and corded tools, remove or disconnect power for storage and keep the equipment in the conditions stated by its manufacturer.
String-trimmer questions answered
What is the best string trimmer for most homeowners?
The EGO ST1623T is our starting recommendation for regular lawn care when a complete cordless kit and convenient line handling fit the budget. A small lawn, existing battery platform or frequent edging can justify another choice. Match the tool to the perimeter and vegetation rather than assuming one model suits every yard.
Is a cordless trimmer better than gas?
Cordless avoids fuel management and can suit routine lawn care with suitable batteries. Gas can fit a workflow where charging is inconvenient and engine maintenance is acceptable. Compare the complete operating setup, handling and local circumstances; neither power source wins every task.
Does POWERLOAD mean the line feeds automatically?
No. POWERLOAD winds replacement line into the EGO head. LINE IQ automatically advances line during trimming on the ST1623T. The ST1511T has POWERLOAD for loading but uses bump feed during operation.
Can I use thicker line to cut heavier vegetation?
Use only the diameter and type approved for your model and head. A larger line can change load and may not fit or feed correctly. For vegetation outside the tool’s intended task, choose appropriate equipment instead of modifying a line trimmer.
Should I buy a kit or a bare tool?
Choose a kit when you need suitable batteries and a charger. Compare a bare tool when you already have appropriate packs and charging equipment. Check the exact package and complete cost. A powerhead-only listing may still require the trimmer attachment.
Can a string trimmer replace a blade edger?
It can maintain grass along a boundary, and some models convert to a wheeled edging position. A dedicated blade edger is a different tool for forming or maintaining a defined edge. Choose around the result and frequency of the job.
Why does the trimmer keep breaking or jamming line?
Inspect loading, spool fill, approved line, head condition and contact with hard surfaces after isolating power. Follow the manual’s troubleshooting process. Do not treat repeated line problems as a reason to remove the guard or fit a different unapproved cutting material.
Can I fit any attachment to an attachment-capable trimmer?
No. Verify compatibility with the exact powerhead and follow the attachment instructions. QUIK-LOK, detachable gas shafts and other connection systems have specific requirements. Similar-looking couplings do not establish safe or approved compatibility.
Which string trimmer should you buy?
For a homeowner starting a cordless setup, compare the EGO ST1623T first if its line-handling features and complete kit fit the budget. The ST1511T is the simpler bump-feed alternative. For compact lawns with routine edging, compare the WG163 and LSTE525 around working position and package cost.
If you already own suitable batteries, the DeWalt, Milwaukee and Makita options may be the more sensible purchase. Choose the Husqvarna 330LK for a deliberate gas workflow, or WG119 when a cord route is genuinely convenient. Check the whole package rather than selecting by voltage, swath or the headline price alone.
Research and selection notes
Researched and refreshed in October 2026 from current US manufacturer information, operating instructions and matched Amazon listings. This shortlist uses distinct named trimmers and separates bare tools from kits; it does not count duplicate battery bundles as additional products. We have not claimed hands-on testing, copied customer ratings, displayed fixed Amazon prices or reused Amazon product photographs.
Milwaukee: current outdoor-tool configurations
Milwaukee: powerhead instructions and attachment compatibility