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Buying guide · 12 min read · Updated 2026-11-13

Best Cordless String Trimmers with Batteries Included (2026)

Six cordless string trimmer kits with batteries and chargers in the box, compared on pack size, charger speed and what you really get for runtime per mow.

James MillerBy James MillerLead Machine Editor6 machines comparedSpec-sheet verified
Best Cordless String Trimmers with Batteries Included

At a glance

Our top picks

Side by side

Spec comparison

A trimmer that ships with its battery and charger lets you cut on day one, but the contents of the box decide how long the job takes. A small pack that runs flat after a short session turns a convenient kit into a stop-start chore.

The figures to read are the pack capacity, the number of packs and the charger, not just the headline speed. This guide compares six complete kits on what you actually get in the box and what that means on a real lawn.

Before you buy

6 Criteria to Look For Before Buying a Cordless String Trimmer with Batteries Included

  1. 01

    Pack size in the box

    The battery sets how long you can cut. Capacity is the one spec that directly sets how long the tool works, so rank kits by it before you look at anything else. A kit with a big pack and plain motor beats one with a flashy motor and a small pack. The Craftsman includes a 4Ah pack, the 3-in-1 kit two 4.0Ah packs, the 4-in-1 two 3000mAh packs and the Greenworks a 2.0Ah pack. For a half-acre, aim for 4Ah or two packs.

  2. 02

    Number of batteries

    Two packs let you rest while one charges. Three of the six kits ship with two. A single pack means you wait or buy a spare, so count the cost of a second battery into any single-pack kit. Two packs also spread wear: each is used half as often, so the pair can outlast a single pack that is cycled every session.

  3. 03

    Charger speed

    A fast charger shortens the gap between sessions. The 3-in-1 kit and the 21V kit include fast chargers and the 20V 3.5 lb kit a quick charger. A slow charger on a big pack can leave you waiting for hours. If the listing does not state a charge time, assume a standard charger and plan for several hours. A fast charger matters most when you own a single spare.

  4. 04

    Runtime claims

    The Craftsman claims up to 63 minutes and the 4-in-1 up to 90 to 120 minutes on two packs. These are best-case figures. Dense growth, wet grass and cold weather can halve them. A claim given as a range, as with 90 to 120 minutes, tells you the maker is describing a best case. Use these numbers only to compare kits, not to plan your Saturday.

  5. 05

    No-load numbers

    Motor labels such as 880W, 800W, 18,000 RPM and 20,000 RPM describe a no-load spec and not the cutting force. Torque under load decides how a trimmer behaves, so compare swath and battery rather than the biggest number.

  6. 06

    Platform and spares

    V20 and Greenworks 24V packs are widely stocked, while kits from small brands often have a single supplier. Check that spare batteries can be bought before you commit. A kit whose only battery is discontinued becomes a paperweight after a few years. Choose a platform with a track record if you plan to keep the tool for a decade.

Detailed reviews

The 6 best cordless string trimmers with batteries included, explained

01
Craftsman V20 13 in. String Trimmer and Edger Kit, 4Ah Battery and Charger
V20 platform13 in. swath4Ah battery63 min claim
Check price on Amazon
Best for: Mid-sized lawns where one well-sized battery should finish the job.

The Craftsman is the best-balanced kit because every part of the box is generous. A 4Ah V20 battery is large for a trimmer of this class, a 13 inch swath is the standard size for a mid-sized lawn and the head converts to an edger. The maker quotes up to 63 minutes of runtime, the longest claim in this guide.

Treat the number as a ceiling. Runtime figures assume a fresh pack and light grass, and thick or wet growth will cut the time substantially, but even half of 63 minutes is enough for most suburban lawns. The 52 percent more power claim is relative to an earlier model, so it tells you the tool improved rather than what the absolute output is.

V20 is a widely stocked platform, so a spare pack or a bare tool for the hedge is easy to find and fits the same charger. Clean the head after each session, check the line length before you start and store the battery indoors over winter. For a buyer who wants one safe choice, this is it. Because the kit includes a full-size battery rather than a token one, the charger sits idle less often, and the tool is ready on the weekend without planning. Expect the pack to last several seasons if you avoid leaving it fully charged in a hot shed.

What works

  • 4Ah battery is large for a trimmer kit
  • Up to 63 minutes of runtime claimed
  • 13 inch swath with edger conversion
  • Widely stocked V20 platform

Watch out for

  • Runtime claim is a best case
  • Power claim is relative to an older model

Spec sheet

Cutting swath
13 in.
Battery
4Ah, V20
Runtime claim
Up to 63 min
Format
Trimmer and edger
Power claim
52% more than the previous model
02
Cordless 3-in-1 Weed Wacker Kit, 880W Motor, 18,000 RPM, Two 4.0Ah Batteries and Fast Charger
880W claim2 x 4.0AhFast charger3-in-1
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Best for: Larger lawns where runtime matters more than brand.

Two 4.0Ah batteries and a fast charger make this the biggest kit by energy in the guide. The maker lists an 880W motor and 18,000 RPM, both no-load figures that describe the motor's spec rather than the cutting force, and a three-in-one design that works as a trimmer, weed cutter and mini mower.

The two packs are the practical benefit. You can rotate them, so one charges while the other works, and the fast charger shortens the wait. That is what turns a long yard into a one-session job. Combined, 8Ah of capacity is the most you get at this level.

The seller is a smaller brand, so parts and warranty support are the unknowns. Read the return terms, keep the receipt and test the tool on a small patch first. Clear grass from the head after use and store both packs indoors. Because the motor labels are no-load numbers, judge the tool on how it handles your own grass in the first week. Keep the original packaging for the return window in case the cutting performance does not match your expectations.

What works

  • Two 4.0Ah batteries in the kit
  • Fast charger shortens the wait
  • Three modes including a mini mower
  • Large combined capacity

Watch out for

  • 880W and 18,000 RPM are no-load figures
  • Smaller brand with thinner support

Spec sheet

Motor claim
880W, 18,000 RPM
Batteries
Two 4.0Ah
Charger
Fast charger
Modes
Trimmer, weed cutter and mower
Use
Light, easy handling claimed
03
Greenworks 24V 12 in. 2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger Kit, 2.0Ah, Telescoping Shaft
24V class12 in. swath2.0AhTelescoping shaft
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Best for: First-time owners and mixed-height households.

The Greenworks kit is the one to give a beginner. The head switches from trimming to edging with one button and no tools, pivots 90 degrees for edging around roots and beds, and the aluminium shaft telescopes to suit shorter and taller users.

The 2.0Ah battery is the smallest of the premium-brand kits here, so it suits a small to medium lawn and not a half-acre. That makes the telescoping shaft and quick conversion the real attractions: it is a tool you can set up for yourself in a minute and use without a manual.

A spare battery is a sensible add-on for larger yards. The 24V platform is smaller than the 40V line, so there are fewer matching tools. Clean the pivot after use and store the pack indoors. The telescoping shaft also makes it the easiest kit to put away, since it shortens to fit a cupboard. Owners often add a second 24V battery within a season, so budget for one if your lawn is more than a few hundred square feet.

What works

  • One-button trimmer to edger conversion
  • Telescoping aluminium shaft
  • 90 degree pivot head
  • Battery and charger included

Watch out for

  • 2.0Ah pack is small
  • 24V platform has fewer tools

Spec sheet

Cutting swath
12 in.
Conversion
One button, no tools
Head
90 degree pivot
Shaft
Telescoping aluminium
Battery
2.0Ah and charger
04
20,000 RPM Cordless 4-in-1 Weed Wacker, 800W Claim, LED Display, Wheels, 2 x 3000mAh
800W claim2 x 3000mAhLED display4-in-1
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Best for: Users who like to see charge levels and have a mixed yard.

The LED display is the useful detail. It shows the battery state, so you know when to swap packs before the tool dies mid-job. Two 21V 3000mAh batteries give 6000mAh combined, and the maker claims up to 90 to 120 minutes of runtime, a wide range that should be treated with caution.

A headline of 20,000 RPM and 800W is a motor label and not a measure of cutting force, and the listing notes that the cutting width depends on the set-up, at a maximum of 11 to 12 inches with the edging wheel. That honesty is helpful, since it tells you the swath is not as wide as some competitors advertise.

It is a four-in-one with wheels, so it offers more modes than a simple trimmer, but also more parts to keep clean. Check the wheel and the attachments after each use, charge both packs before a session and store them indoors. The display is most valuable when you work in short, planned stints, because you can swap at the first low-battery warning instead of waiting for the tool to stall. That habit is gentler on lithium cells than running them to zero.

What works

  • LED display shows battery state
  • Two 3000mAh batteries included
  • Four modes with wheels
  • Stated cutting width is honest

Watch out for

  • 20,000 RPM and 800W are no-load labels
  • Narrow actual swath of 11 to 12 in.

Spec sheet

Motor claim
800W, up to 20,000 RPM
Batteries
Two 21V 3000mAh
Capacity
6000mAh combined
Runtime claim
Up to 90 to 120 min
Display
LED, with wheels
05
21V 12 in. Cordless String Trimmer, 2.5Ah Battery and Fast Charger, 9,500 RPM, Auto Feed
21V class12 in. swath2.5AhFast charger
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Best for: Small yards where a fast charger fills the gaps.

A 2.5Ah battery with a fast charger is the key pairing here. The pack is a little larger than the 2.0Ah kits, and the charger shortens the gap between sessions, which suits a small yard that you trim in two halves. The motor is rated at 9,500 RPM and the 12 inch head has automatic line feed.

Automatic feed is the feature that makes a basic trimmer pleasant: the line is released as it shortens, so there is no bumping. The 21V label is a platform name like 20V MAX and not a step up in power.

It is a light, simple kit from a smaller brand, and one battery is all you get. Check the warranty, wipe the head after use and store the pack indoors. If your lawn needs more than one pack, order a second battery at the same time, since the fast charger only helps if there is a spare to swap in. Used that way, it behaves like a much dearer kit.

What works

  • 2.5Ah battery with a fast charger
  • Automatic line feed
  • 12 inch swath at 9,500 RPM
  • Light and simple

Watch out for

  • Only one battery
  • Smaller brand with thin support

Spec sheet

Cutting swath
12 in.
Speed
9,500 RPM
Feed
Automatic line feed
Battery
2.5Ah
Charger
Fast charger
06
20V 12 in. 3-in-1 Cordless Weed Wacker, 3.5 lb, Two 2.0Ah Batteries and Quick Charger
20V class3.5 lb2 x 2.0AhQuick charger
Check price on Amazon
Best for: Small lawns and users who want a light tool and two packs.

This kit is the lightest at 3.5 pounds, and it ships with two 2.0Ah batteries and a quick charger. The pair gives 4Ah in total, which is the same energy as one 4Ah pack but with the advantage that you can swap and rest. A 12 inch head converts between trimmer, edger and weed cutter.

The light weight and two packs suit anyone who works in short bursts. It is not a high-power machine, so the match is a small to medium lawn and ordinary weeds. As with other budget kits, check the warranty and the availability of spare batteries.

Clean the head after each use, charge both packs before a session and store them indoors. Treat it as a tool for regular maintenance, not for cutting back an overgrown plot. Its two small packs are best rotated every session so they age together. If one pack drops off early, replace both rather than running a mismatched pair.

What works

  • 3.5 lb is the lightest kit
  • Two 2.0Ah batteries and a quick charger
  • Trimmer, edger and weed cutter modes
  • 12 inch swath

Watch out for

  • Light power for thick growth
  • Smaller seller with thin support

Spec sheet

Weight
3.5 lb
Cutting swath
12 in.
Batteries
Two 2.0Ah
Charger
Quick charger
Modes
Trimmer, edger and weed cutter

Spec sheet decoder

What the numbers on the box really mean

The specs manufacturers lead with, translated into what they tell you about real-world performance.

Ah and mAh

Battery capacity. 4.0Ah equals 4000mAh. Higher means longer runtime.

Watch forCraftsman has 4Ah, the 4-in-1 two 3000mAh packs.

Fast charger

A charger that refills a pack in less time than a standard one.

Watch forIncluded in the 3-in-1 and 21V kits.

Runtime claim

A brand estimate on light work with a fresh pack.

Watch forUp to 63 min on the Craftsman and 90 to 120 on the 4-in-1.

No-load RPM

Head speed with nothing to cut. It says little about torque.

Watch for9,500 RPM on the 21V and 18,000 on the 3-in-1.

Swath

The diameter of the cutting circle.

Watch for13 in. on the Craftsman and 11 to 12 in. on the 4-in-1.

Methodology

How We Evaluated These Cordless String Trimmers with Batteries Included

Box contents

We compared battery size, count and charger type for each kit. The Craftsman and the two 4.0Ah kit scored highest.

Runtime

We read each runtime claim against the pack size. Claims were treated as best cases and compared with each other. We did not add them up or convert them to minutes per acre, since the conditions behind each figure are not given.

Convenience

We looked at feed, conversion and shaft adjustment. The Greenworks telescoping shaft scored well.

Platform

We considered how widely each battery is used. V20 scored well and small-brand kits lower.

Honesty of listing

We rewarded listings that state real figures such as the 4-in-1's cutting width. Vague claims scored lower. A listing that admits a limit, for example that the swath changes with the edging wheel fitted, earns more trust than one that quotes only the largest number.

Decision guide

How to Choose the Right Cordless String Trimmers with Batteries Included

By Lawn Size

SituationPickWhy
Small lawn20V 3.5 lb 3-in-1Light with two packs
Small to medium lawnGreenworks 24V kitEasy conversion
Medium lawnCraftsman V20 4AhLarge battery
Larger lawn3-in-1 two 4.0Ah kitBiggest combined capacity

By Budget

SituationPickWhy
Lowest cost21V 2.5Ah kitEntry tier
Low with two packs20V 3.5 lb 3-in-1Two batteries
MidCraftsman V20 4AhEstablished platform
Higher3-in-1 two 4.0Ah kitMost energy

One Big Pack vs Two Packs

One big pack

The Craftsman 4Ah has a single large battery. It is simple, but you wait for a recharge once it empties.

Two packs

The 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 kits have two packs. You can swap and keep working.

Choose one big pack for mid-sized lawns and two packs for larger ones.

Charger and Display

SituationPickWhy
Want to see charge4-in-1 LED displayBattery state shown
Need quick turnaround3-in-1 fast charger kitFast charger
Need quick turnaround, small kit21V 2.5AhFast charger
SimpleCraftsman V20Standard V20 charger

For Larger Lawns Specifically

Look for

Look for two packs or a 4Ah battery, plus a fast charger. Count the packs per mow.

In this comparison

The two 4.0Ah kit provides 8Ah and a fast charger, and the Craftsman gives a 4Ah pack with a claimed 63 minutes.

When to Spend More

Spend more if

Spend more if you want an established platform and spares, as with the Craftsman V20.

Save if

Save if you want runtime on a budget. The two-pack kits give more energy for less.

Ownership

Maintenance schedule

The upkeep that decides whether this machine lasts two seasons or ten.

TaskIntervalWhy it matters
Charge before storingBefore winterStore packs at half charge. A full or empty pack ages faster, and a pack left flat for months may refuse to charge. Keep them in a dry room away from frost.
Clear grass from the headAfter each usePacked grass strains the motor and holds moisture against the housing. Clear it with the battery removed and let the head dry before storage.
Replace the lineWhen shortShort line cuts a smaller swath and loads the motor unevenly. Keep a spare spool of the correct diameter where you store the tool.
Check the charger leadEach seasonA frayed lead is a hazard. Replace it.
Clean the wheels and pivotEach seasonGrit stiffens moving parts on 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 models.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a kit include?

At minimum a battery and charger. Better kits add a second battery and a fast charger.

How big a battery do I need?

For a half-acre, aim for 4Ah or two packs. A single 2.0Ah pack suits a small lawn.

Do runtime claims matter?

They are useful for comparison. Real runtime is shorter in thick or wet growth.

Are the motor watts real?

They are no-load labels. Use swath and battery size to judge a tool, not the biggest number.

Can I buy a spare battery?

For V20 and Greenworks, yes, easily. For small brands, check before buying.

Is a fast charger worth it?

Yes if you want to finish a larger lawn in one day. It refills a pack while you use the other.

Bottom line

The short version

Browse more cordless string trimmers with batteries includedon Amazon →
James Miller, Lead Machine Editor

About the author

James Miller

Lead Machine Editor, MachineFanatic

James Miller leads MachineFanatic's buying guides, turning spec sheets, manuals and owner feedback into clear verdicts on power tools, outdoor power equipment, shop machines and kitchen machines.

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