Cordless strimmers have revolutionised garden maintenance for UK gardeners. Gone are the days of wrestling with petrol-powered machines or tangled extension leads. We have tested and reviewed seven of the best cordless strimmers available in the UK to help you find the perfect model for your garden size and budget.
Whether you are looking for something lightweight for a small suburban plot or a more powerful option for larger gardens, this guide covers everything from budget-friendly options around £55 to premium models exceeding £200. We focus on real-world performance, value for money, and reliability from brands you can trust.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
| Model | Price | Cut Width | Battery | Weight | Best For |
| EGO ST1530E 56V | £100-200 | 38cm | 56V system | Compact | Premium performance |
| Makita DUR189Z 18V | £170-190 | Variable | 18V LXT | Lightweight | Brushless quality |
| Bosch UniversalGrassCut 18V-26 | £70-90 | 26cm | 18V | 2.1kg | Best value mid-range |
| Ryobi ONE+ OLT1832 | £55-65 | Variable | 18V ONE+ | Lightweight | Budget option |
| WORX WG163E GT 3.0 | £90-110 | 30cm | 20V | 2.4kg | All-rounders |
| Stihl FSA 57 | £150-170 | 28cm | 36V | Premium build | Premium quality |
| BLACK+DECKER STC1820PC | £60-80 | 28cm | 18V | Lightweight | Budget alternative |
Detailed Reviews
EGO ST1530E 56V – Premium Pick
The EGO ST1530E is our premium choice for serious garden enthusiasts. This 56V cordless strimmer delivers professional-grade performance with a 38cm cutting width, making it one of the wider-cutting options we have tested. What really impressed us was the POWERLOAD automatic line-feed system. It takes the guesswork out of reloading and means you are not fumbling with fiddly knobs mid-job.
Expect around £100 for the bare tool, though the full package with battery and charger comes in at approximately £200. The 56V system powers through thick weeds and overgrown patches with ease. The battery life is solid. You will comfortably handle a typical suburban garden on a single charge. It is part of the EGO ecosystem, meaning if you already own other cordless tools, this might be a natural fit.
Pros:
- Automatic line-feed system is genuinely convenient
- Wide 38cm cutting width covers more ground
- Powerful 56V motor handles thick weeds
- Lightweight and well-balanced for extended use
- Adjustable cutting head
Cons:
- Higher price point than mid-range alternatives
- Battery and charger add to initial cost
- Less common to find battery compatibility with other tools
Makita DUR189Z 18V LXT – Brushless Quality
Makita DUR189Z is an excellent choice if you value brushless motor technology and excellent build quality. At around £170-190 for the bare tool, it is positioned in the premium mid-range. The brushless motor runs more efficiently and quietly than traditional designs, whilst the ADT system automatically adjusts cutting speed between 4,000 and 6,000 RPM depending on what you are cutting.
This means the strimmer works smarter, not just harder. It cuts through dense weeds with full power but eases back on lighter grass to preserve battery. The 18V LXT system is part of Makita extensive cordless range, so if you already own other Makita tools, batteries are fully compatible. Weight and balance are excellent for longer trimming sessions.
Pros:
- Brushless motor is efficient and long-lasting
- ADT technology optimises power and battery life
- Compatible with extensive Makita LXT battery range
- Quiet operation compared to petrol alternatives
- Excellent build quality and durability
Cons:
- Higher mid-range price
- Battery sold separately
- Cutting width varies with different line loads
Bosch UniversalGrassCut 18V-26 – Best Value Mid-Range
If you want genuine value for money without compromising on performance, the Bosch UniversalGrassCut 18V-26 deserves serious consideration. Priced around £70-90 with battery included, it is significantly cheaper than premium options whilst still delivering reliable performance. The 26cm cutting width is modest but perfectly adequate for typical garden use.
What impressed us most was how lightweight it is at just 2.1kg. Even garden maintenance novices will not struggle with fatigue during longer sessions. The 18V battery provides decent runtime for most suburban gardens. You are also gaining access to Bosch expansive 18V ecosystem, meaning multiple charging options and tool compatibility. For the budget-conscious gardener, this is hard to beat.
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Lightweight at 2.1kg. Great for extended use
- Battery and charger included
- Part of extensive Bosch 18V ecosystem
- Reliable Bosch quality
Cons:
- Smaller 26cm cutting width than some competitors
- Not as powerful as premium options
- Less automatic features than higher-end models
Ryobi ONE+ OLT1832 – Best Budget Option
The Ryobi ONE+ OLT1832 is our pick for gardeners watching their wallet. At just £55-65 for the bare tool, it is genuinely affordable. What makes Ryobi particularly appealing is the ONE+ ecosystem. You are joining a system with over 200 cordless tools available, meaning your battery investment works across multiple tool types.
Performance is respectable for typical garden sizes. The 18V ONE+ battery is widely available and relatively inexpensive compared to some premium systems. For a first-time cordless tool buyer or someone with a small garden, this represents genuinely good value. It is the gateway tool that might lead you to build a complete cordless garden workshop.
Pros:
- Most affordable option on our list
- Access to 200+ compatible ONE+ tools
- Batteries and chargers widely available
- Good value for money
- Ideal entry point to cordless garden tools
Cons:
- Less powerful than premium models
- Smaller cutting width
- Battery runtime is more limited
- Fewer premium features
WORX WG163E GT 3.0 – Popular All-Rounder
The WORX WG163E GT 3.0 has built a loyal following amongst UK gardeners and for good reason. Priced around £90-110 with battery, it sits comfortably in the mid-range sweet spot. The 30cm cutting width is genuinely useful. It is wide enough to make quick work of most gardens without being unwieldy. At just 2.4kg, it is exceptionally lightweight.
The command feed line system works smoothly, and we appreciate the adjustable head that lets you trim at different angles and even tackle edging. Battery runtime is solid for typical garden use, and the price-to-performance ratio is genuinely impressive. It is the strimmer we would recommend to most gardeners if they asked for a single recommendation.
Pros:
- Excellent price-to-performance ratio
- Lightweight at 2.4kg
- 30cm cutting width is genuinely useful
- Adjustable head for multiple tasks
- Reliable command feed line system
- Good battery runtime
Cons:
- 20V power is less than some premium options
- Not as automatic as some competitors
Stihl FSA 57 – Premium Quality Brand
Stihl reputation for quality extends to their cordless range, and the FSA 57 is a testament to this legacy. At around £150-170 with battery, it is a premium option that trades some of the cutting width for exceptional build quality and Stihl renowned reliability. The 36V system offers a nice middle ground between the lighter 18V options and more powerful 56V models.
The 28cm cutting width is decent for most properties, and what you are really buying here is peace of mind. Stihl has a reputation for machines that last, and they back this up with solid warranty support and a network of service dealers across the UK. If you have owned Stihl petrol equipment previously and appreciate their philosophy of durability over flashy features, this is a natural progression.
Pros:
- Exceptional build quality and reliability
- Stihl reputation and UK dealer network
- 36V system balances power and weight
- Solid warranty support
- Compact and well-designed
Cons:
- Premium pricing for the brand name
- Limited compatibility with other Stihl battery-powered tools
- Smaller cutting width than some competitors
BLACK+DECKER STC1820PC 18V – Budget Alternative
BLACK+DECKER STC1820PC offers another budget-friendly entry point to cordless strimming at around £60-80 with battery. The 28cm cutting width is respectable, and the power command system handles typical grass and light weeds efficiently. For gardeners wanting to try cordless equipment without major investment, this is a solid option.
The 18V platform is common across BLACK+DECKER range, so battery compatibility is straightforward. It is lightweight and straightforward to use, making it accessible for all ages and abilities. Just be realistic. This will not match the performance of premium models, but for small to medium gardens, it absolutely does the job.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Battery and charger included
- Good 28cm cutting width
- Light and easy to handle
- Part of BLACK+DECKER 18V ecosystem
Cons:
- Less powerful than mid-range options
- Power command system less convenient than some alternatives
- Limited advanced features
How to Choose a Cordless Strimmer
Selecting the right cordless strimmer depends on several key factors. Here is what we recommend considering:
Garden Size
Small gardens under 500 square metres will happily manage with budget to mid-range options like the Ryobi or Bosch. Larger properties might benefit from the wider cutting widths and power of premium models like the EGO. Battery runtime matters here. Check that a full charge handles your typical strimming without needing a swap.
Physical Considerations
Weight makes a genuine difference during extended use. Lighter models in the 2.1kg-2.4kg range like the Bosch and WORX are less fatiguing. If you have mobility concerns, prioritise lightweight options even if it means paying slightly more.
Ecosystem Compatibility
Consider whether you own other cordless tools. Building within a single ecosystem means batteries are interchangeable and typically more affordable. The Ryobi ONE+ system offers the most extensive range at 200+ tools, whilst Makita LXT and Bosch 18V are also comprehensive.
Budget Flexibility
Be realistic about what is included. Some prices are for bare tools, others include batteries and chargers. Calculate your true cost, including any additional batteries you might need for larger gardens.
Brand Support
Choose brands with good UK support networks. Stihl, Bosch, and Makita all have established dealer networks. This matters if you ever need repairs or have warranty claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a cordless strimmer battery last?
Runtime varies by voltage and battery capacity. Expect 20-60 minutes per charge depending on the model and cutting conditions. Dense weeds drain battery faster than light grass. Most mid-range and premium models handle typical suburban gardens on a single charge.
Can I use the same battery across different brands?
No, batteries are not interchangeable between brands. Each manufacturer uses proprietary connectors. This is why we recommend considering ecosystem compatibility when purchasing.
Are cordless strimmers powerful enough for thick weeds?
Mid-range and premium options absolutely handle thick weeds. The EGO 56V, Makita DUR189Z, and Stihl FSA 57 are all capable. Budget models might struggle with particularly dense patches, but regular maintenance prevents this being necessary.
How often do I need to replace the cutting line?
This depends on usage frequency and cutting conditions. Light residential use might see line replacement every few months, whilst heavier use might require weekly changes during growing season. Line is inexpensive. Expect £3-8 per spool.
What is the difference between 18V, 20V, 36V and 56V?
Voltage indicates power output. Higher voltage generally means more cutting power and longer runtime, but also heavier weight. 18-20V suits small to medium gardens, 36V offers a middle ground, and 56V is premium power for larger properties or tougher jobs.
Do I need multiple batteries?
For most residential gardens, a single battery is sufficient if your strimming session is under an hour. Larger gardens benefit from a second battery, allowing you to swap whilst one charges. Many kits now include two batteries.
Our Final Verdict
The best cordless strimmer for you depends entirely on your specific situation. If budget is your primary concern, the Ryobi ONE+ OLT1832 or Bosch UniversalGrassCut 18V-26 offer genuine value with established battery ecosystems. If you want reliable all-round performance that handles most garden sizes without breaking the bank, the WORX WG163E GT 3.0 is genuinely hard to beat.
For those willing to invest in premium performance, the EGO ST1530E delivers cutting-edge features and impressive power, whilst the Makita DUR189Z represents premium quality in brushless technology. If brand heritage and dealer support matter to you, Stihl FSA 57 maintains the quality standards you would expect from that name.
Whatever you choose, you are making a smart decision moving to cordless. The convenience factor alone. No petrol, no complex maintenance, no tangled leads. It transforms garden maintenance from a chore into something genuinely manageable. We have tested all of these models extensively, and every single one will handle typical UK garden strimming capably. Your choice ultimately comes down to budget, garden size, and whether you would like ecosystem flexibility.