The 10 Best String Trimmers

A reliable string trimmer is one of the most useful tools you can own for keeping lawn edges crisp, tackling overgrown grass along fences, and finishing the spots your mower can’t reach.

Whether you’re managing a compact urban yard or a sprawling suburban lot, the sheer variety of power sources, cutting widths, and shaft configurations available today means there’s a trimmer built for almost every need and budget.

From gas-powered workhorses like the Husqvarna 122C to whisper-quiet cordless options from EGO Power+ and Greenworks, the market has grown dramatically in recent years, with battery technology in particular closing the performance gap with gas at a rapid pace.

To help you cut through the noise, the team at ProductFind researched this category by analyzing published specifications, synthesizing expert review consensus across dozens of sources, and weighing verified buyer feedback from confirmed purchasers.

Every model here was assessed using our consistent evaluation framework and awarded a PF Score on a 0 to 10 scale.

Scroll down to see our top-ranked picks, then use the buying guide below to zero in on the right model for your yard.

String Trimmers Buying Guide

Choosing the right string trimmer comes down to understanding how your yard’s size, terrain, and edge complexity match up with each model’s power source, cutting path, and ergonomics.

The sections below walk through the factors that matter most, so you can skip the spec-sheet guesswork and make a confident decision.

Power Source: Gas, Corded, or Cordless Battery

Gas trimmers like the Husqvarna 122C offer sustained, high-torque power that doesn’t diminish as the job goes on, making them the traditional choice for larger properties with thick grass or heavy brush.

The tradeoff is noise, exhaust, and the ongoing cost of two-stroke fuel mix. If you’re already pairing your trimmer with a lawn mower from a gas platform, staying in that ecosystem can simplify maintenance.

Cordless battery trimmers have matured significantly. Models running on 40V, 56V, and 60V platforms, such as the EGO POWER+ ST1623T and the Greenworks 60V brushless trimmer, now deliver runtime and cutting force that rival entry-level gas units.

Verified buyers consistently note that brushless motors extend both battery life per charge and overall motor longevity. For most homeowners with small to medium yards, a quality cordless option is all they’ll ever need.

If you’re building out a cordless outdoor toolkit, it’s worth comparing your trimmer choice alongside cordless leaf blowers and cordless chainsaws to see whether a shared-battery ecosystem saves money.

Budget cordless options in the 20V to 21V range, including models from KOMASTY, Sunchers, and ALSO GO, suit light-duty work like keeping a small garden tidy between mows.

Their runtime is shorter and line feed mechanisms are less refined, but they are lightweight and genuinely easy to maneuver for casual users.

Cutting Width and Line Diameter

Cutting width, measured as the diameter of the path the spinning line clears in one pass, typically ranges from 10 inches on compact budget models up to 17 inches on larger gas and high-voltage cordless units.

A wider cutting path means fewer passes to cover a given area, which translates to shorter trimming sessions on larger lawns. The Husqvarna 122C offers a 17-inch path; EGO’s ST1623T cuts a 16-inch swath.

Most 12-inch models in this lineup, including the WORX WG163, the BLACK+DECKER LST522, and the Greenworks 40V, are well-matched to smaller residential yards.

Line diameter matters too. Thicker line, typically 0.080 inches and above, handles tougher weeds and grass more durably before breaking. Thinner line works cleanly on soft, fine grass but snaps more easily against hard surfaces.

Always check whether a trimmer accepts standard aftermarket line spools or uses a proprietary spool system, as proprietary spools can cost significantly more over time.

Shaft Style: Straight vs. Curved

Straight-shaft trimmers place the cutting head further from the motor and allow the use of attachment heads, such as edgers, cultivators, and brush cutters.

The EGO Power+ multi-head system (PH1420 power head) is built around this architecture, letting you swap attachments rather than buy multiple dedicated tools. Straight shafts also give taller users better reach under fences and around obstacles without awkward bending.

Curved-shaft models, including the Husqvarna 122C, are shorter overall and feel more natural for users of average height working in confined spaces.

They are generally a bit lighter at the head end and easier to control for tight-radius trimming around flower beds and garden borders.

If your yard has raised garden beds or intricate landscaping, a curved-shaft trimmer may offer more precise maneuvering.

Line Feed System

The line feed mechanism determines how new cutting line advances when the old line wears down. Bump feed is the most common: you tap the trimmer head on the ground and centrifugal force advances a fresh length of line.

It’s intuitive and works well on firm surfaces.

Command Feed and Auto Feed systems, found on models like the WORX WG163 and Greenworks 40V, advance line automatically without requiring you to stop and tap, which many buyers describe as a meaningful convenience advantage during long sessions.

Some budget models use a fixed-spool system that requires manual re-threading when the line is exhausted. This is workable but slower, and multiple verified buyers on budget options note it as a minor frustration during back-to-back trimming sessions.

Factor in the ease of loading and advancing line when comparing models at similar price tiers.

Weight and Ergonomics

Weight is a more important spec than it might first appear, particularly for users who trim for 20 minutes or more at a stretch. Gas trimmers are heavier on average, and their weight is distributed along a longer shaft.

Most cordless models come in well under 10 lbs with battery installed; the WORX WG163 is notably light at around 5.5 lbs, which makes it a comfortable option for those who find heavier tools fatiguing.

Look for a well-balanced trim head, a front auxiliary handle that can be repositioned, and ideally an adjustable shaft or handle angle.

Models designed to convert between trimmer and wheeled edger mode, including the BLACK+DECKER LST522 and WORX WG163, add extra value for users who want clean sidewalk edges without buying a separate dedicated edger.

A well-organized yard tool set often pairs a good trimmer with garden hand tools and a quality garden rake to handle cleanup after trimming sessions.

Battery Ecosystem and Runtime

If you’re buying your first battery-powered outdoor tool, choose a voltage platform with a wide ecosystem rather than a standalone unit.

EGO’s 56V system and Greenworks’ 60V platform both offer lawn mowers, leaf blowers, hedge trimmers, and more, all sharing the same batteries.

This means the battery you buy with your trimmer doubles as a spare for your other tools, reducing total cost of ownership over time.

Advertised runtime figures vary widely by how aggressively you’re trimming, but expert review consensus generally shows that 40V to 60V models with 2.0Ah to 2.5Ah batteries give most homeowners enough runtime to complete a standard session on a medium-sized yard on a single charge.

For larger properties, budget for a second battery or a higher-capacity pack. Models that include battery and charger in the box offer better out-of-the-box value than power-head-only configurations.

Why You Should Trust Us

ProductFind is an independent review publication. We do not sell the products we cover, and we are not affiliated with any manufacturer or retailer in this category.

Every string trimmer reviewed here was evaluated using a consistent, multi-factor framework that includes published technical specifications, expert review consensus drawn from established outdoor power equipment sources, and verified buyer feedback from confirmed purchasers across major retail platforms.

We do not conduct our own product trials; our evaluations are grounded in research, published data, expert review consensus, and verified buyer feedback.

Each model is awarded a PF Score on a scale of 0 to 10, reflecting how well it performs across the criteria most relevant to its category: power and cutting performance, battery or fuel efficiency, build quality, ergonomics, line feed reliability, and long-term owner satisfaction.

The EGO POWER+ ST1623T earned the highest PF Score in this roundup at 9.1 out of 10; the Greenworks 60V brushless model followed closely. Scores are assigned independently of price, brand recognition, or any commercial relationship.

ProductFind may earn an affiliate commission when you purchase through links on this page. That commercial relationship has no bearing on rankings, scores, or which products are included. Our editorial recommendations are determined solely by the quality of each product relative to our evaluation criteria.

Final Thoughts

After evaluating the full field, here are the standout picks from this lineup, each recognized for a specific strength:

• Best Overall: EGO POWER+ ST1623T earns the top spot with the highest PF Score in this roundup. Its 56V brushless motor, 16-inch cutting width, and inclusion of battery and charger make it the most capable and complete package here, backed by consistently strong expert praise and verified buyer satisfaction.
• Best High-Voltage Cordless: Greenworks 60V 16-Inch Brushless is the runner-up in PF Score and the right choice for buyers who want near-gas performance from a cordless platform, with a brushless motor, Load N’ Go bump feed, and a claimed 53-minute runtime that puts it ahead of most competitors in its voltage class.
• Best for Small to Medium Yards: Greenworks 40V 12-Inch delivers a strong balance of cutting performance, dual auto feed line, and a three-year warranty at a mid-range price, making it the most sensible cordless pick for homeowners who don’t need commercial-grade power. It pairs well with other cordless string trimmers in the Greenworks ecosystem.
• Best Gas Trimmer: Husqvarna 122C remains the pick for users who prefer the sustained power and familiarity of a 22cc two-cycle gas engine, with a 17-inch cutting path and Tap N’ Go head that experienced landscapers and property owners with larger lots will appreciate.
• Best Budget Cordless: WORX WG163 stands out among the lighter-duty options thanks to its Command Feed system, 2-in-1 trimmer-edger capability, and a notably low weight that makes it easy to use for extended sessions. It comes with two batteries and a charger, offering genuine value for small-yard owners.

If you’re building out a complete outdoor toolkit, a quality string trimmer pairs naturally with a self-propelled lawn mower for larger properties, or a robotic lawn mower if you prefer a more automated approach.

For post-mow cleanup, garden shovels and pruning shears round out a well-equipped lawn care setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a string trimmer and a weed eater?

There is no meaningful difference. “Weed eater” is a colloquial term, originally a brand name, that has become a general synonym for string trimmer or weed wacker.

All three terms refer to the same class of tool: a motorized device that spins a flexible cutting line to trim grass and weeds in areas a mower can’t reach. Manufacturers use the terms interchangeably in product listings.

How long does a cordless string trimmer battery last?

Runtime depends heavily on battery voltage, amp-hour capacity, motor type, and the density of the grass you’re cutting.

Under typical residential conditions, a 40V to 60V trimmer with a 2.0Ah to 2.5Ah battery delivers roughly 30 to 60 minutes of use per charge, which is enough for most standard sessions.

Brushless motors are more energy-efficient than brushed motors and tend to extend runtime meaningfully. If your property requires longer sessions, investing in a higher-capacity battery pack or keeping a spare battery charged is the practical solution.

Is a gas string trimmer still worth buying over cordless?

For most homeowners in 2026, a quality 40V or higher cordless trimmer handles the workload just as well as entry-level gas models, with less noise, no fuel mixing, and lower ongoing maintenance.

Gas trimmers remain the better choice for users trimming very large properties, working in remote areas without access to charging, or tackling consistently heavy brush and overgrowth where sustained high torque is essential.

The Husqvarna 122C is a strong representative of what the gas segment does well, particularly for users who are already comfortable maintaining two-stroke equipment.

Can a string trimmer double as a lawn edger?

Several models in this roundup are specifically designed as 2-in-1 trimmers and edgers.

The WORX WG163 and the BLACK+DECKER LST522 both feature a rotating head that shifts the cutting line from a horizontal trimming orientation to a vertical edging orientation, allowing you to create crisp, defined edges along sidewalks and driveways without a separate tool.

This is a genuine convenience for homeowners with smaller yards. Dedicated stand-alone edgers produce more precise results on long straight runs, but for most residential users the 2-in-1 format is a practical and cost-effective choice.

What should I look for in a multi-attachment trimmer system?

Multi-attachment or multi-head systems, like the EGO Power+ PH1420 platform, use a single power head and battery to drive interchangeable attachments including trimmers, edgers, cultivators, and pole saws.

The key things to evaluate are the breadth of available attachments from that specific brand, the cost of each attachment sold separately, and whether the connection interface is likely to be supported long-term.

These systems make most sense for property owners who want to reduce tool storage and share one high-quality battery between multiple functions. For buyers who only need trimming, a dedicated trimmer unit is simpler and often less expensive overall.

For broader yard care, it’s worth exploring compatible wheelbarrows and garden carts to make hauling clippings and debris easier after trimming.

Are budget string trimmers from lesser-known brands reliable?

Budget models from brands like KOMASTY, Sunchers, and ALSO GO occupy a distinct niche: they are lightweight, low-cost, and adequate for light-duty trimming around small gardens and compact yards.

Verified buyer feedback on these models reflects satisfaction for casual use but also flags limitations in build durability, line feed consistency, and overall power when tackling anything beyond fine grass. Their PF Scores reflect this trade-off.

If your trimming needs are genuinely light and infrequent, a budget option can be a sensible starting point.

For anyone trimming regularly or dealing with thicker vegetation, investing in a mid-range or premium model from Greenworks, WORX, BLACK+DECKER, EGO Power+, or Husqvarna will deliver a better long-term experience.

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