From high-voltage cordless kits that can clear a whole yard to a simple corded model and two gas workhorses, these picks cover the trimmers that actually make sense for weekend yard work.
Last updated: September 2026
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How we sized them up
This is a spec-led shortlist built from published specs and retailer listings. We compared power source, cutting swath, line diameter, feed style, weight, shaft type and whether the kit includes a battery and charger. For most yards, a comfortable weight and a swath that matches the lot matter more than chasing the highest voltage. For clearing clippings off the driveway after trimming, see our guide to the best leaf blowers.
The quick cut
Start with the power source, then check the swath and what comes in the kit. Tap any pick to jump straight to the full breakdown.
Who it’s forThis is the easy first choice when one trimmer has to handle a full yard on battery power. The 56V platform and 15-inch swath cover more ground per pass than the 12- and 13-inch models here, and the kit comes with a 2.5Ah battery and charger. It costs more than the 20V and 40V picks, but it is the most capable cordless option in this group.
Who it’s forMakita built this for people who clear heavy growth with a battery tool. It runs on two 18V LXT batteries for 36V of power, with three speed settings up to 6,500 RPM and an automatic torque mode that shifts up when the grass gets thick. The kit includes four 5.0Ah batteries and a dual-port rapid charger, so it is set up for long sessions. It is the priciest cordless pick here and heavier than the rest, at 10.4 pounds with batteries.
Who it’s forThe appeal of this Ryobi is what it can become. The power head accepts Expand-It attachments, so it can turn into an edger, hedge trimmer, blower and more with one motor. As a trimmer it runs a 13- to 15-inch adjustable swath on .080-inch twisted line with a quick-reload bump head. The kit includes a 4.0Ah battery and charger, and it fits the whole Ryobi 40V system. At 11.7 pounds it is one of the heavier picks, and the attachments are a separate purchase.
Black+Decker 40V MAX 13-Inch String Trimmer and Edger Kit (LST136)
ASIN B00I2F51SG
Product image: The Home Depot product listing.
Who it’s forThis is the pick when the lawn edges matter as much as the trimming. It converts from trimmer to wheeled edger, runs an automatic feed spool so the line advances on its own, and includes a PowerCommand dial for extra power on demand. The 40V MAX battery platform covers Black+Decker’s whole outdoor lineup. It weighs 7.8 pounds, a touch more than the lightest models, and runtime follows the smaller 1.5Ah battery in the kit.
Greenworks 40V 13-Inch Cordless String Trimmer and Edger Kit (21302)
ASIN B00GXA6G7W
Product image: amfwr clearance listing.
Who it’s forThe Greenworks is built for comfort across different users. The telescoping shaft adjusts to your height, the pivoting head sets three trimming angles, and it converts to an edger. It runs a 13-inch swath on .065-inch auto-feed line with a 2.0Ah battery and charger in the box. The thinner line means keeping a spool of replacements handy, and it is less suited to heavy brush than the thicker-line picks above.
Toro 14-Inch 5 Amp Electric String Trimmer and Edger (51480)
ASIN B006TLL1HA
Product image: The Home Depot product listing.
Who it’s forThe Toro is for anyone who wants trimming done without batteries or gas. The 5-amp motor runs as long as the outlet is in reach, with a 14-inch dual-line head and automatic feed. It converts to a walk-behind edger with one push of a button, and the telescoping aluminum shaft adjusts to your height. You will need your own extension cord, and the cord sets how far from the house you can work.
Craftsman V20 13-Inch Cordless String Trimmer and Edger Kit (CMCST900D1)
ASIN B07KKC6JJF
Product image: Acme Tools retail listing.
Who it’s forThis is the lowest-cost way into a cordless trimmer that still converts to an edger. The V20 kit includes a 2.0Ah battery and charger, a 13-inch swath, automatic .065-inch line feed, and two speed settings so you can stretch runtime or push for more power. It weighs 6.3 pounds and the telescoping pole adjusts to your height. The 20V platform is the natural fit if you already own other Craftsman V20 tools.
Who it’s forThe Worx is the lightest trimmer here, and it shows in how easy it is to carry around a small yard. The kit includes two 20V batteries and a charger, so one pack can charge while the other works. The 12-inch swath keeps it nimble around beds and fences. It is sized for light-duty trimming and edging.
Echo SRM-225 21.2cc Gas Straight-Shaft String Trimmer
ASIN B005UPNR5A
Product image: Acme Tools retail listing.
Who it’s forWhen the job calls for gas, the SRM-225 is the long-running standard. The 21.2cc two-stroke engine drives a 17-inch swath on .095-inch line, the thickest in this group, with Echo’s Speed-Feed 400 head for quick line reloads. The straight shaft gives better reach under decks and bushes. It needs mixed fuel and pull-starting, and it is louder than the cordless picks, but for raw cutting ability it leads the list.
Echo GT-225 21.2cc Gas Curved-Shaft String Trimmer
ASIN B005V0YZD2
Product image: Uphoff Outdoor Power listing.
Who it’s forThe GT-225 pairs the same 21.2cc engine and 17-inch swath as its straight-shaft sibling with a curved shaft that feels more natural for shorter users and tight trimming. It weighs about 10 pounds and keeps the easy-starting system Echo is known for. Like any gas trimmer it needs mixed fuel and makes more noise than battery models, but the price sits below the straight-shaft pro options.
Match the trimmer to the yard, the weeds and how you like to work.
Power source
Cordless is the default for most yards: quiet, no cord, no fuel. Corded makes sense when the whole yard sits within reach of an outlet. Gas still wins for tall, thick growth and long sessions away from power.
Swath and line
A wider swath clears ground faster but adds weight. Thicker line (0.080 in. and up) cuts through weeds that shred thin line. Bump heads reload faster; automatic feed heads never need bumping.
Weight and shaft
Under 7 pounds feels easy after half an hour; over 10 pounds calls for a shoulder strap or breaks. Straight shafts reach under decks and bushes, while curved shafts feel more natural for close trimming.
Specifications are based on published manufacturer and retailer information for the listed models. Check the current product listing for package contents and compatibility before ordering.
