String trimmers are versatile tools that can cut through both short and tall grass and also help keep grass away from your sidewalk, steps, and porch. To help you find the right string trimmer for you, the This Old House Team researched the best string trimmers available today. Here are our favorites.
Our Favorite String Trimmers
- Makita String Trimmer Kit: Best Speed Control
- EgoPower+ String Trimmer: Easiest To Use
- BLACK+DECKER String Trimmer/Edger: Best Accessories
- WORX Cordless String Trimmer: Most Versatile
- ENHULK Cordless Weed Wacker: Largest Cutting Swath
- Greenworks Corded Electric String Trimmer: Best Value
Compare Our Top String Trimmers
| Product | Cutting Swath | Speed | Power Source | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Makita String Trimmer KitCheck Price | 15 inches | 6,500 RPM | 18V rechargeable battery | 24 pounds | 3-year limited |
EgoPower+ String TrimmerCheck Price | 15 inches | 5,800 RPM | 56V rechargeable battery | 12.2 pounds | 5 years for the tool, 3 years for the battery |
BLACK+DECKER String Trimmer/EdgerCheck Price | 12 inches | 7,200 RPM | 20V rechargeable battery | 5.3 pounds | 2-year limited |
WORX Cordless String TrimmerCheck Price | 12 inches | 7,600 RPM | 20V rechargeable battery | 5.5 pounds | 3 years |
ENHULK Cordless Weed WackerCheck Price | 16 inches | 6,300 RPM | 58V rechargeable battery | 9.8 pounds | 4 years |
Greenworks Corded Electric String TrimmerCheck Price | 15 inches | 8,000 RPM | Retractable power cord | 6.9 pounds | 4-year limited |
Best Speed Control
Makita String Trimmer Kit
This string trimmer gives you more control over your speed settings than most other products on the market. You can choose whether to cut on low power (3,500 RPM), medium power (5,300 RPM), or high power (6,500 RPM).
Pros and Cons of Makita String Trimmer Kit
- Uses automatic Torque Drive technology to shift from 3,500 to 6,500 RPM
- Has a 15-inch cutting swath
- Includes a bump and feed trimmer head
- Not the best choice for large jobs
- Buttons are small and somewhat difficult to use
Key Features
- 15-inch cutting swath
- Max 6,500 RPM
- 18V rechargeable battery
- 24 pounds
What People Are Saying About The Makita String Trimmer Kit
Customers who were happy with this product said that it was easy to assemble and maneuver and had a long-lasting battery. Although many found this trimmer to be powerful, some users said that it was heavy, and others said that the included trimmer head was not strung correctly out of the box.
Easiest To Use
EgoPower+ String Trimmer
This string trimmer has Powerload technology which allows you to load your line easily, push a button to wind, and get back to trimming in a matter of seconds. It also has a telescopic aluminum shaft that allows you to quickly adjust the length of your trimmer.
Pros and Cons of EgoPower+ String Trimmer
- Features a brushless motor that delivers low vibration levels
- Can run for up to 45 minutes on a full charge
- Has a 15-inch cutting swath
- Is heavier than some other trimmers
- Handle is somewhat small
Key Features
- 15-inch cutting swath
- Max 5,800 RPM
- 56V rechargeable battery
- 12.2 pounds
What People Are Saying About The EgoPower+ String Trimmer
Happy customers liked that this trimmer was quiet and easy to maneuver and reload the string. Many also appreciated the shaft’s adjustability to suit their height and arm length. Although the unit is lighter than many gas-powered models, some people found it too heavy, and others wished that it included the strap rather than selling it separately, as it made their trimmer easier to use for longer periods.
Best Accessories
BLACK+DECKER String Trimmer/Edger
This string trimmer is highly customizable—not only do you get a powerful trimmer and edger, but you can also purchase several accessories that can make your job easier, including an extra battery, leaf collection bin, and a removable mower deck.
Pros and Cons of BLACK+DECKER String Trimmer/Edger
- Has an easy feed that allows you to advance the line with a push of a button
- Has multiple speed settings
- Also serves as an edge
- Has smaller cutting width than some other string trimmers
- Has limited battery life
Key Features
- 12-inch cutting swath
- 7,200 RPM
- 20V rechargeable battery
- 5.3 pounds
What People Are Saying About The BLACK+DECKER String Trimmer/Edger
Customers who liked this product said that it was well-constructed, highly adjustable, and very powerful. However, others who didn’t care for this string trimmer said that it was not very effective on its low power setting, while several others were disappointed in the short battery life.
Most Versatile
WORX Cordless String Trimmer
In addition to working efficiently as a string trimmer, this product can also easily be transformed into a powerful wheeled edger as well as a mini mower. This versatility lets you treat your lawn in a variety of ways without having to buy multiple devices.
Pros and Cons of WORX Cordless String Trimmer
- Uses Command Feed technology to allow you to add more line when it’s needed
- Features seven different handle adjustments so you can find the size that’s best for you
- Has six rotating head settings
- Not suited for large jobs
- Batteries may run out quickly
Key Features
- 12-inch cutting swath
- 7,600 RPM
- 20V rechargeable battery
- 5.5 pounds
What People Are Saying About The WORX Cordless String Trimmer
Those who were happy with this string trimmer loved how easy it was to use and the value of having three different machines in one. However, others who were not happy with this string trimmer said that it was difficult to adjust, while others said that it lacked enough power to be effective.
Largest Cutting Swath
ENHULK Cordless Weed Wacker
This powerful, cordless string trimmer features a 16-inch cutting swath, and three different speed settings with a powerful motor. When I tested this trimmer, I found that it was easy to set up and easily eliminated weeds in my lawn. The battery’s run time was plenty to get through my half-acre yard, and changing the speed settings took only the touch of a button.
Pros and Cons of ENHULK Cordless Weed Wacker
- Has powerful performance, even on the lowest speed setting
- Features a quick-load bump feed head
- Set up only took a few minutes
- May be too heavy or tall for smaller people
- Could be too powerful for trimming small areas; ripped up part of my lawn even on the lowest speed
Key Features
- 16-inch cutting swath
- 6,300 RPM
- 58V rechargeable battery
- 9.8 pounds
What People Are Saying About The ENHULK Cordless Weed Wacker
We found that those who were pleased with this trimer liked that it had a powerful design and a large cutting swath. Several others also commented on its quiet operation and easy-to-change speed settings. However, others said this weed wacker’s bumper feed was faulty, and others had issues with the battery not charging properly.
Best Value
Greenworks Corded Electric String Trimmer
At a more affordable price than many other similar products, this corded string trimmer still provides a wide 15 inches of cutting path and has an automatic feed head that makes it simple to use. Additionally, this string trimmer does not emit fumes as it operates.
Pros and Cons of Greenworks Corded Electric String Trimmer
- Is lightweight at just over seven pounds
- Shaft length can be easily adjusted
- Has a low noise output and minimal vibration
- Is corded, making it less maneuverable than battery-powered models
- Automatic feed spool can sometimes get jammed
Key Features
- 15-inch cutting swath
- 8,000 RPM
- Retractable power cord
- 6.86 pounds
What People Are Saying About The Greenworks Corded Electric String Trimmer
Those who gave this product positive reviews said that it was powerful for its size, had good value, and was long-lasting. However, others who left negative reviews claimed this string trimmer’s line was insufficient, while others said that the auto-feeder function didn’t work properly.
String Trimmer Buying Guide
Before choosing a string trimmer, there are several things you should first take time to consider to ensure you’re finding the product that’s right for you. Read our buyer’s guide below to see the biggest factors that may influence your purchasing decision.
Fuel
String trimmers can be gas or electric. If you’re going with a gas-powered weed eater, you’ll receive more power. Electric, or cordless string trimmers, emit fewer fumes and are more environmentally friendly, but they may struggle to cut through thick brush compared to gas-powered weed eaters.
Line
The line for weed eaters varies in both size and shape. Here’s a breakdown of the most common line shapes:
Round
Round lines are basic, easy to find, versatile, and sturdy with minimal breakage.
Square
Square lines are a better choice for heavy-duty projects and have the ability to cut tougher weeds.
Multi-Sided
Multi-sided lines are slightly more durable than square lines and are a good choice for removing thick brush.
Twisted
Twisted lines are typically more expensive than other lines but may be a good option for heavy workloads that other lines can’t handle.
Regarding line size, the thinner the line, the lighter the weed the machine can “eat.” Here’s an overview of line sizes:
- 0.065-0.080: Light work, best for grass and grass-like weeds
- 0.085-0.105: Medium, best for grass and non-woody weeds
- 0.110 and above: Heavy, best for all types of weeds and brush
Size
The size and weight of your string trimmer should accommodate the type of work you need to get done. If your yard has a lot of trees or you need to get into nooks and crannies, stay away from heavy-duty weed eaters with wide shields. A heavier option may be a better fit if you have an open space and want a power tool that can make strong, sweeping cuts through thick brush.
Maneuverability
String trimmers that are more heavy-duty may be tougher to carry and maneuver than lighter string trimmers, which can make the task more arduous. If you only need a string trimmer for small- or medium-sized tasks, focusing on one with a high rate of maneuverability will make the job quicker and easier.
String Trimmer Safety Tips
Using a string trimmer can be dangerous if you aren’t careful and don’t take the proper precautions. However, with a few basic steps, you can ensure that you are keeping yourself protected. Here are tips that will help you use a string trimmer safely.
Always Grip It Firmly
To avoid a string trimmer slipping while the power is on and potentially causing damage to your body parts, it’s important that you keep a firm and secure grip on it while it’s in use. If you need to adjust or change positions, turn the trimmer off first.
Wear Proper Clothing
Although it may be hot outside when you are using a string trimmer, that shouldn’t stop you from wearing long pants and sleeves, as these will help keep your skin protected. Wearing boots will also help keep your feet and ankles protected from debris. Finally, wearing safety goggles is recommended as it will help keep your eyes safe from flying debris, grass, and dirt.
Avoid Wet Weather
Using a string trimmer in the rain or when it is wet outside is not advisable. Attempting to use a string trimmer on wet grass or brush will be ineffective and wear down the motor. Furthermore, wet weather could cause you to slip or fall while using it, creating a safety issue.
Steer Clear of Bystanders
When using a string trimmer, you should try to keep at least 15-20 feet between you and any bystanders to avoid any potential accidents. Make sure the area is secure and let your family or neighbors know ahead of time when you will be operating a string trimmer, so they know to avoid the area.
Don’t Cut Backward or Sideways
When operating a string trimmer, you should always move forward and operate in a straight line instead of walking backward or sideways. Hold the trimmer in front of you at a safe distance from your body and feet to avoid being struck by projectiles.
String Trimmer FAQs
What can a string trimmer be used for?
String trimmers can be used to cut any grass that a lawn mower can’t reach, such as around or near a tree, a fence, or a mailbox. String trimmers can cut down growth in problematic areas of your lawn and also can reduce unwanted vegetation.
How long do string trimmers last?
A well-kept and well-made string trimmer should last for years, but the string will need to be regularly replaced, and a new battery may eventually be needed. How long a string trimmer will last will also largely depend on how much it is used.
Are string trimmers noisy?
String trimmers can produce a lot of noise, so you may want to wear protective ear covering and be cognizant of what time of day you are using it. It’s best to use string trimmers in short bursts of time to avoid prolonged exposure to the loud noise and heavy vibration.
Our Methodology
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content. Our team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, including power tools, outdoor equipment, major appliances, kitchen gadgets, electronics, and more that focus on product quality and helpfulness to our readers.
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of garbage disposals with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we compared each model’s feature set to create a final shortlist, selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.