:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/MichelleUllman-d438f56c161e4706bc3434073ce12e44.jpg){kind=small}
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/MichelleUllman-d438f56c161e4706bc3434073ce12e44.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/SPR-black-and-decker-weed-eater-LST300-laurey-w-glenn-photo-01-0d58c7a1c7da4790b6ff5aa6fe923442.jpg)
The Spruce
If the edges of your lawn are looking a bit long and unkempt where your mower can't quite reach, it's time to break out a tool that can get into edges, nooks, and crannies: a weed whacker. These tools, which are also called weed eaters and string trimmers, can give your grass the trim it needs.
As experts in gardening gear, tools, and more, here at The Spruce we've researched the best weed whackers across popular retailers and brands. And we've learned the most important detail to consider as you shop is a string trimmer's power source.
Gas-powered weed whackers are the most powerful option, though they're heavy, require regular refueling, and create smelly fumes. Yet they're the best choice for maintaining a large property, trimming grass along the edge of a flowerbed, or taming overgrown weeds.
For most yard cleanup, though, an electric weed whacker is sufficient. Electric weed whackers are much quieter than gas-powered models, require no refueling (other than the occasional battery charge on cordless models), and don't vibrate as heavily during use.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall
Ryobi Electric Cordless String Trimmer
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/ryobi-40-volt-lithium-ion-brushless-electric-cordless-string-trimmer-7d9addc31d1947eb9e2e45bcb722ac6d.jpg)
Multiple attachments available
Variable speed
Adjustable cutting width
Very easy to reload with string
Not great for woody weeds
If you want the power of a gas weed whacker but the convenience of a battery-powered tool, then this 40-volt offering from Ryobi is the answer. Our top choice of string trimmer is loaded with great features, including a brushless motor for longer life with less required maintenance and an adjustable handle so you can position it comfortably for your height.
We also appreciate its two-speed trigger with variable speed control, so you can go faster when you need extra power for tough weeds or brush, and slow the tool down to extend the battery run-time when merely cutting small weeds and grass. Plus, it has an adjustable cutting width, with a minimum of 13 inches and a maximum of 15 inches.
This string trimmer comes with 0.085-inch string, which is good for trimming grass and weeds, but you can also load it with 0.095-inch string if desired for tackling tougher weeds, light brush, or thick grass. Either way, the weed whacker is very easy to reload, thanks to the REEL EASY head, which can be rewound in under 60 seconds.
When you want to let out more string, a gentle bump of the tool against the ground advances just the right amount so you can keep working without having to stop and let out line by hand. The tool also comes with a set of serrated plastic blades, which can be fitted into the tool's head in place of string to cut tougher brush and weeds. While not nearly as strong as metal blades, these do a good job on softer weeds and grasses.
This versatile weed whacker works with the Ryobi line of Expand-It accessories, sold separately, which can turn your string trimmer into a pole saw, electric hedge trimmer, soil cultivator, snow blower, and more quickly and easily. It comes with one Ryobi lithium-ion 40-volt battery and charger, which are compatible with any other Ryobi tool using a 40-volt battery. Depending on conditions, you can get up to one hour and 10 minutes of run-time from the battery before needing to recharge.
Type: Cordless electric | Weight: 11.3 pounds | Engine/Battery Power: 40 volts | Shaft Type: Straight | Maximum Cutting Width: 15 inches
Is a string or blade weed whacker better?
Most weed whackers use a thin, rapidly spinning plastic cord to cut grass and weeds. Brush cutters, on the other hand, are similar, but more powerful tools that use metal blades to tackle thick brush, tough weeds, and highly overgrown grass. If you're hoping to find a weed whacker that can do both, typically only a gas weed whacker can convert to metal blades.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/greenworks-55-amp-15-corded-electric-string-trimmer-caf4185fa4274f4e9a33262c2670c081.jpg)
Telescoping handle
15-inch cutting swath
Head pivots for use as trimmer or edger
Some complaints that it is difficult to refill the string spool
Only uses lightweight string
Just because a weed whacker comes at a good value doesn't mean you have to forgo great features, as this corded electric offering from Greenworks proves. Plug the tool into an outdoor-rated extension cord up to 100 feet in length, and don't worry about smelly gasoline fumes or worrying about a battery running down before you finish.
Suited to a small-to-medium yard, this string trimmer's head easily pivots for use as a trimmer or an edger, doubling its versatility. It has a 15-inch cutting swath and uses 0.065-inch string, which automatically advances as the exposed string wears down.
When you need to reload the string, you can use pre-filled spools or rewind bulk string onto the spool that comes with the tool. However, you cannot use heavy-weight string with this weed whacker, and if you choose to rewind the spool, rather than replace it, it can be a bit tricky to do correctly.
The handle telescopes from 40 inches to 50 inches, and the grip is also adjustable, so you can set the weed whacker to fit your own height, making it comfortable to use for lengthy gardening sessions. Its 5.5-amp motor runs smoothly and quietly and has enough power to quickly cut through grass and non-woody weeds. At only seven pounds, this is a reasonably lightweight string trimmer, so it won't wear you down before the job is through.
Type: Corded electric | Weight: 7 pounds | Engine/Battery Power: 5.5 amp | Shaft Type: Straight | Maximum Cutting Width: 15 inches
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/echo-254-cc-gas-2-stroke-straight-shaft-trimmer-a029614dd1394200b1c21ed6ee691ee9.jpg)
Powerful cutting capabilities
Fairly easy to start
Wide cutting swath
Can be converted for use with metal blades
Noisy
Gas fumes
If you have a large area of brush, overgrown grass, or woody weeds to clear, then you'll appreciate the extra power of a gas weed whacker like this one from Echo, which runs on a 25.4 cc, professional-grade two-stroke engine. Like other gas-powered weed eaters, you'll need to fill the gas tank with a 50:1 ratio of fuel to oil mix.
Echo's i-30 starting system makes it much easier to start up this weed whacker than most others, and once powered on, this sturdy beast chews steadily through just about anything you ask it to. The handles are padded and ergonomically shaped for comfort and are also designed to greatly reduce the amount of vibration that reaches your hands and arms.
The 0.095-inch heavy-duty string advances with a bump of the tool against the ground. When the string runs out, the ECHO Speed-Feed system reloads in seconds without the need for tools, so there's no frustrating fuss or trouble. With a 17-inch cutting swath, you can work your way across the lawn quickly.
Should you need even more powerful cutting action, ECHO sells a separate conversion kit that lets you swap out the string head for a metal-bladed head that easily cuts through thick underbrush and overgrown weeds. Be aware that this weed whacker is quite loud and does emit gas fumes, as is typical for gas-powered tools.
Type: Gas | Weight: 13.4 pounds | Engine/Battery Power: 25.4 cc | Shaft Type: Straight | Maximum Cutting Width: 17 inches
Two-stroke and four-stroke engines: What's the difference?
Two-stroke (or two-cycle) weed whackers are lighter and easier to maintain than four-stroke models. They also typically have more power. Four-stroke (or four-cycle) models, on the other hand, are quieter and produce fewer emissions. However, four-stroke weed whackers are pricier.
Best Heavy-Duty
Milwaukee Cordless Quik-Lok String Trimmer
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/BLACKDECKER3-in-1StringTrimmerEdgerLawnMower6.5-Amp-504a482db6af4cf8af517af650c2036a.jpg)
Very powerful
Works with Milwaukee's line of Quik-Lok attachments
Adjustable cutting swath
Expensive
This professional-quality cordless string trimmer has the kind of power and run-time you'd expect from a gas weed whacker, thanks to its M18 8.0-Ah lithium-ion battery. This sturdy option consists of two parts: a Milwaukee M18 FUEL power head with Quik-Lok and a Milwaukee M18 FUEL Quik-Lok string trimmer attachment.
You can use any of Milwaukee's other compatible attachments with the fuel head, making this a very versatile tool that can carry out a wide range of landscaping tasks. It has enough power to clear through thick brush, overgrown grass, and heavy weeds, reaching full throttle in less than a second and maintaining power without bogging down. The tool is designed for good balance, making it easy to carry and comfortable to use, even on lengthy yard tasks.
A variable-speed trigger lets you go faster when you need more power, or slow things down when you want to extend battery run-time as much as possible. The cutting width of the weed whacker adjusts from 14 to 16 inches. The string that comes with the tool is 0.080 inches, but you can also use it with a heavier 0.095-inch line. Either way, you can reload the string reel in just a few seconds.
When the string gets short during use, just bump the trimmer against the ground to advance more string. Not everyone needs a weed eater with this kind of power, and at this price point, but for those who do, it's hard to beat this offering from Milwaukee.
Type: Cordless electric | Weight: 12.3 pounds | Engine/Battery Power: 18 volts | Shaft Type: Straight | Maximum Cutting Width: 16 inches
Best with Attachments
Black+Decker Corded String Trimmer With Lawn Mower Attachment
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/BLACKDECKER3-in-1StringTrimmerEdgerLawnMower6.5-Amp-702e44be362843b0add6abc4e49a3ca1.jpg)
Great for small yard or slopes
Easily swivels for use as edger or trimmer
No way to bag grass clippings automatically
With most models of string trimmers, you have to purchase attachments separately. However, this 6.5-amp corded electric weed whacker from Black+Decker comes with a lawnmower attachment, making this a highly versatile tool for small backyards. In fact, it's three tools in one: edger, string trimmer, and lawnmower. It's especially good for mowing on slopes or hills where a traditional lawnmower can be hard to maneuver.
It can be used with an outdoor-rated extension cord up to 150 feet in length, so you can work your way around most small yards. Since there is no way to add a clipping bag to the tool, you can leave the grass clippings in place on the lawn to decompose into mulch or rake them up once you are finished mowing.
The string trimmer uses a 0.065-inch string and offers a 12-inch cutting swath. There's an automatic string feed, so you don't have to stop and reel string out yourself or worry about bumping it against the ground while mowing.
For use as a mower, the trimmer simply snaps into the mower base. You can adjust the mower's cutting height from 1.6 inches to 2.4 inches; the mower does not have blades but simply uses the spinning string to cut the grass, and it does a great job on most lawn types. You can even adjust the height of this tool's handle between 33 inches and 43 inches to make it comfortable for your height.
Type: Corded electric | Weight: 9.9 pounds | Engine/Battery Power: 6.5 amps | Shaft Type: Straight | Maximum Cutting Width: 12 inches
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a cordless electric weed whacker that not only has plenty of power but is also loaded with great features like an adjustable cutting swath, variable speed control, and compatibility with numerous attachments for other landscaping purposes, then it’s hard to go wrong with the Ryobi 40-Volt Brushless Electric String Trimmer. But if you need the kind of power that only a gas tool can deliver, then the ECHO 25.4 cc Gas 2-Stroke Straight-Shaft Trimmer is our recommendation. It has a 17-inch cutting swath and can be converted for use with metal blades instead of string.
What to Look for in a Weed Whacker
Consider the Type of Whacker
There are three basic types of weed whackers, based on their power source.
Gas-powered weed whackers like the ECHO 25.4 cc Gas 2-Stroke Straight Shaft Trimmer are the most powerful type, making them the best suited for large properties or for chewing through heavy brush. On the downside, they are much louder than electric models and can be heavier and more difficult to start. Plus, they require you to have a supply of gasoline on hand, and in many areas, they are being phased out due to their emissions.
Corded electric string trimmers are not as popular as they once were, but are still a fine choice if you are looking for a low-priced weed whacker, you don’t have a very large lawn or garden to maintain, and you have access to an outdoor electrical outlet and an outdoor-rated extension cord of 50 feet or more. The Ryobi 10-Amp Attachment-Capable Corded String Trimmer has an 18-inch cutting swath and great power.
Cordless or battery-powered weed whacker are now the most popular type—the Dewalt 60-Volt Cordless String Trimmer Kit is our top option—particularly in areas where gas-powered models are restricted. Today’s cordless weed whackers have good power, although not as much as a gas-powered model. Still, they have more than enough oomph to maintain a small to medium-sized lawn.
As a rough guideline, you’ll generally get half an hour or so of runtime before you need to recharge the battery on a cordless weed whacker. For many people, that’s all that’s needed to get the job done. If you have a big lawn, then it’s convenient to keep two batteries on hand so one can recharge while the other is in use. Other benefits of cordless weed whackers include a lack of smelly emissions, immediate starting at the press of a button, reduced vibrations, and quiet operation.
Choose Your Weed Whacker's Power Carefully
There are gas weed whackers for home use with 20 cc engines and professional models with as much as 50 cc engines, but the majority of gas-powered weed whackers used by the average homeowner have 22 cc to 28 cc engines, which provide plenty of power for tackling overgrown weeds, grass, and brush.
When it comes to electric weed whackers, corded models for very light use might have as little motor power as 3 amps or as much as 10 amps, but for typical home use, a motor in the middle of that range is more than sufficient. Cordless weed whackers can use batteries between 18 volts and 80 volts, but again, the middle of that range is generally powerful enough for regular home use.
Decide How Much Cutting Width You Need
A string trimmer’s cutting swath or cutting width is the width of the tool’s cutting capacity, indicating how much you’ll be able to trim in one pass. There are weed whackers with cutting swaths as small as 10 inches, like our best cordless option, the Dewalt 60-Volt Cordless String Trimmer Kit, and weed whackers with large 20-inch cutting widths, but most are between 12 and 16 inches.
If you have a large lawn, a string trimmer like the Ryobi 40-Volt Brushless Electric String Trimmer, with a wide cutting swath, will help you trim more quickly. But if you need a tool that can squeeze between shrubs, rocks, or other obstacles, then you’ll find that a weed whacker with a smaller cutting swath can maneuver a bit more easily.
Some higher-end weed whackers have adjustable cutting swaths that let you go up or down a couple of inches. Our top choice, the Ryobi 40-Volt Brushless Electric String Trimmer, can be adjusted for cutting widths between 13 and 15 inches.
Think About Weed Whacker Noise Level and Vibrations
Generally, cordless string trimmers are fairly quiet; you’ll mostly hear the whirl of the string and the sound of grass or weeds giving way. However, gas-powered weed whackers are loud enough to require ear protection during use, and corded electric models may or may not be loud enough to make you want to cover your ears, depending on the brand and model.
You should also wear eye protection when using any type of weed eater, as there is always a danger of stones or debris being tossed up into your face.
Vibration can be an issue with many weed whackers, especially gas-powered models. This can be tiring if you are using the tool for an extended session of trimming or chewing through brush. Some brands now build anti-vibration technology into their string trimmers, usually in the form of a handle that helps reduce some of the vibrations.
You can find this in the ECHO 25.4 cc Gas 2-Stroke Straight Shaft Trimmer (our best gas pick). You can cut down even further on unpleasant hand numbness or fatigue by wearing a good pair of thick work gloves while you use your weed whacker.
Don't Overlook a Trimmer's Weight
Since you’ll be holding your weed whacker or string trimmer the entire time you're working, its weight can become an issue. You don’t want to be tired out before you finish your edging or trimming.
As a general rule, electric weed whackers tend to be quite a bit lighter than gas-powered models. Most electric weed eaters weigh 12 pounds or less (like the Ryobi Electric Cordless String Trimmer, which weighs just over 11 pounds), although battery-powered models are usually heavier than those with a cord. Gas weed whackers generally weigh between 12 and 18 pounds.
Opt for Safety Features
Any weed whacker should have a protective guard over the string to help keep rocks and other debris from flying toward you. However, you should always wear closed shoes, long pants, and eye protection when using these tools.
Most weed whackers have the power switch placed so you can easily shut the tool off immediately should there be an emergency.
Straight or Curved Shaft: Which is Best for You?
There are two basic styles of weed whacker shafts: straight and curved.
Curved shafts are generally easier to maneuver around rocks and other obstacles and are less tiring to the user’s back during long work sessions.
However, straight shafts give you more reach and can be extended underneath shrubs or fences. and that's why we opted to include only straight shaft string trimmers on our list. Weed whackers with straight shafts often have a little more power, and battery run-time tends to be a little longer, too, but the choice between the two mostly comes down to personal preference.
Think About String Control
Weed whackers work by spinning a thin plastic string-like cord very rapidly, which creates enough force to slice through grass, weeds, and brush. Most weed eaters have a roll of string within the base of the tool, so you can reel out more as the cord wears down, which can happen fairly quickly when working on thick brush or grass.
There are three basic methods for reeling out more cord:
- Automatic feed senses when the cord is getting short and reels out more without you needing to do anything. The Greenworks 5.5 Amp 15-inch Corded Electric String Trimmer (our best value option) is an auto-feed weed whacker.
- Push-button feed requires you to push a button on the weed eater’s handle to reel out more string.
- Bump-feed weed whacker reel out more cord when the trimmer is bumped against the ground.
Once the reel of string is empty, you’ll need to refill it. This is a fairly simple process for most weed whackers, but be sure to read the instructions before attempting it for the first time.
Note that there are also different thicknesses of string-trimmer lines or strings: as a general rule, 0.065-inch to 0.085-inch string is for light-to-moderate trimming of grass and weeds. For heavier weeds, brush, or tough grass, string that's between 0.085-inches and 0.110-inches is required. Many string trimmers can use different sizes of line so you can switch them out if necessary.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Michelle Ullman, who specializes in home and garden products. She has been writing for The Spruce since 2020, covering a wide range of home improvement products including power and hand tools, painting supplies, landscaping tools, and tool organizers. To choose the best weed whackers for this article, she consulted dozens of customer and third-party reviews, considering each product's power source, performance, ease of use, versatility, and value.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/spr-landscape-fabrics-apr-24-test-vevor-woven-weed-barrier-laura-hard-03-1-1-de6f5d8c320e464db0910394f7840b24.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/tomato-fertilizers-tout-6489fc0b315545b9aaad0ec38f420850.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/spr-tier-3-product-sewanta-plastic-hummingbird-feeder-ant-guard-ebrockob-001-7fadd4dd258241578ae9622b03c3edfc.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/the-best-garden-sprayers-tout-0a68fd36cad04370bc97d79b530213cd.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/spr-tier-3-primary-best-pruners-ebrockob-001-1-38ac49a68b444872a02789cb28753ecf.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/spr-detail-true-temper-poly-wheelbarrow-hwortock-018-2-7bbebc1bfaa14377b167883e27730b2d.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/spr-uehict-plant-grow-light-with-metal-stand-sara-luckey-19-1-c552de5ab79e425e98c16ec520a7cf96.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/spr-tier-3-primary-best-bird-feeders-ebrockob-001-de2b8c6f3d454c99abbc562331b35f28.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/the-best-retractable-awnings-tout-ed101481f0cf43d680c0710e023834d5.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/spr-tier-3-primary-best-squirrel-proof-bird-feeders-ebrockob-001-1a2720dfd8884f24b640427f8c74d1d5.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/spr-composters-may-24-test-loomi-bloom-hwortock-001-013-1-02a08bfdb1954d759044ab6be2f69cde.jpeg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/greenhouses-tout-149efb7e253c4064a2eac86bbd5e91e6.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Amoji-Sloggers-Hunter-Crocs-Evercreatures-Group-Caitlin-Sole-01-9ffbf6da0afc415facbed6721727079b.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/spr-best-landscape-edging-tout-0554c28cb47c4b749eaddf4f680c3698.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/SPR_GroupShot__RM_1682-590b002d7415474bb6c3f2dee11261b0.jpg)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/CoolJob-Skydeer-FloralSociety-StoneBreaker-GroupPhoto-Caitlin-Sole-01-1-448f154f95e54ea6a7dec1ef0da77d84.jpg)