Most string trimmer guides rank by power tier, so the word “lightweight” ends up meaning anything from 5 pounds to 13 pounds on the same page. That is useless if you are the one carrying it around a small yard on a Saturday morning. So we did it the other way around: we set a hard ceiling of 10 pounds of tool weight, then picked the ten trimmers that clear it.
This roundup of the best lightweight string trimmers for women is organized around two numbers that actually decide the purchase: the weight of the tool with a battery installed, and the shaft length compared to the height of the person holding it. Everything else, from cutting width to line feed, is secondary to whether the thing is comfortable in your hands for the full 30 minutes of a yard session.
We spent six weeks comparing ten trimmers across battery, corded and combo platforms, reading several thousand owner reviews, and mapping each shaft to a range of operator heights. We also pulled in real user language from yard care forums, because the complaints there are more specific than anything a spec sheet tells you. If you want the full power tier breakdown instead, our guides to the best string trimmers and the best cordless string trimmers cover the heavy end of the market.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Lightweight String Trimmers for Women in 2026
These three earned the top slots. The first is the best lightweight string trimmer for women overall, the second is the one to buy if you want the most capability per dollar, and the third is the simplest tool on the list to learn.
WORX 20V 12-Inch WG163 2-in-1
- 5.5 lb tool weight
- Command Feed push button
- 90-degree tilting head
- Two 20V batteries included
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX LSTE52…
- 5.3 lb tool weight
- EASYFEED button feed
- Two-speed control
- Two batteries included
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX LST300…
- 5.7 lb tool weight
- Automatic Feed Spool
- 2-in-1 trim and edge
- Two-year limited warranty
All 10 Picks at a Glance in 2026
Weight is the first consideration on purpose. Everything below is a tool under 10 pounds, with package weight noted where a product comes as a combo. Read the table top to bottom and you can see the whole shape of the market: a dense cluster of cordless tools in the 4 to 6 pound range, and a thinner tier of corded and combo tools above 8.
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| WORX 20V 12-Inch WG163 2-in-1 |
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Check Latest Price |
| BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX LSTE525 12-Inch |
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| BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX LST300 12-Inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Greenworks 40V Trimmer and Blower Combo |
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 WORX 20V 10-Inch WG154 |
|
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 EGO POWER+ 16-Inch ST1623T |
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 Sun Joe 13-Inch TRJ13STE Corded |
|
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 Ryobi ONE+ 18V P2030 10-Inch |
|
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 CRAFTSMAN 14-Inch CMEST913 Corded |
|
Check Latest Price |
 BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM 3-in-1 Corded |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. WORX 20V 12-Inch WG163 2-in-1: Best Lightweight String Trimmer Overall
WORX 20V 12″ 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer & Electric Lawn Edger, WG163
5.5 lb tool weight
12-inch cutting width
7600 rpm
Two 20V batteries and charger included
Pros
- Very light at 5.5 lb
- comfortable with shoulder or back trouble
- Two batteries included and most owners finish a yard on one charge
- Command Feed line advance is quick and easy
- Adjustable guard prevents dinging nearby objects
- Quiet with no gas
- oil or pull cord
Cons
- Command Feed dispenses a shorter length of line than some owners want
- Included charger is slow
- Not for thick woody overgrowth or small saplings
Weighs 5.5 pounds and has the largest review base in this roundup by a wide margin at more than 28000 ratings. That combination of low weight and a deep owner history is why it ranks first here. Reviewers repeatedly cite it as a back-friendly replacement for a gas trimmer, particularly owners with reduced lung capacity or shoulder problems.
The 7600 rpm no-load speed is the highest in this group, and it pairs with a head that tilts 90 degrees for sloped ground and hard-to-reach areas. The adjustable spacer and flower guard protects plants, landscape features and lawn ornaments, which makes this the pick when your trimming list is mostly bed borders and fence lines.
Two 20V Power Share maxLithium batteries and a charger are in the box, and most owners say one charge finishes a full yard on a small property. The Command Feed system advances line with a push button, and the brand offers free spools for life, so the recurring consumable cost stays low for as long as you own the tool.
The gripes are specific rather than structural. The one-touch feed dispenses a shorter length of line than some users want, so you press it more often. The included 0.065 inch line wears faster than heavier gas-trimmer line and spools must be reordered. Some owners report the included charger is slow and that one of the two batteries lost charge quickly. Stepping on the head to switch to edger mode may wear the release over time.
Who this suits best
Owners with any shoulder or back sensitivity who want a tool they can lift out of storage and start immediately. Two batteries and no fuel, oil or pull cord remove every startup friction point that forum users complain about with gas trimmers.
It is also the most documented pick here, which matters if you want to know how something behaves after three seasons rather than three weeks. At 44.6 inches listed, the shaft is short enough to be manageable and long enough to keep you upright.
Where it falls short
Thin line and a slow charger. If you regularly hit woody growth, the 0.065 inch line and battery power will not deliver, and the frame is not the problem.
The 12-inch path also means more passes than a 16-inch head on open ground, so treat this as a detail tool that happens to handle general grass, rather than a wide-swath machine.
2. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX LSTE525 12-Inch: Best Value
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless String Trimmer and Edger, 12 Inch Weed Eater, 2-Speed Control Weed Wacker, 2 Batteries, Charger and Spool Included (LSTE525)
5.3 lb tool weight
12-inch cutting width
7200 rpm
Adjustable soft-grip handle and height
Pros
- Light 5.3 lb weight and good balance
- Two batteries included
- which is the expensive part of a cordless kit
- EASYFEED button feed beats bump designs
- Two speed settings trade power for runtime
Cons
- Included packs give roughly 20 to 30 minutes and take about two hours to charge
- Plastic trigger lever can wear with use
- Thin line frays quickly
Weighs 5.3 pounds with a 12-inch swath, which makes it the best capability-to-weight ratio in the roundup. The two included batteries matter more than they sound. Batteries and chargers are the most expensive part of building a cordless tool kit, and this model comes with the pair already in the box, which owners consistently highlight.
EASYFEED advances the line with a button push rather than a bump, and it stays consistent where bump feeds stall. Two-speed control lets you drop into the lower setting to extend runtime on light grass, and the PowerDrive Transmission adds torque at the string. Shaft length adjusts for different users and for storage.
The weakness is the included battery capacity. The 1.5 to 2.0 Ah packs deliver roughly 20 to 30 minutes of runtime and take about two hours to recharge, so plenty of owners end up buying higher amp-hour packs. A smaller group report that the plastic trigger lever wears over time and can need filing to reach the microswitch.
Long-term owners, though, frequently report 5 to 8 years of reliable service, and many women specifically cite back and shoulder comfort as the reason this became their regular tool. The adjustable soft-grip handle is part of that. The batteries also interchange with other 20V MAX tools, which keeps the platform decision cheap.
Who this suits best
A 5 foot 2 inch to 5 foot 8 inch operator on a small to medium yard who wants one battery system to cover trimming and edging. Two-speed control is genuinely useful here, because most of a small yard is light grass and only the edges need the higher setting.
It also suits anyone who already owns 20V MAX tools and needs a trimmer, because the batteries and charger are already paid for. Adding one more tool to an existing platform is the cheapest way to get a lighter handle on yard work.
Where it falls short
Long sessions. Thirty minutes of runtime followed by a two-hour charge is the reality, and a half-acre lot with heavy weekly growth will test that. Plan a second pack or a midday charge rather than assuming a full afternoon.
The edging wheel can also block the cut path when you trim right next to a wall unless you angle the tool. It is a small annoyance, but it shows up on every pass along a building.
3. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX LST300 12-Inch: Top Rated, Simplest to Use
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX String Trimmer and Edger 2 in 1, Cordless Weed Wacker with Auto Spool Feed, Battery and Charger Included, 12 Inch Steel Deck, Reduced Vibration (LST300)
5.7 lb tool weight
12-inch cutting width
6200 rpm
2.0 Ah battery and charger included
Pros
- Light and well balanced for long sessions
- Automatic Feed Spool needs no bumping
- Tool-free assembly after charging
- Quieter than gas with lower vibration
- Shared battery and charger with other 20V MAX tools
Cons
- Stalls on large weeds and thick overgrowth
- Single small battery with a 3 to 5 hour charge
- Auto spool can over-feed and leave a long line tail
Weighs 5.7 pounds and holds the highest average rating in this roundup at 4.4 stars. Owners describe it consistently as the lightest, simplest and quietest trimmer they have owned, and a lot of first-time buyers specifically credit it as their first lawn tool. Reviewers report that the reduced vibration makes long passes along fences genuinely comfortable rather than something you rush through.
The Automatic Feed Spool is the feature mentioned most. You push a button and line advances, so there is no tapping the head against the ground, which matters most on rocky or uneven ground where bumping means stopping anyway. It converts to a wheeled edger in seconds when you want a straighter line along a walkway.
The compromise is power and battery capacity. It handles grass, seed heads and light edging comfortably, but large weeds cause stalling or tangling, and the single 2.0 Ah pack gives roughly 20 to 35 minutes of work after a 3 to 5 hour charge. Owners also report the auto spool can over-feed after a few uses, leaving an over-long tail that the blade chops off in the grass.
One practical note for first-time users: the charger hides inside the cardboard packaging and is easy to toss out with the box. Unpack the whole thing before you walk outside. If you already own 20V MAX tools, this battery and charger are already in your garage.
Who this suits best
A 5 foot operator on a small or medium yard under half an acre, or anyone who wants to do the trimming without waiting for a partner to start it. The 36.2 inch overall length and adjustable handle mean the shaft collapses for storage, which is a genuine advantage in a small garage or a patio closet.
It is also the quiet choice for a suburban street where a gas trimmer at 8 am would start a neighbor conversation. Multiple owners with shoulder problems cite it as a back-friendly replacement for a tool they could no longer lift.
Where it falls short
If your yard has neglected corners with burdock, thistle or saplings, this is the wrong tool and no change of technique fixes that. Owners who returned trimmers for being underpowered were usually moving into that category of work.
Also expect to buy a higher amp-hour battery eventually. The included pack is the smaller option in the 20V MAX line, and most owners who use the tool weekly upgrade once the 20 to 35 minute window becomes annoying.
4. Greenworks 40V Trimmer and Blower Combo: Best for Leaf Cleanup
Greenworks 40V 12 in String Trimmer & 390 CFM Blower Combo, 2.0 Ah Battery
8 lb balanced trimmer design
12-inch cutting width
40V 2.0Ah battery
67 dB operation
Pros
- Two tools in one package on a single 40V platform
- Battery recharges in about an hour and works across the 40V range
- 12-inch swath with auto-feed line handles driveway and walkway edges
- Quieter than gas with no oil mixing
- Three-year tool and head warranty
Cons
- Combo package is heavier and bulkier to store than a single tool
- Only one 2.0Ah battery included
- Line spools are single line and break short on hard edges
Read the weight figure carefully here. The listing gives 16.5 pounds, but that is the combo package including the blower. The trimmer itself is described as a balanced 8-pound design, pitched by the manufacturer as around 30 percent lighter than the gas equivalent. That places it in our Standard band rather than the ultralight group, which is an honest position for a two-tool package.
The reason to buy it is the second tool. You get a 110 MPH, 390 CFM blower with cruise control for leaves and debris, running off the same 40V battery and charger as the trimmer. Buyers consistently value running two tools from one battery and charger, and the 2.0 Ah pack recharges in about 60 minutes.
Performance on the trimmer side is solid for its band. A 12-inch commercial-grade head with 0.065 inch auto-feed line, 7500 rpm and a 3-year head warranty handle overgrown driveway and walkway edges. Operation is rated at 67 dB, which is fine for early mornings on a suburban street.
The trade-offs are honest ones. Only the smaller 2.0 Ah battery is included, the trimmer is heavier than the 4 to 6 pound cordless tools in this guide, and the full package is bulky to carry and store. Line spools are single line and can break short against hard edges. The listed dimensions run 64.5 inches, so plan where it lives before you buy.
Who this suits best
A household that has fall leaf cleanup as a real annual job and wants one battery platform instead of two. The 40V hub is compatible with 8-plus tools, so the charger investment stretches across a growing range of equipment.
It also suits anyone who wants cordless starting convenience with more runtime headroom than a 20V pack, and who is comfortable with an 8-pound tool. For a 5 foot operator, that is at the top of our recommended weight rather than the bottom.
Where it falls short
It is not the right tool for someone whose main problem is lifting the tool. Eight pounds plus a battery is fine for many, but if your constraint is arm strength rather than power, the ultralight picks suit you better.
The one-battery package also limits how long you can work before a charge, and the combo bulk is a real inconvenience in a small garage.
5. WORX 20V 10-Inch WG154: Best for Tight Spaces
Worx 20V 10″ 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer & Lawn Edger for Yard, WG154
4.2 lb tool weight
10-inch cutting width
Auto feed line
180-degree rotating head
Pros
- Very low 4.2 lb weight for long sessions
- 10-inch head fits between fences and beds
- Auto feed advances line without bumping
- 180-degree head rotation for fast mode change
Cons
- Narrow swath means more passes
- Single 2.0Ah battery limits runtime
- 2800 rpm suits light grass rather than brush
At 4.2 pounds with a 10-inch head, this is the tool for the parts of the yard most trimmers handle badly. The corners along a house wall, the gap between two fence sections, the strip behind a shrub. Reviewers consistently point to low weight and compact size as the reasons it is easy to maneuver in those spots.
The auto feed advances line without bumping the head, and the head rotates 180 degrees to switch from trimming to in-line edging without tools. The adjustable spacer and flower guard keeps the line off plants and ornaments, which is what you want when working a raised bed.
The honest limitation is the 2800 rpm no-load speed. That figure puts it firmly in the light-grass and edging class. It will not cut through a dry, overgrown bank, and the shorter cutting line is consumed quickly against hard edges. Only one 2.0 Ah battery is included, so runtime is the limiting factor on anything bigger than a small yard.
For 4.2 pounds you are giving up swath width and speed, and that is the correct trade only when your trimming list is mostly detail work. Owners report it being comfortable to hold for long sessions and easy to control at speed, which is exactly the point.
Who this suits best
Anyone doing detail trimming around landscaping on a small or medium yard, particularly a 5 foot 0 inch to 5 foot 4 inch operator who wants the lightest tool with auto line feed. The auxiliary handle and long shaft give reach and control without pushing the weight up.
It is also a good second trimmer for a household that already runs on the WORX Power Share platform, since the pack works across WORX 20V tools and select 40V and 80V tools.
Where it falls short
Open lawns and tall grass. The narrow path and low speed make it work harder for the same ground, and on a half-acre property that difference shows up in your arms long before it shows up in the clock.
Avoid it for stemmy weeds, brambles or any woody growth. The low no-load speed is the reason, not the line diameter.
6. EGO POWER+ 16-Inch ST1623T: Best for Wide Swath
EGO POWER+ 16″ Cordless Weed Trimmer with Battery and Charger – ST1623T
7.5 lb tool weight
16-inch cutting swath
4.0Ah battery included
Up to 60 minutes runtime
Pros
- Widest cutting swath in this group at 16 inches
- LINE IQ feed keeps line length right with no bumping
- POWERLOAD head winds line on automatically
- Up to 60 minutes runtime on the included 4.0Ah battery
- Brushless motor runs with low vibration
- Telescoping carbon fiber shaft
Cons
- Heaviest cordless option here at 7.5 lb
- Proprietary EGO 56V ARC battery platform
- Variable speed trigger takes practice to hold steady
Weighs 7.5 pounds and covers a 16-inch swath, which is the widest cutting path in this roundup. That is the trade: a heavier tool that finishes larger yards in fewer passes. If your property is on the bigger side but you still want cordless convenience and a 60-minute runtime, this is the tool that gets you there.
The line handling is the best in the group. LINE IQ auto-sensing keeps a continuous 16-inch swath without bumping, and POWERLOAD winds the line through the head automatically in seconds, which removes the most common friction point in user comments about new trimmers. The brushless motor is noted for low vibration and long service life.
The telescoping carbon fiber shaft adjusts to the operator’s height, and a digital variable speed selector lets you match speed to the job. The included 4.0 Ah battery charges in about 55 minutes on the supplied 320W charger, and the tool carries a 5-year warranty with a 3-year battery warranty.
The honest limit is weight and cost. At 7.5 pounds this is the heaviest cordless tool here, which reduces the advantage specifically for the lightest users we are writing for. The 56V ARC battery platform is proprietary and does not swap with other brands, and some users find the variable speed trigger takes practice to hold at a steady setting.
Who this suits best
Operators at or above average height with a medium yard who want to finish in one battery charge. The telescoping shaft is a genuine advantage for a shared household, since two people of different heights can both set the tool properly.
It is also the pick if line loading is the thing that frustrates you most. Auto-sensing feed plus automatic winding means you are not crouched over a spool with gloves on, and the low-vibration brushless motor matters on a long session.
Where it falls short
For a 5 foot 0 inch to 5 foot 4 inch operator, 7.5 pounds plus a 4.0 Ah battery is a real load. Every ultralight pick in this guide is two pounds or more lighter, and that difference shows up at the end of a long pass.
The proprietary platform is the other consideration. If you are starting from zero, that is fine. If you already own a 20V or 40V system, you are starting a second battery ecosystem.
7. Sun Joe 13-Inch TRJ13STE Corded: Best Corded Starter
Sun Joe TRJ13STE Electric Grass Trimmer + Edger, 13-inch, 4-Amp, Telescoping Pole
5 lb tool weight
13-inch swath
4-Amp corded motor
41 to 50 inch telescoping pole
Pros
- Light 5 lb weight with a telescoping pole for different heights
- Runs quietly with a mid-whine
- Rotating shaft offers 0
- 15
- 30 and 45 degree positions
- Two-year warranty with responsive service
Cons
- Automatic line feed often fails and needs hand pulling
- Replacement spools are hard to source
- Corded design needs an extension cord
Weighs 5 pounds and needs no battery, no gas and no fuel mixing. If you have an outlet near the yard, this corded 4-Amp trimmer removes the entire battery platform decision from the equation, and the 41 to 50 inch telescoping pole adjusts across a wide range of operator heights.
The rotating shaft is the sleeper feature. It gives 0, 15, 30 and 45 degree cutting positions, so one tool handles trimming and a genuine edging angle along walks and beds. A flower guard protects nearby plants, and owners describe the running noise as a mid-whine rather than the mechanical roar of a gas engine.
It is also the lowest-rated tool in this roundup at 4.0 stars, with a 12 percent one-star share, and the reason is the line system rather than the motor. Owners report the automatic feed frequently fails and the line has to be pulled by hand, and replacement spools are genuinely hard to find. Some owners also report motor burnout under extended whole-yard use, though the 2-year warranty produced easy replacements.
Included dual line also frays and melts quickly. If you are comfortable sourcing line by the foot and keeping the work close to an outlet, that is a fair trade. If you are not, the 4.0 average tells you exactly how other owners feel about it.
Who this suits best
Owners of very small lots with a nearby outlet, and anyone who wants zero battery maintenance. The telescoping pole is genuinely useful for shared households where two people of different heights use the same tool.
It is also a sensible first tool for someone who wants to try a trimmer without learning a battery ecosystem. Nothing to charge, nothing to store degraded, nothing to replace outside the line spool.
Where it falls short
Reach is the hard limit. Beyond a small yard you are managing an extension cord, and cable handling becomes part of every job. Corded electric also means no option for a property where an outlet is not within cord distance.
Line feed reliability is the bigger issue. If restringing is a friction point for you, pick a tool with a proven auto-feed or bump system instead.
8. Ryobi ONE+ 18V P2030 10-Inch: The Lightest Tool on the List
Ryobi One+ 18-Volt Lithium-ion Cordless Electric String Trimmer and Edger
4 lb tool weight
10-inch cutting width
18V One+ lithium-ion
Trims and edges
Pros
- Lightest tool in this roundup at 4 lb
- 10-inch head works in tight spaces along fences
- Battery platform is widely available and shared
- Converts between trimming and edging
Cons
- Smallest review base of the group at 549 ratings
- Narrow 10-inch swath means more passes
- Limited runtime and feature detail published
At 4 pounds this is the lightest string trimmer in our group, and it is the pick we would suggest for a 5 foot operator who wants a tool she can raise overhead without bracing. The 10-inch head is narrow, which is a feature in the tight quarters between a fence and a flower bed rather than a limitation.
The Ryobi One+ 18V platform is the reason many people end up here. That battery family covers a very large range of yard tools, so if you already own one One+ pack, this trimmer costs you nothing extra in battery ownership. It converts between trimming and edging for border cleanups.
We want to be straight about the data behind this pick. With 549 ratings, this is the thinnest review base in the roundup, and the published listing detail is sparse. Long-term durability reports are thin simply because fewer people own it, not because owners report problems. Treat the 4-pound figure as a bare tool weight and expect the installed weight to sit a little above it.
For a very small yard that is already maintained weekly, the narrow swath costs you little because there is not much ground to cover. For anything approaching half an acre, the 10-inch head means noticeably more passes than the 12 to 16 inch models.
Who this suits best
Shorter operators, anyone with arthritic hands, and households where one person does all the trimming. It is the easiest tool here to lift out of a storage hook and hold for a full pass, and the 29.7 inch listed length stores compactly.
It also makes sense as a second trimmer for a Ryobi One+ household, or as a first tool for a small lot where the lawn is mowed with a walk-behind mower and the trimmer only handles fence lines and bed edges.
Where it falls short
A 10-inch swath is the smallest on the list, so avoid this for open grass along a long property line. The small review base also means less long-term data than the heavily reviewed picks above it.
If your yard is one you let grow for a few weeks between visits, step up to a 12-inch head. You will trade roughly a pound for noticeably more work done per pass.
9. CRAFTSMAN 14-Inch CMEST913 Corded: Best Corded Power
CRAFTSMAN WEEDWACKER® String Trimmer, 6.5 Amp, 14-Inch (CMEST913)
5.7 lb tool weight
14-inch cutting swath
6.5 Amp corded motor
Adjustable-length pole
Pros
- Widest swath among the corded options at 14 inches
- 6.5 Amp motor handles tougher overgrowth than compact battery models
- Push button feed for 0.065 inch line is simple
- Adjustable pole fits different heights
- Stores flat on a wall hook
Cons
- Corded design needs an extension cord and cable management
- Lowest ratings among the corded group at 4.1 with an 11 percent one-star share
- Bulkier head is harder to maneuver in tight corners
Weighs 5.7 pounds and carries a 6.5 Amp motor, which is a different power class from the 4-Amp corded model. Reviewers note that it cuts through more than the compact battery trimmers can manage, and the 14-inch swath is the widest of the corded options we tested. If overgrowth is the deciding factor rather than your shoulder, this is the corded answer.
The push button feed is simpler to learn than a bump head, the pole adjusts to your height, and the integrated hook mounts to a wall organization system sold separately, so it stores flat. Quick changeover from trimming to edging is one of the few corded tools here that does it cleanly.
With 501 ratings, the review base is small, and the 4.1 average carries an 11 percent one-star share. The recurring theme is the cord rather than the motor. Extension cords and cable management add friction to every session, and disconnects mid-job are the most common complaint in the reviews.
There is a real handling trade too. A 14-inch head needs more room to swing than a 10 to 12 inch head, so around shrubs and in narrow corners you will be repositioning more often than with the smaller corded tools.
Who this suits best
Anyone with an outlet near a larger patch of rough growth who wants more cutting capability per pound than a compact battery trimmer gives. The adjustable pole means a shared household can hand the tool between operators of different heights without buying a second one.
It suits first-time buyers too. There is no battery platform to learn, no fuel to mix, and the push button feed removes the most common point of frustration in user comments about new trimmers.
Where it falls short
Anything beyond reach of an outlet. The cord is the defining limitation, and it never gets easier with a bigger head. If your work area is far from a socket, look at a cordless platform instead.
Also expect to manage the bulk in tight spaces. The wide head is a benefit on open ground and a liability around plantings.
10. BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM 3-in-1 Corded Combo: Best for Very Small Yards
BLACK+DECKER Electric Lawn Mower, Weed Eater and Edger 3-in-1 Combo, Corded 12-Inch 6.5 Amp Electric Weed Wacker and Compact Push Mower (BESTA512CM)
9.9 lb package weight
12-inch cutting width
6.5 Amp corded motor
3-in-1 mower, trim and edge
Pros
- One tool covers mowing
- trimming and edging
- Corded 6.5 Amp motor runs continuously with no runtime to plan
- Automatic Feed Spool avoids stopping to bump
- Cord retention system prevents accidental disconnects
- Small 12-inch deck and adjustable handle store easily
Cons
- 9.9 lb package is heavier than dedicated trimmers
- Lowest average rating at 4.1 with an 8 percent one-star share
- Mower mode is limited to a 12-inch
- 1.6 inch cut
Weighs 9.9 pounds as a package, which puts it at the top of our range, and most of that weight is the detachable mower deck rather than the trimmer head. What you get for it is a genuine 3-in-1: it switches between mowing, trimming and edging, which is unusual and genuinely useful on a very small lot.
The trimmer side is a 12-inch 8000 rpm head with an Automatic Feed Spool, so you are not stopping to bump the head. The 6.5 Amp corded motor with PowerDrive Transmission delivers power on a continuous basis with no battery runtime to plan around, and a cord retention system helps prevent the extension cord from disconnecting mid-job.
Owners like the constant power, the AFS line feed and the small footprint. The 15 by 7 by 37 inch package and adjustable handle make it easy to store, which matters if your tool lives on a balcony or a small patio.
The limits are equally clear. The 4.1 average with an 8 percent one-star share reflects the mower mode’s small 12-inch deck with a 1.6 inch cutting height, which suits a small lawn only. The detachable deck adds bulk that a dedicated trimmer does not have, and corded electric limits reach on anything larger than a lot.
Who this suits best
Someone with a very small yard who wants to handle mowing, trimming and edging with one tool and one cord, without building a battery collection. The cord retention system is a quiet but real quality-of-life feature for anyone who has had an extension cord disconnect mid-edge.
It also suits a household replacing a tool that was too heavy or too hard to start, since it has no engine, no fuel mixing and no cold-start problem. You plug it in and it runs.
Where it falls short
At 9.9 pounds, it is the heaviest package here, and a quarter of that decision is whether you care about mowing. If you own a push mower already, a dedicated trimmer will be lighter and better suited to the job.
Also skip it if your yard has any slope or uneven ground, since the mower deck is not built for it. For trimming only, the lighter dedicated picks do the same work with less in your hands.
How to Choose a Lightweight String Trimmer
Weight is the filter that narrows the field, but four more decisions separate a good match from a tool that ends up in the garage. These are the questions we ask in that order.
Match the shaft to your height
This is the most repeated concern in real user discussion, and almost every ranking guide gets it wrong by listing shaft length as a spec instead of a decision. A 5 foot 2 inch operator with a 50 inch shaft is bending at the waist, which loads the lower back instead of the arms. The fix is simple: pick a shaft you can adjust so the cutting head sits at roughly hip height when you stand upright.
Adjustable is better than short, because it serves a shared household. The Sun Joe telescoping pole runs 41 to 50 inches, the EGO telescoping carbon shaft adjusts to the user, and the BLACK+DECKER and WORX units adjust height by moving the handle position. Where a tool is a fixed length, measure it against your own height before buying.
If you are near 5 foot, also check the handle size. Smaller hands need a grip diameter they can close fully around, and trigger reach matters as much as weight. A trigger you have to hold awkwardly becomes a shoulder problem in slow motion.
Choose the line feed system you will actually use
Restringing is the number one friction point reported by owners of new trimmers. Three systems exist and the ranking is clear from a usability standpoint: automatic line load first, auto-feed second, bump feed last.
Automatic load heads, like POWERLOAD on the EGO, wind the line onto the spool for you. This is the least hands-on system and it appears on the most expensive tools here.
Auto-feed or button feed, including EASYFEED, Command Feed and the Automatic Feed Spool, advance line with a button press. You stop to press, but you never open the head or guess which tab the line goes through.
Bump feed requires tapping the head on the ground to advance line. It works and it is the lightest and cheapest option, but it fails on rocky ground, and it is the source of most string-loading complaints from new owners.
One note for auto-feed heads: several owners of the LST300 report the spool over-feeding after a few uses, leaving a long tail that the blade chops off. That is a consumable setting problem rather than a failure, but budget for the occasional reload.
Pick the cutting width to match your yard
Cutting width, or swath, is the diameter the head covers in one pass. It is the biggest driver of how long a job takes, and it is where lightweight designs give up first. A 10-inch head is easy to carry and needs more passes. A 16-inch head finishes a yard faster and weighs more.
For a small lot under a quarter acre that is already maintained weekly, 10 to 12 inches is plenty and runtime under 30 minutes is fine. For a half acre or more, or for ground that gets away from you for a few weeks, look at 12 to 16 inches and accept the extra pound. We keep our ceiling at 10 pounds of tool weight, and the 16-inch EGO still clears it at 7.5 pounds.
Understand the battery platform before you buy
Cordless wins on weight, noise and start-up effort, because there is no pull cord and no fuel to mix. The trade is platform lock-in, which is the decision most guides treat as an afterthought. It is not an afterthought if you already own tools.
Check whether the battery is included and how large it is. The Greenworks 40V 2.0 Ah pack recharges in about 60 minutes, the EGO 4.0 Ah pack takes about 55 minutes and gives up to 60 minutes of runtime, and the BLACK+DECKER LST300 includes one 2.0 Ah pack that yields roughly 20 to 35 minutes of work after a 3 to 5 hour charge. A tool offered without a battery is a different purchase than it appears.
When corded electric still makes sense
Corded tools make sense in exactly one situation: an outlet within cord distance. They never lose power as a battery drains, they need no platform, and several of the lightest tools in this guide are corded. The 5-pound Sun Joe and the 5.7-pound CRAFTSMAN both handle more line than comparable battery tools because the motor never sags.
Everything else favors cordless. Over a cord you are managing cable, disconnects and reach limits on every single job.
Know when to buy something other than a string trimmer
Hand shears are better for a tiny patch near a doorway. An edger with a support wheel gives a defined, straight border that a string head cannot. A brush cutter handles brambles and blackberry canes. A mower handles open lawn. Buying a heavy brush cutter because you have one neglected corner is the most common way people end up with a tool they cannot lift.
What we left out, and why
There is no gas trimmer on this list. Gas models in the light class still start at 12 pounds with the engine, and the forum record is unambiguous about why that matters for this audience: fuel mixing, ethanol, pull-starting, winterizing and a tool that will not start when you need it. Every one of those is a reason a household tool gets abandoned.
We also excluded tools above 10 pounds even where reviews are strong, because the entire premise here is a weight filter. A great 12-pound trimmer is still a 12-pound trimmer.
Safety Gear and First-Time Operation
Before the first cut, the protective equipment matters more than any feature on this list. Nylon line at working speed throws stones, bark and clippings hard enough to cause eye injury, and the noise is loud enough to damage hearing over repeated sessions.
Eye protection. Safety glasses or a face shield, every time. This is the item operators skip most often and regret most.
Hearing protection. Plugs or muffs, especially on battery models that run for 20 to 60 minutes at a stretch near other people.
Gloves. They protect against line burns, blisters and vibration, and they give you a better grip on the handle.
Long trousers and closed-toe shoes. No sandals, regardless of how warm the day is.
Clear the area first. Walk the perimeter before you start. Hidden irrigation heads, pet waste, grates and a neighbor’s property line are all common in a small yard.
A few operating habits keep a first session smooth. Start on the lowest speed setting and open it up as the cut gets going. Keep the line moving rather than holding it in one spot, which stalls the motor. Never lift the head into the air while the motor is running. And if the tool starts shaking more as you work, stop and reload the line rather than pushing through it, since a short or twisted spool is the usual cause.
Our broader guides to the best hedge trimmers and the best string trimmers cover the rest of the yard tool shelf if you are building a full set.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best lightweight string trimmer?
The BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX LST300 is the best lightweight string trimmer for most women, weighing 5.7 pounds with a 12-inch cutting width and an Automatic Feed Spool that needs no bumping. It stays under our 10-pound ceiling, starts instantly with no pull cord, and runs quietly. It will not handle thick woody overgrowth, so skip it if your yard has neglected corners.
What is the lightest string trimmer?
In this roundup the Ryobi ONE+ 18V P2030 is the lightest string trimmer at a 4-pound listed tool weight, followed by the WORX WG154 at 4.2 pounds and the Sun Joe TRJ13STE corded model at 5 pounds. Manufacturers often quote bare tool weight, so the real installed weight with a battery is higher. Check both numbers before comparing.
What is the easiest string trimmer to restring?
The easiest to restring are automatic load heads such as the EGO POWER+ ST1623T POWERLOAD system, which winds the line onto the spool for you in seconds. Auto-feed and button feed systems come next, including EASYFEED, Command Feed and the Automatic Feed Spool, which need a button press but no threading through tabs. Bump feed heads are the hardest to restring and the top complaint among new owners.
What is the best lightweight trimmer for women?
Two numbers decide it: total weight with the battery installed, and shaft length compared to your height. Pick a tool under 7 pounds if you are shorter than 5 foot 6 inches, and choose an adjustable shaft so the cutting head sits near hip height when you stand upright. The BLACK+DECKER LSTE525 at 5.3 pounds with two-speed control is the most balanced all-round option.
What is the best string trimmer for a small yard?
For a small lot under a quarter acre that is maintained weekly, a 10 to 12 inch cutting width and about 30 minutes of runtime is enough. The BLACK+DECKER LST300 at 5.7 pounds and the WORX WG163 at 5.5 pounds both fit that profile with two batteries included. If your lot also needs mowing, the BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM 3-in-1 covers all three jobs in one tool.
What’s better than a string trimmer?
For very small areas near a doorway, hand shears are easier and safer. For a defined straight border along a walk or driveway, an edger with a support wheel gives a cleaner line than any string head. For brambles and blackberry canes you need a brush cutter, and for open lawn you need a mower. A string trimmer is for weeds, seed heads and edges around obstacles.
The Bottom Line
Weight is the whole argument. A string trimmer that nobody wants to lift is a worse purchase than a heavier one that gets used, and the ten tools here all clear a 10-pound tool-weight ceiling so you can choose on capability instead.
Start with the WORX 20V 12-Inch WG163 at 5.5 pounds, our pick for the best lightweight string trimmer for women overall, since the Command Feed, dual batteries and 7600 rpm head make it the strongest all-round package here. Choose the BLACK+DECKER LSTE525 at 5.3 pounds if two-speed control and an adjustable shaft matter most to you, the LST300 at 5.7 pounds if you want the simplest tool with the highest average rating, the Ryobi P2030 at 4 pounds if you are a shorter operator, the EGO POWER+ ST1623T at 7.5 pounds if you want a 16-inch swath and 60 minutes of runtime, and the Sun Joe TRJ13STE if an outlet is within cord distance.
Then check your shaft length against your height before you buy, and put on eye and hearing protection before the first pass. Those two checks matter more than any spec on the box.