The WORX Nitro WG173 20V Cordless String Trimmer review comes down to one thing: convenience that still feels serious.
If you want a lightweight yard tool that trims, edges, and handles light mowing without fighting a gas engine, this model deserves attention.
WORX Nitro WG173 Review Summary
The WORX Nitro WG173 20V Cordless String Trimmer is a smart buy for homeowners who want one compact tool to handle routine lawn cleanup around sidewalks, driveways, fence lines, and tight corners.
It stands out because it combines a 13-inch dual-line cutting path, a brushless motor, and a 3-in-1 design that lets you switch between trimmer, wheeled edger, and mini-mower duties with less hassle than a standard single-purpose trimmer.
For buyers comparing cordless yard tools, this one lands in the sweet spot between ease of use and real-world utility.
It is especially appealing if you already own WORX Power Share batteries or want a tool that is easier to maneuver than heavier gas units.
The main tradeoff is that it is still best for light to medium yard maintenance, not thick weeds or overgrown acreage.
Scorecard
| Category | Score | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Trimming performance | 9/10 | Dual-line 13-inch cutting diameter speeds up trimming around edges and hard surfaces. |
| Edging and multi-mode use | 9/10 | Works as a trimmer, wheeled edger, and mini-mower for more versatility. |
| Motor power and durability | 9/10 | Brushless motor should be more efficient and longer lasting than brushed alternatives. |
| Battery runtime | 8/10 | The included 4.0Ah Power Share Pro battery helps, but runtime still depends on yard size and task intensity. |
| Handling and comfort | 8/10 | Light 6.6 lb build, telescopic shaft, and pivoting head improve control. |
| Line feed convenience | 8/10 | Command feed button advancement is more controlled than bump feed for many users. |
| Platform compatibility | 9/10 | Power Share battery compatibility adds value for existing WORX owners. |
Bottom line: the WORX Nitro WG173 is a strong choice if you want a versatile cordless string trimmer that prioritizes easy handling, cleaner edging, and efficient routine yard work.
Key Features and Specifications of WORX Nitro WG173
If you are evaluating the WORX Nitro WG173 20V Cordless String Trimmer as a buyer, the feature set is clearly aimed at convenience and broad everyday usability.
Here are the core details that matter most:
- Brand/Model: WORX WG173 Nitro
- Type: 13-inch 3-in-1 cordless string trimmer, lawn edger, and mini-mower
- Power source: Battery powered, cordless
- Voltage: 20V
- Cutting width: 13 inches
- Line diameter: 0.065 inches
- Motor: Brushless
- Speed: 7,600 RPM
- Weight: 6.6 pounds
- Dimensions: 43.1 inches L x 35.6 inches W
- Battery included: 1 lithium-ion battery
- Battery capacity: 4.0Ah Power Share Pro battery
- Controls: Command feed button line advancement
- Adjustment: 90-degree pivoting head, adjustable auxiliary handle, telescopic shaft
- Color: Black and orange
- Assembly: Required
- Recommended uses: Edging, mowing, trimming
The feature mix tells a clear story: this is built for homeowners who want fast cleanup with less fatigue.
The 13-inch dual-line setup provides broader coverage than many entry-level trimmers, while the brushless motor and 4.0Ah battery help push it toward more practical runtime and efficiency.
Pros and Cons of WORX Nitro WG173
Here is the WORX Nitro WG173 20V Cordless String Trimmer pros and cons breakdown from a buyer’s perspective.
Pros
- 3-in-1 design reduces the need for separate tools.
- Dual-line 13-inch cutting path improves coverage and speeds up routine trimming.
- Brushless motor is a strong durability and efficiency advantage.
- Lightweight at 6.6 pounds, which helps reduce arm and shoulder fatigue.
- Telescopic shaft and pivoting head improve reach on slopes and around obstacles.
- Command feed button is easier to control than some bump-feed systems.
- Power Share compatibility is excellent for existing WORX users.
Cons
- Assembly is required, which adds a little setup time.
- Battery runtime may be limiting for large yards or long sessions.
- Replacement spool is sold separately, so maintenance costs can add up.
- Not designed for heavy brush or highly overgrown properties.
Verdict: the pros are clearly stronger than the cons for routine suburban yard care, but this is not the right pick for tough brush clearing.
How the 3-in-1 Design Works
One of the biggest reasons buyers consider this model is its 3-in-1 versatility.
The WORX Nitro WG173 20V Cordless String Trimmer can function as a standard string trimmer, a wheeled edger, and a mini-mower.
That matters because it saves storage space and cuts down on tool swapping for small lawn tasks.
As a trimmer, it handles grass along fences, landscape beds, and pathways.
In edging mode, the wheel support helps create cleaner lines along sidewalks and driveways.
The mini-mower function is best understood as a light-duty help feature for areas where a full mower cannot reach, such as narrow strips and small patches of grass.
This design choice is especially useful if you want a single cordless yard tool for routine maintenance.
It is less ideal if you already own separate edging equipment and only want raw trimming power.
In that case, a simpler trimmer may be more cost-efficient.
But for most homeowners with average yards, the 3-in-1 format adds meaningful value.
Cutting Power and Brushless Motor Performance
The cutting system is one of the strongest reasons to consider the WORX Nitro WG173.
The dual-line setup and 13-inch cutting diameter should cover more ground per pass than narrower budget trimmers.
That translates into less back-and-forth work along hard edges and around landscaping.
The 7,600 RPM speed rating suggests it is built for brisk routine trimming, not just light touch-ups.
Paired with the brushless motor, the tool is positioned for better energy efficiency and less wear over time than a typical brushed motor design.
For buyers, that usually means a better long-term ownership experience and less frustration from a tool that bogs down too easily.
Still, it is important to keep expectations realistic.
The WORX Nitro WG173 is aimed at lawn maintenance, not aggressive clearing.
It will be most convincing on standard grass growth, edging work, and border cleanup.
If your yard includes thick weeds, woody stalks, or neglected patches, you may need a more powerful trimmer or an alternative platform such as EGO POWER+ cordless trimmer or a higher-output option from Greenworks 24V cordless string trimmer.
Battery Life and Runtime Expectations
The battery setup is a major part of the buying decision here.
The WORX Nitro WG173 includes a 4.0Ah Power Share Pro battery, which is a better sign for runtime than many basic 20V kits.
For small to medium yards, that should be enough for typical trimming and edging sessions when used sensibly.
That said, cordless runtime is always tied to workload.
Continuous edging, thick grass, and frequent high-load cutting will drain the battery faster.
Buyers with larger lots should view this as a convenience-first tool, not a commercial-grade solution.
If you need all-day endurance, a higher-voltage platform like EGO POWER+ cordless trimmer may be a better fit.
For the right user, though, the runtime profile is sensible.
The included battery also improves the value proposition because you can begin using the trimmer without building out the battery system separately.
And for current WORX owners, the Power Share platform is a major plus.
Comfort, Reach, and Handling on Slopes
Handling is where this model earns points with everyday homeowners.
At 6.6 pounds, the WORX Nitro WG173 is light enough to carry around the yard without feeling overly bulky.
That matters when trimming around steps, raised beds, tight corners, and uneven terrain.
The telescopic shaft helps adjust length for different users, which is useful if more than one person will use the tool.
The adjustable auxiliary handle improves control, especially when edging or working near obstacles.
The 90-degree pivoting head is another practical detail because it helps the tool adapt to slopes and hard-to-reach areas instead of forcing awkward wrist angles.
In real-world use, those design choices make the tool feel more approachable than many gas trimmers or heavier cordless models.
If you have a yard with lots of borders or slanted areas, this is one of the model’s best selling points.
Less fatigue and better control are exactly what many home buyers want from a cordless string trimmer.
WORX Nitro WG173 Review: Trimming, Edging, and Everyday Use
For the typical homeowner, the main question is whether the WORX Nitro WG173 can keep up with weekly or biweekly yard maintenance.
The answer is yes, as long as the job stays in the “routine maintenance” lane.
It is built to shine around sidewalks, driveways, retaining walls, and border edges where clean lines matter most.
The command feed system is a notable usability win.
Instead of relying on a bump feed setup that some users find inconsistent, you control line advancement with a button.
That makes line management feel more deliberate and less messy, especially if you are still learning cordless trimming tools.
As a practical matter, the dual-line head and 13-inch width should make the work go faster than with smaller single-line trimmers.
The tradeoff is that a broader cutting path can use line and battery a bit faster, which is worth remembering if you have a larger property.
The ideal user is someone who values efficiency, control, and convenience more than brute force.
WORX Nitro WG173 Pros and Cons Compared With Alternatives
When comparing the WORX Nitro WG173 20V Cordless String Trimmer to alternatives, the key question is whether you want a multi-function lightweight trimmer or a more focused, potentially more powerful machine.
The WORX GT series trimmer is a logical in-brand comparison if you want a similar cordless format, though the Nitro version is the more compelling pick if you care about the brushless upgrade and stronger runtime package.
For buyers considering alternatives, Ryobi 18V string trimmer options are popular for broad availability and battery ecosystem value.
BLACK+DECKER cordless string trimmer models can be budget-friendly for simple trimming, though they may not match this model’s 3-in-1 flexibility.
If you want more premium power and stronger yard-tool performance, EGO POWER+ cordless trimmer products are worth a look, especially for bigger properties.
The biggest edge the WORX Nitro WG173 has over many competitors is that it tries to do more in one tool without becoming too heavy.
That balance is the real selling point.
Who Should Buy WORX Nitro WG173?
The WORX Nitro WG173 20V Cordless String Trimmer is a strong match for homeowners who want a practical, manageable solution for weekly yard cleanup.
It is especially good for:
- People who want a single tool for trimming, edging, and light mowing.
- WORX users who already own Power Share batteries and want to expand their tool ecosystem.
- Buyers who prefer a lighter tool for sidewalks, driveways, and landscape borders.
- Homeowners with small to medium yards and normal grass growth.
- Anyone who wants easier handling than heavier gas-powered options.
It is less suitable for:
- Large properties that need extended runtime.
- Overgrown lots with thick weeds or brush.
- Buyers who only want a basic trimmer and do not need edging or mini-mower modes.
If you are asking is WORX Nitro WG173 20V Cordless String Trimmer worth it, the answer depends on your yard size and your expectations.
For routine maintenance, it is a very sensible buy.
For demanding clearing jobs, you should look higher up the power ladder.
Is WORX Nitro WG173 Worth It?
Yes — for the right buyer, the WORX Nitro WG173 20V Cordless String Trimmer is worth it because it offers a rare combination of convenience, versatility, and user-friendly design.
The brushless motor, 13-inch dual-line cutting path, 3-in-1 functionality, and Power Share compatibility all work together to make this a well-rounded yard tool.
The main reasons to buy are clear: better trimming efficiency, cleaner edging, less fatigue, and more value if you already use WORX batteries.
The main reasons to skip it are also clear: you need more runtime, you mow or trim a larger property, or your yard regularly demands heavier cutting power.
Final verdict: if your goal is a lightweight, cordless, do-it-all trimmer for regular suburban yard care, the WORX Nitro WG173 is an easy recommendation.
It is not the most powerful trimmer on the market, but it is one of the more practical and buyer-friendly options in its class.