String trimmers (weed whackers) are ideal for quickly cutting through tall, thick brush. If you have an overgrown front yard or a field that needs to be cleared, one of these will get the job done for you.
Unlike mower as they don’t come with the safety and maintenance concerns of gasoline engines. Most string trimmers are either electric or cordless, so they will work with no gas or cord issues.
Read on below to find out the absolute best string trimmers around.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER LSTE523 Li-On String Trimmer | Best Overall |  |
| DEWALT DWO1DT802 String Trimmer Line | Budget Pick |  |
| MILWAUKEE ELEC TOOL 2725-21HD 18V M18 STRING TRIMMER | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. BLACK+DECKER LSTE523 Li-On String Trimmer
Pros:
- Wider cutting path
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Available in three different colors
- Powerful and long-lasting battery
- Cordless model that can be used for edging
- Great value for money
Cons:
- Difficult to reach places
- Tends to malfunction after a few weeks with use
Take your trimming experience to a whole new level with the handheld cordless string trimmer from Black & Decker. This innovative design eliminates the need for a cable while still providing you with 26-inch cutting swath.
This cordless string trimmer from Black & Decker is powered by an efficient Li-on battery that can last up to 15 minutes. There are two different trimming modes to choose from, and it’s easy to switch between each mode with just the slide of a switch.
You can also edge up to six inches thanks to the rounded nose design. The auto-feed feature ensures consistent line feed while extending the life of the line. The string trimmer can help you reach difficult and hard-to-reach areas thanks to its lightweight design and ideal size.
2. Husqvarna Battery Straight Shaft String Trimmer 115iL
Pros:
- Very lightweight
- Comes with spare batteries
- Allows for a dual-action spinning motion
- Lifetime limited warranty
Cons:
- Low power for some users
- Not as effective in long grass as a gas trimmer
Thanks to its robust 800 W motor, the Husqvarna Battery Straight Shaft String Trimmer 115iL is a standout choice in today’s market. With its ergonomic yet lightweight design, you’ll be able to pull it around a long time without developing too much fatigue, even if you have to take care of your lawn on a regular basis.
The powerful motor offers up to 80 times more torque than comparable units. Moreover, the smart drive system… a dual-action motion that makes it easy for you to mow through thick grass with relative ease … makes it ideal for home use.
Other features that you may find impressive include:
- Low power for some users
- Not as effective in long grass as a gas trimmer
3. WORX WG163 GT 3.0 20V PowerShare 12" Cordless String Trimmer & Edger
Pros:
- Well-designed
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Long battery life
- Easy to assemble
- Strong cutting power
- Fast charging
- Excellent battery life
- Adjustable handle
- Quiet operation
Cons:
- A bit pricey
- Manufacturer support is questionable
Previously known as the GreenWorks model, the WORX WG163 GT is one of the top cordless string trimmers on the market today. This particular model is 20V and packages a whopping 24 volts of raw power in order to send up to 5,000 RPM up to its 12-inch cutting diameter. That’s .088 acres of ground that this trimmer can cover in just a short while all without the hassles and costs of a gas-powered trimmer or gas refills.
The WORX WG163 GT is one of the most powerful cordless trimmers on the market in this price range. With a 20V battery, users can expect it to last for up to 40 minutes per charge and even more depending on how much the user utilizes the trimmer.
4. DEWALT 20V MAX String Trimmer
Pros:
- 20V tech
- Can take on light weeds
- Brushless motor
- Reasonable price
- Lightweight
- Powerful
- Excellent battery life
Cons:
- Only available in one version
- Not suitable for big jobs
- A bit messy
This is the DeWALT string trimmer, bringing you 80V tech!
The DeWALT 20V Max will impress you with its features thanks to its brushless motor, which is quieter than a gas motor and lasts longer too.
Also, its 20V Max battery is compact, which means less weight for you to manage.
5. Ryobi 18V One Plus Line Trimmer Bare Unit
Pros:
- 18V battery for long battery life
- Magnetic blade change system for simple blade screwing
- 3 line cutting positions
- Automatic feed spool feeder
- Lightweight and balanced
Ryobi has done it again in this string trimmer from Ryobi. With the incorporation of a unique magnetic blade change system, it provides you with a fast and convenient way of changing the cutting blade. Users also love the automatic spool feeder system for a more relaxed and efficient use.
The line trimmer offers a 3-in-1 cutting feature which allows users to adjust between different cutting modes. Users can set the trimmer to .080 inch, .095 inch, and .105 inch respectively. This expands the versatility of the trimmer, as it can be used in various applications.
The lightweight and balanced design is another excellent feature of this product. It lets users work with more comfort to accelerate their working progress. The string trimmer also features a soft grip handle for a firm and comfortable grip.
6. Makita XRU02Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless String Trimmer
Pros:
- Excellent battery life
- Wide array of power and speed settings
- Great build quality
- Super easy to start
- Lightweight
- Excellent battery life
- Long warranty (3 years)
Cons:
- The batteries are quite expensive
- Some people find the speed adjustment screw to be inconvenient
- The guard is easy to knock off when the trimmer is running
The Makita XRU02Z is an 18-volt cordless string trimmer which is ideally suited for light-duty trimming tasks around the home or workplace. It comes fairly well-equipped for the price, with a plastic body along with a double-sided blade which is ideal for trimming overgrowth in both grassy and wilder areas.
The trimmer comes with a wide array of power settings, ranging from 1,700 to 2,400 rpm and additionally supports an extended-life LXT battery with 3-year warranty.
The Makita XRU02Z string trimmer is manufactured using Makita’s durable LXT lithium-ion battery technology, allowing more run time per charge than standard Ni-Cad cordless tools. The XRU02Z's 20v LXT batteries offer more life and run-time per charge than other trimmer lines, with the ability to power more tools than any other brand.
7. MILWAUKEE ELEC TOOL 2725-21HD 18V M18 STRING TRIMMER
Pros:
- Powerful enough to tackle heavy-duty trimming
- Ergonomic and lightweight
- Great value for the price
Cons:
- Takes a long time to charge up
- Plastic blades can break easily
- Not as easy to maneuver as a gas trimmer
This trimmer from Milwaukee is a lightweight, cordless electric model that comes in at just 6.3 pounds. It has a run time of up to 80 minutes after it has been charged for a mere 30 minutes, which is longer than full-size gasoline models.
It has eight different height settings, so you can get the kind of cut you need even when the grass is growing out of control. One of the coolest features of this trimmer is its tool-less design. Due to this, switching out guard parts is a lot easier and faster than with more traditional models.
One of the small issues with this trimmer is that it takes a long time to charge up, which can be somewhat inconvenient. This trimmer has plastic blades instead of metal ones, so it doesn’t stand up to heavy-duty trimming tasks. It also doesn’t have the same degree of maneuverability as a gas-powered model. Overall, though, the Milwaukee power tool offers a great value for the price.
8. EGO Power+ ST1500-S 15-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Brushless String Trimmer
Pros:
- Lightweight and powerful
- LCD display allows for various control options
- Rapid-fire trigger allows for quick string trimming
- Easy to install and maintain
Cons:
- Requires the purchase of a battery and charger separately
- Not ideal for tall grass
If you’re in search of the best string trimmer for the money, then look no further. The EGO Power+ ST1500-S provides you with the best value for your money by making wholesome use of the latest technology.
This trimmer provides you with 14 inches of cutting width, which is enough for most homeowners. It weighs only 7.5 pounds, so it’s not too difficult to handle. When it comes to grass trimming, the EGO Power is a reliable option for an edging tool as well. Plus, it has a powerful 15-amp motor and a brushless motor technology. This ensures that the trimmer stays running for long, and it reduces friction and heat.
Plus, the device features a dual powering mode that allows you to use it cordless or with a cord. However, if you plan on cutting a lot of grass your best bet is to use the cordless option, because the battery power may wane a little under the stress of constant use.
9. Greenworks 13-Inch 4 Amp Electric Corded String Trimmer 21212
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Quiet operation
- Competitive price
- Good power and cutting performance
- Comes with a 5-year warranty
Cons:
- Not suitable for very large areas
- Aluminium upper shaft may bend under stress
- Impractical to use in tough terrain
The Greenworks 21312 is a powerful corded device from Greenworks that comes with a 13-inch cutting path and a 4 amp motor to make your job to clear the area and trim more comfortable. Greenworks 21312 is a Greenworks-exclusive trimmer, and you will therefore have to buy accessories separately.
This model is easy to use, and you can easily attach and detach the string from the device with the help of a lever mechanism. The 13-inch cutting path ensures that you can trim the area faster than you would using a smaller trimmer, plus it’s good for larger backyards and gardens.
Greenworks 21312 can be charged up quickly, so you don’t have to wait for long to be back up and running. You can easily work with it even when you have a lot of dry leaves and twigs to clear.
10. DEWALT DWO1DT802 String Trimmer Line
Pros:
- Made from monofilament
- Easy to install
- Highly durable
- Offers great value for money
- Perfect for commercial and home use
- Excellent customer service
2-Pack.
String trimmers have become a necessity in the garden, thanks to their ability to make quick work of overgrown turf and vegetation. While most people use their electric trimmers for these jobs, the cord can often limit the area of your yard you can access, and they can take several hours before they cool down.
Now, there are cordless string trimmers available on the market; however, they might not be powerful enough to tackle your toughest yard care tasks. For that reason, you might be looking at a do-it-yourself job and want to make sure you have the best string trimmer line for each of those tasks.
11. Hitachi CG23ECPSL 22.5cc 2-Cycle Gas Powered Solid Steel Drive Shaft String Trimmer
Pros:
- Stainless steel shaft and gears
- Ergonomic handles
- Powerful for maximum efficiency
- Easy to assemble
- Won an “Editor’s Choice” Award
- 2-year warranty
- 60-day satisfaction guarantee
Cons:
- Heavy and difficult to maneuver
- Requires a bit of effort to start
- No folding arms
I was pleasantly surprised when I reviewed the specifications and features of the Hitachi CG23ECPSL 22.5cc Gas-Powered String Trimmer. I found a lot of high-end features, which you normally don’t find on a machine in this price range.
The CG23ECPSL weighs a total of 11.2 pounds. It is somewhat heavy, but you can easily maneuver it over your lawn with its large, rubber wheels.
There is a lot to be said about the popularity and the quality of Hitachi products. The CG23ECPSL has received over 2,600 reviews on Amazon and has a 3.9-star rating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What string trimmer do professionals use?
The professionals use some cordless models. There are also electric ones. They can either buy them alone or can be ordered with some other equipment such as a blower which comes with some brands.
What is the best commercial string trimmer?
Well, that all depends on the size of your lawn of course. (If you have a huge area, then buy the commercial trimmer. If you have a small lawn, then go with the homeowner's trimmer.) And of course it also depends on your budget. (Remember: a cheaper trimmer is likely better for small lawns.)
To put it simply: commercial trimmers are heavier duty than homeowner's trimmers. This is the best trimmer on the market for grass that is two feet tall or longer and for people that have lots of lawn.
Which is the best gas string trimmer?
The best gas string trimmer is one that is balanced, lightweight, and fits well with your height. Features are also important, such as easy start and self-propelled functionality. If you plan to do a lot of trimming on your property, you will need to choose a string trimmer that offers extended running time.
Conclusion
The string trimmers we recommend below are based on our research of the top models for this year. However, we have also focused on the trusted brands in this space. Our team has done analysis based on customer feedback, brand reputation and more.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER LSTE523 Li-On String Trimmer | Best Overall | |
| DEWALT DWO1DT802 String Trimmer Line | Budget Pick | |
| MILWAUKEE ELEC TOOL 2725-21HD 18V M18 STRING TRIMMER | Upgrade Pick | |