Top 15 Best String Trimmers 2024

The Earthwise ST00115 is one of the most affordable string trimmers on the market in any category.

This model typically retails for under $50 and it does a pretty good job of keeping the weeds at bay.

It’s a corded electric string trimmer and it has a dual handle configuration for comfort and ease of use.

The 5-Amp motor is more than powerful enough for most home owners, but it’s probably not what you’re looking for if you have a lot of dense brush to deal with.

This machine has a comfortable rubber grip handle which absorbs any vibrations.

It also has an innovative flip-down edge guard that allows you to use it in some very tight spaces.

The ST00115 also comes equipped with a three position cutting head and a 15 inch wide cutting path, so it can be adjusted to individual user specifications.

This is a corded electric model so you do need a long enough extension cord and an available wall outlet to use it.

The straight shaft design does has its limitations, making it better for open areas and not ideal for getting under trees and bushes.

It is a dual string unit which partially explains this – they’re always more difficult to replace than single string configurations.

Also, the string feed doesn’t always perform as desired.

The Earthwise ST00115 corded string trimmer is a great buy for the average homeowner.

It isn’t the most powerful model on the market, but it gets the job done.

The flip-down edge guard is a nice feature and it does have a decent sized cutting width.

Other than issues with replacing the string, it does a great job for the price.

The Black & Decker GH900 is one of the best value grass trimmers you’ll find in the corded string trimmer category.

This model generally retails for somewhere between $50 and $75 and it’s a reliable machine.

It’s equipped with a 6.5 amp motor which offers ample power to trim most weed problems in your garden.

If you’re okay with dragging a cord around this one’s a good choice.

The GH900 has a continual feed system, so you don’t have to worry about constantly bumping it on the ground when the string’s too short.

It’s an easy machine to get the hang of, but it is only compatible with thinner string up to a maximum of .070 inches.

That means you may have to change spools relatively frequently – especially if you’re trimming dense underbrush on a regular basis.

On the plus side this is a lightweight machine that weighs just a little over 7 lbs.

That makes it easy to work with, even if you’re limited in how much you can lift.

This is a straight shaft model though and that does limit the tight spaces you can reach into with the machine.

This Black & Decker weed trimmer does have some issues though:

Overall the Black & Decker GH900 may be the best string trimmer under $75.

It does have some limitations and the automatic feed doesn’t always last, but it’s still a good deal.

If you have no problem with corded electric trimmers this a good choice to have on standby in your backyard shed.

Greenworks has become one of the more popular choices on the outdoor garden tool category in recent years.

That’s because they have a reputation for good quality products at an affordable price.

The Greenworks 21212 corded trimmer is a good example.

This machine costs under $50 and it still comes with a decent 5.5 amp motor.

That may not qualify it as the most powerful corded electric string trimmer on the market, but it’s perfect for small yards that need some straightforward trimming work.

The 21212 only cuts a 13 inch path and it does use .065 string so it’s not a heavy duty machine by any means.

This isn’t a machine for professional landscaping use – it’s strictly for basic yard maintenance for the average homeowner.

There are a couple of other troubling issues with this machine that are also related to the string.

Because the trimmer uses such thin string it tends to snap a lot during use.

That might not be a major issue if it had an automatic feed or a reliable bump feed system, but it doesn’t.

The feed system is notoriously unreliable.

If you’re simply looking for a good inexpensive string trimmer for a small yard, the Greenworks 21212 will do the job.

For anyone dealing with thick and persistent weeds this is not the right machine.

This is an entry level trimmer with few bells and whistles.

The Toro name has been synonymous with quality for decades and their 51480 trimmer and edger lives up to their fine reputation.

This machine can be purchased for less than $75 and it comes with a standard 2-year warranty.

It will cut a 14-inch path with each pass and it’s one of the lightest machines on the market at slightly more than 6 lbs.

Even for a corded electric trimmer that’s very lightweight.

It has a standard dual line trimming deck that takes care of the weeds in half the time of single line machines and with less line breakage.

The 51480 is also designed to be both a trimmer and edger – the transition between the two features is simple and only takes a couple of seconds.

It also comes with an auto-feed trim line.

It is a corded model so it has the standard limitations of needing an outlet, but other than that it’s a relatively user-friendly machine.

The straight shaft is telescoping so you can adjust it to match your height and the handle can be adjusted as well.

It’s likely the most user-friendly machine in the corded trimmer category.

It isn’t a perfect machine though:

That may be a relatively common issue with lower end machines, but it doesn’t make it any less frustrating.

While it does have some shortcomings, the Toro 51480 trimmer and edger is our pick for best corded electric string trimmer.

This machine is packed full of features for an affordable garden tool and probably the best one is being able to transition between a trimmer and edger.

The Worx WG119 Electric Grass trimmer is one of the more innovative electric grass trimmers on the market today.

This is a tool with all of the standard features, but it also has a unique tilting shaft.

You can adjust the shaft to match your height and posture. Worx has clearly designed this trimmer with comfort in mind.

The WG119 cuts a fairly wide path at 15 inches that will cut your trimming time down when compared to some of the cheaper models on the market.

It also has a 4 position head adjustment feature that allows you to use it as an edger as well.

These are pretty impressive features for a machine that retails for under $50.

This trimmer only weighs about 6.5 pounds so you probably won’t need a harness unless you’re planning to do hours of trimming work.

It features a straight shaft design so it’s not ideal for the tight corners.

It does have an auto feed system as well.

For a machine with so many great features the Worx WG119 does have its fair share of critics:

If you’re looking for a great string trimmer on a tight budget, the Worx WG119 is a great choice.

It has many features you’d expect to find on a more expensive machine.

It may not be the most powerful trimmer, but the average homeowner it will do a great job.

If corded trimmers are not practical because you have a larger yard, that doesn’t mean you automatically have to opt for a gas-guzzler.

You can still have cordless freedom and do your part for the environment.

There are a whole host of options when it comes to battery powered string trimmers and the Black & Decker LSTE525 is one of the better ones.

This machine has a powerful 20 volt motor and it retails for well under $100.

This tool is both a trimmer and edger and the transition mechanism is easy to use, making it simple to switch back and forth as needed.

It also has a power drive transmission that gives it extra torque when needed to tackle thick weeds.

It also comes with a nice EASYFEED feature that allows you to advance your string line with the simple push of a button.

You might thing a battery powered trimmer would be a little heavier than it’s corded relatives, but that’s not the case.

The LSTE525 weighs in at just 6.3 lbs.

It has a straight shaft that’s adjustable to match your height and the handle can be adjusted as well.

Unfortunately, the cutting width on this machine is only 12 inches.

These are common issues with battery powered string trimmers, but Black & Decker does do better in this regard than most.

The Black & Decker LSTE525 is one of the best battery powered string trimmers and edger’s available.

Like most battery powered models it does suffer from power issues, but it does a good job on most small to medium sized yards.

Makita makes some great outdoor power tools and the XRU02Z doesn’t disappoint.

Its sleek compact design is not only pleasing to the eye it’s also quite practical.

The XRU02Z is a little pricier than other trimmers. It typically retails for somewhere in the $100 neighborhood.

What you get for that is a machine that operates at 7800 RPM’s.

It has an ergonomic design with maximum comfort in mind and it’s lightweight as well at 6.4 lbs.

The shaft is fully adjustable and it has an adjustable pivot head to get into the tight areas.

The machine offers up to 60 minutes of running time on one charge, although this will vary depending on the type of trimming it’s being used for.

It also boasts one of the fastest recharge times on the market.

The three-year warranty really sets this machine apart from its competitors.

Makita has a reputation for standing by their work and that’s why they offer an extra years warranty on most of their competitors.

The shaft is a straight design, but the fact that it’s adjustable does make up for this somewhat.

The Makita XRU02Z is one of the most reliable battery-operated weed eaters around.

With approximately 1 hour of trimming time, it will last long enough to complete the average job no problem.

The power can be inconsistent some times, but overall it’s good enough for most homeowners.

The Worx WG155 Cordless Lithium String Trimmer and Edger may be the best battery powered trimmer under $80.

This trimmer has a 20 volt lithium ion battery that gives it plenty of power to cut through most weeds.

This mid-priced machine has all of the features you’d expect in a much more expensive model.

The WG155 is a combination trimmer and edger with a simple transition mechanism that allows you to switch between features effortlessly.

The string feed is automatic so you don’t have to worry about the old fashioned bump feed style most of us are used to.

It also has a telescopic shaft and a fully adjustable trimming head.

Probably the most common reason that people avoid battery powered garden tools is because of the unreliability of the charge.

This trimmer is designed to last for about an hour without needing to recharge.

For the average homeowner, that’s plenty of time to get their trimming done and then they can set it to charge for the next use.

You can only trim a 10-inch path with each pass.

That’s easily one of the smallest cutting areas of any trimmer. It takes a little longer to trim all the weeds.

If you want a compact trimmer without the hassles of being tied down by a cord, the Worx WG155 is a decent machine.

Unfortunately, its 10 inch cutting width is hard to overlook.

This machine is best for homeowners with small yards and few obstacles to deal with.

Greenworks prides itself on its versatile line of tools and their 12-inch 40V Cordless String Trimmer certainly fits that profile.

This little machine features one of the largest batteries in the cordless category and it’s got enough juice to keep trimming for more than an hour on one charge.

This isn’t the cheapest weed wacker around, but it’s still reasonably priced at just under $150.

This machine is meant strictly for use on small to medium sized yards.

It only cuts a 12 inch path with each pass so it’s not appropriate for large industrial applications.

It also uses a thing 0.065 inch string so you can expect to go through a lot of it in a summer.

A nice feature it does have is a variable speed trigger that comes in handy when doing trimming around the flowerbeds.

This 12-inch Greenworks trimmer weighs 9.2 pounds, which isn’t bad for a battery-powered machine.

It has a straight shaft design, so it’s really meant for trimming open areas.

It does have considerably less vibration than other trimmers though so this is an important consideration.

In some cases it may need recharging in as little as 20 minutes, although this is only usually a problem when using it on thick and heavy weeds.

The Greenworks 12-inch 40V trimmer is a capable little machine if used appropriately.

It’s not ideal for use on thick weeds, but it will do a great job on small yards.

The variable speed trigger is also a handy feature.

It might be a little cliché to leave the best for last, but that doesn’t make it any less true when it comes to the Dewalt DCST990H1.

This trimmer is a powerful little machine has a 40 volt lithium ion battery powering its motor that has few rivals in the battery powered trimmer category.

You will pay extra for all that power though. This machine usually retails for around $300.

The DCST990H1 is a bit heavier than some of the other battery powered models, but at 12 lbs its still quite manageable.

One of the best features of this machine is that you have complete control of the speed that you cut with using the variable speed trigger.

That allows you to slow things down when you’re working around your prized flower garden.

It also has an impressive 15-inch cutting width that’s as large as some small lawnmowers.

This Dewalt has a 3 year limited warranty and a full money back guarantee within the first 90 days of purchase.

The battery lasts for about an hour and that’s impressive for a machine that rivals gas models for power.

The DCST990H1 does have its critics:

There may be some legitimate criticisms of the Dewalt DCST990H1, but it is clearly the class of the field in the cordless battery powered trimmer category.

Not only does it rival gasoline powered models for its power, but it also has one of the widest cutting paths.

To top it all off it has a 3 year warranty and a money back guarantee.

Gasoline powered trimmers may cost a little more money, but they’re unrivalled for their power.

Modern models like the Poulan Pro PR25CD also meet the strictest environmental standards.

This machine has 2-stroke gas powered engine and it has an impressive 16 inch cutting deck.

It’s also surprisingly affordable for a gas-powered model at about $125.

The PR25CD is equipped with a SureFire fuel delivery system and a spring assisted pull start starter system.

It also has a dual line tap and go feed system that allows you to keep working with few interruptions.

In addition to these features, it’s also compatible with up to five other Poulan tool attachments.

This trimmer has a curved shaft design that allows you to get under trees and brushes to take care of the weeds hiding in the shadows.

This is a bit of a heavy machine at 14 lbs, but that’s not unusual for a gasoline-powered model.

It comes with a standard 2 year warranty and the company does have a reputation for standing behind their products.

The Poulan ProPR25CD (967105401) is the best gas powered string trimmer under $150 dollars.

It’s not the highest quality machine, but it performs adequately in most situations.

If you’re on a budget, but you still want gas powered trimming this is a good option.

The Weed Eater W25SFK is a uniquely designed gas powered string trimmer with some impressive features.

As is the case with most gas powered models this one is a little more expensive than its battery powered and electric counterparts.

It retails in the $200 range, which is about average for a gas powered string trimmer.

The W25SFK isn’t the most powerful machine at 25cc’s but it has enough power for backyard jobs.

It’s not an industrial strength machine by any means.

It does offer a competitive 15-inch wide cutting path and that will speed up the process of trimming the garden.

This Weed Eater model also has a simple 2 start starting system that eliminates some of the frustrations that some homeowners have when using gas powered trimmers.

For a gasoline powered trimmer this a relatively lightweight option at 10lbs.

That makes it ideal for someone that wants the power of a gasoline-powered model, but has certain physical limitations that make it hard to handle a heavy machine.

This machine does have some problems:

The Weed Eater W25SFK is a decent string trimmer, but there are better choices in the same price category.

Its power is somewhat limited and it has a bit of an unbalanced design.

Tanaka may not be a household name when it comes to home garden tools, but it should be.

Their TCG22EAP2SLB 2-cycle gas trimmer is one of the best gas powered weed wackers around.

If you have some weeds that are giving you trouble this machine will take care of them.

This trimmer has a 4 stroke engine that gets the most out of its 25cc’s.

The TCG22EAP2SLB has a curved shaft design that makes it perfect for awkward areas.

You don’t have to worry about getting this machine started as its S-Start system ensures effortless start up requiring minimal effort.

It has an extra-long 54-inch shaft that means you don’t have to bend over when using it and that’s great for the back.

This Tanaka machine is a lightweight grass trimmer at 10.1 pounds and it has built-in anti-vibration technology for extra comfort.

It’s Walbro carburetor has a purge bulb that removes air for easier starts.

It also well-balanced and easy to maneuver.

In addition, it also holds up to 13 feet of .095 inch string line.

Like its competitors, it does have its critics:

The critics of the Tanaka TCG22EAP2SLB are definitely in the minority.

This is our pick for best gasoline powered string trimmer.

It combines the right mix of power and comfort that makes it hard to match.

The Husqvarna 324L is a quality string trimmer with some great features.

It has a 25cc 4 stroke engine with enough power to spare.

It’s designed for heavy duty use and its 324 liter tank allows for hours of use without refueling.

You can trim a lot of weeds with this machine.

The air purge system removes air from the carburetor and the fuel system ensures it starts just about every time.

It also has a Smart Start engine that requires very little effort to get it going.

There’s nothing more frustrating than a trimmer that won’t start so this is a great feature to have.

This Husqvarna product has a swivel mounted trim head as well that makes it possible to make adjustments depending on personal preference.

This is a relatively heavy machine though at 17 pounds so it may require a harness to prevent yourself from tiring quickly.

It has a straight shaft design so it’s best for use in open areas.

The handle is well cushioned and it has anti-vibration technology for extra comfort.

The Remington RM2510 is a good option for an entry level gas trimmer.

It retails for under $100 and it has respectable power in a 25cc 2-Cycle engine.

It is quite a heavy machine though at just over 14 pounds so you’ll definitely want to consider purchasing a harness as well to prevent tiring.

This trimmer has some great features. It has a curved shaft design so you can use it in some tight spaces.

The RM2510 also uses thick 0.095 inch string so it can cut through some pretty thick weeds.

It’s not equipped with an auto feed system, but it does have a bump feed that works pretty well.

It also cuts a 16-inch path with each pass that’s one of the widest available in a trimmer priced under $200.

This trimmer also has QuickStart technology that requires minimal effort when starting.

It also features an ergonomic handle for comfort and shock absorbing technology.

The trimmer is backed by an industry standard 2-year warranty.

Still, it’s hard to find a gas-powered trimmer that’s affordable so this is our choice as the best gasoline powered trimmer under $100.

The Remington RM251o has issues with power, but it’s easily one of the most affordable gasoline powered trimmers available.

It does cut an impressive 16 inch path with each pass and it uses nice thick string so you don’t have to worry about constant breakage.

That makes up for the fact that it doesn’t include an auto feed feature.