The Best Weed Wackers and String Trimmers of 2024

Used indiscriminately over wide swathes of grass, lawn mowers are the brute force of the lawn care world. But when it comes to more detailed work, the a weed wacker or string trimmer will be your best friend. Also known as line trimmers and weed eaters, these slim, handheld power tools are designed to make short work of garden and lawn maintenance. They're adept at nitty gritty details, like the weeds around edges and ledges of patios, walkways, bushes, and flower beds. But not all weed wackers are created equal. Over the course of a hot, wet (i.e., verdant overgrowth choked) summer, we put some of the best string trimmers from leading brands to the test.

The best weed eater we've tested is the powerful Kobalt KST 2580-06 (available at Lowe's) , which works like a gas-powered plaything, but without the fumes, racket, and weight. But, if you prefer one that's light and quiet, not to mention a good value, invest in the Dewalt DCST925M1 (available at The Home Depot) string trimmer, which we named the Best Value option on the market.

Even still, these are just two of the many string trimmers we tested, so keep on reading on all the heavy duty details on some of our favorite outdoor power tools to make keeping up with your yard less exhausting.

How We Tested Weed Wackers and String Trimmers

The Testers

I’m Jean Levasseur, a former conveyor mechanic, current property manager, and hobbyist woodworker, in addition to being a writing instructor at a local university. I come from a family of tool-users—my grandfather was a carpenter, my father owned an excavation company, and my mother was a mechanic. Between growing up working for my family’s businesses and then moving onto my own projects, I’ve used most tools you’ve heard of and quite a few that you haven’t. I've also got a huge yard filled with plants, grass, weeds, and other tricky growth, which was perfect for testing string trimmers and weed wackers.

I’ve recently retested and added new products to this list, as well as considering previous tests and notes from Sarah Zorn, an amateur gardener, currently in possession of an urban garden in New York City.

The Tests

We assembled each trimmer, taking note of how clear the manual instructions were, how much set-up was required, and how easy it was to install a new string. We looked at safety features, such as locking power switches and trimmer guards. We also assessed how comfortable each unit was; if the weight was evenly distributed from top to bottom, if the controls were accessible, where the handles were situated, and if the shafts could be adjusted for better reach. Then we put the trimmers to work on both short and tall grass, as well as tougher roots and weeds, seeing how quickly, efficiently and consistently they tackled each job, and maneuvered around edges and obstacles without running out of battery or breaking a string.

What To Know About Weed Wackers and String Trimmers

While a gas string trimmer is generally preferred by professionals, an electric weed wacker makes more sense for a small yard and at-home use. Electric weed wackers come in corded or battery-powered versions, each with their own pros and cons, depending on what you're looking for. In addition, be sure to keep an eye out for amperage—averaging between 3.5 and 7.5—which generally affects the price, and assess how much power you really require for the size of your space.

Types of Weed Wackers and String Trimmers

Corded trimmers are generally lightest and least expensive, and they start with the push of a button. Unfortunately, they almost always require extension cords, which can be frustrating to wrangle while you’re working.

Battery-powered models offer the mobility of gas, without pull-starting, fueling, and fumes, but are heavier and more expensive than corded, and have a battery life with a run time between 30 and 60 minutes before needing a recharge.

As far as cordless trimmers, you'll want to look for options with a top-mounted motor, which tend to be better balanced (making them easier to handle) than models with motors mounted down near the cutting line.

Choosing The Right Weed Wacker

Lightweight, balanced, and low vibration models will always rate higher on our list since they make maneuvering around the yard easier. The ideal model string trimmer will also come equipped with spools, which make it easy to load a new line.

Whether you opt for a corded or cordless weed wacker, selecting a cutting swath (10 to 16 inches) that makes sense for what range you need is important in setting yourself up for success. If you're doing heavy-duty work in large areas you'll be better off with a large straight shaft, but if you're cleaning up smaller areas with light trimming a curved shaft is a better bet.

We also found that thicker strings and dual nylon lines are most effective for tougher weeds and unruly yards, while trimmers with swivel heads assist with creating clean edges and finishes in tune with your ideal landscape design

Choosing between corded and cordless tools isn't something we take lightly. Though it might sound like a simple convenience factor to some, using the right tool is important in getting the job done right, and safely. When it comes to string trimmers quiet motors or engines are obviously preferred, not only because you'll be hanging around directly above it but also to decrease noise pollution.

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