Once you've tidied up your garden with one of the best lawn mowers, it can be frustrating if the grass still looks rough around the edges, which is where a cordless strimmer will solve your problems. It's not that you want to cut corners - you just can't get to them.
A strimmer will get exactly where your electric lawn mower can't, helping to make your garden look pristine all year round without the need to get on your hands and knees to spend hours pruning the grass, brambles, or pesky weeds with your secateurs. More so, a cordless garden strimmer eliminates the need for extension cables, which can be a dangerous trip hazard in the garden. Lightweight, portable and affordable - make this handy grass strimmer your new best friend.
Best cordless strimmers at a glance:
• Best cordless strimmer for precision: Black and Decker 18v 28cm Cordless AFS Strimmer – View on Amazon UK
• Best cordless strimmer with adjustable cutting width: Ryobi OLT1832 ONE+ Cordless Grass Trimmer – View on Amazon UK
• Best cordless strimmer for ergonomics: Karcher LTR 18-25 Cordless Battery Grass Trimmer – View on Amazon UK
If there are nooks and crannies in your garden, or you're looking to neaten up the borders or edges and your robot lawn mower can't quite finish the job, then a cordless strimmer will give your garden that extra bit of TLC. You can purchase cordless strimmers with a battery and charger or petrol-powered models, both have their own benefits depending on the size and amount of greenery you have in your garden.
We've researched the best cordless strimmers on the market and have put together our top picks that'll give you the freedom to trim your garden quickly, easily, and all whilst untethered by a cord. When selecting these products, we compared features, including the battery, weight, adjustable cutting head and interchangeable attachments. Scroll to the FAQs for further tips and advice about the features of cordless strimmers to assist your petrol lawn mower.
Best cordless strimmers UK
Best cordless strimmer for precision
BLACK+DECKER/AmazonBLACK + DECKER's cordless grass trimmer is an ideal tool for tidying up the grass bordering walls, fences, flowerbeds, and pathways. It comes powered with E-drive technology, which means you can adjust the gear to tackle tougher, overgrown areas or reduce the power for lighter trimming to help preserve the battery.
The battery has a charging time of five hours but it will cut up to 2,500 linear metres in one charge, ideal for tackling most of the garden without having to stop and recharge. The new flip-to-edge mechanism makes this strimmer stand out - you can convert it to edging mode with the precision guide wheel to help you achieve perfection and precision. That'll be particularly helpful along flowerbeds if you don't want to risk accidentally chopping a few buds.
Pros
- E-drive extra power for tougher areas
- Lawn edge trimming feature
- Battery and charger included
Cons
- Short battery life
| Blade cutting width: | 28cm |
| Voltage: | 18V |
| Weight: | 2.6kg |
- 2-year guarantee
- 1 x BL2018 18v Cordless Li-ion battery 2ah included
- E-drive technology provides extra torque for powering through tough overgrowth
Best cordless strimmer with adjustable cutting width
Ryobi/AmazonThis high-performance cordless motor strimmer has an adjustable cutting width of 25 or 30cm, giving you great versatility when it comes to grass and weed cutting, and has EasyEdge, too, for added border precision. With a telescoping boom and adjustable pommel handle, it's designed to provide comfort for any user height so everyone can pitch in with the garden chores.
It's important to note that this is the bare unit, so it doesn't come with a charger and battery. We love that you can use the battery and charger to power over 100 tools in the home, but if you don't already have tools for equipment with the ONE+ system, it will make your initial purchase more pricey.
Pros
- Adjustable cutting width makes this versatile for tackling lawns, weeds or overgrowth
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- Battery and charger not included with purchase
| Blade cutting width: | 25cm or 30cm |
| Voltage: | 18V |
| Weight: | 2.3kg |
- Buying the battery and charger separately, if you don't already own a ONE+ system tool, is recommended
Best cordless strimmer for ergonomics
Karcher/AmazonThe Karcher LTR 18-25 Cordless Battery Grass Trimmer also comes with a telescoping boom like the Ryobi but has the bonus of having a two-handle design for a correct working position and a rotating trimmer head so even the most hard-to-reach areas can be tackled with ease. Simply adjust the handle length at the touch of a button for back-friendly work.
The LTR 18-25 is also the lightest cordless grass trimmer on our list, making it even easier to manoeuvre at just 1.6kg. Again, it's worth keeping in mind that this is the bare unit, so batteries and a charger will need to be bought separately. It also takes 5-6 hours to charge, which is important to note so you don't jump the gun and take it off charge too early for larger jobs.
Pros
- Rotating trimmer head cuts through tough areas with ease
- Telescopic handle for hard-to-reach areas
Cons
- Battery and charger must be bought separately - not included in purchase
| Blade cutting width: | 25cm (30cm available) |
| Voltage: | 18V |
| Weight: | 1.6kg |
- The Kärcher battery and charger are compatible with other Kärcher appliances
Best cordless strimmer for low noise
Greenworks/AmazonThis strimmer is a little more expensive but comes with everything you need to get the job done from the offset, including a battery and charger. For particularly sensitive areas of the garden, the speed can be individually adjusted using the variable speed regulator, and it comes with a telescopic shaft and adjustable front handles to suit all users.
Boasting a massive 40V battery that can be used for all 40V Greenworks Tools, it can move quickly, efficiently, and powerfully to cut grass, weeds, and even small bushes. And with all that power, it runs without disturbing noise and low vibrations - perfect for a quiet afternoon in the garden.
Pros
- Powerful, yet small and lightweight
- Easy to operate with variable speeds
Cons
- Not adjustable
| Blade cutting width: | 30cm |
| Voltage: | 40V |
| Weight: | 4.2kg |
- Comes with 1 x Lithium Ion battery and charger which are compatible with other Greenworks products
Best cordless strimmer for battery life
Erbauer www.diy.com
Make short work of overgrown grass with this Erbauer 300mm Cordless Grass trimmer. It's lightweight at less than three kilograms, and has a soft grip, so it's pretty effortless to use. It comes complete with a battery and charger. Customers comment that the battery life is very good with one reviewer stating from a full charge they were able to edge a third of an acre of grass.
This has some nifty tech; a brushless electronic motor that reduces the tool's energy consumption, and "Keep Cool" technology for a 25% longer runtime. This strimmer works on a "bump feed" basis, where you can push the strimmer to the ground to depress a button in the base that releases more line without having to turn the tool off and pull it out manually.
Pros
- Adjustable power level depending on the task
- Quieter and lightweight compared to other models
Cons
- Customers comment that replacement spools are difficult to source and buy
| Blade: | 300mm cutting width |
| Engine type and size: | Cordless, Li-ion batteries included |
| Weight: | 2.8kg |
Best cordless trimmer for edging
Bosch/AmazonThe beauty of this Bosch Cordless Grass Trimmer is that it can switch between trimming and edging with a click of a button and a 180-degree twist of the handle. It's easy-going on your back as no bending is required.
Customers praise its power and recommend having more than one Bosch 18V battery so you don't waste any time recharging. Additionally, these batteries can be used on any Bosch cordless power tool, so it offers great versatility and value for money.
Pros
- Well balanced and lightweight for extended use
- Bosch 18V battery is interchangable with other Bosch cordless power tools
Cons
- Purchase a spare battery if you're using this for a large garden or more than one plot
| Blade: | Cutting diameter 23cm |
| Engine type and size: | Cordless battery 18V |
| Weight: | 3.15kg |
Best cordless petrol-powered strimmers
Best cordless 4-stroke petrol-powered strimmer
Hondawww.gardenmachinerydirect.co.uk
Honda's cordless machine vows to be robust and powerful while keeping noise to a minimum, a rarity among petrol-powered trimmers. It'll make light work of any unkempt undergrowth and those hard-to-reach areas with high speeds of 7000rpm.
The non-contact bearing is known for its high resistance to dust contamination helping to prolong its lifespan, and it comes with a harness that will help to make carrying the strimmer easier around the lawn. As a 4-stroke engine, this is the best option if you're looking for the power of a petrol-powered strimmer but with a reduced impact on the environment compared to 2-stroke engines.
Pros
- Can operate for an hour without refuelling
- Can add hedge trimmer and pruner attachments
Cons
- Not environmentally friendly
| Blade: | 22 inch cutting head - three tooth metal blade |
| Engine type and size: | GX25 mini 4-stroke 25cc |
| Weight: | 5.98kg |
- Comes with a 5-year guarantee, nylon spool, a D-loop handle, and a harness to make sure you remain comfortable and safe when working
Best cordless petrol-powered strimmer for storage
Einhellwww.machinemart.co.uk
Perfect for contouring and accurately trimming areas of your garden, the Einhell petrol-powered strimmer is the most versatile garden tool there is. It has a quick start auto-choking feature that eliminates cold start problems, easy reach controls on the adjustable, two-hand bike handle design, and cuts quickly and efficiently at 7200rpm.
What we particularly love about this tool is the split shaft that makes it easy to transport the trimmer and stow it away, especially if you're limited on space - it can be dismantled into two parts with just a few moves.
Pros
- Powerful engine that has built-in anti-vibration
- Split shaft makes it easy to transport and store
Cons
- Some customers have received faulty machines
| Blade: | 42cm cutting width - three tooth blade |
| Engine type and size: | Air cooled 2-stroke 52cc (4-stroke 31cc also available) |
| Weight: | 8.9kg |
- You'll receive 1 x petrol scythe; Guide pin; Operating handle; Operating handle retainer; Carrying strap; Trimming blade; Spool with nylon line; Driving plate; Pressure plate; Pressure plate cover; Nut M10 (left-hand thread); Combined oil/petrol cylinder; Spark plug wrench; Allen wrench 4 mm; Allen wrench 5 mm; 3 ea. tie wraps; Knurled screw M6; Protective hood for nylon line/trimming blade; Original operating instructions; Safety instructions
Best cordless petrol-powered strimmer on a budget
Hawksmoorwww.toolstation.com
Last but not least, the Hawksmoor Petrol Brush Cutter is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a petrol-powered machine but are working on a tighter budget. Coming in at less than £150, it's designed for user convenience with adjustable handles and shaft so you can find the optimal operating position.
Reviewers have said it's great value for money and surprisingly powerful, having been able to make short work of thistles, overgrown lawn edges, and thick brush. It's also been recognised for being easy to start and assemble. One thing of note is that a number of reviewers have found it has quite a bit of vibration, so careful use of the throttle is required.
Pros
- Choose from spool or blade cutting heads depending on the task
- Adjustable handle to suit your working needs
Cons
- Heavier than other models
| Blade: | 42cm cutting width - three tooth steel blade head |
| Engine type and size: | 2-stroke 33cc |
| Weight: | 7kg |
- Compatible with E10 grade petrol and comes with harness
How we chose the best cordless strimmer UK
All of these cordless strimmers have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered usability, performance and value for money in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching cordless strimmers to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.
Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about. And with help from Modern Gardens Magazine, Garden News and Garden Answers, we share expert gardening knowledge to help you get the most from your product.
FAQS
What type of strimmer should I get?
As with different budget lawn mowers, there are a range of cordless strimmers that can be powered by petrol or electric battery. The type that's right for you will depend on personal preference and what you’ll be using your strimmer for, we'd recommend a cordless battery strimmer for small to medium-sized gardens and a cordless petrol strimmer for larger gardens and tough foliage.
Are cordless strimmers worth it?
Cordless battery strimmers are a great choice if you have a smaller space, as the absence of a cord makes them easy to use. However, their running time is dependent on their battery power and charge. To solve this issue, many models come with interchangeable batteries so you have a backup available if you're unable to finish the job, so you may want to check for this if you have a lawn that is edging on the larger size.
They are often lightweight machines, a good option if you don’t fancy lugging a hefty strimmer around. They produce no emissions, require little maintenance, and are easy to start - press the power button and go.
Are cordless battery strimmers as good as petrol strimmers?
If power is what you’re looking for, a petrol-powered cordless strimmer may be the route you want to go down. These machines run indefinitely and unrestricted by cables and extension leads, they're better for larger gardens that need lawn care, and thick foliage. However, it's worth noting that they are often noisier than their counterparts, so if a quiet machine is what you're after and you don't want to annoy the next-door neighbours, they may not be the best choice.
You'll also need to consider the cost of fuel - models with a four-cycle engine run cleaner, but fuel costs more, while models with a two-cycle engine cost less, but you'll need to add two-stroke oil which as well as being less clean, makes maintenance a little more complicated.
Cordless strimmer safety tips
Garden power tool specialist Stihl have some safety tips when using a grass trimmer. First, it's essential to wear the right protective gear. Stihl adivse: "You should always wear personal protective equipment when using your grass trimmer or brushcutter, including safety glasses, face protection and safety boots – your grass trimmer user manual will include full details."
Also, it's important to read the manual before attempting to use the equipment. At Modern Gardens, we recommend watching product demonstrates on Youtube.
It may not be apparent, but petrol strimmers emit fumes. Stihl say: "These gases may be odourless and invisible, so it’s important to only use your grass trimmer outdoors or in well-ventilated indoor spaces." As well as only using your strimmer outdoors, be sure to use it on even ground and check for stumps or roots that might pose a trip hazard.
It case of flying objects, such as throwing up stones with the strimmer, make sure you keep a safety distance between the area you're working on and your car, pets and children. Stihl advise keeping a 15 metre safety radius.
Subscribe to Modern Gardens magazine and get the most out of your outdoor space. Discover everything you need to know to make your outside space look fantastic, quickly and easily, with hundreds of simple ideas, designer tricks, affordable products and expert advice in every issue of Modern Gardens. View our latest subscription offers to save on shop prices.
Eleanor Weaver is the Deputy Homes & Garden Product Editor for Modern Gardens, specialising in outdoor furniture, décor, and tools. She's always looking out for inspiration online for stylish and affordable designs, and enjoys spending time in nature.