Worx WG163E Review: 20V Cordless Strimmer for UK Gardens ★★★★★

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Worx WG163E review – cordless grass trimmer used for edging a UK garden lawn

I picked up the Worx WG163E as part of building out my Worx PowerShare setup. I already use their lawn mower, hedge trimmers, and a few other tools around the garden, so adding a cordless strimmer that runs on the same batteries felt like the obvious next step — and the reason for this Worx WG163E review.

My garden doesn’t really need heavy clearing, so I was looking for more of a lightweight maintenance tool. It’s mostly the edges, borders, and awkward areas the mower can’t reach that take the time, and without a strimmer it’s hard to get a clean finish.

I wanted something lightweight, quick to grab, and easy to control rather than another heavy tool that only comes out occasionally.

After using it for regular trimming and edging, it’s clear this is designed more for maintenance rather than heavy clearing — but in the right setting, that’s exactly what makes it useful.

If you’re building a Worx setup or comparing tools across the range, I’ve broken down how this fits alongside the other main tools in my Worx PowerShare guide. If you’re interested in the mower I use, you can read my Worx WG737E lawn mower review.


🌿 Our Quick Verdict

★★★★★
A lightweight cordless strimmer that’s ideal for trimming edges and keeping a typical UK garden tidy — but not designed for heavy, overgrown areas.

After using the Worx WG163E in my own garden, I’d rate it 5 out of 5 stars for my use. It’s incredibly easy to handle, quick to pick up, and perfect for the kind of regular maintenance most gardens actually need. The edging function is especially useful for borders and paths, and the lightweight design makes it far less tiring than heavier strimmers.

  • Lightweight and very easy to handle for quick jobs
  • Ideal for trimming edges, borders, and around obstacles
  • Wheeled edging feature works well in practice
  • Compatible with the Worx PowerShare battery system
  • Quiet and simple to use compared to petrol tools
  • Best suited to maintenance — not heavy or overgrown areas

Best for: small-to-medium UK gardens that need regular trimming and tidy edges
Avoid if: you’re clearing thick weeds, long grass, or overgrown areas

If you just want something quick, lightweight, and easy to grab for keeping your garden tidy, this is where it makes the most sense:

See the Worx WG163E Cordless Strimmer on Amazon UK


🔑 Worx WG163E Key Features at a Glance

Here are the key specs that matter when using the Worx WG163E in a real UK garden:

FeatureDetail
Battery20V Max Worx PowerShare system
Cutting Width30 cm
Line Diameter1.65 mm single line
Line FeedCommand Feed system
Edging FunctionYes – converts from trimmer to wheeled edger
SpeedUp to approx. 7600 rpm (no-load)
WeightApprox. 2 kg (without battery)
Best FitLight garden maintenance, lawn edges, borders, and trimming around obstacles
Battery 20V Max Worx PowerShare system
Cutting Width 30 cm
Line Diameter 1.65 mm single line
Line Feed Command Feed system
Edging Function Yes – converts from trimmer to wheeled edger
Speed Up to approx. 7600 rpm (no-load)
Weight Approx. 2 kg (without battery)
Best Fit Light garden maintenance, lawn edges, borders, and trimming around obstacles

If you want a lightweight cordless strimmer for regular lawn-edge maintenance rather than heavy clearing, these are the specs that actually matter in day-to-day use.


Worx WG163E Review: Real-World Performance

Worx WG163E review – shaded UK garden area with weeds before trimming
Worx WG163E review – weeds cleared with cordless strimmer in shaded garden area

Before and after clearing soft weed growth with the Worx WG163E — a quick job that would normally take much longer by hand.


I used the Worx WG163E on a shaded corner of my garden near the shed where grass struggles to grow under the conifers. In these areas, weeds tend to take over quite quickly, creating a mix of soft, uneven growth that needs regular tidying.

This is exactly the kind of situation I bought this tool for — and it handled it effortlessly.

The softer weed growth cleared in seconds with very little effort. It’s the kind of job that would normally involve pulling weeds by hand or using heavier tools, but with the WG163E it becomes a quick, low-effort task you can deal with as part of regular maintenance.

What stands out most is how easy it is to use. It’s lightweight, well balanced, and quick to pick up, which makes a big difference for these small, frequent jobs. You don’t feel like you’re committing to a big task — you just grab it, tidy the area, and you’re done.

I’ve mainly been using it with a 2 Ah battery, which keeps it light and easy to control. If you switch to a larger 4 Ah battery, you get longer runtime, but it does make it slightly heavier at the handle. It’s still comfortable to use, but the smaller battery feels a bit more precise for edging and lighter work.

It also works very well along lawn edges, particularly where grass meets fences, borders, or walls. These are the areas a mower can’t reach cleanly, and the WG163E makes it easy to keep everything looking sharp without much effort.

The edging wheel works especially well for straight lines along patios and borders. One thing I noticed is that on softer or uneven edges, it’s easy to let the wheel sink slightly, which can scalp the edge of the grass. I’ve found it works best if you keep the weight on the handle and use the wheel as a guide rather than something to lean on.

In edging mode, it also works well between paving slabs for keeping lines tidy. It’s not a heavy-duty solution for deeply rooted weeds, but for light growth and regular upkeep, it does the job well. I’ll add more photos of this in use over time.

Like most lightweight strimmers, it does have its limits. Thicker weeds or more established growth will slow it down, and this isn’t the tool you’d choose for reclaiming an overgrown area — but that’s not really what it’s designed for.

For my setup — dealing with soft weed growth, lawn edges, and general garden tidying — this is exactly where it makes sense. It turns jobs that would normally be a bit of a chore into something quick and easy, which means you’re far more likely to stay on top of them.


🔋 The PowerShare Advantage

One of the biggest advantages of the Worx WG163E is the 20V PowerShare battery system. These batteries work across a wide range of Worx tools, so one charger and set of batteries can power everything from strimmers and hedge trimmers to mowers and other garden equipment.

In practice, this makes a real difference. You’re not juggling multiple chargers or buying separate batteries for each tool — you can simply swap between them depending on the job.

For a tool like this, that convenience matters even more. The WG163E is something you’ll likely use little and often — quick edge tidy-ups, clearing small patches of weeds, or finishing off after mowing. Being able to grab a battery from another tool and get started straight away makes it far more useful in day-to-day use.

It also helps keep costs down if you’re building out a system over time. Instead of buying into multiple battery platforms, everything works together, which makes adding tools like this much easier to justify.

If you want to understand how Worx compares to other cordless systems like Bosch and Ryobi, see our PowerShare battery systems comparison guide.


Where It Could Be Better

The main limitations of the Worx WG163E come down to power and intended use — which is typical for a lightweight cordless strimmer:

Limited Power for Thick Growth – It handles soft weeds, grass, and light overgrowth very easily, but thicker weeds or more established growth will slow it down. You may need multiple passes or a different tool for tougher areas.

Not Designed for Heavy Clearing – This isn’t a tool for reclaiming overgrown parts of the garden. If an area has been left for a long time, it’s better to clear it manually first and then use the strimmer for ongoing maintenance.

Line Wear on Hard Surfaces – When using it along patios, paths, or between paving slabs, the line wears down more quickly. That’s normal, but it does mean you’ll go through line faster if you use it regularly on these surfaces.

Runtime Depends on Battery Size – Battery life is fine for quick jobs and regular maintenance, but for larger areas or longer sessions, having a spare battery makes things much easier.

Line Feed Takes a Bit of Getting Used To – Unlike older strimmers where you bump the head on the ground to release more line, this uses a button. It works well, but it’s easy to feed too much at first until you get used to how responsive it is.

For occasional heavier work, you may need to pair this with another tool depending on your setup. In my case, I treat this as a maintenance tool rather than something for tackling tougher jobs.


✅ Worx WG163E Pros & Cons

ProsCons
Lightweight and very easy to handleNot powerful enough for thick or established weeds
Excellent for soft weed growth and regular garden maintenanceNot designed for reclaiming heavily overgrown areas
Works well for lawn edges, fences, walls, and awkward bordersLine wears down faster on paving, paths, and hard surfaces
Edging mode is useful for keeping patio and lawn edges tidyCommand Feed takes a little getting used to at first
Compatible with the Worx PowerShare battery systemRuntime is limited with smaller batteries
Quiet and low-maintenance compared to petrol strimmersMay need a second tool for heavier clearing jobs
Pros
  • Lightweight and very easy to handle
  • Excellent for soft weed growth and regular garden maintenance
  • Works well for lawn edges, fences, walls, and awkward borders
  • Edging mode is useful for keeping patio and lawn edges tidy
  • Compatible with the Worx PowerShare battery system
  • Quiet and low-maintenance compared to petrol strimmers
Cons
  • Not powerful enough for thick or established weeds
  • Not designed for reclaiming heavily overgrown areas
  • Line wears down faster on paving, paths, and hard surfaces
  • Command Feed takes a little getting used to at first
  • Runtime is limited with smaller batteries
  • May need a second tool for heavier clearing jobs

🔧 Maintenance & Care

After using the Worx WG163E, I’ve found it’s a very low-maintenance tool, but a quick clean after use helps keep it working well.

Grass and debris tend to build up around the guard and cutting head, especially when trimming edges or working near fences and borders. I’ve found that using the brush, from my dustpan and brush set, works perfectly for clearing this — it’s quick, easy, and avoids needing anything more specialised.

It’s also worth keeping an eye on the cutting line. As you use the strimmer — particularly on hard surfaces like patios or paths — the line will wear down and need replacing over time. Keeping a spare spool or line on hand makes it easy to swap out when needed.

Replacing the line is straightforward once you’ve done it once. The spool pops out of the head, and you can either replace it with a pre-wound spool or rewind it yourself with new line. I tend to keep a spare ready to swap in, as it’s quicker than rewinding when you’re in the middle of a job.

The Command Feed system works well once you’re used to it, but it’s easy to feed more line than needed at first. After a bit of use, you get a feel for how much to apply.

For storage, it’s best to keep the tool somewhere dry, ideally off the floor in a shed or garage. Because it’s lightweight, it’s easy to hang or store neatly, which makes it convenient to grab for quick jobs.

Overall, this is the kind of tool that doesn’t require much effort to look after — just a quick clean and occasional line replacement to keep it working as expected.


If you think this is the right hedge trimmer for your garden, you can check the latest price and availability below.

Worx WG163E Cordless Grass Trimmer (PowerShare System)
A lightweight cordless strimmer ideal for edging lawns and clearing soft weeds in a typical UK garden, with easy handling but not designed for heavy overgrowth.

🌱 Final Verdict

I’d rate the Worx WG163E cordless strimmer ★★★★★ (5 / 5 for my use).

It’s an excellent lightweight tool for maintaining edges, clearing soft weeds, and keeping a typical UK garden tidy — quick to pick up, easy to control, and ideal for regular use.

The trade-off is power. It’s not designed for thick weeds or heavily overgrown areas, and you may need a second tool if growth has been left to get established.

For my setup — dealing with lawn edges, shaded areas, and light weed growth — it makes a lot of sense. It turns jobs that would normally be a bit of a chore into something quick and easy, which means you’re far more likely to stay on top of them.

If you keep on top of your garden little and often, this is exactly the kind of tool that fits into that routine.


📎 Related Guides


❓ FAQs

What is the Worx WG163E best suited for?

The WG163E works best as a light maintenance tool — trimming lawn edges, clearing soft weeds, and tidying up areas a mower can’t reach. It’s ideal for keeping on top of a garden rather than dealing with heavy overgrowth.

Can it handle weeds between paving slabs?

Yes, for light growth. In edging mode it works well for keeping lines clean between slabs, but it won’t remove deep-rooted or established weeds. It’s best used regularly to stop them building up.

Is it powerful enough for overgrown areas?

Not really. It can handle soft, patchy growth easily, but if an area has been left to get thick or woody, you’ll be better clearing it first and then using the strimmer for ongoing maintenance.

How easy is it to use compared to other strimmers?

Very easy. It’s lightweight, well balanced, and quick to pick up, which makes a big difference for small jobs. It feels more like a tool you’ll use regularly rather than something you avoid getting out.

Does the edging function actually make a difference?

Yes — especially along fences, walls, and borders. The wheel helps keep things steady and makes it easier to get a clean line compared to using a standard strimmer head freehand.

How often do you need to replace the line?

That depends on how you use it. Trimming grass and soft growth doesn’t use much line, but working along patios or concrete will wear it down faster. Keeping a spare spool handy makes it much easier.

Is it worth it if you already have a mower?

Yes — they do different jobs. A mower handles the main lawn, but it won’t get right up to edges, borders, or awkward corners. A strimmer like this fills in those gaps and makes a noticeable difference to how tidy the garden looks.

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