The 5 Best String Trimmers of 2024 (2024)

There is nothing like spending countless hours making sure that your lawn is lush and manicured, only to have some unruly areas detract from the overall look. Fortunately, string trimmers are a simple yet effective tool that can help keep your lawn in great shape.

According to Quinten O’Dea, the owner of Q&A Landscaping, a string trimmer, also commonly referred to as a weed whacker, works by using a piece of string attached to a rotating head, which turns very fast to trim.

A string trimmer “typically does the detail areas around the perimeter of the lawn as well as along hard surfaces that the lawn mower cannot get,” O’Dea says.

To find the best string trimmers on the market for a variety of different needs, we tested nine gas and electric options on our lawns at home. We evaluated each model based on ease of use, design, and performance. We also spoke with O’Dea on what to look for when shopping for a string trimmer.

The Bottom Line

Overall, the EGO Power Plus ST1521S 15-Inch String Trimmer is the best string trimmer we tested. We appreciated that it charged more quickly than other electric models, and that it features an auto winding feature for a super simple performance.

Our Testing Process

To find the best string trimmers, we tested a total of nine different models across different vegetation and growth levels to ensure the models could perform for a variety of demands. In the end, our picks were based on ease of use, design, and performance.

We made a note of how long the assembly of the string trimmers took and how easy the process was. We also examined the ease of turning the device on and the intuitive nature of the controls.

Once assembled, we also paid attention to the weight and maneuverability, and how capable each device was of reaching all the areas that we were looking to cut. We also made notes of adjustability, and whether the model being tested was easy to hold for longer durations.

We accounted for the ease of replacing the spools in the line loading, and for models with a bump feed, we were sure to address the ease of use. From a functionality point of view, we paid special attention to the ability to adjust the height and speed of the trimmer, and we made note of the noise level of each model.

To test performance, we put each string trimmer to the test through a variety of vegetation, noting how well they worked with each. We addressed if they struggled with any weeds or taller grass, and if they provided an even trim.

While testing performance, we were sure to examine how the trimmers worked when navigating around edges and obstacles. All of the options that made our list were cordless, so we also made note of the battery run time when applicable.

What to Know About String Trimmers Before Shopping

Power Source

String trimmers generally run on either battery or gas power, and both of these options have their own sets of benefits and drawbacks.

Gas options, such as the Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer, may offer more power than electric models. However, they can demand more maintenance, requiring the mixing of both gas and oil. Additionally, gas-powered options tend to be louder than electric ones, and they may even not be allowed to be used in certain cities or towns.

With electric options, like the EGO Power Plus ST1521S 15-Inch String Trimmer, all you have to do is keep the batteries charged. However, some batteries may need longer to charge than others, so you’ll want to choose any option that comes with extra batteries.

Cutting Width

When choosing the best string trimmer, you’ll also want to consider the cutting width the model offers.

“The cutting width is how much string you are able to let out at one time, which determines the amount of grass you can cut with each pass of the string trimmer,” says O’Dea. “The wider the cutting width, the more you can cut at one time, [but] you do need a more powerful motor to get through thicker grass with a wider cutting width.”

On our list, the widest option is the Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer with a 17-inch width. However, the narrowest option is the Worx GT Revolution 20V 12 in String Trimmer, which has a 12-inch width.

Weight

Lawn work can be physically demanding, tedious, and time-consuming, so having a string trimmer that isn’t overly heavy is a good idea. It’s important to note that while a piece of equipment may not seem particularly heavy when you’re fresh, after 15 minutes of use, a couple of extra pounds may be exhausting.

We particularly liked our best overall pick, the EGO Power Plus ST1521S 15-Inch String Trimmer, for how lightweight it was at 7 pounds. The Greenworks 40V 13-Inch Cordless String Trimmer also stood out to us for its lightness at just over 10 pounds.

Shaft Length

SImilar to weight, shaft length is important for comfort during usage. Having to use an option that is either too tall or too short can seem like a mild inconvenience, but it will be limiting on performance and overall comfortability of usage.

Options that are easy to adjust, like the Worx GT Revolution String Trimmer, can be a good choice for homes where multiple people may be using the tool.

Feed System

String trimmers rely on a string to consistently cut at a designated height. When the string becomes worn or damaged, the trimmer will rely on a feed system to allow new, unused string to replace the damaged string. Accessing the new string usually occurs through one of two methods: bump, or automatic feeds.

“A bump system allows 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. The bump systems can be unappealing to some people, as having to bump the grass can scalp a portion of your lawn, he notes.

Meanwhile, he explains that “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.”

If you prefer an automatic option, we recommend the Greenworks Cordless String Trimmer, our best for edging option. However, the EGO’s Power Plus String Trimmer, our best overall option, uses a bump system.

Other String Trimmers We Tested

Ryobi Expand-It Cordless String Trimmer

The Ryobi Expand-It Cordless String Trimmer is versatile, and it can be used with multiple attachments such as a chainsaw. It also features an easy-to-use bump system. However, it was particularly top heavy due to its battery location and it also doesn’t feature a strap. This combination impacted the finished product, leading to an uneven trim.

Ryobi ONE PLUS Cordless Battery String Trimmer

During testing, the Ryobi ONE PLUS Cordless Battery String Trimmer impressed us with its ease of use, featuring a lightweight profile and a comfortable large handle. Unfortunately, we found that the string needed to be replaced quite frequently.

STIHL Gas String Trimmer

The STIHL Gas String Trimmer is easy to set up and we like that it comes with safety glasses. Plus, it was adjustable and had a strap. However, it is somewhat heavy, and it has to use a very specific gasoline and oil mix.

Your Questions, Answered

How much can you expect to spend on a string trimmer?

The price of a string trimmer is typically around $150 but can cost close to $600, depending on the model. Our best overall option, the EGO Power Plus String Trimmer, is just under $250, and our best budget option, the Worx GT Revolution String Trimmer, is $150. However, the Makita Brushless String Trimmer Kit, our best splurge option, is about $600.

What is the difference between a lawn edger and a string trimmer?

If you have a lawn edger at home, you may be wondering if you can use it for the same tasks that you can use a string trimmer for.

“A lawn edger usually has a hard metal blade that rotates vertically to trim the edge of the grass from growing into the beds or surfaces. A lawn edger cannot trim the grass horizontally around the edges where the mower cannot get,” says O’Dea. “A string trimmer can replace a lawn edger when rotated on its side, but a lawn edger cannot replace a string trimmer.”

What are the benefits of a string trimmer?

String trimmers are excellent for detailing and reaching areas where a lawn mower cannot. According to O’Dea, “a string trimmer can be rotated so that the string spins vertically instead of horizontally to trim the edges of the grass from growing into the beds or surfaces like sidewalks and driveways.”

Who We Are

Jack Byram is a freelance writer who has been writing for Better Homes & Gardens since 2023. He covers all things interior design and gardening related. As a plant lover and owner, Jack knows the value of investing in good products to ensure that the greenery around a home is kept in top shape.

For this article, he analyzed testing insights and spoke with Quinten O’Dea, the owner of Q&A Landscaping, to better understand what people should seek and expect from the best string trimmers.

What is BHG Recommends?

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.