The best string trimmers are the gas-powered Husqvarna 130L and the battery-powered ENHULK 58V with a carbon fiber shaft. However, the best budget buy is the corded electric Greenworks 21142.
A well-manicured lawn requires a good string trimmer. So, we carefully compared Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and Walmart models. Now, we review our team’s top picks, followed by a handy buying guide that simplifies string-trimmer selection. We include personal experiences and expert input.
3 Best Gas String Trimmers
First, we review the best gas-powered string trimmers — the Husqvarna 130L, Echo X-Series SRM-2620T, and the Wild Badger Power 3-in-1. They provide potent power for manicuring unruly yards with thick weeds.
Best overall: Husqvarna 130L
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✔ Fast ✔ User-friendly ✔ Reliable engine ✔ Easy to assemble ✔ Superb cut quality ✔ Easily slices thick weeds | ✗ Loud ✗ Doesn’t always perform well on low throttle ✗ Heavy for small users to use for an extended period |
- Cutting swath: 18 inches
- Engine: 28 cc, 2-cycle
- Fuel Capacity: 17.82 fluid ounces
- Line diameter: 0.095 inches
- Line feed: Bump
- Shaft type: Straight
- Warranty: 2 years
- Weight: 12.2 pounds
Our favorite gas-powered string trimmer is the Husqvarna 130L. Homeowners with large yards can quickly tackle the toughest weeds with its powerful 1-horsepower engine and high torque trimmer head. It cleanly cuts through thick weeds and makes crisp lawn edges.
It’s also exceedingly user-friendly. Loading a new string is painless because you don’t have to disable the head. Then, it’s a cinch to start, with a digital ignition and air purged from the carburetor and fuel system. Its controls are intuitive and practically placed, and its ergonomically curved handle keeps hands comfy and secure.
With great speed and power, the 130L decreases the time it takes to trim and edge. I’m 4-foot-11 and 125 pounds and have no trouble handling it for the time it takes to complete my small yard. However, I feel strain if I use it for over 20 minutes. On the other hand, my 6-foot-tall buddy thinks it’s lightweight, even after extended use.
Where to buy
Best for pro: Echo X-Series SRM-2620T
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✔ Comfortable grips ✔ Easily slices thick weeds ✔ Has many time-saving features ✔ Comes with the best trimmer line ✔ Durable, professional-grade engine | ✗ Takes a couple of tries to get used to the head assembly ✗ Expensive for a household trimmer ✗ It vibrates a lot |
- Cutting swath: 17 inches
- Engine: 25.4 cc, 2-stroke
- Fuel Capacity: 20.6 fluid ounces
- Line diameter: 0.095 inches
- Line feed: Bump
- Shaft type: Straight
- Warranty: 5-year consumer / 2-year commercial
- Weight: 12.5 pounds
The best string trimmer for residential pros is the Echo X-Series SRM-2620T. I also recommend it to folks living on extensive rural land because it’s highly durable and potent. With a 2:1 gear ratio, it offers unmatched cutting torque. Its potency combines with high-quality Black Diamond string to seemingly slice through thick weeds like a hot knife through butter.
Heavy-duty, two-stage air filtration protects the engine, and bellows-style fuel transfer makes starting more manageable. “The biggest advantage is a very simple fuel delivery system,” explains Jeff Yochum, a lead maintenance tech at Ring Container Technologies. “Also, it allows for expansion and contraction of the fuel as it gets hotter or cooler.”
Echo understands that time is money for lawn care pros, so the X-Series SRM-2620T includes features to maximize efficiency, including:
- Large fuel tank
- Toolless filter access
- “Speed-Feed” trimmer head that loads in seconds
- Low weight-to-power ratio
Satisfying rubber on the rear handle and front grip adds to the trimmer’s comfort and stability.
Where to buy
Best value: Wild Badger Power 3-in-1 Weed Wacker
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✔ Lightweight ✔ Very affordable ✔ Easy to assemble ✔ Attachment capable ✔ Easily cuts dense overgrowth | ✗ It vibrates a lot ✗ Sometimes takes several pulls to start ✗ Not as durable as other gas trimmers |
- Cutting swath: 17 inches
- Engine: 26 cc, 2-cycle
- Fuel Capacity: 30 fluid ounces
- Line diameter: 0.095 inches
- Line feed: Bump and fixed
- Shaft type: Straight
- Warranty: 3 years
- Weight: 11 pounds
The Wild Badger Power 3-in-1 Weed Wacker offers homeowners unparalleled value and versatility. With its cutting modes and included attachments, the weed wacker works as a grass trimmer, lawn edger, or 10-inch brush cutter. The attachments easily connect, and many more are sold separately.
I’m astonished at how much power this trimmer provides for such a puny price. The trimmer quickly cuts through dense vegetation without bogging down. It’s also easy to maneuver with a foam-covered P-handle and a rubber grip.
Where to buy
3 Best Battery String Trimmers
Next, we review the best battery string trimmers — the ENHULK 58V, Ego ST1623T, and Cat DG210. They’re low-maintenance, user-friendly, and emissions-free.
Best overall: ENHULK 58V with Carbon Fiber Shaft
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✔ Easily slices thick weeds ✔ Lightweight ✔ User-friendly ✔ Efficient ✔ Low-maintaince ✔ Durable | ✗ Requires a screwdriver for assembly ✗ Battery is only guaranteed for 2 years |
- Battery: 58-volt, 2.5 Ah
- Cutting swath: 16 inches
- Line diameter: 0.095 inches
- Line feed: Bump
- Max runtime: 45 minutes
- Shaft type: Straight, foldable
- Warranty: 4-year tool, 2-year battery
- Weight: 9.8 pounds
Our top battery-powered weed eater is the ENHULK 58V String Trimmer with a carbon fiber shaft. Its highly efficient brushless motor gives the trimmer superb cutting torque without bogging down or excessively draining battery life. I recommend it to homeowners with large yards who want a simple out-of-the-box alternative to gas trimmers.
Before trying this trimmer, I was partial to gas. Living in Georgia’s Coastal Plain, my grass grows like a weed, and the weeds grow faster than a river current. I was shocked to see a cordless electric trimmer that easily cuts through thick weeds, as shown in the video below.
It’s also very durable. I’ve had the trimmer for almost one year, and it works just as good as new, despite heavy-duty use. I’ve even lent it to neighbors when their gas tools gave them trouble. Additionally, it’s lightweight and comfortable for operators of various sizes, with enhanced arm support and an adjustable handle.
Where to buy
Best telescopic: Ego ST1623T
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✔ User-friendly ✔ Reliable motor ✔ Best batteries ✔ Low-maintaince ✔ Comes with high-quality string | ✗ Heavy ✗ Ego batteries are expensive ✗ The line feed system wastes a lot of string |
- Battery: 56-volt, 4 Ah
- Cutting swath: 16 inches
- Line diameter: 0.095 inches
- Line feed: Automatic
- Max runtime: 50 minutes
- Shaft type: Telescopic
- Warranty: 5-year tool, 3-year battery
- Weight: 14.95 pounds
The best telescopic trimmer is the EGO ST1623T. Being an industry leader, it’s no surprise that EGO makes one of the best electric string trimmers. Their batteries beat the competition in durability and efficiency. However, they do cost more than their competitors.
The trimmer’s carbon fiber shaft quickly adjusts to a comfortable height, and its ergonomic handle provides a sturdy grip. As an added bonus, it comes with a professional-grade, dual spiral-twist trimmer line that stays strong along wire fences.
Load a new line in no time with Ego’s push-button auto-feed system. It’s perfect for beginners, but lawn care veterans may get frustrated from lacking line feed control.
Where to buy
Best small: Cat DG210
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✔ Low-maintenance ✔ Lightweight ✔ Foldable shaft ✔ Reliable motor ✔ Compact ✔ User-friendly | ✗ Doesn’t cut through very thick weeds ✗ Not good for large areas |
- Battery: 18-volt, 4 Ah
- Cutting swath: 13 inches
- Line diameter: 0.080 inches
- Line feed: Bump
- Max runtime: 45 minutes
- Shaft type: Straight, foldable
- Warranty: 5 years
- Weight: 9 pounds
The best small string trimmer is the Cat DG210. It works wonderfully on medium-duty weeds in tight spots. I recommend it for edging along walkways and tidying up around swimming pools. It’s also a great all-purpose grass trimmer for small yards.
The Cat DG210 has an advanced brushless motor that provides steady power to the quick-load trimmer head. The included high-performance trimmer line reinforces that power.
Additionally, the trimmer is super lightweight, with an adjustable handle and folding shaft. It makes trimming more manageable for homeowners with small stature or physical limitations.
Where to buy
2 Best Corded Electric String Trimmers
Now, we review the best corded electric string trimmers — the Greenworks 21142 and the Black & Decker GH3000. They’re each an affordable option for edging and trimming well-maintained small yards.
Best budget buy: Greenworks 21142
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✔ Affordable ✔ Attachment compatible ✔ Comfortable handle ✔ Low-maintenance ✔ Fast for small yard | ✗ Cord keeps you on a leash ✗ Can’t handle heavy-duty weeds ✗ The weight could be better balanced |
- Cutting swath: 18 inches
- Line diameter: .080 inches
- Line feed: Bump
- Motor: 10 Amp
- Shaft type: Straight
- Warranty: 4 years
- Weight: 11 pounds
Our favorite budget string trimmer is the Greenworks 21142. It provides tremendous value to homeowners with light- to medium-duty trimming. It swiftly slices tall grass and garden-variety lawn weeds.
The corded weed wacker is easy to control with a cushioned over-mold grip, an auxiliary handle, and a low-vibration design. It’s compatible with Greenworks, Trimmer Plus, and Kobalt attachments, turning the trimmer into additional lawn care tools.
Where to buy
Best curved: Black & Decker GH3000
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✔ Very lightweight ✔ Easy to assemble ✔ User-friendly ✔ Affordable ✔ Easy to trim around landscaping ✔ Low-maintenance | ✗ The line feed system wastes a lot of string ✗ Cord keeps you on a leash ✗ Can’t handle heavy-duty weeds |
- Cutting swath: 14 inches
- Line diameter: 0.080 inches
- Line feed: Automatic
- Motor: 7.5 Amp
- Shaft type: Curved
- Warranty: 2 years
- Weight: 6.9 pounds
Our favorite curved-shaft string trimmer is the Black & Decker GH3000. It’s handy for trimming around landscaping and edging along sidewalks. The trimmer is featherweight with a wheeled edge guide for lawn edging. Its handle adjusts and pivots, giving the operator optimal control.
With the flip of a latch, it switches between a trimmer and an edger in seconds. It’s cheap, straightforward, and adaptable to various landscaping layouts.
Where to buy
Buyers Guide
Savvy shoppers know what to look for in a string trimmer. Our string trimmer buying guide explains everything you need to know to make a wise purchase.
Power source
String trimmers run on either gas, batteries, or a corded motor. Each has its advantages and pitfalls.
- Best for pros: Gas
- Most user-friendly: Battery
- Most affordable: Corded
Gas-powered string trimmers give you the most bang for your buck, and the best gas string trimmers outperform the top electric models. However, gas trimmers are high-maintenance, and they emit toxic gas fumes. They’re also louder and heavier than most electric trimmers.
Battery-powered string trimmers run on lithium-ion batteries. They’re cordless, low-maintenance, quiet, and convenient. However, they have limited runtime, and batteries can take a while to charge. They don’t emit gas fumes, but battery production has a heavy carbon footprint.
Corded electric string trimmers are quiet, lightweight, and emissions-free. Unlike cordless string trimmers, corded models have unlimited runtime. However, they put you on a leash; you must stay close to an outlet. Corded trimmers aren’t great for large yards but are a low-maintenance and cost-effective option for homeowners with small yards.
2-stroke vs. 4-stroke string trimmers
Most gas string trimmers have 2-stroke engines, but some have a 4-stroke engine. 2-stroke engines run on a mixture of gas and oil, but 4-strokes run on straight gas and have a separate lubrication system (like a car).
Engine displacement states cylinder volume in cubic centimeters (cc). Engines with greater displacement have better power potential. However, 2-strokes need fewer cc to reach the same potency as a 4-stroke. In dirt bike racing, a 250-cc 2-cycle bike is considered as powerful as a 450-cc 4-cycle bike.
The table below shows which type of engine is better in each of the listed categories.
| Category | Best engine |
| Better fuel efficiency | 4-stroke |
| Fewer emissions | 4-stroke |
| Faster engine speed | 2-stroke |
| Longer lifespan | 4-stroke |
| Less maintenance | 2-stroke |
| Lighter | 2-stroke |
| Less vibration | 4-stroke |
Comparing string trimmer batteries
Michelle Selzer | Lawn Love
Batteries with more amp hours (Ah) run longer on a single charge. The power potential of a battery is measured by voltage (V). Higher voltage batteries require more Ah for the same battery life. Most cordless electric string trimmer batteries cost between $40 and $350.
Cutting swath
The wider the cutting swath, the more ground is covered with each pass. Thus, string trimmers with a wider swath finish the job quicker. Gas trimmers tend to have a wider swath than electric trimmers.
| Trimmer type | Average swath | Typical range |
| Gas | 17 inches | 13 to 20 inches |
| Battery | 14 inches | 10 to 17 inches |
| Corded | 15 inches | 10 to 20 inches |
Shaft
A string trimmer’s shaft connects its engine/motor to the top of the trimmer. They come in various styles.
Straight-shaft trimmers are the most common. They have the longest lifespan, the most torque, and the farthest reach.
Curved-shaft trimmers are more affordable, and they give the operator more control. They’re best at maneuvering around obstacles.
Telescopic shafts have adjustable height, improving comfort and reach.
String trimmer shafts also come in varying materials:
- Carbon steel is strong but prone to corrosion
- Stainless steel is less likely to corrode than carbon steel
- Aluminum is lighter than steel and often more durable
- Carbon fiber is the lightest and most durable
Line diameter and shape
Michelle Selzer | Lawn Love
To find the right trimmer line, consider its diameter and shape.
Line shape: Although a round line is standard, multi-sided lines (like square or star-shaped) make cleaner cuts. Twisted lines are quieter and more durable along metal fences.
Diameter: Thicker trimmer lines can cut denser grass and weeds. The chart below outlines the diameter width and its trimming capacity.
| Line diameter | Type of Trimming |
| 0.065 inches | Light-duty |
| 0.080 inches | Medium-duty |
| 0.095 inches | Heavy-duty |
| 0.155 inches | Commercial |
Weight
Lightweight trimmers are more ergonomic. Gas trimmers are typically the heaviest, while corded electric trimmers are the lightest.
| Type of trimmer | Typical weight |
| Gas | 10 to 15 pounds |
| Battery | 7 to 15 pounds |
| Corded | 7 to 14 pounds |
Price
Most string trimmers cost $95 to $350. However, high-end battery trimmers are as expensive as $700, while cheap corded trimmers cost less than $50.
| Type of trimmer | Typical price |
| Gas | $125 to $350 |
| Battery | $95 to $350 |
| Corded | $50 to $130 |
FAQ about string trimmers
Universal trimmer heads fit most string trimmers but don’t fit every model. Some brands use a proprietary head that doesn’t fit differing brands’ string trimmers. Proprietary heads might fit every trimmer of that brand or only specific models.
Weed Eater is a string trimmer brand name. However, the term “weed eater” is often used as a synonym for string trimmer. It’s like calling a generic hot tub a Jacuzzi.
When comparing string trimmers vs. lawn edgers, lawn edgers are single-purpose tools for cutting along a lawn’s edges. In contrast, string trimmers’ primary purpose is cutting back tall weeds, but they can also do lawn edging.
To find out what string sizes fit your tool, check the string trimmer’s manual.
A brush cutter is more potent than a string trimmer and is best for cutting back extreme overgrowth.
When to call a lawn care pro
Many homeowners want a lush lawn with pristine edges but don’t have the time or expertise to make it happen. No worries, Lawn Love connects you to a network of qualified local lawn care pros. Hiring a pro is as easy as ordering a pizza with our user-friendly phone app or website.
Sources
Jeff Yochum, lead maintenance technician at Ring Container Technologies, Valdosta, GA. Personal interview.
Main Image Credit: 2207918 / Adobe Stock Free / License with Text Overlay using Canva Pro
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