String trimmers (also called weed whackers or weed whips) create clean lines after mowing. Here's how to find the best string trimmer for your lawn.
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Best String Trimmer: Gas-Powered
One of the most storied brands in outdoor tools, Husqvarna offers a wide range of high-quality string trimmers, including our pick for best all-around gas-powered trimmer: the Husqvarna 128LD.
Features like a 28cc engine, a 17-inch cutting swath (the width of its cut) and the ease of the “Tap ‘N’ Go” line release system combine to make this model a good value. Add in the ability to swap out an edger, cultivator or pole saw attachment head, and the 128LD is a wonderfully versatile investment from a dependable manufacturer.
It ships with a T25 spool head, featuring dual-string cutting with a string thickness of 95/1000-in. (a step up from most trimmers in this price range). One last feature we like: While it may sound like a small thing, the translucent fuel tank means that you won’t be surprised when you’re running low on gas.
Best String Trimmer: Corded Electric
Of course, you can eliminate the worries of running out of fuel completely by using a corded electric trimmer! Although the Greenworks brand is perhaps best known for battery-powered tools, this corded electric model is a strong choice for yard maintenance.
The 18-inch cutting swath is surprisingly generous, especially for an electric trimmer, and the dual-string head is a nice touch. The default string diameter is a reliable 8/100-in. This trimmer also can handle various attachment heads, and it comes with the Greenworks limited four-year warranty.
Best String Trimmer: Cordless Electric
The WG191 from Workx is a great cordless option. Its 56V battery is a significant step up in power and lifespan from 20V models, and the difference in price is reasonable.
The 8/100-in. line is middle of the road. The 13-inch cutting swath is a little narrow but makes it a good choice for getting into tight spots. Variable speed and a pivoting head add to the WG191’s versatility, and the rotating rear handle is especially nice when trimming in an awkward position or when converting to the wheeled edging mode.
Overall, this is a great pick for most DIYers with yards of an acre or less who just want to keep things tidy.
Best String Trimmer for Large Yards
For DIYers with larger yards, the Ryobi RY253SS is a fantastic option. This gas-powered model has a 25cc full-crank engine, which Ryobi claims gives it twice the lifespan of an average cordless trimmer. The dual-string head is equipped with a beefy 95/1000-in. string, and the 18-inch cutting swath is as large as you’ll find in a consumer model.
With a large yard you’ll likely need more than just a trimming function. Optional attachments for the RY253SS include an edger, blower and tiller. One drawback: It’s on the heavy side, weighing a little more than 12 pounds.
Best String Trimmer for Large Weeds
If you’ve got a particularly mean batch of weeds on your property, allow us to introduce you to the EGO Power+ ST1521S.
This EGO model comes with a few nice features. The 15-inch cutting swath is standard, but the trimmer string is a beast. It’s a dual-feed, spiral twist that’s 95/1000-in. thick, giving it the strength and resilience to eat through your weeds and undergrowth at an outrageous rate. An EGO Power+ 56V battery drives its brushless motor.
The ST1521’s carbon fiber shaft is lighter than the aluminum model, and comes with a lifetime warranty. The tool itself features a five-year warranty, while the battery is covered for three years.
One other feature we love on this model is the Powerload. Simply 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!
Best Lightweight String Trimmer
With no need to bear the weight of a gas engine or battery pack, you may have expected a corded electric string trimmer would be our choice for best lightweight option. But surprisingly, the Earthwise LST02010 is far and away the lightest trimmer on this list. Powered by a 20V battery, this mighty tiny trimmer weighs in at only four pounds!
At that weight, it does give up some robustness. It only has a 10-inch cutting swath, and the string is 65/1000-in. The shaft is telescoping, which is a nice feature. It comes with a two-year warranty on the tool and one year on the battery.
It’s not designed for heavy use. But if you want something lightweight and easy to handle, this is an excellent, affordable option.
Best Budget String Trimmer
Sure, you can find less expensive string trimmers than the Black and Decker Besta510. But the price difference between this model and those less-expensive trimmers is relatively small, while the performance gap is relatively high. In the end, we think this model is the best deal around.
The 14-inch cutting swath is modest, and the string is only 65/1000-in. in diameter. Those are reasonable compromises to score a reliable string trimmer for less than $50.
Best Splurge-Purchase String Trimmer
On the opposite end of the price spectrum, the Makita XRU15 PT1 retails at $430. But it comes packed with features and equipment to make that price seem like a bargain.
Most notably, it ships with four batteries and a two-battery charging station. That makes it a great choice if it’s your first foray into Makita’s 18V power tool line. The trimmer, like most of Makita’s outdoor tools, uses two batteries, while Makita’s power hand tools use a single 18V pack.
The XRU15 PT1 utilizes three discrete speed settings rather than a variable speed trigger, and its solid steel shaft transmits little vibration to the user’s hands.
Note: The four-pack battery option is only available for a limited time. So if you’re thinking about buying, you may want to jump on it now!
Best String Trimmer: All-Around Value
While considering a best All-Around String Trimmer, we looked at everything from convenience to cutting power and (of course) price. In the end, we settled on the Ryobi model P20110, part of the ONE+ line of 18V cordless power tools.
The P20110 boasts an array of features, including the Reel-Easy+ line loader, which is similar to the EGO Powerload. (Ryobi kept the price down by keeping it manual.) It also includes a brushless motor, two-step speed control, attachment capability and an adjustable (13- to 15-inch) cutting swath, so you can work fast or in tight areas.
The dual-string, bump-feed head uses a twisted 8/100-in. string, and it’s all backed by a three-year limited warranty. This string trimmer also converts to an edger, and the battery is compatible with more than 200 other Ryobi tools.
All prices and links were current as of publication.
