Our editors independently research the best products online to produce this list. We may receive commission on purchases made from the links below but this will never affect our product choices.
Our Favourites
Editors Choice: BLACK + DECKER 18V
Best with Fast Charger: WORX WG163E.2 20V
Best Value: Ryobi OLT1832 ONE+
Gardens are perfect places to relax on a summer evening; family BBQs, ball games with the kids, or even a couple of hours chilling out with a book. Gardens are wonderful recreational spaces that should be enjoyed to its full potential. But what happens when you have neglected your garden a little too long? Before you know it, there’s unruly foliage everywhere you look, and the path has been swallowed by overgrown grass. Then, it’s time to get your hands on the best cordless strimmer.
How We Compared Cordless Strimmers
To find the right cordless strimmers we considered multiple factors including:
- Battery type, power and capacity
- Versatility and blades
- Ease of use
Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.
To find out more about our process please see here.
Top 10 Cordless Strimmer Reviews
Which one should you choose? Today, we examine the top 10 strimmers on the market to help you get the right one for your needs. Let’s take a closer look at the list!
1. BLACK + DECKER 18V (Editor’s Choice)
The Black & Decker 18V Cordless strimmer is a great choice for keeping your lawn under control.
Able to cut up to 2,500 linear metres with just one charge, it is sure to make quick work of stubborn excess growth. However, some customers have mentioned the battery life diminishes with use, so this is worth bearing in mind if you plan to use it frequently.
Just like our previous strimmer, this model also features unique E-drive technology, allowing the user to target tougher vegetation without stopping up the system. Even so, a few users mentioned that very thick or wet growth posed a challenge to this trimmer. Cutting speed can be set between 5,500 and 7,400 rpm, so the user can easily boost plenty of power when it is needed most.
Moreover, if you need to tidy up those pesky edges around the lawn, the Black & Decker 18V Cordless strimmer also offers a ‘Trim n Edge’ feature. All you need to do is twist the pole to switch between trimming mode and edging mode. This makes creating a flawless looking lawn a piece of cake with only one device.
Fiddling about with line cutting is also a thing of the past with this strimmer. Its Automatic Feed System (AFS) recognises if the line is running low or becomes broken, and immediately dispenses more line – without disrupting the flow of your cutting.
The Black & Decker 18V Cordless strimmer has a fully adjustable second handle which gives the user better grip and more effective control. Its length can be amended for maximum comfort, simply by twisting the telescopic handle. While this strimmer is ergonomic, some users found it a little heavy.
- Can cut 2,500 linear metres on one charge
- 28cm cutting swathe
- E-drive technology
- Adjustable speed
- Automatic Feed System
- Trim’N’Edge Feature
- The battery may not last long before needing replacement
- Struggles to cut thick or wet growth
- Heavier than other cordless strimmers
2. WORX WG163E.2 20V (Best with Fast Charger)
Simplify the work of maintaining your garden with a lightweight and efficient strimmer from WORX. This 20-volt cordless trimmer requires no wiring to operate, so you can move around your garden more easily. Simply charge your device before you trim your grass, and you’ll be able to slice through weeds and overgrown grass in no time.
This 2-in-1 cordless trimmer from WORX is both a conventional string trimmer and wheel edger in one. There are even handy rubberised wheels to assist with guiding the edger, so you know you’re going to get cleaner cuts every time. An innovative push-button spool system makes it quick and easy to add your line to the system, and there’s a head that pivots up to 90 degrees, so you can trim on a slope.
Great for difficult-to-reach places and tough garden spaces, the WORX trimmer has it all. This cordless tool uses the same battery to power various other WORX tools as well. You may find that the motor is a little too weak for some tasks, however.
- Excellent 2-in-1 strimmer and edger
- Rubberised wheels for a cleaner cutting edge
- Pivoting head allows for better slope cutting
- Interchangeable battery with other WORX devices
- Simple spool system for adding trimmer line
- May not be the most powerful motor
- May require regular recharging as battery won’t last long
3. Ryobi OLT1832 ONE+ (Best Value)
The Ryobi OLT1832 ONE+ Cordless Grass Trimmer offers a versatile and efficient solution to challenging overgrowth.
Having a cutting spool width of between 25 and 30 cm, this acid green cordless strimmer enables you to slice through larger gardens fast. The width can be conveniently adjusted as required, allowing a high degree of control over the trimming action than with other grass trimmers.
Switching between trimming and edging is also super-easy thanks to innovative EasyEdge technology. Simply press the button on the head to swap from one mode to another, without having to interrupt your flow or use any additional garden tools. Some people found this model to be quite loud for residential areas, though.
An additional useful feature of the Ryobi OLT1832 ONE+ Cordless Grass Trimmer is the inclusion of a plastic shaft protector. Not only does this protector defend the user from flying debris, but it also keeps the auto spool wire at the optimal length.
Reaching tight spots is no trouble with this trimmer. The head can be set to three different positions, so you can get up close where it’s needed most. An adjustable telescopic handle and boom allow for comfortable handling for all users of different heights.
As this model is part of the wider Ryobi ONE+ tool system, it is supplied without a battery or charger. These will have to be purchased separately.
- 25-30 cm adjustable cutting swathe
- Auto feed spool system
- Plastic shaft protector
- EasyEdge Technology
- Adjustable head, handle and boom
- Battery not included
- Quite loud compared to other cordless strimmers
- Basic user manual
4. Worx WG163E.1 18V 20V (Best Multi-Functional)
The Worx WG163E.1 18V 20V Max cordless grass trimmer is another super functional cordless trimmer, showcasing an incredible 3 power tools in 1 for the ultimate in gardening bliss.
Combining a mini-mower, edger and grass trimmer into one device, the Worx WG163E.1 allows the user to switch between cutting modes quickly and easily, without having to stop and take it apart.
As if this wasn’t convenient enough, any interruptions to your trimming are also thwarted by the ‘command feed’ function. If you feel the need for more cutting spool, simply press a button to instantly dispense more as required. The 30cm cutting range for this trimmer is. A fully charged battery will last around 40 minutes.
The cutting head of the Worx WG163E.1 18V 20V Max Cordless Grass Trimmer can be easily angled anywhere between 0 and 90 degrees, so working under garden furniture, hedges or sloping lawns is a piece of cake. Two wheels are attached to optimise manoeuvrability and balance when cutting precise edges along footpaths or flowerbeds.
- 3 in 1 functionality
- No tools required to switch between modes
- Command feed function
- 30cm cutting range
- Head can be angled between 0-90 degrees
- Trimmings are flung towards the user
- Instruction manual is hard to follow
5. Bosch UniversalGrassCut 18 (Most Ergonomic)
Created by Bosch, this wireless grass trimmer promises flexible and versatile garden maintenance when you need it most. This powerful tool can handle a wide selection of tasks, including getting rid of excess grass around benches, along paths, and over driveways. You can easily adjust the performance with the foot pedal or use the handles for an edging function.
This convenient Bosch grass trimmer comes with a powerful 2.5 Ah battery and charge system, compatible with various tools. You can handle a variety of tasks with an easy-to-grip construction that makes it simple to get into complicated places. The back-friendly and ergonomic design comes with a V-shape handle, and you can enjoy continuous trimming without the need for any adjustments.
The intelligent spool line feeding system makes it quick and easy to feed the speed line to the best cutting width. If you’re looking for a simple and lightweight tool that makes cutting the grass easy, Bosch has you covered. There’s even height adjustment functionality so you can get the fit that’s right for you.
Just keep in mind that this device struggles with cutting tall, thick grass. Moreover, the height adjustment is not long enough for taller people.
- Flexible head adjusts for edging and trimming
- Intelligent spool line feeding system
- Convenient ergonomic V-shape handle and height adjustment
- Lightweight for better comfort while you work
- Versatile 18V battery that can be used with other tools
- May be too short for some taller people
- May not have the highest motor performance
6. Bosch 06008C1C01 EasyGrassCut (Best for Small Gardens)
The EasyGrassCut is a powerful gardening tool from Bosch, offering cordless performance with exceptional reach. This easy-to-use grass trimmer is ideal for smaller projects in your garden. It’s perfect for trimming around plants or getting rid of the extra grass near your pavement.
Lightweight and ergonomic, the Bosch 06008C1C01 helps you to get the most out of your garden with a convenient design, and a powerful motor. The system that constantly feeds the line every time you release the trigger provides you with a consistent strimming. You can also convert the strimmer into an edger with a simple click of a button.
The dual handle on the top of the strimmer makes it even easier to have complete control when you’re dealing with pavement weeds and unwanted grass. Plus, it uses Bosch’s 18V universal battery that can be utilised in a wide range of Bosch’s home and garden equipment. One downside, however, is that you do need to buy the battery for this tool separately. Another issue that some customers had was that it’s quite challenging to assemble.
- Excellent strimming and edging
- Continuous feed for consistent strimming
- Great dual handle control
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Converts into an edger with one button
- The instructions aren’t particularly good
- Battery needs purchasing separately
7. Greenworks Battery Lawn Trimmer (Most Powerful)
A convenient and reliable way to keep your lawn in shape, the Greenworks battery-operated grass trimmer delivers incredible power from a 40V battery. With the touch of a button, you can begin tidying up your yard in seconds, with no need to worry about cables and wires getting in the way. The battery and charger are included as part of the purchase.
This thread trimmer comes with an automatic feed of 1.65mm, so you don’t have to constantly pull the thread from the roll by hand. Another convenient feature is the two-part aluminium rod with a steel connection. You can easily reach difficult spaces with this long-reach trimmer and use the rotating handle to get a precise edge on your grass.
Offering around 7000 revolutions per minute, the Greenworks battery trimmer is a perfect option for homeowners that want to make light work of tough garden jobs. What’s more, you can even use the battery on this trimmer with other Greenworks products!
One slight downside to this product is that there are no specific edging facilities to help you get the perfect cut around a driveway or path. Additionally, some customers found that this product is a little heavier and more tiring to use than other models.
- Easy start and performance
- Great long-reach rod for getting tricky areas
- Rotating handle
- 30cm cutting width with 7000 revolutions per minute
- Universal battery
- No dedicated edging tools
- Quite heavy and tiring to use
8. WORX WG927E (Best Lightweight)
The WORX WG157E cordless strimmer is an 18-volt solution for keeping your garden in pristine condition. This convenient and lightweight strimmer can tackle a range of jobs. It even converts into a wireless edger to help you neaten the edges of your pavements and driveways.
With an ergonomically designed handle, the WORX delivers comfort on the job. The easy-grip system means that you can maintain absolute accuracy when you’re trimming. There’s even a hassle-free automatic system for your line feed, too.
Durable and reliable, the WORX WG157E will give you the excellent and fast-paced performance you need to make the most of your garden. The rotating head provides more freedom of movement. Additionally, when you turn the head a full 180 degrees, you get an edger perfect for finishing touches around your pavements. The WG915E even has an extra-long shaft for ease of use when tackling hard-to-reach areas. Unfortunately, the battery life may not last long when cutting damp and long grass.
- Converts from trimmer to edger in seconds
- Ergonomic handle for better control
- Automatic single line feed
- Rotating head
- Weighs around 2.62 kg
- Doesn’t last very long on a full charge
- May not include a plant guard
9. Makita DUR181Z (Best with Safety Features)
The Makita DUR181Z 18V (body only) cordless trimmer makes tackling your jungle of a garden a breeze.
This cordless strimmer has a pivoting head, angle adjustability, 26 cm width and an impressive 7,800 rpm speed. It is important to note that this trimmer is sold as “model only”, which means it is supplied without a battery. It is however compatible with 1.5, 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0Ah lithium-ion batteries, which are generally easy to source. A 3.0Ah lithium battery should provide around 45 minutes runtime.
Once fitted, the battery sits underneath the handle, in a position that reduces strain and fatigue during use. The battery is protected from high temperatures, over-discharge and overload currents by the built-in protection circuit. When power begins to run low, a warning light notifies the user they need to recharge. That means you will never be caught by surprise halfway through the lawn.
The Makita DUR181Z 18V Body Only Cordless Trimmer cuts using a nylon cord spool. Should you need to dispense more cord, simply “bump” the head onto the ground to initiate the cord feed.
If you need to tidy up over-growth in cramped areas, the cutting head can be adjusted to 5 different positions, allowing freedom of movement to reach small spaces. However, some people found that the head was prone to getting stuck in one position.
A great choice for gardeners that are tall, this cordless trimmer also offers a telescopic shaft that can extend between 123 and 143 cm to allow better posture during use.
- 7,800 rpm speed
- Pivoting head
- Extends to 143 cm in length
- Battery protection circuit
- Low power indicator light
- Struggles with tougher vegetation than other cordless strimmers
- Doesn’t include battery
- Adjustable angle head sometimes gets stuck
10. BLACK + DECKER 36V (Best for Large Gardens)
The Black & Decker 36V Lithium-Ion battery cordless strimmer has a powerful battery capable of cutting larger gardens effectively, without needing a recharge.
Tall grass and tougher growth are quickly obliterated using turbo mode. On the other hand, easier tasks can be accomplished using the eco mode for an even longer battery life. In fact, this model is able to trim up to an astonishing 3,750 metres with a single full charge.
Furthermore, the formidable Lithium-Ion battery is backed up by innovative E-drive technology. Its high-torque gear system enables this strimmer to tackle dense growth without failing. This is just perfect if you have let your garden grow wild for some time. Overgrown areas are rapidly cut down to size due to the large cutting swathe of 30 cm and super-fast cutting speed.
The Black + Decker 36V Lithium-Ion battery strimmer is ergonomically designed with a telescopic handle, which provides comfort and ease of use during gardening tasks. As the head and handle are made from plastic, it is also lightweight, weighing only 3.5 kg. So, it should not cause fatigue for most individuals. However, its design does lend itself to easy wear.
You don’t need to worry about manual spool release with this cordless strimmer. The Black & Decker 36V Lithium-Ion battery strimmer uses a convenient automatic single line feed system, called “AFS” or “Auto Feed System” which will intelligently release more spool as it is needed. Some users commented that this feature is a little unreliable, though.
- Powerful battery 30 minutes worth of work
- 30cm cutting swathe
- Two modes
- E-drive technology and turbo mode
- Lightweight telescopic handle & ergonomic
- AFS system
- Battery doesn’t last long before replacement is required
- AFS system is unreliable
- Plastic housing is prone to wear
How To Choose The Best Cordless Strimmer for You
Most people would rather sit back, relax and have some iced drink from their best juicer rather than do some domestic landscape maintenance. Power tools like pressure washers and cordless trimmers are designed to help homeowners get the job done and cut work time immensely. Here is a short buying guide to discuss some of the most important factors you should consider when you buy a cordless strimmer.
Battery Type, Power & Capacity
When it comes to a rechargeable strimmer, most are powered by lithium-ion batteries. These batteries are considered to be the best choice over other options, such as nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) or nickel-cadmium (NiCAD) batteries.
Lithium-ion batteries are able to hold their charge for longer when stored, without dissipating power. They are also capable of being charged whether they are completely flat or not, without the risk of causing damage to the cells. Lithium-ion batteries are also much easier to source.
Voltage is another consideration. The higher the voltage, the more powerful the strimmer. This should be considered alongside the Amp Hour rating (Ah), which determines how long the battery will last between charges. The higher the number, the longer it will last. This is a definite advantage when you are fighting a large, overgrown garden!
Versatility & Blades
If you have more than just a lawn to take care of, you may wish to consider a versatile cordless grass strimmer that can deal with hedges and edging too. Some models will come with extra blade attachments for hedge trimming. Others will also have wheels and special settings for a precise cut along walls and fencing.
It is worth bearing in mind that multifunctional models may not excel at any one function, though. These types of cordless trimmers are usually best used for regular and light maintenance, rather than heavy-duty work.
The type of cutting method is also important. Most trimmers will use nylon cord or nylon blades to slice through foliage. Cord tends to have a wider reach and is designed to snap should it encounter anything hard, whereas nylon blades will chip and wear.
Many manufacturers will offer their own replacement blades or cord. Bosch strimmers are known for this.
Lastly, when looking at cord cut trimmers, it is worthwhile considering the mechanism for feeding out new line as it wears down. This is usually one of the following three options below.
Feed mechanisms:
- Bump Feed – Strimmer head is “bumped” on the ground by the user to dispense more cord.
- Manual Feed – User must stop the machine and pull out more cord themselves before restarting.
- Automatic Feed – Strimmer detects when more cord is required, or the user presses a button to release more cord. This is the best option for convenience and speed.
Ease of Use
As with any product, ease of use is a major deciding factor for most people and cordless strimmers are no exception.
Many of us will have heard of someone pulling a muscle or straining their back due to wrestling an unwieldy tool in the garden, so it is important that you get a new strimmer that will not leave you feeling sore the next day.
Lightweight options help to avoid fatigue for senior people or those who have larger gardens. Telescopic extendable shafts are also a common feature, but the lengths can vary dramatically. If you are an individual on the taller side, it is certainly worth it to get a model which has greater adjustability to avoid back strain. Back strain can easily happen when you bend over an extended period. Additionally, a few trimmers offer adjustable heads which can be angled through 90-degrees to allow more comfortable access to tighter areas like under hedges or decking.
Which Makes the Cut?
All of the cordless strimmers in this review would make great power tools for all but the wildest of gardens. However, if we had to decide upon a favourite, it would have to be the BLACK + DECKER 18V Strimmer.
As the best cordless strimmer on our list, we love how this model offers two power modes which are eco mode and turbo mode and can obliterate up to 2,500 metres of growth in one charge. The generous 28cm cutting width is backed up by its high torque ‘E-drive technology’ that enables you to battle through dense, tough growth without shuddering to a halt.
As if this wasn’t enough, it also features an automatic single line feed system and is amazingly lightweight at only 2.6 kg. Overall, we think that the BLACK + DECKER 18V strimmer is truly a fantastic strimmer for keeping your garden looking its best.
Additional Resources
Paul is the type of person who never met a problem he couldn’t fix. He can always be found tinkering with something in his house, even if it isn’t broken! His tips and tricks are often shared on our site. He’s the one you call when something breaks because he has been known to improvise fixes for everything from leaky faucets to malfunctioning dryers.