You've just mowed the lawn. It's clean, it's green, it's satisfying. Then you look at the edges along the entrance, around the flower bed, the grass sticking out under the fence — and then you know it's far from finished.
If you are looking for the best battery-powered lawn trimmer to solve this problem once and for all, you are in the right place.
At Equipment Polar , we've been selling and advising Canada homeowners and professionals on tools since 1991. We've selected six DeWalt and Makita models—the two most reliable and best-supported brands in Canada—evaluating them based on four criteria: actual power, battery life, maneuverability, and value. No models we don't sell, no inflated specs: just our honest selection.
Check out our quick selection chart below to find your model in 30 seconds, or read the full guide if you want to understand why.
Our quick picks
- Best Overall Choice : DeWalt DCST980X2 60V FLEXVOLT — $949 — Pro Series 17.5", brushless motor, complete kit
- Best value : DeWalt DCST922 (2-battery set) — $389 — Complete kit, 2 batteries, ideal for 90% of owners
- Best for large yards : DeWalt DCST972X1 60V Compatible Attachment — $489 — Modular system, 60V power
- Best budget option : DeWalt DCST922B 20V (tool only) — $219 — For those who already have 20V batteries
- Best weight/maneuverability : Makita DUR193M001 18V LXT — $289 — Complete kit, pivoting head, most maneuverable
- Best outdoor combo : Makita DLX2398 (trimmer + blower) — $509 — Two tools, two batteries, complete solution
Table of Contents
- Comparative table of the 6 models
- The 6 best battery-powered grass trimmers
- How to choose your battery-powered lawn trimmer
- Battery, corded or petrol: which to choose?
- Which model is best suited to the size of your land?
- Cold weather performance: what every Canadian should know
- Maintenance: what you need to do to make your tool last 10 years
- FAQ — Your questions about the battery-powered lawn trimmer
Comparison chart — The 6 best battery-powered grass trimmers
| Model | Category | Price | Tension | Cutting width | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DCST980X2 | Best overall | $949 | 60V FLEXVOLT | 17.5" (44.5 cm) | Complete kit |
| DeWalt DCST922 | Best Q/P | $389 | 20V MAX | 14" (35.5 cm) | Kit + 2 batteries + charger |
| DeWalt DCST972X1 | Large plots of land | $489 | 60V FLEXVOLT | — | Compatible Attachment |
| DeWalt DCST922B | Small budget | $219 | 20V MAX | 14" (35.5 cm) | Tool only |
| Makita DUR193M001 | Lightweight/maneuverable | $289 | 18V LXT | 10-1/4" (26 cm) | Kit + 4.0Ah battery |
| Makita DLX2398 | Outdoor Combo | $509 | 18V (2×3Ah) | — | String trimmer + leaf blower |
Prices in Canadian dollars (February 2026). All models are available from Polar Equipment — free shipping on orders over $150 , anywhere in Canada in 2 to 5 business days.
The 6 best cordless lawn trimmers in 2026
Here are the 6 models we recommend. For each one, we tell you who it's suitable for, what it does well, what it does less well — and above all, why we put it on our list rather than another.
1. DeWalt DCST980X2 60V FLEXVOLT — Best Overall Cordless String Trimmer
Best for: Demanding homeowner or landscaper, land >800 m², dense vegetation, professional use
The DCST980X2 is the best battery-powered string trimmer you can buy in Canada in 2026, period. The combination of 60V FLEXVOLT, a brushless motor, and a 17.5" cutting width puts it in a class of its own—it's the tool professional landscapers and owners of large properties have been waiting for for years.
What distinguishes the DCST980X2 is its ability to maintain torque in the most challenging conditions. The tall, wet grass of a Canada spring, the dense regrowth of July, the thick vegetation along the edge of a ditch — where a 20V model starts to struggle, the 60V continues without flinching.
The 17.5" cutting width isn't a gimmick; it makes a real difference in the field. Where a 14" model requires two passes to cover a wide edge, the DCST980X2 does it in one. On a 1,000 m² lawn, that translates to 20 to 30 minutes less work. The brushless motor easily lasts two to three times longer than a traditional brushed motor. DeWalt covers the tool for 3 years, including commercial use.
Benefits
- 60V power — effortlessly tackles even the densest vegetation
- Professional width 17.5" — fewer passes, less time
- Brushless motor — maximum durability and efficiency
- FLEXVOLT batteries are backward compatible with DeWalt 20V tools
- Complete kit ready to use upon receipt
Points to consider
- Highest price in the catalog ($949)
- More imposing in confined spaces
- Invest in a 60V system if you haven't already.
- Oversized for plots of land under 500 m²
Ideal for: Plots >800 m², landscapers, demanding owners, dense vegetation.
Not ideal for: Small urban plots of less than 500 m² or tight budgets (the DCST922 at $389 is more suitable).
Price: $949
See the DeWalt DCST980X2 at Polar Equipment →2. DeWalt DCST922 (set) — Best value for money
Best for: The vast majority of Canada homeowners, lots 300–800 m², first purchase in the DeWalt ecosystem
The best battery-powered string trimmer for the vast majority of Canada homeowners. At $389, you get the tool, two lithium-ion batteries, and the charger—everything you need to start working right away.
The real strength of this kit lies in its two batteries. While you're working with one, the second is on the charger. The result: uninterrupted operation, even on a 700 to 800 m² plot. This detail makes all the difference compared to a single-battery kit.
The DeWalt 20V MAX ecosystem is the most popular on the market. These batteries power over 200 different tools—if you already have a DeWalt 20V drill in your garage, your new batteries will be a perfect addition. Every future purchase in the DeWalt 20V range becomes more economical because you already have the batteries.
Benefits
- 2 batteries included — zero work interruption
- 20V MAX compatibility — +200 DeWalt tools
- Excellent entry point into the DeWalt wireless ecosystem
- Very competitive price for such a complete kit ($389)
Points to consider
- Width 14" limited for very large lots
- Less powerful than the 60V models in really dense vegetation
Ideal for: Lots 300–800 m², residential owners, first-time DeWalt cordless purchase.
Not ideal for: Very large areas (>800 m²) or extremely dense vegetation (the DCST980X2 60V is more suitable).
Price: $389
See the DeWalt DCST922 at Polar Equipment →3. DeWalt DCST972X1 60V — Best for large areas
Best for: Plots >700 m², modular tool systems, owners who want a single power unit for multiple heads
The power of 60V FLEXVOLT with the flexibility of the DeWalt modular attachment system. One power unit, multiple work heads — the trimmer today, the hedge trimmer tomorrow, without having to buy another motor.
If your lawn is larger than 700 m², we recommend a 60V battery as the minimum. The difference in battery life compared to a 20V model becomes noticeable from the second pass onwards: where the 20V starts to slow down, the 60V maintains the same torque as on the first pass.
This model is sold without a battery—intended for people joining the FLEXVOLT system who will purchase a battery to share between multiple tools. If you're a complete beginner, the $389 DCST922 kit is more affordable.
Benefits
- Constant 60V power — effortlessly cuts through dense grass
- Modular system — one battery, multiple tool heads
- Ideal for heavy-duty use on large areas
- FLEXVOLT batteries are backward compatible with 20V tools
Points to consider
- 60V battery not included — to be purchased separately
- Intermediate price without battery
- Less relevant if you only have one outdoor tool
Ideal for: Land >700 m², owners with several outdoor tools, 60V modular system.
Not ideal for: Beginners without an existing 60V battery (the costs add up) or small residential lots.
Price: $489
See the DeWalt DCST972X1 at Polar Equipment →4. DeWalt DCST922B 20V — Best battery-powered string trimmer for a small budget
Best for: Homeowners with existing DeWalt 20V batteries, small yards <500 m², occasional use
The same trimmer as kit #2, at $219 — because if you already have DeWalt 20V batteries in your garage, you don't have to pay for a charger and batteries you already own.
At $219, it's the most affordable entry point in the serious cordless string trimmer category. The cutting head is identical to the full kit, and the build quality is the same. A drill, a saw, a vacuum—whatever the tool, if the battery is 20V MAX, it plugs directly into this trimmer.
Warning: The tool will not work without a battery. If you don't have 20V batteries, buying one separately will increase the cost to almost the price of the complete kit. In this case, the DCST922 ($389 kit) is the best option—you get two batteries and a charger included.
Benefits
- Lowest entry price — $219
- Uses your existing DeWalt 20V batteries
- Same cutting head as the complete kit
- In stock at Polar (91 units available)
Points to consider
- No battery or charger included
- Not very economical if you don't have 20V batteries
Ideal for: Homeowners with existing DeWalt 20V batteries, small yards <500 m², occasional residential use.
Not ideal for: First purchase without an existing battery (prefer the DCST922 kit at $389).
Price: $219
See the DeWalt DCST922B at Polar Equipment →5. Makita DUR193M001 18V LXT — The lightest and most maneuverable
Best for: Occasional use, plots <500 m², precise finishing in confined spaces, weight-sensitive
The most comfortable cordless grass trimmer in our selection. Makita's reputation for ergonomics is no myth—this tool proves it every time you use it.
The pivoting head is the detail that changes everything. With a simple flick of the wrist, you switch from vertical trimmer mode (lawn edges, along the entrance) to horizontal mode (finishing under fences, around trees, right up to flowerbeds). In practice, you no longer think about your tool, you just think about the terrain.
The 10-1/4" size is narrower than the DeWalt 14" models, making it more precise in tight spaces—between fence bars, around posts, in the corners of flowerbeds. For extended sessions, the Makita 196129-9 Professional Shoulder Harness ($85.99) is an accessory we highly recommend.
Benefits
- The lightest and most maneuverable in the catalog
- Complete kit with 4.0Ah battery included
- Swivel head — horizontal and vertical without tools
- Makita 18V LXT Ecosystem — +275 compatible tools
Points to consider
- Width 10-1/4" — slower on large fields
- Less powerful than the 60V DeWalt for dense vegetation
Ideal for: Plots <500 m², occasional use, owners sensitive to weight, precise finishes.
Not ideal for: Large areas (>500 m²) or dense vegetation (prefer a 20V or 60V DeWalt model).
Price: $289
See the Makita DUR193M001 at Polar Equipment →6. Makita DLX2398 — The best outdoor combo
Best for: Homeowners who also want a snowblower, complete spring-fall outdoor maintenance, first Makita purchase
The only set in our selection that combines a string trimmer and a leaf blower in the same box, with two batteries and a charger included. For Canadahomeowners who are thinking ahead to fall when buying their spring tools, this is the smartest choice.
The logic is hard to argue with: you need a string trimmer for spring and summer, and a leaf blower for fall. They both share the same batteries. In Canada, fall arrives quickly. Leaves, debris, grass that keeps growing until October—having the leaf blower in the same kit as the string trimmer isn't a luxury, it's a practical decision.
Benefits
- Two essential tools in one purchase
- 18V batteries shared between the two tools
- Excellent value for money for the combo
- Prepared for Canada's autumn right from the start of purchase
Points to consider
- 3Ah batteries — shorter battery life than 4Ah or 5Ah batteries
- Less powerful than the 60V DeWalt for dense vegetation
Ideal for: Homeowners who also want a blower, complete spring-fall outdoor maintenance, first Makita purchase.
Not ideal for: Homeowners who already have a blower or who need maximum power on dense vegetation.
Price: $509
See the Makita DLX2398 at Polar Equipment →Need help choosing between these models?
Our technical advisors in Quebec City and Chicoutimi are familiar with every trimmer in this selection. Free advice by phone, email, or in-store since 1991.
Contact our experts View all lawn trimmers →How to choose your battery-powered lawn trimmer: the buyer's guide
Before you buy, here are the 6 criteria that really make a difference. We've drawn them from our experience on the shop floor since 1991, and from the questions our customers ask most often.
1. Voltage (volts): 18V–20V or 60V — which one to choose?
Quick answer: 20V for most residential plots, 60V if your plot exceeds 700 m² or if the vegetation is dense.
| Tension | Models at Polar | Ideal for | Herbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18V–20V | DCST922B ($219), DCST922 ($389), DUR193M001 ($289) | Plot <500 m², standard residential | Fine to moderate |
| 60V FLEXVOLT | DCST972X1 ($489), DCST980X2 ($949) | Land >700 m², for professional use | Dense and tall |
An important point to note about DeWalt's 60V FLEXVOLT batteries: they are backward compatible with 20V tools. When you buy a 60V FLEXVOLT battery, it works just as well with your 20V MAX tools. It's an investment that benefits your entire tool collection. If you're hesitating between two voltages, choose the higher one—you'll never regret having extra power.
2. Battery life and autonomy: how long in practice?
Basic rule: a 4Ah battery at 20V provides 30 to 45 minutes of actual use on normal grass. At 60V, expect 50 to 70 minutes.
The range advertised by manufacturers is measured under ideal conditions. In Canada, conditions are rarely ideal. This depletes the range faster than expected:
- Wet grass (morning or after rain): -25 to 30%
- Dense or tall vegetation: -20 to 25%
- Worn or too short thread: -15 to 20%
- Spring cold (<5°C): -20 to 30%
For areas larger than 500 m², using two alternating batteries is the most practical solution. DeWalt 20V and Makita 18V batteries are sold separately by Polar if you need to add one.
3. Cutting width and wire type
The wider the width, the fewer passes you need to make — but the less precise the tool is in confined spaces.
| Width | Polar Model | Main use |
|---|---|---|
| 10-1/4" (26 cm) | Makita DUR193M001 | Precision, confined spaces, finishes |
| 14" (35.5 cm) | DeWalt DCST922B / DCST922 | Standard residential use |
| 17.5" (44.5 cm) | DeWalt DCST980X2 Pro Series | Large plots of land, for professional use |
When should you replace the spool? When you notice the line breaking frequently, the cut becoming uneven, or you're getting slower for no apparent reason. DeWalt 25' replacement spools are available from Polar for $59.14 .
4. Weight and ergonomics: the argument that is always underestimated
Holding a tool at arm's length for 45 minutes takes its toll on your back. Lightness isn't a luxury—it's productivity.
| Profile | Recommended model | For what |
|---|---|---|
| Occasional use, sensitive to weight | Makita DUR193M001 | The lightest in the catalog |
| Standard residential use | DeWalt DCST922 | Good balance of weight and performance |
| Heavy use, large areas | DeWalt DCST980X2 | Maximum power, well-distributed weight |
For extended sessions, the Makita 196129-9 professional shoulder harness ($85.99 at Polar) is worn like a lightweight backpack and distributes all the weight across your shoulders and hips. Very useful if you use the tool regularly.
5. The battery ecosystem: the most underestimated decision
The batteries are interchangeable between all tools of the same brand and platform. This is probably the most important criterion in the long term.
| Brand | Platform | Compatible tools from Polar |
|---|---|---|
| DeWalt | 20V MAX | Drills, saws, grinders, impact wrenches, vacuum cleaners, tire inflators, snow shovels, jobsite radios — +200 tools |
| DeWalt | 60V MAX FLEXVOLT | Pro Series string trimmer, chainsaw, lawnmower — AND all 20V MAX tools |
| Makita | 18V LXT | Drills, circular saws, grinders, blowers, chainsaws — +275 tools |
Practical tip: First, look at which tools you already own. If you have a DeWalt 20V drill in your garage, your next string trimmer should be a DeWalt 20V—your existing batteries plug directly into it. Each battery purchased benefits all tools on the same platform.
6. Warranty and after-sales service in Canada
DeWalt and Makita both offer a 3-year warranty on their cordless tools. The difference lies in the local service.
| Brand | Tool warranty | Battery warranty | Professional use covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt | 3-year limited edition | 2–3 years depending on the model | Yes — commercial use included |
| Makita | 3-year limited edition | 3 years | Yes — professional use |
At Polar Equipment, our return policy is simple: 30 days for all returns, provided the items are unused and in their original packaging. This is what truly distinguishes buying from a Canada specialist:
- Tool repair available in store (Quebec City and Chicoutimi)
- Replacement parts in stock — spools, cutting heads, accessories
- Technical advisors who know the products they sell
- Support in French, in person if needed
Battery-powered, corded or petrol-powered lawn trimmer: which one to choose in 2026?
The question comes up every spring. Here is an honest answer, without bias in favor of one category.
| Criteria | Battery | Wired | Essence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Freedom of movement | ✅ Total | ❌ Extension cord required | ✅ Total |
| Raw power | ✅✅ (60V residential rival) | ✅ Correct | ✅✅✅ Superior |
| Noise | 🔇 Silent | 🔇 Silent | 🔊 Very noisy |
| Interview | ✅ Minimal | ✅ Minimal | ❌ Complex (oil, spark plugs, carburetor) |
| Broadcasts | ✅ Zero | ✅ Zero | ❌ CO2 |
| Long-term cost | Down | Down | High (fuel, maintenance) |
| Ideal for | The majority of owners | Small fixed pitch | Very large plots of land, intensive professional use |
The honest verdict for 2026: For 95% of Canada homeowners with a standard residential lot, a battery-powered string trimmer is the best choice. DeWalt's 60V FLEXVOLT models now rival most residential gas-powered models—with the added bonus of quiet operation, instant start, and zero engine maintenance.
See our full selection of battery-powered grass trimmers →Which lawn trimmer is best suited to the size of your property?
The power you need depends directly on the size of your land — and the density of your vegetation.
| Area | Recommended voltage | Recommended Polar models | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| <300 m² (small) | 18V–20V | DeWalt DCST922B (if batteries available) | $219 |
| 300–500 m² (medium-small) | 18V–20V | DeWalt DCST922 or Makita DUR193M001 | $289–389 |
| 500–800 m² (medium-large) | 20V | DeWalt DCST922 (2 battery kit) | $389 |
| 800–1,500 m² (large) | 60V FLEXVOLT | DeWalt DCST972X1 | $489 |
| >1,500 m² or professional use | 60V FLEXVOLT | DeWalt DCST980X2 Pro Series | $949 |
Cold weather performance: what every Canadian should know
This is probably the most useful section of this guide for someone living in Canada — and the least covered by generic buying guides.
In Canada, we start using the string trimmer in May, when the nights are still cool, and finish in October with the final touches before winter. This timing has a direct impact on your battery performance.
What cold weather actually does to Li-ion batteries:
- Below 5°C (May nights, October mornings): loss of 20 to 30% of autonomy
- Below 0°C: 40 to 50% loss — avoid using the battery under these conditions
- Engine performance is slightly reduced in cool weather, especially when starting.
Best practices for Canada:
Do not store your batteries in an unheated garage during winter. The intense cold will permanently degrade lithium cells over several winters. Bring them inside.
Allow the battery to warm up for 10 to 15 minutes before use in cool weather. A battery taken from the garage at 2°C in the morning will perform 40% worse than a battery at 18°C.
In May and October, always keep a spare battery charged. This is essential to avoid running out of power mid-work.
For winter storage: charge the battery to 40–60%. Not to 100%, not to 0% — a half-charged battery ages much less quickly.
A real advantage of DeWalt's 60V FLEXVOLT batteries: their higher capacity allows them to better absorb cold temperatures compared to 20V batteries. On an October morning at 3°C, you'll feel the difference.
Maintenance: What you need to do to make your lawn trimmer last 10 years
A good, well-maintained battery-powered string trimmer can easily last 8 to 12 years. The brushless motor has no mechanical parts that wear out. What wears out are the cutting head and the line.
After each use (5 minutes)
- Blow away any plant debris stuck to the engine guard and ventilation grilles.
- Clean the cutting head with a stiff brush — damp grass that dries inside creates unnecessary resistance
- Check the length of the remaining wire — if it's too short, advance it now
Every 5 to 10 uses
- Check the spool for wear — thread that breaks frequently or an uneven cut indicates it's time to replace it
- DeWalt 25' replacement spools are available from Polar for $59.14
End of season (once a year)
- Complete cleaning — brush, damp cloth, ventilation grilles
- Charge the battery to 40–60% for winter storage
- Store the tool and battery indoors at room temperature.
Safety not to be neglected
- Protective eyewear — mandatory, debris thrown at 180 km/h is unforgiving
- Closed shoes with reinforced toe
- Long trousers
- Maintain a safe distance of 15 meters from children and animals during use
FAQ — Your questions about the battery-powered lawn trimmer
The best battery-powered grass trimmer in 2026 depends on your intended use:
- Best overall: DeWalt DCST980X2 (60V Pro Series, $949) — unmatched power, width, and battery life
- Best value for money: DeWalt DCST922 (2-battery kit, $389) — ideal for most Quebec homeowners
- Best for maneuverability: Makita DUR193M001 ($289) — lightweight, precise, complete kit
All available from Polar Equipment with delivery throughout Canada.
By 2026, DeWalt's 60V FLEXVOLT models will directly compete with the majority of residential gas-powered string trimmers. On a standard lawn, you won't notice the difference in power.
Gasoline retains an advantage in two cases: very large properties where battery range is insufficient, and extremely dense vegetation. For 95% of residential uses in Quebec, the battery offers the same power with additional advantages: instant starting, quiet operation, zero engine maintenance, and zero emissions.
- 18V–20V: lawn <500 m², normal residential grass — models starting at $219 from Polar
- 60V FLEXVOLT: suitable for areas >700 m², dense vegetation, and professional use — starting at $489 from Polar
The simple rule: if you're unsure, go for the higher voltage. Too much power is never a problem. Not enough, however.
A 4Ah battery at 18V–20V provides 30 to 45 minutes of actual use on normal grass. With a 60V FLEXVOLT battery, expect 50 to 70 minutes. The lifespan of a well-maintained Li-ion battery is 3 to 5 years (300 to 500 full charge cycles).
In Quebec, always expect 20 to 30% less battery life when used in cool weather (<5°C). This is a reality on May and October mornings
String trimmer: a lightweight finishing tool with nylon line and a rotating head — ideal for lawn edges, around trees, and along pathways. All six models in our Polar selection are string trimmers.
Brush cutter: more powerful, can accept metal blades, for tall grass, brush and young woody shoots.
For a standard Quebec residential garden, a battery-powered string trimmer is the appropriate tool in 99% of cases.
Yes — that's one of the main advantages of modern battery-powered tools. At Polar Equipment, two platforms are available:
- DeWalt 20V MAX: compatible with over 200 tools (drills, saws, grinders, impact wrenches, vacuums, inflators, snow shovels)
- DeWalt 60V MAX FLEXVOLT: Compatible with 60V tools AND all 20V MAX tools
- Makita 18V LXT: compatible with over 275 tools (drills, circular saws, grinders, blowers)
Each battery purchased is valid for all tools on the same platform. Investing in an ecosystem from the first tool means paying less for each subsequent tool.
Polar Equipment offers its DeWalt and Makita selection on equipementpolar.com with delivery across Canada in 2 to 5 business days. Delivery is free on orders over $150 (a $10.99 fee applies for orders under this threshold).
Two physical stores for in-person advice:
- Quebec: 3425, boul. Wilfrid Hamel
- Chicoutimi
The difference between buying from a specialist and buying from a large store: specialized technical advisors, local after-sales service, in-store repairs, replacement parts available — since 1991.
Very little—that's one of the major advantages of a battery over gasoline. No oil changes, no carburetor, no spark plug, no oil-gasoline mixture. The brushless motor has no mechanical parts that wear out.
Your interview will consist of:
- Clean the cutting head after each use (2 minutes)
- Replace the spool when the cut becomes uneven — DeWalt 25' spool available from Polar for $59.14
- Store the battery at 40–60% in a heated location for the winter.
The main recurring expense: one or two reels per season, or approximately $60 to $120 per year.
Ready to choose your battery-powered lawn trimmer?
Our team of technical advisors has been supporting Quebec professionals and owners since 1991. Free delivery on orders over $150, anywhere in Canada in 2 to 5 business days.
View all lawn trimmers → Contact our experts