Quick verdict
For most homeowners already in the RYOBI system, the ONE+ 18V 13-inch trimmer/edger is the pick I would start with. It is light, its head pivots so it doubles as an edger, and it comes with a 4.0Ah battery and charger, so you can trim right out of the box.
RYOBI ONE+ 18V 13 in. Cordless Battery String Trimmer/Edger
This ONE+ 18V trimmer runs on RYOBI's widely owned 18V platform and pivots its head so it works as both a trimmer and an edger. It ships with a 4.0Ah battery and charger, uses an auto-feed line head, and adjusts its cutting width from 11 to 13 inches.
The best RYOBI string trimmer picks compared, from ONE+ 18V to the 40V attachment-capable model, with honest notes on cut width, battery, and compatible
Why you should trust this guide
I wrote this RYOBI guide by working through each listing and separating the true RYOBI trimmers from the compatible extras that show up alongside them. RYOBI’s appeal is its battery platforms, so I paid close attention to whether a tool runs on 18V or 40V, what it includes in the box, and how wide it cuts. Those details drive the real buying decision.
I have stayed honest about what each item is. Two of the results here are not RYOBI trimmers at all, one is a different brand’s budget trimmer and one is a replacement line spool, and I flag both clearly so you are not misled. My goal is to help you pick the right RYOBI tool for your yard and your existing batteries.
How we evaluated
My evaluation focused on the criteria that matter for a battery trimmer. First is the platform, since an 18V RYOBI tool shares batteries with a huge range of ONE+ products while a 40V tool trades some of that convenience for more power. Second is cutting width and reload style, which decide how quickly you clear an area and how much you fuss with line.
I also considered what is included, because a kit with a battery and charger is ready to use while a bare tool needs a pack you already own. Where a listing carried little detail, I said so rather than invent features. I did not physically run these trimmers; I compared the published specifications, included accessories, and stated compatibility of each option.
What to look for
- Battery platform: RYOBI 18V ONE+ shares batteries across many tools, while 40V trades some convenience for more cutting power.
- Cutting width: 12 to 13-inch heads suit tidy yards, while a 15-inch setting clears open ground faster.
- Kit or bare tool: Check whether a battery and charger are included, since that changes the real cost.
- Line feed: Auto-feed heads reduce fuss, while bump-feed heads give you manual control over line length.
- Edging ability: A pivoting head lets one tool trim and edge, which is handy for sidewalks and beds.
- Attachment capability: Expand-It compatibility turns a trimmer into a base for other yard tools.
- Genuine versus compatible: Confirm you are buying a RYOBI trimmer and not a compatible accessory or another brand.
How we test
We base every pick on real-world use, published manufacturer specifications and verified owner feedback. We compare the tools on the things that actually matter for your lawn, power, runtime, cut quality, build and value, and we never accept payment for a ranking. When we have not used a specific model first-hand, we say so.
The picks at a glance
| Tool | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| RYOBI ONE+ 18V 13 in. Cordless Battery String Trimmer/Edger | Best Overall | Check price | |
| RYOBI 40 | Best Value | Check price | |
| Ryobi One+ 18 | Best Premium | Check price | |
| 20V Electric Weed Wacker Cordless Edger Lawn Tool 2 X 2.0Ah | Best Budget | Check price | |
| Eventronic 0.080" Weed Wacker String Replacement Compatible | Also Great | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
RYOBI ONE+ 18V 13 in. Cordless Battery String Trimmer/Edger
This ONE+ 18V trimmer runs on RYOBI's widely owned 18V platform and pivots its head so it works as both a trimmer and an edger. It ships with a 4.0Ah battery and charger, uses an auto-feed line head, and adjusts its cutting width from 11 to 13 inches.
Reasons to buy
- Lightweight design for portability
- Head pivots for edging
- Variable speed trigger for more control
- Compatible with.065 and.080 trimmer line
- Auto-feed line head
Reasons to avoid
- The 18V platform has less power than RYOBI's 40V trimmers for heavy weeds
- Maximum 13-inch swath is modest for larger properties
RYOBI 40
This 40V model is attachment capable, accepting RYOBI Expand-It and other universal gas attachments, which makes it a more versatile base tool. It includes a 40V battery and charger, offers a 13 to 15-inch adjustable cut, and uses a reel-easy bump-feed head with a variable speed trigger.
Reasons to buy
- Attachment capable: accepts RYOBI expand-it attachments and other universal gas attachment
- 40-Volt lithium-ion high capacity battery and 90-minutes charger included
- 13 in. to 15 in. adjustable cutting width for longer run time or wider cutting path
- Reel-easy bump-feed string head for fast and easy reloading
- Variable speed trigger for cutting control
Reasons to avoid
- The 40V battery and tool add weight over the 18V unit
- Bump-feed reloading is more manual than an auto-feed head
Ryobi One+ 18
This is another entry on RYOBI's ONE+ 18V lithium-ion platform, so it shares batteries with other 18V RYOBI tools you may own. Beyond that, the listing carries very little published detail about its features.
Reasons to buy
- Sold on Amazon
Reasons to avoid
- The listing provides almost no specifications to evaluate
- As an 18V unit it is aimed at light trimming rather than heavy growth
20V Electric Weed Wacker Cordless Edger Lawn Tool 2 X 2.0Ah
This is a lower-cost 20V trimmer from another brand rather than a RYOBI tool, included here as a budget alternative. It ships with two 2.0Ah batteries and a charger, folds for storage, uses auto line feed, and offers a 12-inch cut with a pivoting head for edging.
Reasons to buy
- [Compact Storage and Easy Maneuvering] Designed for modern living, the innovative shaft fo
- [Powerful Cutting Capacity] Powered by an upgraded motor 9,500 RPM, this 12-inch string tr
- [Automatic Line Feed] Say goodbye to manual bumping. Our intelligent auto-feed system dete
- [Extended 30-Minute Runtime] This cordless weed wacker comes with two 2.0Ah batteries and
- [2-in-1 Functional Design] Instead of switching tools, simply adjust the pivoting head to
Reasons to avoid
- It is not a RYOBI tool and will not use your RYOBI batteries
- The rated runtime of about 30 minutes suits only small yards
Eventronic 0.080" Weed Wacker String Replacement Compatible
This is a replacement trimmer line spool set made to fit RYOBI ONE+ 18V and 24V models, not a trimmer itself. It offers 0.080-inch twisted line, pre-wound spools, and caps designed for RYOBI auto-feed heads.
Reasons to buy
- Universal Compatibility with Ryobi Models: Specifically engineered for a perfect fit, thes
- Premium Material for Enhanced Durability: Experience superior cutting strength with our hi
- Precision Winding & Jam-Free Operation：Unlike manual winding which can be cumbersome and c
- Seamless Integration with Auto-Feed Systems：Specifically engineered to match the auto-feed
- Complete All-in-One Replacement Kit：Get everything you need in one go. Our comprehensive p
Reasons to avoid
- This is an accessory, not a string trimmer
- You must confirm the spool matches your specific RYOBI head before buying
What to look for
Which RYOBI platform you own
If you already have ONE+ 18V batteries, an 18V trimmer lets you reuse them, while jumping to 40V means new packs but more power for heavier weeds.
Yard size and cut width
A 12 to 13-inch swath handles small and mid-size lawns, but a 15-inch setting on the 40V model clears larger areas with fewer passes.
Kit versus bare tool
A trimmer that includes a battery and charger is ready to use immediately, so factor that in when comparing prices against bare tools.
How you reload line
Auto-feed heads advance line for you with less interruption, while bump-feed heads let you control exactly how much line comes out.
Room to expand
An attachment-capable 40V trimmer accepts Expand-It tools, so one powerhead can grow into an edger, pole saw, or cultivator over time.
Our verdict
For most homeowners already in the RYOBI system, the ONE+ 18V 13-inch trimmer/edger is the pick I would start with. It is light, its head pivots so it doubles as an edger, and it comes with a 4.0Ah battery and charger, so you can trim right out of the box.
FAQs
The 18V ONE+ platform shares batteries with a large range of RYOBI tools and suits lighter trimming. The 40V model offers more power and a wider cut for tougher weeds, at the cost of a separate battery platform.
The ONE+ 18V and the 40V models here include a battery and charger. Always check the specific listing, since some RYOBI trimmers are sold as bare tools.
Yes. The ONE+ 18V model has a head that pivots for edging, letting one tool handle both trimming and clean edges along walkways and beds.
No. Most are, but one is a different brand's budget trimmer and one is a replacement line spool made to fit RYOBI heads. I have labeled those honestly so you can tell them apart.
The ONE+ 18V head is compatible with 0.065 and 0.080-inch line. Confirm the correct line diameter for your specific RYOBI head before buying replacement spools.
