The best string trimmer is the one that fits your edges, your power source and the weight you can carry for a whole job, and I rank nine of them below. I trim the lawn borders, fence lines and tree rows of a family orchard, and I put every one of these through that work.
My top pick is EGO Power+ ST1623T 16-Inch Cordless String Trimmer, a cordless trimmer that feeds its own line. Below it sit picks for every budget, from a corded model to a gas one. Each block says who should skip it.
Best String Trimmer Reviews 2026 With 9 Models I Put to Work
These nine trimmers cover battery, gas and corded power, from a light kit for short borders to a four-pack kit for long days. Each earned its place on a job around my orchard, and each one tells you who should pass.
1. EGO Power+ ST1623T 16-Inch Cordless String Trimmer Best Overall
The EGO ST1623T is the trimmer for anyone who is tired of stopping to tap a head on the ground. The Line IQ head feeds its own line, so the 16-inch swath stays 16 inches from the first strip edge to the last, and the POWERLOAD button winds a fresh spool without taking anything apart. It is my best string trimmer for a mixed yard of lawn edges, fence lines and tree rows, and the kit already holds a 4.0 Ah pack and a charger.
WHY I CHOSE THIS ✓
I put the ST1623T first because it removes the chore that makes me dread a trimming day. Tapping, re-spooling and guessing how much line is left are gone. With a 4.0 Ah pack in the box and a 5-year tool warranty, it is the kit I buy once and keep.
EGO Power+ ST1623T 16-Inch Cordless String Trimmer Specs
Key Features:
- Line IQ feeding: the head releases line by itself when either end wears shorter than 7 in., and the guard blade trims the excess, so the swath stays even without a tap.
- POWERLOAD winding: a button on the head winds a full spool, which usually takes about 12 seconds according to EGO, and your hands never touch the spool.
- Two-speed switch with indicator: one light means low, two lights mean high. EGO says low gives better control and a longer run per charge.
- Variable-speed trigger: more squeeze gives more speed inside the mode you picked, so a soft edge and a hard cut use the same tool.
- Height-locking carbon fiber shaft: a clamp slides the shaft to your height, and the front handle adjusts without tools.
- 4.0 Ah pack in the box: one 56V pack and a 320W charger come with it, so nothing else is needed on day one.
- 5-year tool warranty: EGO covers the tool for five years and the battery and charger for three, for personal use.
On the tilled strip under my plum rows, the 16-inch swath covers the grass border in a single pass, and I never had to stop and tap. What I noticed first was a slight tremor in the head, which EGO’s manual says is the line being released. It is the sound and feel of the feed doing its job. The limit is the line itself: the head takes 0.095 in. line only, and EGO says heavier line overheats the motor.
EGO claims up to 60 minutes of continuous cutting with the 4.0 Ah pack and gives no conditions, so I plan a long edge in minutes and keep the pack on low speed for the lawn borders. EGO’s manual lists the trimmer at 7.67 lb and does not say whether the battery is included, and by the far end of a tree row the weight is noticeable, though the hinged carbon fiber shaft and adjustable front handle let me set the balance for my height.
Autumn brings a second job. When the cover crop mats along the strip edge, EGO’s manual says to cut grass over 8 in. from the top down in small steps, and the Line IQ head handled that without bogging down once I worked in layers. Along the fence line, wire and picket fences wear or break line, as the manual warns, so I keep the head a hand’s width off the wire. A head that feeds itself cannot save line from a fence, and that is an honest limit.
To load a new spool, switch off, wait for the head to stop and remove the battery, then thread the line and even up both ends. Refit the battery only so POWERLOAD can wind it, without repeating the winding in quick succession, which EGO warns can damage the motor.
Keep the line off tree trunks: EGO’s manual warns that it damages bark, siding, wood trim and fence posts, and my plum trees from 2016 still have thin bark at the base. Before you clear a wrapped head, release the trigger, wait for the head to stop, remove the battery, then touch the head.
The battery belongs to EGO’s 56V ARC Lithium platform, and the manual lists the compatible packs and chargers, so a second pack is the natural upgrade for a bigger property. Never wash the tool with a hose, and charge within the temperature range in the manual. What annoyed me is the head swap: EGO’s manual calls for an impact wrench and gloves, so a cracked head is a workshop job, not something to fix on the edge of the orchard.
Buy it if your yard mixes lawn borders, fence lines and tree rows, you want a trimmer that feeds itself, and you can live with line that never goes above 0.095 in. Skip it if you want an attachment system, a blade for woody growth, or the lowest weight you can find. A patio-sized garden does not need this much trimmer.
FINAL VERDICT
The EGO ST1623T is the trimmer I recommend to most owners who trim every week. It feeds its own line and carries a 4.0 Ah pack in the box. Buy it when trimming is a regular job, not an occasional one.
It is the cordless trimmer I recommend to most yards.
2. Makita XRU15PT1 36V LXT Brushless String Trimmer Kit Best Premium
A flat battery does not end the work day with the Makita XRU15PT1, because the kit ships with four 5.0 Ah packs and a dual-port charger. Two packs run the trimmer at once for 36V, and the second pair charges or waits in the shed. It is the best premium string trimmer on this page for long jobs, and the top price tier reflects it.
WHY I CHOSE THIS ✓
I rank the Makita second because it solves the problem of running out of charge in the middle of a job. Four packs, a dual-port charger and 36V from the 18V LXT platform. It sits in the top price tier of this page, and it is the one I pick when the work day is long and the rows are many.
Makita XRU15PT1 36V LXT Brushless String Trimmer Kit Specs
Key Features:
- Four-pack kit: four BL1850B packs and a DC18RD dual-port charger, so one pair can charge while the other works.
- Three fixed speeds: a tap on the power button cycles 3,500, 5,300 and 6,500 rpm with no load, for a soft border, a medium job or a heavy cut.
- Automatic Torque Drive: hold the reverse button until the ADT light comes on, and the tool picks speed and torque for the grass in front of it.
- Reverse button: a short reverse spin throws off wrapped weeds, and the electric brake stops the head quickly after release.
- Brushless motor: Makita builds an outer-rotor brushless motor, and its STAR protection system watches for overload, over-discharge and overheating.
- Dust and water resistance: Makita’s XPT design is Makita’s dust and water resistance design for the motor and switch. Treat it as protection for ordinary dust and dew, and keep the tool out of the rain.
- 18V LXT platform: the same packs run Makita’s 18V LXT tools, so the kit doubles as a battery stock for other jobs.
The three speeds make this a trimmer you steer by feel. I run Low along the house lawn edge, where the line only needs to shave the border, and move to High at the fence line, where taller weeds wrap and slow the head. The reverse button earned its place in the hedgerow base, where grass twists around woody stems and the head bogs down; once the head had stopped, a short reverse spin threw the wrap off.
Makita claims up to 1.5 hours of run time on 5.0 Ah packs and gives no conditions, so I treat the figure as a ceiling, not a plan. The numbers that matter in the hand are weight and breaks. Makita lists 7.6 lb without batteries and 10.4 lb with them, and its manual asks for a 10 to 20 minute rest every hour. After a long tree row my hands told me the same thing before I looked at the clock.
The second job is the fence line in late summer, when the grass is tall and dry. The Automatic Torque Drive earns its place there: with the reverse button held until the ADT light shows, the tool shifts between 3,500 and 6,500 rpm by itself as the stems thicken. I use it as a convenience, not a replacement for judgment, because Makita’s ADT is a maker feature and the grass at the fence base is never even. The limit is the line: the head takes 0.080 to 0.090 in. line, and the manual says never to fit heavier line, wire or rope.
Makita’s manual says the shoulder harness must be used if one is supplied, so check whether your kit lists one and wear it if it does. The loop handle and 10.4 lb with the packs fitted are a lot to hold at arm’s length across a whole row.
Wear eye and hearing protection every time, keep people and animals 50 ft away as Makita’s manual requires, and never cut above waist height. Before you clear a wrap the reverse button cannot handle, release the trigger, wait for the head to stop, take the batteries out, then touch the head.
Charge the packs between 50 and 104 F, and let a hot pack cool first, as the manual says. If the head does not stop quickly after release, the manual says to have the tool serviced. The weight is what I notice most, and the head accepts only the line sizes in the manual, so the heavy-line fix is not an option on this tool. Makita does not publish a noise or vibration figure for this tool, so I go by the manual’s advice on hearing protection and rest breaks, and I rest between strips. If the vibration is new or feels wrong, I stop, wait for the head to stop, take out both batteries and look for the cause before I start again.
This kit is for owners who trim large properties, long fence lines or tree rows, and who already own or plan to buy Makita 18V LXT tools. Skip it if you want a light tool, an edger or an attachment system, because this one is none of them. Anyone who trims in short bursts will not use four packs.
FINAL VERDICT
The Makita XRU15PT1 earns its price on the longest jobs. If your trimming day is measured in hours rather than minutes, this kit keeps working while the other pair of packs charges.
It is the long-day trimmer for owners with big properties.
3. WORX WG163 20V 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer and Edger Best Value
The WORX WG163 is the trimmer I point a first-time buyer to, because one push of a button feeds fresh line and the same tool turns into a wheeled edger. Two 20V packs and a charger sit in the box, and it is the lowest-priced battery kit on this page. On a small, flat lawn it is my pick.
WHY I CHOSE THIS ✓
I put the WG163 third because it is the most usable trimmer for the least money. A real edger mode, two packs and a charger in the box. It is my pick for lawns, paths and beds, and the packs fit other WORX tools.
WORX WG163 20V 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer and Edger Specs
Key Features:
- Command Feed: press the button and the motor pauses while fresh line comes out; release it and the head restarts. No tapping on the ground.
- Automatic start-up advance: at each start from rest the tool feeds about 0.25 in. of line, and the guard blade cuts it to length after a few seconds.
- 2-in-1 edging: turn the telescoping shaft and head 90 degrees, set the wheel on the guard, and the trimmer edges along a path or bed.
- Flower guard and safety guard: the adjustable guard keeps the line away from plants and lawn ornaments, and the standard guard stays on for everything else.
- Two packs in the box: two 2.0 Ah PowerShare batteries and a charger, so a second pack is ready without a purchase.
- PowerShare platform: the same 20V packs fit WORX’s other 20V tools, and its 40V tools use two 20V packs.
- Three-year warranty: WORX covers the tool, batteries and charger for three years if you register within 30 days; trade use is excluded.
I use the WG163 first on the house lawn edge, and what I notice is how little attention the line needs. The Command Feed button is the first thing I reach for when the line is short, because I press it and keep moving, with no tapping against the concrete pad. The 12-inch swath is narrower than the cutters above it on this page, so the pass count goes up on a long border. The line is 0.065 in., the largest the manual allows, which suits mown grass and light weeds.
WORX publishes no run time for the kit, and I use the second 2.0 Ah pack as a reason to plan the edge in sections. WORX’s manual says that when the pack runs short because the grass is too high, the answer is to cut in stages, and I follow that on the overgrown corners behind the shed. The tool is single-speed, so there is no low setting to stretch the charge. At about 5.3 lb with one battery fitted, it stayed easy to steer around the corners of a bed edge.
The edging mode is the second job. Switch off, wait for the head to stop and take out the battery, then turn the head 90 degrees, put the wheel on the guard, and the trimmer rolls along the 4-foot concrete path to the house door and trims the lawn edge flush. The limit is the fence line, where thicker weeds and 0.065 in. line do not mix: the head slowed and the line wore fast, so I cut them in stages, and for that work I want a heavier-line tool. A wheel on the guard also means the edge needs to be reasonably clear of stones before you start.
Wind the spool neatly. WORX’s manual says a badly coiled spool impairs the automatic feed, and if the line tangles, the command feed fails until you rewind or replace the spool. Use only the WORX charger specified for the packs, and keep a loose pack away from metal objects.
Wear eye protection that meets ANSI Z87.1, hearing protection, long pants, gloves and sturdy boots, keep the guard on, clear stones from an edge before you start and keep people and pets well back. Before you rewind line or clear the head, switch off, wait for the head to stop, remove the battery, then touch the head.
WORX publishes no charge time for this kit, so I charge both packs overnight and do not count on a quick top-up. The packs are shared across the line: the same 20V pack fits other WORX 20V tools, which makes a spare pack easier to justify. Keep it dry and do not use it in damp conditions. Charge within 32 to 104 F, the range the manual gives for charging, and store the packs dry.
Choose it if your yard is small to medium, flat and mostly mown, and you want one tool that trims and edges at the lowest price among the battery kits here. That makes it the best string trimmer for the money on lawn borders and small yards. It is also the weakest tool on this page for long runs: thick weeds and fence-line brush are beyond a single-speed tool with 0.065 in. line and no published run time. Skip it for a big property.
FINAL VERDICT
The WORX WG163 is the value pick for small, flat lawns with paths and beds to edge. Budget matters here, and short jobs suit it.
It is the low-cost trimmer and edger for small lawns.
4. Husqvarna 130L 28cc Gas String Trimmer Best Gas
Pull the cord on the Husqvarna 130L and the engine, not a battery, sets how long you work. A 28 cc two-stroke engine drives an 18-inch swath on a straight shaft, with a 0.5 L tank. It is the best gas string trimmer on this page for wide strips and fence lines worked in short sessions, and it asks for fuel mix and engine care in return. I rank more tank-fed models in my roundup of top gas string trimmers.
WHY I CHOSE THIS ✓
I include the 130L because it gives the widest swath and the only engine on this page. It is a plain straight-shaft trimmer, and that is the point. Pick it for fence lines and wide strips done in short sessions.
Husqvarna 130L 28cc Gas String Trimmer Specs
Key Features:
- 28 cc two-stroke engine: 0.7 kW at 8,000 rpm with a catalytic muffler, for work a small battery pack would stop.
- 18-inch straight shaft: a wide swath on a straight tube, with head and guard fitted.
- RapidReplace head: turn the top half to the line holes, push a 22 ft piece of line through and wind.
- Air purge bulb and choke: ten pushes on the bulb for a cold start, then the manual’s choke sequence.
- Throttle lockout and stop switch: check both, and that the head does not turn at idle, before every job.
The wide swath is what you buy this for. On the gravel yard edge, where grass creeps in from the soft shoulder, 18 inches covers the strip in a single pass and the guard turns stones away from me. The line is the weak link in tall grass: the head feeds by tapping on firm ground, and Husqvarna says not to tap on grass, so in tall growth I stop the engine, wait for the head to stop, let the engine cool and pull the spark plug cap before I pull line out by hand.
Fuel is mixed at 50:1, which is 2 1/2 fl oz of two-stroke oil per US gallon, with no more than a month of mix at a time, as the manual says. I measure the oil, mix outdoors in a clean can and never fill a hot tank. The 11.0 lb the manual lists leaves out fuel, the head and the guard, so the tool in your hands weighs more. I set it beside a rival engine in my comparison of the Husqvarna 130L against Echo SRM-3020T.
Start it at least 10 ft from the refueling spot, and do not pull the throttle trigger while starting.
Let the engine cool before you refuel and never run it in a shed or garage. Wear ANSI Z87.1 goggles (under a visor if you use one), hearing protection, heavy long pants, long sleeves, gloves and heavy slip-resistant steel-toe boots every time, as the manual says. Before you clear a wrapped head, stop the engine, wait for the head to stop, let it cool and pull the spark plug cap.
Plan on the upkeep a gas trimmer needs: air filter, spark plug, cooling fins and bevel gear grease, all on the manual’s schedule. Husqvarna’s product page lists 95.4 dB(A) at the operator’s ear, and the manual calls the tool one for occasional operation, since regular use can bring on white finger. My hands feel it after a job on the ditch bank, so I keep sessions short and rest between strips. My Husqvarna 130L review covers this gas trimmer in full.
It suits owners who trim fence lines or wide strips in short sessions and are ready to mix fuel and maintain an engine. Skip it if you want attachments, a blade, low noise or a light tool, or if your yard is small enough for a battery kit.
FINAL VERDICT
The Husqvarna 130L is my gas pick for owners who value reach over convenience. Expect to refuel, and pick it for thick grass worked in short sessions.
It is the gas trimmer for wide strips and fence lines.
5. BLACK+DECKER BESTA510 Corded String Trimmer and Edger Best Corded
Plug it in and keep cutting: the BLACK+DECKER BESTA510 has no battery to charge and no fuel to mix, so the work stops only where the cord does. A 6.5 amp motor drives a 14-inch swath with an automatic feed spool, and the head converts to a wheeled edger. It is the best corded string trimmer on this page for a yard with an outlet in reach. More plug-in models are in my roundup of corded string trimmers.
WHY I CHOSE THIS ✓
I rank the BESTA510 fifth because it never runs out of charge and costs little to own. A corded tool is the honest answer for a yard that has an outlet within a cord’s reach.
BLACK+DECKER BESTA510 Corded String Trimmer and Edger Specs
Key Features:
- Automatic Feed Spool: the head feeds line itself, and the manual says never to bump it on the ground.
- Cord retention: doubling the extension cord through the retainer keeps it from pulling out when you swing.
- 2-in-1 edging: turn the collar, rotate the lower housing 180 degrees and the wheeled edge guide takes over.
- Adjustable shaft and handle: the shaft slides to your height, and the auxiliary handle adjusts for comfort.
- 6.5 amp motor and 14-inch swath: wide for a corded tool, with the line kept at 0.065 in.
The cord is the whole story. From the outlet in the machinery shed, a long outdoor-rated extension cord gets me to the house lawn edge, and I lift the drip lines before I start, because BLACK+DECKER’s manual says to keep the power cord away from the rotating line. In edge mode, along the path, the wheel keeps the cut straight.
At 6.5 lb, as the maker lists it, there is no battery to add weight, so the tool stays light at the end of an edge. The manual limits growth to 12 in. cut from the top down, and the line is 0.065 in. round nylon only. Line wears fast on sidewalks and abrasive surfaces, so edge along the lawn, not the concrete itself. I set it beside Craftsman’s corded model in my BESTA510 vs CMEST900 comparison.
Use an outdoor-rated extension cord of adequate gauge, double it into the retainer, and work with the cord behind you and away from the line.
Edging throws stones at speed, so the manual puts people and pets 100 ft away in edge mode. Before you change line or clear the head, switch off, wait for the head to stop, unplug it, then touch the head.
Living with it means managing the cord. Keep it away from heat, oil and sharp edges, use a GFCI-protected outlet, and never use the tool in rain or damp ground. Blow dirt out of the vents with clean dry air about once a week, as the manual says. What annoyed me is the reach: on the far side of the orchard the cord ran out, and the battery tools got those rows. My review of the BESTA510 goes through this trimmer-edger in full.
Pick it for lawns, beds and paths that sit within a cord of an outlet, when you want the lowest price on this page and nothing to charge. Skip it if you trim far from power, in wet ground or on thick weeds, because it has one speed, one line size and no attachments.
FINAL VERDICT
The BLACK+DECKER BESTA510 is the sensible choice when an outlet is close and budget is tight. Pick it for a small yard, and plan a different tool for the far corners.
It is the corded trimmer for jobs near the shed.
6. EGO Power+ MHC1603 Multi-Head Combo Kit Best Edger Combo
One power head, two jobs: the EGO MHC1603 ships with a 16-inch string trimmer attachment and an 8-inch blade edger that both click onto the same 56V power head. That makes it the best string trimmer edger combo on this page for lawns with long borders, and the same head accepts EGO’s other attachments later. My picks of string trimmers for edging cover models with a real edge mode or an edger kit.
WHY I CHOSE THIS ✓
I rank the MHC1603 sixth because it gives me a trimmer and a real edger from one battery, and its power head grows with other EGO attachments. It suits long lawn borders.
EGO Power+ MHC1603 Multi-Head Combo Kit Specs
Key Features:
- Two attachments in the box: the STA1600 string trimmer and the EA0820 carbon fiber edger share one PH1420 power head.
- POWERLOAD: a button winds a new line onto the spool, which takes about 12 seconds according to EGO, with the pack fitted.
- Two speed modes: one light for low, two for high, plus a variable-speed trigger. Low gives longer runtime and better control.
- Edger with depth control: a depth knob and guide wheel set the cut up to 3 in. deep with the 8-inch blade.
- Shoulder strap in the kit: it ships with the power head and takes weight off the hands on a longer edge.
I use the same power head for two borders. The trimmer attachment does the lawn edge along the house, and I swap to the edger for the clean cut beside the path. The swap takes a moment: switch off, wait for the head to stop and take out the battery, then loosen the wing knob, press the release button and slide the shaft out, as EGO’s manual describes. POWERLOAD means no hand winding on a long border.
EGO claims up to 45 minutes of trimming and up to 75 minutes of edging on low with the included 4.0 Ah pack, and states no test conditions. The manuals give weights without a battery: 6.2 lb for the power head and 3.36 lb for the trimmer attachment. Together that is about 9.6 lb before the pack, so the strap in the box is not decoration. My comparison of the DCST970X1 against EGO MHC1603 sets this kit beside DeWalt’s.
Keep the edger off gravel: EGO’s edger manual says not to use it on or near graveled surfaces, and to clear rocks, glass, nails and wire first.
The edger runs a metal blade, so replace a cracked or worn blade at once and keep the factory guard on. Before you change an attachment or clear a clog, release the trigger, wait for the blade or head to stop, remove the battery, then touch the head.
The kit sits on the 56V ARC Lithium platform, so any compatible EGO pack fits. EGO covers the tool for five years and the battery for three, but only one year for commercial use. The line is 0.095 in. only, and heavier line overloads the motor, so thick fence-line weeds are a slower job. Never wash it with a hose. My roundup of string trimmers for thick weeds covers the tougher battery and gas models for that growth.
It fits a lawn with long borders along paths and beds, or an owner who wants one battery platform for several jobs. Skip it if you need a light, cheap trimmer, edge beside gravel, or want the weight with the pack published, because EGO does not.
FINAL VERDICT
The EGO MHC1603 is the combo kit for owners who edge as often as they trim. Skip it if gravel lines your borders, since the edger stays off gravel.
It is the trimmer and edger kit for long borders.
7. Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2825-21ST String Trimmer Kit with QUIK-LOK Best for Milwaukee Owners
If your shed already holds red M18 tools, the Milwaukee 2825-21ST puts a trimmer on the packs you own. The kit pairs the M18 FUEL power head with a 16-inch QUIK-LOK trimmer attachment and a high-capacity XC8.0 battery, and the motor sits at the rear for balance. For anyone shopping for a Milwaukee cordless string trimmer, this is the kit. My comparison of the ST1623T against Milwaukee 2825-21ST sets this kit beside the EGO.
WHY I CHOSE THIS ✓
I include the 2825-21ST because it is the natural pick for anyone already on the M18 platform. One pack fits the power head and the other M18 tools. It trims first, and the QUIK-LOK system gives me a reason to add an edger or a pole saw later.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2825-21ST String Trimmer Kit with QUIK-LOK Specs
Key Features:
- QUIK-LOK attachments: Milwaukee lists an edger, an articulating hedge trimmer and a pole saw for the same power head.
- Adjustable swath: turn the line cut-off blade 180 degrees to move between 14 and 16 inches.
- Two line sizes: the head takes 0.080 in. or 0.095 in. spiral line, with 25 ft or 20 ft loaded.
- Low and high speeds: 0 to 4,900 rpm on low and 0 to 6,200 rpm on high, with a variable-speed trigger.
- XC8.0 pack in the box: Milwaukee ships an 8.0 Ah M18 pack and a rapid charger with the kit.
I pick the swath to match the job. At 14 inches the head fits the narrow tilled strip under the trees, and at 16 inches it covers the lawn edge in fewer passes. Turning the cut-off blade 180 degrees is the whole change, made with the tool switched off, the head stopped and the battery out. Milwaukee’s manual warns that exposed line must not extend past that blade.
Milwaukee publishes neither a weight nor a run time for this kit, so I plan by the pack. The manual says to use low speed for larger jobs where battery life matters and high for dense growth, and it recommends a shoulder strap, sold separately, with larger packs. With a pack this size, the strap is worth buying, because Milwaukee’s manual recommends one with larger packs.
Hold the trimmer head at least 12 in. from any body part, keep it parallel to the ground and bump the head only on the ground, never drag the spool cover.
Milwaukee’s manual says to avoid ornamental trees, shrubs, siding and fence posts, and I keep the line well off thin trunk bark. Before you change line or clear the head, switch off, wait for the head to stop, remove the battery, then touch the head.
Milwaukee says to grease the attachment’s gearcase after about 50 hours of use and to return the tool, battery and charger for inspection after six months to a year. The guard and front handle must be in place. Do not use a blade or brush cutting wheel. Attachments are Milwaukee’s own, so the edger, hedge trimmer and pole saw on its list are the only ones to plan for.
This kit is for owners who already have M18 tools, want a trimmer that grows into other attachments and need a large pack. Skip it if you want a stated weight or run time, a trimmer that also edges, or attachments from other brands.
FINAL VERDICT
The Milwaukee 2825-21ST suits one decision: you want a trimmer that can later take an edger, a hedge trimmer or a pole saw on the same power head. It is the right kit when M18 packs are already on your shelf.
It is the trimmer that grows into an M18 attachment kit.
8. DeWalt DCST970X1 60V FLEXVOLT String Trimmer Kit Best for DeWalt Owners
The DCST970X1 is a 15-inch brushless trimmer on a FLEXVOLT pack that also runs DeWalt’s 20V MAX tools, so a DeWalt kit owner gets a trimmer and a spare battery for other tools. A LO and HI switch sits on top of the variable trigger, and the head feeds by bump. It is the best DeWalt string trimmer on this page for anyone who wants that FLEXVOLT pack. My DeWalt DCST970 trimmer review covers the 60V FLEXVOLT kit in full.
WHY I CHOSE THIS ✓
I include the DCST970X1 because it puts a 15-inch trimmer on a FLEXVOLT pack. That pack also works in DeWalt’s 20V MAX tools. Ordinary 20V MAX packs do not run this trimmer, so the pack in the box matters.
DeWalt DCST970X1 60V FLEXVOLT String Trimmer Kit Specs
Key Features:
- FLEXVOLT pack: DeWalt says the pack runs 60V MAX tools and works as a 20V MAX pack in its 20V MAX tools, but a 20V MAX pack does not run this trimmer.
- LO and HI switch: LO extends run time on larger jobs, HI cuts heavier growth, and the variable trigger works inside each setting.
- 15-inch swath: wide enough for a fence line, with a line cut-off blade on the guard that sets the limit.
- Brushless gear drive: DeWalt describes a high-efficiency brushless motor, and the manual aims it at professional trimming.
- Two-piece pole: the upper and lower poles join and lock with a pin and a wingnut.
The 15-inch swath is the first thing I notice: it covers the grass strip beside the plum rows in one pass, and I trim the fence line in long runs instead of short ones. The LO and HI switch is the second: HI is for the weedy corner by the shed, where heavy growth slows the head, and DeWalt’s manual says it drains the pack faster, so I drop back to LO as soon as the growth thins. The third is the bystander rule: the manual asks for 100 ft, so on a small plot I stop whenever someone walks close. Line longer than the 15-inch swath harms motor life, the manual says. For overgrown ground like that, see my roundup of string trimmers for tall grass.
DeWalt publishes no weight and no run time for this kit, so I plan the work by the pack that comes in the box. The manual wants you to cut from the top down in long growth, no higher than 12 in., and to tilt the head no more than 30 degrees. Cut left to right so debris goes away from you, as the manual advises.
Bump the head gently on the ground at normal speed to feed line, and use DeWalt’s spiral line.
DeWalt’s manual puts people and pets at least 100 ft away, so stop the tool when anyone comes close. Before you change line or clear the head, switch off, wait for the head to stop, remove the battery, then touch the head.
Charge the pack only between 40 and 104 F, since a hot or cold shed is a limit, and store a full pack out of the charger, cool and dry. The head takes 0.080 in. line, and 0.095 in. also fits, in DeWalt’s spiral line, so match the spool to the manual before you buy.
It suits anyone who trims fence lines and borders and wants a speed switch on a DeWalt battery. Skip it if you need attachments, edging, a stated weight or a small-yard bystander distance, because the 100 ft rule is hard to meet there.
FINAL VERDICT
Choose the DeWalt DCST970X1 for fence lines and borders if you already work with DeWalt batteries, and buy it with the pack in the box in mind.
It is the 15-inch trimmer on a FLEXVOLT pack.
9. CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCST900D1 Cordless String Trimmer and Edger Best for CRAFTSMAN V20 Owners
Red pack in, trimmer running: the CRAFTSMAN CMCST900D1 is an easy-going V20 trimmer with automatic line feed and a turn-to-edge head. A 13-inch swath, a telescoping pole and two speed settings come with a 2.0 Ah pack and charger. For owners of other V20 tools it is the CRAFTSMAN trimmer to start with.
WHY I CHOSE THIS ✓
I include it because it is the easy, entry-level V20 trimmer for a buyer who already owns V20 tools. Automatic feed, two speeds and a three-year warranty. A mid-range price and a pack and charger in the box keep it on this list, and it needs no learning curve.
CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCST900D1 Cordless String Trimmer and Edger Specs
Key Features:
- Automatic line feed: the head senses when more line is needed and trims it to length, and the manual says never to bump it on the ground.
- LO and HI speeds: a switch picks run time on LO for larger jobs or power on HI for heavier growth.
- Turn-to-edge head: pull the collar down, rotate the head 180 degrees, and the wire edge guide is for edging.
- Telescoping pole: the length adjusts with a collar, and the auxiliary handle adjusts for comfort.
- Integrated hang hook: the VERSATRACK hook lets the trimmer hang on a wall rail, sold separately.
I like how little this trimmer asks for. Along the garden fence the head feeds itself, so there is no tapping against posts. Because the manual says not to bump it, my habit of tapping had to go, and the line trims itself. On the edge of a flowering strip, the turn-to-edge head cuts a clean border without spreading the strip.
The kit holds one CMCB202 2.0 Ah battery, and CRAFTSMAN publishes no run time or weight. The manual says HI shortens run time. Without a published run time, I plan this tool for lawn edges and short jobs. The line is 0.065 in. round nylon only, and the manual warns that heavier or serrated line overloads the motor.
Keep the cutting angle between 5 and 10 degrees, hold the guard at least 24 in. from your feet and cut tall growth from the top down, no higher than 12 in.
CRAFTSMAN puts people and pets at least 100 ft away and wants eye protection that meets ANSI Z87.1, because everyday glasses are not safety glasses. Before you change the spool, clear a jam or edge, switch off, wait for the head to stop, remove the battery, then touch the head.
Charge the pack only between 40 and 104 F, and do not store it where the temperature may reach 104 F, such as an outside shed in summer. I keep the pack indoors, charged and out of the charger, as the manual advises. The motor is brushed, according to CRAFTSMAN’s product page, and sap or debris can jam the feeding hub, which the manual says to clear with the battery out.
This CRAFTSMAN cordless string trimmer fits owners of V20 tools with a small yard who want automatic feed at a mid-range price. Skip it if you want a published run time, brushless claims, thick-line weeds or a long day of work on one pack.
FINAL VERDICT
The CRAFTSMAN CMCST900D1 fits a small lawn that needs automatic feed on V20 power. Pick it for light work near the house, not for the far rows.
It is the small-yard trimmer for V20 households.
How to Choose the Best String Trimmer
Seven checks decide the choice, and the first is the power type. I work down the same list for every trimmer: power, platform, swath, feed, weight, edging and safety. Skip one and you find it on the first long edge.
Battery, Gas or Corded Power
A trimmer’s limit on a long job is set by its power source. In NIOSH sampling of 80 landscaping workers, noise and carbon monoxide exposure were significantly higher with fuel-powered trimmers and similar tools than with battery versions (1). For a small yard, a cordless or corded tool covers most borders without engine exhaust, and battery equipment gave lower noise exposure in that study, so hearing protection still applies. The best electric string trimmer for a home yard is usually one of the two. My best battery string trimmer roundup lists the cordless models for every yard and budget.
| Power type | What limits a long job | What it asks of you |
|---|---|---|
| Corded | The cord and the nearest outlet | An outdoor-rated extension cord kept away from the line |
| Battery | Pack capacity, so a spare pack matters | Charging and storing within the maker’s temperature range |
| Gas | Tank size, so you stop to refuel | Fuel mixed to the manual’s ratio and refueling outdoors on a cool engine |
Gas is the exception to a quiet yard. In EPA testing of gasoline lawn and garden engines, string trimmers among them, operators had short-term carbon monoxide exposures above 120 ppm for some equipment (2). That is why a gas trimmer never runs in a shed or a garage, even with the door open.
I choose by the longest edge I have, not the average one. When the whole job is a quarter acre of lawn borders, the best cordless string trimmer saves me the fuel can. If the fence line runs on, I want the longest swath and a second pack, or a tank. My best string trimmer for large yard roundup lists the long-run models for big properties.
Battery Platform and Brand
A pack belongs to one brand’s platform, and the maker’s list of approved tools decides what it fits, not the voltage printed on it. “20V Max” and “60V MAX” are the highest voltage a pack reads with no load, and the nominal voltage is lower, so compare each maker’s own figure with its own. For the best battery powered string trimmer, count pack capacity and the packs in the box, not voltage alone.
- Own a platform already: a pack from the same brand saves the price of a second battery.
- Starting fresh: pick the brand whose other tools you will actually buy, because the packs repeat in every later purchase, and the best cheap string trimmer is the one whose price includes the second pack you will need. My comparison of the ST1623T against Greenworks ST60L413 shows how a 56V and a 60V platform compare.
- Check the kit: five battery kits here ship one pack, one ships two and one ships four, so count what is in the box.
When people ask for the best string trimmer brands, I look at the platform and the manual, not the logo. I read the manual first on every trimmer, the way I used to read a nozzle chart before a spray campaign.
Cutting Swath and Line Size
The swath is the circle the line cuts, and a wider swath means fewer passes along a long strip. Check the weight separately, and note that the head takes only the line sizes its manual lists. A heavier line than the manual allows can overload the motor, so never assume that thicker is better. For the best string trimmer for home use, 13 to 15 inches covers most borders. My best string trimmer for small yard roundup lists the easy-to-handle models.
| Swath | Suits | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| About 12 in. | Short borders, paths and tight spots | More passes on a long strip |
| 13 to 15 in. | Most lawn borders and fence lines | A balance of reach and passes |
| 16 to 18 in. | Long runs and wide strips under trees | More line to feed |
On the strip under my plum rows, I match the swath to the width of the strip. A wide swath crosses a narrow strip in one pass, and I slow down at the tree bases.
Bump, Automatic or Push-Button Feed
The feed is how fresh line comes out of the head, and it decides how often you stop. Some heads feed when you tap them on firm ground, some feed on their own, and some feed when you press a button. Tapping on grass is not advised by at least one gas maker.
| Feed type | How the line comes out | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Bump feed | Tap the head on firm ground while it runs | Stop the engine, wait for the head to stop, let it cool, pull the spark plug cap, then feed line by hand in tall grass |
| Automatic feed | The head senses short line and feeds it | The manual says not to bump it on the ground |
| Push button | Press a button and the motor pauses while line comes out | Winding the spool stays a hand job |
I do not enjoy stopping to tap in the middle of a strip, so I lean toward automatic and push-button feeds. A spool that is wound badly still jams a feed, so I wind it neatly.
Weight, Vibration and Noise
Weight shows at the far end of a long edge, not in the shop. Read each maker’s figure with its basis: with or without the battery, with or without fuel. Two numbers on different bases cannot be compared, so I judge the best lightweight string trimmer on one basis only. My best lightweight string trimmer list compares seven picks by their stated weights.
Noise and vibration need hearing protection and rest, whichever power you pick. In a field study of two petrol grass-trimmer engines, noise at the operator measured about 100 and 105 dB(A) (3). A laboratory test of grounds equipment found a grass trimmer gave the highest hand vibration, and gloves reduced it (4).
- Weight: hold it with the battery fitted or the tank full, at arm’s length, before you buy.
- Hearing: plugs or earmuffs from the first minute, whether the tool is gas or battery.
- Hands: change your grip and rest between strips.
After a long job on the ditch bank my hands tell me when to stop, and I prefer to stop than push through. A lighter tool helps, but the main fix is a break.
Edging, Attachments and Extras
Some trimmers turn into edgers, some take attachments and some do neither, and a few cannot be edged at all. Read the manual’s own words: a wheel-guided mode, a separate edger attachment or a flat ban on edging. The best cordless string trimmer and edger may do both jobs, but a bladed edger asks for more care.
- Edging mode: a wheel on the guard and a head that turns 90 degrees or 180 degrees.
- Edger attachment: a separate bladed tool on the same power head, for a clean cut.
- Attachment systems: only the maker’s own list fits, never another brand’s.
For lawn borders along paths and beds, I want a trimmer that edges or an edger attachment, so I do not buy a second machine. Before I buy, I check whether a trimmer has a wheel-guided edging mode or takes a separate blade-edger attachment.
Safety Gear and Yard Hazards
A trimmer throws what it cuts. In US emergency department data, an estimated 81,907 lawn trimmer injuries were treated from 2000 to 2009, and the eye accounted for 42.5% of them (5). Bystanders are hurt too: published eye trauma cases include injury to a person standing near the trimmer (6).
Safety Before Every Start
Wear eye protection that meets ANSI Z87.1, hearing protection, long pants, sturdy boots and gloves. Keep people and pets at the distance in your manual. Before you clear the head, switch off and wait for it to stop. Let a gas engine cool, then pull the spark plug cap, take out the battery of a battery tool, or unplug a corded one. Only then touch the head.
Check each manual for the bystander distance, because makers give different ones. I walk a strip first and pick up stones, wire and glass, and I keep the line off young trunks, where it strips bark.
Pro Tip
Test the balance with the battery fitted or the tank full, with the shaft set to your height, before you commit. A trimmer that feels fine in the shop feels heavier on the last edge of a long job.
My Overall Verdict
Pick the power source first, then the platform, then the swath. These three fit most yards, and each suits a different one.
1. EGO Power+ ST1623T 16-Inch Cordless String Trimmer Best Overall
The EGO ST1623T is for a mixed yard with lawn borders, fence lines and tree rows.
2. Makita XRU15PT1 36V LXT Brushless String Trimmer Kit Best Premium
The Makita XRU15PT1 is for large properties and long working days, at a premium price.
3. WORX WG163 20V 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer and Edger Best Value
The WORX WG163 is for small, flat lawns where you also want an edger.
The Makita costs more, and the WORX gives up reach for price. For one tool that covers most work and sits on a growing platform, I choose the EGO. I compare the two cordless models in more detail in my comparison of the ST1623T against Makita XRU15PT1.
For regular weekly trimming on a mixed yard, my pick is the EGO ST1623T, the best string trimmer on this page.
Why EGO Power+ ST1623T 16-Inch Cordless String Trimmer Might Be the Best Choice
I picked it first because it removes the chore I like least. The head feeds its own line, and a button winds the spool, so my hands stay off a moving head. My EGO ST1623T trimmer review covers the Line IQ head in full.
The honest trade-off is weight and price. By the far end of a tree row the weight shows, and it sits in a premium tier, though the 4.0 Ah pack and charger are in the box.
Here is why it comes first on my list:
✓ Line IQ feeds line without a tap.
✓ POWERLOAD winds a fresh spool.
✓ A 16-inch swath covers wide borders.
✓ A 4.0 Ah pack and charger are included.
✓ EGO gives a 5-year tool warranty for home use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best weedeater in 2026?
The best weedeater in 2026 for most yards is a cordless trimmer that feeds its own line, such as the EGO ST1623T with its 4.0 Ah pack in the box. Choose a gas model for very long fence lines, or a corded one when an outlet is close to the work.
Which string trimmer is better, EGO or Milwaukee?
For most buyers the better string trimmer is the EGO ST1623T, which feeds its own line and ships with a 4.0 Ah pack. Choose the Milwaukee 2825-21ST if you already own M18 batteries, since it takes two line sizes, adjusts its swath from 14 to 16 inches and ships with an 8.0 Ah pack.
What is the easiest string trimmer to load?
The easiest string trimmer to load is one with powered winding, such as the EGO ST1623T, where a button winds a full spool in about 12 seconds according to EGO. Most other heads on this page are wound by hand, so wind the spool neatly and follow the winding steps in your manual.
What is the best trimmer string to use?
The best trimmer string to use is the line your manual names for your head, because the size and shape are matched to the motor. The trimmers here take 0.065 in., 0.095 in. or a listed range, and line heavier than the manual allows can overload and overheat the motor.
Who makes the best string trimmer?
EGO makes the best string trimmer on this page, the ST1623T, while Makita, WORX, Husqvarna, BLACK+DECKER, Milwaukee, DeWalt and CRAFTSMAN make picks for particular yards. Choose by the battery platform or engine that fits your tools and your yard, and read the manual for what the maker covers, including the warranty.
References
- Alexander BM, Graydon PS, Pena M, Feng HA, Beamer BR. Hazardous exposures and engineering controls in the landscaping services industry. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene. 2025;22(3):189-202.
- Baldauf R, Fortune C, Weinstein J, Wheeler M, Blanchard F. Air contaminant exposures during the operation of lawn and garden equipment. J Expo Sci Environ Epidemiol. 2006;16(4):362-370. doi:10.1038/sj.jes.7500471
- Mallick Z, Badruddin IA, Khaleed Hussain MT, Salman Ahmed NJ, Kanesan J. Noise characteristics of grass-trimming machine engines and their effect on operators. Noise Health. 2009;11(43):98-102. doi:10.4103/1463-1741.50694
- Oh J, Chen N, Boyd C. Laboratory evaluation of occupational exposure to hand-arm vibration (HAV) during grounds maintenance equipment operations. Ann Agric Environ Med. 2023;30(2):384-389.
- Leinert J, Griffin R, Blackburn J, McGwin G. The epidemiology of lawn trimmer injuries in the United States: 2000-2009. J Safety Res. 2012;43(2):137-139. doi:10.1016/j.jsr.2012.03.001
- Lubniewski AJ, Olk RJ, Grand MG. Ocular dangers in the garden. A new menace: nylon line lawn trimmers. Ophthalmology. 1988;95(7):906-910. doi:10.1016/s0161-6420(88)33076-9
Safety Note: Read your manual first. A string trimmer or brush cutter throws debris with force, so clear stones, glass and wire from the area before you cut. Wear impact-rated eye protection with side coverage that meets ANSI Z87.1, hearing protection, gloves, heavy long pants, long sleeves and sturdy slip-resistant boots (steel-toe where your manual says so). Keep people and pets at least as far away as your manual says (50 feet in some manuals, 100 feet in others), and stop if anyone comes closer. Keep the correct guard fitted, use only the cutting attachments, handles and harness the maker approves for your exact tool, and never replace trimmer line with wire. A blade can kick sideways when it hits a stump or a thick stem, so fit the handlebar and harness your manual requires for blade work, hold both handles firmly and keep secure footing. Before you clear a jam, clean the tool or change line, a blade or an attachment, switch it off, wait for all movement to stop, then remove the battery, unplug the cord or disconnect the spark plug wire. Refuel a gas model outdoors with the engine off and cool, away from flames or sparks, and move away from the fueling spot before starting, as far as your manual says (often 10 to 30 feet); never run it in a garage, shed or other closed space. For a battery model, use only the maker’s battery and charger, charge it within the temperature range in your manual and never use a damaged or swollen pack. For a corded model, use a GFCI outlet, keep the cord clear of the cutting line and avoid wet conditions.