If you want a clean-cut, manicured, and weed-free lawn, you need a good string trimmer. So, we researched popular models at some of the biggest retailers in the U.S. (Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and Walmart) to find the best string trimmers available to homeowners across the country.
For more information, please visit Cordless Grass Trimmer Manufacturer.
Our list includes gas and electric models, and we review each one so you can find the best grass trimmer for your lawn. We even include a handy buyer’s guide to help you make a wise purchase.
Top 4 gas string trimmers – Reviews
Gas string trimmers are usually better at tackling thick grass and weeds than battery-powered models, and they aren’t tethered to an outlet like their corded electric counterparts. If you think gas is the way to go, see our reviews of some of the best gas string trimmers below.
1. Husqvarna 128LD – Best overall
Since 1689, consumers have enjoyed Husqvarna’s quality and innovation. So it’s no surprise that the Husqvarna 128LD is our favorite gas string trimmer. Even large-yard homeowners can tackle the toughest weeds with its powerful 28-cc engine and durable T25 trimmer head. Loading its spool is easy because it has a split design that prevents tangling.
The 128LD has several handy features, including:
2. Ryobi RY4CSS – Runner-up
If you want a powerful gas string trimmer but also want to reduce your carbon footprint, consider the Ryobi RY4CSS with a 30-cc 4-cycle engine. You won’t have to mix oil and gas, and it releases less emissions than 2-cycle engines. Its potent power combines with an 18-inch cutting swath, allowing you to cut through thick grass and dense weeds quickly.
Its special features include:
3. Husqvarna 128CD – Best curved shaft
If you have a small lawn, many flower beds, or hardscape features, consider the Husqvarna 128CD. It’s the best curved grass trimmer for residential use. Like the 128LD, it has a high-quality 28-cc engine, SmartStart, and intuitive controls. But it also gives you the control of a curved shaft with its T25C trimmer head. It’s great for trimming in tight corners and getting around obstacles.
4. Homelite UT33650B – Best budget buy
The Homelite UT33650B is a potent gas trimmer that won’t break the bank. This straight-shaft string trimmer has a fuel-efficient 26-cc engine and an 18-inch cutting width. Although it doesn’t pack as much power as the other gas string trimmers on our list, it can still handle most dense growth. It’s also more comfortable to use than some other models because of its user-friendly operation and lightweight design.
The UT33650B’s features include:
Top 3 battery string trimmers – Reviews
Battery-powered string trimmers are great for homeowners who want to reduce their carbon footprint, and they’re more convenient and maneuverable than corded electric options. The one downside is that they sometimes have a short battery life. If you want an eco-friendly string trimmer for a large space, check out our reviews below of some of the best battery-powered string trimmers.
1. Makita XRU15 – Best overall
If you want a quiet yet capable trimmer that emits zero emissions, consider the Makita XRU15. Its high-efficiency brushless motor runs on two 18-volt batteries. Makita batteries have long runtimes and fast charge times, and this cordless model comes with two extra lithium-ion batteries.
The XRU15b has all the bells and whistles we expect from Makita, including:
2. RYOBI RY40290 – Runner-up
A more affordable alternative to the Makita XRU15 is the Ryobi RY40290. It has a brushless motor and a 40-volt 4 Ah battery, supplying supreme power for high functionality and long run times. Its 15-inch cutting width, .095-inch string, and five-year warranty give consumers great strength and peace of mind.
You’ll enjoy its ease of use with thoughtful user-friendly features, including:
3. Ego ST1623T – Best telescopic
Ego is an industry-leading innovator of lithium-ion-powered technology, and their Ego ST1623T telescopic trimmer doesn’t disappoint. It uses Ego’s Line IQ and Powerload technologies for a push-button line feed that offers professional results. It has a high-efficiency brushless motor, a 56-volt ARC Lithium battery, and a professional-grade dual .095-inch spiral-twist line.
Additional features include:
Top 3 corded electric string trimmers – Reviews
Corded electric string trimmers are affordable, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly. Their biggest downside is that they must stay plugged in while in use, so they can only be used close to an outlet. If you have a smallish property and want a quality string trimmer at a budget price, check out these reviews of the best corded electric string trimmers.
1. Greenworks 21142 – Best overall
Homeowners with small yards get tremendous value with the Greenworks 21142. It’s lightweight, affordable, and easy to use while swiftly handling routine landscaping. It has a 10-amp motor and a lengthy 18-inch cutting swath. Just ensure all your trimming is close enough to an outlet to plug in an extension cord.
The 21142’s perks include:
2. Ryobi RY41135 – Runner-up
Another excellent corded string trimmer is the Ryobi RY41135. With a 10-Amp motor and 18-inch cutting width, homeowners with yards one-quarter acre or less can trim the lawn in no time. It’s lightweight, durable, and super simple to start.
Its features include:
3. Black+Decker GH900 – Best lightweight trimmer
At just 5.5 pounds, the Black+Decker GH900 is the best string trimmer for homeowners who want to carry less weight. Although it’s not as powerful as previous trimmers on our list, its 6.5-amp motor and 14-inch swath give it the strength to handle small yards that are regularly mowed.
We recommend the GH900 for homeowners who are older, have limited upper body strength, or otherwise don’t want to lift a heavy power tool for long periods of time.
Its features include:
Buyer’s guide to string trimmers
Wise shoppers know what to look for in a string trimmer, so we explain everything you need to know about the following factors and features.
Gas-powered string trimmers give you the most bang for your buck, and the best gas string trimmers outperform the best electric models. However, gas trimmers are high-maintenance, and they release toxic emissions. They are also louder and heavier than most electric trimmers.
Most gas string trimmers have 2-stroke engines, but some have a 4-stroke engine. 2-stroke engines run on a mixture of gas and oil, but (like a car) 4-stroke engines run on straight gas and have a separate lubrication system. 4-stroke engines have more torque and less harmful emissions, but 2-stroke engines are more reliable and easier to maintain.
The power of a gas engine is measured by engine displacement (cc). Engines with higher cc produce more energy at lower engine speeds.
Cordless electric string trimmers typically run on lithium-ion batteries. Although they’re lower maintenance than gas engines, lithium-ion batteries need replacing every few years. High-end battery trimmers get pricey, but the best battery trimmers for light-duty tasks are very affordable. Battery models don’t emit harmful fumes, but they have limited runtime.
Batteries with more amp hours (Ah) run longer on a single charge. The power of a battery is measured by voltage (V). Higher voltage batteries typically require more Ah for the same battery life.
Corded electric string trimmers are quiet, lightweight, and don’t emit toxic fumes. Unlike cordless string trimmers, corded models have unlimited runtime. However, they put you on a leash; you must stay close to an outlet. Corded trimmers aren’t great for large yards but are a low-maintenance and cost-effective option for homeowners with small yards.
Corded power tools with more amperage (amp) current electricity faster, thus generating more power.
The wider the cutting swath, aka the cutting width, the more ground is covered with each pass. Thus, string trimmers with a wide cutting swath quickly finish the job. Gas trimmers tend to have a wider swath than electric trimmers.
Type of trimmer:Gas trimmersElectric trimmersAverage cutting width:17 inches14 inchesTypical range of cutting widths:10 – 20 inches10 – 17 inchesWhen string trimmer shopping, consider a trimmer’s line diameter and line feed.
Line diameter: Trimmers with a thicker string work best on lawns with dense growth. Homeowners who keep up with lawn care typically need a .065 to .08-inch line diameter, but large or overgrown yards fare better with a line diameter of .08 to .095 inches.
Line feed: When a trimmer’s string wears out, the system feeds in the new string through a spool. Types of line feed systems include:
A string trimmer’s shaft connects its engine/motor to the top of the trimmer and houses the trimmer’s drive system:
Lightweight trimmers are more ergonomic. Gas trimmers are typically the heaviest, while corded electric trimmers are the lightest.
Weed Wacker, Weed Eater, and Whipper Snipper are all string trimmer brand names. The terms are often used interchangeably. Sometimes they are also called weed trimmers or grass trimmers.
2. What’s better than a string trimmer?A brush cutter is more potent than a string trimmer and is best for heavy-duty jobs.
3. What are the risks of string trimmers?Follow proper safety precautions to avoid injuries from a string trimmer’s thrown debris, loud noise, and sharp edges.
4. What’s the best lawn mower?String trimmers are good for cutting down grass and weeds in tight spaces where a mower can’t reach, but you can trim your whole lawn a lot faster and with more precision with a lawn mower. Ideally, you’ll have one of each.
The best lawn mowers include:
● Toro TimeMaster 21199 (Best self-propelled gas lawn mower)
● Ego Power+ LM2114 (Best battery push mower)
● John Deere S140 (Best lawn tractor)
Removing leaves and other debris is another important aspect of keeping a pristine lawn. You can clean up leaves much more efficiently with a leaf blower than with a rake. We recommend adding a high-quality leaf blower to your lawn care arsenal.
The best gas-powered leaf blowers:
● Handheld: Echo PB-2520
● Backpack: Schröder SR-6400L
● Walk-behind: Yardmax YF1565
The best battery-powered leaf blowers:
● Handheld: Ego LB6504
● Backpack: Worx Nitro WG572
If you want a pristine lawn with dense green growth, consider hiring a lawn care pro. Routine mowing and edging is affordable, and many crews will also help with bushes, landscaping, and lawn treatments. You don’t even have to be home for most appointments, so you can enjoy your day without worrying about the lawn.
Main Photo Credit: DonNichols | Canva Pro | License
Lawn Love participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other retailer affiliate programs. Lawn Love may earn revenue from products promoted in this article.
Michelle Selzer is a witty writer with a passion for plants and outdoor power tools. When she's not out in the yard, Michelle enjoys fishing, hunting, and chasing waterfalls.
$299 at Amazon
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Phenomenal weed-eating performance
Excellent battery life
Smart Line IQ auto feed
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Heavy
Automatic |12 lb 13 oz
The Ego Power+ Powerload with Line IQ ST1623T is the string trimmer that has and does it all. Best-in-class grass, heavy weed, and detail trimming? Check. Top-notch comfort, ergonomics, and battery performance? Check. Automatic line feed and no-fuss maintenance? Another check. This trimmer packs a punch with its 56V battery and 16-inch cutting path and is capable of handling the toughest and largest jobs in your yard while still being nimble enough to edge around a sidewalk or garden wall. Its two power speeds help control the amount of power that it can unleash, and the Powerload line feed and automatic line adjustment make for a hassle-free experience.
The downsides to the Ego Line IQ are minor when compared to its performance. It retails at a premium price point, as one would expect for such a high-performance machine. The Ego batteries, although leading the pack in runtime and compatibility across the Ego brand, are also quite heavy. The sling, purchased separately, can make a big difference in distributing the weight of this nearly 13-pound trimmer. If you're looking for a serious weed-eating machine capable of transforming and maintaining your yard, with the latest bells and whistles to make that job a breeze, the Ego Line IQ should be your go-to choice. If strong battery life is essential but you'd like to avoid the heavier weight associated with it, check out the Makita XRU15PT 36V. It's a couple of pounds lighter than the Ego, with a longer-lasting battery, although we should note it has a smaller cutting path.
Read more: Ego Powerload with Line IQ review
Credit: Hale Milano
Check price at Amazon
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Lower price
Good weed-eating capabilities
Relatively quiet and lightweight
REASONS TO AVOID
Struggles with dense weeds
Large guard can be obstructive
Automatic|7 lb 13 oz
If you're looking to stretch your dollar with a string trimmer purchase, check out the Black+Decker LST136. We were impressed with this small machine's abilities as its work stood up to considerably more expensive models that we tested. Despite its size, it performed remarkably well in all of our weed-eating tests — even thicker weeds. The LST136 is also one of the lightest trimmers we tested and collapses to half the size of other full-size models. The six different power settings help meet a variety of weed-trimming scenarios, and it boasts a healthy runtime. We loved the rotating head for edging along sidewalks.
Unfortunately, the design of the Black+Decker 136 also makes it tiring to use for extended periods. It extends larger than other collapsible models, but we still had to hold it closer to our body than we would have preferred, and the trigger grip grew tiring over time. It also has one of the larger guards, which can get in the way when making detailed cuts. However, the guard is quite effective at stopping plant and weed debris from getting thrown back at you. Ultimately, if you don't need a serious beast of a weed-eater, this is one of our favorite budget options for a cordless trimmer. If budget allows, we recommend looking at the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper RY402110VNM as a worthy alternative. Boasting the best battery life out of all the models tested to go along with an exceptionally quiet motor, the Ryobi Brushless Whisper is worth taking a look at for those prioritizing battery and noise.
Read more: Black+Decker LST136 review
Credit: Laura Casner
$139 at Amazon
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Precise for edge work
Relatively quiet
REASONS TO AVOID
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit Electric Mini Rotary Tool.
Not powerful enough for thick weeds and shrubs
Large guard can get in the way
Shorter battery life
Button |7 lbs
The Craftsman V20 Weedwacker is an excellent, effective tool for keeping your small or medium-sized yard looking great, as well as light-duty brush clearing. It's lightweight and easy to break out for quick jobs or cleaning up what your mower missed, and replacing the spring when it runs out is a simple and easy process. The spool head will receive a lot of abuse as it's dragged and bumped against the ground, and Craftsman even offers a very affordable replacement.
For bigger jobs where thick grasses and brush have really taken over, the light and relatively quiet V20 does not have enough power. It does a better job of maintaining the yard rather than transforming it. During testing, the battery life averaged only 35 minutes. Although this isn't very long, it should suffice for edging along smaller lawns. While the guard effectively shielded us from debris, it is a little too large for detailed work. There are certainly more powerful models with even longer battery life, but we feel this string trimmer is the best choice for the average homeowner on a budget. If you're still trying to keep budget in mind but need something with a bit more power we suggest looking at the Ryobi 40V Expand-It. Thanks to a 40v battery the Ryobi boasts an impressive amount of power from an electric trimmer. While it does not offer the same level of comfort and ergonomics as pricer models, it can tackle larger jobs just as effectively.
Read more: Craftsman V20 Weedwacker review
Credit: Laura Casner
OVERALL
SCORE
REASONS TO BUY
Great versatile trimming performance
Battery life is exceptional
Very easy to use
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Bump |10 lb 6 oz
For the versatile and highly capable string trimmer that does it all with ease, look no further than the Makita XRU15PT 36V. The ability to cut down both light tufts of grass and the most resistant weeds and plants is highly impressive. This machine handles detailed work with ease, helping to straighten lawn edges quickly and effectively. Cycling through the three different speed settings enables the user to operate the trimmer at its ideal speed for the job at hand. It's easy to use and comfortable to wield, thanks to its ergonomic grip. In addition, it has a long runtime and is exceptionally quiet compared to some other models.
Considering all the attributes, our complaints with this model are relatively minor. However, they are worth noting. For instance, we had to reference the instructions to figure out how to replace the line after it had run out. Once we did, the process was about as easy as it could be. Although there is more weight to handle on this trimmer, the weight is so well-balanced with the ergonomic grip that we didn't find it to be an issue. Lastly, we felt like the cutting path isn't as large as other models, despite boasting a potential 15-inch path. Overall, the Makita 36V balances all-around performance with ease-of-use and ergonomics that make it a model we'd keep reaching back for in our own yards, and we can easily recommend the Makita for a versatile pick. For those who find themselves cutting large areas and dense vegetation a powerful trimmer such as the Ego Power+ 15-Inch w/ Rapid Reload ST1502SA may be suited best. While it does not boast the versatility of the Makita, it excels in high weeds. At a much friendlier price point, this is a great option if you know the majority of your trimming is focused around denser areas and less so in finer grass.
Read more: Makita XRU15PT 36V review
Credit: Laura Casner
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$120Credit: Hale Milano
To say we put each string trimmer through its paces would be an understatement. We implemented over 120 individual tests between the 10 trimmers in the review, running each through the same 11 tests to comparatively assess aspects ranging from weed-eating power to noise levels. This allows us to rank each in accordance with its performance in each metric and make specific recommendations for the unique needs of homeowners or anyone looking to improve their yard. We paid retail price for each model to ensure an unbiased assessment of these string trimmers.
Our string trimmer testing is divided across four different metrics:Our string trimmer testing is divided across
Our expert string trimmer testing and review team is comprised of a powerhouse trio of yard-tool testers, Hale Milano, Michelle Powell, and David Wise. Hale is a veteran tester on everything from cordless leaf blowers to stud finders and no stranger to battery-powered yard tools. Living in the woods, Hale has plenty of experience working to maintain a — somewhat — pristine yard and lawn. Michelle has made a career of evaluating products side-by-side, comprehensively testing and scoring the smallest details, and differentiating factors on everything from coffee grinders to cordless power tools. David has formal training as a mechanical engineer with extensive experience in lithium batteries and electrical power systems, which he gained from working on electric vehicles and underwater robots.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
In total, we conducted eleven tests for each string trimmer that were divided among four weighted rating metrics. Each of these metrics — Performance, Ease of Use, Battery, and Noise — are weighted proportional to their importance to overall string trimmer performance. The score for each metric is determined by the performance of each trimmer in the tests composing each metric.
If you're shopping for a bargain weed eater, then two models stand out: the Black+Decker LST136 and the Craftsman V20 Weedwacker. These typically cost about half as much — or even a little less — than our top-scoring models, the Ego Line IQ and the Makita 36V, and both are solid string trimmers, costing about the same.
The Black+Decker LST136 is perfect for clearing small areas of your yard.The Craftsman V20 is perfect for light-duty work around the yard.The Black+Decker 136 model is a bit more powerful than the Craftsman V20, and it also has a longer battery life. Deciding between the two will likely come down to whether or not you already have tools with compatible batteries. Both are lightweight and great for quick clean-up tasks. While neither is up to snuff for professional operations, both are worthy of consideration for the average homeowner.
Credit: Laura Casner
Weed-eating performance composes the greatest share of a product's overall score. To rank and compare the weed-eating skills of each string trimmer, we looked at the effectiveness of each model when it came to trimming plain grass and sections of a yard, how each handled dense and hard-to-cut vegetation, as well as how much precision you have for trimming edges and cleaning up around delicate obstacles.
The Ego Line IQ is the best of the best when it comes to eating weeds. It is exceptionally effective at eliminating weeds, cutting through pretty much any grasses, weeds, shrubs, and bushes we pitted them against smoothly and effectively. Its variable squeeze trigger and two selectable speeds tackle tall grass and dense weeds with ease, even cutting through burly stalks and stems without showing any sign of a struggle.
Credit: Hale Milano
The Black+Decker 136, snagged second place thanks to its outstanding performance as a precision edging machine. The pivoting head and wire guard enabled hassle-free crisp lines along our driveways and sidewalks, while still holding the trimmer normally.
Credit: Hale Milano
Also scoring well across all of our performance tests was the Makita 36V. Although it did not stand out in any one particular test, we had no qualms with its performance in any of them, and it earned its place among the leaders with ease. We did find the Makita quite enjoyable to use in close quarters. Its slow speed settings enabled nimble and controlled cuts around sprinklers, lawn ornaments, and flower beds without damaging them.
Credit: Laura Casner
Like the performance metric, ease of use also constitutes 35% of the total score for each string trimmer. Here we compared the weight and guard design of each trimmer, as well as how comfortable and balanced they are to hold. We also compared the ease of replacing and feeding the line and noted if there was a shoulder strap attachment.
The Ego Line IQ, again, earned the top score in this metric. It is exceptionally well balanced, even with the large four amp-hour battery installed, making it easy to carry one-handed and to wield through fields of grass. If you have a sling, attaching it to the included sling attachment point relieves the arms of all the weight and holds the trimmer head at a consistent height. We found this very useful when trimming sections of the lawn to keep the cutting height even. The guard is also significantly better than most. It kept debris from flying back, although we still wore safety glasses, and it also did not block our view when making detailed cuts.
Credit: Hale Milano
By far, the nicest feature we tested during our ease of use metric was the Powerload and Line IQ technology found in the Ego Line IQ trimmer. As with other models, simply feed the new line through both eyelets to replace the trimming line. Then, with the Powerload, simply press the wind button, and it will automatically spool the line until about eight inches are left on each end. The automatic line feed then keeps the trimming line set at about seven and a half inches, dispensing more as needed.
Credit: Hale Milano
The runner-up was the Makita 36V. We loved the included shoulder strap, something other models require you to purchase separately. The balance on the Makita, even without the sling, is exceptional, and the molded rubber grips provide a secure way to control the trimmer. The guard is too small to effectively block much debris from spraying backward, although it did enable us to trim in tight corners with precision.
Credit: Laura Casner
This trimmer employs a bump feed to dispense more string, but it's a little more difficult to replace the string than some of the other models. There aren't alignment indicators on the spool, which forced us to consult a manual, but it was straightforward once we became familiar with the process. This minor drawback should only be an issue once or twice, after which you'll get the hang of it.
Credit: Laura Casner
The Craftsman V20 and the Black+Decker 136 both scored well regarding convenience and ease of use. Line replacement on these models is straightforward - we didn't even need the manual for the Black+Decker, although you do need to remove the head of the trimmer to do so.
Credit: Hale Milano
The Black+Decker 136 and Craftsman V20 are both very simple to pick up and use right away. Both are very lightweight, making them easiest to handle and finesse in tight areas around obstacles. They're fairly comfortable to use, even without a shoulder strap. We did not find them as well balanced as full-size models, though, and wouldn't recommend them for larger jobs.
The Craftsman V20 is a compact trimmer that is perfect for basic yard trimming tasks.An honorable mention in our ease of use metric is the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Whisper RY402110VNM. This is a well-balanced, although heavy, full-size trimmer. We wish that it had a sling to balance the heavy weight but found that its design kept it at the perfect height for trimming grass. It also has a larger-than-average guard that stopped quite a bit of debris from flying backward at us.
Credit: Hale Milano
Our next metric focused on the battery system of each string trimmer, and this accounts for 20% of each product's final score. We based the bulk of this score on the maximum runtime for each product and the time it took to recharge the battery from empty. We measured the runtime for these weed eaters when they were not actually eating weeds, so you will probably get lower numbers if you're chewing through dense vegetation or particularly stubborn weeds.
The Ryobi 40V Whisper cut down the competition in our run time test, with its massive six amp-hour battery powering the trimmer on high for over two hours.
Credit: Hale Milano
The Greenworks 14-inch 40V and the Makita 36V lasted for around 90 minutes before the batteries gave out, and they both have a series of different speed settings. Determining which battery system is best for you depends on whether or not you have any other devices that run on compatible batteries that you can use to prolong the run time.
Credit: Laura Casner
Our final metric focused on the amount of noise that each string trimmer generated while in use. This metric accounted for 10% of the overall score. To determine scores, we used a sound level meter to measure the noise from each string trimmer at ear level. Since the sound can vary depending on the weeds you are trimming, our sound test was not during actual cutting. We also rated the pitch of each trimmer. Most trimmers have a louder start-up sequence as the line begins to spin; we took our decibel readings once each unit steadied out.
The Makita 36V took home the top spot in this metric. Our meter recorded 83.6 decibels when this model was in use. After its initial start-up, the Makita is incredibly pleasant and quiet to use.
Credit: Laura Casner
The Craftsman V20 registered slightly quieter than the Makita 36V at only 81.5 decibels and was one of the quietest of the trimmers we tested. However, it suffered from an annoying, high-pitched whine that cost it the top spot. The Black+Decker LST300 had opposite characteristics that landed it close to the Craftsman overall in noise. It tested at 83.1 decibels but had a very pleasant and low pitch.
Credit: Jenna Ammerman
Whether you need a powerhouse trimmer to tackle the toughest weeds or a lightweight budget model for some minor yard maintenance, we hope this analysis and review helped you find the perfect string trimmer to match your needs.
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