Maybe you’re the type of person with a picture-perfect yard, or maybe you are just an average husband whose wife wants you to cut down those tall weeds by the fence.
No matter what your goal, we all know that weeds rarely respect our persons. They have a nasty habit of growing outside of our extension cord’s reach.
Gasoline trimmers are more mobile but far heavier, and they create fumes. Enter the battery-operated weed eater. Light, easy to use, and with no cord restrictions, a cordless string trimmer is a must-have for any homeowner.
Naturally, your next question is which cordless weed eater is right for me? After all, there are a host of brands and varieties. How do I know which one works the best? Which one will meet my needs? Like everyone else, you want the best, and that includes the best battery weed eater.
However, you also don’t want the process of finding that cordless weed eater to be overly complicated. We’ve made things simple.
This article provides a list and descriptions of the ten best battery-operated weed eaters available as well as a short buying guide so you can make the best decision for you.
Looking for a cordless weed eater? Look no further for all the information you need.
The 10 Best Battery Powered Weed Eaters
Terms
Before diving into the list, we need to clarify a few terms so that you can best understand what each battery powered weed eater on this list offers.
- String Length: When we say that a weed eater is a 16 or 12 inch, we are referring to the diameter of the string, which is determined by the size of the deflector. Longer string lengths have a wider cut area, but they also require more power and tend to rotate slower.
- Voltage: This number represents the power capacity of the battery. This tells you the maximum amount of power a battery is capable of drawing—the more voltage, the more power available to your weed eater.
- Amp Hours (AH): This is the amount of charge stored in the battery. The higher the AH, the more energy a battery can hold.
- Watt Hours: When we combine voltage, and AH we get watt-hours. This is the “fuel” for a battery-powered tool. The higher the watt-hours, the longer the run time of the weed whacker.
Calculating an exact runtime with these numbers is a bit tricky because factors like temperature, the type of work, and how much power it requires from the battery, and more all affect runtime. However, the voltage, amp-hours, and watt-hours do provide excellent points of comparison when looking at various battery powered weed eaters.
Common Features
Before looking at the unique aspects of each cordless string trimmer, we should be aware of some common features which all of the trimmers on our list share. There are some advancements that all cordless weed eaters on our list have adopted because of their obvious benefits.
Brushless Motor: If you would like a technical explanation about the differences between the traditional brushed motor and the new brushless motors, you can find that elsewhere. Here we will focus on the benefits of a brushless motor.
A brushless motor is essentially more efficient than a brushed motor. Instead of running at top speed all the time, a brushless motor can adjust based on what the tool is doing. This allows the tool to run longer.
In addition, the lack of brushes creates less places for malfunction, so brushless motors tend to be more durable. They are also quieter than their brushed counterparts. These obvious benefits are why every cordless string trimmer on our list makes use of a brushless motor.
Lithium-Ion Battery: The other big advancement in cordless technology, which all our weed eaters take advantage of, is the lithium-ion battery. These batteries both charge fast and discharge at an even rate. Unlike older battery styles, which would cause a tool would gradually slow down, string trimmers powered by lithium-ion batteries will continue working the same at full, half, or with only 1% battery left.
1. Greenworks PRO 16-Inch 80V Cordless String Trimmer
Greenworks battery-powered weed eater comes with an attachment capable design that works with multiple brands and attachments for gas weed eaters. It also features variable trigger speed giving greater control and saving battery.
You will also notice that the Greenworks cordless string trimmer has quite a bit of power at 80 volts. This high power gives your weed eater plenty of force to draw on for big jobs, and with a 2.0 amp hour battery, the Greenworks weed eater ranks in at 160-watt hours, giving it a respectable amount of “fuel.”
The Greenworks Pro also uses a 16-inch string length, which provides a wide cutting swathe. Between the longer string length and the high voltage, this cordless string trimmer can cover a lot of ground. Adding to that, the 16-pound weight, and you have a weed eater designed for the more heavy-duty user. However, if you need a battery-operated weed eater that can go beyond clean up to help with the bigger stuff, the Greenworks Pro has got you covered.
2. Milwaukee Elec Tool 2725-21HD 18V M18 String Trimmer
Weighing in at around 10 pounds and with an 18 voltage power capacity, Milwaukee’s battery-powered weed eater is a lighter option.
While the 18Vs on this cordless string trimmer may seem puny after the GreenWorks Pro, the Milwaukee makes up for it with 9.0 AH, giving this battery string trimmer 162-watt hours, which is slightly more than our 80V friend. In fact, Milwaukee makes much of this cordless string trimmer’s runtime, guaranteeing up to 1 hour of work per battery.
This weed eater also comes with Milwaukee’s REDLINK Plus intelligence. This technology monitors the communication between the battery, charger, and the tool. This examines the power output and keeps the tool working at maximum efficiency.
With a cutting swathe of 14 or 16 inches, the Milwaukee battery operated weed eater is made to cover ground, and the long-lasting battery makes this a prime choice for someone who plans to use their cordless string trimmer frequently.
3. Husqvarna Battery Straight Shaft String Trimmer 115iL
The Husqvarna’s cordless string trimmer presents itself as a user-friendly option for every homeowner. With an easy to read keypad control, a telescopic shaft, an adjustable handle, and a weight of only 7.35 pounds, this battery string trimmer is for the average homeowner who needs to finds themselves needing to do some yard work.
With a standard 40V battery, the Husqvarna takes a slightly different route is being designed to fit well with their other battery-powered tools. Husqvarna’s 40V battery is compatible with all of its 40V tools, as well as the battery string trimmer. Since you rarely need to operate your chainsaw and weed eater at the same time, this line of compatible products saves space and money.
Coming in at a slightly smaller string length (13 inches), this trimmer works in both small and large areas. The Husqvarna is a well-rounded cordless string trimmer with adjustability. It will certainly go well with anyone who already possesses other Husqvarna’s 40V tools.
4. Makita XRU15PT1 Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless (5.0Ah) 18V X2 (36V) LXT String Trimmer
Makita’s battery-powered weed eater comes packed with the latest in technological advancements. With the innovations, this battery string trimmer is designed to operate at its best.
Beginning with the Automatic Torque Drive Technology, Makita has created a string trimmer that alters its speed to either ramp up power or extend battery life. The weed eater also allows manual adjustment between 3 different speed options.
In terms of safety, this battery string trimmer has some extra props. Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) improves the trimmer’s resistance to dust and water, and Star Protection Computer Controls give added protection to the eater’s internal systems. It also has a convenient reverse rotation function, which helps for easy cleaning.
For those of us who want the added features new technology makes possible, Makita’s battery operated weed eater does not disappoint.
5. EGO Power+ ST1521S 15-Inch String Trimmer with POWERLOAD and Carbon Fiber Split Shaft
As the name suggests, the EGO Power+ battery string trimmer boasts two major features: a POWERLOAD head and a carbon fiber split shaft. This trimmer also works with all EGO ARC Lithium batteries giving it the added benefit of compatibility.
So what is POWERLOAD? Anyone who has owned a weed eater knows the terror of tangled lines and winding the spool. POWERLOAD solves this problem. It winds your line for you so that replacing your trimmer’s line is no longer a dreaded event!
What about the carbon fiber split shaft? The carbon fiber is an incredibly strong material which ensures that throughout all that outdoor work, your cordless string trimmer remains durable. EGO is so sure of its durability that they offer a lifetime warranty on the shaft.
The split shaft turns the string trimmer into a multiuse tool. The shaft can be completely detached and replaced with another tool, such as a hedge trimmer or edger. With the ability to use any EGO battery and the option to switch heads, this cordless string trimmer can become so much more!
6. Dewalt String Trimmer, 13-Inch
Dewalt’s battery operated weed eater is part of Dewalt’s 20V max line and weighs in at 8.5 pounds.
With a 13-inch cutting swathe and 2-speed options, this weed eater is designed to do it all. You can use high for tough jobs and low to save battery while cleaning up after mowing. It also has a patented gear drive design to give you that extra boost when cutting through thick vegetation.
You should note that with a 20V battery max and a 5.0AH, the Dewalt comes in at a 100-watt hour. This means the battery may not last as long as some other brands. Depending on how long you tend to use your weed eater at a time, this could be an important factor for consideration.
Overall? The Dewalt is a lightweight, well balanced cordless string trimmer ideal for homeowners who don’t have extensive yards.
7. Craftsman V20 String Trimmer / Edger
The Craftsman 20 volt string trimmer has a 4.0AH battery giving it 80-watt hours. Weighing only 6.3 pounds, this battery string trimmer handles light jobs with a lightweight and easy to use touch.
Unlike most of the other weed eaters listed, this cordless string trimmer comes with a push-button feed system rather than a traditional bump feed. Bump feed systems release more string by bumping the trimmer on the ground. This trimmer releases line with the push of a button rather than with bumping.
This push-button feed system offers more convenience for those of us who don’t use our weed eater frequently. The bump system requires practice, and there is the potential to break the guard if you hit too hard.
On the other hand, automatic feed systems present much more of a problem if they break. Like anything that is automatic rather than manual, the increased amount of electronics means a more complicated fix if it breaks.
Coming in on the lower end of watt-hours and with the convenience of the push-button feed, this weed eater is a great fit for the weed eater newbie.
8. Black + Decker 40V Max String Trimmer
At 6.4 pounds and 40 volts, the Black and Decker battery powered weed eater offers greater power capacity than several of the other lightweight trimmers. However, that extra power comes at a cost, with the battery only having 1.5 amp-hours.
The Black and Decker comes with several features for easy trimming. It has a fully automatic feed system that requires neither button-pushing nor bumping. The weed eater releases more string on its own whenever the available string grows short. Of course, as we mentioned with the Craftsman, this system can prove potentially harder to fix malfunctions because of the electronics.
The smaller amp hours and the lack of a variable speed option make the Black and Decker more of a potential battery drain than some of the other products. Nevertheless, depending on the length of the work which you use for this could prove to be a nonfactor for many.
This battery string trimmer is also a two in one with the ability to easily convert to an edger. With more power capacity and light and easy to use system, this trimmer is great for the homeowner who needs a capable tool for basic yard work.
9. WORX WG163 GT 3.0 20V PowerShare 12″ Cordless String Trimmer & Edger
The WORX cordless string trimmer weighs 4.6 pounds and has a 12-inch cutting diameter. This trimmer is perfect for keeping your yard trim with its edging capabilities and smaller size.
Not only is this a two in one trimmer/edger, the WORX model comes with a wheel. Now when using the edger attachment, you can easily guide the tool for clean and effortless edging. The WORX also uses an automatic feed system for continuous work with no bumping.
Lightweight and designed for ease of use with features such as the edging wheel and automatic feed, this trimmer is well suited for those who want something to keep their yards in tip-top shape.
10. Craftsman V60 Weedwhacker String Trimmer
The only brand to have two cordless string trimmers on our list, the 60-volt weedwhacker is the bigger cousin of the already discussed 20V.
While the 20V model was made with intuitive features that we remarked made it perfect for those inexperienced with frequent weed eater use, the 60-volt model is a Craftsman option for those with more experience and who need extra juice for big jobs.
With a bump feed, 2-speed options, 2.5 AH, 160-watt hours, and a 15-inch cutting swathe, this Craftsman returns to a lot of the features we found earlier on the list. A wider cutting swathe and large power capacity give this trimmer the ability to tackle big jobs. Many reviewers praise this weed eater’s runtime as well, making it even better for more extensive work.
Craftsman hasn’t given up all its convenient features with this model, though. It also features a Quickwind Spool System to help you easily replace your line. After all, who enjoys changing their weed eater spool?
This is Craftsman’s option for those who are serious about their yardwork offering more power, better runtimes, and a wider cut at the price of some convenience.
Best Battery Powered Weed Eater Buying Guide
Now that you know the best of the best when it comes to battery operated weed eaters, how do you decide which one to buy? If all of these work great, how do you know which one is right for you? Here are some questions you can ask yourself to ensure you purchase the best battery powered weed eater for you.
What Type of Work do You Need it for?
Are you going to be doing light trimming, devouring overgrowth, mowing areas your mower can’t go, or just tidying up? Questions like these will determine how much power your weed eater will need and how much ground it should cover at a time.
The higher voltage weed eaters offer more power for tough jobs. Remember that the voltage represents the maximum amount of power the motor can pull at a time. Your 80V weed eater does not run on 80 volts all the time, but the larger voltage means it has more power available should you need it. The type of work many of us do with weed eater should not require 80 volts, though.
Larger cutting swathes will allow you to cover more ground at once. Need to cut the grass in a rough area where the mower can’t go? Use a 16-inch string for more efficiency. Just trimming some weeds? A 12-inch string should get the job done.
How Long do You Need to Use it at a Time?
Running in a similar vein to the above question, how long do you anticipate an average session with your weed eater will be? This will be most affected by the size of your yard and the terrain. Got a lot of areas that will require some trimming? You may want to pay close attention to factors affecting a weed eater’s runtime.
The amp hours and watt-hours of a weed eater are a good place to start with runtime. These can give you a good point of comparison between different brands. You may also want to consider how many batteries you have. One battery that has to be recharged is a lot different than simply having to switch an empty battery for a charged one.
For those of us especially concerned with runtime, you should also consider features like variable speed control. Being able to turn your weed eater from low to high speed will allow you to save battery when you don’t need to be operating at full power.
How Important is Convenience to You?
The final question is a matter of what type of advancements you want on your trimmer. Are you really bad at bumping to get more line? Consider a weed eater with an automatic feed.
Another factor to consider here is the weight. How maneuverable do you want your weed eater to be? Who will be using it, and what can they handle? There’s no reason to buy the 80V Greenworks if you can’t maneuver it safely and effectively.
Do you want a lawn edger? Several of the cordless trimmers on our list double as an edger. If you need to be doing a good bit of edging, one of those options could be better for you.
Are you already invested in a brand? Many of the brands make batteries that are compatible with all their cordless products. To save space and money, you may want to consider continuing with a brand in which you have already invested, especially if you already have batteries.
Conclusion
Who knew there were so many variables to consider when picking the best battery powered weed eater? While it may seem overwhelming, cordless string trimmers offer a lighter, more eco-friendly, and less cumbersome option than their gas-powered and corded counterparts. And now that you are familiar with the different variables and options out there, it is easy to select the best battery powered weed eater for you and your yard!