The 4 Best String Trimmers, Tested by BHG

Mar 29, 2025

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Better Homes & Gardens

There is nothing like spending countless hours making sure that your lawn is lush and manicured, only to have some unruly areas detract from the overall look. Fortunately, string trimmers are a simple yet effective tool that can help keep your lawn in great shape.

Quinten O’Dea, the owner of Q&A Landscaping, explains that a string trimmer, also commonly referred to as a weed whacker, works by using a piece of string attached to a rotating head, which turns very fast to trim.

A string trimmer “typically does the detail areas around the perimeter of the lawn as well as along hard surfaces that the lawn mower cannot get,” O’Dea says.

To find the best string trimmers on the market for a variety of different needs, we tested nine gas and electric options on our lawns at home. We also spoke with O’Dea on what to look for when shopping for a string trimmer.

We evaluated nine string trimmers on their ease of use, design, and performance. For more information on how we tested string trimmers, check out our testing process below.

It has an easy-to-use automatic line load feature and super fast charge time.

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

This Ego Power Plus was balanced and incredibly easy to use. During testing, this trimmer easily sliced through everything in its path and performed well when doing more precise work around fencing and edging the yard.

It was cinch to assemble out of the box, only taking 10 minutes to put together. The automatic line load feature was our team’s favorite part of this machine. When loading a new line, you string the line through the center of the trimmer head and press a button to automatically wind the line—we loved not having to replace spools of line. When the tool’s in use, bumping the bottom of the machine on the ground will feed more line out while you work.

The strong carbon fiber shaft and low-vibration brushless motor meant this tool was 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. However, during our testing, the battery only took 20 minutes to reach full charge, and easily did 2 yards’ worth of work without losing power.

The only flaw we found with this tool was that the process to attach the handle at various positions on the shaft was a bit time-consuming. We needed 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

This string trimmer converts into a trimmer, edger, and mini mower.

The instructions were confusing and it was difficult to distinguish between the power, safety, and automatic line feed buttons.

If you’re looking for an affordable all-in-one machine, the Worx GT Revolution weed whacker is a great choice.

This adaptable tool can be converted from a string trimmer to an edging tool or a mini mower. While it's easy to move the head and wheels around to convert it, the tiny pictorial instructions on the manual and the small symbols on the tool itself were confusing. Thankfully, the Worx website has an instructional video that effectively shows how to convert the trimmer into an edger or mini mower. The overall design prioritizes adjustability; it was very easy to adjust the shaft length so users of different heights could operate it comfortably.

Using this tool as a string trimmer was easy, and it swiftly cut 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 was perfect to use for random tufts of grass that were taller than everything else.

While the battery takes several hours to fully charge, it also has a long run time; we used it for several sessions of yard work, and it still hasn’t died. The battery can also be used with all other Worx products.

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

Despite the minor confusion, we did like having the feed button up by the thumb to easily press it to spool out more line while the tool ran. It was also simple to switch out the spool: just pop it on and off the business end of the trimmer. As a bonus, this tool comes with a spare spool of string and a handy spool holder that attaches to the tool.

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

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

The shoulder strap is not long enough for very tall users, and replacing the line requires disassembly.

The Makita was a pleasure to use, easily maneuvering around trees, fencing, and landscaping and quietly blazing a trail through vegetation. This machine has three manual speeds to choose from to help you cut through bigger growth or fine-tune your trimming around landscaping. There's also an ADT (automatic torque drive) setting that lets the trimmer adjust the speed itself based on the thickness of the material it is cutting through. There’s even a reverse button that can be used to clear debris that's become tangled in the trimmer.

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 have been nice.

However, this tool 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 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 was 6-foot-5, was unable to use the shoulder strap because he was 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

This machine pairs ease of use with a long-lasting battery.

Users are unable to adjust the speed, and the single-line system may struggle with thicker vegetation.

Assembling the Greenworks 40V was easy and we liked that it came preloaded with line. The shaft was adjustable and easy to change: release a clamp, slide the shaft to the desired length, and reapply the clamp.

The automatic feed system was another feature that made this machine easy to use. The auto line feeder worked well for us, and the instructions state that if the line gets short, to stop the unit, then engage again at full power and the line will automatically advance.

The Greenworks only has one line that extends out of the unit, in contrast to most other models, which have a double line. While this tool did perform well when testing, we wondered if it might have difficulty with thicker vegetation due to the single line.

The battery takes about 1.5 hours to charge, and lasts 45 to 60 minutes, plenty of time for most yards. This tool is the lightest on our list at only 5 pounds, and therefore was not difficult to hold for an extended period. It was easy to hold sideways to use as a lawn edger and did a great job at this task.

Though this trimmer is incredibly lightweight and easy to use, remember to treat all machines with respect. “To use a trimmer safely,” says Pogue, “always follow basic precautions and handle it with care. Use the line size recommended for your trimmer so you don’t wear out the motor. Users should wear eye protection, hearing protection, and gloves. Wear sturdy shoes to protect your feet, and if your hands get sore or blister easily, wear thick gloves for comfort.”

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

The Ego Power Plus ST1521S String Trimmer was our favorite for the average homeowner, as it’s a comfortable-to-use, lightweight machine that had a great line auto-load feature. For those who want a more heavy-duty tool, we recommend the Makita XRU15PT 36V 18V X2 LXT Brushless String Trimmer Kit, as the variable speed and power made string trimming into our favorite yard chore.

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

During testing, 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.

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

Typically, gas-powered tools allow you the ability to work for longer, and to work in areas without easy access to electricity to recharge. However, gas machines are heavier and produce more noise and fumes.

However, “cordless products now deliver gas-like performance or better, and the run-time of the batteries is developed to ensure they last long enough to do the job for the average customer.” In general, this will be around an hour of continuous use. Electric weed whackers are also much quieter during operation.

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. However, 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 while operating the string trimmer.

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.

As you’re operating the string trimmer, the line naturally shortens as it encounters debris. The feed system allows you to feed more line while the machine is in use so you can keep working without interruption. An automatic system simply 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. Pogue “Automatic feed systems streamline trimmer line replacement for continuous operation, reducing downtime and frustration during maintenance, and ensures efficient, uninterrupted cutting.” 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 than automatic systems.”

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We liked that this Ryobi 40V machine could be used with various attachments, such as a chainsaw, and that it had a long-lasting battery. However, the large battery caused this Ryobi string trimmer to be a bit top heavy. The weed whacker’s unbalanced weight resulted in uneven trimming due to lack of control.

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

This powerful Stihl string trimmer sliced through dense vegetation and twigs with ease. This tool is on the heavier side, though an included shoulder strap makes it much easier to carry and control. We followed the instructional booklet, which notes that this trimmer needs to be fueled with an oil and gas mixture. You can buy pre-mixed fuel or make your own. Having to purchase a special fuel mixture may be a barrier for some users.

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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 ranged 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.

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.

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.

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.