BEST OVERALL

Ego Power+ 15-Inch String Trimmer

Credit: Amazon

Why You Should Get It

• The automatic line load feature saves significant time, and over the course of six months, our tester hasn’t had to re-string it.

Keep in Mind

• Shaft height adjustment requires unscrewing the handle, which can be inconvenient if you have multiple users.

The Ego Power Plus easily slices through everything in its path and is great for precise work around fencing and edging the yard. After testing it for six months, we highly recommend it and think it’s one of the best options on the market.

The automatic line load feature is our favorite part. When loading a new line, you string it through the center of the trimmer head and press a button to automatically wind it—our tester loves not having to replace spools of line. When the tool’s in use, bumping the bottom of the machine on the ground feeds more line out. 

Even with weekly use, our tester has never had to re-string it. The battery lasts through two yards’ worth of work and takes only about 20 minutes to charge. Our tester hasn’t noticed a reduction in battery life; they even left it off the charger for four weeks without it dying or lessening in power. 

The strong carbon fiber shaft and low-vibration brushless motor make the tool stable and comfortable to use. The variable speed control allows you to increase power, though if you consistently use top speed, your battery will likely drain more quickly. 

The only flaw with this tool is that the process to attach the handle at various positions on the shaft is a bit time-consuming. You need to unscrew the handle to adjust, which is inconvenient if multiple people will frequently use the tool.

Product Details: Power Source: Battery | Cutting Width: 15 in. | Weight: 7.28 lbs. | Shaft Length: 71.7 in. | Feed System: Bump

• The Ergo Power+ trimmer feels balanced during use, making it easy to do precise work.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• This trimmer comes with both a battery and a charger, unlike some other trimmers we tested.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• The shaft length is 71.7 inches long.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• The battery connects easily to the charger and only took 20 minutes to charge fully.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

Key Terms to Know

• Feed System: The feed system of a string trimmer allows you to feed more line while the machine is in use so you can lengthen the line and keep working. 
• Cutting Width or Swath: A string trimmer’s cutting width refers to the width the tool can cut in one pass.

BEST FOR EDGING

Greenworks 40V 13-Inch Cordless String Trimmer

Credit: Amazon

Why You Should Get It

• As the lightest string trimmer on our list, it’s easy to hold for extended periods or turn sideways and use as an edger.

Keep in Mind

• The single-line system may struggle with thicker vegetation.

Our tester has used the Greenworks 40V Cordless String Trimmer at least 20 times over six months of testing, and they continue to be impressed with its quality and performance. Each time they use it, it performs very well and gives their yard a manicured look. 

The string trimmer comes preloaded with a line, and the automatic feed system makes it easy to use. It only has one line that extends out of the unit, in contrast to most other models, which have a double line. We wonder if it might have difficulty with thicker vegetation due to the single line, though our tester hasn’t had issues so far.

The battery takes about 1.5 hours to charge and lasts 45 to 60 minutes—plenty of time for most yards. Both battery life and charging time have remained consistent during testing. This is the lightest unit on our list and therefore is not difficult to hold. It also can be held sideways and used as a lawn edger. 

Product Details: Power Source: Battery | Cutting Width: 13 in. | Weight: 5 lbs. (without battery) | Shaft Length: 52.68 in. | Feed System: Automatic

• The Greenworks trimmer is comfortable to hold sideways to use as an edger.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• It comes with its own battery and charger, and it took about an hour and a half to charge fully.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• It has an automatic line feeder system, but only one extended line rather than two.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• It features an adjustable shaft, and its lightweight design makes it easy to use.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• While it handles regular jobs with ease, it may require extra effort for thicker vegetation.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

BEST BATTERY-POWERED

Worx 20V Power Share GT Revolution 12-Inch String Trimmer

Credit: Amazon

Why You Should Get It

• This multi-use tool performs all its functions well, easily cutting through grass as a string trimmer and converting quickly into an edger or mower when needed.

Keep in Mind

• It’s difficult to distinguish between the power, safety, and automatic line feed buttons, as they’re all orange.

Don’t let the inexpensive price of the Worx GT Revolution fool you—after six months of use, we are very impressed with its performance and quality. The adaptable tool can be converted from a string trimmer to an edging tool or a mini mower, and it’s easy to adjust the shaft length so users of different heights can operate it comfortably.

As a string trimmer, the tool swiftly cuts through grass and weeds. When used as an edger, the machine has a wheel feature that supports the tool as you edge, keeping it at the perfect height as you walk along. The mower mode is perfect to use for random tufts of grass that are taller than everything else.

While the battery takes several hours to fully charge, it also has a long runtime that lasts for several sessions of yard work. The battery can be used with all other Worx products. Best of all, our tester has used this trimmer for the entire summer, and they still have plenty of string left on the original spool. 

One design flaw is that the trigger, safety switch, and feed line button are all colored orange and clustered together at the top of the tool. We wish the power switch was a different color to help distinguish it from the other buttons.

Product Details: Power Source: Battery | Cutting Width: 12 in. | Weight: 5.5 lbs. | Shaft Length: 45.1 in. | Feed System: Automatic

• The Worx Power Share trimmer can convert from a trimmer to a weed whacker.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• It also features a mower mode that we tested on tall tufts of grass.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• It's easy to rotate the trimmer's head to use it as a landscaping edger.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• It swiftly cuts through grass and weeds, and the wheel keeps it at the perfect height.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• It's easy to switch out the spool by popping it on and off the end of the trimmer.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• The line feed button is near the thumb, so you can press it during use to spool out more line.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

BEST FOR LARGE YARDS

Makita Brushless String Trimmer Kit

Why You Should Get It

• This professional-grade lightweight trimmer has adjustable speeds and an automatic torque drive mode; the lowest speed is really handy for precision trimming.

Keep in Mind

• The shoulder strap is not long enough for very tall users.

Over six months of testing, our tester has used the Makita Brushless String Trimmer to remove weeds and tall grass along landscaping, sidewalks, and driveways. The tool is a pleasure to operate, easily maneuvering around trees, fencing, and landscaping and quietly blazing a trail through vegetation. 

The machine has three manual speeds; the highest is excellent for cutting through bigger growth, while the lowest is handy for fine-tuning and precision trimming around landscaping. The ADT (automatic torque drive) automatically adjusts the speed based on the thickness of the material. 

To load a new line, you cut 9 feet of nylon cord, take the head apart, fold the cord in half and feed it into the line reel, and then wind it manually. This method for line replacement is standard in many weed whackers, but at the price point, an automatic line-load system would be nice. 

It does have an easy-to-use bump feed; lightly tap the bottom on the ground when in use and it will feed more string. The battery life and charge time have remained consistent with frequent use, and our tester is always able to trim both their front and back yards without having to swap the batteries. 

The support handle can be adjusted up and down depending on the height of the user, and there’s a shoulder strap for added stability. One tester, who is 6-foot-5, is unable to use the shoulder strap because he’s too tall, but this will likely not be a concern for most. 

Product Details: Power Source: Battery | Cutting Width: 15 in. | Weight: 10.4 lbs. | Shaft Length: 50 in. | Feed System: Bump

• The Makita trimmer is easy to maneuver around fencing and landscaping.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• It features two batteries to take on larger jobs without running low on power.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• It weighs 10.4 pounds and can be turned sideways for professional-grade edging.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• It includes a reverse button to clear tangled debris, plus a simple bump system to load more line.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Two batteries can be used at once, and it also comes with a third battery to charge while working.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Overall, we found it to be a high-quality trimmer thanks to features like automatic torque drive.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

BEST GAS

STIHL FS 91 R 16.5 Inch Gas String Trimmer

Credit: Ace Hardware

Why You Should Get It

• The trimmer maneuvers precisely and easily in our tester’s obstacle-filled yard, which has tight edges and stone borders.

Keep in Mind

• At 12 pounds, it’s the heaviest trimmer we tested—not unusual for a gas model, but worth noting.

It’s been six months since we began testing this Stihl trimmer at home, and we love it for three key reasons: It’s easy to use, impressively durable, and incredibly powerful. The translucent fuel tank allows you to keep your eye on your fuel levels, too.

The heavy-duty device slices through dense vegetation and twigs without hesitation—even in a large yard with tight edges, stone borders, and overgrown cracks in the sidewalk. It maneuvers precisely, delivering consistently clean and even results.

A few design features really stand out, including the key controls, which are located on one ergonomic handle so you never have to take your hand off the grip. The loop handle makes it easy to trim in tight spaces, like around bushes and shrubs, and there’s minimal vibration and noise, making it comfortable for long jobs. 

Note that this model requires a fuel mix of unleaded gasoline and two-cycle engine oil. At 12 pounds, it’s the heaviest trimmer we tested, but the included shoulder strap helps distribute the weight for better balance and comfort.

Product Details: Power Source: Gas | Cutting Width: 16.5 in. | Weight: 12 lbs. | Shaft Length: 4 ft. | Feed System: Bump

• The Stihl Gas String Trimmer is substantial—it's heavy, but it gets the job done.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• The adjustable shoulder strap helps distribute the weight for easy carrying.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Getting more trimming line is easy—just tap it against the ground.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• It's perfect for yards with tight edges and stone borders.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• It's simple to start up with just a few pulls.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

The Bottom Line

The Ego Power Plus String Trimmer is our favorite for the average homeowner, as it’s a comfortable-to-use, lightweight machine that has a great line auto-load feature. For those who want a more heavy-duty tool, we recommend the Makita Brushless String Trimmer Kit. The variable speed and power turned string trimming into our favorite yard chore.

Our Testing Process 

We first evaluated how easy it was to read the instructions and assemble the machine. Then, we used the string trimmer for up to six months, making sure to also test its ability to be used as an edger. We tested the weed whackers in different areas, such as around trees and fences, to see the degree of precision they offered. 

We noted how easy the machine was to operate and whether it was comfortable to carry. We recorded the line load process and how well the line-feed system worked. We also rated the functionality of the weed whacker and its performance. 

For battery-operated machines, we recorded the charge time and run time. After use, we compared the price of the model to how well it performed to decide if it was a good value.

We tested the trimmer on its side to determine if it's efficient for edging landscaping.

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What to Know About String Trimmers Before Shopping

Power Source 

Like most outdoor power tools, string trimmers are available in gas, battery, and corded models.

• Gas: Gas-powered tools allow you to work for longer, and in areas without easy access to electricity to recharge. They’re typically more powerful and able to tackle dense, tangled brush better, but they’re heavier and produce more noise and fumes. 
• Battery: As you can see from our list, battery-powered models are popular. They’re quieter than gas and offer the freedom of movement required for medium and large yards. 
• Corded: While we don’t feature any corded string trimmers on our list, they do exist. In general, they’re a better choice for smaller yards, since they require access to an outlet. On the upside, they tend to be cheaper and lighter than battery-powered units.

Cutting Width and Shaft Length

A string trimmer’s cutting width refers to the width the tool can cut in one pass. A wider cutting width allows you to work more quickly with fewer passes. A smaller cutting width is helpful if you have a lot of tight areas or precision work that needs to be done. 

Our top picks have cutting widths ranging between 12 and 17 inches.

The length of the shaft is an important factor for users, as it affects how comfortable it is to operate the machine. If the shaft is too long or too short, it will be uncomfortable to use. Many string trimmers have adjustable height shafts, which is a great option to ensure the fit is perfect and you don’t strain your back, arms, or shoulders.

Weight

The string trimmers on our list weigh between 5 and 11 pounds. Most of the heavier models come with shoulder straps to help balance the weight and ensure good control of the machine. The lightest model on our list is the Greenworks 13-inch String Trimmer, which weighs just 5 pounds without the battery.

Feed System (Bump or Automatic)

As you operate a string trimmer, the line shortens as it encounters debris. The feed system allows you to feed more line while the machine is in use. An automatic system requires you to press a button on the handle to keep feeding. A bump system requires you to bump the bottom of the weed whacker on the ground to feed the line. 

Each system has different benefits. “Automatic feed systems streamline trimmer line replacement for continuous operation, reducing downtime and frustration during maintenance,” Pogue says. “A bump-feed system offers full control over line length, works well for longer sessions by releasing line only when needed, and is typically more affordable.”

We used the trimmer against tough landscaping stones to evaluate its performance.

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Other String Trimmers We Tested 

Ryobi 40V 15 in. Expand-It Cordless Battery Attachment Capable String Trimmer

We like that this Ryobi 40V machine can be used with various attachments, such as a chainsaw, and that it has a long-lasting battery. However, the large battery makes it a bit top heavy. The weed whacker’s unbalanced weight results in uneven trimming due to lack of control.

Ryobi One Plus 18V 10 in. Cordless Battery String Trimmer

While the smaller Ryobi 18V is easy to handle, even for shorter users, that doesn’t make up for the low-quality line: We had to reset the wire spool and replace the string every few minutes in order for it to cut effectively. While we like the machine overall, the line quality needs to be improved.

Your Questions, Answered

How much can you expect to spend on a string trimmer?

Pogue says the cost of a string trimmer depends on its type, features, and brand. Prices can range from as low as $39 for entry-level models to $500 or more for high-end models with advanced features. 

Our favorites for the average homeowner range in price from around $100 to $300. This mid-range price will typically provide features like automatic line loading and strong enough power for everyday landscaping tasks.

What is the difference between a lawn edger and a string trimmer?

While you can use a string trimmer as an edger by turning it on its side, a lawn edger is technically a different tool. “A lawn edger creates sharp borders with a fixed blade, while a string trimmer cuts grass and weeds in hard-to-reach spots with a flexible line,” Pogue says. “Edgers define boundaries, while trimmers handle general maintenance, though some trimmers also have edging features.” 

Trimmers with edging features generally have an attachable wheel to help users keep a consistent height and distance while edging their lawn. Out of all the trimmers we tested, this model from Greenworks was the best at edging.

Which models are best for thick weeds and overgrown grass?

Gas-powered units, like this one from Stihl, are your best bet for dense, overgrown areas of your lawn. Not only do they have more power, but they are also cordless, giving you free reign of the yard without being tethered to an outlet. And you don’t have to worry about draining a battery, since it’ll run as long as it still has fuel.

Who We Are

This article was written by Better Homes & Gardens contributor Rachel Ahrnsen. She is a Master Gardener who spent hours researching the best string trimmers and referencing the BHG testers’ insights. She also consulted Kim Pogue, senior merchant of handheld outdoor power at The Home Depot.