The 9 Best String Trimmers for Edging Grass and Removing Weeds (2024)

Home Outdoors Garden

Updated: Aug. 09, 2024

Weed whackers are a must-have for creating a tidy-looking lawn with clean lines. We found the best string trimmer for every job and budget.

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With a two-in-one design, the 13-inchBlack+Decker cordless string trimmer and edger is versatile, and buyers gave it high marks for maneuverability. This string trimmer/edger combo offers a PowerDrive transmission for increased torque, perfect for edging along thicker grass. It also has an easy-to-use toggle power command system, so tackling thick weeds only requires a simple dial turn. We love the adjustable height and soft-grip handle, and think it is a solid complement to any push mower.

“Worked great! I was able to edge and trim my entire yard front and back and still had battery life left to do more. Very happy,” Anthony Davis, a verified buyer, writes in his five-star review.

Pros

• Two-in-one cordless design
• Affordable
• Weighs less than 8 pounds
• Adjustable height
• Includes clear dust hood, dust tube and vacuum hose adapter

Cons

• May need to charge battery for heavy use and large yards
• Battery is sold seperately

When it comes to finding the best string trimmer for performance at a budget price, theBlack+Decker Besta510 gets our vote. This wallet-friendly corded model has a 14-inch cutting swath, and thestring is only 0.065 inches in diameter. Buyers praised it for its maneuverability and lightweight design, plus it doubles as an edger.

“Good on small jobs and heavy jobs. The line is easy to replace and I have never had to go in and reset it in the middle of weed whacking,” writes verified purchaser, Zachary.

Pros

• Wallet-friendly price
• Easy to use
• Doubles as an edger
• Has a two-year warranty

Cons

• May need an extension cord

Husqvarna offers a wide range of high-quality string trimmers, including our pick for the best all-around gas-powered option: the 128LD string trimmer. This model features a 28cc engine, 17-inch cutting swath and a “Tap ‘N’ Go” line release system that makes this pick of notable value. Plus, it can be used as an edger, cultivator and even a pole saw with the right attachments. It comes with a T25 spool head with dual-string cutting and a string thickness of 0.095 inches.

Buyers say the Husqvarna trimmer head is easy to reload, and they like the translucent fuel tank so they could see when they were running low on gas. At 10.8 pounds, this model is a bit heavier than some competitors, so consider using a string trimmer harnessfor more comfortable use.

Pros

• Has a powerful 28cc engine
• Is a multi-purpose tool
• Compatible with attachments
• Translucent fuel tank

Cons

• Pricey

You’ll never run out of gas or battery with a corded electric string trimmer. TheGreenworks corded model has a generous 18-inch cutting swath, and the dual-string head makes quick work of weeds and tall grass, and leaves your lawn looking neat and tidy. The default string diameter is 0.08 inches, and this tool can handle various string trimmer attachments. Bonus: It has a four-year warranty.

“Worried an electric wouldn’t be able to handle tough weeds. This thing went through with no problem. Came with enough line. Quick assembly and ready to go!” says Sam, a five-star reviewer.

Pros

• Has a 10-amp motor
• Won’t break the bank
• Compatible with attachments
• Has a four-year warranty

Cons

• Not a brushless motor

Your lawn will look like aprofessional landscapingteam did all the work when you use theMilwaukee M18 string trimmer. It gets our vote for one of the best string trimmers, thanks to its versatility and power. Weighing just under 10 pounds, it makes quick work of clearing thick brush with its 16-inch cutting swath, and the Quik-Lok system is compatible with multiple attachments. The motor is positioned in the rear of the trimmer to provide the best combination of power, balance and maneuverability. Plus, the RedLink Plus intelligence system protects it from overloading and overheating.

“It’s a little beast. I’ve been using it for a couple of weeks now and think it’s awesome. If I only had the energy to keep up with it. It was well worth the money and a great investment,” writes verified reviewer, Trey Green.

Pros

• PowerState brushless motor
• Designed with professional landscapers in mind
• Can be used with attachments
• Includes battery and charger

Cons

• Pricey

Tacklingbig weeds on your lawn or along your walkways and landscaping is a challenge, but the EgoPower+ ST1521S is up to the task. While the 15-inch cutting swath is standard, the trimmer string is no match for weeds with its dual-speed, spiral twist that’s 0.095 inches thick, giving it the strength and resilience to eat through your weeds and undergrowth at an outrageous rate.

This model has a 56-volt battery that drives its brushless motor. With its Powerload, just 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 overpriced spool heads for this trimmer!

Pros

• Features a Powerload head
• Has a strong carbon fiber shaft
• Easy to replace string
• Low noise level

Cons

• Weighs 12 pounds

If you’re in search of a lightweight string trimmer to tackle weeds, meet the Earthwise LST02010. At just 4 pounds, this is the lightest trimmer on the list. Now it does give up some robustness and power, due to its light design, but it’s a quality option for smaller yards.

It features a 20-volt battery, 10-inch cutting swath and 0.065-inch string. Plus, the pole is telescopic, so you can adjust the length to your liking. It comes with a two-year warranty on the tool and a one-year warranty on the battery. Break it out to tidy up light weeds and flower borders in no time.

Pros

• Only weighs 4 pounds
• Affordable
• Has four adjustable cut-head positions
• Flip-down edge guard

Cons

• Not meant for thick weeds

If you have lots of weeds or a large yard to tackle, theMakita XRU15 PT1 is a splurge, but worth it for one of the best string trimmers. This model has a 15-inch swath and comes packed with features and equipment to make that price seem like a bargain. It ships with four batteries and two battery-charging stations (it uses two at a time to operate). Plus, this cordless machine uses three discrete speed settings rather than a variable speed trigger, and its solid steel shaft transmits little vibration to the user’s hands. Although it’s heavy, buyers said it was easy to replace the string, is smooth to run and has plenty of power.

Verified purchaser, Donna W., writes in her five-star review, “I am a 76-year-old woman and find this product so easy to use. It is lightweight, easy to clean and easy to replace the string. It is so easy [that] my son purchased the same model for his home. I cannot say enough good about this product. Would highly recommend.”

Pros

• Brushless motor delivers more power
• Has three speed settings
• Comes with extra batteries
• Has protection against overloading and overheating

Cons

• Weighs 21 pounds

If you’re looking to add on to your Ryobi One+ system, then this trimmer and blower combo may be of interest. More than 280 Ryobi One+ tools work with any Ryobi One+ 18V battery. And like many of the other Ryobi One+ tools, this trimmer/blower combo is electric, cordless and lightweight.

The trimmer has a 10-inch cut swath, auto-feed line and rotating shaft that allows you to move back and forth between trimming and edging with ease. The powerful 200 CFM blower clears leaves and debris from hard surfaces like driveways and patios, and it even includes a debris scraper for stubborn and stuck outdoor messes. We love how comfortable and lightweight both tools feel in hand.

Pros

• Two-tool kit
• Battery works with all Ryobi 18V One+ tools
• Cordless design
• Compact and lightweight
• Good value
• Simple press-and-turn conversion from trimmer to edger mode
• Blower includes debris scraper
• 3-year limited warranty

Cons

• May need to charge battery after one hour of use

What to Consider When Buying a String Trimmer

When looking for the best string trimmer, “There is no one size fits all,” says Kizer. He says, “The best outdoor powered equipment for your yard is one that suits your specific needs and the job it will be used for.” But there are some things to consider when shopping for a string trimmer. We’ve outlined them below.

• Gas vs. Electric: “Using a gas trimmer or a battery/electric trimmer is based on the user’s preference and the job at hand,” Kizer says. If you have a smaller yard, electric models are ideal, as they are often lighter and can be used quickly. Gas models are better if you have a lot of ground to cover.
• Accessories/Attachments: In addition to price, you’ll want to consider whether the string trimmer can be used with an attachment, such as a pole saw, which can come in handy for tree trimming.
• Personal Experience: Some string trimmer models are harder to use than others. Kizer says it’s important not to overextend your abilities when choosing between them.
• Safety: Kizer says you should always “have a clear understanding of safe operating procedures and carefully review the manufacturer’s guidelines to gain that understanding.” He says that if you’re ever unsure, you can “reference manufacturer’s guidelines or speak with an expert outdoor power equipment dealer to determine the best equipment for your yard and other green spaces.”

How We Found the Best String Trimmers

We researched many string trimmers and weed whackers on the market to find the ones that consistently come out on top. We start with the research and reporting basics—what these string trimmers are best used for, how their engines work, and whether they are portable—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the weed whackers’ quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject-matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we comb through user reviews to see how real people interact with the string trimmers and if they stand up to the hype.

Why You Should Trust Us

Mary Henn, a shopping writer and reviewer for Family Handyman, has personally hand-tested over a hundred products, including everything from outdoor gear and DIY gadgets to mattresses and vacuums (she specializes in both outdoor and cleaning gear). This experience and more make her the ideal candidate to speak on weed whackers, among many other subjects.

For this article, we also consulted with Kris Kiser, President and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). Before joining OPEI, Kris served for 15 years in two major Washington, DC, trade associations. He is an authority in the outdoor power equipment space, including string trimmers and numerous other devices.

FAQ

Which is better: a straight shaft or curved shaft trimmer?

As Kiser says, “Straight or curved is personal preference and what the job requires.”Straight shaft string trimmers are often heavier than curved models, but they’re smart for large yards and lots of weeds and are ideal for reaching aroundswing sets and playground equipment, under decks and other obstacles.

Curved models are a better option if you have a small yard. Since they are lighter in weight, they’re ideal for intricate work, such as trimming along walkways and flower borders.

What is the difference between a string trimmer and a line trimmer?

A string trimmerhas many names, depending on where you live and the manufacturer. It is also known as a line trimmer,weed whacker or weed whip.

Originally Published: July 15, 2021