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Last updated: 17 Jan 2023

Say Goodbye to Pesky Weeds with the Best String Trimmer

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By Old House Journal Review Team
Published 6:41 pm
Show contents
Top String Trimmers On the Market
  • 1 WORX Cordless String Trimmer
  • 2 BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX String Trimmer
  • 3 Toro Corded 14-Inch Electric Trimmer
  • 4 Greenworks 24V Cordless String Trimmer
  • 5 PowerSmart Cordless String Trimmer
  • 6 Husqvarna Gas String Trimmer
  • 7 Remington String Trimmer
  • 8 CRAFTSMAN V20 String Trimmer

If you do a lot of yard work, you’ll understand that weeds are adept at growing in tight or awkward spots that are hard to reach. Your best bet at getting rid of these weeds is getting a string trimmer. These powerful tools come in corded or cordless designs that save you from the hassles associated with old gas-powered weed whackers. Regardless of their design or brand, weed whackers use quick spinning strings to trim weeds and cut grass. This form of outdoor power equipment can also double as an edger, making them a great landscaping investment.

The following options are our choices for the best string trimmers available in 2023. We chose these weed whackers for their durability, lightweight, adjustability, and user-friendliness.

Top String Trimmers On the Market

1

WORX Cordless String Trimmer

– Best Overall
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Key Features

This weed wacker has an ergonomically designed handle that is adjustable for easier handling. It also features a head that tilts up to 90 degrees and is ideal for trimming hard-to-reach spots. This cordless weed eater is quite versatile in its application. You can easily convert it to a wheel edger in a matter of seconds and without any tools. Its versatility and user-friendliness earn this option the title of best overall.

Pros
  • Comes with two powerful batteries
  • Has an adjustable guard to protect against accidental trimming
Cons
  • May be difficult to adjust length of shaft
2

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX String Trimmer

– Most Powerful
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Key Features

This battery-powered weed wacker will provide more cutting power as it features a unique transmission that provides increased torque. It has two speed controls for more power. You will find this weed wacker easy to maneuver as it features an adjustable handle with a premium microtexture soft grip for added comfort.

Pros
  • Has a shaft with an adjustable height
  • Comes with two batteries
Cons
  • Handles may come out of locked position during use
3

Toro Corded 14-Inch Electric Trimmer

– Most Durable
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Key Features

This weed wacker has an aluminum telescoping shaft that provides you with an extended reach and is durable enough to withstand any stress during trimming. It is also rust-resistant. It will make yard care effortless as it can also function as an edger. The trimming line also automatically adjusts to the perfect cutting length.

Pros
  • Has a powerful 5-amp motor that can cut through thick weeds
  • Features an adjustable assist handle for better balance
Cons
  • Respooling may be difficult
4

Greenworks 24V Cordless String Trimmer

– Best Battery Life
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Key Features

This weed wacker comes with a powerful and long-lasting battery that will provide more runtime than similar tools. You can easily recharge it using the included charger. It uses an electric start that eliminates the fumes and maintenance hassles that come with gas-powered string trimmers. It is also lightweight and operates noiselessly.

Pros
  • Can be converted to an edger
  • Has a telescoping shaft with a wrap-around handle
Cons
  • Shaft length may be too short for some
5

PowerSmart Cordless String Trimmer

– Most Versatile
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Key Features

This weed wacker is easily maneuverable to trim awkward and tight spots. Its handle and shaft are adjustable for precise trimming and added comfort during use. You can convert this ergonomically-designed weed wacker into a wheeled edger easily thanks to its 90-degree pivoting head.

Pros
  • It automatically feeds the trimmer line as needed
  • Comes with a powerful rechargeable battery
Cons
  • Spool has to be stringed manually
6

Husqvarna Gas String Trimmer

– Most User-Friendly
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Key Features

This string trimmer is powered by an engine that runs on a mixture of unleaded gas and oil. It has a translucent fuel tank that allows you to monitor your fuel level as you work. It has a 17-inch trimmer head that easily covers more ground. It also has a tap ‘n go system for releasing new trimmer lines that is activated by tapping the trimmer head against grass.

Pros
  • Has an air purge primer bulb for removing unwanted air
  • Trimmer head is designed for easy line reloading
Cons
  • May require occasional servicing
7

Remington String Trimmer

– Most Unique Design
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Key Features

This string trimmer has a unique curved shaft that makes trimming and cutting your lawn more comfortable and balanced. It is powered by a quick-start 25CC gas engine. This string trimmer features a .095-inch line and a 16-inch cutting swath to offer you more durability and greater control for getting those thick patches of grass.

Pros
  • Easy to feed more line to the trimmer
  • It is lightweight and ergonomically designed
Cons
  • Starting the engine requires manual effort
8

CRAFTSMAN V20 String Trimmer

– Most Efficient
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Key Features

You’ll feel in control when using this efficient string trimmer. It features an ergonomic shaft that you can adjust to suit your height and make the trimmer more maneuverable. Use this string trimmer on one of two speed settings depending on whether you want more power or more runtime. It also has a 13-inch cutting swath, which allows for added efficiency.

Pros
  • Line feed is controlled by the push of a button
  • Can be converted to an edger
Cons
  • Can’t be used when battery is being charged

Buyer's Guide to the Top String Trimmers

A lawn can be part of a person’s first impression of your house. Because it is outside of the house, and visible to the whole world, putting in the effort and time you need to accomplish this is important. You may have heard it said that a person can be judged by the way his lawn looks. Of course, we could say “Who cares what other people think?” and go ahead to leave our lawns overgrown and unkempt. But why do that when you can have a beautiful lawn, front steps, fence, and flower beds simply by investing in the right string trimmer?

String trimmers are a form of outdoor power equipment designed to cut grass and small weeds using strings rotated at high speed. They are propelled by either gasoline or an electric motor. They are typically more efficient than lawn mowers because they cut through tall grasses that would most likely choke a mower. They can work at every angle and are pretty easy to use. All you have to do is turn the machine on and touch the rapidly speeding strings to the lawn. 

But before you pick up a string trimmer, you first have to ask and answer some basic questions, such as the type of shaft you want and the type of powering you want your trimmer to have. Read on to find out more. 

Types of String Trimmers

Curved shaft

These string trimmers have a bent shaft in the middle, right between the handle and the spinning head. This type of trimmer is easy to maneuver and designed to make cutting more convenient. It is generally best for shorter users.

Straight shaft

String trimmers with a straight shaft are usually longer than curved ones and are best for taller users as they prevent you from having to bend to get the trimmer head down to cut grass effectively. 

Gasoline-powered string trimmer

These are the most common type of string trimmers. They are perfect for large properties and can work for an extended period of time. They make use of a gas-powered motor and can typically deliver high power-to-weight ratios.

Corded-electric string trimmer

Corded-electric string trimmers are the cheapest and convenient because you don’t have to worry about filling them with gas or charging a battery. They come with a small cord that you attach to your main supply. They’re perfect if you have a small lawn or space to cut. 

Battery-powered string trimmer

These string trimmers are great because they are easy to start, do not release fumes, and are relatively quiet. They work using lithium-ion batteries that you charge and then use. You can utilize their batteries in other battery-powered equipment, especially if they are from the same brand. 

What To Look Out for When Shopping for a String Trimmer

Adjustable handle

String trimmers with adjustable handles afford you the ability to pick a more comfortable length that suits your height. This is more important when more than one person is handling the trimmer; it also helps to prevent backaches and promotes good balance.

Weight

Be sure that the string trimmer you are going for is lightweight enough to hold for extended periods. 

Noise

Generally, string trimmers make a lot of noise, some much less than others. On the noise scale, using electric string trimmers requires ear protection.

Easy feeding/loading of strings

You might want to go for a trimmer that comes with an automatic string feeding function when the current ones run out, or you could get a unit that requires them to be fed manually. The latter gives you the chance to determine the kind (strength, thickness, and durability) of string you want to be installed. 

Gapping

When purchasing a string trimmer, make sure to take note of the distance between the cutting head and the shaft. A large distance means that grass can get stuck and choke the trimmer – the smaller the gap, the less likely it is that this will happen.

Safety

Because of the high speed at which they operate, string trimmers can get very dangerous, hitting and throwing out shards of glass, stones, and grass. Make sure that you shop for a trimmer that comes with protective gear or, at the very least, shop for gear while purchasing the trimmer. 

Translucent gas tank

You can often find this feature on gas-powered string trimmers. It helps you to know when your gas tank is almost empty and needs a refill. That way, you know to prepare ahead rather than get cut off in the middle of your cutting.

Price Ranges for String Trimmers

Least expensive

$50-150. At this price range, you can purchase a corded trimmer, which is usually the cheapest type. They are effective and can get the job done.

Average cost

$150-300. If you want a string trimmer that combines ease, strength, and longevity, get one within this price range. Most in this category are battery-powered, much more dependable than the cheaper ones, and more mobile over a much larger space than corded trimmers.

Most expensive

$300-500. The most expensive string trimmers should not be outside of this price range. The most expensive is the gas-powered trimmer and it works most effectively and the longest. If you have a large area to cut and need to work faster and better, you should get one within this price range.

Utilizing a string trimmer correctly will help you make your outdoor spaces the best they can be. Take a look at the top 5 string trimmer skills in this video from Lawn Care Life:

People Also Asked

Q: Is a gas-powered trimmer better than a battery-powered one?

A: It all depends on how large the space you want to cut is and how dense the grass has grown. Gas-powered string trimmers offer more power and work for longer periods than battery-powered ones.

Q: How long do battery trimmers work for?

A: The battery life of fully charged string trimmers can last anywhere between thirty to sixty minutes, while they take about half an hour to two hours to charge.

Outdoors Tools
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By Old House Journal Review Team
The Old House Journal Review Team’s product reviews and in-depth guides are here to help you restore, repair, update, and decorate your home. The content is created by The Old House Journal Review Team. The Old House Journal editorial staff is not involved. Old House Journal is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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