Best 20V Cordless String Trimmers (2026)

Craftsman's 13 inch kit leads on the two specs that matter most in a 20V trimmer: swath and battery. A 13 inch swath cuts a wider path per pass than the 12 inch units here, and the included 4.0Ah battery is about double the capacity of the smaller packs in the class.

The claimed runtime of up to 63 minutes is a light-load figure, but a 4.0Ah pack genuinely goes further than a 2.0Ah pack on the same motor. The motor is rated for more power than the earlier Craftsman design, which helps in thick grass. Compared with the BLACK+DECKER 12 inch wheeled unit, which ships with a 2.5Ah battery, the Craftsman packs much more runtime.

The adjustable handle suits a range of heights. V20 batteries fit a wide family of Craftsman tools, so one pack covers more than the trimmer. Maintenance is straightforward: replace the line, clear the guard and store the battery indoors.

This BLACK+DECKER kit uses a PowerDrive transmission, which boosts torque at the string rather than raising raw RPM. That matters because string cutting depends on torque more than speed, and a transmission that preserves speed under load keeps the line from bogging in thick grass.

A dual speed control lets you choose higher power for tough areas or a lower setting for longer runtime. The 2.5Ah battery is a step up from the 1.5Ah class but below the Craftsman's 4.0Ah. Automatic line feed removes the need to bump the head, and the wheeled edger mode helps keep straight lines along walks.

Because 20V MAX is a widely stocked platform, replacement packs are easy to find. Check the line spool regularly and clean the guard of clippings.

This is the simple, small-yard trimmer in the lineup. The automatic feed spool advances line as it wears, and the unit converts from trimmer to edger in seconds. For tidying around beds, fences and a small lawn, that is all most homeowners need.

Like the 12 inch BLACK+DECKER with the wheeled edger, it uses a PowerDrive transmission, which delivers more torque to the line. It lacks the larger battery of that model and the Craftsman, so expect shorter runs. It is the straightforward, established-brand option.

Support is a plus, since the 20V MAX platform has replacement batteries widely available. Keep the guard clear and refill line when it runs low.

At 4.2 pounds, the WG154 is the lightest trimmer in the lineup, which makes a real difference to how long you can work comfortably. It has a 10 inch swath, the narrowest here, so you trade coverage for ease.

The head rotates 180 degrees to switch between trimming and edging, and you can choose a narrower cut for longer runtime or a wider cut for faster work. Automatic line feed spares you from tapping the spool. It sits in the WORX PowerShare family, so batteries from other WORX tools work in it.

It suits small yards and people who tire easily. For anything more than a quarter acre, a wider swath and bigger battery help. Check the line spool and clear the guard.

HEYWORK bundles two 4.0Ah batteries and a charger with a 12 inch trimmer, which is the largest total energy in the roundup. For a bigger yard, that means you can swap packs mid-job rather than waiting for a charge.

A stated 8,000 RPM motor gives high line speed, though again RPM alone does not guarantee torque. At 6.3 pounds with an adjustable grip, it is heavier than the 4.2 pound WORX, and about the same as typical 12 inch trimmers. It switches between trimming and edging.

The tradeoff is brand support, since it is a lesser-known name. Check battery availability, keep the guard clear and replace the line as needed.

This unit adds a third mode, a light mowing configuration, to the usual trimmer and edger. A telescopic shaft runs from 38 to 49 inches, so it fits a range of heights, which reduces back strain.

Two 2.0Ah batteries with a fast charger that fills in about 1 hour 20 minutes are modest in capacity, less than half of the HEYWORK pair. The mower mode is a convenience for small patches, not a substitute for a mower.

It is the choice for someone who wants three tools in one for a tiny yard. Brand support is limited, so check parts and battery availability. Keep the guard and line clean.