String Trimmers for Edges Mowers Cannot Reach
The EGO Power+ ST1521S leads this comparison with strong cutting power, a wide swath and cordless convenience that rivals gas trimmers. The Worx WG163 suits buyers who want a lighter, budget-friendly cordless option, while the Husqvarna 128LD fits larger properties needing gas-powered runtime without battery limits.
The EGO Power+ ST1521S earns the top spot because its 56V battery delivers cutting power close to a gas trimmer without the fumes, pull cord or regular maintenance gas engines need. Its main limitation is battery dependency, since runtime eventually ends and the trimmer needs a recharge before finishing a large yard.
We compared published cutting width, battery voltage, runtime and weight specs across each trimmer rather than running our own yard tests.
The shortlist, ranked
EGO Power+ ST1521S 56V Cordless String Trimmer
A 56V battery system delivers torque close to a gas trimmer, handling thick grass and light weeds without bogging down. A 15-inch cutting width covers ground faster than narrower consumer trimmers, cutting down the number of passes needed. Automatic line feed keeps the trimmer running without stopping to manually advance the line.
Pros
- Cutting power rivals gas trimmers without fumes or pull cords
- Wide 15-inch cutting swath reduces the number of passes
- Automatic line feed avoids manual bump feeding
Cons
- Runtime is limited by battery charge, unlike gas trimmers
- Heavier than smaller 20V cordless trimmers
Worx WG163 GT 3.0 20V Cordless Trimmer
A lighter 20V battery keeps this trimmer affordable and easy to handle for shorter sessions around smaller yards. It converts between trimmer and edger modes, covering two tasks most budget trimmers only handle one of. Cutting width stays narrower than higher voltage trimmers, meaning more passes on larger lawns.
Pros
- Lower price than higher voltage cordless trimmers
- Converts to an edger without a separate tool
- Lightweight design is easy to handle for shorter sessions
Cons
- Narrower cutting width means more passes on larger lawns
- Lower voltage battery has less torque for thick growth
Ryobi RY40270 40V Expand-It String Trimmer
Ryobi’s Expand-It system lets this trimmer’s power head swap onto edgers, blowers and other attachments, extending its value beyond trimming alone. A 40V battery provides enough torque for moderate grass and weed growth around fences and beds. Adjustable cutting width lets users dial in coverage versus battery conservation.
Pros
- Expand-It system shares a power head across multiple attachments
- Adjustable cutting width balances coverage and battery life
- 40V battery handles moderate growth without bogging down
Cons
- Attachments sold separately add to overall cost
- Heavier than base-level 20V trimmers when fully assembled
Black+Decker LST136W 40V String Trimmer
Despite a 40V battery, this trimmer keeps overall weight low enough for extended use without arm fatigue. An automatic feed spool system advances the line without bumping it against the ground. Cutting width covers typical suburban lawn edges without feeling underpowered on light to moderate grass.
Pros
- Lightweight build reduces arm fatigue during extended use
- Automatic feed spool avoids manual line bumping
- 40V battery offers solid power for its weight class
Cons
- Cutting width is narrower than the EGO Power+ ST1521S
- Battery runtime is shorter than higher capacity trimmer batteries
Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer
A gas engine removes any battery runtime limit, letting this trimmer run continuously as long as fuel lasts, which suits larger properties. Detachable shaft design lets the same power head accept other Husqvarna attachments. Manual line feed trades some convenience for mechanical simplicity over automatic feed systems.
Pros
- No battery runtime limit, suited to large properties
- Detachable shaft accepts other Husqvarna attachments
- Wide 17-inch cutting width covers ground quickly
Cons
- Requires fuel mixing and regular engine maintenance
- Heavier and louder than cordless electric trimmers
Greenworks 21342 40V Cordless String Trimmer
A 40V battery system delivers moderate cutting power at a lower price point than premium cordless trimmers like the EGO Power+ ST1521S. Adjustable cutting width and a telescoping shaft help fit the trimmer to different user heights and lawn sizes. It skips some premium features to keep overall cost down.
Pros
- Lower price than premium 40V and 56V cordless trimmers
- Telescoping shaft adjusts to different user heights
- 40V battery covers typical suburban lawn needs
Cons
- Narrower cutting width than higher-end cordless models
- Battery capacity is smaller than premium trimmer batteries
Craftsman WS2200 Gas Trimmer
A gas engine gives this trimmer unlimited runtime for tackling large properties without stopping for a recharge. A straight shaft design improves reach under bushes and around obstacles compared to curved shaft trimmers. It requires more regular maintenance than cordless alternatives, including fuel mixing and air filter checks.
Pros
- Unlimited runtime suits large properties without recharging
- Straight shaft improves reach under bushes and obstacles
- Wide cutting width covers ground efficiently
Cons
- Requires fuel mixing and more frequent maintenance than cordless models
- Heavier and louder than battery powered trimmers
What matters most
What to look for in a string trimmer Power source sets the baseline tradeoff between runtime and convenience, with gas trimmers running until they run out of fuel and cordless models limited by battery charge. Cutting width determines how many passes a lawn needs, with wider swaths covering ground faster. Weight and shaft design then decide how comfortable a trimmer feels over an extended session.
Cordless versus gas trimmers Cordless models like the EGO Power+ ST1521S and Black+Decker LST136W skip fuel mixing and pull cords, starting instantly at the push of a button. Gas trimmers like the Husqvarna 128LD and Craftsman WS2200 offer unlimited runtime, which matters most on large properties where a battery would run out mid-task. Smaller suburban yards rarely need gas power once a quality cordless trimmer is in the mix.
Battery voltage and cutting power Higher voltage batteries, like the 56V system in the EGO Power+ ST1521S, generally deliver more torque for thick grass and light weeds than 20V systems like the Worx WG163. Mid-range 40V trimmers, including the Ryobi RY40270 and Greenworks 21342, split the difference between power and battery weight. Buyers with mostly light grass can save weight and cost by choosing a lower voltage trimmer.
Attachment systems and long-term value Trimmers built around an attachment system, like the Ryobi RY40270’s Expand-It compatibility and the Husqvarna 128LD’s detachable shaft, let one power head run multiple yard tools over time. This adds long-term value for anyone willing to buy attachments separately. Standalone trimmers like the Worx WG163 keep things simpler but offer no attachment expansion path.
Compared at a glance
| # | Model | Power Source | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EGO Power+ ST1521S 56V Cordless String Trimmer | 56V battery | Best Overall | 9.1 | Check price |
| 2 | Worx WG163 GT 3.0 20V Cordless Trimmer | 20V battery | Best Budget | 8.5 | Check price |
| 3 | Ryobi RY40270 40V Expand-It String Trimmer | 40V battery | Best for Attachments | 8.7 | Check price |
| 4 | Black+Decker LST136W 40V String Trimmer | 40V battery | Best for Lightweight Use | 8.4 | Check price |
| 5 | Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer | Gas, 2-cycle engine | Best Gas-Powered | 8.6 | Check price |
| 6 | Greenworks 21342 40V Cordless String Trimmer | 40V battery | Best Value Cordless | 8.3 | Check price |
| 7 | Craftsman WS2200 Gas Trimmer | Gas, 2-cycle engine | Best for Large Properties | 8.2 | Check price |
Common questions
Is a cordless or gas string trimmer better?
Cordless trimmers like the EGO Power+ ST1521S suit smaller to mid-size yards, while gas trimmers like the Husqvarna 128LD suit large properties needing unlimited runtime.
What cutting width is best for a string trimmer?
Wider cutting widths, like the 17 inches on the Husqvarna 128LD, cover ground faster than narrower trimmers like the 12-inch Worx WG163.
How long does a cordless string trimmer battery last?
Runtime varies by voltage and battery size, with higher voltage systems like the EGO Power+ ST1521S generally running longer than smaller 20V batteries.
Can a string trimmer convert into an edger?
Some models, including the Worx WG163, convert between trimmer and edger modes without needing a separate tool.
What does Expand-It mean on a Ryobi trimmer?
Expand-It refers to Ryobi’s attachment system, letting the RY40270’s power head swap onto edgers, blowers and other tools.
Do gas string trimmers need special fuel?
Most 2-cycle gas trimmers, like the Husqvarna 128LD and Craftsman WS2200, require a specific gas and oil mixture rather than straight gasoline.
What weight is comfortable for a string trimmer?
Trimmers around 6 to 9 pounds, like the Black+Decker LST136W and Greenworks 21342, generally feel more comfortable over extended use than heavier gas models.
Is automatic line feed better than manual feed?
Automatic line feed, found on the EGO Power+ ST1521S and Black+Decker LST136W, avoids manually bumping the trimmer head to advance the line.
How much battery voltage does a string trimmer need for thick weeds?
Higher voltage systems, such as the 56V EGO Power+ ST1521S, handle thick weeds and grass better than lower voltage 20V trimmers like the Worx WG163.
Our take
Most suburban yards get the best balance of power and convenience from the EGO Power+ ST1521S, which cuts close to gas trimmer performance without the maintenance. Buyers with a large property who do not want to manage battery runtime should choose the Husqvarna 128LD instead for its unlimited gas-powered runtime. Anyone on a tight budget with a small yard should skip higher voltage trimmers entirely and pick the Worx WG163.
Sierra Daniels
Sierra's background is in landscape design and nursery retail. She focuses on lawn and garden equipment, outdoor furniture and gear durability, weighing published specs against how materials actually hold up outside.
