Black+Decker LSTE523 20V Trimmer/Edger
#14 in BatteryFull review
A budget trimmer and edger for small yards and touch ups. Look elsewhere for overgrowth or large lawns.
Amazon $109$109
The Black+Decker LSTE523 20V Trimmer/Edger is the better string trimmer overall, rated 3.2 to 3.0. The Black+Decker LSTE523 20V Trimmer/Edger leads on value and swath. The Stihl FSA 57 Trimmer wins on line and weight. The Black+Decker LSTE523 20V Trimmer/Edger costs $80.99 less ($109 vs $189.99).
Stihl FSA 57 Trimmer
#17 in BatteryFull review
A light, simple trimmer for small lawns and edges, sold and serviced by Stihl dealers.
STIHL $189.99$189.99
Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Black+Decker LSTE523 20V Trimmer/Edger for value ($9.08 per inch of swath ($109 with batteries and charger, 12 in swath) vs $17.27 per inch of swath ($189.99 with batteries and charger, 11 in swath)) and swath (12 in swath vs 11 in swath).
- Choose the Stihl FSA 57 Trimmer for line (.080 in line vs .065 in line) and weight (5.9 lb (without battery) vs 7.6 lb).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every battery string trimmer; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Black+Decker LSTE523 20V Trimmer/Edger | Stihl FSA 57 Trimmer |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.2/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Value 30% | 88 $9.08 per inch of swath ($109 with batteries and charger, 12 in swath) | 30 $17.27 per inch of swath ($189.99 with batteries and charger, 11 in swath) |
| Line 20% | 0 .065 in line | 50 .080 in line |
| Swath 15% | 20 12 in swath | 0 11 in swath |
| Weight 15% | 90 7.6 lb | 100 5.9 lb (without battery) |
| Warranty 20% | 25 2-year warranty | 50 warranty not published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| Black+Decker LSTE523 20V Trimmer/Edger | Stihl FSA 57 Trimmer | |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting | ||
| Cutting swath | 12 in | 11 in |
| Largest line | .065 in | .080 in |
| Line feed | Push-button feed | Bump feed |
| Shaft | Straight | Straight |
| Converts to edger | Yes | No |
| Takes attachments | No | No |
| Power | ||
| Engine or battery | 20 V, 2.5 Ah of battery | 36 V, 2 Ah of battery |
| Battery energy | 45 Wh | 72 Wh |
| Battery included | Yes | Yes |
| Runtime | - | 25 min |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 7.6 lb | 5.9 lb (without battery) |
| Warranty | 2 years | - |