Best string trimmers 2024: efficient, safe, and practical tidy tools for your yard (2024)

The best string trimmers are great for lawn and yard maintenance. They help you keep stubborn weeds off the edges of your patio or tiles. String trimmers are a safe way to remove weeds without using harsh chemicals that could harm your pets, children, or the environment.

You can manually pull weeds, but this is a tedious, laborious process, and the back pain is not worth it for many people. Electric string trimmers make the process much easier and are available cordless or battery-powered - both are effective and will help solve your weed problems.

String trimmers, also know as weed eaters or weed whackers, are an easy way to keep weeds at bay so that your yard can look as good as possible. Besides looking awful, weeds also suck a lot of the water and nutrients out of the earth, which can damage surrounding plants or grass.

Got a lot of yard work to do? Check out our guide to the best lawn mowers and best hedge trimmers.

The best string trimmers we recommend in 2024

The best string trimmer overall

If you’ve doubted whether an electric weed eater could ever measure up to a gas-powered one, then the Greenworks 21142 deserves a closer look. It is almost double the weight of most electric weed eaters, but that’s because it’s designed for power and durability.

It has an impressive 18-inch swath, so you can cover a greater area quickly, while the dual string means it easily dispatches even thick weeds. The lack of edging features is a bit of a disappointment, and this is not a great option for small, hard-to-reach areas.

The Greenworks 21142 offers great value for money, too. It’s not the cheapest on the market, but at around $70, it’s still very affordable, especially considering its cutting power. A corded model may be inconvenient for some, but a battery-powered model with this much power would be more expensive.

The best lightweight string trimmer

The Craftsman V20 Weedwacker is a lightweight trimmer with a surprising punch. Despite its slightly toy-like appearance and our doubts about the durability of the construction materials, its performance exceeded our expectations.

We tested this weed eater in a backyard and found it could cope with the toughest weeds we subjected it to. Our tests took place over a week, and we put it through its paces during a trimming session of over 30 minutes. After that, there was no noticeable shakiness or vibrations. The Weedwacker provided an even cut even in the thickest brambles.

However, it's worth noting that this power does have a louder noise level than some of its competitors, something to keep in mind if you have neighbors.

This weed eater is perfect for the occasional gardener with a decent-sized backyard. The fact that it's cordless means you have less maintenance to do, and its light weight is great for people who don't want to log a large tool around, as per the words of Kenneth Deemer, founder of Local Roots Landscaping in Pittsburgh, PA.

The best customizable string trimmer

The Worx WG170.3 is a powerful 12" cordless string trimmer with everything you need to start trimming away weeds immediately. It includes a rechargeable battery, a battery charger, three extra trimmer spools, a spool holder, and support wheels.

The Proprietary Command Feed technology allows you to add more lines as needed—you simply push a button, and it will automatically freshen the line so that you don't need to stop trimming and change it.

This weed eater is also designed to suit the individual. It has seven handle adjustments and six rotating head settings, making it fully customizable so that it's as comfortable as possible to use. The rotating head is also great for maintaining hard-to-reach areas without bending over or crouching.

This weed eater is considerably more expensive than some of the others on our list, so if you are on a budget, you might want to consider the cheaper options available.

The best budget string trimmer

The Black+Decker BESTA510 is an affordable string trimmer with several impressive features. The Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) eliminates bumping, allowing you to remove weeds without interruptions or limitations.

This electric string trimmer also converts from a trimmer to a wheeled edger, so you can sharpen up the edges of your lawn after removing all of the pesky weeds—simply rotate the head to access the edger feature. This model features a 6.5-amp motor, which is more than enough power to remove any stubborn weeds ruining the look of your yard.

If you have had problems in the past with the cord in your leaf blower becoming loose, then you know how much of a hindrance this can be. Because of this common problem, Black+Decker developed a cord retention system that prevents the cord from becoming loose while you are using it. This also makes this trimmer much safer to use, as you don't need to worry about a stray cord hitting you while you are trimming weeds.

The best 2-in-1 string trimmer and edger

The DEWALT DCST922B is a great weed eater if you are looking for a two-in-one edger and trimmer. It could be the model for you if you want to clean up the edges of your yard after removing weeds.

This model is incredibly easy to transport, as it easily folds for compact storage when not in use. The 14-inch swath allows for a large cutting area—ideal if you have a large yard or big weeds to remove. If your yard is larger, use the variable-speed trigger to save power and trim for longer.

This weed eater weighs 10.54 lbs, which is heavier than a weed eater. If you don't want to carry it around for long, we recommend looking at some of the lighter options on our list. This weight does come with a lot of extra power, and the larger head also allows for a bigger cutting area.

How to choose the best string trimmer for you

If you have decided that a string trimmer is for you, it is time to find the perfect one to match your needs. Knowing whether you want a corded or battery-powered string trimmer is important. If you have a large yard, we recommend a battery-powered weed eater, as it gives you complete freedom of movement while getting the job done. Battery-powered weed eaters can cost more, so if your yard is smaller or full of tough weeds, we recommend a corded machine to get the job done.

Size is another factor to consider when buying a new electric string trimmer. If you have a lot of weeds to remove and a lot of ground to cover, a string trimmer with a large head is ideal—the larger the head, the more time you have to spend on other tasks.

The speed of the head is also important, the higher the RPM (revolutions per minute) the faster the head spins, giving a more powerful cut. Some faster models may be limited by the thickness and strength of their plastic cords. However, if necessary, you can often change the cord to a thicker one. Some models will also let you remove the cord and add a bladed cutter, which can tackle thick brush rather than regular weeds, but this is often for professional use.

If you have your heart set on a corded model, we always recommend going for the longest cable possible. You can opt for a shorter cable, but it would be wise to buy an extension cord in case you need the extra range. With battery models, you may need a larger battery if you have a big yard to tend to—you can also buy extra batteries and swap them out as you cut.

String trimmer FAQs

Are electric string trimmers any good?

If you’re looking for a fast, effective way to keep your yard a weed-free zone, then a string trimmer is a solid investment. They help take the hassle out of weeding so you can relax and enjoy your garden. The best electric weed eaters boast high power, with some models providing around 40 volts. This means the device can handle an hour’s worth of weeding. Compared to gas weed eaters, they’re much quieter and can keep your garden feeling like a tranquil haven.

If you’ve tried a gas trimmer in the past, you may have found it cumbersome to use. You’ll be pleased to know that electric weed eaters are much lighter, with the average machine weighing about 5 lbs. This is because they don’t have a tank of fuel attached, unlike their gas counterparts. Electric weed eaters are lightweight and much easier to use for long periods.

If you want to do your bit for the planet and save yourself money, an electric trimmer is a great option. Unlike gas models, they don’t rely on fossil fuels. They also offer great value, with the average model costing around $70. Plus, you’ll have no fuss about buying replacement gas.

Are gas or electric string trimmers better?

What’s the difference between gas and electric string trimmers? You’ll typically find gas weed eaters in a professional gardening setting. This is because landscapers work on a much larger scale and may need to tackle extremely overgrown plots. In this scenario, the power of a gas weed eater is necessary to blitz established weeds and last all day.

If you’re looking for a device for everyday use at home, we recommend choosing an electric weed eater. They’re lightweight, which makes them easy and convenient to use, and you don’t have the hassle of topping up the gas. They produce zero emissions and are far more planet-friendly than their gas counterparts. Electric weed eaters are much quieter, so they can keep your garden peaceful and avoid disturbing the neighbors. They help you fast-track your way to a tidy yard, giving you more time to sit back and enjoy it.

Are cordless electric string trimmers better than corded?

Corded electric weed eaters provide you with constant and consistent power without having to recharge your machine. They are often a lot lighter, too, as they don’t have the added weight of a battery. However, corded weed eaters don’t give you as much flexibility in reaching the furthest place in your garden. More often than not, corded models require the purchase of an extension lead –particularly if you have a large and lengthy yard to clear.

Cordless electric weed eaters give you more mobility. You can travel far and wide to rid your weeds with this type of battery-powered gadget because you aren’t limited by a cable. However, cordless electric weed eaters are often heavier than their corded counterparts. That’s because they have the added weight of the rechargeable battery.

Some cordless options also have lengthy battery charge times, so watch out for that. Plus, if you forget to recharge the battery before using your outdoor power tool, this can be a pain. Because you are running on battery rather than mains power, you also have a limit to your cutting time.

Do electric string trimmers have more power than battery?

One of the most important things to consider when purchasing an electric string trimmer is whether it has the power you need to accomplish the type of work you do. We looked for weed whackers with high amps for corded models and high-voltage batteries for cordless ones.

The more power a weed trimmer has, the tougher the grass and weeds can tackle. We evaluated and compared cordless and corded electric string trimmers and found that if you choose a trimmer with enough power, you can trim efficiently regardless of the power source.

When choosing between a corded and cordless weed eater, consider the type of work you need the trimmer to do and the size of your yard. Buying a trimmer that requires an extension cord limits your mobility, but that may not be a problem if you have a small yard.

The advantage of using a cord is you don’t have to worry about the battery eventually dying and needing to be replaced. However, a cordless trimmer gives you limitless mobility, so it’s likely the best option if you have a large yard or need to trim in a remote location.

How do you maintain an electric weed wacker?

While electric trimmers don’t require nearly as much maintenance as their gas counterparts, there are things you can do regularly to keep them running well for an extended period. Kristi Howard of Black & Decker Outdoor Products says that a common problem with electric string trimmers involves people using the wrong gauge of extension cord to power them. Howard says you should be sure to use an extension cord that is heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw.

“An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating,” Howard explains. “When in doubt, use the next heavier gauge.” She says the letters WA on the cord jacket indicate a cord suitable for outdoor use. Howard feels they are comparable in terms of power regarding corded versus cordless trimmers. Corded trimmers are generally less expensive than battery-operated trimmers and are easy to maintain but have less mobility.

Howard suggests checking for damaged parts and cleaning off the air intake slots before each use to properly maintain an electric trimmer to avoid overheating. She says you should never immerse an electric string trimmer in water or clean it with a pressure washer; you should store it indoors, out of reach of children. “Keeping your trimmer regularly maintained should minimize your need for larger repairs,” Howard adds.