It’s not enough to mow your lawn with the best mowers. For a well-manicured look, you need to cut the grass where your mower can’t reach—like along fences and bordering flower beds. For that you need a string trimmer, often referred to as a weed eater or weed wacker.
After 30 years in the small engine and power equipment industry, I’ve seen my fair share of string trimmers. While some are great, others aren’t worth the string they come with. Below, I’m sharing the best string trimmers of this year to help you get the neatest lawn on the block!
Spend some time reading through each of our categories, selections, and criteria for picking the best string trimmer in its class. Don't forget to click on the trimmer to view the product page filled with more features, specs, reviews, and other great resources.
| Best String Trimmer | Best Cordless String Trimmer | Best Gas String Trimmer | Best Walk Behind String Trimmer | Best Brush Cutter |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda HHT35SLTAT |
|
When recommending string trimmers, we take five features into account.
String trimmer power matters when you’re dealing with thick or overgrown grass, and you need the muscle to get through it. Of course, how we measure power depends on whether we’re looking at a gas or cordless electric string trimmer.
For gas trimmers, we look at engine CCs or displacement. The higher an engine’s CC, the more power it has the potential to create. We also consider whether it’s a 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine. Typically, 2-stroke engines tend to be more powerful for their size and are built for speed, while 4-stroke engines are designed for torque and longevity. For cordless trimmers, we’re mainly concerned with battery voltage, how long the battery lasts, and charging time.
When considering durability, we’re interested in how well the trimmer can handle that accidental bump on a rock and, in general, how long it will last. Various factors influence trimmer durability, such as engine type (4-cycle engines typically last longer), weather resistance, and overall construction. To get the most out of your string trimmer investment, make sure it’ll last a few seasons.
Useability refers to how easily anyone can pick up, use, and maintain the string trimmer. For handheld models, the shaft design is a major component of useability. An adjustable shaft means that different people of various heights in your household can all make the shaft longer or shorter to suit them. Weight and ergonomic features impact how comfortable it is to use. Finally, how easy is it to replace and advance the string on the trimmer head? In the past, string replacement was often a big headache, but that’s no longer the case with many newer trimmers.
Versatility measures the breadth of applications a string trimmer can handle. For example, can you attach a blade to use on thick brush? With the right attachment capability, a string trimmer can do more than just trim grass. Can the trimmer’s speed be adjusted for greater precision or to match your pace? Variable speed control empowers you to tackle different parts of your lawn accordingly. We like our trimmers to adapt to the situation.
We prioritize performance over price, so you won’t necessarily find the cheapest trimmers on our list. That's why, instead of evaluating a string trimmer on price alone, we look at what you're getting for the price to arrive at an overall value rating.
Rest assured that the Honda HHT35SLTAT gas-powered string trimmer will handle whatever pesky grass you have in those hard-to-reach areas. Its straight shaft helps generate torque and will easily reach under your deck or down long, narrow corridors of grass. Power and durability aren’t an issue with a 35cc, quiet, 4-stroke engine that will cut through thicker weeds and overgrown or dense grass. The flex shaft design is shock absorbent, and the heavy-duty gearbox provides long component life and smooth operation.
Using this unit is a breeze. Everything about it is ergonomic, from the handle to the position of the controls (I don’t want to let go!) It comes with a shoulder strap and safety glasses to reduce arm fatigue and protect your eyes. Plus, the deflector is ingeniously designed to keep you safe from flying debris without compromising your visibility of where you’re cutting. If you need to tackle tougher brush, you can attach various blades (sold separately) for more cutting power. You’re getting a commercial-quality weed eater for a decent price that can handle whatever your yard throws at it.
| Spec | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 35cc, 4-cycle Honda GX engine | |
| Durability | Shock absorbent flex shaft design; Heavy-duty gearbox; Solid trigger design and loop handle | |
| Usability | Exceptionally quiet; Adjustable shaft length; Ergonomic handle & controls; Deflector doesn’t obstruct view; Includes shoulder strap & safety glasses; Weighs 14.8 pounds | |
| Versatility | Works with attachable blades for tougher brush | |
| Overall Value | Pricey for a string trimmer, but it packs a powerful punch and, with the blade kits, you’re also technically getting a brush cutter. Worth it. |
I thoroughly enjoyed using the EGO Power+ ST1511T string trimmer from the moment I put in the string. Because it self-winds, all I had to do was feed the line, press the green button, and I was in business. While normally I’d be wrestling with the string for a few minutes, the self-wind capability cut string loading time down to less than 10 seconds.
If you shy away from cordless string trimmers for power reasons, don’t. Packing in a 56-volt lithium-ion battery that can run for 45 minutes on a single charge, it’ll handle most residential lawns just fine. Charging time is 50 minutes with a standard charger and only 30 minutes with a rapid charger. What I love is that the ARC Lithium battery is compatible with other EGO+ products, such as the EGO+ LM2101 mower, incidentally one of our recommended walk-behind mowers.
Other features I liked were the variable speed control, adjustable shaft (we have tall and short people in our home), and the high efficiency brushless motor that maximizes run time and overall lifespan. This is truly the crème de la crème of cordless string trimmers.
| Specs | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 56-volt lithium-ion battery; Runs 45 minutes on single charge; 50-minute charging time, 30 minutes with rapid charger | |
| Durability | High efficiency brushless motor reduces vibration and improves lifetime; Weather-resistant construction | |
| Usability | Self-winding head makes replacing string easy, Adjustable shaft length | |
| Versatility | Battery is interchangeable with other EGO+ products, Variable speed control | |
| Overall Value | Great value for a reliable, easy-to-use string trimmer |
I picked this same unit as the best overall string trimmer above for its power and versatility. It delivers 35cc's of power to get through the thickest grass. Despite being a gas-powered beast, this tool is amazingly quiet compared to others in its class, mainly due to its 4-cycle engine that needs to fire half as much as a 2-stroke. The 4-stroke engine also means you don’t have to waste time mixing the correct amount of gas and oil like you would for a 2-stroke engine.
The optional blade kits are what really set the Honda HHT35SLTAT apart, though. Essentially, I can turn my string trimmer into a brush cutter by swapping the string with a blade, letting me tackle anything my yard throws its way. It’s built to last, with a heavy-duty gearbox and shock absorbent shaft that is adjustable and comes with a shoulder strap. If you need that feeling of power while trimming, this tool will do the trick.
| Specs | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 35cc, 4-cycle Honda GX engine | |
| Durability | Shock absorbent flex shaft design; Heavy-duty gearbox; Solid trigger design and loop handle | |
| Usability | Exceptionally quiet; Adjustable shaft length; Ergonomic handle & controls; Deflector doesn’t obstruct view; Includes shoulder strap & safety glasses; Weighs 14.8 pounds | |
| Versatility | Works with attachable blades for tougher brush | |
| Overall Value | Pricey for a string trimmer, but it packs a powerful punch and, with the blade kits, you’re also technically getting a brush cutter. Worth it. |
Tired of carrying that heavy string trimmer around your large property? Maybe it’s time for a walk-behind string trimmer. The Earthquake M605 makes removing weeds and overgrowth as easy as pushing a lawn mower. Its Briggs and Stratton 163cc motor delivers 7.25 ft.-lbs. of torque to the cutting head which uses .155” string and has a 22-inch cutting swath.
This wheeled string trimmer will easily power through even the toughest grass, weeds and brush. It is great for clearing fence lines, cutting along foundations and around ponds and lakes. It also features a one-piece steel deck, tool-less line replacement, large 14” wheels and a handle that can be adjusted to make using this trimmer comfortable for users of any height.
Besides large lawns, this trimmer also outperforms handheld models on steeper slopes up to 15 degrees. Its airless wheels provide better traction, and the sheer fact that you can push it means you don't have to tire out your arms while supporting a handheld trimmer on an incline. Trimming your lawn doesn't get any easier.
| Specs | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Power | Briggs & Stratton 163cc 4-Cycle Engine | |
| Durability | One-piece steel deck; Rust-resistant handle and housing; Vibration resistance; 14-inch airless wheels | |
| Usability | Convenient handlebar engine on/off switch; 22-inch cutting width; Adjustable Handle Height | |
| Versatility | Adjustable cutting height ranging from 1.5" - 3.0"; Mows slopes up to 15-degrees | |
| Overall Value | Worth the price for large, hilly lawns where using a handheld trimmer would be tiring. |
If you regularly deal with thick brush and weeds growing on your property, then you need to prioritze power over everything else. The 2-cycle ECHO SRM-2620U brush cutter delivers the power you need. For one, because it's a brush cutter, it is designed to use a variety of blades that can cut through dense vegetation, vines, and even saplings. Beyond this, the 25.44cc engine and 1.62:1 gear reduction between the output shaft and cutting blade increases torque for fast, efficient cutting.
I found that this tool is designed to last. It has a built-in vibration resistance system that reduces wear and tear. The 4 layers in the cable drive shaft provide it with enhanced protection, strength, and flexibility and contribute to a longer effective lifespan. Additionally, a two-stage air filtration system keeps the tool cleaner for longer.
What I enjoyed the most, though, was the ECHO's useability. Its straight shaft design is lightweight and easy to maneuver in tight areas. It comes with an ergonomic U-shaped handle that kept me from getting too tired and is foldable for easy storage. Finally, it has a comfortable rubber grip and comes with a shoulder harness, hip pad, and built-in armrest. Trust me, you will not regret getting this tool.
| Specs | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 25.4cc ECHO Professional-Grade 2-Cycle Engine; 1.62:1 gear reduction ratio | |
| Durability | Vibration reduction system, 4-layer cable drive shaft, Two-stage air filtration system | |
| Usability | Lightweight & easy to maneuver, Ergonomic U-shaped handle, Rubber over-mold grip; Includes shoulder harness, hip pad & built-in armrest | |
| Versatility | Compatible with multiple blades for various applications | |
| Overall Value | You get a lot of cutting power and options for a fair price |
A string trimmer, also known as a weed wacker or weed eater, is designed to cut grass and small weeds in places a lawn mower can’t reach, such as along fence lines, around trees, and along mulch boundaries. Instead of a blade, a string trimmer uses a piece of monofilament nylon string that rotates quickly enough to cut through grass.
String trimmers come in both gas and electric varieties, although electric ones, particularly cordless models, are becoming much more popular due to their quiet, clean performance and comparable power. Learn more in our string trimmer buyer’s guide.
You will need to replace the string on your string trimmer regularly, depending on how often and how intensely you use it. Replacement methods vary by manufacturer and by model, but you generally have to:
For more detailed instructions, read our guide on changing string trimmer line.
The difference between a string trimmer and a brush cutter comes down to cutting ability. A brush cutter uses a blade instead of string (although most can use both), and is designed to cut denser vegetation like thick weeds and even saplings. Learn more about brush cutters in our brush cutter buyer's guide.
Dale has been involved with gasoline powered engines, especially small engines, since he bolted the first one onto his Schwinn bike at 12 years old. After high school, he spent 19 years in the automotive parts industry, working for retailers, distributors, and manufacturers.
In 1994, Dale entered the small engine and power equipment industry, offering product and technical assistance to power equipment dealers and their customers. Since 2016, he has been a full-time sales and product expert at Power Equipment Direct, where he largely focuses on helping customers select the best lawn and garden equipment for their needs.
In his off time, Dale enjoys working on his own cars and power equipment. He is a go-to resource for friends, family, and coworkers who need a hand diagnosing or repairing their broken lawn mowers or string trimmers. When not around engines, he is a drummer in a local Chicago-area band. Hockey dominates his TV time during the NHL season, and he enjoys relaxing on his pontoon boat during the summer months.