Best string trimmers 2024: battery, gas, and electric weed eaters for your yard, tested by experts

best string trimmer | dewalt string trimmer with brushcutter attachment next to a hedge
(Image credit: Future / Alex Temblador)

Maintaining your yard will be easier than ever with one of the best string trimmers. Designed to trim the long grass and weeds at the edge of your patio, fence or sidewalks, these handy tools provide an easy way to tidy your yard without worrying about back pain or chemical damage. 

There are three main types of string trimmers: gas-powered, corded electric and battery-powered.

While gas-powered models are the most powerful, they are also the most expensive. Battery-powered models offer you the freedom to trim without a nearby power socket, although they have a limited runtime. Meanwhile, corded electric models often strike a good balance between power and expense, although they’re best kept for small or medium-sized yards.

Whichever type you opt for, the best string trimmers should help you attack grass and weeds from different angles with features such as telescopic poles and adjustable heads. If you're going to be cutting thicker vines and brush, you’ll also need a model with a heavy-duty line (HDL). To help you hone in on all the options we have tested all of the string trimmers that you see featured in this guide. The review process is for a minimum of two weeks, and we assess everything from the set-up to performance and maintenance.

Armed with the right string trimmer you’re all set for a tidy yard. Just remember that It’s best to leave the larger patches of grass to the best lawn mowers.

The quick list

Below, we’ve provided an overview of the important details you need to know about each product immediately so you can buy quickly if you're in a hurry. If something catches your eye, use the links to delve deeper into the analysis provided for each product further down the page.

The best string trimmers we recommend in 2024

Why you can trust Top Ten Reviews Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

The best string trimmer overall

This is the best string trimmer overall

Specifications

Type: Battery-powered
Volts: 20
Cutting speed: 7,200 RPM
Cutting path: 12 inches
Weight: 8.8lbs
Dimensions: 41.33 x 9.25 inches

Reasons to buy

+
Intuitive, adaptable design
+
Excellent at trimming and edging
+
Convenient to store and maintain

Reasons to avoid

-
Battery takes four hours to charge
-
No heavy-duty line (HDL)
-
Not great for large yards
Buy it if

✅ You’re cutting mainly grass and soft weeds: With a 20V battery and a 12-inch cut, the BLACK+DECKER LSTE525 is best at trimming and edging small and medium-sized lawns with grass and soft weeds.
✅ You want to go cordless: You won’t have to worry about finding a power source close to the door or tripping over the power cord, as this battery-powered can be moved freely around your yard.
✅ You’re looking for convenience: The LSTE525 is lightweight and easy to use. The adaptable design has two speeds and heights, making it good for various tasks.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You have a large lawn: The LSTE525 is best suited to small and medium-sized yard work due to its limited runtime and smaller cutting width.
❌ You don’t like time restraints: It took our expert, Pete, four hours to fully charge the 2.0Ah lithium-ion battery. If you’re busy tending to yard tasks and your battery runs out, you’ll have a significant wait before you can resume activities.
❌ You want to cut thick weeds: A heavy-duty line is ideal for cutting through thick weeds. However, the BLACK+DECKER LSTE525 doesn’t offer this feature, meaning you’ll have to get another tool for thick weed maintenance.

The bottom line

🔎 The BLACK+DECKER LSTE525 easily ranks as the best string timer overall, with its intuitive yet powerful cordless design. It has two heights, speed settings, and an auxiliary handle, making it a versatile tool for trimming and edging small to medium-sized lawns ★★★★

In our thorough testing, the BLACK+DECKER LSTE525 consistently came out on top. It's powerful at cutting grass and soft weeds while being user-friendly.

Design: One of our trusted garden experts, Pete Wise, tested the BLACK+DECKER LSTE525. He found it lightweight, intuitive, and easy to store and maintain. With two speeds and two orientations, it's easy to adapt to the task at hand. The auxiliary handle and edging wheel are also useful when cutting grass horizontally.

Despite the cordless design, Pete found the 18V lithium-ion battery took four hours to charge. He also pointed out a couple of design limitations. Firstly, it doesn't have a heavy-duty line (HDL) to cut thick weeds, so it's best for trimming grass and soft weeds only. In addition, a larger 18V BLACK+DECKER battery can be purchased separately (it's included if you're in the US). 

Performance: Weighing just 8.8 lbs, the BLACK+DECKER LSTE525's compact cutting head made it easy to reach hard-to-reach parts of the yard. The handle and trigger were soft, if a little rubbery.

Pete cut 5 x 5 meters in just a few minutes, even though the 12-inch cutting width isn't ideal (other models have 16+ inches). There was no excessive noise, similar to traffic noise, and it cut most weeds pretty easily unless they were thick, but it worked best on large areas of long grass. The trimmer's guard kept it looking neat.

Read more: BLACK+DECKER LSTE525 review


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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
DesignErgonomic design with decent battery life and lots of power.★★★★
PerformanceVery effective at trimming small and medium-sized lawns.★★★★★
PriceModerately priced, with just as much power as premium models.★★★★

The best string trimmer on a budget

The best string trimmer on a budget

Specifications

Type: Corded electric
Power: 700 watts
Cutting speed: 7,000 RPM
Cutting path: 14 inches
Weight: 6.9lbs
Dimensions: 8.8 x 4.63 inches

Reasons to buy

+
Two trimming line types (standard and HDL)
+
Adjustable design
+
Trims lawns well

Reasons to avoid

-
Corded model
-
Trimming line wears quickly
-
Noisy
Buy it if

✅ You’re on a budget: The BLACK+DECKER GH3000 can be added to your tool shed for less than $100, a very attractive price for a good set of basic features.
✅ You want an adaptable tool: The GH3000 is good at various tasks, including trimming horizontally or vertically, as it has an adjustable auxiliary handle and an adjustable shaft for trimming and edging.
✅ You have tough weeds to cut: The model has a standard trimming line for cutting grass, but if you’re dealing with tougher weeds, you can easily switch to the HDL to get a more powerful cut.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You have a large yard: The GH300 has a 10-metre electrical cord, so you won’t be able to reach the far corners in a large yard.
❌ You’re looking for the best of the best: Aside from an HDL line, this BLACK+DECKER string trimmer has basic features. If you’re trying to get the best, you may want to pay a little extra for a more premium product.
❌ You’re worried about tripping over the cord: Although the cord is bright orange, accidents still happen. Make sure that the cord is kept well out of your path, and if you’re still concerned, buy a cordless string trimmer.

The bottom line

🔎 The BLACK+DECKER GH3000 costs less than $100. It’s well-made and comes with all the basic features, including an adjustable telescopic pole and a heavy-duty line for cutting through tougher weeds and vines ★★★★

If you're looking for a string trimmer that's affordable, check out the BLACK+DECKER GH3000. It can handle a medium-sized lawn for just $99 and has two trimming lines: a regular line and a heavy-duty line for tougher tasks.

Design: Our expert, Pete Wise, tested the GH3000. As with any corded product, you'll need a power source nearby since the powerful 700-watt motor runs on electricity. The bright orange power cable helps prevent accidents, but since it has just a 10-metre cord and a 14-inch cutting path, it's good for smaller lawns.

A simple clasp mechanism lets our expert trim high and low using the telescoping shaft's angle and length. 

Performance: Setting up the string trimmer took Pete about 15-30 minutes. After that, he cut a patch of weeds, using the guard to guide him. Pete found that the standard spool and line work great for regular lawn trimming. The HDL cap came in handy when he wanted to cut weeds (four HDL line attachments are included, but you might need extras because they wear out fast).

It rotates at 7,000 RPM, so it's pretty powerful, even though there's just one speed. Ultimately, he had trimmed a neat, tidy edge around his yard and used the HDL attachments to trim weeds around a patch of daisies. He found the tool quiet, recording 89 dB, the same as a blender.

Read more: BLACK+DECKER GH3000 review


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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
DesignWell-made and robust with two trimmer line types for soft or tough weeds.★★★★
PerformanceOnce you get over the cord length, it trims neatly and powerfully.★★★★
PriceA very attractive price point considering all the features it offers.★★★★★

The best gas-powered string trimmer

This is the best gas-powered string trimmer

Specifications

Type: Gas-powered
Power: 25 cc engine
Cutting area: 16 inches
Weight: 13lbs
Dimensions: 39 x 12 x 11 inches

Reasons to buy

+
Powerful
+
Durable and heavy-duty
+
Large cutting width

Reasons to avoid

-
Noisy
-
Runs on 2-stroke oil
-
Gas odor
Buy it if

You want a professional-grade string trimmer: This is one of the very few string trimmers that our experts consider to be professional grade, so it’s more than capable of handling any home task.
You don’t want to run out of battery: Unlike battery-powered models, the Troy-Bilt TB25CB Curved Shaft String Trimmer is powered by gas. As long as you have the correct gas supply, you can keep using the tool until you have finished the task.
✅ You want to cut thick weeds and vines: With a powerful 25 cc, 2-cycle engine, this string trimmer is cut out for heavy-duty tasks, even when it concerns heather and vines.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You don’t like noise: The Troy-Bilt TB25CB can get quite noisy during use. You may need a good pair of noise-canceling headphones or earplugs.
❌ You’re only trimming grass: If you only need a simple tool to cut through long grass or trim the edges of your lawn, it’ll cost you less to get a quieter, less powerful electric string trimmer.
❌ You don’t like the smell of gas: When using any gas-powered string trimmer, you can expect some exhaust fumes. However, the odor quickly dissipates when the machine is powered off.

The bottom line

🔎 The Troy-Bilt TB25CB Curved Shaft String Trimmer is a powerful gas-powered string trimmer that easily slices through long grass, vines, weeds, and heather. With a 16-inch cut, a curved shaft, and a 25cc, 2-cycle engine, it’s a steal for under $100 ★★★★

Generally, gas-powered string trimmers are more powerful than electric or battery-powered string trimmers. While Troy-Bilt's TB25CB curved shaft string trimmer is a bit loud, its professional-grade system handled every challenge we threw at it.

Design: It's lightweight, has a curved shaft that reaches tight spaces, and has a powerful 25cc, 2-cycle engine in a small case at the top. Our expert, Mike Larson, tested the Troy-Bilt TB25CB. I liked the ergonomic handles and minimal vibrations. It weighs just 13 pounds, so it's super light.

With a generous 16-inch cutting path and dual line bump head, you don't have to worry about batteries or cords, so you can focus on what you're doing. Mike says the engine needs a mix of oil and gas to prepare.

Performance: Besides trimming grass, heather, weeds, and vines on chain link fences, Mike found the string trimmer good. If he had to pick one downfall, it would be the noise level. A noise-blocking headset can't fix anything, and he could smell gas burning, as you would expect with a gas-powered tool. Once the engine was turned off, the odor quickly dissipated.

The trimmer needs maintenance, mostly cleaning it with a hose, preparing the right gas, and storing it upright to prevent fuel leaks.

Read more: Troy-Bilt TB25CB Curved Shaft String Trimmer review


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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
DesignVery well-made with a 16-inch cut, curved shaft and a 25cc, 2-cycle engine.★★★★
PerformanceRobust and capable of handling grass, weeds, vines and heather.★★★★
PriceUnder $100 for a powerful gas-powered string trimmer.★★★★★

The best string trimmer for those with limited storage space

This is the best string trimmer for storing

Specifications

Type: Battery-powered
Voltage: 58
Cutting speed: 6,300 RPM
Cutting area: 16 inches
Weight: 9.8lbs
Dimensions: 70 x 9 inches

Reasons to buy

+
Folds in half
+
Very lightweight
+
Three different speeds

Reasons to avoid

-
Handle moves slightly while cutting
-
Battery doesn’t last long
-
Slightly overpriced
Buy it if

✅ You have limited storage space: The ENHULK 58V 16” String Trimmer easily fits into a small shed, as the shaft folds in half.
✅ You want something lightweight: This string trimmer weighs just under 10 lbs, making it incredibly easy to move around your yard and a breeze to store on a top shelf.
✅ You want a variety of trimming speeds: This model has three different speed settings, including the standard mode, a turbo mode to target thicker weeds, and an eco mode for light grass. The latter helps conserve energy.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You’re on a budget: Costing $269, the ENHULK 58V 16” String Trimmer is expensive for a battery-powered string trimmer, although the 58V battery is fairly generous.
❌ You want to trim for more than 45 minutes: The battery lasts around 45 minutes when placed on the eco speed setting, which means that if you have a job that takes longer than this, you’ll have to twiddle your thumbs while it recharges.
❌ You are short: The shaft is over 5.5 feet long, so it might be difficult to hold and handle if you're short. For optimum comfort, look for a product with a shorter shaft.

The bottom line

🔎 The ENHULK 58V 16” String Trimmer has a foldable shaft, so when you're done trimming, you can fold it in half and tuck it out of sight. With three different speed settings and a weight of just 9.8 lbs, it’s very easy to use too ★★★★

In addition to being lightweight, the ENHULK 58V 16" String Trimmer also features a foldable shaft, which makes it perfect for tight storage spaces. Weighing just under 10 lbs, it also features three speeds.

Design: Our gardening expert, Alex Temblador, tested the ENHULK 58V 16" String Trimmer in her half-acre yard. The battery was surprising. However, the most impressive feature is the foldable shaft, which makes storage super easy. Besides locking the shaft into place with a screw lever and attaching the handle, it came pretty much assembled.

Overall, she found the design pretty simple. The 58V battery fits neatly on the back of the trimmer. There's a trigger and safety lever, so it's pretty family-friendly. Switching between eco, high, and turbo modes with the control panel is easy. You might have difficulty handling it if you're short because it's over 5.5 feet long.

Performance: The ENHULK 58V string trimmer was easy to use, cutting through thick grass and weeds. Because it's so lightweight, it's easy on her arms. The turbo mode helped her cut through thick vines without getting louder than 72 dB. On thin grass, the eco mode worked well. 

It lasted about 30 to 40 minutes at a time, which isn't that great. Even though the double string line was sturdy, Alex found that the handle moved a little when she trimmed it, which can be annoying if you're new to using these things. The tool requires little maintenance for beginners besides cleaning the grass and adding extra string.

Read more: ENHULK 58V 16” String Trimmer review


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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
DesignLightweight, foldable design that’s easy to use and store away.★★★★
PerformanceVery easy to use, with three different speed options.★★★★
PricePriced a little too high, so the foldable design is the main USP.★★★

The best string trimmer for cutting width

The best string trimmer for cutting width

Specifications

Type: Battery-powered
Volts: 60
Cutting area: 17 inches
Weight: 23lbs
Dimensions: 11.89 x 1 x 35.11 inches

Reasons to buy

+
No cord
+
Switching attachments takes seconds
+
Cuts through one-inch brush

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
-
Not as powerful as a gas-powered trimmer
-
Brush cutter attachment can be unstable
Buy it if

✅ You want a model that’s easy to set up. Our reviewer had the DeWALT 60V MAX set up in no time. The simple cordless model has only a few different parts, including the shaft, attachments, handle, guard, and battery.
✅ You have no time to waste: The string trimmer is quick to set up and doesn’t need to be plugged into an electric socket. Switching between the brush cutter and string trimmer attachments takes seconds.
✅ You don’t want to be held back by a cord: Many corded models restrict how far you can reach into the yard, so if you have a bigger yard, this model will help you reach harder-to-reach corners.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You don’t want the hassle of charging batteries: If you plan a long yard maintenance day, you must factor in breaks to charge the battery.
❌ You need to cut a brush over an inch thick: Our expert found this product worked best on a brush under an inch in width. Anything over 1.25 inches was too thick for the brush cutter attachment.
❌ You want the attachments to feel secure: During testing, we found that the brush cutter attachment spun in the shaft when attempting heavy-duty tasks.

The bottom line

🔎 The DeWALT 60V MAX 17in Brushless Attachment Capable String Trimmer Kit and Brush Cutter Attachment is just the tool for heavy-duty yard tasks, with a brush cutter attachment that can slice through brush that's under an inch in width. As a cordless electric model, it’s also suitable for edging larger yards ★★★★

There's nothing better than the DeWALT 60V MAX 17in Brushless Attachment String Trimmer Kit and Brush Cutter Attachment for heavy-duty use. It's powerful enough to cut through a brush over an inch thick but still lighter than most gas string trimmers.

Design: Using the string trimmer on her half-acre property, Dallas-based garden expert Alex Temblador was impressed with its lightweight. Even though it's heavy for an electric model, it's lighter than most gas-powered models, so it's easy to carry. An eight-inch brush cutter blade and a bump head make it easy to work with thick vegetation. It has a 60V battery that lasts for a long time.

Performance: She found the product easy to assemble and could switch between the string trimmer and brush cutter attachments in just a few seconds. However, the brush cutter attachment has a bit of an issue. It spun into a different position a few times when she tried to cut a branch over one inch thick, which could be a safety hazard.

She found the string trimmer attachment worked well when cutting through thick weeds, tall grass and small vines, even if it threw pebbles around at full throttle. It wasn't powerful enough to cut small growths at the bottom of trees. The brush cutter attachment was more powerful and cut small trees up to 1.25 inches in diameter, shrubs, and thick vines with thorns.

Read more: DeWALT 60V MAX 17in Brushless Attachment Capable String Trimmer Kit and Brush Cutter Attachment review


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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
DesignEasy to switch between the string trimmer and brush cutter.★★★★
PerformancePowerfully cuts through brush up to an inch in width.★★★★★
PriceOn the expensive side, but widely available and includes a 60V battery★★★★

The best string trimmer for battery life

This is the best string trimmer for battery life

Specifications

Type: Battery-powered
Power: 250 watts
Voltage: 24
Cutting speed: 6,500 RPM
Cutting area: 12 inches
Weight: 9lbs
Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.8 x 60 inches

Reasons to buy

+
Runs for nearly an hour and a half
+
Adjustable design
+
No cord

Reasons to avoid

-
Flower guard and wheels get in the way
-
The motor isn’t very powerful
-
No HDL
Buy it if

✅ You don't like cords: While gas-powered string trimmers may be more powerful, the cord can restrict how far you can move around your yard. With the Sun Joe 24V-ST14, you’re free from any cord limitations.
✅ You want plenty of battery life: This string trimmer lasted an impressive one hour and 26 minutes without a break.
✅ You want flexible trimming techniques: The model has an adjustable telescopic pole and a head, which allows you to attack grass and weeds from several different angles.

Don't buy it if:

❌ You want to trim brush and tall weeds: This model doesn't have a heavy-duty line; it only has 250 watts of power, so it’s not cut out for trimming tall weeds or thicker brush.
❌ You’re on a budget: Many comparable models can be found for under $100, whereas the Sun Joe 24V-ST14 will set you back by nearly $159.
❌ You don’t like fiddly accessories: Because the wheels and flower guard limit how low to the ground you can get, you may need to remove them. The Sun Joe 24V-ST14 can also be a bit fiddly to put together.

The bottom line

🔎 The Sun Joe 24V-ST14 Cordless String Trimmer runs nonstop for an hour and 26 minutes, making it a brilliant addition to your toolshed to attack long grass and soft weeds at the far end of your yard. While it’s not as powerful as some corded models, it’s useful for light yard work and comes with an adjustable pole and head ★★★★

Jonathan Knoder, one of our gardening experts, found the Sun Joe 24V-ST14 Cordless String Trimmer to be the best string trimmer for battery life.

Design: Our expert, Jonathan, was happy to find the telescopic pole and rotating head. These features allow you to change the weight distribution and length of the pole. The wheel edger is also great for large yards since you can roll it along sidewalks, and it only weighs 9 lbs.

To start the machine, you have to press a safety button.

Performance: Other customers said they had trouble attaching the handle during set-up. The wheels prevented him from getting low enough to the grass when he tried to edge the yard, so he had to remove them, along with the metal flower guard, which was also getting in the way.

Once they were removed, he had more precision and control. He just pressed a tab to rotate the head and picked the angle he wanted, which was useful for trimming between two things. The motor isn't as powerful as a corded trimmer so that it couldn't cut through thicker weeds or brush.

The best part about this is the 24V lithium-ion battery, which you can check during use. It took an hour and 46 minutes to charge, and it ran for an impressive hour and 26 minutes at full speed, which is way more than some of the other battery-powered string trimmers we tested.

Read more: Sun Joe 24V-ST14 Cordless String Trimmer review


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Test results
AttributesNotesRating
DesignA nice telescoping pole and adjustable head, as well as a safety button.★★★★
PerformanceImpressive battery length; best for cutting long grass and soft weeds.★★★★
PriceMore expensive than expected.★★★

How to choose the best string trimmer for you

If you have decided that a string trimmer is for you, it is time to figure out how to choose a string trimmer that is the perfect one to match your needs. Knowing whether you want a corded or battery-powered string trimmer is important. If you have a large yard, we recommend a battery-powered weed eater, as it gives you complete freedom of movement while getting the job done. Battery-powered weed eaters can cost more, so if your yard is smaller or full of tough weeds, we recommend a corded machine to get the job done. 

Size is another factor to consider when buying a new electric string trimmer. If you have a lot of weeds to remove and a lot of ground to cover, a string trimmer with a large head is ideal—the larger the head, the more time you have to spend on other tasks. 

The speed of the head is also important, the higher the RPM (revolutions per minute) the faster the head spins, giving a more powerful cut. Some faster models may be limited by the thickness and strength of their plastic cords. However, if necessary, you can often change the cord to a thicker one. Some models will also let you remove the cord and add a bladed cutter, which can tackle thick brush rather than regular weeds, but this is often for professional use. 

If you have your heart set on a corded model, we always recommend going for the longest cable possible. You can opt for a shorter cable, but it would be wise to buy an extension cord in case you need the extra range. With battery models, you may need a larger battery if you have a big yard to tend to—you can also buy extra batteries and swap them out as you cut. 

String trimmer FAQs

Are electric string trimmers any good?

If you’re looking for a fast, effective way to keep your yard a weed-free zone, then a string trimmer is a solid investment. They help take the hassle out of weeding so you can relax and enjoy your garden. The best electric weed eaters boast high power, with some models providing around 40 volts. This means the device can handle an hour’s worth of weeding. Compared to gas weed eaters, they’re much quieter and can keep your garden feeling like a tranquil haven. 

If you’ve tried a gas trimmer in the past, you may have found it cumbersome to use. You’ll be pleased to know that electric weed eaters are much lighter, with the average machine weighing about 5 lbs. This is because they don’t have a tank of fuel attached, unlike their gas counterparts. Electric weed eaters are lightweight and much easier to use for long periods. 

If you want to do your bit for the planet and save yourself money, an electric trimmer is a great option. Unlike gas models, they don’t rely on fossil fuels. They also offer great value, with the average model costing around $70. Plus, you’ll have no fuss about buying replacement gas.  

Are gas or electric string trimmers better?

What’s the difference between gas and electric string trimmers? You’ll typically find gas weed eaters in a professional gardening setting. This is because landscapers work on a much larger scale and may need to tackle extremely overgrown plots. In this scenario, the power of a gas weed eater is necessary to blitz established weeds and last all day.  

If you’re looking for a device for everyday use at home, we recommend choosing an electric weed eater. They’re lightweight, which makes them easy and convenient to use, and you don’t have the hassle of topping up the gas. They produce zero emissions and are far more planet-friendly than their gas counterparts. Electric weed eaters are much quieter, so they can keep your garden peaceful and avoid disturbing the neighbors. They help you fast-track your way to a tidy yard, giving you more time to sit back and enjoy it.

Are cordless electric string trimmers better than corded?

Corded electric weed eaters provide you with constant and consistent power without having to recharge your machine. They are often a lot lighter, too, as they don’t have the added weight of a battery. However, corded weed eaters don’t give you as much flexibility in reaching the furthest place in your garden. More often than not, corded models require the purchase of an extension lead – particularly if you have a large and lengthy yard to clear. 

Cordless electric weed eaters give you more mobility. You can travel far and wide to rid your weeds with this type of battery-powered gadget because you aren’t limited by a cable. However, cordless electric weed eaters are often heavier than their corded counterparts. That’s because they have the added weight of the rechargeable battery. 

Some cordless options also have lengthy battery charge times, so watch out for that. Plus, if you forget to recharge the battery before using your outdoor power tool, this can be a pain. Because you are running on battery rather than mains power, you also have a limit to your cutting time. 

Do electric string trimmers have more power than battery?

One of the most important things to consider when purchasing an electric string trimmer is whether it has the power you need to accomplish the type of work you do. We looked for weed whackers with high amps for corded models and high-voltage batteries for cordless ones. 

The more power a weed trimmer has, the tougher the grass and weeds can tackle. We evaluated and compared cordless and corded electric string trimmers and found that if you choose a trimmer with enough power, you can trim efficiently regardless of the power source.

When choosing between a corded and cordless weed eater, consider the type of work you need the trimmer to do and the size of your yard. Buying a trimmer that requires an extension cord limits your mobility, but that may not be a problem if you have a small yard. 

The advantage of using a cord is you don’t have to worry about the battery eventually dying and needing to be replaced. However, a cordless trimmer gives you limitless mobility, so it’s likely the best option if you have a large yard or need to trim in a remote location.

How do you maintain an electric weed wacker?

While electric trimmers don’t require nearly as much maintenance as their gas counterparts, there are things you can do regularly to keep them running well for an extended period. Kristi Howard of Black & Decker Outdoor Products says that a common problem with electric string trimmers involves people using the wrong gauge of extension cord to power them. Howard says you should be sure to use an extension cord that is heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw.

“An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating,” Howard explains. “When in doubt, use the next heavier gauge.” She says the letters WA on the cord jacket indicate a cord suitable for outdoor use. Howard feels they are comparable in terms of power regarding corded versus cordless trimmers. Corded trimmers are generally less expensive than battery-operated trimmers and are easy to maintain but have less mobility. 

Howard suggests checking for damaged parts and cleaning off the air intake slots before each use to properly maintain an electric trimmer to avoid overheating. She says you should never immerse an electric string trimmer in water or clean it with a pressure washer; you should store it indoors, out of reach of children. “Keeping your trimmer regularly maintained should minimize your need for larger repairs,” Howard adds.

How we tested these string trimmers

All of the string trimmers you see featured in this guide have been tested by our review panel; Alex Temblador, Pete Wise and Jonathan Knoder. From the point of delivery through to cleaning and maintaining the string trimmers (aka weed eaters), we share our first-hand experience with you to help you find the best string trimmer for your needs.

The review process is a minimum of two weeks. In some cases we can either test the trimmer for longer, or keep it for long term use. When using it for a longer period of use we can also test for longevity and, therefore, value for money. We like to know that when we buy a product, it is going to last, so this would be the ultimate test of all.

We also measure the noise levels, and battery runtime and charge time if we're testing a battery-powered model. We'll asses the product specifications and give you our overall verdict of the string trimmer. Read more about how we test.

Alex Temblador
TTR Contributing Editor, Yard Tools

Alex Temblador is a Dallas-based award-winning author and freelance writer. She covers home, design, architecture, and art for various publications. Recently, she purchased her first home, a historic Sears & Roebuck house with original features. Alex also enjoys testing yard tools and vacuums for buying guides and reviews.