Outdoor Power Tools
EGO vs RYOBI String Trimmer: ST1623T 56V vs 40V Attachment Capable
Quick answer
Buy the RYOBI 40V Attachment Capable kit if you want the lower budget tier and one power head that also runs an edger or pole saw. Buy the EGO ST1623T if you want the wider 16 in. swath, the auto-feeding LINE IQ head and a telescopic carbon fiber shaft, and you are fine with the higher tier.
EGO Power+ ST1623T 16 in. String Trimmer Kit with 4.0Ah Battery and Extra 2.5Ah Battery
Under $1,000A 16 in. 56V trimmer with LINE IQ auto-feed and a telescopic carbon fiber shaft.
Best for: large suburban lots where you never want to bump-feed line
Check price on AmazonRYOBI 40V Attachment Capable String Trimmer Kit with 4.0Ah Battery
Under $250A 13 to 15 in. trimmer that accepts attachments, with a 4.0Ah battery and charger.
Best for: homeowners who want one power head for trimming plus add-on attachments
Check price on AmazonThese two kits are both complete: each comes with a battery and charger. The EGO Power+ ST1623T 16 in. String Trimmer Kit with 4.0Ah Battery and Extra 2.5Ah Battery (under $1,000) is the premium trimmer on EGO's 56V platform, and this listing bundles an extra 2.5Ah battery. The RYOBI 40V Attachment Capable String Trimmer Kit with 4.0Ah Battery (under $250) is the budget-friendly 40V trimmer.
If you want to compare the budget Greenworks alternative as well, read Greenworks vs RYOBI and the best string trimmers.
How do the EGO and RYOBI trimmers compare on specs?
EGO leads on swath and head design. RYOBI leads on price and attachments.
| Factor | EGO Power+ ST1623T | RYOBI 40V Attachment Capable |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | EGO 56V | RYOBI 40V |
| Cutting width | 16 in. | 13 to 15 in., adjustable |
| Shaft | Straight, telescopic carbon fiber | Straight |
| Head | LINE IQ auto-feed with POWERLOAD winding | Standard head |
| Battery in the box | 4.0Ah plus an extra 2.5Ah in this bundle | 4.0Ah and charger |
| Runtime claim | Up to 60 minutes per charge on the 4.0Ah battery | Depends on the pack and width setting |
| Attachments | EGO multi-head system sold separately | Accepts RYOBI Expand-It and other attachments |
| Budget tier | Under $1,000 | Under $250 |
Specs from the EGO and RYOBI Amazon listings. Check which batteries are in the box on the day you buy.
Which should you choose, EGO or RYOBI?
Choose the EGO ST1623T if:
- You have a large suburban lot and hate bump-feeding line.
- You want the 16 in. swath and telescopic shaft.
- You are building on EGO 56V, where tools like the LB6500 blower share batteries.
Choose the RYOBI 40V kit if:
- You want the lowest cost for a complete trimmer kit.
- You want one power head for trimming plus attachments.
- Your yard is small to medium.
EGO vs RYOBI beyond the trimmer
Platform matters more than one tool. See EGO vs RYOBI leaf blowers and EGO vs RYOBI snow blowers, and the cordless outdoor tool systems guide.
The trimmers to consider
The two trimmers. More in the best string trimmers roundup.
EGO Power+ ST1623T 16 in. String Trimmer Kit with 4.0Ah Battery and Extra 2.5Ah Battery
Under $1,000Auto-feeding LINE IQ head, POWERLOAD winding and a telescopic carbon fiber shaft, with EGO citing up to 60 minutes per charge.
Best for: large suburban lots
Check price on AmazonRYOBI 40V Attachment Capable String Trimmer Kit with 4.0Ah Battery
Under $250Accepts RYOBI Expand-It and universal attachments, and the 13 to 15 in. swath trades width for runtime.
Best for: homeowners who want one power head
Check price on AmazonFrequently asked questions
Is EGO or RYOBI better for a string trimmer?
The EGO ST1623T has the wider 16 in. swath and an auto-feed head. The RYOBI 40V kit costs less and accepts attachments.
Can I use EGO batteries in RYOBI tools?
No. EGO is a 56V platform and RYOBI 40V is a separate platform, so batteries do not interchange.
Which trimmer has the wider cutting path?
The EGO cuts 16 in. The RYOBI adjusts from 13 to 15 in.
Does the EGO trimmer come with a battery?
This listing is a kit with a 4.0Ah battery and an extra 2.5Ah battery, per the catalog. Confirm the contents on the listing.
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.
