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

Best DeWalt Cordless String Trimmers (2026)

Four DeWalt cordless string trimmers compared: the 60V FLEXVOLT brushless, the DCST972B, the 13 inch kit and the folding trimmer and blower set.

James MillerBy James MillerLead Machine Editor4 machines comparedSpec-sheet verified
Best DeWalt Cordless String Trimmers

At a glance

Our top picks

Side by side

Spec comparison

One yellow-and-black brand can sell string trimmers across two battery systems and three head styles, and the differences between them are larger than the paint suggests. The right model depends on how rough the ground is and how much you value storage space and attachments.

One of these trimmers is a renewed unit and one is a bare tool, so the listing wording matters as much as the specifications do. This guide goes through the four real machines from this maker that are available and says what each is best at, who should skip it and what to check before ordering.

Before you buy

6 Criteria to Look For Before Buying a DeWalt Cordless String Trimmer

  1. 01

    60V FLEXVOLT or 20V MAX

    The DCST970X1 uses the 60V FLEXVOLT platform and the DCST925M1R and DCKO222M1 use 20V MAX. A FLEXVOLT pack also fits 20V MAX tools, which makes it a flexible purchase. The 20V models are lighter, while the 60V gives more energy and a bigger swath. If you already own 20V MAX tools, the FLEXVOLT pack is the one purchase that fits both worlds, so the higher cost of the 60V kit is partly recovered. If you are starting fresh and have a small yard, the 20V route is cheaper and easier to carry.

  2. 02

    Swath and line

    The DCST972B adjusts between 15 and 17 inches, the DCST970X1 cuts 15 inches, the DCKO222M1 14 inches and the DCST925M1R 13 inches. DeWalt heads use 0.080 inch line and the DCST972B also takes 0.095 inch. Wider swaths cover more per pass and need more torque. A 17 inch circle on open grass saves real time, but it is awkward around fence posts, so being able to drop to 15 inches is a genuine advantage. Heavier 0.095 inch line lasts longer on abrasive edges such as walls and paving.

  3. 03

    Drive and speed control

    The DCST925M1R has a gear drive transmission and a variable trigger with high and low speed. The DCST970X1 is brushless with two speeds. Torque under load matters more than top speed, so favour gearing and brushless over a bigger RPM number. A gear drive multiplies torque at the head and spares the motor from stalling, while a brushless motor spends less energy as heat. Both are quiet advantages that show up as steadier cutting in tall, damp grass rather than as a number on a box.

  4. 04

    Kit or bare tool

    The DCST970X1, DCST925M1R and DCKO222M1 ship with a battery, while the DCST972B is listed as a bare tool. A bare tool saves money only if you own the right pack. Confirm the battery platform for the DCST972B. Buying the wrong pack is the most common mistake with DeWalt bare tools, because the 20V MAX and FLEXVOLT lines look alike and share a name. Read the product page for the exact battery models listed as compatible and check the tool's rating plate on arrival.

  5. 05

    New or renewed

    The DCST925M1R is a renewed kit. Renewed units are refurbished, and quality varies by seller. Read the return window and warranty, and test the tool in the first week. Spin the head by hand to feel for roughness, run the trigger through both speeds and charge the pack fully to see whether it holds. A renewed tool that passes those checks can be a sound buy, and one that does not should go straight back.

  6. 06

    Storage and attachments

    The DCST922 in the combo folds to cut its length by 40 percent, and the DCST972B accepts DeWalt attachments. Decide whether you want compact storage or an expandable system. A folding tool saves shelf space but adds a hinge, while an attachment-capable power head costs more up front and pays back only if you buy the other heads. Most owners use one or two attachments at most, so buy only what you will really use.

Detailed reviews

The 4 best dewalt cordless string trimmers, explained

01
DeWalt FLEXVOLT 60V MAX DCST970X1 Brushless 15 in. String Trimmer, 3Ah Battery
60V FLEXVOLT15 in. swathBrushlessTwo speed
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Best for: Large lawns and rough ground where other trimmers stall.

This is the heaviest-duty DeWalt trimmer and the one to buy for ground that makes other trimmers struggle. A brushless motor with two speeds drives a 15 inch swath, and the 60V FLEXVOLT platform stores far more energy than the 20V line. A 3Ah pack comes with the kit.

FLEXVOLT is DeWalt's dual-voltage battery system: the pack runs at 60V in FLEXVOLT tools and drops to 20V when used in 20V MAX tools. That makes it a good buy for someone who already owns 20V tools, since one pack can power both, though a trimmer that runs at 60V is a separate machine from the 20V models below.

The two speeds let you save charge on lawn grass and open up for thicker growth, and brushless efficiency stretches the pack further. It is a heavier tool, so expect it to tire you sooner than a 20V model. Keep the head clear of wrapped grass, use the line the head is rated for and store the battery indoors in winter.

What works

  • Brushless motor with two speeds
  • 15 inch swath on a 60V platform
  • FLEXVOLT pack also runs 20V MAX tools
  • 3Ah battery included in the kit

Watch out for

  • Heavier than the 20V models
  • The most expensive DeWalt trimmer here

Spec sheet

Model
DCST970X1
Cutting swath
15 in.
Motor
Brushless, two speed
Platform
FLEXVOLT 60V MAX
Battery
3Ah included
02
DeWalt DCST972B String Trimmer, 15 in. and 17 in. Adjustable Swath, Tool Only
15 or 17 in. swath0.080 in. dual lineQuick-load spoolAttachment capable
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Best for: Users who want a wide swath and the option of attachments.

The feature that sets this model apart is the adjustable swath. It cuts a 15 or 17 inch circle, so you can use the wider setting on open ground and the narrower one near beds, which no other DeWalt here offers. A quick-load spool takes the pain out of re-spooling, and the head also works with DeWalt's heavier 0.095 inch line.

The listing also notes Universal Attachment capability, which means the power head accepts other DeWalt attachments such as an edger or pole saw. That turns the trimmer into a small system, if you buy into it.

It is listed as a bare tool, as the B suffix suggests, so battery and charger are not part of the deal. Confirm the battery platform on the product page before you order, because the right pack depends on the generation of the tool. Clean the head after use and check the spool housing for wear. If you plan to add a pole saw or edger head later, the power head is where the value lies, so treat the trimmer as the first piece of a system.

What works

  • Adjustable 15 or 17 inch swath
  • Quick-load spool for fast line changes
  • Accepts 0.080 in. and 0.095 in. line
  • Universal Attachment capability

Watch out for

  • Sold as a bare tool
  • Battery platform needs checking before purchase

Spec sheet

Model
DCST972B
Cutting swath
15 in. or 17 in., adjustable
Line
0.080 in. dual, accepts 0.095 in.
Spool
Quick-load
Attachments
DeWalt Universal Attachment capability
03
DeWalt DCST925M1R 20V MAX 13 in. String Trimmer Kit, 4Ah, Renewed
20V MAX13 in. swath0.080 in. lineRenewed
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Best for: Mid-sized lawns and buyers who accept a renewed unit.

This is the middle of the range, and it is sold renewed, which means a refurbished unit rather than a new one. The 13 inch swath and 0.080 inch line are the standard DeWalt setup for a mid-sized lawn, and a gear drive transmission is the feature that lets a small motor keep the head turning through overgrowth.

A variable trigger gives high and low speed control, so you can choose added power or extended runtime, a handy feature on a single 4Ah pack. The kit includes the battery and charger, but as a renewed product you should read the seller's return and warranty terms before you buy.

It is the most affordable way into DeWalt trimming, with the trade-off that a renewed machine has an uncertain history. Check that the head spins freely and the pack holds charge in the first week. Keep the line short enough not to overload the gearbox and store the battery indoors.

What works

  • Gear drive transmission adds torque
  • Variable trigger with high and low speed
  • 4Ah battery and charger in the kit
  • Lowest cost route into DeWalt trimmers

Watch out for

  • Renewed unit with uncertain history
  • 13 inch swath is average

Spec sheet

Model
DCST925M1R
Cutting swath
13 in.
Line
0.080 in.
Drive
Gear drive transmission
Battery
4Ah kit, renewed
04
DeWalt 20V MAX DCKO222M1 Folding String Trimmer and Axial Blower Kit
20V MAX14 in. swathFolding hinge450 CFM blower
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Best for: Small yards with limited storage and paved areas to clear.

This kit pairs a folding trimmer with a handheld axial blower, and the folding hinge is the point. DeWalt says it reduces the length of the DCST922 by 40 percent, so the trimmer fits a shelf or a car boot, and a 14 inch cutting swath keeps the head size sensible.

The DCBL722 blower moves up to 450 CFM of air at up to 125 mph with the concentrator nozzle fitted, which is enough to clear a driveway of clippings and light leaves. One 20V MAX battery runs both, and the kit includes a battery and charger.

The folding joint is a convenience and also a point of wear, so check that the hinge locks firmly each time you open it. For someone with a small yard and limited storage, the pair is a practical set. Wipe the trimmer head after use and clear the blower intake. Use the trimmer first and the blower second, so the battery is at its strongest for the job that needs torque.

What works

  • Folding hinge cuts length by 40%
  • Blower moves up to 450 CFM at 125 mph
  • Battery and charger included
  • 14 inch trimmer swath

Watch out for

  • One battery for two tools
  • Hinge adds a joint that can wear

Spec sheet

Trimmer
DCST922 folding, 14 in. swath
Fold
Hinge reduces length by 40%
Blower
DCBL722, 450 CFM, 125 mph
Platform
20V MAX
Kit
Battery and charger included

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.

FLEXVOLT

DeWalt's dual-voltage battery that runs at 60V in FLEXVOLT tools and 20V in 20V MAX tools. It lets one pack serve both lines, but the tool decides the voltage, not the pack. A FLEXVOLT pack in a 20V MAX tool gives 20V performance and longer runtime, while a plain 20V MAX pack will not fit a FLEXVOLT tool that needs 60V.

Watch forThe DCST970X1 is a 60V FLEXVOLT tool.

Gear drive

A transmission that multiplies torque so the head does not stall in thick growth. It trades a little efficiency for strength, which is a sensible deal in a trimmer that spends its life in damp grass.

Watch forListed on the DCST925M1R.

Swath

The diameter of the cutting circle. Wider covers more per pass.

Watch for15 or 17 in. on the DCST972B and 13 in. on the DCST925M1R.

CFM and mph

A blower's air volume and air speed. Both matter for moving debris. Volume shifts a pile of clippings, and air speed lifts matted leaves, so a blower with only one of the two feels weak on a real driveway.

Watch forThe DCBL722 lists up to 450 CFM and 125 mph.

Renewed

A refurbished product resold after inspection. Quality depends on the seller. The word covers a range from a lightly used return to a fully rebuilt unit, so the warranty is the only reliable guide to what you are buying.

Watch forThe DCST925M1R is listed as renewed.

Methodology

How We Evaluated These DeWalt Cordless String Trimmers

Cutting capability

We compared swath, line size, motor type and speed control. The DCST970X1 and DCST972B led. We did not measure output, so the comparison rests on the specifications. Where a listing gave no capacity figure, we avoided guessing and said so in the pick.

Platform

We looked at 60V FLEXVOLT versus 20V MAX and whether packs carry across. FLEXVOLT scored high for flexibility. A pack that serves two tool lines is worth more than a pack that serves one, because it lowers the cost of the next tool you buy.

Kit contents

We compared whether a battery and charger come in the box. The bare DCST972B and the renewed DCST925M1R lost some points for that. A kit that includes a pack and charger lets you start cutting the day it arrives, which is the main attraction of buying a kit at all.

Storage and handling

We considered folding, attachments and weight. The folding DCST922 scored well for storage. Weight is not given for every model in the data, so we judged handling mainly by swath and platform, and noted where a heavier 60V tool is likely to tire the user sooner.

Ownership

We considered parts support, line options and warranty. DeWalt's broad parts network scored well. Replacement spools, line and batteries are stocked widely, which makes a DeWalt trimmer easier to keep running in year five than an unbranded rival.

Decision guide

How to Choose the Right DeWalt Cordless String Trimmers

By Yard

SituationPickWhy
Large or rough yardDeWalt DCST970X1 60VBrushless 15 in.
Open lawn, wide swathDeWalt DCST972B15 or 17 in.
Medium lawnDeWalt DCST925M1R13 in. gear drive
Small yard, limited storageDeWalt DCKO222M1Folds, includes blower

By Budget

SituationPickWhy
Lowest costDeWalt DCST925M1R renewedRenewed kit
Mid with a blowerDeWalt DCKO222M1Trimmer and blower
Bare tool for ownersDeWalt DCST972BNo battery
PremiumDeWalt DCST970X1 60VFLEXVOLT brushless

60V vs 20V

60V FLEXVOLT

The DCST970X1 has more energy and a brushless motor. It is heavier but handles rough ground.

20V MAX

The DCST925M1R and DCKO222M1 are lighter and cheaper. They suit mid-sized and small lawns.

Choose 60V for rough yards and 20V for ordinary lawns. If you are unsure, remember that a 60V FLEXVOLT pack will also power any 20V MAX tool you add later, which makes it the safer long-term investment.

Fixed or Adjustable

SituationPickWhy
Adjustable swathDeWalt DCST972B15 or 17 in.
Fixed, brushlessDeWalt DCST970X115 in.
FoldingDeWalt DCKO222M1Fold hinge
StandardDeWalt DCST925M1R13 in.

For Rough Ground Specifically

Look for

Look for a brushless motor, gearing and a head that accepts heavy line. A large battery matters more than top speed. Work in the direction that throws debris away from you, cut tall growth in layers from the top down and let the head do the cutting rather than forcing it into the stems.

In this comparison

The DeWalt DCST970X1 combines brushless power with FLEXVOLT energy, and the DCST972B accepts 0.095 inch line.

When to Spend More

Spend more if

Spend more if the ground is rough or the yard large. The DCST970X1 is the strongest.

Save if

Save if the lawn is average. The DCST925M1R does the job, provided you accept a renewed unit. A 13 inch swath with gearing and a variable trigger is all most gardens need. The money saved on the tool is better spent on a spare battery.

Ownership

Maintenance schedule

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

TaskIntervalWhy it matters
Clear grass from the headAfter each usePacked grass strains the gearbox and 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 narrow swath and loads the motor unevenly. Use the diameter the head is rated for and keep a spare spool with the tool.
Check the fold hingeEach seasonOn the folding model a loose hinge wobbles and can open in use. Clean the joint, check that the lock clicks home and tighten any screws that have backed out.
Store batteries indoorsWinterCold lowers capacity, so keep them at half charge in a dry room.
Inspect the spoolEach seasonA worn spool jams the quick load and makes line changes a chore. Replace it if it sticks, since a spool costs far less than a new head.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Which DeWalt string trimmer is best?

For rough or large yards the DCST970X1 60V brushless. For ordinary lawns the 13 inch DCST925M1R. For small spaces the folding DCKO222M1. Each of the four suits a different owner, and the worst purchase is the one that pays for power or storage features you will never use. Start with your yard size and the batteries you already own, then check the listing wording for kit, bare tool or renewed status.

Is a renewed trimmer worth it?

It can be, if the seller offers a warranty and returns. Test it in the first week. Look at the seller's rating for renewed items, since a good seller stands behind returns. Avoid a renewed tool with no stated warranty, because a refurbished battery is the part most likely to fail.

What is FLEXVOLT?

A DeWalt battery that runs at 60V in FLEXVOLT tools and at 20V in 20V MAX tools. One pack serves both lines.

Can I use thicker line?

The DCST972B takes 0.080 inch and 0.095 inch line. Use the diameter your head is rated for. Heavier line cuts tougher growth but slows the head and drains the pack faster, so match line to the job, not to the biggest number available.

Does the DCST972B include a battery?

The listing is for the bare tool. Confirm the battery platform and buy a matching pack. If you own FLEXVOLT or 20V MAX packs already, check the product page for the exact models listed as compatible before you order.

How long does a battery last?

It depends on the pack and growth. A 4Ah pack gives mid-sized lawn coverage, and heavy growth cuts it. Plan on a second pack for any lawn larger than a quarter acre, because a single pack on a wide swath empties sooner than most owners expect.

Bottom line

The short version

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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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