Ryobi's flagship 40V HP Brushless string trimmer in the Whisper Series is the closest cordless approximation to a 30cc gas trimmer most homeowners will find under $300. Pro Tool Reviews scored it 9.4/10 and called out over an hour of runtime on the 6.0Ah pack. Size is the trade-off: at 72 inches and nearly 13 lb with battery, it's a commitment. For buyers who want adjustable 15-to-17-inch cut width and the option to drop in 0.105-inch line for tougher growth, the Ryobi is the sharpest mid-tier value in the cordless segment.
- — Brushless motor delivers gas-equivalent power roughly matching a 30cc 2-stroke
- — Cutting width adjustable from 15 to 17 inches for fast cleanup of large lots
- — Whisper Series tuning rates 72% quieter than equivalent gas trimmers
- — Higher line draw with the 0.105-inch line option shortens runtime noticeably