Best Brushless Cordless String Trimmers (2026)
The best brushless cordless string trimmers compared, delivering more efficient runtime and longer motor life than a traditional brushed design.
At a Glance
Makita XRU23Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 13-Inch String Trimmer, Tool Only
↓ See why we picked itGreenworks 60V 16 in Cordless String Trimmer, 4.0 Ah Battery
↓ See why we picked it80V 16-Inch Brushless Cordless String Trimmer, 5635 RPM Variable-Speed
↓ See why we picked itA brushless motor generally runs more efficiently and lasts longer than a traditional brushed motor, translating into more runtime per charge and less wear over years of use. We compared three current brushless models across different brands and power tiers.
3 Criteria to Look For Before Buying a Brushless Cordless String Trimmers (2026)
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Brushless vs. Brushed Motor Efficiency
A brushless motor generally runs more efficiently and lasts longer than a brushed alternative, translating into more runtime per charge and less wear over years of use.
All three models here specifically confirm brushless technology, a genuine advantage over the many string trimmers that still use brushed motors.
Genuine Brand vs. Newer Entrant
Two of these three brushless models come from established brands with proven track records, while the third is a newer brand making high-voltage claims at a lower price.
Decide whether an established brand's proven brushless implementation justifies the price difference for your situation.
Power Tier and Cutting Swath
These three brushless models span different voltage tiers and cutting swath widths, from a compact 13-inch LXT model to wider 16-inch options.
Match power tier and swath to your actual yard size rather than assuming the highest voltage is always the better choice.
Best Brushless Cordless String Trimmers (2026)
Makita XRU23Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 13-Inch String Trimmer, Tool Only
About this pick
This genuine Makita model pairs a confirmed brushless motor with the brand's extensive 18V LXT ecosystem, sold tool only for existing battery owners.
For a buyer wanting proven brushless efficiency from an established brand, this is the strongest overall pick in this comparison.
Best for: existing Makita LXT owners wanting genuine brushless efficiency
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Motor: Brushless
- System: 18V LXT
- Brand: Genuine Makita
Pros
- +Brushless motor delivers efficient sustained cutting power
- +Genuine Makita manufacturing and warranty backing overall
- +Shares batteries with Makita's extensive 18V LXT ecosystem
Cons
- −Sold tool only, battery and charger not included
- −Real cost is higher without existing Makita LXT batteries
Greenworks 60V 16 in Cordless String Trimmer, 4.0 Ah Battery
About this pick
This higher-power Greenworks model pairs 60V performance with a substantially wider 16-inch swath and a large battery, for larger properties or the most demanding trimming needs.
At the highest price in this comparison, it's justified for a buyer with genuinely large ground to cover regularly.
Best for: larger properties needing maximum swath and sustained power
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Voltage: 60V
- Swath: 16-Inch
- Battery: 4.0Ah
Pros
- +Substantially wider 16-inch cutting swath covers more ground
- +Large 4.0Ah battery extends real usable runtime
- +Most sustained power tier among these three models
Cons
- −Highest price among the brushless options compared here
- −60V batteries aren't compatible with lower-tier Greenworks tools
80V 16-Inch Brushless Cordless String Trimmer, 5635 RPM Variable-Speed
About this pick
This model states an 80V platform with a variable-speed brushless motor rated at 5635 RPM, at a meaningfully lower price than the established brands here.
As a newer brand making high-voltage claims, checking recent buyer reviews for real-world performance is worthwhile before assuming it matches established competitors' actual output.
Best for: buyers wanting stated high-voltage brushless power at a lower price
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Motor: Variable-Speed Brushless
- Speed: 5635 RPM
- Voltage: 80V
Pros
- +Variable-speed brushless motor rated at 5635 RPM
- +Lower price than the established-brand alternatives here
- +Wide 16-inch cutting swath matches the Greenworks pick
Cons
- −Newer brand with a shorter track record
- −Confirm real-world performance against recent buyer reviews
How We Evaluated These Brushless Cordless String Trimmers (2026)
Each pick was assessed across 3 criteria weighted for real-world use.
Real, Current Listings
All three products are currently listed brushless string trimmers verified against live Amazon catalog data for price and stated specifications.
Brushless Motor Verification
We confirmed brushless motor technology on each listing rather than assuming all string trimmers use this design.
Brand Track Record Comparison
We noted brand track record, power tier, and cutting swath width across all three models.
How to Choose the Right Brushless Cordless String Trimmers (2026)
By Priority
| Priority | Recommended Pick |
|---|---|
| Established brand, LXT ecosystem | Makita XRU23Z |
| Maximum power and swath | Greenworks 60V |
| Stated high power at lower price | 80V Value Pick |
By Budget
| Budget | Recommended Pick |
|---|---|
| Lower cost | 80V Value Pick |
| Mid-range established brand | Makita XRU23Z |
| Premium maximum power | Greenworks 60V |
Established Brand vs. Value: The Verdict
The right choice depends on how much brand track record matters to you.
Choose an established brand if
Proven brushless implementation and warranty support justify the higher price.
Choose the value pick if
Stated high-voltage brushless power at a lower price meets your actual needs.
By Cutting Swath
| Need | Recommended Pick |
|---|---|
| Widest swath | Greenworks 60V or 80V Value Pick, both 16-Inch |
| Compact swath is sufficient | Makita XRU23Z 13-Inch |
For Motor Longevity Specifically
Look for
Confirmed brushless motor technology, which reduces wear compared to a traditional brushed design.
In this comparison
All three models specifically confirm brushless motors.
When a Brushed Motor Is Acceptable
Consider a brushed model if
Occasional light use makes motor longevity a lower priority than upfront cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a brushless motor mean on a string trimmer?
It's a motor design without physical brushes contacting a commutator, generally running more efficiently and lasting longer than a traditional brushed motor.
Is a brushless string trimmer worth the extra cost?
Yes, for regular use, since the improved efficiency and reduced wear typically pay off over the tool's lifespan compared to a brushed alternative.
Do all high-voltage string trimmers use brushless motors?
No, voltage and motor type are separate specifications. Always check for explicit brushless confirmation on a listing rather than assuming higher voltage implies brushless technology.
Which brushless string trimmer has the most power?
The Greenworks 60V model offers the most sustained power and largest battery in this comparison, suited to larger properties or the most demanding trimming needs.
Bottom Line
best overall: Makita XRU23Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 13-Inch String Trimmer, Tool Only - best overall pick in this roundup.
See the full rankings above for all picks with pros, cons, and best-for summaries.
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