Why you should trust this review
I cover small yard tools and indoor gardening for The Tested Hub. My current home test lot is a 4,000 sq ft urban yard which is the right size to evaluate a budget cordless trimmer. We purchased the unit at retail. Prior cordless trimmer reviews include the Ryobi 40V Carbon Fiber, the DeWalt 20V, and the Greenworks 40V.
This review draws on three months of weekly use across summer including a peak weed pressure window in August. See The Tested Hub methodology page for the standardized testing protocol.
How we tested the Worx WG163 GT 3.0
- Twelve perimeter trim sessions on a 4,000 sq ft urban yard.
- Edger conversion cycled 30 times to test the rotating head latch.
- Battery runtime per 2 Ah pack across multiple sessions.
- Edger pass on 60 ft of concrete sidewalk for cleanup test.
- Operator ear noise at 3 ft using a calibrated sound meter.
- Reload time on the Command Feed line system measured with a stopwatch.
Who should buy the Worx WG163 GT 3.0?
Buy the Worx if:
- Your yard is under 6,000 sq ft.
- You want a single tool that covers trimming and edging.
- You value the lowest weight and the lowest price among cordless trimmers.
Skip the Worx if:
- You have heavy weed pressure or fence line woody growth.
- Your yard is over a quarter acre.
- You want a deep tool ecosystem. Worx 20V is smaller than Ryobi 40V or DeWalt 20V.
Cut power: small grass, not weeds
On grass edge work the 20V motor cuts cleanly at variable trigger speeds. The 0.065 inch line is thinner than the 0.080 line on the Ryobi or the 0.095 on the EGO which limits the cut to grass and light grassy weeds. For typical urban yard work that is exactly enough.
The motor bogged on dense weed stalks during a 10 minute fence line clearing run. The trimmer is not the right tool for that job. Buy the EGO ST1623T for woody weed clearing and keep the Worx for normal trim and edge work.
Edger function: the standout feature
The trimmer rotates 90 degrees at the head with a single button press. The rotation engages the wheel that rides along the concrete edge. In edger mode the cut line trims a clean vertical edge along sidewalks and driveways. The pivot mechanism feels solid after 30 conversion cycles and the wheels track straight on smooth concrete.
For most homeowners that conversion is the deciding feature. A separate dedicated edger costs $80 to $120. The Worx covers both jobs at $99.
Battery and runtime
The 2 Ah pack delivered 24 minutes typical use across multiple sessions. Light continuous trimming pushed runtime to about 30 minutes. The kit includes two batteries which extends total cordless time to about 50 minutes on a single charge cycle.
Charge time on the included 5-hour charger is the system’s main weakness. If you mow back to back lots, the charger cannot keep up. For a single small yard, charging overnight covers the next session.
Build, weight, ergonomics
At 5.7 lb with battery the Worx is the lightest in our cordless trimmer rotation. The shaft is plastic over metal core and feels stable on overhead reaches. The pivoting head latches at three angles which extends reach under deck rails.
The Worx 20V Power Share battery family includes drills, blowers, and small saws but is smaller than the Ryobi 40V or DeWalt 20V tool lineups. If you are starting fresh and you only need a small yard kit, that does not matter. If you want a deep ecosystem, look elsewhere.
Value vs Ryobi and EGO
At $99 the Worx is roughly half the price of the Ryobi 40V Carbon Fiber and a third the price of the EGO ST1623T. For the right buyer (small yard, no heavy weeds, dual trim and edge use case) it is the obvious value pick. For everyone else the next step up is worth the spend.
Worx WG163 GT 3.0 20V 12-Inch String Trimmer and Edger vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Voltage | Width | Runtime | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worx WG163 GT 3.0 | ★★★★☆ 4.2 | 20V | 12 in | 25 min | $99 | Best Budget |
| Ryobi 40V Carbon Fiber | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | 40V | 15 in | 35 min | $179 | Best Value |
| EGO ST1623T 16-Inch | ★★★★★ 4.6 | 56V | 16 in | 45 min | $249 | Top Pick |
| DeWalt 20V Trimmer | ★★★★☆ 4.3 | 20V | 13 in | 30 min | $159 | Recommended |
Full specifications
| Cutting width | 12 inches |
| Voltage | 20V Power Share |
| Batteries (included) | Two 2 Ah |
| Runtime | About 25 minutes per pack |
| Line type | 0.065 in single line |
| Head | Command Feed push-button line advance |
| Modes | Trimmer or wheeled edger |
| Weight | About 5.7 lb with battery |
| Speed control | Variable trigger |
| Charger | Standard 5-hour charger |
| Warranty | 3 year tool, 2 year battery |
Should you buy the Worx WG163 GT 3.0 20V 12-Inch String Trimmer and Edger?
The Worx WG163 GT 3.0 is the right cordless trimmer for the small yard. The 20V battery system is light, the trimmer-to-edger conversion takes about 5 seconds with the rotating head, and the 12 inch cut path is enough for typical urban or small suburban yards. Runtime on a 2 Ah pack is about 25 minutes. It is not a heavy weed clearer and the Worx 20V battery family is smaller than Ryobi or DeWalt.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Worx WG163 GT 3.0 worth $99?+
Yes for small lots under 6,000 sq ft. The kit includes two batteries which is unusual at this price. For larger lots or heavy weed pressure, step up to the [Ryobi 40V Carbon Fiber](/reviews/ryobi-40v-carbon-fiber-trimmer) trimmer.
How does the trimmer to edger conversion work?+
Press the green button on the shaft, rotate the head 90 degrees, and the wheels engage so the trimmer rolls along the edge. Conversion takes about 5 seconds. The 12 inch line cuts the edge cleanly along sidewalks and driveways.
Will it handle weed clearing?+
It will trim grass and light grassy weeds. It will not clear half inch diameter woody stalks. For that use case the [EGO ST1623T 56V](/reviews/ego-power-plus-st1623t-trimmer) is the right tool.
How long does a 2 Ah battery actually last?+
We measured 24 minutes of typical edge and trim work. Light continuous trim work pushed runtime to about 30 minutes. The kit includes two batteries which covers most small lot sessions on a single charge cycle.
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EGO Power Plus ST1623T 16-Inch String Trimmer Review (2026): The Telescoping EGO That Earns Its Spot
