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Our top picks
Short on time? Our top recommendation is the Worx WG183 40V String Trimmer.
Compare
At a glance
The traits that separate these picks, side by side.
In depth
The 5 best, explained
Why each made the cut, where it falls short, and who should buy it.
Top pickWorx
Under 5 pounds, the lightest trimmer in this roundup and easiest to maneuver around small beds
- 13-inch dual-exit cutting head
- 40V PowerShare, 2 x 2.0Ah batteries included
- Under 5 pounds
- Pivoting head for edging
- Auto-feed line advance
✓ Pros
- Under 5 pounds, the lightest trimmer in this roundup and easiest to maneuver around small beds
- Two included batteries cover a small lot with plenty of runtime to spare
- PowerShare batteries cross over to other Worx yard tools if the collection grows
✕ Cons
- 13-inch swath would be limiting on anything beyond a small lot
- Auto-feed line advance occasionally over-feeds line
- Dual-exit head design is less common, replacement line spools can be pricier
Greenworks
Lowest price in this list while still covering small-yard trimming comfortably
- 12-inch cutting swath
- 40V lithium battery, 2.0Ah included
- Dual line auto-feed
- Variable speed trigger
- 3-year warranty
✓ Pros
- Lowest price in this list while still covering small-yard trimming comfortably
- 12-inch swath is proportionate to tight beds and small lots, not a real limitation at this scale
- 3-year warranty gives good peace of mind for infrequent use
✕ Cons
- 2.0Ah battery has the shortest runtime here, though it's adequate for a small lot
- Build quality feels a step below the EGO or Worx
- Variable speed trigger takes some practice to modulate smoothly
EGO
5Ah included. Keep in mind that heavier and pricier than dedicated compact models on this list.
- 15-inch cutting swath
- 56V ARC Lithium battery, 2.5Ah included
- Carbon fiber split shaft
- POWERLOAD auto-feed
- Compatible with EGO's broader 56V tool lineup
✓ Pros
- More cutting swath than strictly needed for a small yard, useful if the yard grows or changes
- 56V battery shares with EGO mowers, blowers, and other tools if the collection expands
- POWERLOAD auto-feed is a genuine convenience even on light, infrequent use
✕ Cons
- Heavier and pricier than dedicated compact models on this list
- More capacity than a genuinely small lot needs
- 56V battery platform is its own ecosystem, doesn't cross over to 40V tools
Husqvarna
No battery runtime limit, though irrelevant at small-yard scale
- 28cc 2-cycle gas engine
- 17-inch cutting swath
- Straight shaft
- Smart Start recoil system
✓ Pros
- No battery runtime limit, though irrelevant at small-yard scale
- Useful if you already have other gas equipment and mixed fuel on hand
✕ Cons
- Louder and heavier than any cordless model, a real downside in tight residential settings
- 17-inch swath and engine power are wasted capacity on a small lot
- Fuel mixing and carburetor upkeep are unnecessary hassle for light, occasional use
Greenworks
Wide 16-inch cutting path
✓ Pros
- Wide 16-inch cutting path
- 4.0Ah battery for longer runs
- Shares the Greenworks 40V platform
- Quieter than gas
✕ Cons
- Heavier than 24V trimmers
- Bump feed needs occasional rewinding
- Not as powerful as 56V+ models
How we chose these picks
Every pick below earned its place through documented strengths, verified specifications, consistent praise in reputable reviews, and owner-feedback patterns. We don't sell placements, and we don't invent test scores.
Mistakes buyers often make
- Choosing the cheapest option without checking warranty and support quality.
- Assuming all models work with your existing setup, verify compatibility first.
- Skipping the measurements: returns most often come from fit surprises.
- Chasing the newest release when last year's model does the same job for less.
How to choose: the factors that matter
- Capacity and sizing — Measure your space and your actual use before falling for bigger-is-better. The right size is the one that fits your routine, not the spec sheet's maximum.
- Build quality and materials — Heavier-gauge materials, tight tolerances, and solid joints outlast thin, rattly construction. In reviews, look for longevity comments over first-impression praise.
- Ease of use and setup — Clear instructions, intuitive controls, and minimal assembly separate daily drivers from garage ornaments.
- Maintenance and cleaning — Whatever you buy will need cleaning. Removable, dishwasher-safe, or wipe-clean parts get maintained; fiddly ones get neglected.
- Warranty and support — A multi-year warranty signals the manufacturer expects it to last. Check what's actually covered, motors and frames matter more than accessories.
The bottom line
There's no single 'best' here, only the best match for your situation. Start from your must-have features, then choose the least expensive pick that covers them.
FAQ
Common questions
What are the best string trimmers for small yards right now?
Our top pick is the Worx WG183 40V String Trimmer (top pick), because under 5 pounds, the lightest trimmer in this roundup and easiest to maneuver around small beds. The runner-up is the Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer, followed by the EGO Power+ ST1521S 15-Inch String Trimmer.
Is the Worx WG183 40V String Trimmer worth it?
For most buyers, yes. It ranks #1 in our string trimmers for small yards research, though 13-inch swath would be limiting on anything beyond a small lot.
What size battery trimmer is right for a small yard?
For a lot under a quarter acre, a 40V trimmer with a 2.0Ah battery is usually enough to finish trimming and edging on a single charge, with runtime to spare. There's little practical benefit to a larger 5.0Ah or 6.0Ah battery on a small property, since the extra runtime goes unused and the bigger pack adds weight to the tool.
Is a lighter trimmer always better for a small yard?
A small yard means more starting, stopping, and maneuvering around beds, trees, and furniture than sustained straight-line cutting. A lighter trimmer, generally under 6 pounds, is easier to control in those tight, stop-and-start conditions than a heavier model built for endurance on large properties.
Do I need a gas trimmer for a small yard?
Gas trimmers are built for runtime and power on larger properties, both of which are less relevant on a small lot. A battery trimmer starts instantly, needs no fuel mixing, and is quieter, which matters more in tighter residential settings close to neighbors.
How much storage space does a compact string trimmer need?
Most battery trimmers under 15 inches, like the Worx WG183 or Greenworks 40V 12-inch, store easily hung on a garage wall hook or in a closet corner. Models with a telescoping or folding shaft, w here available, save additional space for apartment or townhouse storage.
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