WORX Nitro WG173 20V Cordless String Trimmer review: this compact 3-in-1 yard tool is built for homeowners who want fast trimming, cleaner edging, and simple lawn touch-ups without gas hassle.
If your yard has a lot of sidewalks, driveways, borders, or tight spots, the WORX Nitro WG173 20V Cordless String Trimmer is aimed right at your pain points.
WORX WG173 Review Summary
If you want one lightweight tool that can trim, edge, and handle mini-mowing duties, the WORX Nitro WG173 20V Cordless String Trimmer is a very practical buy.
It is especially appealing for homeowners who value easy handling, battery convenience, and a cleaner cut around hardscape edges more than raw commercial-grade power.
What makes it stand out is the combination of a brushless motor, dual-line 13-inch cutting width, and Command Feed line advancement.
Those features make everyday yard cleanup feel smoother than many budget string trimmers, while the included 4.0 Ah battery adds immediate usability out of the box.
Best fit: suburban lawns, small-to-medium properties, and buyers already using WORX Power Share batteries.
Less ideal: large properties with heavy weeds or users who need long runtime from a single battery for extended sessions.
Scorecard
| Category | Score | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Trimming performance | 9.0/10 | Dual-line 13-inch cutting width and brushless power are well suited to faster grass and weed cleanup. |
| Edging and versatility | 9.0/10 | 3-in-1 trimmer, wheeled edger, and mini-mower design adds real utility. |
| Runtime and power system | 8.0/10 | Included 4.0 Ah battery and Power Share compatibility improve flexibility. |
| Handling and comfort | 8.0/10 | 6.62-pound build, pivoting head, and telescopic shaft help control. |
| Line control | 9.0/10 | Command Feed button is more convenient than typical bump-feed systems. |
| Build and motor durability | 8.0/10 | Brushless motor design should run cooler and last longer than brushed alternatives. |
Bottom line: this is a strong buy for routine home yard maintenance, especially if you want a cordless trimmer that feels smarter and easier to use than entry-level rivals.
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Key Features and Specifications of WORX WG173
The WORX WG173 is designed around convenience and flexibility, not brute-force commercial output.
That design choice is exactly why many homeowners will like it: it is meant to reduce friction in the part of lawn care most people dislike, which is repeated trimming, edging, and tidying.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | WORX |
| Model | WG173 |
| Power source | Battery powered |
| Voltage | 20V |
| Cordless | Yes |
| Cutting width | 13 inches |
| Line diameter | 0.065 inch |
| Speed | 7600 RPM |
| Item weight | 6.62 pounds |
| Item dimensions | 43.1″ L x 35.6″ W |
| Battery included | Yes, 1 lithium-ion battery |
| Battery capacity | 4.0 Ah |
| Recommended uses | Edging, mowing, trimming |
| Assembly | Required |
| Color | Black and orange |
| Number of items | 1 |
- 3-in-1 design: trimmer, wheeled edger, and mini-mower
- Brushless motor: positioned for better efficiency and longer life than a brushed unit
- Dual-line cutting: helps move through grass and weeds with fewer passes
- Command Feed: instant line advancement with a button instead of bumping
- Power Share platform: works with WORX batteries across 140+ compatible tools and products
- Telescopic shaft and pivoting head: support better reach and control in awkward spaces
WORX also claims this unit is more efficient than earlier GT trimmers, with a larger trimming area and improved runtime characteristics.
For buyers comparing generations, that matters because it suggests the WG173 is not just a cosmetic update; it is aimed at better real-world productivity.
Pros and Cons of WORX WG173
Every buyer should look at the WORX Nitro WG173 20V Cordless String Trimmer pros and cons before deciding, because the same features that make it convenient also define its limits.
Pros
- Versatile 3-in-1 function reduces the need for separate tools.
- Lightweight at 6.62 pounds, making it easier to maneuver than many gas trimmers.
- Brushless motor should deliver better efficiency and durability than brushed models.
- Command Feed is simpler and more controlled than many bump-feed setups.
- 13-inch cutting width helps cover ground quickly around edges and borders.
- Included 4.0 Ah battery adds value and makes first use easier.
- Power Share compatibility is a strong advantage for existing WORX users.
Cons
- Battery runtime is still finite, so large properties may require a backup battery.
- Assembly is required before first use.
- Replacement spool is sold separately, which is worth planning for.
- Not intended for heavy commercial work or thick overgrowth on a regular basis.
From a buyer’s perspective, the strengths are obvious: convenience, mobility, and multi-function utility.
The tradeoff is equally clear: this is a homeowner tool, not a replacement for a high-output commercial trimmer.
How the 3-in-1 Modes Work
The biggest selling point of the WORX Nitro WG173 20V Cordless String Trimmer is its ability to move between three jobs without buying three separate tools.
That matters more than it sounds, because most yard cleanup is not one task; it is a sequence of trimming, edging, and finishing.
In trimmer mode, the tool handles general grass cutting around fences, beds, posts, and hard-to-reach perimeter spots.
The dual-line setup helps keep the cutting path consistent, which is useful when you are trying to avoid ragged edges or repeated passes.
As a wheeled edger, the WG173 becomes more precise.
This is where homeowners often see the biggest visual payoff, because crisp lines along sidewalks and driveways can make an average lawn look much better maintained.
The mini-mower mode is best thought of as a touch-up tool rather than a true mower replacement.
It is useful for small patches, narrow strips, and areas where a standard mower cannot fit comfortably.
For practical buyers, that flexibility is valuable because it can reduce the amount of hand-finishing you need after mowing.
Buyer takeaway: if you want a single cordless tool to do the cleanup work that usually requires extra effort, this 3-in-1 design is one of the WG173’s biggest advantages.
Battery Runtime and WORX Power Share Compatibility
The included 4.0 Ah lithium-ion battery is one of the most important parts of the package, because cordless trimmers live or die by battery quality.
A larger-capacity battery is a practical plus for homeowners who want fewer interruptions and more usable time per charge.
WORX positions this model within its Power Share ecosystem, which is a major decision factor if you already own other WORX tools.
Instead of buying into a one-off battery system, you can potentially reuse batteries across a wide lineup of compatible products.
That lowers long-term ownership friction and makes the brand more attractive to buyers building out a cordless tool collection.
Runtime will still depend on what you are cutting.
Light grass cleanup around a patio is very different from trimming overgrown weeds along a fence line.
In other words, the battery is a strength, but it does not change the laws of cordless yard tools: thicker growth and longer sessions will drain power faster.
If you already use WORX batteries, this model makes even more sense. If you do not, the included battery helps, but you should still think about whether a second battery might be worth adding later for larger properties.
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Command Feed and Line Replacement
One of the most user-friendly design choices on the WORX WG173 is Command Feed.
Instead of relying on repeated bumping to advance the line, you use a button to feed more line when needed.
That is a small feature on paper, but it can noticeably improve the experience in real use.
Why does this matter?
Because bump-feed systems can be inconsistent for casual users.
They often waste line or require awkward tapping to get the length right.
A button-fed system feels more controlled and predictable, especially for buyers who want straightforward operation rather than learning a fussy mechanism.
The tool uses 0.065-inch line, which is a sensible size for home lawn cleanup.
It is a good fit for grass, moderate weeds, and typical edge work.
For heavy brush, thicker line or a much more powerful unit may be needed.
It is worth noting that the pre-wound replacement spool is sold separately.
That is not unusual, but it is a purchase detail worth remembering.
If you trim often, line replacement is part of the ownership equation, and buyers should factor in the convenience of keeping a spare on hand.
Practical verdict: Command Feed is one of the best reasons to choose this model if you are tired of bump-feed frustration.
Handling on Slopes, Edges, and Tight Spaces
Good string trimmers are not judged only by raw cutting power.
They are also judged by how well they handle awkward spaces, sloped areas, and finishing work where precision matters.
The WORX Nitro WG173 20V Cordless String Trimmer is built with that use case in mind.
At 6.62 pounds, it is light enough for many homeowners to control comfortably during normal sessions.
The adjustable auxiliary handle helps improve leverage, while the telescopic shaft makes it easier to adjust reach and posture.
That can make a meaningful difference if you are trimming around raised garden beds, retaining walls, or long sidewalk runs.
The 90-degree pivoting head is especially useful when edging along curbs or trying to get into awkward corners.
A pivoting design can reduce body strain because you are not forced into unnatural wrist angles to keep the line in contact with the edge.
For sloped yards, the lighter build is a real advantage.
Heavier tools can feel tiring after only a short time, especially if you are working on uneven terrain.
The WG173 should be easier to manage for typical homeowner use, though buyers with very steep properties or lots of thick vegetation may still prefer a higher-voltage platform.
Best use case: precise cleanup along borders, hardscape edges, steps, fence lines, and narrow spaces where a full mower or bulkier tool is awkward.
WORX Nitro WG173 Alternatives to Consider
If you are comparing the WORX Nitro WG173 20V Cordless String Trimmer review against other popular options, a few alternatives are worth a look depending on your yard size and power needs.
- Greenworks 40V cordless string trimmer — a strong option if you want to step up in power and possibly runtime for bigger yards.
- EGO Power+ cordless trimmer/edger — a premium choice for buyers who want more performance and are willing to pay for it.
- BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 trimmer/edger/mower — a direct idea match if you specifically want a multi-function yard tool.
- Ryobi 18V string trimmer — good for buyers already invested in the Ryobi battery system.
Compared with those options, the WG173 sits in a sweet spot: it is more versatile than a basic trimmer, but still simple and light enough for routine homeowner use.
If you want the most powerful machine possible, other brands may be better.
If you want convenience and ecosystem value, WORX makes a compelling case.
Who Should Buy WORX WG173?
The WORX WG173 is a smart purchase for homeowners who want a neat, easy-to-run cordless tool for regular lawn cleanup.
It is especially well suited to buyers who:
- Want one tool for trimming, edging, and touch-up mowing
- Prefer lightweight yard equipment over heavier gas models
- Already own WORX Power Share batteries
- Need cleaner edges around sidewalks and driveways
- Value easy line advancement and low-stress operation
You should probably skip it if you:
- Maintain a large property with lots of thick weeds
- Need a tool for heavy-duty or commercial use
- Want the absolute longest cordless runtime from a single battery
- Prefer a traditional gas trimmer for nonstop power
For the average homeowner, though, the fit is strong.
The design choices clearly favor convenience, and that makes it a better day-to-day tool than many bulkier competitors.
WORX Nitro WG173 Pros and Cons in Real-World Use
In real-world terms, the main question is not whether the tool looks good on a spec sheet.
It is whether the WORX Nitro WG173 20V Cordless String Trimmer makes yard work faster and less annoying.
In that respect, it does a lot right.
The 13-inch dual-line cutting path gives it a respectable working width, so you can clear more area with each pass.
The brushless motor should help maintain better efficiency over time, and the Command Feed system keeps the workflow moving when the line needs advancing.
That combination matters because yard cleanup is usually about small efficiencies adding up across the whole job.
The main drawback is straightforward: cordless convenience comes with battery limits.
If your yard is large or the grass is dense, you may need to recharge or swap batteries.
That is not a flaw unique to this model, but it is important for buyers to recognize before choosing it over higher-voltage alternatives.
Overall verdict: this is a well-balanced, homeowner-friendly trimmer/edger that prioritizes comfort, flexibility, and easy handling over brute force.
Is WORX WG173 Worth It?
Yes, the WORX WG173 is worth it for the right buyer. If you want a cordless, lightweight, easy-to-control yard tool that can trim, edge, and handle small lawn touch-ups, this model delivers a lot of practical value.
Its biggest strengths are the 3-in-1 design, brushless motor, 13-inch dual-line cutting width, and Command Feed convenience.
Those features make it a particularly good choice for homeowners who want better results with less hassle.
The included battery and Power Share compatibility also add meaningful ownership value.
The tradeoffs are just as clear: this is not a heavy-duty machine for overgrowth, and battery runtime will always depend on how hard you work it.
But for routine residential use, the balance is excellent.
Final buying advice: if you want a dependable all-around cordless trimmer/edger from a known home-garden brand, the WORX Nitro WG173 20V Cordless String Trimmer deserves a serious look.
For light-to-moderate yard maintenance, it is one of the most sensible and user-friendly buys in its class.
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