6 Best String Trimmers, Tested and Reviewed

Our Top String Trimmer Picks

Tested by Kamron Sanders

Whether you call it a weed whacker, a weed eater or a string trimmer, a good string trimmer is a must-have tool for keeping your lawn in order. While a lawnmower does a great job cutting grass and weeds in wide open spaces, it has a limited reach, resulting in weeds along the edge of buildings, flower beds, sidewalks, fences and more. Plus, even the most capable mower can’t tackle steep hillsides, banks or ditches. Whether you're shopping for your first or replacing an old one, we've found the best string trimmer for every budget or property need.

How We Tested

To find the best string trimmer, we put nine popular models from various brands to the test on a large farm property. With everything from extensive rows of fencing to steep hillsides covered in thick weeds and woody saplings to manicured lawns with crisp sidewalk edges, this property had a little of everything to showcase each string trimmer’s strengths and weaknesses.

Both gas-powered and battery-powered string trimmers were tested. For electric models, the batteries were fully charged, and then the trimmers were used continuously until the battery died to see the true battery life. For models with multiple power modes, we used them on the highest power setting. Gas-powered models were topped with gas and continuously used until one tank of gas ran out.

Each string trimmer was used in a variety of settings like fence rows, garden edges, sidewalks, buildings and more. Additionally, different levels of weed were cut, from thin grassy weeds common in everyday yards to thick, stemmy weeds on fence rows and along the edge of woods. Models with built-in edgers, mini-mowers or other special features were tested accordingly.

What to Consider When Shopping for a String Trimmer

String trimmers aren’t one-size-fits-all tools. In fact, the first thing you should consider when shopping for a string trimmer is your property’s needs. If you have a small yard with a few thin weeds around your sidewalk and mulch beds, you don’t need a $400 gas-powered string trimmer. Instead, an inexpensive battery-powered option is all it takes. On the other hand, if you have an expansive property with fences, steep banks, ditches, and other areas with heavy-duty trimming needs, you’ll be kicking yourself if you choose a light-duty homeowner model.

Power Source: Gas and electric string trimmers each have their place, so how do you decide which is best for you? If you have extensive trimming needs, such as a lawn care professional or large property owner, an electric string trimmer is not going to be able to keep up unless you buy multiple additional batteries, which will cost several hundred dollars.

In our testing, the gas models doubled even the longest-lasting cordless string trimmer run time. Plus, some batteries took several hours to recharge, whereas the gas string trimmers could be immediately refilled and used. However, if you have a small property and don’t want to fool with the hassle and slower startup of a gas string trimmer, a cordless string trimmer is the way to go.

Power Needs: Regardless of your yard’s size, if you have tall grass and thick weeds, an underpowered string trimmer won’t cut it. This doesn’t mean you have to buy a gas-powered string trimmer. Many battery-powered trimmers we tested, such as the DeWalt model we recommend, with its massive 60-volt battery, were just as powerful as the gas-powered models.

Size: Trimming weeds is by no means a comfortable job, but choosing the right string trimmer can be all the difference. String trimmers come in various sizes and shapes. Just because one is comfortable for one individual, doesn’t mean it will be for the next. Choosing a string trimmer that is too big, too small, too heavy, too short, etc. will prove problematic after a few minutes of operation.

Vibration Level: Gas-powered string trimmers tend to vibrate more than battery-powered options. After several minutes of operation, it can leave your arms and hands tingling and numb. If this concerns you, look for models with anti-vibration technology.

Line Installation: How you load the trimmer line continues to evolve with each new model. The EGO models we tested both featured Powerload heads, which wind the line on the spool with the touch of a button. While this seemed a little gimmicky at first, we were sold after the first use, as it saved considerable time and frustration.

Line Feeding: While traditional string trimmers utilize a bump-feed mechanism in the head, which feeds the line when you bump the head against the ground, many new cordless models feature a button to feed the line. Some models even feed the line automatically. While bump-feed heads work well, they tend to do damage to the yard wherever you bump them.

Safety Features: The main safety feature you should be concerned with on a string trimmer is the guard, which minimizes the amount of debris that gets flung toward the operator. While these are effective, you should always wear eye protection or a face shield, plus closed-toe shoes and long pants when operating a string trimmer.

Attachment Capability: You can save space and money by buying a string trimmer with attachment capability. This allows you to swap the string trimmer head for attachments like blowers, tillers, pole saws, hedge trimmers and more.

Accessories and Features: A standard string trimmer can do a lot of jobs in the hands of a skilled user. However, some accessories and features exist to make these jobs easier for anyone to accomplish, even those new to string trimmers. Look for options like edger wheels, mini-mowers, line spool holders, auto-loading heads, automatic line feed and more.

Noise Output: Most string trimmers are designed to not pose a threat to the user's hearing when operated properly. However, if the noise level concerns you, we recommend utilizing hearing protection whenever you're operating. If you're more concerned with being considerate to your neighbors, consider a battery-powered string trimmer, which will be quieter than a gas-powered model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes the most reliable string trimmer?

You can’t go wrong with most big-name tool brands when buying a string trimmer. Options from Husqvarna, DeWalt and Echo are top contenders that will be reliable if properly cared for.

Is a straight or curved string trimmer better?

Traditionally, straight-shaft string trimmers have been considered professional models, while curved-shaft string trimmers are geared toward residential use. Curved shafts are ergonomic, lightweight and effective for light-duty applications such as trimming around a small yard. Straight-shaft trimmers are typically heavier but have more power output and make certain tasks easier, such as trimming in hard-to-reach places and edging.

Are gas or electric string trimmers better?

Cordless tool technology has come a long way in recent years and many cordless string trimmers can contend with gas string trimmers from a power perspective. However, a tank of gas typically outlasts a battery and can be immediately refilled, whereas a battery must be recharged. This makes gas a better option for someone with a lot of trimming needs or a professional who uses one all day long.