EGO Power+ ST1521S 56V
The EGO Power+ ST1521S 56V leads as a best-in-class battery trimmer with a high-voltage platform and brushless motor that deliver near-gas power and long runtime, making it ideal for homeowners who want gas-level performance without fumes or extra maintenance. It outperforms the 18V/20V electrics on torque and runtime and, while its upfront cost is higher than budget options like Ryobi and DeWalt, its lower operating costs and quieter operation are clear advantages over gas models such as Husqvarna and STIHL.
Cordless powerhouse
Whisper-quiet torque
Cordless powerhouse
Whisper-quiet torque
Review Summary
"Users praise the EGO ST1521S for near-gas power, long battery runtime, quiet operation and solid build quality, though it's expensive and batteries are sold separately. A minority report occasional line-feed or head issues after extended use."
Long-run stamina
56V brushless motor delivers strong cutting power and longer runtime for larger yards.
Long-run stamina
56V brushless motor delivers strong cutting power and longer runtime for larger yards.
Eco-Friendly Living
Time-Saving Convenience
The EGO Power+ ST1521S 56V leads as a best-in-class battery trimmer with a high-voltage platform and brushless motor that deliver near-gas power and long runtime, making it ideal for homeowners who want gas-level performance without fumes or extra maintenance. It outperforms the 18V/20V electrics on torque and runtime and, while its upfront cost is higher than budget options like Ryobi and DeWalt, its lower operating costs and quieter operation are clear advantages over gas models such as Husqvarna and STIHL.
Cordless powerhouse
Whisper-quiet torque
Long-run stamina
56V brushless motor delivers strong cutting power and longer runtime for larger yards.
15" cutting swath with power+ turbo mode for tackling thick grass and light brush.
Cordless powerhouse
Whisper-quiet torque
Long-run stamina
56V brushless motor delivers strong cutting power and longer runtime for larger yards.
15" cutting swath with power+ turbo mode for tackling thick grass and light brush.
STIHL FS 56 RC-E
The STIHL FS 56 RC-E is a market-leading light two-stroke trimmer known for dependable starting, durable construction, and professional ergonomics that make it a favorite for tougher jobs and frequent use. It delivers more continuous torque than 18V/20V battery trimmers and is typically more affordable than top-tier 56V battery systems for sustained heavy work, though it carries higher fuel and maintenance overhead compared with electric alternatives like EGO and DeWalt.
Pro-grade muscle
Easy electric start
Pro-grade muscle
Easy electric start
Review Summary
"Owners like the STIHL FS 56 RC-E for its lightweight, reliable gas power, easy starting and professional feel for homeowner use. Downsides commonly mentioned are the usual two-stroke maintenance, noise and a higher price compared with many cordless options."
Garden roar charm
Reliable small two-stroke engine designed for consistent performance in residential use.
Garden roar charm
Reliable small two-stroke engine designed for consistent performance in residential use.
Skill Development & Mastery
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
The STIHL FS 56 RC-E is a market-leading light two-stroke trimmer known for dependable starting, durable construction, and professional ergonomics that make it a favorite for tougher jobs and frequent use. It delivers more continuous torque than 18V/20V battery trimmers and is typically more affordable than top-tier 56V battery systems for sustained heavy work, though it carries higher fuel and maintenance overhead compared with electric alternatives like EGO and DeWalt.
Pro-grade muscle
Easy electric start
Garden roar charm
Reliable small two-stroke engine designed for consistent performance in residential use.
Ergonomic loop handle and user-friendly starting system make it easy to operate and maneuver.
Pro-grade muscle
Easy electric start
Garden roar charm
Reliable small two-stroke engine designed for consistent performance in residential use.
Ergonomic loop handle and user-friendly starting system make it easy to operate and maneuver.
DeWalt 20V MAX DCST922B
The DeWalt 20V MAX DCST922B offers a strong pro-sumer balance with a brushless motor and the widely adopted 20V MAX ecosystem, giving good power-to-weight performance and affordable battery compatibility. It provides noticeably better performance and runtime than 18V budget electrics such as Ryobi while remaining cleaner and lighter than gas options like Husqvarna and STIHL, though it cannot match the raw torque or sustained runtime of higher-voltage 56V systems like EGO.
Compact torque burst
Quick-clip head
Compact torque burst
Quick-clip head
Review Summary
"Reviewers appreciate the DeWalt DCST922B's compact brushless motor, instant on performance and compatibility with the 20V battery platform, but many say it's underpowered for heavy weeds and has a relatively small cutting swath. Battery and charger are not included, which some buyers note as a drawback."
Battery-system buddy
Brushless motor for efficient power delivery and improved runtime on DeWalt 20V platform.
Battery-system buddy
Brushless motor for efficient power delivery and improved runtime on DeWalt 20V platform.
Optimized Work Efficiency
Tech-Savvy Living
Time-Saving Convenience
The DeWalt 20V MAX DCST922B offers a strong pro-sumer balance with a brushless motor and the widely adopted 20V MAX ecosystem, giving good power-to-weight performance and affordable battery compatibility. It provides noticeably better performance and runtime than 18V budget electrics such as Ryobi while remaining cleaner and lighter than gas options like Husqvarna and STIHL, though it cannot match the raw torque or sustained runtime of higher-voltage 56V systems like EGO.
Compact torque burst
Quick-clip head
Battery-system buddy
Brushless motor for efficient power delivery and improved runtime on DeWalt 20V platform.
Compact, well-balanced design ideal for tight spaces and frequent use around the yard.
Compact torque burst
Quick-clip head
Battery-system buddy
Brushless motor for efficient power delivery and improved runtime on DeWalt 20V platform.
Compact, well-balanced design ideal for tight spaces and frequent use around the yard.
Husqvarna 128LD
The Husqvarna 128LD is a reliable entry-level gas trimmer that brings proven two-stroke power and long continuous run capability for larger yards and overgrown areas. It offers more brute force and longer uninterrupted operation than battery models from Ryobi and DeWalt and is often cheaper upfront than premium battery systems, but it requires fuel, more frequent maintenance, and produces greater noise and emissions compared with electric offerings such as EGO.
Featherweight power
Back-friendly buzz
Featherweight power
Back-friendly buzz
Review Summary
"Users find the Husqvarna 128LD dependable, affordable and easy to start with good torque for edging and trimming typical yard growth. Common complaints are that it's noisy, requires routine two-stroke maintenance and a few users report occasional carburetor or fuel-tuning needs."
Long-reach swing
Around 28cc two-stroke engine offering strong cutting performance for homeowner jobs.
Long-reach swing
Around 28cc two-stroke engine offering strong cutting performance for homeowner jobs.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Time-Saving Convenience
The Husqvarna 128LD is a reliable entry-level gas trimmer that brings proven two-stroke power and long continuous run capability for larger yards and overgrown areas. It offers more brute force and longer uninterrupted operation than battery models from Ryobi and DeWalt and is often cheaper upfront than premium battery systems, but it requires fuel, more frequent maintenance, and produces greater noise and emissions compared with electric offerings such as EGO.
Featherweight power
Back-friendly buzz
Long-reach swing
Around 28cc two-stroke engine offering strong cutting performance for homeowner jobs.
Adjustable shaft and comfortable handle layout for improved control and reduced fatigue.
Featherweight power
Back-friendly buzz
Long-reach swing
Around 28cc two-stroke engine offering strong cutting performance for homeowner jobs.
Adjustable shaft and comfortable handle layout for improved control and reduced fatigue.
Ryobi ONE+ 18V P2009A
The Ryobi ONE+ 18V P2009A is the budget-conscious choice that excels for light trimming and small yards thanks to the vast ONE+ battery ecosystem and low purchase price. It undercuts DeWalt and EGO on cost and offers convenient battery interchangeability for casual users, but it delivers less torque and shorter runtime than 20V and 56V competitors and is not as capable as gas models like Husqvarna and STIHL for heavy-duty cutting.
ONE+ battery magic
Budget-friendly buzz
ONE+ battery magic
Budget-friendly buzz
Review Summary
"Buyers like the Ryobi ONE+ P2009A for its low price, lightweight design and convenience within the ONE+ battery ecosystem, but most note it is underpowered for thick brush and has limited runtime on smaller batteries. The bump-feed head is also described as finicky by several users."
Quiet suburban stealth
Part of Ryobi ONE+ 18V system, letting you share batteries across many tools.
Quiet suburban stealth
Part of Ryobi ONE+ 18V system, letting you share batteries across many tools.
Eco-Friendly Living
Time-Saving Convenience
The Ryobi ONE+ 18V P2009A is the budget-conscious choice that excels for light trimming and small yards thanks to the vast ONE+ battery ecosystem and low purchase price. It undercuts DeWalt and EGO on cost and offers convenient battery interchangeability for casual users, but it delivers less torque and shorter runtime than 20V and 56V competitors and is not as capable as gas models like Husqvarna and STIHL for heavy-duty cutting.
ONE+ battery magic
Budget-friendly buzz
Quiet suburban stealth
Part of Ryobi ONE+ 18V system, letting you share batteries across many tools.
Lightweight and compact design suited for small yards and quick touch-ups.
ONE+ battery magic
Budget-friendly buzz
Quiet suburban stealth
Part of Ryobi ONE+ 18V system, letting you share batteries across many tools.
Lightweight and compact design suited for small yards and quick touch-ups.