Outdoor Power Tools
Best Cordless Outdoor Tool Systems (2026): EGO vs Greenworks vs RYOBI
Quick answer
The best cordless outdoor tool system for most homeowners is EGO 56V, and the best way in is the EGO Multi-Head Build Your Own Kit: one power head running trimmer, edger, hedge, pole saw and cultivator attachments on batteries that fit every EGO tool. Greenworks 80V is the value alternative; RYOBI 40V has the cheapest spare batteries.
A cordless outdoor tool system is a family of yard tools that share one battery type. The battery is the expensive, long-lived part, so the platform you choose first usually decides every tool you buy for the next decade. Choose on three things: whether the platform makes the big tools you will want (mower, blower, chainsaw, snow blower), what spare batteries cost, and whether a multi-head attachment system fits how you work.
Our top pick is the EGO Multi-Head Build Your Own Kit at $399.00. For a complete shopping list built around one platform, see the intermediate battery yard setup. To compare running costs against gas, use the gas vs battery cost calculator.
On this page
- EGO vs Greenworks vs RYOBI: which cordless platform is best?
- How much do cordless yard tool batteries cost?
- Are multi-head attachment systems worth it?
- Beginner picks: start a platform for less
- Intermediate picks: build a full EGO or Greenworks yard system
- Expert picks: runtime upgrades and pro-grade attachment tools
- How do the picks compare on specs?
- How do I choose a battery platform for my yard?
- Can one battery platform handle mowing, snow and chainsaw work?
- What should I check before committing to a cordless system?
EGO vs Greenworks vs RYOBI: which cordless platform is best?
Batteries do not cross platforms, and some brands run more than one voltage. This table covers the outdoor tools in our catalog for each system.
| Platform | Attachment system | Tools in our roundups | Warranty notes | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EGO 56V ARC Lithium | EGO Multi-Head system | LB7654 blower, ST1623T trimmer, CS1815 chainsaw, HT2601 hedge, PS1001 pole saw, LV5005 vacuum | 5-year tool and 3-year battery on many tools | Homeowners who want one battery for everything, including big tools |
| Greenworks 80V | No multi-head in our catalog | 770 CFM blower, 16 in. trimmer, 18 in. chainsaw, 26 in. hedge, pole saw | 4-year tool on many 80V tools | Value-minded buyers wanting high voltage |
| Greenworks 40V and 60V | Separate platforms from 80V | 40V edger, 40V cultivator, 60V pole saw | 3 to 4 years on listed tools | Lighter tools; do not mix with 80V |
| RYOBI 40V | Expand-It and universal attachments | attachment trimmer, 650 CFM blower, 26 in. hedge | Check current terms | Budget buyers and big-box convenience |
| DEWALT 60V FLEXVOLT | Universal attachment trimmer | 17 in. trimmer, 600 CFM blower, 18 in. chainsaw | Check current terms | Owners of DEWALT jobsite tools |
| Milwaukee M18 | QUIK-LOK attachments | QUIK-LOK trimmer, 450 CFM blower, 16 in. chainsaw | Check current terms | Tradespeople already on M18 |
Tool ranges change often. Confirm the specific tool you need exists on a platform before buying its batteries.
How much do cordless yard tool batteries cost?
Compare batteries by watt-hours (volts x amp-hours), which measures stored energy across different voltages. Prices are current catalog prices and change often.
| Battery or charger | Platform | Nominal energy | Price | Charge time listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RYOBI 40V 4Ah | RYOBI 40V | 160 Wh | $104.99 | Charger sold separately |
| Greenworks PRO 80V 2.0Ah | Greenworks 80V | 160 Wh | $172.00 | 30 min on the Greenworks GCH8040 rapid charger |
| Greenworks 60V 5.0Ah | Greenworks 60V | 300 Wh | $237.49 | Not listed |
| EGO 56V 5.0Ah plus charger | EGO 56V | 280 Wh | $369.00 | 100 min on the included standard charger |
| EGO 56V 7.5Ah | EGO 56V | 420 Wh | $439.00 | 60 min rapid, 145 min standard |
| EGO 56V 10.0Ah | EGO 56V | 560 Wh | $549.00 | 60 min on the EGO Turbo Charger |
| EGO CH7000T Turbo Charger | EGO 56V | n/a (700W charger) | $199.99 | Fan-cooled, five-level gauge |
Energy uses each brand’s nominal voltage. Genuine batteries only: Greenworks warns that aftermarket packs may lack safety circuits and battery management.
Are multi-head attachment systems worth it?
A multi-head system uses one motor, called a power head, that accepts interchangeable attachments on a split shaft. The EGO Multi-Head kit lists trimmer, edger, hedge trimmer, pole saw, cultivator, bristle brush and rubber broom attachments, plus an extension pole. RYOBI Expand-It, DEWALT universal and Milwaukee QUIK-LOK work on the same idea.
- Worth it if: you have limited storage, want four or more trimming tasks covered, and do not mind a 30 second swap between jobs.
- Less ideal if: two people work at once, you edge and trim in the same pass every week, or you want the balance of a dedicated tool. A dedicated trimmer with an auto-feed head, such as the EGO ST1623T, is lighter in the hands than a split-shaft trimmer.
- Single point of failure: if the power head fails, every attachment waits for the repair.
- Adding later: the EGO PSA1020 carbon fiber pole saw attachment and the EGO ME0820 edger with power head show how attachments expand an existing kit.
A detailed look is in the EGO Multi-Head kit review.
Beginner picks: start a platform for less
For new homeowners with a small lot who want a trimmer now, attachments later, and inexpensive spare batteries.
RYOBI 40V Attachment Capable String Trimmer Kit with 4.0Ah Battery
$239.00A 40V trimmer kit with a 4.0Ah battery and charger that accepts RYOBI Expand-It and universal attachments, so the same motor can later run an edger or pole saw. The 13 to 15 in. adjustable swath trades width for runtime.
Best for: first battery tool with room to grow
Check price on Amazon
RYOBI 40V 4Ah Lithium-Ion Battery
$104.99A 4Ah RYOBI 40V pack with an onboard fuel gauge that fits all RYOBI 40V tools. It ships bulk packaged and the charger is sold separately, which keeps the price down for owners who already have one.
Best for: a second pack for RYOBI 40V yard tools
Check price on AmazonIntermediate picks: build a full EGO or Greenworks yard system
For quarter-acre to one-acre properties that will add a mower, blower and chainsaw on the same batteries. This is the tier the intermediate battery yard setup is built around.
EGO Power+ Multi-Head System Build Your Own Kit
$399.00The PH1400 power head with your choice of trimmer, edger, hedge, pole saw, cultivator and broom attachments, 2.5Ah, 5.0Ah or 7.5Ah batteries, and chargers from the 210W standard up to the 700W Turbo. One kit covers most trimming and pruning jobs.
Best for: one motor for many yard tasks on EGO 56V
Check price on Amazon
EGO Power+ SKA2800T 56V 5.0Ah Battery and Charger Kit
$369.00A 280Wh, 5.0Ah ARC Lithium pack with a 20 percent step fuel gauge plus a CH2100 standard charger that EGO rates at 100 minutes for a full charge. A second charger lets two tools stay ready at once.
Best for: adding a second EGO battery with its own charger
Check price on Amazon
Greenworks 80V 770 CFM Blower Kit with 4.0Ah Battery
$248.49A 770 CFM, 180 MPH blower kit with a 4.0Ah 80V battery and charger, rated about 80 minutes at half load. It is a practical first tool that seeds a Greenworks 80V battery collection.
Best for: starting the Greenworks 80V platform
Check price on AmazonExpert picks: runtime upgrades and pro-grade attachment tools
For one-acre plus properties, long work sessions and owners who run several battery tools in a day.
EGO Power+ BA5600T 56V 10.0Ah Battery
$549.00A 10.0Ah, roughly 560Wh ARC Lithium pack with shock-resistant construction and cell-level power management that charges in 60 minutes on the Turbo Charger. It roughly doubles the energy of a 5.0Ah pack in any EGO 56V tool.
Best for: high-draw tools and all-day property work
Check price on Amazon
EGO Power+ CH7000T 56V 700W Turbo Charger
$199.99A 700W fan-cooled Turbo Charger with a five-level fuel gauge and EGO Connect app support. With two large packs, one can charge while the other runs, keeping a mower or blower going through a long job.
Best for: owners of 7.5Ah and 10Ah EGO batteries
Check price on Amazon
DEWALT 60V MAX DCST972X1 17 in. String Trimmer Kit
$341.13A brushless 60V trimmer with hi and lo speed, a 15 to 17 in. swath and DEWALT universal attachment capability, sold as a kit with battery. FLEXVOLT packs also power DEWALT 20V MAX jobsite tools.
Best for: owners who already run DEWALT tools
Check price on AmazonWho should not buy this tier: Skip this tier if you run one tool at a time for under an hour. A 10Ah battery and turbo charger together cost more than many complete kits, and a larger pack adds weight to handheld tools. Two mid-size packs usually give more flexibility for less money. Skip a pro platform such as DEWALT unless you already own its batteries, since its outdoor range is narrower than EGO or Greenworks.
How do the picks compare on specs?
| Model | Price | Voltage | Capacity | Type | Fits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RYOBI 40V 4Ah Lithium-Ion Battery | $104.99 | 40V | 4 Ah | battery | RYOBI 40V tools |
| EGO Power+ SKA2800T 56V 5.0Ah Battery and Charger Kit | $369.00 | 56V | 5 Ah | battery and charger kit | all EGO 56V POWER+ tools |
| EGO Power+ BA5600T 56V 10.0Ah Battery | $549.00 | 56V | 10 Ah | battery | all EGO 56V POWER+ tools |
 Greenworks PRO GBA80200 80V 2.0Ah Battery | $172.00 | 80V | 2 Ah | battery | Greenworks 80V tools |
 Greenworks 60V 5.0Ah Ultra Power Battery | $237.49 | 60V | 5 Ah | battery | Greenworks 60V tools |
How do I choose a battery platform for my yard?
- List your big tools first. Decide whether you want a battery mower, snow blower or chainsaw on the platform, because those need the largest packs and narrow your choices fastest.
- Check the whole lineup. Confirm the platform makes every tool on your list at the size you need, including the blower CFM and chainsaw bar length.
- Price the second battery. Most owners end up with two or three packs; compare spare battery prices and watt-hours, not just kit prices.
- Decide on attachments. If storage is tight, choose a platform with a multi-head or attachment system; if two people work together, favor dedicated tools.
- Buy kits for batteries, bare tools after. Get batteries and chargers with the first one or two kits, then buy later tools bare to avoid paying for extra packs you do not need.
Can one battery platform handle mowing, snow and chainsaw work?
EGO and Greenworks both make battery mowers and snow blowers alongside handheld tools, which is why they are the usual choice for whole-yard systems. Size the batteries to the biggest tool: mowers and snow blowers draw far more than trimmers. The battery mower runtime calculator estimates how many packs a lawn needs, and mower options are on best battery lawn mowers. For snow, see best battery snow blowers.
Platform head-to-heads: EGO vs Greenworks mowers, EGO vs Greenworks blowers and EGO vs RYOBI blowers. The trade-offs are summarized in choosing a battery tool platform. Shop and garage power tools are a separate category covered at workshopcalc.com.
What should I check before committing to a cordless system?
- Voltage family. Greenworks 40V, 60V and 80V packs are not interchangeable; neither are RYOBI 18V ONE+ and 40V.
- Warranty on batteries. EGO lists 3 years on many batteries; confirm terms for any platform before buying multiple packs.
- Charger options. Rapid and turbo chargers change how many packs you really need.
- Local service. Check where warranty repairs happen and whether the brand has dealers near you.
- Starter bundles. The beginner battery yard setup and expert battery yard setup price out complete systems at each level.
- Total cost. Run the gas vs battery cost calculator before switching a whole gas collection.
How we chose
We did not test these products in person. Picks are researched from manufacturer specifications and owner manuals, engine and safety certifications where they apply, warranty terms, public recall records, and the recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We favor established brands with large review counts and parts support, match each pick to a real yard size or task, and place it in the tier where its price and capability actually belong.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, EGO or Greenworks?
EGO is better for homeowners who want one 56V battery family across a wide range of tools, a multi-head attachment system and large packs up to 10Ah. Greenworks 80V is better value, with the highest-rated blower in our roundup at 770 CFM and 4-year warranties on many tools, but Greenworks also sells 40V and 60V lines whose batteries do not interchange. Both are solid whole-yard platforms.
Is RYOBI 40V a good outdoor tool platform?
RYOBI 40V is a good budget platform with a broad tool range and inexpensive spare batteries, such as the 40V 4Ah battery at $104.99. Its Expand-It attachment system lets one trimmer motor run other heads. Peak performance trails EGO and Greenworks 80V on high-draw tools, so it best suits small to mid-size lots.
Do EGO batteries work in all EGO tools?
Yes. EGO states that its 56V ARC Lithium batteries work with all EGO 56V POWER+ tools, from trimmers and blowers to mowers and snow blowers, and all EGO 56V chargers charge them. Larger packs such as the 7.5Ah and 10Ah add runtime but also weight, so many owners use smaller packs on handheld tools and larger ones on mowers and blowers.
Is a multi-head tool system better than separate tools?
A multi-head system is better for storage, cost and convenience when one person handles trimming, edging, hedges and pruning at different times. Separate tools are better when two people work at once, when you switch between trimming and edging constantly, or when you want the balance of a dedicated tool. Many owners combine a dedicated trimmer with a power head for occasional attachments.
How many batteries do I need for my yard tools?
Most homeowners on one platform need two or three batteries. One mid-size pack, around 4 to 5Ah, covers trimming, edging and hedge work. Add a larger pack for a blower or chainsaw, and plan for mower packs separately, since mowers draw the most. Buying the first one or two tools as kits and later tools bare is the usual way to collect batteries without overpaying.
Can I use a different brand battery in my tools?
No. Battery connections, voltages and management systems differ between brands, and third-party adapters or aftermarket packs can bypass safety circuits, overheat and void warranties. Greenworks specifically warns that aftermarket batteries may lack safety circuits and battery management. Stay within one platform, and choose that platform based on the tools you expect to own.
Researched, not professional advice. This page is compiled from published specifications, manuals, labels and owner-review consensus, not hands-on testing. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and product label, and consult a qualified professional where safety, chemicals, fuel or structures are involved. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.