The 8 Best String Trimmers to Keep Your Grass, Weeds and Edges in Check
Updated: Mar. 01, 2023Weed whackers are a must-have for creating a tidy-looking lawn with clean lines. We found the best string trimmer for every job and budget.
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Also known as weed whackers or weed whips, string trimmers can put the finishing touch on a lawn as they clean up spaces where push mowers and riding lawn mowers won’t be able to reach. String trimmers and lawn edgers fit into those slim crevices and stretches along driveways and walkways, around the base of trees and playground equipment and along the edge of your home, shed or garage. Basically, they take the look of your landscaping to the next level.
Finding the best string trimmer for your needs can take time, so we sorted through the most popular models on the market to find those suited for a wide range of lawns.
Best Overall String Trimmer
Black+Decker Two-in-One Cordless String Trimmer/Edger
With a two-in-one design, the 13-inch Black+Decker cordless string trimmer and edger is not only versatile, but buyers gave it high marks for maneuverability and ease of use. At less than 8 pounds, this string trimmer/edger combo offers a powerdrive transmission for increased torque for greater cutting action in thicker grass and weeds, and an easy-to-use toggle power command system so when it’s time to tackle thick weeds, you just have to turn the dial. It has an adjustable height and soft-grip handle, along with a high performance battery.
Pros
- Two-in-one cordless design
- Lightweight and affordable
- Height is adjustable
- Includes clear dust hood, dust tube and vacuum hose adapter
Cons
- May need to charge battery for heavy use and large yards
Best Budget String Trimmer
Black+Decker Besta510 Electric String Trimmer
When it comes to finding the best string trimmer for performance at a budget price, the Black+Decker Besta510 gets our vote. This wallet-friendly corded model has a 14-inch cutting swath and the string is only 0.065-inch in diameter. It can also be used as an edger, and buyers praised it for its maneuverability and lightweight design.
Pros
- Wallet-friendly price
- Easy to use
- Doubles as an edger
- Has a two-year warranty
Cons
- Cord may need an extension cord
Best Gas-Powered String Trimmer
Husqvarna 128LD String Trimmer
Husqvarna offers a wide range of high-quality string trimmers, including our pick for best all-around gas-powered option: the Husqvarna 128LD string trimmer. This model features a 28cc engine, 17-inch cutting swath and a “Tap ‘N’ Go” line release system that makes this pick of notable value. Plus, it can be used as an edger, cultivator and even a pole saw when used with attachments. It comes with a T25 spool head with dual-string cutting and a string thickness of 0.095-inch.
Buyers said the Husqvarna trimmer head was easy to reload and liked the translucent fuel tank, so they could see when they were running low on gas. At 10.8 pounds, this model is a bit heavier than some competitors, so consider using a string trimmer harness for more comfortable use.
Pros
- Has a powerful 28cc engine
- Is a multi-purpose tool
- Compatible with attachments
Cons
- Pricey
Best Corded Electric String Trimmer
Greenworks 18-Inch Corded String Trimmer
You’ll never run out of gas or battery with a corded electric string trimmer. The Greenworks corded model has a generous 18-inch cutting swath, and the dual-string head will make quick work of weeds, tall grass and leave your lawn looking neat and tidy. The default string diameter is 0.08-inch, and this tool can handle various string trimmer attachments. Bonus: It has a four-year warranty.
“It cuts like a mower all the way to the ground with a nice even finish. Super torque so be prepared. I would buy another one in a heartbeat,” writes five-star reviewer, Locolocs.
Pros
- Has a 10-amp motor
- Won’t break the bank
- Compatible with attachments
- Has a four-year warranty
Cons
- Not a brushless motor
Best Cordless Electric String Trimmer
Milwaukee M18 String Trimmer
Your lawn will look like a professional landscaping team did all the work when you use the Milwaukee M18 String Trimmer. It gets our vote for a best string trimmer, thanks to its versatility and power. It makes quick work of clearing thick brush with its 16-inch cutting swath, and the Quik-Lok system is compatible with multiple attachments. The motor is positioned in the rear of the trimmer to provide the best combination of power, balance and maneuverability, and the RedLink Plus intelligence system protects it from overloading and overheating.
“Plenty of power and run time to do what I need on a city lot. Very easy to control and maneuver,” writes verified reviewer, Jaymay.
Pros
- Designed with professional landscapers in mind
- Can be used with attachments
- Includes battery and charger
Cons
- Pricey
Best String Trimmer for Large Weeds
Ego Power+ ST1521S String Trimmer
Tackling big weeds on your lawn or along your walkways and landscaping can be a challenge, and the Ego Power+ ST1521S is up to the task. While the 15-inch cutting swath is standard, the trimmer string is no match for weeds with its dual-speed, spiral twist that’s 0.095-inch thick, giving it the strength and resilience to eat through your weeds and undergrowth at an outrageous rate. This model has a 56-volt battery that drives its brushless motor. With its Powerload, just feed a replacement string into the head, adjust the length and hit the Powerload button to auto-wind it onto the head. No swapping out over-priced spool heads for this trimmer!
Pros
- Has a strong carbon fiber shaft
- Easy to replace string
- Low noise level
Cons
- Weighs 12 pounds
Best Lightweight String Trimmer
Earthwise LST02010
If you’re in search of a lightweight string trimmer, meet the Earthwise LST02010. At just 4 pounds, this is the lightest trimmer on the list. Now it does give up some robustness and power, due to its light design, but it’s a quality option for smaller yards. It features a 20-volt battery, 10-inch cutting swath and 0.065-inch string. Plus the shaft is telescoping, so you can adjust the length to your liking. It comes with a two-year warranty on the tool and one-year warranty on the battery. Break it out to tidy up light weeds and flower borders.
Pros
- Only weighs 4 pounds
- Affordable
- Has four adjustable cut head positions
Cons
- Not meant for thick weeds
Best Splurge String Trimmer
Makita XRU15 PT1
If you have lots of weeds or a large yard to tackle, the Makita XRU15 PT1 is a splurge, but worth it for one of the best string trimmers. This model has a 15-inch swath, and it comes packed with features and equipment to make that price seem like a bargain. It ships with four batteries and two battery-charging stations (it uses two at a time to operate). Plus, this cordless machine uses three discrete speed settings rather than a variable speed trigger, and its solid steel shaft transmits little vibration to the user’s hands. Although it’s heavy, buyers said it was easy to replace string, is smooth to run and has plenty of power.
“I hit a bunch of rocks and it wasn’t fazed by that. I plan to use this trimmer a lot. I love that it comes with four batteries so you can be using two while charging two,” writes kolo:wisi, a five-star reviewer.
Pros
- Brushless motor delivers more power
- Has three speed settings
- Comes with extra batteries
- Has protection against overloading and overheating
Cons
- Weighs 21 pounds
What to Consider When Buying a String Trimmer
When looking for the best string trimmer, consider whether an electric (corded or battery-operated) or gas model will best suit your needs. If you have a smaller yard, electric models are ideal, as they are often lighter and you’ll be able to get the job done quickly. Gas models are better if you have a lot of ground to cover.
In addition to price, you’ll want to consider whether the string trimmer can be used with an attachment, such as a pole saw, which can come in handy for tree trimming.
Types of String Trimmers
- Battery-operated string trimmers: These generally run on one (sometimes two) batteries. Depending on the size of the area you need to cover, you may need to replace the battery or recharge before finishing the job.
- Corded electric string trimmers: These will need to be plugged in, and you may need an extension cord to reach some areas of your yard.
- Gas string trimmers: These are ideal for larger yards. They’re often the most powerful, and the strings are often bigger, so you can get more done quicker than with electric models.
How We Found the Best String Trimmers
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
Which is better: a straight shaft or curved shaft trimmer?
String trimmers either have a straight shaft or curved shaft. Straight shaft string trimmers are often heavier than curved models, but they are smart for large yards and lots of weeds, and are ideal for reaching around swing sets and playground equipment, under decks and other obstacles.
Curved models are a better option if you have a small yard. Since they are lighter in weight, they are ideal for intricate work, such as trimming along walkways and flower borders.
What is the difference between a string trimmer and a line trimmer?
A string trimmer goes by many names, depending on where you live and the manufacturer. String trimmers are also known as line trimmers, weed whips and weed whackers.
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