Best Overall
Ego Power+ 15-Inch String Trimmer
- A quick assembly, an auto-winding feature, and a quick charge made this super easy to use.
A quick assembly, an auto-winding feature, and a quick charge made this super easy to use.
- Adjusting the height requires removing a screw, which is an extra step we would’ve preferred avoiding.
Adjusting the height requires removing a screw, which is an extra step we would’ve preferred avoiding.
Overall, our favorite option was EGO’s Power Plus String Trimmer. Assembly took us 10 minutes and we really liked that it comes with pre-mounted screws, so we didn’t have to worry about losing any screws in the packaging. Despite having a larger battery, we were impressed by how lightweight this option was.
This string trimmer was comfortable to use and we appreciated that you can move the handle to different positions on the shaft. What we liked most, though, was the line-load feature. Loading a new line was simple and intuitive, requiring us to only string a new line through the tool head’s center and pressing a button for auto winding.
When it came time to charge it, the battery only took a quick 20 minutes to charge fully, and this single charge was enough for us to get through two yards. When putting it to the test in those two yards, this electric trimmer cut through everything we put it up against with ease, and we were even able to use it upside down for basic edging.
The only thing that we found limiting with this model was that we had to remove a screw to adjust it. Though not a deal-breaker, we felt that it could be frustrating if multiple people plan to use it.
Product Details: Power Source: Electric | Cutting Width: 15 inches | Weight: 7 pounds | Shaft Length: 42 inches | Feed System: Bump
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / MICHELLE EHRICH
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / MICHELLE EHRICH
Key Terms to Know
- Bump feed: This works by “allow[ing] you to tap the rotating head of your string trimmer on the ground to release more string as you need it or [if you] notice your string is getting low,” says O’Dea.
- Automatic feed: “An automatic feeding system is continuously letting out a small amount of string as you go, which is easy but wastes string when you do not need it,” says O’Dea.
Best Budget
Worx 20V Power Share GT Revolution 12-Inch String Trimmer
- It features an edging tool and a mini mower. Plus, it has a lengthy battery life.
It features an edging tool and a mini mower. Plus, it has a lengthy battery life.
- The instructions were not as clear as we would have liked.
The instructions were not as clear as we would have liked.
Though this string trimmer is less expensive than other models we tested, we were impressed that the Worx GT Revolution String Trimmer was able to stand up to the competition. This pick packs an edging tool and a mini mower into it, making for a great value overall.
This option does a good job of nailing the finer details. We really liked that height adjustability was very quick and easy, and that we needed to press both a trigger and a safety switch to turn it on and off for added safety.
When it came to navigating the string, this option was intuitive and a breeze to use. To feed more line from the spool when it’s on, all we had to do was press a button right by our thumb. Changing spools only required popping the old one off and putting the new one on. It also comes with an extra spool, providing even more value.
The instructions were only pictures that were particularly small, so we struggled to put the wheels on. Additionally, it does take longer for the battery to charge than some other options, requiring a few hours for full charging. Fortunately, we were able to get multiple uses out of a single charge.
Product Details: Power Source: Battery | Cutting Width: 12 inches | Weight: 5.3 pounds | Shaft Length: 28 inches | Feed System: Automatic
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / VIVEKA NEVELN
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / VIVEKA NEVELN
Best Splurge
Makita Brushless String Trimmer Kit
- It comes with extra batteries so you can keep two charging while the other two are in use
It comes with extra batteries so you can keep two charging while the other two are in use
- Replacing the line is much more involved than other, more affordable picks.
Replacing the line is much more involved than other, more affordable picks.
We think this string trimmer from Makita is worth the investment. Assembly took us 10 minutes and we only had to use the included hex wrench a handful of times. Plus, it earned bonus points by featuring a space in the shaft to store the hex wrench for easy accessibility.
This lightweight option was fully capable of reaching everything that we needed it to, and our noise-sensitive tester also had no complaints about its sound levels. In terms of trimming power, it features three different speeds to be able to cut through larger growth or to handle the finer trimming details around landscaping.
The string trimmer features an automatic torque drive to handle speed adjustments on its own, and there’s also a reverse button to untangle anything should it get stuck.
It took the batteries on this option between 60 and 90 minutes to charge. However, what really makes it worthwhile is that it comes with four batteries, so you can charge the two that are not in use.
It’s worth noting that the shoulder strap on this pick wasn’t tall enough to accommodate us at 6-foot-6, so this pick may not work for everyone. Furthermore, adding a new line is also somewhat more involved than other models, requiring us to take the head apart and cut from a 9-foot nylon cord and winding it manually.
Product Details: Power Source: Electric | Cutting Width: 15 inches | Weight: 10.4 pounds | Shaft Length: 50 inches | Feed System: Bump
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / LAURA MILLER
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / LAURA MILLER
Best for Edging
Greenworks 40V 13-Inch Cordless String Trimmer
- Two wheels and a guard promote excellent edging abilities.
Two wheels and a guard promote excellent edging abilities.
- It doesn’t have adjustable speeds and the single line design may be limiting for what it can cut through.
It doesn’t have adjustable speeds and the single line design may be limiting for what it can cut through.
The Greenworks Cordless String Trimmer is the best string trimmer for anyone looking to focus on edging. It is lightweight and easy to hold for longer periods of time without getting uncomfortable.
This pick features an automatic line that we really found to work well during testing. The string trimmer worked well for weeds, and despite only having one line and not having adjustable speeds, it was powerful enough to not get stuck on any vines.
When it came to handling grass, this trimmer was exceptional. It features two wheels for better edging abilities, and the end of it rotates to ensure better maneuverability for a more precise edge. It also features a guard that works well for directing the trimmings away from the person trimming or edging for an easy clean up.
We didn’t struggle to cut through longer grass or vines, but we did feel that the limitations on speed and a single line design may impede it from cutting through certain things. Overall, if you’re dealing with stubborn growth, this may not be the best option for you.
Product Details: Power Source: Electric | Cutting Width: 13 inches | Weight: 10.78 pounds | Shaft Length: 52.68 inches | Feed System: Automatic
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / MIKE MASIELLO
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / MIKE MASIELLO
Best Gas
Husqvarna Cutting Path Detachable Gas String Trimmer
- There was nothing that this model couldn’t cut through.
There was nothing that this model couldn’t cut through.
- It will most likely be louder than any electric models you are considering.
It will most likely be louder than any electric models you are considering.
The Husqvarna Gas String Trimmer is the best string trimmer for those who prefer a gas option. It proved to be particularly powerful during testing and worked equally well on grass, tall dandelions, and a very dense area of tall grass and weeds that we tested it out on. Plus, we found it light enough and easy to navigate around trickier areas.
Compared with other gasoline powered tools, this one proved easy to turn on and off. It features a bump feed system that was intuitive and easy to use, and the line-load system was very simple to operate, even for a first-timer. An instructional sticker on the motor made turning this on a breeze, and we appreciated that it has a viewing window to show how much fuel is left.
One thing to be mindful of is that as a gas powered option, it will probably be louder than a battery string trimmer. Additionally, the length isn’t as adjustable as we would want. Depending on your height, you may have to angle yourself a bit to reach certain areas.
Product Details: Power Source: Gas | Cutting Width: 17 inches | Weight: 12.7 pounds | Shaft Length: 58 inches | Feed System: Bump
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / WENDY VAZQUEZ
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / WENDY VAZQUEZ