In Consumer Reports’ 2026 comparison of battery-powered string-trimmer brands, Makita, EGO, Worx, Greenworks, and Toro all scored above Ryobi. Greenworks and Toro are tied, so the ratings identify five higher-scoring brands but no unique fourth-place brand. The scores compare brands, not individual trimmer models.
Which battery-powered trimmer brands scored above Ryobi?
Consumer Reports’ July 1, 2026 brand analysis gives Ryobi a score of 78. The five brands with higher scores are:
| Brand | Consumer Reports brand score | Position relative to Ryobi |
|---|---|---|
| Makita | 85 | Above Ryobi |
| EGO | 83 | Above Ryobi |
| Worx | 81 | Above Ryobi |
| Greenworks | 79 | Tied with Toro; above Ryobi |
| Toro | 79 | Tied with Greenworks; above Ryobi |
| Ryobi | 78 | Reference point |
Because Greenworks and Toro share the same score, either can be described as tied for fourth among the brands listed above Ryobi; the ratings do not establish one as the sole fourth-place brand. The full ranking also lists Kobalt, DeWalt, and Skil at 77 each, followed by Craftsman at 75.
What do the brand scores measure?
Consumer Reports says its brand ratings use a statistical model incorporating Overall Scores for battery string trimmers. Those scores reflect performance, ease of use, predicted reliability, and owner satisfaction. The brand analysis also accounts for price and convenience features such as a rotating head, telescopic handle, attachment capability, and a shoulder strap. A brand must have at least three available rated models to be included.
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- 2 IN 1 TRIMMER & EDGER : Easily converts from a string trimmer to an edger lawn tool in just seconds.
- INSTANT LINE FEED: This grass trimmer has innovative push button command feed spool system for instant line feeding. Plus, free spools for life.
- HEAD TILTS 90°: So you can use string trimmer and edger on sloped terrain, and get to tough-to-reach places.
- RUBBERIZED WHEELS: Support and guide the edger, giving you straighter lines and cleaner cuts.
- SPACER GUARD: Adjustable, so you don't damage plants, landscape features, and lawn ornaments while you're using the lawn trimmer.
These are aggregate brand scores, not ratings for a single trimmer or a promise that every product from a higher-scoring brand will outperform every Ryobi model. Consumer Reports reported rating more than 60 battery string trimmers and recommending more than half in its 2026 article, but those product-count figures do not change the brand-score comparison.
Which products are included—and which are not?
The comparison covers battery-powered string trimmers only. Consumer Reports excluded gas and corded-electric trimmers from its brand analysis because its sample for those categories was too small. The scores therefore should not be generalized to every gas or corded product sold by these manufacturers.
Rank #2
- 6200 RPM: The POWERDRIVE Transmission delivers more power from the motor to the cutting string so you can get the job done faster
- The Automatic Feed Spool - AFS automatically feeds trimmer line when needed with no bumping required
- 2-in-1 Trim or Edge - easily converts from trimmer to edger in seconds
- It is quiet and easy to start, delivering great cutting results without the mess and hassles of gas powered trimmers
- Lightweight design with adjustable handle and height positions provide maximum comfort and control of this grass trimmer edge trimmer
“Weed eater,” “weed whacker,” and “string trimmer” are common names for this tool category. For the products ranked here, “battery-powered string trimmer” is the most precise description.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to use the ranking when choosing a trimmer
Use the brand scores as a shortlist, then compare the individual models available for your yard and budget. Consumer Reports’ electric-trimmer guidance says battery models are more plentiful and often perform better than corded models. It also notes that buying other lawn tools from the same brand may let you share batteries, potentially reducing the need to buy a separate battery for every tool.
Rank #3
- [Walkway Warrior Combo] - 40V trimmer + blaster system clears overgrown edges along driveways/walkways in half the time, boosting curb appeal instantly.
- [Defeat Thick Brush Invasion] - 12" commercial-grade trimmer (.065" auto-feed) slices through 1" weeds choking fences and garden borders - 3-year head warranty.
- [Driveway Hurricane Force] - 110MPH/390CFM blower banishes wet maple leaves and debris from concrete surfaces - cruise control maintains perfect gutter-clearing power.
- [Universal 40V Power Hub] - 2.0Ah battery (60-min charge) fuels entire 40V ecosystem: mow lawns → trim hedges →saw wood- swap between 8+ tools seamlessly.
- [Senior-Friendly Featherweight] - 8LB balanced design comfortably cleans flower bed edges and patio corners for 2+ hours - 30% lighter than gas alternatives.
Battery sharing is useful only when the specific tools use compatible batteries. Before comparing prices, check whether each listing is a bare tool or a kit that includes a battery and charger. The brand scores alone do not settle model-level differences such as weight, cutting width, runtime, battery capacity, attachment compatibility, or current price.
- Compare the ratings for the exact trimmer model, not just its brand.
- Check tool weight and cutting width against your yard and how long you expect to use the trimmer at a time.
- Look for model-specific runtime or battery-capacity information; the brand ranking does not provide those figures.
- Confirm that batteries are compatible with other tools you own or plan to buy from the same brand.
- Verify whether the price is for a bare tool or includes a battery and charger, and compare like with like.
- Check whether the model accepts attachments if that feature matters for your setup.
Consumer Reports’ overview of 2026 battery string-trimmer brand ratings provides the scores and methodology. Its 2026 electric string-trimmer guide discusses the broader electric category and battery sharing, while its string-trimmer reviews overview explains the category.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- [Compact Storage and Easy Maneuvering] Designed for modern living, the innovative shaft folds 180° in three ways for vertical storage in tight corners, apartments, or crowded garages and it’s highly space saving. Featuring a 90° adjustable head and 180° rotatable handle, you can effortlessly tackle slopes, under-bench areas, and hard-to-reach corners, making a uniformly tidy garden
- [Powerful Cutting Capacity] Powered by an upgraded motor 9,500 RPM, this 12-inch string trimmer delivers gas-like power to blast through thick meadow grass and overgrown weeds instantly. Its wide 12" cutting swath clears large yards fast, making it the ultimate tool for efficient lawn care and garden edging. Avoid cutting excessively thick or dense grass to prevent line breakage
- [Automatic Line Feed] Say goodbye to manual bumping. Our intelligent auto-feed system detects line length and automatically dispenses cord as needed, saving your weekend for trimming. If the cord breaks, simply release the trigger, then press and hold the safety lock and switch simultaneously to reactivate. Please keep cutting head parallel to ground to avoid hitting hard objects and line breaking
- [Total 30-Minute Runtime] This cordless weed wacker comes with two 2.0Ah batteries and a charger. Two batteries provide up to total 30 minutes of continuous power which is enough to finish most yard jobs on a single charge. For optimal performance and to protect your investment, please let the batteries cool down for a few minutes post-use before recharging which can extends the overall battery lifespan
- [2-in-1 Functional Design] Instead of switching tools, simply adjust the pivoting head to switch between trimming tall grass and creating crisp lawn edges. Designed for small yards and tight spaces, this lightweight tool handles basic lawn maintenance, keeping your property looking neat and tidy without the heavy lifting
Rank #4
- Long Runtime: Finish the job with up to 63 minutes* of runtime on this weed trimmer
- 52% more power** - Taking on trimming jobs with a powerful motor that slices through thick grass
- Large Trim Area: Tackle wide areas in a single pass with a 13 in. cutting swath
- Adjustable Height Weed Eater: Stay comfortable while working with an adjustable handle that can be customized to your preference
- Versatile Operation: Grass trimmer and edger using a single tool with Turn-To-Edge functionality
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
