Best String Trimmers of 2024

Buying a string trimmer for your lawns is one of the best decisions you can make. In this guide, we are going to show you the best string trimmers. Read through to find out the best string trimmers, you will be pleased you took time to read this guide of you do.

A string trimmer gets into places that a lawnmower can’t and can also tackle tall weeds or grass that might choke a mower. It’s the ideal tool for keeping the edges of your garden or walkway neat and tidy and for manicuring around fence poles and tree trunks.

Curved or Straight Shaft

String trimmers have either a straight shaft or a curved shaft, the latter of which is bent about halfway between the handle and the spinning trimmer head.

A straight shaft is often better for taller users because it’s longer, and the design lets you trim without kneeling or bending to keep the trimmer head close to the ground.

Shorter users may prefer a curved shaft because it’s a little easier to hold and maneuver, and its design makes it more convenient to keep the cutting head perpendicular to the ground. If you’ve never used a string trimmer, try one of each at a home center or hardware store to see which feels more natural.

STRING TRIMMER BUYER’S GUIDE

Engine Type

Overall, the biggest factor you should be thinking about when it comes to string trimmers is the engine type, since it’s going to be dictating a lot of your other decisions.

The two basic types of engines you will find are gas-powered and electric, with electric models either functioning off of rechargeable batteries or a traditional cord that must be plugged into an electrical outlet.

In terms of the gas-powered models, these tend to be more powerful and often larger, ideal for heavy-duty projects. Also, since they require gas fuel, they can be costly to maintain in some instances, and can also be loud or result in unpleasant emissions.

Electric string trimmers are sometimes less powerful, though there are many different models with different types of motors that have varying degrees of torque and total output. Battery-powered models give you the most mobility but may require frequent recharges.

Conversely, corded models can be more limiting in terms of range but will never require you to stop to refuel or recharge. Choose the model that bests suits the size of your yard as well as your available resources for powering the unit.

Feed System

There are also two predominant types of feed systems in string trimmers, which are the mechanisms that control how much of the “string” is fed out through the head.

The traditional method is called a bump feed because you must press down on the guard in a bumping motion to manually release more of the line.

This system does give you more control over how many lines you use, which can be a big benefit if you know what you’re doing. However, this system also increases the chances of damaging the trimmer because you have to use some force to smash it on the ground.

The second type of feed system is called an automatic feed because, as you can probably already guess, the trimmer extends the feed line automatically as you go. Most systems use the centrifugal force of the spinning line to release more of the line once it starts to wear down.

The biggest benefit here is that you don’t have to do anything special to keep on trimming. However, these systems can be difficult to fix if they break, and they don’t give you the same level of control.

Cutting Width

Every string trimmer is going to feature a cutting width expressed in inches, usually between 12 and 14 inches on average. This number refers to the space in which the trimmer can properly cut down grass without you having to move the unit at all.

As such, a larger cutting width means that you can cut more at once with less effort, making them ideal for large yards or anyone who wants to get each job done fast. Similarly, smaller cutting widths are great for smaller yards and also mean that the actual trimmer is going to be smaller, and usually easier to manage.

This area doesn’t come down to a basic rule like “bigger is better” or anything like that since the cutting size does not determine how effective or efficient a trimmer is.

The real deciding factor is going to be your comfort level, physical ability, and the needs of your yard. Going too big or too small could result in more problems than anything else.

Convertible Configurations

These days it seems like many string trimmers are offering additional functionality in the form of convertible configurations.

When looking at one of these models, you’re most likely going to encounter the ability to change the trimmer into an edger, which is a tool that enables you to trim clean lines around edges in your yard, such as where the grass might meet the sidewalk or around a flower bed.

Any model that offers this feature should have at least one attached wheel to help make guiding it easier in the edger mode.

While this feature is by no means necessary to be able to use a string trimmer for its primary purpose, it can be quite helpful if you need for one, since it can translate into a lot of saved time. It might end up being a deciding factor between models but isn’t likely to become a serious element in your final decision.

Safety Features

Safety is key when it comes to using power tools for yard work, and thankfully the majority of string trimmers on the market today implement a lot of great features to keep the user and everyone else safe.

Still, it’s important to know what you should be looking for, and it starts with a solid safety guard around the head. Some models may include smaller guards, which are meant for users with a higher level of experience operating the trimmer.

You should also make sure that your string trimmer does not require you to come to close to the head at any point to use a special feature, especially during operation.

Weight and Size

As with any type of tool, it’s important to think about how much it weighs and how big it is so that you can make sure you can handle using it.

For me, as a woman who’s just a hair above 5 feet tall, I try to avoid any tools that are particularly large because I don’t want to face any complications using them out in my yard. The same would be true for anyone who is older or has any kind of joint problems or physical disabilities.

Every manufacturer will list the weight of the trimmer and the length of the shaft, so use these to your advantage to help find one that fits your stature.

BEST STRING TRIMMERS

BLACK+DECKER LST136W

Packed with POWERDRIVE™ Transmission and a 40V MAX* lithium-ion battery, this power string trimmer has the muscle to tackle tough weeds and overgrowth. An Automatic Feed Spool AFS® ensures continuous work without bumping.

Great for jobs large and small, the 40V MAX* system isn’t just powerful, it’s convenient. No gas. No cords. Nothing to stand between you, finishing the job, and getting on with your day.

Husqvarna 967055801

Experience a higher level of power and durability with the 324L string trimmer from Husqvarna. This string trimmer offers a range of commercial-style features, including air purge and a heavy-duty bevel gear trimmer head. Plus, the 4-cycle engine removes the need for mixing gas and oil. It’s the perfect semi-professional workmate for landowners or landscapers looking for commercial-grade performance from their string trimmer.

BLACK+DECKER LSTE525

Get those big jobs done with this two-speed convertible trimmer/ edger with two batteries included. It delivers the torque you need to power through tough overgrowth plus the no-bump convenience of EASYFEED™ string advance.

EGO Power+ ST1500-S

The EGO POWER+ 15 in. String Trimmer is the next, big step up in power and convenience for cordless string trimmers. The POWER+ 56-Volt Lithium-Ion battery and a new, high-efficiency brushless motor deliver the performance of gas without the noise, fuss, and fumes. The 15 in. cutting swath and extended aluminum shaft make for efficient trimming around your yard.

WORX WG163 GT

This Worx WG163 electric string trimmer is present in the 3rd position in this article as it can be a great pick if you are looking for an affordable battery-powered string trimmer. As per its name, it uses a 20-volt battery system to power its electric motor. This decently powerful motor can offer a motor speed of up to 7600 RPM that is quite decent. And since it powers its 12 inches wide cutting path, you can expect great grass cutting performance from it.

It has a 10-inch cutting line length along with a 0.065-inch line diameter that is quite decent. A great thing about this string trimmer is that it weighs just 5.3 pounds. And since it is battery powered, it is a great portable option. You also get a 3-year long warranty with this string trimmer that is always great to have. Its head is fully adjustable and offers 90 degrees of adjustment as per your need. This can be quite useful for cutting grass and weed quite easily.

Remington RM2510

Presenting the perfect partner in your battle to keep tall grass and weeds at bay. The Rustler™ gas-powered trimmer/edger’s powerful 25cc 2-cycle engine and 16-inch cutting swath help you power through more territory at once. QuickStart™ technology makes getting started faster and easier. And when your trimmer line wears down, never fear–just tap the dual-line bump head on the ground and more line is ready for action.

GreenWorks 21142

This GreenWorks 10-amp, corded-electric string trimmer has a straight shaft and weighs 9.7 lbs. It uses dual .080-inch cutting lines.

A step up from the 21212, this string trimmer offers more power, allowing it to quickly tackle even the most demanding yard applications.  And a wide 18” cutting path helps reduce operating time by making a very generous swath across your property.

Ego ST1521S Power+ String Trimmer

The world’s first String Trimmer with POWERLOAD™ Technology. This patented technology solves one of the biggest pain points of string trimmers, POWERLOAD™ technology automatically winds your trimmer. Replacing your string line is as easy as feeding the line into the head and pressing a button! The EGO POWER+ 15″ POWERLOAD™ String Trimmer has a Carbon Fiber shaft that is stronger than any other string trimmer shaft on the market today.

Echo SRM-225 Straight Shaft Gas Trimmer

The Echo 21.2cc straight shaft trimmer boasts a 2-stroke engine, providing you with the high-quality performance you expect. The professional-grade air filtration system helps improve the durability and lifespan of the engine. Maintenance of the air filter requires no tools with the tool-less cover. For user comfort, the Echo straight shaft gas trimmer features an engine vibration system that helps reduce vibration during use. It also comes with an ergonomic rubber handle that helps ensure comfortable use. Reloads are quick and easy with the Speed-Feed® trimmer head. The head features a debris shield with a built-in cut-off knife that keeps your line at the ideal length.

Greenworks G-MAX Cordless String Trimmer

Greenworks’ STBA40B210 is powered by a decently powerful battery system that is rated at 40 volts. Due to this, you can expect a high cutting performance from it. You also get a 2.0 Ah battery life rating with this string trimmer that allows you to use it for a long time on a single charge. This battery powers a 12 inch wide cutting path that offers a balance between its cutting performance and form factor while using it for cutting grass and weed.

Just per its name, this product is a combination of a string trimmer and a leaf blower. Both of these products come with reliable electric motors that are rated with a 4-year long warranty. Its leaf blower offers a high airflow rating of up to 390 CFM and airspeed of up to 110 MPH depending on your speed settings. As for the string trimmer, it comes with an adjustable auxiliary handle for easily changing the height as needed by the user.

CONCLUSION

String trimmers can be highly useful for either trimming or cutting all sorts of things in your backyard. These have a thin string that spins at a fast speed for trimming grass, weed, plants, and much more. And as this can be quite useful, we have mentioned some of the best string trimmers along with their major features and differences. All this can be quite useful if you want to find their differences. Although, if you want to know more about string trimmers, you can even find a detailed buying guide in this article.