The Best String Trimmers of 2024 for Your Lawn Care Routine, Tested
Mowing the lawn spruces up a yard, but it’s the finishing touches that take a lawn from fine to fantastic—and that’s where string trimmers come in. String trimmers (also called weed eaters or weed whackers) fit into the spots mowers can’t reach, like around driveways, lawn ornaments, tree bases, and playground equipment. We tested several of the most popular string trimmers around to find out how they hold up in real-world scenarios. We chose the Ego Power+ 15-Inch 56-Volt Cordless String Trimmer as our Best Overall pick for its extended runtime and quiet and fume-free operation.
String trimmers use a quick rotation to whip off the tops of grass and weeds. Selecting the best trimmer for your yard makes adding the finishing touches to the lawn an easy-to-complete task. Read on to learn more about the best string trimmers, the hands-on tests, and some of the most important characteristics for you to consider while shopping. But first, here’s a quick preview of the best string trimmers.
- BEST OVERALL: Ego Power+ 15-Inch 56-Volt Cordless String Trimmer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:Black+Decker ST8600 13-Inch String Trimmer/Edger
↓ Jump to Review - UPGRADE PICK:Makita XRU15PT1 Lithium-Ion Cordless String Trimmer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST LIGHTWEIGHT:Worx WG170 GT Revolution 20V 12-Inch Grass Trimmer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Stihl FS 56 RC-E 16.5-Inch Gas Brushcutter
↓ Jump to Review - BEST CURVED SHAFT:Husqvarna 2-Cycle Gas Curved Shaft String Trimmer
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR SMALL YARDS:Worx WG163 GT PowerShare Cordless String Trimmer
↓ Jump to Review - ALSO CONSIDER:Black+Decker 20V MAX String Trimmer/Edger
↓ Jump to Review
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested: | 8 |
| Time spent testing: | 2 days |
| Tests performed: | 5 |
| Price range: | $52 to $530 |
Our Top Picks
We tested some of the best string trimmer tools for lawn and garden maintenance. We chose these trimmers for testing based on their expected functionality in a variety of settings. Differences in size, weight, power source, safety features, and overall performance help to meet the needs of different users.
Best Overall
Ego Power+ 15-Inch 56-Volt Cordless String Trimmer
This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.
Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 4.8/5; Noise 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Power source: 56-volt 2.5-amp-hour (Ah) lithium-ion battery
- Weight: 9 pounds
- Cutting swath: 15 inches
What We Like
- Cordless, yet provides gaslike power and performance
- Long runtime of up to 45 minutes per charge
- Works with a heavy-duty 0.095-inch trimmer line
What We Don’t Like
- Takes 50 minutes to recharge
- Limited extended use without multiple batteries
- Battery is heavier than the competition
- Cost is higher than comparable gas models
For medium- and large-size landscapes, clean, quiet, battery-powered lawn equipment has arrived. The Ego Power+ line of tools offers gaslike power and performance with extended runtime powered by 56-volt rechargeable batteries. This cordless trimmer looks, feels, and cuts like a conventional 2-cycle weed wacker, but without the noise or fumes. The kit includes a 56-volt 2.5 Ah battery that lasts up to 45 minutes and recharges in 50 minutes. Those familiar with gas equipment may feel right at home operating this trimmer with its variable-speed trigger and bump-head line feed.
In our backyard tests, the Ego Power+ trimmer performed as well in grass as the gas-powered equipment. It has a well-balanced feel for good maneuverability and is light enough to comfortably work for hours if necessary. We named it “best overall” for its favorable combination of power, performance, price, and user comfort.
Get the Ego Power+ string trimmer at Ace Hardware or Amazon (without charger).
Best Bang For The Buck
Black+Decker ST8600 13-Inch String Trimmer/Edger
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Performance 4/5; Noise 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Power source: Corded 5-amp electric motor
- Weight: 5.3 pounds
- Cutting swath: 13 inches
What We Like
- Compact and lightweight unit is easy to carry
- 13-inch cutting swath handles most work quickly
- Great flexibility; converts from string trimmer to lawn edge trimmer
- Corded model; no expensive batteries to replace
What We Don’t Like
- Does not include a pigtail power cord
- Range limited by the length of the extension cord
This Black+Decker corded electric string trimmer weighs in at 5.3 pounds, reducing the strain that comes with yard work. At 5 amps, the trimmer can handle a small to midsize backyard with an extension cord (sold separately). It has the added feature of a cord-retention system to prevent disconnection from the power source while working.
Though lightweight, its cutting swath is a convenient 13 inches, tackling the same area as some heavier models. The power-drive transmission delivers more torque to the cutting head, giving this little trimmer the force to quickly take down high grass and coarse weeds. No bumping is necessary when feeding the 0.065-inch-thick line; this string trimmer uses an automatic feed to keep the string at the right length. The shaft adjusts to fit most user heights and reaches into many areas.
We appreciated the lightweight and well-balanced feel of this Black+Decker electric trimmer. In our tests, it became apparent that although the size and weight were comparable to the 20-volt battery-powered trimmers we tested, this one is noticeably more powerful. The adjustable-length rotating shaft was easy to operate and comfortable to use for both trimming and edging. When not in use, it won’t take up much space in storage either. And the price is less than half that of any of the others.
Get the Black+Decker ST8600 string trimmer at Amazon or Target.
Upgrade Pick
Makita XRU15PT1 Lithium-Ion Cordless String Trimmer
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 4.8/5; Noise 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Power source: Dual 18-volt 5 Ah lithium-ion batteries
- Weight: 10.4 pounds
- Cutting swath: 15 inches
What We Like
- Runtime is longer than recharge time; second battery always ready to use
- Comes with a second set of batteries
- Runtime is longer than the competition
- Gaslike power, without the noise or the fumes
What We Don’t Like
- Very small debris guard
- Bump head is a little stiff
This Makita string trimmer is a premium option to keep the lawn and garden under control, and it can handle small to large yards with enough power to tackle dense weed growth. The cordless string trimmer is a step above the rest; its dual 18-volt battery capabilities extend the runtime to as much as 1.5 hours, so there’s no need to worry about running out of power before the job is done.
The trimmer has a 15-inch cutting radius and a dual-string cutting head with a bump-feed system for quick trimmer string feeding that doesn’t interrupt the work. It operates at three speed settings, ranging from low to high, and weighs under 11 pounds. This string trimmer is offered in a kit with four batteries and a double charger.
In our backyard test, the Makita outperformed the rest of the pack. It felt light and agile but easily chopped through the toughest weeds and grass without bogging down during our string trimming tasks. It is quiet, even for a battery-powered tool. And the long straight shaft and narrow debris guard gave unparalleled access beneath and between large shrubs. We also liked that it charges in less time than it takes to run out of power, so the second set of batteries was always ready to go.
Get the Makita string trimmer at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Best Lightweight
Worx WG170 GT Revolution 20V 12 Inch Grass Trimmer
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Performance 3.8/5; Noise 5/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Power source: 20-volt 2.0 Ah lithium-ion battery
- Weight: 5.5 pounds
- Cutting swath: 12 inches
What We Like
- Very lightweight and easy to carry
- Budget-friendly option
- Includes an extra battery for easy swap out
- Folds flat for storage; perfect for limited spaces
What We Don’t Like
- Limited runtime compared to other battery options
- Long recharge time; consider purchasing multiple batteries
- Not as effective for overgrown grass and coarse weeds
This 5.5-pound cordless string trimmer from Worx comes with two batteries and a charger so that the trimmer can be used with one battery while the other is charging. A push-button string feed and spool holder allow the string to be fed on demand simply by pushing a button on the handle of the trimmer. This 20-volt string trimmer can operate for up to 1 hour on a single battery. And it has a long 4.5-foot shaft with an adjustable handle to adapt to users of almost any size.
Trim, edge, or cut the grass with this cordless string trimmer designed for use as a precision string trimmer, a wheeled edging tool, and a mini mower. Just turn the head of the trimmer to suit the function and use the built-in guide wheel to support the edging and mowing function.
In our tests, we felt the difference in weight right away. Although this Worx trimmer weighs half as much as the bigger models, it offers plenty of power and maneuverability to quickly clean up the lawn edges without the need to lug around an extension cord. Adjustments at the trimmer head, shaft, and handle made it easy to get a comfortable fit, and when the work is over, it folds down flat for storage. It’s an effective, convenient solution for smaller properties.
Get the Worx WG170 string trimmer at Walmart or Target.
Best Heavy-duty
Stihl FS 56 RC-E 16.5-Inch Gas Brushcutter
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Performance 4.8/5; Noise 4/5; Value 4.5/5
Product Specs
- Power source: 27.2-cubic-centimeter (cc) 2-cycle gas engine
- Weight: 10.6 pounds
- Cutting swath: 16.5 inches
What We Like
- Powerful, low-emissions 2-cycle gas engine
- Built-in anti-vibration system; less punishing on the user
- Easy2Start technology eliminates extra pulling
- Air filter cover is easy to remove/install for quick cleaning
What We Don’t Like
- Requires mixed gas
- Gas unit is louder than battery-powered options
The Stihl FS 56 RC-E brush cutter is built to make the toughest jobs easier. The 27.2cc gas engine generates an extra 0.25 horsepower more than another gas string trimmer we tested. Combine the increased power with reduced emissions, stronger lightweight guards and housing, and anti-vibration technology, and this machine can help users outwork the competition. The included carry strap makes it even better.
In addition to the manicured grass areas, shrub-covered weeds, and hidden corners where we tested the other machines, we also used the Stihl to knock down invasive privet saplings and honeysuckle vines in a natural area; it did a fantastic job. This would make an excellent choice for those in need of a tool for regular lawn and garden maintenance as well as occasional heavy cleanup jobs.
Get the Stihl string trimmer at Ace Hardware.
Best Curved Shaft
Husqvarna 2-Cycle Gas Curved Shaft String Trimmer
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Performance 4.8/5; Noise 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Power source: 22cc 2-cycle gas engine
- Weight: 9.7 pounds
- Cutting swath: 17 inches
What We Like
- Design lets users work in a comfortable upright position