Key takeaways
- Comes fully equipped with battery and charger, so the listed price is the real price
- POWERLOAD advance eliminates frequent bumping and manual line feeding
- Heavier than solo-head models because the kit includes the battery, which may feel tiring on very long sessions
What's inside
The jump from a gas trimmer to a cordless electric model is one of the most practical upgrades a homeowner can make, and EGO has built a substantial reputation on the strength side of that trade-off. But their 2026 lineup has grown confusingly large. Eight trimmers, attachments, and combo kits now share the same brand name at price points that vary by more than three hundred dollars. For a buyer who simply wants to cut grass along a fence line or clear weeds around a mailbox, choosing between a POWERLOAD head and a Rapid Reload head, or between a telescopic carbon fiber shaft and a split shaft, can feel like decoding an engineering manual.
The difference between a worthwhile EGO trimmer and a frustrating one usually comes down to two factors: whether the line-advance mechanism actually saves you time over a season of trimming, and whether the shaft construction keeps the unit light enough to swing without arm fatigue. Every model below shares the same 56-volt battery platform, so runtime is comparable once you match the same amp-hour cell. What you are really choosing between is ergonomics, convenience features, and whether you are buying a complete kit or adding to an existing EGO collection.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date shown and are subject to change.
Quick Picks
| Product | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|
| EGO ST1623T | Complete starter kit, best balance of features and price | $299 |
| EGO MHC1603 | Homeowners who need a trimmer and edger in one system | $429 |
| EGO ST1610T | Existing EGO battery owners wanting a premium solo trimmer | $199 |
| EGO ST1500SF | Tightest budgets and smaller yards | $119.99 |
| EGO ST1620T | Buyers who want LINE IQ and telescopic reach | $249 |
| EGO STA1600 | Upgrading an existing EGO multi-head power base | $168.99 |
| EGO ST6703LB | One-season cleanup with blower and trimmer combined | $329.99 |
| EGO ST1511T | Best value with battery and charger included | $219 |
How We Picked
We narrowed this list by comparing published specifications against verified owner feedback across EGO’s trimmer range. The four criteria that mattered most were: line-advance mechanism quality (POWERLOAD and Rapid Reload behave very differently in practice), shaft type and overall weight (carbon fiber telescopic shafts reduce arm strain on large properties), included accessories relative to price (a trimmer without a battery is a different value proposition than a full kit), and cutting width versus the typical yard size it serves. Price alone is misleading in this category because the cheapest headline number often omits a battery worth sixty to ninety dollars.
The 8 Best Ego String Trimmer in 2026
EGO ST1623T
This is the trimmer that makes the most sense for someone starting from zero. It arrives with a battery and charger, a sixteen-inch cutting width, and the POWERLOAD mechanism that winds line into the spool with a single twist of the head. Owners consistently praise how much time it saves over bump-and-feed alternatives.
- Comes fully equipped with battery and charger, so the listed price is the real price
- POWERLOAD advance eliminates frequent bumping and manual line feeding
- Heavier than solo-head models because the kit includes the battery, which may feel tiring on very long sessions
Skip it if you already own an EGO battery; you would be paying a premium for duplicate components you do not need.
EGO MHC1603 Multi-Head Combo
This kit pairs the sixteen-inch POWERLOAD string trimmer with an eight-inch carbon fiber edger on a shared 56-volt power head. If your yard has defined borders along driveways or walkways, the edger swap takes seconds and eliminates the need for a separate tool. The 4.0Ah battery included in the package handles either attachment comfortably through a full trimming session.
- Two tools in one purchase with quick-change compatibility
- Carbon fiber construction on both attachments keeps weight manageable
- Highest upfront cost in the lineup, and the power head is bulkier than dedicated solo units
Skip it if you only ever trim and never edge; you are paying for an attachment that will sit unused.
EGO ST1610T
Designed for EGO owners who already have a compatible battery and want a standalone premium trimmer. The telescopic carbon fiber shaft adjusts length for your height, reducing back strain, and the POWERLOAD head handles line advance cleanly. At $199 without a battery, it undercuts the ST1623T by a meaningful margin for anyone already on the platform.
- Telescopic shaft accommodates a wide range of user heights without accessories
- Best solo-trimmer value for existing EGO battery owners
- Does not include a battery or charger, so the true cost rises if you need a power source
Skip it if you have no EGO equipment and want a turnkey solution.
EGO ST1500SF
The most affordable entry into EGO trimming at $119.99, and the split shaft design makes it the lightest option for users with smaller yards or limited storage space. The 15-inch cutting width is adequate for standard residential lots. Rapid Reload is simpler than POWERLOAD but still faster than manual feeding.
- Lowest price in the lineup by a wide margin
- Split shaft breaks down compactly for garage or shed storage
- Fifteen-inch width and split-shaft flexibility mean slightly less rigidity and reach than carbon fiber telescopic options
Skip it if you regularly trim large properties or tall weeds; you will notice the narrower swath on each pass.
EGO ST1620T
This model adds LINE IQ, a system that automatically feeds the correct length of string and alerts you when it is time to reload. Combined with POWERLOAD and a telescopic carbon fiber shaft, it is the most feature-dense solo trimmer EGO offers short of a combo kit. Owner feedback highlights the convenience of not guessing line length.
- LINE IQ reduces user error and wasted string
- Full premium feature set in a solo unit at a mid-range price
- LINE IQ adds a small complexity layer that some owners prefer to avoid entirely
Skip it if you dislike electronics on your tools or want the simplest mechanism possible.
EGO STA1600
A dedicated trimmer attachment for the EGO multi-head system, sold without a power head or battery. If you own an MHC-series power base from a leaf blower or edger kit, this bolt-on gives you a full sixteen-inch trimmer for $168.99. POWERLOAD is present, so line advance remains effortless.
- Lowest-cost path to a POWERLOAD trimmer if you already own an EGO power head
- Sixteen-inch carbon fiber construction matches standalone premium units
- Useless without a compatible EGO 56-volt multi-head base
Skip it entirely if you do not already own the corresponding power head.
EGO ST6703LB
Combines a 670 CFM leaf blower with a cordless trimmer in a single package at $329.99. For homeowners who finish trimming by clearing clippings, this eliminates the back-and-forth between tools. Both units run on the same 56-volt battery platform, so one charged cell serves both tasks sequentially.
- Blower and trimmer in one purchase reduces total cost versus buying separately
- Shared battery system keeps storage and charging simple
- Trimmer component may not include the highest-tier shaft or feed mechanism
Skip it if you already own a functional blower; you are paying for a second one.
EGO ST1511T
At $219, this is the cheapest trimmer in the lineup that still includes a battery and charger. The 15-inch cutting width and cordless design make it a practical choice for small to medium yards without the full premium feature set. It is a no-frills, functional kit that gets the job done at a lower entry price.
- Includes battery and charger at a price that competes with battery-less models from other brands
- Straightforward design with fewer components that can fail over time
- Smaller cutting width and fewer convenience features than the ST1623T at only eighty dollars more
Skip it if you plan to tackle more than a few hundred feet of edging each weekend; the narrow swath will slow you down.
Buying Guide
Line Advance Mechanism
POWERLOAD winds fresh line into the spool through a mechanical twist of the trimmer head, requiring no bumping or manual feeding. Rapid Reload uses a simpler internal spool design that still loads without disassembly but may need occasional attention. The gap between these two shows up over a full trimming session: POWERLOAD models rarely require you to stop, while Rapid Reload may need a second loading cycle on thicker vegetation. LINE IQ automates feed length further, though it introduces a small electronic component. If your trimming involves tall or dense weeds, POWERLOAD is the feature most worth paying for.
Shaft Type and Weight
Carbon fiber telescopic shafts adjust to your height and absorb vibration better, keeping the trimmer comfortable for extended use. Split shafts break into two pieces for storage and are typically lighter overall, but the joint introduces a small flex point that can feel less rigid during heavy-duty cutting. For properties where you trim more than thirty minutes at a stretch, the telescopic carbon option reduces shoulder and forearm fatigue. For occasional weekend use on a small lot, a split shaft saves weight and garage space without a meaningful drawback.
Battery Inclusion vs. Platform Expansion
EGO’s 56-volt lithium-ion platform is shared across all models, which means a battery purchased with one tool works in every other tool on this list. Buying a trimmer with battery and charger included makes sense if you are starting fresh. If you already own any EGO outdoor product with a compatible cell, buying a tool-only head at a lower price is the smarter move. The spread between a kit price and a tool-only price in this lineup ranges from roughly eighty to one hundred and twenty dollars, which is close to the standalone cost of a replacement battery.
Our Verdict
For most buyers, the EGO ST1623T is the strongest pick. It includes a battery and charger, a full POWERLOAD head, and a sixteen-inch cutting width at $299. If your budget is tight and you have a modest yard, the ST1500SF at $119.99 delivers a genuinely capable EGO trimmer for the lowest entry price, provided you already own a compatible battery. If you need both trimming and edging from a single tool base, the MHC1603 at $429 is the only option on this list that handles both jobs without a second purchase.
FAQ
Do all EGO string trimmers use the same battery?
Yes. Every model on this list runs on the EGO 56-volt lithium-ion battery platform, so a single charged cell works across trimmers, edgers, blowers, and other EGO outdoor tools interchangeably.
Is the ST1620T worth it over the ST1610T?
Only if LINE IQ matters to you. The ST1620T adds automatic line-length management for roughly fifty dollars more, which some owners find genuinely convenient and others consider unnecessary complexity. The telescopic shaft and POWERLOAD head are present in both models.
Can I use a non-EGO battery with these trimmers?
No. The 56-volt battery interface is proprietary to EGO’s platform. Third-party cells are not compatible and attempting to use one may void the warranty or damage the tool head.
Which trimmer is best for thick weeds and brush?
The ST1623T or ST1610T handle thicker growth best due to the combination of sixteen-inch cutting width, POWERLOAD feeding that keeps line available at optimal length, and the rigid carbon fiber shaft that transfers power efficiently without flex.
