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String Trimmers · Best picks

Best String Trimmers for Small Yards: Compact and Lightweight Picks

Our research-backed shortlist of the 5 best String trimmers for 2026, what each pick does well, where it falls short, and who should buy it.

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Our top picks

Short on time? Our top recommendation is the Worx WG183 40V String Trimmer (top pick). Here's how the shortlist breaks down.

  1. Worx WG183 40V String Trimmer

    #1 · Top pick

    Worx WG183 40V String Trimmer

    Under 5 pounds, the lightest trimmer in this roundup and easiest to maneuver around small beds

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  2. Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer

    #2

    Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer

    Lowest price in this list while still covering small-yard trimming comfortably

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  3. EGO Power+ ST1521S 15-Inch String Trimmer

    #3

    EGO Power+ ST1521S 15-Inch String Trimmer

    More cutting swath than strictly needed for a small yard, useful if the yard grows or changes

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  4. Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer

    #4

    Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer

    No battery runtime limit, though irrelevant at small-yard scale

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  5. Greenworks 40V 16" Cordless String Trimmer (4.0Ah Kit)

    #5

    Greenworks 40V 16" Cordless String Trimmer (4.0Ah Kit)

    Wide 16-inch cutting path

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At a glance

The specs and traits that separate these picks, side by side.

How to read this table
Why it stands out: its biggest strength
Keep in mind: the main trade-off
Best for: the buyer it suits
Comparison: Best String Trimmers for Small Yards: Compact and Lightweight Picks
PickWhy it stands outKeep in mindBest forPrice
Worx WG183 40V String Trimmer product photo
Worx WG183 40V String Trimmer		Under 5 pounds, the lightest trimmer in this roundup and easiest to maneuver around small beds13-inch swath would be limiting on anything beyond a small lotsmall yardsCheck price
Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer product photo
Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer		Lowest price in this list while still covering small-yard trimming comfortably2.0Ah battery has the shortest runtime here, though it's adequate for a small lotsmall yardsCheck price
EGO Power+ ST1521S 15-Inch String Trimmer product photo
EGO Power+ ST1521S 15-Inch String Trimmer		More cutting swath than strictly needed for a small yard, useful if the yard grows or changesHeavier and pricier than dedicated compact models on this listsmall yardsCheck price
Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer product photo
Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer		No battery runtime limit, though irrelevant at small-yard scaleLouder and heavier than any cordless model, a real downside in tight residential settingssmall yardsCheck price
In depth

The 5 best string trimmers, explained

Why each made the cut, where it falls short, and who it suits best.

Worx WG183 40V String Trimmer
Top pick

1. Worx WG183 40V String Trimmer

Worx

  • 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

Best for: small yards

Product details Check price on Amazon
Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer

2. Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer

Greenworks

  • 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

Best for: small yards

Product details Check price on Amazon
EGO Power+ ST1521S 15-Inch String Trimmer

3. EGO Power+ ST1521S 15-Inch String Trimmer

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

Best for: small yards

Product details Check price on Amazon
Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer

4. Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer

Husqvarna

Not recommended for small yards specifically. It stands out for no battery runtime limit, though irrelevant at small-yard scale and useful if you already have other gas equipment and mixed fuel on hand. Keep in mind that louder and heavier than any cordless model, a real downside in tight residential settings.

  • 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

Best for: small yards

Product details Check price on Amazon
Head-to-head

Compare the top picks

Torn between our leading picks? These side-by-side comparisons settle it.

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 we chose these picks

  • We started from manufacturer specifications and feature lists, the verifiable foundation.
  • We weighed reputable independent reviews from established tech and consumer publications.
  • We read large volumes of verified-owner feedback to find patterns in reliability and satisfaction.
  • We scored value: what you get for the price, not just absolute performance.
  • We excluded products with thin, suspicious, or heavily incentivized review profiles.

We don't claim hands-on testing we haven't done. Assessments synthesize manufacturer specifications, reputable independent reviews and documented owner feedback. Read our methodology.

Before you buy

Buying guide

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.

Answers

Frequently asked 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, where available, save additional space for apartment or townhouse storage.

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