Top 12 String Trimmers of 2025: Ultimate Guide for Perfect Lawn Care

String trimmers, otherwise known as weed whackers, help you put the finishing touches on your lawn. The best string trimmers can tackle hard-to-reach areas where lawn mowers can’t navigate, such as around trees, fence posts, mailboxes, shrubs, walkways and more. This guide highlights the different types of string trimmers and includes information on shaft styles, trimmer lines, attachments and safety considerations.

Types of String Trimmers

Gas-Powered String Trimmers

Traditionally the best string trimmer for large properties, a gas-powered model goes anywhere and can run indefinitely, as long as there’s fuel in your tank. They’re not as popular as battery-powered string trimmers anymore, but you’ll still have plenty of options. Look for models with an adjustable handle and a translucent gas tank so that you can see when fuel is low. Gas-powered string trimmers with a four-cycle engine run cleaner and use regular gas but cost more. Models with a two-cycle engine cost less, but you’ll need to add oil to your gasoline. All the gas-powered string trimmers in our tests are loud enough to require hearing protection (earplugs or earmuff-style headsets) for the user.

Battery-Powered String Trimmers

In our latest tests, the best cordless string trimmers cut as well as or even better than gas models. Plus they produce no emissions and run quietly. They also start instantly every time, without you having to fuss over the choke or yank a pull-cord. They require far less maintenance, and their batteries can typically be used in other outdoor power tools from the same brand, including lawn mowers, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, and chainsaws. The life span of the lithium-ion batteries powering these tools is still a big unknown, so look for a long warranty (at least three to five years) that specifically applies to the battery. Expect to cut for about 30 minutes on a single charge. Most batteries take about an hour to recharge once they’ve fully drained.

Corded Electric String Trimmers

Though corded yard tools may seem outdated, a corded string trimmer can perform really well for a certain subset of homeowners. Corded electric string trimmers are incredibly affordable. But there aren’t a ton of great options among this increasingly unpopular variety, and they have a built-in distance limit because they require a constant connection to an outlet.

Top 12 String Trimmers for 2025

1. Ego Power+ Powerload with Line IQ ST1623T

The Ego Power+ Powerload with Line IQ ST1623T is the string trimmer that has and does it all. Best-in-class grass, heavy weed, and detail trimming? Check. Top-notch comfort, ergonomics, and battery performance? Check. Automatic line feed and no-fuss maintenance? Another check. This trimmer packs a punch with its 56V battery and 16-inch cutting path and is capable of handling the toughest and largest jobs in your yard while still being nimble enough to edge around a sidewalk or garden wall.

• Pros: Exceptional weed-cutting performance, automatic line feed, ergonomic design
• Cons: Higher price point, battery life may be limited for large yards

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2. Husqvarna 128LD

Husqvarna is one of the best brands for gas-powered tools, including string trimmers. The Husqvarna 128LD is powerful, with a 28 cc engine that packs more than enough power to trim heavy-duty grass and weeds. It also features professional-grade 0.095-inch string, making it easy to take on tough jobs. Additionally, the 128LD is designed with user convenience in mind: SmartStart technology reduces resistance in the starter cord, making starting that powerful engine easier.

• Pros: Reliable, powerful, user-friendly with SmartStart
• Cons: Loud, requires regular maintenance

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3. Kobalt KST 2580-06

If you’re looking for the power of a gas string trimmer without the fumes, racket, and weight, then the Kobalt 80-volt is the one for you. While all of the best weed wackers we tested cut through most reasonable underbrush, the Kobalt electric string trimmer is one of the few that cut through everything in one pass. All that power and the massive 80-volt battery that drives it doesn’t seem to come with additional weight or balance problems. At just over 11 pounds, the Kobalt 80-volt string trimmer is right in line with the rest of the lawn care tools we tested.

• Pros: Powerful, lightweight, well-balanced
• Cons: Not ideal for tight spaces

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4. DeWalt DCST925M1

The DeWalt is the lightest and quietest of the larger weed wackers that we tested. The best weed wackers and string trimmers are must-have garden tools because they make it easy to keep your lawn neat by cutting grass and weeds in places your mower can’t reach.

• Pros: Lightweight, quiet, good value
• Cons: Less powerful than gas models

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5. Makita XRU15PT1

This professional-grade lightweight trimmer has adjustable speeds and an automatic torque drive mode; the lowest speed is really handy for precision trimming. The Makita was a pleasure to use, easily maneuvering around trees, fencing, and landscaping and quietly blazing a trail through vegetation.

• Pros: Adjustable speeds, lightweight, quiet
• Cons: Shoulder strap not ideal for tall users

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6. Worx WG170.2

For small lawns with minimal trimming needs, we like the Worx WG170.2 20V Power Share GT Revolution 12¡å String Trimmer. This model impressed us with its fantastic ergonomic adjustments, quick speed, quiet operation, light weight, and wheeled edging capabilities.

• Pros: Lightweight, ergonomic, budget-friendly
• Cons: Not suitable for heavy-duty tasks

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7. Black+Decker ST8600

This battery-operated string trimmer from Black+Decker simplifies edging and trimming, which is a valuable benefit with lawn care. A cutting swath of 12 inches gives users enough diameter to tackle lawn edges and areas around landscape features and flower beds.

• Pros: Affordable, lightweight, easy to use
• Cons: Limited power for thick weeds

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8. Echo SRM-2620

Whether you call it a trimmer, a weed whacker, or a weed eater, these precision lawn tools give your grass nice, crisp edges. The Echo SRM-2620, our roundup’s “Most Powerful Gas” trimmer, is the most popular among our readers.

• Pros: Powerful, reliable, professional-grade
• Cons: Heavy, noisy

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9. Greenworks 21142

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.

• Pros: Affordable, low-vibration, versatile
• Cons: Limited by cord length

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10. Stihl FS 56 RC-E

String trimmers use a quick rotation to whip off the tops of grass and weeds. Selecting the best trimmer for your yard makes adding the finishing touches to the lawn an easy-to-complete task.

• Pros: Durable, powerful, reliable
• Cons: Expensive, requires maintenance

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11. ENHULK 58V

We were pleased to see how effortless ENHULK makes high-quality lawn care, even if you have a large yard, small stature, or a ton of heavy-duty weeds. With an advanced brushless motor, efficient battery, and pro-grade 0.095-inch dual twist cutting line, the trimmer easily cuts through excessively thick overgrowth.

• Pros: Powerful, efficient, lightweight
• Cons: Limited brand recognition

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12. Cat DG210

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.

• Pros: Lightweight, great for small yards, adjustable
• Cons: Not suitable for large areas

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Comparison Table of Top String Trimmers

Model	Power Source	Cutting Width	Weight	Price Range
Ego ST1623T	Battery	16 in.	12.3 lbs	$300-$400
Husqvarna 128LD	Gas	17 in.	11.1 lbs	$200-$250
Kobalt KST 2580-06	Battery	16 in.	11 lbs	$250-$300
DeWalt DCST925M1	Battery	13 in.	8.5 lbs	$150-$200
Makita XRU15PT1	Battery	15 in.	10.1 lbs	$500-$550
Worx WG170.2	Battery	12 in.	5.5 lbs	$100-$150
Black+Decker ST8600	Battery	12 in.	5.9 lbs	$80-$120
Echo SRM-2620	Gas	17 in.	12.5 lbs	$300-$350
Greenworks 21142	Corded	10 in.	7.1 lbs	$50-$80
Stihl FS 56 RC-E	Gas	16.5 in.	10.6 lbs	$250-$300
ENHULK 58V	Battery	16 in.	9.8 lbs	$200-$250
Cat DG210	Battery	12 in.	7.3 lbs	$100-$150

Test Scenarios and Performance

Testing Methodology

We test our gas-engine and battery-powered string trimmers in identical fashion. We use the machines on ordinary suburban lawn grasses such as blue grass, perennial ryegrass, and fescues in a variety of suburban and rural locations. However, our most intense testing occurred along the sloping bank of a sand floor drainage basin in southern New Jersey, where we use the trimmers to cut down knee-deep weeds and wild flowers. We also did considerable edging where sidewalks meet lawns. For battery-powered trimmers, our primary goal was to assess power and run time. For gas-engine trimmers, we wanted to judge whether the power they provided was offset by their noise and weight. For all trimmers, we wanted to see if each machine was comfortable and well balanced, and whether its line feed was finicky or robust.

Real-World Test Results

• Ego ST1623T: It is exceptionally effective at eliminating weeds, cutting through pretty much any grasses, weeds, shrubs, and bushes we pitted them against smoothly and effectively. Its variable squeeze trigger and two selectable speeds tackle tall grass and dense weeds with ease, even cutting through burly stalks and stems without showing any sign of a struggle.
• Husqvarna 128LD: This is an absolute monster of a string trimmer. If you put it in front of something, it’ll cut it. I brought this into my backwoods to cut back some ivy and underbrush, and I didn’t even really have to pay attention to what I was cutting. Everything I touched just disappeared.
• Kobalt KST 2580-06: In terms of balance, it is easy enough to get in and around objects while keeping a level cutting height. It is also maneuverable enough to turn on its side to edge around driveways or walkways, making it a great choice for landscaping pros and novices alike.

Buying Guide for String Trimmers

Key Considerations

When shopping for string trimmers (also known as weed eaters), consider the yard size, how often the tool will be used, and the height and strength of the primary user. The following key considerations may help you further understand what qualities you’ll want to look for while searching for the best battery trimmer for your needs:

• Yard Size: Let your lawn and landscape dictate which type of string trimmer you buy. Large-sized lawns do well with gas-powered trimmers that offer more power and extended runtimes. Small-to-medium-sized lawns work best with electric or cordless trimmers since they are lightweight and easier to maneuver.
• Power Source: Gas and electric string trimmers each have their place, so how do you decide which is best for you? If you have extensive trimming needs, such as a lawn care professional or large Tertiary search engine optimization large property owner, an electric string trimmer is not going to be able to keep up unless you buy multiple additional batteries, which will cost several hundred dollars.
• Ergonomics: The length of the shaft is an important factor for users, as it affects how comfortable it is to operate the machine. If the shaft is too long or too short, it will be uncomfortable to use. Many string trimmers have adjustable height shafts, which is a great option to ensure the fit is perfect and you don’t strain your back, arms, or shoulders while operating the string trimmer.
• Maintenance: The best weed wacker will provide ease of maintenance and have the availability of replacement parts.
• Noise and Emissions: Evaluate the noise levels and emissions of gas-powered trimmers, especially if you have noise restrictions or environmental concerns.

Safety Tips

• Wear safety goggles to shield your eyes from debris and ear plugs or headphones to protect your hearing.
• Always use the trimmer manufacturer’s recommended line size, since a heavier line will put extra stress on the motor.
• Be careful when trimming around trees. Flying tree bark can be dangerous, and trimmers can damage young saplings.
• Wear sturdy shoes or boots to protect your feet. If vibrations bother you or if your hands tend to blister, wear heavy-duty gloves while operating your trimmer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a string trimmer and a weed eater?

A string trimmer and a weed eater are the same tool, just referred to by different names. Both use a spinning line to cut grass and weeds in areas a lawnmower can’t reach.

How long do string trimmers last?

With proper care, string trimmers can last many years. Regular maintenance, such as replacing the line, charging batteries, or servicing gas engines, will extend their lifespan. The frequency of use also impacts durability.

Is a straight or curved shaft string trimmer better?

Curved shaft trimmers are lighter and more maneuverable, ideal for tight spaces. Straight shaft trimmers are heavier but more powerful, better suited for heavy-duty tasks or reaching under objects like decks.

Are battery-powered trimmers as powerful as gas-powered ones?

Modern battery-powered trimmers, like the Ego ST1623T or Kobalt KST 2580-06, rival gas models in cutting performance. They’re quieter and eco-friendly but may have limited runtime, typically around 30-45 minutes per charge.

Where can I find more information on lawn care tools?

For more insights, check out reputable sources like Consumer Reports or Popular Mechanics for detailed reviews and buying guides.