6 Best Electric String Trimmers (October 2026)

The best electric string trimmers include the WORX WG163 20V 2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger for small mixed yards, the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX 2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger for routine lawn upkeep, and the BLACK+DECKER 5-Amp Corded Trimmer and Edger for outlet-side lawn borders.

On this page (9 sections)

1. Which electric string trimmers stand out for different yards?
2. The best electric string trimmers by use
3. How do you choose the best electric string trimmer for your yard?
4. Which cutting width, line feed and fit should you choose?
5. When is a 2-in-1 trimmer and edger useful?
6. How should you set up an electric string trimmer?
7. How do you trim cleanly without wasting line?
8. What care and common mistakes matter most?
9. Which electric string trimmer should you choose?

The WORX WG163 is the best electric string trimmer for small yards with both grass and borders to maintain. Its cordless design, tilting head and edging wheels suit a route that moves between open lawn, slopes and sidewalk edges.

Choose a corded model when your trimming area follows an easy route from an outlet. The BLACK+DECKER 5-Amp Corded Trimmer and Edger is our highest-scoring corded pick, while the 14-inch model suits wider, open strips.

Start with your yard layout, then choose the controls you prefer. Our complete cordless string trimmer guide covers battery tools in depth, and our electric vs gas weed eater guide helps if your work includes tougher growth.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for small mixed yards

   WORX WG163 20V 2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger

   9.2/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for routine lawn upkeep

   BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX 2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger

   8.9/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for outlet-side lawn borders

   BLACK+DECKER 5-Amp Corded Trimmer and Edger

   7.1/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   Greenworks 24V 12-Inch Trimmer

   Best for grass-only upkeep
   Check it
5. 5

   BLACK+DECKER 14-Inch Corded Trimmer

   Best for open lawn strips
   Check it
6. 6

   BLACK+DECKER 4-Amp Corded Trimmer

   Best for simple trimming routes
   Check it

Which electric string trimmers stand out for different yards?

The WORX suits mixed small-yard tasks, the cordless BLACK+DECKER suits regular lawn upkeep, and the corded models suit work near power. Greenworks is worth considering when grass trimming and an adjustable shaft matter more than edging conversion.

We compared cutting paths, line-feed controls, power sources, included equipment and edging features. The order favors a useful home-yard package, so the widest cutting path doesn't automatically earn the highest position.

1

WORX WG163 20V 2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger: Best for small mixed yards

9.2/10Our score

• Push-button Command Feed
• Two 20V batteries and charger
• 90-degree tilting head
• Wheeled edging conversion

Choose this kit for a small yard with grass, borders and awkward corners. The tilting head and edging wheels give you ways to tackle different areas without a trailing cord.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Two batteries and charger included
• Wheels support edging
• Adjustable spacer guard

Cons

• Narrower path than the corded picks
• Requires battery charging

2

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX 2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger: Best for routine lawn upkeep

8.9/10Our score

• Automatic line feed
• Adjustable handle and height
• Wheeled edging conversion
• Battery and charger included

A cordless choice for regular grass trimming and sidewalk edges. Automatic line feed removes the need to bump the head, while handle and height adjustments help fit your stance.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Automatic line feed
• Converts to wheeled edger
• Wall-mountable charging base

Cons

• Only one battery included
• Narrower path than the corded picks

3

BLACK+DECKER 5-Amp Corded Trimmer and Edger: Best for outlet-side lawn borders

7.1/10Our score

• 5-amp corded motor
• Automatic spool feed
• Wheeled edging conversion
• Built-in cord retention

Our highest-scoring corded choice suits lawn borders near an outlet. It combines automatic line feed, adjustable height and a wheeled edging mode without a battery charging routine.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Automatic spool feed
• Wheeled edging guide
• Adjustable height and handles

Cons

• Requires a suitable extension cord
• Cord routing can hinder movement

4

Greenworks 24V 12-Inch Trimmer: Best for grass-only upkeep

7.0/10Our score

• Brushless motor
• Automatic line feed
• Adjustable 3-piece shaft
• Battery and USB-C charger included

A fit for buyers focused on grass trimming who want an adjustable cordless tool. Greenworks includes a battery and charger and backs both the tool and battery with a 3-year warranty.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Brushless motor
• Shaft adjusts for handling and storage
• Battery and charger included

Cons

• Weight figure excludes the battery
• Choose another pick for wheeled edging

5

BLACK+DECKER 14-Inch Corded Trimmer: Best for open lawn strips

6.9/10Our score

• 6.5-amp motor
• 14 in cutting width
• Push-button EASYFEED
• Wheeled edging conversion

Choose this corded model for open strips of grass where a wider cutting path fits the space. Button-controlled line feed and an edging wheel help with the switch to lawn borders.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Widest cutting path here
• Push-button line feed
• Adjustable handle and height

Cons

• Requires a suitable extension cord
• Wider path needs clearance near plants

6

BLACK+DECKER 4-Amp Corded Trimmer: Best for simple trimming routes

6.6/10Our score

• 4-amp motor
• 13 in cutting swath
• Automatic line feed
• Built-in auxiliary handle

A straightforward corded choice for grass and borders along an easy cord route. It offers automatic line feed and edging conversion, though the other BLACK+DECKER picks provide wheeled edging.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Automatic line feed
• Converts to an edger
• Auxiliary handle

Cons

• Requires a suitable extension cord
• Heavier than the other corded picks

Use the comparison table to narrow the choices by power source first. Then check whether you need an edging wheel, prefer automatic or button-controlled line feed, and already have compatible batteries.

The best electric string trimmers by use

Choose the tool around your regular route, including the narrowest gap and the farthest patch from power. Each pick below has a clear buyer fit and a reason to choose something else.

1

WORX WG163 20V 2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger: Best for small mixed yards

9.2/10Our score

• Push-button Command Feed
• Two 20V batteries and charger
• 90-degree tilting head
• Wheeled edging conversion

Choose this kit for a small yard with grass, borders and awkward corners. The tilting head and edging wheels give you ways to tackle different areas without a trailing cord.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Two batteries and charger included
• Wheels support edging
• Adjustable spacer guard

Cons

• Narrower path than the corded picks
• Requires battery charging

The WORX WG163 fits a small yard where you trim around obstacles, reach uneven ground and finish along pavement. Its 90-degree tilting head helps position the cutting line where a fixed working angle would be awkward.

The kit includes two batteries and a charger. A charged spare gives you a swap option, though neither battery count nor voltage tells you how many minutes your own route will take.

Command Feed advances line with a button, giving you control over when to release more. Use it when the cutting line becomes too short, rather than pressing it out of habit.

The adjustable spacer guard helps maintain distance from plants and yard features. Keep watching the line's reach, since a guard doesn't make contact with bark or flowers harmless.

Choose the WORX if you need both cordless trimming and guided edging. Skip it for large open areas where a wider cutting path is your main priority, and see our WORX WG163 review for more on its controls.

2

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX 2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger: Best for routine lawn upkeep

8.9/10Our score

• Automatic line feed
• Adjustable handle and height
• Wheeled edging conversion
• Battery and charger included

A cordless choice for regular grass trimming and sidewalk edges. Automatic line feed removes the need to bump the head, while handle and height adjustments help fit your stance.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Automatic line feed
• Converts to wheeled edger
• Wall-mountable charging base

Cons

• Only one battery included
• Narrower path than the corded picks

The BLACK+DECKER LST300 suits a regular mowing-and-trimming routine, especially if you prefer automatic line feed. You can focus on head position without bumping the spool or choosing when to press a feed button.

Its handle and height adjustments let you set the tool around your stance. Make those adjustments before starting, so you can guide the head without leaning forward or lifting your shoulders.

The kit includes one 2.0Ah battery and a wall-mountable charging base. Its battery works with compatible BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Powerconnect tools, which matters if you already use that system.

Choose it for grass upkeep and a switch to wheeled edging along sidewalks. It is also a sensible alternative to the WORX if automatic feeding better suits how you want to work.

Skip this kit if an included spare battery is essential. For a closer look at the adjustments and edging setup, read our BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX review.

3

BLACK+DECKER 5-Amp Corded Trimmer and Edger: Best for outlet-side lawn borders

7.1/10Our score

• 5-amp corded motor
• Automatic spool feed
• Wheeled edging conversion
• Built-in cord retention

Our highest-scoring corded choice suits lawn borders near an outlet. It combines automatic line feed, adjustable height and a wheeled edging mode without a battery charging routine.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Automatic spool feed
• Wheeled edging guide
• Adjustable height and handles

Cons

• Requires a suitable extension cord
• Cord routing can hinder movement

The BLACK+DECKER ST8600 is our strongest corded recommendation for routine trimming and guided edging. Its automatic spool feed and edging wheel suit buyers who want to move between grass and borders without managing battery charge.

Adjustable height and handles help fit the tool to your reach. Spend time setting them before judging how it carries, since a poor handle position can make a manageable tool feel awkward.

The built-in cord-retention system helps prevent accidental disconnection. Leave enough slack for normal movement, but keep the cable behind you and away from the head.

Choose this model for an open front lawn, sidewalk border or backyard strip with a clear route from an outlet. Its 13 in cutting width is a middle choice between the narrower battery picks and the widest corded option.

Skip it if reaching the work means dragging a cord through gates, around several beds or across a busy path. Those obstacles make cordless movement more useful than avoiding charge breaks.

4

Greenworks 24V 12-Inch Trimmer: Best for grass-only upkeep

7.0/10Our score

• Brushless motor
• Automatic line feed
• Adjustable 3-piece shaft
• Battery and USB-C charger included

A fit for buyers focused on grass trimming who want an adjustable cordless tool. Greenworks includes a battery and charger and backs both the tool and battery with a 3-year warranty.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Brushless motor
• Shaft adjusts for handling and storage
• Battery and charger included

Cons

• Weight figure excludes the battery
• Choose another pick for wheeled edging

The Greenworks ST1232 fits buyers focused on grass and light weeds, with shaft adjustment high on their checklist. Its brushless motor and auto-feed system come in a cordless package with a battery and charger.

The adjustable 3-piece shaft provides options for handling and storage. Set it to let the head reach the grass while you stand upright, rather than extending it farther than you need.

Greenworks gives a weight of 4.08 lb without the battery. Account for the installed battery when comparing carrying comfort, and avoid treating that figure as its ready-to-work weight.

The included 30W USB-C charger can charge the trimmer's battery and USB-C devices. Greenworks also backs the tool and battery with a 3-year warranty.

Choose it if you want a trimming-focused tool or already use compatible Greenworks 24V equipment. Skip it if wheeled edging is a firm requirement, since the WORX and several BLACK+DECKER choices provide that feature.

5

BLACK+DECKER 14-Inch Corded Trimmer: Best for open lawn strips

6.9/10Our score

• 6.5-amp motor
• 14 in cutting width
• Push-button EASYFEED
• Wheeled edging conversion

Choose this corded model for open strips of grass where a wider cutting path fits the space. Button-controlled line feed and an edging wheel help with the switch to lawn borders.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Widest cutting path here
• Push-button line feed
• Adjustable handle and height

Cons

• Requires a suitable extension cord
• Wider path needs clearance near plants

The BLACK+DECKER BESTE620 suits open grass strips where its 14 in cutting path has room to work. It has the widest path in this group and a 6.5-amp motor, but outlet access still determines whether it's a good fit.

EASYFEED advances line with a button. That control suits buyers who want to request more line themselves without bumping the head.

The tool rotates into a wheeled edging mode for lawn borders. Adjustable handle and height positions let you set your working stance for trimming before changing tasks.

Choose it for a yard with fewer tight gaps and a straightforward cord route. It makes more sense along an open fence line than between closely spaced flowers.

Skip it if your main task is detailed trimming around delicate planting. A narrower path can be easier to place in those spaces, and the wider sweep won't help if you're constantly holding it back from nearby plants.

6

BLACK+DECKER 4-Amp Corded Trimmer: Best for simple trimming routes

6.6/10Our score

• 4-amp motor
• 13 in cutting swath
• Automatic line feed
• Built-in auxiliary handle

A straightforward corded choice for grass and borders along an easy cord route. It offers automatic line feed and edging conversion, though the other BLACK+DECKER picks provide wheeled edging.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Automatic line feed
• Converts to an edger
• Auxiliary handle

Cons

• Requires a suitable extension cord
• Heavier than the other corded picks

The BLACK+DECKER BEST935 suits a simple trimming route near an outlet, with automatic feeding and an auxiliary handle. It also converts to an edger for finishing lawn borders.

This is a reasonable choice when you want basic grass upkeep and don't need the wheeled edging support found on the other BLACK+DECKER picks. Keep that difference in mind if edging is the biggest part of your work.

Its weight is about 6 lb, making it heavier than the other corded models here. A lower motor amp figure doesn't make a tool lighter, so compare carrying weight separately from electrical specifications.

Choose it for a short, clear route where the cord can stay behind you. The corded design removes the charging step, but cord setup remains part of every job.

Skip it if adjustable fit or a guided edging wheel drives your decision. The ST8600 offers those features and earns the higher place among our corded choices.

How do you choose the best electric string trimmer for your yard?

Map the trimming work before comparing power figures. The distance from an outlet, number of obstacles and type of growth will narrow your choices faster than voltage or motor amps alone.

Walk the route you normally trim after mowing. Include the far side of fences, the gaps behind beds and any separate patch that requires passing through a gate.

The best electric string trimmer for scattered work areas

Choose cordless when the work is spread out or the route changes direction often. Carrying a tool between separate areas is simpler when there's no cable to pull around each corner.

Plan charging around that route. A spare battery helps only when it's charged and compatible, and none of these kits comes with a runtime figure that establishes coverage for your yard.

For more choices, see our best battery string trimmers. Compare the full kit you need, including batteries and charger, rather than assuming every cordless option arrives ready for the same workload.

Corded tools for open routes near power

Choose corded when a suitable extension cord can reach the work without creating obstacles. A compact yard can still be awkward for a cord if beds, trees and gates divide the route.

Measure the actual cable path around obstacles. The straight-line distance from the outlet to the farthest corner can underestimate the cord length you need.

Follow the manual for cord gauge, maximum length and electrical protection. Use an outdoor-rated cord and a GFCI-protected outlet, and keep the tool and connections out of wet conditions.

Match the tool to the growth

These picks make the most sense for grass and routine weed upkeep. A neglected patch of tangled stems asks more of a tool than short grass left behind by the mower.

Don't choose by voltage alone or compare battery voltage directly with corded motor amps. Neither number gives a complete measure of cutting ability across different tools.

For heavy, woody growth, choose equipment suited to that material. Pushing a lawn trimmer into stems it can't cut cleanly wastes line and encourages rough handling.

Which cutting width, line feed and fit should you choose?

Pick a cutting path that fits your tightest regular task, then choose controls and adjustments you can use comfortably. A wider sweep helps in open grass but leaves less clearance beside plants.

The cordless models here have 12 in paths, while the corded choices span 13 to 14 in. That difference matters most along open strips, where each pass can use the full width.

Automatic or push-button line feed

Automatic feed suits buyers who want fewer feed decisions, while push-button systems let you request line yourself. Both approaches avoid bumping on the models included here.

Line wears faster against concrete, brick and wire than during clear grass cutting. If you're constantly feeding more, check whether you're scraping a hard surface rather than cutting just beside it.

Feed trouble isn't always a reason to replace the tool. Check for tangled line, an incorrectly seated spool or debris around the head before assuming the mechanism has failed.

Handle position and working weight

Fit matters as much as the number on a weight chart. You should be able to hold the tool with both hands, keep your shoulders relaxed and guide the head without bending your back.

Check whether a stated weight excludes the battery before making comparisons. Also consider how long you'll hold the tool and how often you need to reposition it around obstacles.

If carrying comfort is your main concern, our lightweight electric weed eater picks provide a narrower shortlist. Don't use a low weight figure to overlook a handle setup that doesn't suit your reach.

When is a 2-in-1 trimmer and edger useful?

Choose a 2-in-1 tool if you maintain both grass patches and lawn borders. A wheeled edging mode is especially useful along a sidewalk where you want support while following the edge.

The WORX and all four BLACK+DECKER models convert to edgers. The WORX, LST300, ST8600 and BESTE620 provide wheeled edging modes.

A string trimmer can tidy grass beside pavement, but it isn't a substitute for every border job. Reclaiming a deeply overgrown edge or cutting a new trench may call for a dedicated edging tool.

Keep each pass shallow and controlled rather than forcing the line into soil. Our guide to edging with a string trimmer explains how to position the head and follow a border.

How should you set up an electric string trimmer?

Fit the guard, adjust the tool and check the work area before starting. Good setup helps you control the cutting head and reduces interruptions once you're moving.

Read the manual for assembly and confirm that each fastener and shaft connection is secure. Don't remove the guard to expose more line, since it provides shielding and helps maintain the intended cutting length.

With the battery removed or cord unplugged, set the handle and shaft position. Hold the tool in your normal stance and check that you can reach the ground without stretching.

Wear eye protection, sturdy closed shoes and long pants. Follow the manual's hearing-protection guidance and keep other people and pets outside its stated clearance area.

Walk the grass for stones, wire, toys and loose debris. Clear anything the line could throw or wrap around the head, and move fragile objects away from the work.

For cordless tools, charge the battery with the compatible charger. For corded tools, inspect the cable for damage and use the cord-retention feature as directed.

How do you trim cleanly without wasting line?

Cut with the line tips and take small bites of grass. Forcing the entire head into thick growth slows the cut and makes the tool harder to guide.

Start beside the grass, bring the head up to its normal cutting speed and move into the edge gradually. Keep the head at a steady height so you don't shave the lawn down to soil.

Cut tall grass in stages from the top down. Trying to clear its full height in one low pass can wrap long stems around the head.

Watch where clippings travel and adjust your working position. Don't aim debris toward windows, vehicles, people or paths where someone may walk through.

Leave clearance around tree trunks, posts and flowers. String can damage bark and soft stems, so finish close detail by another method when you can't maintain a safe gap.

Our guide to using a string trimmer covers stance and cutting direction in more detail. Work in manageable sections so you can check the result before moving on.

What care and common mistakes matter most?

Disconnect power before clearing, cleaning or changing line. Remove the battery or unplug the cord, then wait for the head to stop fully before reaching near it.

Brush away grass after use, especially around the head and ventilation openings. Follow the manual for cleaning, and keep water away from the motor, charger and electrical connections.

Use the specified line type and diameter. Thicker line isn't a free power upgrade and can interfere with feeding or overload a tool designed for something smaller.

If you refill spools, follow the correct winding direction and avoid overfilling. Our guide to loading trimmer line explains the basic process and common spool problems.

Don't keep running a head that's tangled, vibrating unusually or struggling to turn. Stop, disconnect power and check for wrapped grass, loose parts or a spool issue.

Store the tool dry, and follow the battery instructions for storage temperature and charging. Keeping the charger ready and a suitable spare spool nearby prevents small maintenance tasks from delaying the next job.

Which electric string trimmer should you choose?

Choose the WORX WG163 for a small yard with mixed trimming and edging tasks. Pick the cordless BLACK+DECKER if automatic feeding and regular lawn upkeep matter more than an included spare battery.

Choose the ST8600 for a clear cord route and guided edging. Move to the BESTE620 when open grass strips make its wider path useful, or choose Greenworks when shaft adjustment and trimming are your priorities.

The best electric string trimmer is the one you can guide comfortably across your whole route. Before ordering, confirm power access, battery compatibility and whether your borders need an edging wheel.

If your yard needs a broader range of tools or cutting ability, our best string trimmers for home use compares options beyond these electric picks.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for small mixed yards

   WORX WG163 20V 2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger

   9.2/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for routine lawn upkeep

   BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX 2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger

   8.9/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for outlet-side lawn borders

   BLACK+DECKER 5-Amp Corded Trimmer and Edger

   7.1/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

Are cordless electric string trimmers powerful enough for a small yard?

Yes, cordless electric string trimmers suit regular grass trimming and light weeds in a small yard. Match the tool to the vegetation and the length of your trimming route.

Dense, neglected growth needs a different approach than weekly lawn upkeep, and battery count alone doesn't establish how long a charge will last.

Should you choose a corded or cordless electric string trimmer?

Choose cordless for scattered work areas and obstacles, or corded for an easy route within reach of an outlet. A corded tool avoids charging pauses but requires a suitable extension cord.

Our electric vs gas comparison explains the broader power choice if you're also considering a gas tool.

What cutting width should you get in an electric string trimmer?

Choose a narrower cutting path for tight spaces and a wider one for open strips of grass. Width describes the reach of the cutting line, so allow room around plants and young trees.

A wider head won't remove the need for careful passes, and it doesn't establish cutting strength by itself.

Can an electric string trimmer also edge a lawn?

Yes, the WORX and all four BLACK+DECKER picks here convert to edgers. Choose one of the wheeled models if you want support while following a sidewalk border.

A guide wheel helps position the tool, but you still control cutting depth and direction; our string trimmer edging guide explains the technique.