Ella Clark They find EGO’s 56V delivers as much as 40% more runtime and near-pro performance, while Ryobi’s 40V wins on lighter weight and value—so which one really earns the recommendation?
Facing an overgrown yard, they must choose between the EGO POWER+ ST1623T (56V, includes 4.0Ah battery and charger) and the RYOBI 40V HP 16″ tool-only trimmer; this comparison examines specs, performance, ergonomics, value, and user recommendations for typical homeowners today.
Premium Performance
This unit delivers premium cordless trimming performance with robust cutting power and an excellent automatic line-handling system that reduces downtime. It is best for users who prioritize power, long runtime and durability, and who accept a higher upfront cost and modest extra weight.
Budget Versatile
This trimmer is a value-oriented, attachment-capable option that delivers close-to-gas power for typical homeowner use and supports Ryobi’s Expand-It ecosystem. It suits users who want versatility and a lower entry price but may require purchasing batteries and may compromise slightly on ergonomics and finish.
EGO 16 Trimmer
Ryobi 40V Trimmer
EGO 16 Trimmer
Ryobi 40V Trimmer
EGO 16 Trimmer
Ryobi 40V Trimmer
Ryobi 40V String Trimmer Review: A Quick, Honest Look
Core specifications and feature breakdown
EGO POWER+ ST1623T (56V)
The EGO ST1623T uses a high-efficiency brushless motor and a 56V nominal ARC Lithium platform. It ships as a complete kit with a 56V 4.0Ah battery and charger, a POWERLOAD automatic line-winding head, LINE IQ auto-feed technology, a telescopic carbon-fiber shaft, and .095″ dual-line installed. It is marketed with a continuous 16″ cutting swath and a digital two-speed selector for load management.
Side-by-side measurable specs
RYOBI 40V HP RY40290VNM (tool-only)
The Ryobi 40V HP also uses a brushless motor and targets gas-like cutting performance. It emphasizes Expand-It attachment compatibility and a familiar bump-feed head for quick reloads. Many retail SKUs are tool-only, so buyers should confirm battery/charger inclusion before purchase.
Feature Comparison
Performance: power, runtime, and cutting effectiveness
Real-world power and sustained torque
They compare the EGO 56V brushless motor paired with a 4.0Ah ARC Lithium pack versus Ryobi’s 40V HP brushless tool (battery not included). The higher nominal voltage and included 4.0Ah battery give the EGO a measurable advantage in sustained torque under continuous heavy loads—less motor sag and fewer throttle drops. The Ryobi 40V HP delivers strong, near-gas bursts and good short-term torque, but sustained heavy cutting depends heavily on the battery capacity chosen by the user.
Runtime estimates by load
Typical real-world runtimes (approximate):
Note: using a smaller 2.0Ah Ryobi pack will roughly halve these times; larger 6.0Ah packs extend runtime but add weight.
Cutting consistency on thick weeds and tall grass
EGO maintains RPM and cutting speed longer under sustained load; it will cut through tangled, fibrous weeds with fewer passes and less stalling. Ryobi’s HP motor is capable for intermittent heavy work but will slow earlier during prolonged, dense cutting and may require lower-speed passes to avoid bogging.
Line feed, speed/torque control, and job completion
EGO’s POWERLOAD plus LINE IQ automates reloading and line feed length, reducing downtime and ensuring consistent cutting diameter. Ryobi uses a REEL‑EASY bump‑feed head—fast and familiar but requires manual bumps and can be less consistent. For speed control, EGO provides a digital two‑speed selector for predictable settings; Ryobi’s variable trigger offers fine, stepless control but demands more user modulation. Overall, higher voltage and the included 4.0Ah pack on the EGO translate to fewer battery swaps and shorter total job time for medium-to-large yards.
Design, ergonomics, noise, and durability
They examine build quality and user comfort: carbon fiber telescopic shafts, weight distribution (impact of bundled battery on balance), handle and trigger ergonomics, vibration levels, and noise. The section also compares ease of maintenance, accessory compatibility, and expected long-term durability. Portability and storage for residential users are covered.
Build materials and weight distribution
EGO uses a telescopic carbon‑fiber shaft and ships with a 56V 4.0Ah battery, producing a well‑balanced tool when battery is installed; the included pack centers weight near the motor for reduced tip‑heavy feeling. Ryobi also offers a carbon‑fiber shaft in this model, but many SKUs are tool‑only — balance and perceived heaviness depend on which 40V battery the user adds. Ryobi lists a higher assembled weight (around 10.8 lb) which can feel heavier in long sessions.
Handle, controls, vibration, and noise
EGO provides a digital two‑speed selector plus a comfortable adjustable shaft length; its higher voltage motor runs smoothly with lower perceived vibration under load. Ryobi uses a variable trigger for fine control, which some users prefer for precision but can require more hand modulation. Both are significantly quieter than gas trimmers; EGO’s higher output can be slightly louder under max load but remains in a residential‑friendly range.
Maintenance, heads, and attachments
EGO’s POWERLOAD + LINE IQ simplifies line replacement and feed — fewer trips to the spool and less head servicing. Ryobi uses a REEL‑EASY bump‑feed head that many homeowners find familiar and fast. Ryobi’s Expand‑It attachment capability adds long‑term versatility for edging, blowers or hedges.
Durability, support, and storage
EGO’s carbon‑fiber shaft is backed by a limited lifetime warranty and generally higher OEM fit/finish. Ryobi delivers value but shows more plastic components (guard, gear housings) that have occasional durability complaints. For storage, both telescopic shafts collapse or hang easily; EGO’s included battery/charger adds a small transport advantage (ready to use) but increases stored bulk.
Price, total cost of ownership, support, and ideal user profiles
Upfront price and what’s included
The EGO kit is listed around $299 and ships with the 56V 4.0Ah battery and charger — ready to use out of the box.
The Ryobi listing is a tool‑only SKU (~$165); buyers must add a 40V battery and charger separately (expect roughly $80–$150 more depending on capacity and current sales).
Per‑job and long‑term costs
Battery replacement is the dominant recurring cost. Lithium packs commonly last 2–5 years (roughly 300–500 full cycles) under normal use; heavy daily use reduces that lifespan. Because EGO batteries are higher‑capacity and higher‑voltage, replacements tend to cost more but deliver longer single‑session runtime. For frequent, long jobs the EGO’s included 4.0Ah reduces near‑term per‑job cost; for occasional use the lower initial outlay of a Ryobi tool (if the buyer already owns 40V packs) can be cheaper.
Ecosystem and existing batteries
If they already own batteries for either brand, total cost drops dramatically:
Which buyer each model suits
Support and returns
They should verify manufacturer warranty (EGO lists a limited lifetime warranty on the carbon‑fiber shaft) and confirm Amazon seller condition/return policy before purchase. Check exact warranty terms and battery coverage for both brands.
Final verdict: which trimmer to recommend
They declare EGO 56V the clear winner for users who want out-of-box power, longer single-charge runtime, and a ready-to-use kit; its included 56V 4.0Ah battery and POWERLOAD/LINE IQ features deliver higher performance and convenience at higher cost.
They recommend the Ryobi 40V tool-only option for budget-conscious buyers who already own compatible batteries or plan to integrate it into a Ryobi 40V ecosystem; it saves money while offering solid trimming on lighter jobs. Choose EGO for maximum ready power, Ryobi for economy and platform compatibility.
Great breakdown — thanks for the side-by-side. A few quick thoughts from my experience:
1) The EGO coming with the 56V 4.0Ah battery and charger is huge if you don’t already own batteries. Saves an immediate extra $100+.
2) POWERLOAD + LINE IQ on the EGO makes line changes and feeding way less annoying (trust me, I hate spooling line).
3) Ryobi being attachment-capable is tempting if you want a small tool ecosystem, but remember the tool-only listing means add battery cost unless you already have 40V tools.
If you do big yards or think you’ll need runtime, EGO seems worth the premium. If you want to build a multi-tool set and save initially, Ryobi can win on value.
Also worth noting: EGO’s 56V battery gives noticeably more torque when tackling thick weeds. I swap to Ryobi for light trimming but reach for EGO for overgrown patches.
Agree with the POWERLOAD praise. That feature alone saved me so much time. EGO felt more ‘finished’ in build quality.
Good point about the upfront cost — the article highlights that too. For someone starting fresh, the EGO kit often ends up cheaper than buying a Ryobi tool + battery separately.
I’m leaning Ryobi because attachments. I already own a Ryobi blower and hedge trimmer on 40V — so getting the Ryobi trimmer tool-only is cheaper for me.
BUT — the article should really hammer home battery compatibility. Some people think they can swap brands; you can’t. Also, tool-only listings can be misleading if you don’t read closely. 😅
If you already have the Ryobi 40V battery line, going tool-only is the obvious move. Saves money and reduces clutter.
Yep — accidentally bought a tool-only once. Had to wait a week for a battery to arrive. Rookie mistake lol.
Also, Ryobi attachments are handy but I found the clutches/attachment collars can be a little fiddly. Not a dealbreaker, but worth mentioning.
Excellent point, Emily. We added a note explaining cross-brand incompatibility and the importance of checking whether a listing includes batteries/charger.
I bought the EGO last summer and honestly it’s been bulletproof. Battery life is solid and the carbon fiber shaft keeps it light. Pricey but no regrets.
Glad it’s worked well for you, Tom. Did you notice much difference between the 4.0Ah and larger capacity packs (if you’ve used them)?