I’ve spent the last few weeks testing some of the most popular electric lawn trimmers to see which ones are truly worth your money. As someone who has wrestled with overgrown grass, weeds that seem to come back overnight, and those tight corners around flower beds, I know how important it is to have a reliable trimmer. Gas trimmers can be heavy, noisy, and smelly, so I turned my focus to electric options. After putting these five models through real backyard tests, I’ve narrowed down which ones perform best for different needs.
A Few questions to Ask Yourself
- Do you need cordless freedom, or will a corded trimmer work fine for your yard size?
- How important is battery runtime if you go cordless?
- Do you prioritize lightweight handling or raw cutting power?
- Will you use it mainly for edging, trimming grass, or tackling thick weeds?
With that in mind, let’s get into the types of electric trimmers and then compare the best options.
Types of Electric Lawn Trimmers
| Type | Power Source | Best For | Downsides |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cordless (Battery) | Rechargeable battery | Medium to large yards, mobility, no cords | Limited runtime, batteries add cost |
| Corded Electric | Plug into outlet | Small yards, lightweight, unlimited runtime | Limited by cord length, less powerful than premium cordless |
| Hybrid (Trimmer + Edger) | Battery or corded | Versatile lawns with edging needs | Not always as strong as dedicated trimmers |
Our Top Picks by Category
| Category | Product |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Worx WG163 GT 3.0 Cordless String Trimmer |
| Best for Large Yards | Greenworks 40V Cordless String Trimmer |
| Most Powerful | EGO Power+ 15-Inch 56-Volt Cordless String Trimmer |
| Best Budget Cordless | BLACK+DECKER 6.5 Amp Electric String Trimmer |
| Best Budget Corded | CRAFTSMAN 5 Amp 14-Inch String Trimmer |
Detailed Hands-On Reviews
Worx WG163 GT 3.0 Cordless String Trimmer
Best For: Homeowners who want a lightweight, versatile cordless trimmer with edging capabilities.
Why We Like It:
This Worx trimmer doubles as both a string trimmer and an edger, making it ideal for lawns with sidewalks or garden edges. During testing, I found it extremely easy to switch between trimming and edging without tools. It’s very lightweight (about 5.3 lbs), which made it comfortable for extended use. The adjustable handle and telescoping shaft help if multiple people will use it.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Converts to an edger in seconds
- Comes with two batteries for longer runtime
- Adjustable handle and shaft
Cons
- Not as powerful for thick weeds
- Battery runtime is best for small to medium yards
Greenworks 40V Cordless String Trimmer
Best For: Medium to large yards where longer battery life matters.
Why We Like It:
The Greenworks 40V trimmer packs serious power for a battery model. The 40V battery lasted almost 40 minutes in my tests, which was enough to finish trimming my front and backyard in one go. The cutting width of 12 inches helps cover ground quickly, and the head rotates easily into an edger.
Pros
- Strong 40V battery with good runtime
- Wide cutting path speeds up trimming
- Lightweight but still powerful
- Quiet compared to gas models
Cons
- Heavier than smaller cordless models
- Batteries take a few hours to recharge
EGO Power+ 15-Inch 56-Volt Cordless String Trimmer
Best For: Large properties or users who want maximum power in a cordless trimmer.
Why We Like It:
This is hands down the most powerful cordless trimmer I tested. The 56V battery delivers performance close to gas trimmers without the fumes or noise. It easily handled thick, tall weeds that other trimmers struggled with. The 15-inch cutting swath is great for bigger yards, though it’s heavier than most.
Pros
- Outstanding power, rivals gas trimmers
- Long runtime with 56V battery
- 15-inch cutting width is great for large areas
- Well-built and durable
Cons
- Heavier than most cordless models
- More expensive than mid-range trimmers
BLACK+DECKER 6.5 Amp Electric String Trimmer
Best For: Budget-conscious buyers with small yards.
Why We Like It:
This is a simple, corded trimmer that does the job for smaller spaces. It’s lightweight and easy to handle, and you’ll never worry about battery charging. In my test, it was perfect for trimming around garden beds and fences, but not meant for tackling heavy weeds.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Lightweight and easy to use
- No battery charging needed
- Good for small yards
Cons
- Limited by cord length
- Lacks power for thick grass or weeds
CRAFTSMAN 5 Amp 14-Inch String Trimmer
Best For: Homeowners who want a reliable corded trimmer at a budget price.
Why We Like It:
The Craftsman CMEST913 gives you a 14-inch cutting width, which is surprisingly generous for its size. It handled regular grass trimming with no issues and even edged decently. It’s stronger than the BLACK+DECKER, making it a good step-up choice if you don’t mind dealing with an extension cord.
Pros
- Affordable yet strong for its category
- 14-inch cutting swath covers ground quickly
- Doubles as an edger
- Lightweight and comfortable
Cons
- Cord limits mobility
- Not designed for heavy-duty brush
Other Things to Consider
- Battery Life: Cordless models vary; 20V batteries are best for smaller yards, while 40V+ is better for larger spaces.
- Weight: Lightweight models are easier on the arms, but heavier trimmers often mean more power.
- Cutting Width: Wider swaths save time on larger lawns.
- Noise: All electric models are quieter than gas, but some cordless units with higher voltage can still be loud.
- Accessories: Some models include wheels for edging, adjustable shafts, or extra batteries.
- Price: Corded models are generally more affordable, while premium cordless trimmers can be a serious investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do cordless trimmer batteries last?
Most cordless trimmer batteries last between 20 and 45 minutes on a full charge, depending on the voltage and how tough the grass or weeds are. Larger batteries (40V–56V) tend to last longer but also take longer to recharge.
Can electric trimmers replace gas trimmers?
For most homeowners, yes. Electric trimmers, especially high-voltage cordless ones like the EGO Power+, deliver enough power for typical lawn care. However, if you frequently deal with dense brush or have acres of land, a gas trimmer may still outperform.
Do I need a corded or cordless model?
If your yard is small and you don’t mind an extension cord, a corded trimmer is lighter and cheaper. If you value mobility and don’t want to fuss with cords, go with cordless. Just be mindful of battery runtime.
What’s the difference between a trimmer and an edger?
A trimmer cuts grass and weeds in open areas and around obstacles, while an edger creates clean lines along sidewalks, driveways, or flower beds. Some trimmers (like the Worx and Craftsman models) easily convert into edgers.
How much should I spend on an electric trimmer?
Corded models can cost under $70, while premium cordless trimmers range from $150 to $300. Think about your lawn size, how often you’ll use it, and whether you need extra batteries before setting your budget.
Conclusion
After testing all five models, here’s what I recommend: If you want the best all-around balance of performance and ease of use, the Worx WG163 GT 3.0 is a fantastic choice. For bigger yards, the Greenworks 40V STBA40B210 gives you extended runtime, while the EGO Power+ 56V is unmatched in raw power. If you’re on a budget, the BLACK+DECKER BESTE620 is perfect for small yards, while the CRAFTSMAN CMEST913 gives a little extra strength in the corded category. The right choice really comes down to your yard size, how much power you need, and whether you prefer the freedom of cordless or the reliability of corded.
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