A weed eater allows you to cut the areas around stationary objects in your yard and trim grass where your lawn mower can’t reach. But you can also use it to edge, cutting a straight line in the grass where your yard meets mulch beds, roads, and sidewalks.
Overall, you can expect to spend anywhere from $100-$225 for a high-quality weed eater, but the price can change depending on the make and model, as well as the power level of the device, and what features are included.
To help you find the best weed eater for your needs, we reviewed over 50 of the top weed eaters on the market and analyzed over 300 customer reviews. Our top choice overall is the CRAFTSMAN V20 String Trimmer / Edger, which has a quiet operation with multiple speed settings and a push feed-button system. Read our guide below for more information about selecting the best weed eater.
Top 7 Weed Eaters
- CRAFTSMAN V20 String Trimmer / Edger: Best Overall
- BLACK+DECKER Cordless Sweeper & String Trimmer Combo Kit: Best Battery-Powered
- Greenworks Brushless Cordless String Trimmer: Most Versatile
- WORX Cordless String Trimmer & Edger: Best Lightweight Weed Eater
- Ryobi P2008A Cordless String Trimmer/Edger: Best Design
- SKIL PWR CORE 15” String Trimmer: Fastest Charging
- EGO ST1511T Cordless String Trimmer Kit: Most Ergonomic
Compare Top-Rated Weed Eaters
| Product | Voltage/Engine | Line System | Cutting Diameter | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
CRAFTSMAN V20 String Trimmer / EdgerCheck Price | 20-volt battery | Push button feed system | 13 inches | 11 pounds | 3-year limited warranty |
BLACK+DECKER Cordless Sweeper & String Trimmer Combo KitCheck Price | 40 volt battery | Automatic feed spool | Not listed | 11 pounds | 2-year limited warranty |
Greenworks Brushless Cordless String TrimmerCheck Price | 24-volt battery | Tap ‘N Go | 13 inches | 10 pounds | 4-year limited warranty |
WORX Cordless String Trimmer & EdgerCheck Price | Two 20-volt batteries | Command feed spool system | 12 inches | 6 pounds | 3-year limited warranty |
Ryobi P2008A Cordless String Trimmer/EdgerCheck Price | 18-volt battery | Automatic feed spool | 13 inches | 6 pounds | 3-year limited warranty |
SKIL PWR CORE 15” String TrimmerCheck Price | 40-volt battery | Tap N’ Go | 15 inches | 13 pounds | 5-year limited |
EGO ST1511T Cordless String Trimmer KitCheck Price | 50-volt battery | Push button feed system | 15 inches | 10.3 pounds | 5-year limited |
Best Overall
CRAFTSMAN V20 String Trimmer / Edger
The 20-volt battery-powered weed eater from CRAFTSMAN offers customers a quiet, portable solution for their yard maintenance needs. We like that this trimmer offers two speed settings to maximize the battery’s power and extend its life.
Pros and Cons of CRAFTSMAN V20 String Trimmer / Edger
- Two speed settings to balance the power of the trimmer and its runtime
- Adjustable length pole
- Push button feed system to deliver trimmer string at the touch of a button
- Battery compatible with a variety of CRAFTSMAN tools
- Only one battery included
- Feed system delivers line every time the head stops spinning, even when it’s not needed
What People Are Saying About The CRAFTSMAN V20 String Trimmer / Edger
Reviewers we found were satisfied with the ergonomics of this weed eater, complimenting the user-friendly adjustable shaft and handle. Though some reviewers thought the push-button feed system was unhelpful, others preferred it to other models’ Tap ‘N Go system. Despite being battery-powered, one customer stated the weed eater lasted long enough to trim their almost three-acre yard.
Bottom Line
Our team finds that this trimmer is a good choice if you want something portable and user-friendly. You can focus on your yard’s basic maintenance without the hassle of maintaining an engine or mixing oil and gasoline.
Best Battery-Powered
BLACK+DECKER Cordless Sweeper & String Trimmer Combo Kit
Battery-powered trimmers are notorious for their short usage times, but our experience showed this weed eater offers a longer battery life with its 40-volt model. Plus, it can easily convert to a trimmer.
Pros and Cons of BLACK+DECKER Cordless Sweeper & String Trimmer Combo Kit
- Automatic feed spool system delivers the right amount of line before every use
- Low noise design
- Charging indicator tells you how much battery is left
- Capability to easily convert to trimmer with rotating pole design
- Only one battery, so there’s no backup if it dies during use
- Amazon reviews consistently critique the leaf blower’s lack of power
What People Are Saying About The BLACK+DECKER Cordless Sweeper & String Trimmer Combo Kit
Many reviewers commented on the battery’s longevity. Reviewers we found also praised the weed eater’s balanced weight and telescoping handle that adjusts to the user’s height. While the weed eater’s pole is adjustable, some customers had difficulty turning the pole, and others commented on the pole’s inability to absorb vibration.
Bottom Line
While Amazon customers suggest this trimmer’s battery life is better than most other battery-operated products, it is best suited for small jobs. Since only one battery is included, it’s important to finish the job on one charge. We think that features such as the automatic feed spool system and quiet design make small jobs more manageable.
Most Versatile
Greenworks Brushless Cordless String Trimmer
This trimmer and edger combo has a variable speed trigger and easily adjustable positioning for a straightforward, comfortable user experience. We like it comes with a 24-volt battery and 13-inch cutting path with a bump feed head for easy line advancemenet, and that its brushless motor provides increased torque to deal with tough grass.
Pros and Cons of Greenworks Brushless Cordless String Trimmer
- Features an overmold grip for comfortable handling
- Has variable speed control and a telescoping shaft
- Battery recharges in 60 minutes
- Variable speed control can be fussy and inaccurate
- Bump feed control system malfunctioned for some customers
What People Are Saying About The Greenworks Brushless Cordless String Trimmer
We noted that customers who were impressed with this trimmer liked how lightweight and easy to use it was. Others were impressed with its easy assembly and versatile design that worked well as both a trimmer and an edger. On the other hand, we did notice some customers say that this product’s battery sometimes did not work properly, and others said it lacked power to deal with difficult grass.
Bottom Line
We think this corded weed eater is a good choice if you have a small yard and are looking for a lightweight, straightforward trimmer and edger. Its battery-operated design improves its ease of use, but it’s overall lack of power means it may not be the right fit if you’re dealing with a larger area or thick, difficult-to-cut grass or weeds.
Best Lightweight Weed Eater
WORX Cordless String Trimmer & Edger
The WORX WG163 is lightweight at only six pounds. It utilizes two 20-volt batteries that can be interchanged with various WORX products, such as leaf blowers and drills. We like that the weed eater has helpful features, including an attached spacer guard to protect your flowers.
Pros and Cons of WORX Cordless String Trimmer & Edger
- Command feed spool system gives you more control at the touch of a button
- Spacer guard prevents unwanted cutting of flowers and plants
- Free spools for life with paid shipping costs
- Interchangeable battery works with a variety of WORX tools
- Command feed system is prone to jamming
- Battery life can be unpredictable, according to some reviews
What People Are Saying About The WORX Cordless String Trimmer & Edger
Amazon reviewers agreed that this lightweight mower is suitable for small, simple jobs. One reviewer we found cited the ease of the command feed system for distributing the line. Reviewers had varying responses on the trimmer’s battery life. Some said they could trim for up to 30 minutes on one charged battery, whereas others said they could trim for only 15 minutes.
Bottom Line
This is a suitable weed whacker for individuals who have difficulty managing heavier gas trimmers or have a smaller yard that doesn’t require a weed eater to last over an hour. We think this is an affordable trimmer for tackling small yard work without requiring users to have the technical skills of feeding in a new line or mixing oil and gas.
Best Design
Ryobi P2008A Cordless String Trimmer/Edger
This lightweight string trimmer features a 13-inch cutting width and a pivoting swing head that can easily convert to an edger. Its cordless design makes it perfect for small- or medium-sized projects, and it also comes with a variable speed trigger for increased control while trimming.
Pros and Cons of Ryobi P2008A Cordless String Trimmer/Edger
- Includes a variable speed trigger for increased control
- Comes with an automatic feed string head
- Weighs under 7 pounds
- Has a smaller cutting diameter than some other weed eaters in this review
- Battery and charger not included
What People Are Saying About The Ryobi P2008A Cordless String Trimmer/Edger
We found that customers who gave this weed eater a positive review generally liked that it was lightweight and had a long-lasting battery. Others were pleased that it came with variable speed control, which helped it last longer before running out of battery. However, some others found that this product lacked the power to cut through thick grass, and others found that it lacked balance.
Bottom Line
Our team finds that this string trimmer is a great choice for customers looking for a lightweight string trimmer that’s perfect for tackling overgrown grass and weeds in standard-sized lawns.
Fastest Charging
SKIL PWR CORE 15” String Trimmer
This efficient brushless string trimmer features a digital brushless motor with a 15-inch cutting width for efficient trimming. It has a two-speed selector so you can choose between maximizing power, or runtime and can recharge in just 15 minutes once the battery runs out.
Pros and Cons of SKIL PWR CORE 15” String Trimmer
- Features a smart loading head that allows for easy line loading
- Includes an adjustable auxiliary grip
- Comes with a battery and a charger
- Not as long as some other weed eaters
- Some customers found it difficult to load the string
What People Are Saying About The SKIL PWR CORE 15” String Trimmer
Our team found that customers who liked this product said that it was easy to use and had a lightweight design. Others were impressed with its ability to trim through thick weeds. However, some customers did find loading the bump line feed to be difficult, and others complained that the battery ran out quickly.
Bottom Line
Our team found that this weed eater is an ideal choice for those who prefer an electric trimmer that charges quickly. It has plenty of power and a large cutting width, as well as a lightweight design that’s easy for anyone to maneuver.
Most Ergonomic
EGO ST1511T Cordless String Trimmer Kit
This weed eater from EGO has a telescopic aluminum shaft that can be adjusted to fit your height, making it easy to use for anyone. Additionally, this string trimmer has easy-to-use power load technology that makes it easy to load up lines and can run for up to 45 minutes on a single charge.
Pros and Cons of EGO ST1511T Cordless String Trimmer Kit
- Includes a high-efficiency brushless motor
- Comes with variable speed control
- Has a durable, weather-resistant construction
- Can be overly loud
- May be overpowered for lighter jobs
What People Are Saying About The EGO ST1511T Cordless String Trimmer Kit
Customers who were impressed with this product raved about its power level and durable design. Others were impressed with its automatic string loader. However, there were some reviewers who felt this string trimmer was too heavy for some to operate and others had issues with it taking a long time to charge.
Bottom Line
We recommend this weed eater for those who want maximum convenience and comfort when tackling weeds in your lawn. Its adjustable height is a huge plus for shorter people who may find longer string trimmers awkward to handle, and it has an easy-load technology that’s suited for beginners.
Weed Eater Buying Guide
What are the different types of weed eaters?
Before deciding on a weed eater, it’s important to understand the different types available. There are gas, electric, and battery-powered weed eaters. What’s the best weed eater for your lawn care routine?
Gas Weed Eater
A gas-powered trimmer is a smart choice if you have a lot of acreage and thick grass that requires more power and runtime. However, gas weed eaters are typically heavier, requiring more energy to handle than electric or battery-powered trimmers.
Electric Weed Eater
If you value ease of use, electric trimmers are a good choice. As long as you have a cord and access to an outlet, you have unlimited runtime with a trimmer that is simple to start, quiet while running, and easy to maintain. The downside to many electric trimmers is that they aren’t as portable and can only go as far as the cord will allow. These weed eaters are a great choice for small yards.
Battery-Powered Weed Eater
Battery-powered trimmers are a smart choice if you’re looking for a quiet, portable weed eater that doesn’t release the fumes from gasoline or oil. Many battery-powered trimmers are effective, though some users find these weed eaters to be weak and have longer downtimes due to charging needs.
What are the differences in the line types of a weed eater?
Shape
- Round: This shape is basic, easy to find, versatile, and sturdy with minimal breakage.
- Square: This is a heavy-duty choice for tougher weeds but not brush.
- Multi-sided: A step above square as far as durability goes, this is a good choice for thicker brush.
- Twisted: This choice is more expensive but well-suited for heavy workloads.
Size
The thinner the line, the lighter the weed you can “eat.”
- 0.065-0.080: Light work—grass and grass-like weeds
- 0.085-0.105: Medium—grass plus non-woody weed
- 0.110 and above: Heavy—all types of weed and brush
How does function affect the weed eater you should buy?
Your weed trimmer’s size, weight, and maneuverability should accommodate the work you need to complete. If your yard has a lot of trees or lawn furniture and you need to get in nooks and crannies, stay away from heavy-duty weed eaters with wide shields. A heavier option may be better if you have an open space and want a power tool to make strong, sweeping cuts through intense brush.
What are the best brands of weed eater?
Some of the most reliable weed eater brands include Husqvarna, Greenworks, Ego, RYOBI, BLACK+DECKER, CRAFTSMAN, WORX, DEWALT, ECHO, and STIHL.
Weed Eater Safety Tips
While weed eaters are incredibly effective tools, they can also be dangerous ones, especially if proper precautions aren’t taken. Before using a new weed eater, look closely at the following safety tips.
Read the User Guide
When it comes to any power tool, it’s important that you know your product model. Review the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly to ensure you understand all the safety risks and recommendations for handling and care.
Perform Proper Maintenance
After use, clean the string trimmer with a cloth and dish soap to avoid a clogged machine. Remove and clean the air and fuel filters and the spark plug. Some gas weed eaters may need oil changes.
Use the Weed Eater Correctly
Weed trimmers can be heavy, commonly at least 10 pounds before being filled with gas. Form matters when using these power tools. Avoid injury by using both hands and a tight grip. Stand straight with a slight bend in your knees. Some customers prefer an over-the-shoulder harness for additional back support. Do not operate the tool within 60 feet of another person.
Frequently Asked Questions About Weed Eaters
When is the best time to use a weed eater?
Our experience shows that weed eaters should be used whenever you mow your lawn to help you eliminate tough-to-get weeds that a mower can’t reach. Unlike mowers, weed eaters can be used all year round to keep up maintenance and eliminate unwanted vegetation.
What’s the difference between a string trimmer and a weed eater?
String trimmers, weed eaters, and weed whackers typically refer to the same product type. The name may vary based on the manufacturer, model, or region.
Can weed eaters be used on wet grass?
Weed eaters should not be used on wet grass. This could lead to scalping or bald patches.
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We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.