Ryobi's Newest String Trimmers and Mowers: Which One Fits Your Yard

Introduction

Ryobi has refreshed its outdoor power equipment lineup again, and this time it spans both string trimmers and 40V battery mowers. The company has been updating its mowers frequently, and the newest releases include a new flagship self-propelled model that sits above everything else in the 40V line. That makes choosing the right model a matter of matching the tool to your yard size and terrain rather than simply buying the most expensive option.

This guide walks through the new releases from cheapest to most expensive, so you can see exactly what each step up in price buys you.

Ryobi 18V HP Brushless 15-Inch String Trimmer

The new Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP brushless 15-inch attachment capable string trimmer is the entry point of this refresh. It is available tool only for $159, or as a kit with a 4Ah battery and charger for $199. Ryobi claims the HP brushless motor delivers more power than a 21cc gas string trimmer, and the 4Ah battery is rated for over 40 minutes of run time, though real-world results will vary with thick or wet grass.

It is part of the Whisper Series, engineered to be 89% quieter than gas, which makes it a genuinely low-noise option for residential use. The attachment capable design is the real value here: one power head accepts swappable attachments like an edger or hedge trimmer, so you buy accessories instead of whole new tools. This is best suited to small properties and lighter DIY trimming rather than large acreage.

Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 17-Inch String Trimmer

Step up to the 40V line and you get the new Ryobi 40V HP brushless 17-inch attachment capable string trimmer. Tool only pricing is $189, and the kit with a 4Ah battery and charger runs $229. Ryobi claims this trimmer is more powerful than a 32cc gas model, with about 45 minutes of run time on low using the 4Ah battery.

Two things stand out. First, it is Whisper Series, engineered to be 86% quieter than gas, so you can cut at times when noise would normally be a problem. Second, full throttle arrives in under one second, which addresses the trigger lag that used to be a weakness on Ryobi trimmers. You also get a two-speed switch, a 15-inch adjustable cut swath, a Reel Easy three-in-one bump feed head, and a fast charger that refills the 4Ah battery in under 60 minutes. This is the flagship of the Ryobi string trimmer line.

Ryobi 40V Brushless 20-Inch Push Mower

The new mower lineup starts with the Ryobi 40V brushless 20-inch push mower, a straightforward non-self-propelled model for small yards. Tool only is $279, while the kit with a 6Ah 40V battery is $359. If you are already invested in the 40V battery system, buying tool only saves money.

Ryobi claims more power than a 150cc gas mower and up to 50 minutes of run time, rated on the slowest setting. It is suited to properties up to about half an acre. You get a bagger, water resistance, larger rear tires, and single point height adjustment with one lever setting all four wheels from 1 to 4 inches. If you just want clean cutting without paying for self-propulsion, this is the sensible pick.

Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21-Inch Push Mower (Multi-Blade)

Here is where Ryobi’s naming matters. HP means high performance, the top tier of the Ryobi line, but note that the Whisper Series badge is the real flagship marker for outdoor equipment. This 40V HP brushless 21-inch push mower is a multi-blade model, what Ryobi calls crosscut, with two blades working together.

The dual blades improve mulching performance and handle thick, wet grass noticeably better than a single-blade deck. Pricing is $699 for the kit, which includes two 40V 6Ah batteries. The dual battery setup does not turn the mower into an 80V machine; instead the two batteries drain together to roughly double the run time. For larger lawns where battery life is the limiting factor, this configuration changes how you mow.

Ryobi 40V Brushless 21-Inch Self-Propelled All-Wheel Drive Multi-Blade Mower

This is the new flagship. The Ryobi 40V brushless 21-inch self-propelled all-wheel drive multi-blade mower looks similar to the HP push model above, but adds all-wheel drive traction and a self-propelled drive system. The kit costs $799 and includes the mower, two 40V 6Ah batteries, and a charger.

Ryobi claims it is more powerful than a 196cc gas mower with up to 75 minutes of run time, suitable for properties up to three quarters of an acre. It uses the crosscut multi-blade system with a three-in-one cutting setup: side discharge, rear bagging, or mulching. It also features Smart Track, which automatically increases power when the mower hits thick or wet grass and then scales back down to preserve battery life. If your yard has slopes, uneven ground, or muddy patches, the all-wheel drive traction is worth the premium.

Buying Advice

Match the tool to the yard. Small property with light trimming? The 18V trimmer at $159 is enough. Regular trimming with heavier grass or a bigger lot? The 40V trimmer’s instant throttle and fast charger justify the step up. For mowing, half an acre or less on flat ground works fine with the 20-inch push mower. Larger lawns or thick, wet grass point you toward the dual-battery multi-blade models, and slopes or rough terrain are where the all-wheel drive flagship earns its $799 price.

One more tip: if you already own Ryobi 40V batteries, buying tool only versions across this lineup saves real money.

Conclusion

Ryobi’s latest outdoor refresh covers a wide price range, from a $159 attachment capable trimmer to an $800 all-wheel drive flagship mower. The recurring themes are Whisper Series quiet operation, instant throttle response, longer run times through dual battery setups, and smarter power management. Pick based on yard size and terrain, and each of these models has a clear case for itself.