The best String Trimmers are important power tool that helps finish a yard by cutting grass that a lawn mower can’t reach. Some people mow first and then trim, while others (especially those who bag the clippings) trim first and then mow. In either case, the scenery should look nice. But trimmers do more than just make things neat. They can cut down tall grass and weeds to keep the area around the edges under control, either before or instead of mowing.
They can be turned sideways and used to cut a notch along paths, patios, and driveways. With the notch, grass and weeds can’t grow over the edge of the ground. You’ll be glad you did this in the winter, when it will be easier to clear snow from a curb with a clean edge than one that has grown over. If a string trimmer has an Aero-Flex trimmer extension, it can be used as a mini mower to cut grass and weeds in hard-to-reach places like steep banks and ditches. Below we have mentioned the best string trimmers.
Best String Trimmers Comparison Table
| Model | Ego ST1511T | Ego ST1521S | Ryobi RY40270 | Worx WG170.2 | Lee Valley Traditional Austrian Scythe Set |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power source | Battery | Battery | Battery | Battery | Manual |
| Voltage / Ampere | 56V | 56V | 40V | 20V | N/A |
| Cutting width | 15″ | 15″ | Adjustable | 12″ | 26″ |
| Line feed type | Powerload | Powerload | Auto-feed | Command Feed | N/A |
| Weight | 12.6 lbs | 8.8 lbs | 10.6 lbs | 5.5 lbs | 5.2 lbs |
| Run time (approx.) | 60 minutes | 60 minutes | 40 minutes | 60 minutes | N/A |
| Additional features | – | – | Expandable | 2-in-1 | Includes snath, blade, and sharpening kit |
| Price | High | Medium | Low | Low | Medium |
Ego ST1511T Power+ String Trimmer with Powerload
| Product Name | Ego ST1511T Power+ String Trimmer with Powerload |
|---|---|
| Power Source | Battery |
| Battery Voltage | 56V |
| Cutting Width | 15 inches |
| Line Feed System | Powerload Technology |
| Weight | 12.9 lbs |
| Additional Features | Variable Speed Control |
The Ego ST1511T Power+ String Trimmer with Powerload is different from other electric trimmers. This cutter cut through Japanese knotweed that was an inch thick like it was grass, while most of the others just slapped their strings against the thick stalks in a sad way. With all that power, you’d think this trimmer would make a lot of noise. Overall, it is one of the best string trimmer that you can buy.
But it was the quietest tool we tried, with a hum like a hair dryer that was nicer to listen to than the whine of its rivals. This model is the latest in a long line of popular Ego trimmers. It stands out with a telescoping shaft that is easy to adjust and a secondary handle that is easy to change. This makes it work for people of many different heights and shapes.
The Ego ST1511T is just as strong and cheap as a gas tool, but it doesn’t have to deal with messy gas, stinky exhaust, or time-consuming upkeep. It was also one of the most powerful electric trimmers we found. On a single charge, it could cut a strip of grass 1 foot wide and almost 2/3 of a mile long. The Ego has a line-loading method that works with a push button. This makes it much easier to put a new line on the spool head than it usually is.
Pros
- The Powerload feature makes reloading the trimmer line easy and convenient.
- The 56V battery provides ample power for most trimming tasks.
Cons
- The price point is relatively high compared to other string trimmers on the market.
Ego ST1521S Power+ String Trimmer with Powerload
| Product Name | Ego ST1521S Power+ String Trimmer with Powerload |
|---|---|
| Power Source | Battery |
| Battery Voltage | 56V |
| Cutting Width | 15 inches |
| Line Feed System | Powerload Technology |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs |
| Additional Features | Rapid Reload Head |
If the Ego ST1511T is not available, the Ego ST1521S Power+ String Trimmer with Powerload is also a good option. This is the last version of the Ego string trimmer, and it has a lot of the same great features as the ST1511T, like a long battery life, great power, and an easy line change.
The main difference is that it doesn’t have an extending shaft or a quick-adjustment knob on the handle. This makes it less adaptable to people of different heights. Most of the time, the two trimmers cost about the same, so you should only choose this one if the ST1511T is out of stock and you can’t wait. For now, it is one of the best string trimmer that you can buy.
Pros
- The Powerload feature makes reloading the trimmer line easy and convenient.
- The 56V battery provides ample power for most trimming tasks.
Cons
- The price point is relatively high compared to other string trimmers on the market.
Ryobi RY40270 40V Brushless Expand-It String Trimmer
| Product Name | Ryobi RY40270 40V Brushless Expand-It String Trimmer |
|---|---|
| Power Source | Battery |
| Battery Voltage | 40V |
| Cutting Width | Adjustable |
| Line Feed System | Bump Feed |
| Weight | 9.7 lbs |
| Additional Features | Expand-It Compatible |
We also like the Ryobi RY40270 40V Brushless Expand-It String Trimmer if you want a trimmer that can also be used as an all-purpose garden tool. Even though it can’t cut tall, thick weeds as easily as the Ego models, it can still cut through thick grass and has enough run time to take care of a big property.
But unlike the Egos, it already has a connection ready to go. So you can take off the trimmer head and swap it with a pole saw, a brush cutter, or a mini cultivator, all of which are sold separately. In general, the Ryobi costs about the same as the Ego ST1511T. Again, though, the Ryobi isn’t as good at cutting through thick stuff.
It’s also much louder and heavier, and you can’t change the length of the handle or the length of the shaft on the fly. The Ryobi has a hand-crank reel, which makes it easier to load line than older models, but it’s not as good as our top pick, which has a push-button method. For now, it is one of the best string trimmer that you can buy.
Pros
- The brushless motor provides efficient and powerful performance.
- The price point is relatively affordable compared to other high-end string trimmers.
Cons
- The trimmer line may be prone to breaking or tangling.
- Some users have reported issues with the battery life, which may require frequent recharging.
Worx WG170.2 GT Revolution 20V PowerShare String Trimmer and Edger
| Product Name | Worx WG170.2 GT Revolution 20V PowerShare String Trimmer and Edger |
|---|---|
| Power Source | Battery |
| Battery Voltage | 20V |
| Cutting Width | 12 inches |
| Line Feed System | Auto-Feed |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs |
| Additional Features | 2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger |
We like the Worx WG170.2 GT Revolution 20V PowerShare String Trimmer and Edger if you only need to trim a little bit. It’s much smaller and not nearly as strong as the Ego ST1511T, but it works great on grass. And it has some ergonomic changes that other models don’t have, which make it comfortable for people of all shapes and sizes.
This model comes with a small set of wheels that can be adjusted to turn the trimmer into an edger or even a very small mini-mower. We found that the Worx was quieter than the other products on the market. It costs about the same as other types of the same kind. Still, it is one of the best string trimmer that you can buy.
Pros
- The 2-in-1 design allows for easy switching between trimming and edging.
- The PowerShare battery is interchangeable with other Worx tools.
Cons
- The 20V battery may not provide enough power for more demanding trimming tasks.
Lee Valley Traditional Austrian Scythe Set
| Product Name | Lee Valley Traditional Austrian Scythe Set |
|---|---|
| Blade Material | Steel |
| Blade Length | Varies |
| Handle Material | Ash Wood |
| Weight | Varies |
| Additional Features | Ergonomic Design |
If you need to cut down a lot of grass, like on a LA hillside or in a spot that is not a yard but isn’t a forest either, you might want to get a scythe, like the Lee Valley Traditional Austrian Scythe Set. The scythe is an old tool that has been left behind by modern society, even though it is a great way to cut grass. In addition to being able to cut, it gives a calm mental and physical experience, with the only sound being the blade moving through the grass.
It’s kind of the opposite of a string trimmer in a lot of ways. There is a learning curve for using a scythe to cut grass, and you must know how to clean the blade. However, you can learn these skills, and they are not as hard on your body as you might think. There’s no doubt that you’ll look out of place, and people might talk when you’re not looking. That’s fine, though, because your neighbors who are rolling their eyes probably don’t realize how much fun and peace you’re having.
But your neighbors should also be glad that you’re not using a noisy string cutter and instead are using a quiet tool. The Lee Valley Scythe Set comes with all of the tools you need to start scything. If the Lee Valley Set is out of stock, you can buy the blade, handle, sharpening stone, and case separately for about the same price. Thus, it is one of the best string trimmer that you can buy.
Pros
- The set includes everything needed to get started with scything.
- The scythe is lightweight and easy to use.
Cons
- The scythe may not be suitable for large or heavily overgrown areas.
- Scything requires some skill and practice to use effectively.
FAQs
A string trimmer, also called a weed whacker or weed eater, is a handheld gardening tool with a thin nylon line and a spinning head that cuts grass, weeds, and other plants in hard-to-reach places.
When picking a string trimmer, you should think about the size of your yard, the kind of plants you’ll be cutting, and your own preferences. Look for features like a shaft length that can be changed, different cutting speeds, and settings that are easy to use.
String trimmers come in two main types: ones that run on gas and ones that run on electricity. Gas-powered trimmers are more powerful and better for bigger yards, while electric trimmers are lighter and better for smaller yards.
