Buying guide for best string trimmer
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Keeping a lawn manicured and tidy demands more than just mowing. If you want to trim between obstacles too close together for a mower to fit between, prevent weed overgrowth and ensure that the edges between your grass and pavement remain crisp, you need a string trimmer. With so many options and configurations to choose from, however, choosing the best weed eater can be a challenge.
Whether you’re a full-time landscaper in search of a replacement tool or a DIY enthusiast hoping to maintain your own property to professional standards, it's important to carefully consider how you will use your weed eater and what features are most critical to meeting your needs. From clean, quiet battery-operated trimmers to those with powerful gasoline engines, shoppers are spoiled for choice when it comes to today’s lawn care tools.
Our top pick is the EGO Power+ 15-Inch String Trimmer. With a high-performance engine and lightweight construction, its combination of power and ease of use make it a great all-purpose trimmer for home improvement work and contract jobs alike.
Our top picks
Weight: 7.3 lb | Cutting Width: 15" | Speed: 5800 RPM | Power Source: Battery powered
The EGO Power+ 15-Inch String Trimmer is a standout in the cordless landscaping tool category, thanks to its powerful brushless motor and innovative features designed for convenience and durability. The carbon fiber shaft is impressively sturdy and comes with a lifetime warranty, which speaks volumes about its durability. Paired with a 4.0Ah ARC Lithium battery, it delivers strong performance that can handle thick weeds and overgrown patches without bogging down.
Where this trimmer really earns praise is in its ease of use and build quality. It starts without hassle, runs with relatively low vibration and has variable speed control to adapt to different trimming needs. Some users note that the tool feels a bit heavy over long sessions, but others find the weight manageable given its power.
Still, with its powerful motor, professional-grade line and groundbreaking automatic string winding, the EGO Power+ trimmer is a top-tier pick for homeowners who want pro-level results with cordless freedom.
Weight: 5.7 lb | Cutting Width: 12" | Speed: Not specified | Power Source: Battery powered
The BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless String Trimmer is a versatile and user-friendly option for homeowners looking to maintain small to mid-sized yards without breaking the bank. With its 2-in-1 functionality, it easily converts from a string trimmer to a wheeled edger, making it a convenient tool for keeping grass, borders and sidewalks looking sharp.
While it’s not built for tackling overgrown lots or thick brush, it excels in routine maintenance tasks. PowerDrive Transmission Technology gives it a little extra torque at the cutting head, helping it power through tough spots more efficiently than expected for its size.
Battery performance is decent, though mixed; some users get 20 to 30 minutes of runtime, while others find the battery drains quickly depending on workload and conditions. It may not be the most durable tool on the market, with occasional complaints about early wear, but for casual lawn care, this trimmer hits a sweet spot of price, power, and practicality.
Weight: 9.23 lb | Cutting Width: 13" | Speed: 6,000 RPM | Power Source: Battery powered
The Makita XRU23Z 18V LXT Brushless Cordless 13-Inch String Trimmer delivers the kind of power and precision that professional landscapers and serious DIYers will appreciate, all without the noise, fumes or maintenance of a gas engine. Its brushless motor cranks out up to 6,000 RPM, offering enough cutting speed to handle overgrowth and edges with ease. Users rave about its balance and efficiency, noting that even without the battery included, it feels solid yet manageable in hand.
One of this trimmer’s strongest selling points is its thoughtful engineering. The variable speed trigger and high/low power modes give you more control over runtime and cutting intensity, while the bump-and-feed head makes quick work of reloading line.
While the price tag may seem steep, especially since the battery and charger are sold separately, users consistently say it's worth the investment for the reliability, low noise and gas-like performance.
Weight: 6 lb | Cutting Width: 12" | Speed: 7600 RPM | Power Source: DC (Battery Powered)
The Worx String Trimmer Cordless GT3.0 20V PowerShare is a lightweight, versatile tool designed with convenience and comfort in mind; perfect for small yards and routine lawn care. Its 2-in-1 functionality lets you quickly switch from trimming to edging without any tools, and the 90-degree tilting head makes it easy to reach awkward or sloped areas. The Command Feed system is especially useful, giving you full control over when to dispense more line with the press of a button.
While it shines in ease of use, portability and price point, this model isn’t built for heavy-duty tasks. Battery life averages around 20 to 30 minutes per charge, which is enough for touch-up work but may fall short for larger lawns. Some users also report frequent string breaks, which can slow things down if you're trimming tougher vegetation.
That said, the inclusion of two 20V batteries, a charger, and lifetime free spools adds serious value. If you’re after an affordable, no-fuss tool for light trimming and edging, this is a smart, efficient choice.
Weight: 10.3 lb | Cutting Width: 15" | Speed: 5800 RPM | Power Source: Battery Powered
The EGO Power+ ST1511T String Trimmer brings a professional-grade feel to residential yardwork, combining smart design with solid performance. Its standout Powerload technology takes all the hassle out of reloading trimmer line. Just feed it in and press a button, and you're ready to get back to work in seconds. The brushless motor delivers a satisfying balance of power and efficiency, and when paired with the included 56V 2.5Ah ARC Lithium battery, users report up to 45 minutes of runtime.
In use, this trimmer proves more than capable, cutting through thick grass and brush with ease. The variable speed trigger and dual-speed settings offer a bit more control than you’ll find on entry-level models, and the build quality feels rugged and reliable.
While some users say it’s a bit heavier than they expected, others find the weight manageable and well-balanced once in motion. For homeowners who want gas-like power without the maintenance, the EGO Power+ stands out as a top-tier battery-powered pick.
What to look for in a string trimmer
Power source
Gasoline
Gas-powered weed eaters have the most powerful engines and are generally favored by pros. With no battery to run out and no cables to plug in, you can tackle tough jobs anywhere as long as you’ve got the fuel handy.
However, gas-powered trimmers emit noxious fumes and are loud enough to require ear protection while using. Mixing the required gas and oil can be tricky and often results in spills and leaks that can cause damage to floors and truck beds or result in slipping hazards.
Small gas engines can also be challenging to turn over, requiring at least one firm pull of the starter rope to get your trimmer running. Gas weed eaters have a reputation for being hard to start, but it’s usually the result of falling behind on maintenance.
Gas-powered weed eaters are recommended for users that have enough experience with small engines and motors to keep up with the care required to ensure that they run smoothly.
AC power
With a corded string trimmer, you’ll never need to wait for a charged battery or worry about running out of gas. With no emissions, no fuel mixing and quiet operation, they’re excellent if you want to keep your lawn kempt without disturbing the neighbors or having to maintain a combustion engine. They’re also the least expensive option, depending on the model you select.
The long power cables needed to freely move the weed eater around can be a hassle. Aside from tangling around obstacles, or your feet, they can be accidentally unplugged or even sliced by the tool itself.
A corded weed eater is a great choice for trimming small areas where a power outlet is handy, but for professional jobs or tasks where electricity can be hard to come by, their drawbacks are a deal-breaker.
Battery power
A battery-powered weed eater combines the clean, quiet convenience of an electrical motor with the portability of a gas-powered tool.
Advances in battery technology have allowed manufacturers to offer trimmers with motors that rival the energy output of a combustion engine. However, especially powerful battery-operated weed eaters are costly and there still remains the risk of having to stop mid-job to recharge.
Carefully research the battery life of any trimmer you’re interested in, keeping in mind that manufacturers present it under optimum working conditions. Additional batteries are recommended for avoiding downtime, which also adds an additional cost to your purchase.
Battery-powered weed eaters are ideal for trimming up remote areas or large swaths of property, but most professionals still opt for a gas-powered alternative.
Ergonomics
Balance and weight
Weed eaters are designed to be balanced and comfortable, letting you carry them with ease and sweep them back and forth without back pain or strain on your arms and shoulders.
Some weed eaters include a telescopic shaft that can be adjusted to accommodate the height of the user. The tool’s primary grip can usually also be moved up or down the shaft for further fine-tuning. If you’re prone to back pain, choosing a string trimmer that features as many customization options as possible will allow you to tailor it to your preferences.
Electric trimmers are lightweight and can typically be operated without any shoulder straps or assistance. Gas-powered weed eaters, however, are generally too heavy to use for long periods of time without a harness to prevent injury or fatigue. Some models include this accessory, while others require you to purchase it separately.
Vibration
The vibration of a weed eater’s motor can lead to pain and eventual numbness in your hands. All trimmers vibrate while running, but gas-powered weed eaters do so much more dramatically than electric models.
To minimize the discomfort caused by vibration, look for a trimmer with a padded rubber grip. Some gas-powered options also have vibration-reducing components built into their motors, although there is no way to fully eliminate this problem.
Flexibility
While string trimmers are primarily used for clipping weeds in places lawnmowers can’t fit, some models offer a surprising degree of flexibility by letting you tackle a range of other maintenance tasks.
Some trimmers, such as the Craftsman Battery-Powered String Trimmer, can be converted to edgers by rotating their head. Others, including the Husqvarna Gas-Powered String Trimmer, can accommodate a number of attachments that turn it into a hedge trimmer, tree pruner or even an automatic sweeper.
If you want to consolidate your lawn equipment or just give yourself the ability to handle more work on your own, a weed eater with a modular design opens up a world of other DIY possibilities.
Weed eater features
Weed eaters are simple machines, so small features like spool type, power-saving devices and easy-start systems can make a big difference. We'll look at what you get with each and whether it's worth the money for the type of work you want to do.
Start and stop aids
Some gas-powered weed eaters include features that make starting them easier. These are often given proprietary names, but they tend to serve the same basic functions: making the engine’s cord easier to pull and reducing the amount of troublesome air introduced into the tool’s fuel system.
The Husqvarna Gas-Powered String Trimmer, for example, has both of these features listed as “Smart Start” and “Air Purge,” respectively.
Electric weed eaters start and stop at the push of a button, making them much easier for most users to operate.
String feed options
Weed eater line is quickly cut and worn out, meaning that the machine needs a constant supply of fresh string to keep trimming. Wound around a spool on the tool’s head, new line is fed using one of the following methods:
- Bump feed: This method requires the operator to gently hit the head of the weed eater against the ground to release more line as needed. This method is common but may result in a careless user accidentally breaking the head if they bump the ground too hard. The DeWalt Flexvolt Battery-Powered String Trimmer features a bump feed head.
- Fixed line: A fixed amount of line is fit into the head and must be changed manually when it gets worn down, which happens frequently. An advantage to this type of head is that line lengths are precut and require no winding.
- Auto feed: Line is automatically fed when the tool senses that more length is required, as featured on the Ego Power Plus Battery-Powered String Trimmer. This is the most convenient option, although the additional technology adds more possibilities for malfunction.
- Push-button feed: By pushing a button on the tool’s handle, you can send more string out when you need it.
Shaft and head
A weed eater with a straight shaft has more power and durability, making them ideal for cutting difficult areas over large plots of land. They also have a longer reach.
Curved shafts are usually easier to handle and are more user-friendly.
Some models have a rotating head that allows them to be used as an edger as well. This can eliminate the need for a second tool, and let you get two jobs done at once.
Weed eater safety tips
Weed eaters are simple tools and while they all include a shield to prevent some debris from flying back at the operator, they leave safe operation largely up to the user. To stay safe while trimming your grass, use the following safety gear:
- Gloves: Wearing gloves prevents injury to your hands from flying debris and lets you maintain a good grip on the tool even in hot, sweaty conditions.
- Eye protection: Safety goggles are a must while using a string trimmer. Airborne plant matter, pebbles and even pieces of worn out string could result in serious injury if sent into your eyes.
- Boots: Your feet will be at the same level as the machine’s cutting head. Thick boots will keep them protected from flung objects as well as the tool’s string.
- Hearing protection: Even though electric trimmers are much quieter than gas-powered options, hearing protection is recommended no matter which type you’re using.
Weed eater prices
For under $100, you can find a basic battery-powered or corded weed eater such as the Black and Decker 2-in-1 Electric String Trimmer. For a very small yard that only needs a weed eater a few times a year, this might not be a bad choice. However, be aware that weed eaters in this price range cannot handle prolonged use. Batteries may last less than two hours and corded weed eaters may only have the power to handle grass and small weeds.
At $150 to $200, the choices and quality go up significantly. Lithium-ion batteries power many models in this price range, including the DeWalt Flexvolt Battery-Powered String Trimmer. These weed eaters do a good job on small weeds and small to midsize yards, but most batteries don’t last longer than 45 to 60 minutes before they need to be recharged. They are not meant for prolonged use.
Between $200 and $400 is where you’ll find two-stroke, weed eater/edger combinations. They’ll be either battery- or gas-powered. Reliability and durability increase in this price range. These models can cut through tall weeds and some brush.
Above $400 you can find professional-grade trimmers capable of taking on the toughest of weeds and brush, such as the Echo Gas-Powered String Trimmer. These heavy-duty machines can be run for extended periods of time without overheating or slowing down, except to occasionally replace the string.
How we analyzed
We researched more than 20 string trimmers from top brands before narrowing it down to our favorites above. Because comfort during long jobs is essential, we considered each one’s overall design and ergonomics as well as its weight. We also looked at the power source, engine type, cutting width and shaft type, among other aspects, to find the best-performing models that can get the job done quicky.
Tips and tricks
- Whether your weed eater comes with a shoulder harness or an adjustable handle, be sure to fit it to your height before using the machine.
- Weed eaters can be noisy and can produce some pretty strong vibrations. Prolonged exposure to such noise and vibrations can cause circulatory damage. It is advised to use them for short blocks of time, with periodic breaks in between.
- When replacing the trimmer line in a string weed eater, go strictly by what the manual recommends. Avoid any form of substitution, as that might damage the machine or cause accidents.
- Check your manual for the size line your weed eater requires. Line that is too thin can reduce cutting power, while line that is too thick can damage the motor.
Our expertise
Using a combination of in-house testing, trusted consumer feedback and a shared thrill of seeking out the absolute best products, devices and tools, BestReviews is your number one resource when it comes to reviews you can count on.
The BestReviews’ staff of experts and testers offer real advice from people who share your passions and seek to make every day a little easier, a little better and a lot more fun!
Derek Walborn is one of BestReviews’ trusted lawn, garden and DIY experts. Providing insight since 2021, he has written extensively on topics that range from home security systems and propane grills to the latest power tools and home improvement gadgets.
