7 Best String Trimmers
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A string trimmer or “weed whacker” can get in those hard-to-reach areas, and put the finishing touch on your yard. The best string trimmers make it easy to switch between horizontal cutting and edging jobs. With a weed whacker, edging your lawn is quick and easy.
In this article we have done the work for you and have highlighted the different types of string trimmers, along with features, pros and cons of each.
Quick Look at Our Top Picks for Best String Trimmers:
- Best Overall String Trimmer – EGO Power 15-Inch String Trimmer & Power Head
- Best Electric String Trimmer –DEWALT DCST920P1 Brushless Trimmer
- Best Budget String Trimmer –Greenworks 18-Inch 10 Amp Corded String Trimmer
- Best Gas String Trimmer – Husqvarna Straight Shaft Gas String Trimmer
- Best Walk Behind String Trimmer – Southland Outdoor Power Equipment Field Trimmer
Why You Should Trust Us
For this review we spoke with experts in the home and garden industry. We also read through gardening forums, and string trimmer reviews on Amazon, Lowes and Home Depot to determine what consumers are looking for in a weed whacker or trimmer. We then spent over 20 hours testing and inspecting our selections for this article.
How We Researched Best String Trimmers
- We spent several weeks researching the best string trimmers
- We considered over 20 trimmers and narrowed it down to the 7 reviewed in this article
- We did this by reading hundreds of reviews, testing and comparing the features of each
Comparison Chart
| PICTURE | NAME | RATING | SHOPS |
|---|---|---|---|
 1 | EGO Power 15-Inch String Trimmer & Power Head Show more | ||
 2 | DEWALT DCST920P1 Brushless Trimmer Show more | ||
 3 | Greenworks 18-Inch 10 Amp Corded String Trimmer Show more | ||
 4 | Husqvarna Straight Shaft Gas String Trimmer Show more | ||
 5 | Southland Outdoor Power Equipment Field Trimmer Show more | ||
 6 | Husqvarna 128LD 17″ Cutting Path Detachable Gas String Trimmer Show more | ||
 7 | CRAFTSMAN V60 WEEDWACKER String Trimmer Show more |
The Best String Trimmers Reviewed
- Has the power of a gas trimmer
- Offers a 5 year warranty
- Attachments are designed to work with the Power Head
- Price on the high side
- Warranty maybe difficult to use
- Has the power of a gas trimmer
- Offers a 5 year warranty
- Attachments are designed to work with the Power Head
- Price on the high side
- Warranty maybe difficult to use
The EGO 15" String Trimmer, Power Head, 5.0Ah ARC Lithium Battery and 56 Volt Charger are part of the EGO POWER+ Multi-Head System. This trimmer is equipped with a rapid reload head to make reloading line quick and easy. The 15-inch cutting swath, bump head line advancement and professional grade 0. 095" cutting line gives professional-grade results.
The EGO POWER+ Multi-Head attachments are designed specifically for the EGO Power Head to swap tool attachments easily. The advanced EGO POWER+ 56-Volt 5. 0Ah battery uses industry-leading ARC Lithium technology to deliver power and is compatible with all EGO POWER+ Products.
You can choose from several different attachments or the entire kit. This trimmer comes with a 5 year warranty.
- Includes 20V MAX 5.0Ah Lithium Ion Battery & charger
- Variable trigger and speed settings
- Dual 0.080 inch line with bump feed
- One of the heavier options
- Warranty doesn't cover motor
- Includes 20V MAX 5.0Ah Lithium Ion Battery & charger
- Variable trigger and speed settings
- Dual 0.080 inch line with bump feed
- One of the heavier options
- Warranty doesn't cover motor
This Dewalt trimmer provides precise power control with a variable speed trigger as well as performance and run time management with a Hi/lo speed control switch. The brushless motor maximizes motor efficiency and durability.
The patented gear drive design provides more torque and maintains cut speed under load. It's dual 0.080 in. line with bump feed will clear 13 inches. This trimmer comes with a 20V Max 5Ah Lithium Ion battery, charger, auxiliary handle, guard, and an .080 inch line rewound in spool.
This weed whacker comes with a 3 year warranty.
- Light weight and simple electric start
- Quick-connect coupler allows for easy attachment changes
- 10Amp motor with straight shaft
- No variable speed
- Hard to find replacement parts
- Cord restricts mobility
- Light weight and simple electric start
- Quick-connect coupler allows for easy attachment changes
- 10Amp motor with straight shaft
- No variable speed
- Hard to find replacement parts
- Cord restricts mobility
This 18 inch Greenworks corded electric trimmer works on a 10 amp powerful motor. This weed eater has a long straight shaft that is adjustable to make operation quick and easy. It’s 0.08 inches wide line works on a system of bump feed. Meaning you have control over the route you want to use for the operation.
This string trimmer also accepts various gas attachments such as a lawn edger, cultivator, disk blower, pole saw, and more.
Greenworks offers a four year warranty on this product.
- Air purge removes air from carburetor and fuel system
- This is a commercial grade type weed whacker
- Lightweight design
- Engine gets hot while using
- Not the fastest start
- Air purge removes air from carburetor and fuel system
- This is a commercial grade type weed whacker
- Lightweight design
- Engine gets hot while using
- Not the fastest start
The Husqvarna has a straight shaft and it it doesn’t make that much noise in comparison to other gas powered trimmers. It is equipped with anti-vibration handles to reduce fatigue to your hands. This unit comes with a two-cycle 23cc engine.
The X-torq engine allows it to cut harmful emissions while also improving engine efficiency by up to 20%, which can save money in the long run. It also features an easy to use Tap 'N Go trimmer line technology and intuitive controls like those in commercial trimmers.
This product comes with a two year limited warranty.
- Powerful 5.75 ft/lbs torque 150 cc engine
- Manual recoil easy start fuel system
- Anti-vibration folding handle
- Cuts very low to ground
- Have to hold handle down to use
- Powerful 5.75 ft/lbs torque 150 cc engine
- Manual recoil easy start fuel system
- Anti-vibration folding handle
- Cuts very low to ground
- Have to hold handle down to use
The Southland Walk Behind String Trimmer is equipped with a powerful 150cc OHV 5.75 ft/lbs of torque engine. The manual recoil easy start fuel delivery system means it will start fast and go to work. The sturdy 12 inch wheels allow for increased maneuverability while the anti-vibration foam grip handle gives off comfort and control.
The 22 inch cutting swath allows this trimmer to get around all of those tough overgrown spots in your yard that cannot be reached by a standard mower. For easy storage just fold the soft grip handle down and put it away. Manual recoil easy start fuel delivery system.
This weed wacker comes with a 2 Year limited warranty.
- Detachable shaft for easy transport and storage
- Stop switch automatically resets to "on" position for easy starting
- Strong braided wire cable drive
- Hard to keep throttle open
- String not easy to release
- Will need to make carb adjustments
- Detachable shaft for easy transport and storage
- Stop switch automatically resets to "on" position for easy starting
- Strong braided wire cable drive
- Hard to keep throttle open
- String not easy to release
- Will need to make carb adjustments
The 128LD's engine and starter are specially designed for quick starts with minimal effort. It's air purge technology removes air from the carburetor and fuel system, while an auto return stop switch automatically resets to the "on" position. It is equipped with a line release by tapping the trimmer head against the grass to activate the Tap 'N Go feature.
It is designed to be compatible with several attachable accessories, and comes with a versatile cutting attachment guard that can be used with either a grass blade or a trimmer head. The 28cc 2-cycle engine powers the 17 inch (cutting width) trimmer head.
This string trimmer is backed by a 2-year limited for residential use.
- Ergonomic adjustable length pole to fit your height
- Brushless motor with a high performance 2.5 Ah battery pack
- Wireless operation: greater flexibility to move around without having to pull cords
- Hard to find replacement spool
- Throttle trigger can be difficult
- Guard is a little small
- Ergonomic adjustable length pole to fit your height
- Brushless motor with a high performance 2.5 Ah battery pack
- Wireless operation: greater flexibility to move around without having to pull cords
- Hard to find replacement spool
- Throttle trigger can be difficult
- Guard is a little small
V60 Cordless 15 inch Brushless WEEDWACKER String Trimmer features a high efficiency brushless motor and is equipped with a 2.5Ah battery. The pole is ergonomic and length adjustable to fit your height. It comes with two speed control and a variable speed trigger on the handle.
Line is easy to use with the 0.080 inch twisted line and the Quickwind Spool System and the 15 inch cutting swath allows for added efficiency.
The V60 battery platform makes this product compatible across all V60 CRAFTSMAN tools you may own. This trimmer comes with a 4 year warranty.
What to Consider When Buying a String Trimmers
Type – There are two main types of string trimmers: gas-powered and electric. Gas string trimmers are cordless, powerful, have two-cycle engines that require a mix of gas and oil to operate. Some gas trimmers are heavier which can affect the maneuverability. Electric string trimmers can be either corded or cordless and are turned on using a switch, rather than by pulling a cord like you would for a gas trimmer. Some come with battery packs, which can also affect the overall weight.
Cutting Width – The size of the cutting diameter directly translates to how wide a cutting swath the trimmer can make. Models can have a cutting width as narrow as 10” to as wide as 18”.
Weight – You will want to consider the weight of the trimmer before buying. You want a tool that is practical to carry around the yard for how ever long it will take to get the job done. The weight of string trimmers can range from 5 lbs up to 20 lbs, and gas-powered trimmers tend to be the heaviest but offer the most power.
Durability – Consistent use among heavy weeds and hard surfaces is where the difference in durability is determined. A more durable string allows you to do more work per spool. Trimmer string durability varies by material, the shape of the string, whats being trimmed, and surfaces used on, like stone or concrete.
Line Size – Line diameter is a good indicator of durability. Depending on the material and shape, a thicker line lasts longer but also costs more. Consider your cutting conditions, how often you want to reload, and how much you want to spend when selecting the line thickness. Not all lines fit all trimmers, so be sure to check the instructions before purchasing string for your trimmer.
Cost – With string trimmers, you pay for convenience and ease. Cordless are going to cost more than corded and gas powered will be at the high price point. Gas are usually reserved for bigger jobs than residential lawns because they are more powerful than electric trimmers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which string trimmers are the most quiet?
Cordless electric trimmers are definitely much quieter than a gasoline-powered trimmers.
What are the two common types of string trimmers?
The two most common types are gas-powered and electric, with electric models either operating with rechargeable batteries or traditional cord that must be plugged into an electrical outlet. Gas powered trimmers, tend to be more powerful and often larger, making them best for larger areas.
What are string trimmers used for?
Also known as weed whackers, string trimmers are used to trim the grass in tight spots that a lawn mower can't get to, like along a fence, around a tree or under rocks and plants.
How do I choose a string trimmer?
String trimmers are available in cordless (battery powered), corded or gas models. There are many features to consider like weight, cutting width and price. More powerful trimmers can handle bigger jobs and tougher weeds, but also tend to be heavier than models made for small yards. For a large yard, choose a trimmer with enough battery to tackle the job at once or consider a gas powered type.
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