8 Best Cordless Battery Operated Weed Eaters. Handheld weed wacker

Best Cordless Battery Operated Weed Eaters

If you’re in the market for a new cordless weed eater, then you should check out my product reviews after hands-on testing the best cordless weed eaters for home and professional use.

This in-depth guide covers all aspects of these awesome power tools and aims to give you my insight into the products available and what they’re capable of. I’ve put them all through their paces and picked out my favorite weed eaters based on overall performance, the best pro-quality tool under 350, and the best lightweight weed eater under 200.

• Best Pick Cordless Weed Eaters
• Best Weed Eater Money Can Buy
• Best Pro Weed Eater Under 350
• Best Lightweight Weed Eater under 200
• Choosing The Best Cordless Weed Eater
• Battery Vs Electric Vs Gas Weed Eater
• 20v Vs 40v Trimmer…or more
• Weedeater Batteries
• Straight Shaft Vs Curved Shaft
• String Trimmer Vs Edger
• Reviews: Best Battery-Operated Weed Eaters
• 1. Makita 36V Cordless Battery Weed Eater 5.0Ah 15″
• 2. DeWALT FlexVolt 60V Max String Trimmer 15-Inch
• 3. WORX 40V Power Share 13″ GT String Trimmer
• 4. Milwaukee M18 Quik-Lok String Trimmer
• 5. EGO Power Weed Eater Combo 15-Inch
• 6. Greenworks Pro 80V 16 inch Cordless Trimmer
• 7. Greenworks Weed Wacker G-MAX 40V 12″
• 8. Ryobi 40-Volt Cordless Weed Eater
• How to use a Weed Eater
• How To Use a Bump Feed Trimmer
• How To Edge With A Weed Eater
• Conclusion: Best Battery-Operated Weed Eaters
• Best Weed Eater Money Can Buy
• Best Pro Quality Weed Eater Under 350
• Best Lightweight Weed Eater under 200
• Frequently Asked Questions

Best Pick Cordless Weed Eaters

If you’re in a hurry then here are my recommended string trimmers from the professional quality Makita 36V unit with incredible battery life through the lightweight Worx string trimmer which is a great low-cost, yet high-performing tool, for home use.

Makita 36V Cordless Weed Eater 15″

Built to last this powerful string trimmer offers 80 min battery run-time. Bump feed head, with variable speeds.

DeWALT FlexVolt 60V Max 15-Inch

Superb grip and comfort from this 60V trimmer. Two-speed function and 50mins of battery run-time.

WORX 40V Power Share 13″ GT

Only 8.6 lbs including battery, a very effective lightweight weed eater for home use. 40min battery run-time.

Choosing The Best Cordless Weed Eater

Also referred to as string trimmers, strimmers, weed whackers, or weed eaters. These garden power tools are designed to cut down weeds and grasses or tidy lawn edging, keeping your yard looking neat throughout the year.

If you’ve got ample outdoor space that tends to get overgrown, then a weed eater is a no-brainer…and should form part of your garden maintenance tool kit.

But before you dive in and throw your hard-earned cash around, let me guide you through the complicated world of garden trimmers so you can make an informed decision in selecting the right tool for your garden.

Battery Vs Electric Vs Gas Weed Eater

We are talking here about a garden power tool, so let’s look at the three ways you can power this device; battery (cordless), electric (corded), and gas-powered. Each comes with its own set of pros and cons and will suit different types of jobs. So how about we run down the options…

Electric Weed Eaters

Electric (corded) weed eaters offer similar cutting power to battery-operated machines but come with some restrictions by the fact that they have you tethered with a power cord running to the main electricity.

You lose the ability to weave freely across the landscape as the cord has a length restriction and can get caught on objects or features around the yard. Then there’s the setup, which usually involves running extension cables across your yard, which sometimes can be prone to electrical risk from surprise rainfall.

They do, however, have their benefits, such as a constant flow of power, and they don’t run out of juice. Once you are set up and ready to go, you won’t be interrupted. They also tend to be much lighter and cheaper than cordless strimmers, so if good value and a lightweight tool are high on your list of priorities then consider a corded model.

Gas Weed Eaters

Then, we have gas-powered weed eaters. These tools were once favored by professionals as they combine both power and flexibility allowing you to get rid of even the thickest of weeds without any cords holding you back.

Although they are both powerful and maneuverable, they do have some drawbacks. They are very expensive, loud, very heavy, and require a bit more muscle power to control. Gas-powered weed eaters are known for regular issues with start-ups, as well as being messy and smelly. Refilling them with gas multiple times per job usually results in spillage or simply running out of fuel. Read Best Gas Weed Eaters.

Cordless Weed Eaters

Cordless weed eaters can offer great flexibility. The lack of cord means you can reach parts of your yard that you would struggle with a conventional electric strimmer, plus you don’t have to worry about trip or shock hazards from the electric cord laying on the ground.

Depending on the battery power, you may need to recharge them several times before the job is done or maintain several battery packs. They can sometimes lack the ultra-high power you can get from gas-fueled machines. However, rest assured the products on this list have been selected to get around the normal issues associated with cordless products. These are long-lasting and very powerful battery-powered Weed Eaters trusted and used by professionals.

20v Vs 40v Trimmer…or more

Power levels in battery strimmers come in various voltages, anywhere between 18v and 80v, but two of the most common power outputs range between 20 and 40 volts. This refers to the amount of power the motor can generate which basically dictates how many weeds can be eaten and how long it will take.

Unsurprisingly a 40v weed eater is a more powerful and more efficient tool than a 20v model and will handle a much bigger load and get the job done in less time.

However, 40v tools do have their downsides. Compared to a 20v model, they carry a heavier battery and are more typically expensive. So, if you’re just looking at getting rid of weeds around your backyard, a 20v weed eater should be enough. If you have a bigger area to tackle, think about investing in 40v or more.

Weedeater Batteries

Weed Eater batteries are the drive behind the machine, but their size and power level will determine how much power they kick out and how long they will last before draining. Batteries will usually be rated between 2.0 Ah and 5.0 Ah.

Amp Hour (Ah) is the rating for how long the battery can run. A tool that draws 2 amp of power will run for 60 minutes when powered with a 2.0 Ah battery. So you will get more power over more time with a higher Ah battery.

I recommend whenever you buy a strimmer or in fact, any battery-powered machine that you buy at least one spare battery, and make sure you check what’s included in the package you buy. Some weed eaters have no battery supplied as standard, whilst others like the Makita below on my list come with 4 batteries included!

Personally, I have three or four and tend to use a few of the same brands across my various battery power tools. So, I have a strimmer, chainsaw and pole saw from DeWALT, so I use my set of batteries across all three machines. For most brands, the batteries and machines need to be the same voltage e.g. 40V.

Straight Shaft Vs Curved Shaft

There are two main types of shafts that weed eaters come in. Straight shafts and curved shafts both offer slightly different things and will benefit other people based on their weed-eating needs.

Straight Shaft Weed Eater

As a general rule of thumb, the straighter shafted strimmers are more durable, largely because when the shaft is curved so is the drive chain inside. Whilst perfectly fine for light to moderate use, heavy users will want to go for a straight shaft.

The overall design of the straight shaft is more functional. It’s longer so its reach is extended, and the lack of curvature results in much less vibration during use.

Curved Shaft Weed Eater

The curved shaft design results in a balanced and easy-to-use tool that can feel more comfortable in use. Due to the reduction in length, the overall weight is reduced, and the curve near the motor makes cutting back small areas easy.

Curved shafts are generally better suited to smaller areas.

String Trimmer Vs Edger

Although similar and sometimes available as a combi-tool, string trimmers and lawn edgers are designed for two different functions.

A string trimmer is the same as a weed eater. It is intended for cutting back large areas of weeds or grasses across a broad surface area such as a border or lawn.

Edgers are intended for use to create a neatly defined edge to your lawn or grass areas. They make a clean-looking cut, making them a sort of detailing tool.

Reviews: Best Battery-Operated Weed Eaters

Here are the breakdowns of the best battery-operated weed eater on the market. From the power of the world-beating professional quality machines to low-cost to the best lightweight weed eaters for small gardens.

The criteria I used to make this line-up includes comfort and balance when operating the tool, weight, and noise, as well as overall power and performance based on the segment the product was designed for. I group Pro-level tools, Mid-level home use, and Entry-level budget tools to create this list of top buys.

Best Weed Eater Reviews 2023 – Gas, Battery, and Electric

If you’re on the hunt for the best weed eater for the 2023 mowing season, you’ve come to the right place! Since the mowing season never really ends here in Florida, it’s a great place to be testing year-round and we’re able to get our hands on the latest gas, cordless, and electric weed eater models.

Before we dive into our recommendations, let’s take care of a little contextual business. Technically, Weed Eater is a brand, not a tool. The tool we’re talking about is a string trimmer. Much like Kleenex is a tissue and Sawzall is a reciprocating saw, the brand name is synonymous with the tool type.

Weed Eater as a brand is part of the Husqvarna group and has a FOCUS on the needs of homeowners. Likewise, the FOCUS of this article is also on string trimmers specifically targeting the needs of homeowners. If you’d like to see what we recommend for professionals as well, check out the following articles:

Best Gas Weed Eater

Echo SRM-225 String Trimmer

Echo’s SRM-225 bridges the gap between homeowner needs and professional quality and performance. It has an easy-starting 21.2cc engine driving a 17-inch cutting swath. Line changes are easy out of the box thanks to a stock Speed Feed 400 head.

The 225 has been around for a long time—well over a decade. Some of the features have changed, (such as the starting system and head), but this is a field-proven model that consistently earns high praise from folks that use it.

While the price tag is on the high end of the residential range, the SRM-225 does have a 5-year consumer warranty.

Best Battery-Powered Weed Eater

EGO 56V PowerLoad String Trimmer with Line IQ

The creme de la creme in the battery-powered world this year is EGO”s latest model. Piling on the best of its technologies, it features a carbon fiber shaft, PowerLoad automatic line winding, and automatic line extending with LineIQ.

As is typical for EGO string trimmers, the 56V brushless motor is confident cutting through tall grass and the vibration levels are lower than most of its competition.

Price: Price: 219.00 bare, 299.00 with a 4.0Ah battery and charger

Best Corded Electric Weed Eater

Black Decker GH900 String Trimmer

Black Decker has a nice range of corded electric string trimmers to choose from. If the higher affordability and/or simplicity of corded if what you’re looking for, we recommend the GH900. It’s a 6.5-amp model with a 14-inch cutting swath that has more power than many of its competitors. It’s also a 2-in-1 mode with a wheel that makes flipping the trimmer to the side for edging duties easier.

This model has automatic line feeding. As long as there’s line on the spool, it feeds as necessary without you having to bump the head as you go.

Best Value Weed Eater

Skil PWRCore 40 Brushless String Trimmer Kit

If you’re shopping with a tighter budget, there are still quality weed eaters to choose from, including cordless models. Pulling together everything—performance, design, convenience, and price—we recommend the Skil PWRCore 40 15-inch brushless string trimmer as the best value.

It has better performance than you get from the 18V/20V Max class while keeping both its weight and price in check. Plus, it adds a quick-winding Smart Lond feature for line changes and Skil backs it with a 5-year warranty.

Price: 159.00 with 2.5Ah battery and charger

Best Weed Eater Brand

Ryobi

So when it all shakes out, what’s the best weed eater brand from top to bottom? That’s going to take some context. In our opinion, it has to be a brand with a broad range of options in both the gas and election categories, and that narrows the field significantly. While there are several quality brands in the mix, we believe Ryobi does the best job of bracketing the needs of homeowners.

Ingco Cordless Battery Powered Grass Trimmer Review

There are several gas options and a corded model to choose from. Plus, there are budget-friendly entry-level options on the 18V One platform all the way to high-end 40V HP Brushless models, including one that earned our recommendation as the most powerful cordless string trimmer.

Recommendations from Brands We Trust

There are A LOT of really good weed eaters on the market and while only one could fill each category above, here are some of our other top recommendations.

Best Craftsman String Trimmer – V20 RP Brushless 13-Inch String Trimmer

Craftsman covers corded, battery, and gas-powered string trimmers, giving you more than a dozen total choices. Of those, the V20 RP Brushless model is the way to go if you have a small yard or want a lightweight option. It’s also a good value—the kit is just 149.00 and that includes a 5.0Ah battery. When you consider some of the better corded models are around 100 and then add the cost of a quality 100-foot extension cord, cordless convenience isn’t too far out of reach.

Price: 149.00 with 5.0Ah battery and charger

Best Greenworks Weed Eater – 60V Pro 16-Inch Brushless String Trimmer

Greenworks’ Pro 60V line has a few options and the ST60L04 is one of the best you can get at the 200 price point. Its performance is characterized by confident cutting using 0.095-inch line and low vibration. Balancing that performance with an 11.2-pound weight (including the battery), it’s a very comfortable trimmer to work with. Plus, it includes an easy-loading Load N’ Go head that makes your line changes less frustrating.

Price: 199.99 with a 2.5Ah battery and charger

Best HART String Trimmer – 40V SuperCharge 15-Inch Brushless Carbon Fiber String Trimmer

HART is taking its next step forward with a big FOCUS on performance and its 40V SuperCharge string trimmer is the way to go if you’re looking for the best the Walmart-exclusive brand has to offer. Using a brushless motor, it’s capable of overtaking 25cc gas models. It’s also an attachment-ready system. Just grab whichever HART or other universal connection accessories you like and turn this string trimmer into a lawn care multi-tool.

Price: 237.00 with a 4.0Ah battery and Rapid charger

Best Husqvarna Weed Eater – 320iL 40V Weed Eater 16-Inch Brushless String Trimmer

Husqvarna has a very clean professional side and a nice selection of homeowner models you can conveniently get from Lowe’s. Launched in 2023, the 320iL is the first battery-powered string trimmer in Husqvarna’s line to carry the Weed Eater brand name and it’s a serious contender in the residential market.

Using a 40V power source and brushless motor, this 16-inch string trimmer is lightweight at just 10.1 with a 4.0Ah battery. Combined with Husqvarna’s characteristic low-vibration design, it’s a strong candidate for the most comfortable string trimmer to use. Plus, there’s a directional switch feature. It’s something we see on professional models from time to time, but they typically use it for just a few seconds to detangle grass that gets around the shaft. Husqvarna specifically designed this one to run full-time in either direction so you’re always sending clippings away from you.

Price: 169.00 bare, 299.00 with 4.0Ah battery and charger

Best Ridgid String Trimmer – 18V Brushless 14-Inch String Trimmer

2023 saw Ridgid enter the lawn care sector for the first time with a suite of products that are compatible with the same 18V batteries that run the beloved orange power tools. For the string trimmer, Ridgid decided to target a lighteight model. including a 4.0Ah battery, it’s less than 10 pounds. While the 14-inch max cutting swath isn’t what professionals are looking for, it’s just fine for homeowner needs.

Price: 189.00 bare, 249.00 with a 4.0Ah battery and charger

Best Ryobi Weed Eater – 40V HP Brushless 17-Inch Carbon Fiber String Trimmer

Ryobi has been in the lawn care game for a long time. Recently, the battery side of the business has brought impressive gains in both design and performance. The culmination of that advancement brings together a battery and brushless motor with stronger performance than its competition. You can use line up to 0.105-inch and you get a 17-inch cutting swath.

While this model is on the heavy side, its performance makes it a great choice for maintaining large areas or reclaiming overgrowth. On the other hand, its noise level doesn’t seem to match how strong it is. As part of Ryobi’s Whisper Series, this model runs some 60% quieter than gas models.

Price: 279.00 bare, 329.00 with 6.0Ah battery and Rapid charger

Best STIHL String Trimmer – FSA 60 R 36V 14-Inch Brushless String Trimmer

Thanks to the quality of its products and the support of its servicing dealer network, STIHL enjoys a high reputation when it comes to string trimmers (and virtually everything else it makes). Shifting away from its excellent professional models, the homeowner side has both gas and battery models available. In our opinion, battery is the way to go for homeowners and the FSA 60 R is the one we’d go with.

It’s a sub-10-pound (with the battery) 14-inch brushless model using the AK battery system that targets homeowner needs. There’s a similar model on the AP system (the FSA 86 R), but it costs a bit more and unless you’re going to add other STIHL professional-level products, you shouldn’t need to jump up.

Price: 219.99 bare, 289.99 with 3.9Ah battery

What We Look For – Best Weed Eater Buying Guide

Gas, Battery-Powered, or Corded?

The power source you choose has a significant impact on several aspects of you string trimmer ownership experience.

Gas models give you the most power (but battery is getting really close). If you’re looking for a wide cutting swath with a high line size and possibly using a grass or brush cutter blade, it’s the best way to go. Keep in mind you have to mix your gas and oil, it’s the noisiest option, they tend to have more vibration, and there’s more maintenance to keep up with. run the gamut from around 100 all the to around 250 for a high-end residential model.

Battery-powered weed eaters are now able to keep up with 25cc gas engine performance and even higher in some cases. Many use medium line sizes and a few can handle 0.105-inch line. They are highly convenient models to use. Just pop the battery in and go. One thing to keep in mind is that most of the batteries are good for 3 – 5 years, and they can be expensive to replace. They’re also some of the most expensive, starting over 100 and reaching the 300 mark. On the other hand, most folks we know that experience the convenience along with lower noise, no emissions, and no gas hassles of a good battery model never look back.

Corded electric weed eaters are the way to go if you’re on a tight budget. They tend to be smaller and lighter with less power and cutting swath than others. However, there’s almost no maintenance to worry about and you have the same low noise, no gas benefits of battery-powered models. The big trade-off is that you need to drag an extension cord wherever you’re working. On the plus side, the majority of corded models are under 100.

Cutting Swath and Line Size

As you increase the overall power of a string trimmer, you can increase the cutting swath and line diameter. For cutting swath, you can go as low as 12 inches or as high as 17 or 18 inches. The wider you go, the more grass you’re clearing, making it easier to trim back larger areas of overgrowth or give your mower more of a buffer.

Pro Tip: Avoid the temptation to remove the guard to get more line out. It may look like a good idea, but it puts more strain on the engine/motor than it was designed to handle and will shorten its overall service life.

Line diameter starts around 0.065 inches thick. We recommend at least 0.080-inch and prefer 0.095 for the best all-around cutting. 0.105-inch line is great if you’re clearing overgrowth, but it’s overkill for the regular cutting you do around your home. As you increase the line size, it has more mass and is able to drive through thicker and stalkier grasses easier.

Pro Tip: Similar to extending the cutting swath, loading line that’s thicker than your trimmer is rated for can put additional strain on the engine/motor that hurts it in the long run.

Vibration

Vibration is simple—the less a weed eater has, the more pleasant it is to use. Electric and battery-powered models are the best, but they can still have quite a bit. Once you use a good low-vibration string trimmer, your entire outlook on trimming can change.

Weight and Length

Like vibration, the size and weight of a string trimmer contribute significantly to how fatiguing the chore is. Lower weight is better. However, beware of trimmers that are much longer or shorter than you can comfortably adjust to your height. Going too far in either direction is a recipe for back pain.

Price and Value

As with most products, the overall quality and performance of a weed eater generally increase with the price. That said, shop around and ask questions—at nearly every price point there’s going to be a model or two that give you a better overall experience than others.

Considering a couple of different ones and aren’t sure which way to go? Drop a comment below and we’ll let you know which one we recommend.

Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews

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We’ve been in business since 2008 covering tools, writing reviews, and reporting on industry news in the construction and lawn care industries. Our Pro reviewers work in the trades and have the skills and experience to know whether tools can perform well in the field.

Each year, we bring in and review more than 350 individual products. Our team will put our hands on hundreds of additional tools at media events and trade shows throughout the year.

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The end result is information you can trust because of the editorial, scientific, and real-world professional experience we collectively utilize each and every time we pick up and test a tool.

The 8 Best Weed Whackers for a Tidy, Weed-Free Lawn

Top weed whacker models, like the Ego Power 15-Inch string trimmer, make it easy to keep your lawn looking trim.

Marcus Reeves is an experienced writer, publisher, and fact-checker. He began his writing career reporting for The Source magazine. His writing has appeared in The New York Times, Playboy, The Washington Post, and Rolling Stone, among other publications. His book Somebody Scream: Rap Music’s Rise to Prominence in the Aftershock of Black Power was nominated for a Zora Neale Hurston Award. He is an adjunct instructor at New York University, where he teaches writing and communications. Marcus received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

In This Article

Whether you know it as a weed whacker, weed eater, weed trimmer, stringer, or string trimmer, this handy yard tool is a must for getting rid of weeds on and around your lawn. A weed whacker can cut weeds and tall grass in hard-to-reach areas along sidewalks, fencing, shrubs, and groundcover—a must-do on the checklist of seasonal landscape maintenance.

We spoke to lawn experts at WWCS Environmental Services to get the lowdown on how to best use a weed whacker for weed removal and lawn health. “A good weed whacker is a great lawn maintenance tool to use in combination with a mower and weed killer to keep a lawn in top condition,” says Ashley Platen-Mills, the director of WWCS Environmental Services.

We researched some of the best weed whackers on the market based on important factors like their power, price, shaft style and grip, and how much they weigh so as not to cause back strain or user fatigue. We also looked at how easy the string is to replace and safety features.

Best Overall

Ego Power 15-Inch String Trimmer with Powerload

• As a cordless string trimmer, you can expect around 25 to 30 minutes of use out of it per charge, which, though considered good for a battery-powered weed whacker, might not be enough for larger properties.

Providing just as much cutting power as a gas model, but without the fumes and high maintenance requirements, the Ego Power 15-Inch String Trimmer is our choice for the best weed whacker. Manually replacing a string line on a weed whacker can be an arduous task, but this model has a feature that winds the trimmer automatically—all you have to do is feed the line into the trimmer’s head and press a button.

The perks of this trimmer don’t end there; it has one of the strongest shafts of any weed whacker currently on the market, and, thanks to its carbon fiber construction, it’s incredibly lightweight so you won’t tire as you carry it around your yard powering through various landscaping chores.

It features a large 15-inch cutting width to cover more area as well as variable speed control so you can customize your weed-whacking experience to your lawn’s needs. In addition, it has a brushless motor, which is known to extend motor life as well as provide a longer running time than other cordless models. The company also provides a lifetime warranty, so you’re guaranteed a strong, durable, and efficient yard work tool that will last forever.

Price at time of publish: 250

Power: Cordless 2.5-amp hour 56-volt battery | Cutting width: 15 inches | Weight: 7 pounds | Shaft length: 42 inches | Feed system: Bump

Best Gas-Powered

Echo 21.2 cc Gas 2-Stroke Cycle Straight Shaft Trimmer

• It has a manual pull start (no electric start), so the weed whacker will need to be kept warm and dry in order to start on the first pull. You’ll also need to add oil to the gas (2.6 ounces to every gallon for a 50:1 ratio).

Gas power tools are typically the preferred option for professional landscapers and gardeners, and this Echo 21.2cc Gas 2-Stroke Cycle Straight Shaft Trimmer makes it clear why. Providing 21.2cc of power, this machine is user-friendly for homeowners and comfortable to hold thanks to its cushioned ergonomic handles situated at the front and rear for better handling and grip.

Since this tool is gas-powered, it is ideal for use on larger properties. The anti-vibration design, along with its fairly low weight of just 11.5 pounds, allows you to use it for longer without getting tired.

The gas tank is see-through, so you can easily see when it’s running low on fuel. There’s also a shield to protect you from flying lawn debris. It has a long 59-inch shaft that provides extra reach for hard-to-access places, and the exhaust blows towards the back, which means it can be used comfortably by both left- and right-handed users.

Though it has a bump feed system, the “bump” required is more like a tap, which means you don’t have to worry about breaking the tool every time you want to advance the line.

Price at time of publish: 340

Power: Gas 21.2cc, 2-stroke engine | Cutting width: 17 inches | Weight: 11.5 pounds | Shaft length: 59 inches | Feed system: Bump

Best Corded Electric

BlackDecker 14-Inch Corded Electric String Trimmer

With no need to recharge batteries or refuel, the BlackDecker 14-Inch Corded Electric String Trimmer lets you FOCUS on where to plug it in and which weeds to whack. This handy tool is not only economical, but it also doubles up as an edger with the simple flip of the unit, making it our choice for the best corded weed whacker.

The string trimmer can get to tight spots, like up against fencing and along your flower beds, where your lawnmower can’t (or shouldn’t) go, and the edger side can neatly trim, regardless of your lawn shape, all the its edges along the driveway and sidewalk.

Its cord retention system ensures that the cord won’t accidentally become unplugged or get in the way while you’re working, and the weed whacker’s adjustable shaft height means that you can customize it to a length that suits you and all members of the family. At only 5.3 pounds, this tool provides for easy trimming and is light enough to not cause user fatigue or strain.

If you’re looking for an economical way to keep the lawn neat and tidy and don’t mind having to be near an electrical outlet, this is the tool for you.

Price at time of publish: 69

Power: Corded electric, 6.5-amp motor | Cutting width: 14 inches | Weight: 5.3 pounds | Shaft length: 45.5 inches | Feed system: Automatic

Best Battery-Powered

Worx 20V Power Share GT Revolution 12-Inch String Trimmer

A battery-powered string trimmer is one of those must-have outdoor power tools. The Worx 20V Power Share GT Revolution cordless string trimmer is not only lightweight at just 5.5 pounds, it also has two rubber support wheels to make it even easier to push along while weed whacking, trimming, edging, or even doing a little mowing (this tool is also a mini mower). Its 90-degree pivoting head allows you to get into your lawn’s nooks and crannies easier, and it has an adjustable ergonomic handle that can change between seven positions for maximum comfort and easy handling.

This machine is impressively strong (with up to 100 pounds of tensile strength, according to the manufacturer) and has an aerodynamic design that has been made to reduce drag. It can run for 40 to 60 minutes on a fully-charged battery, which works out to about 20,000 feet of lawn edges. Keep in mind, though, that the wheels do not swivel, which may make it harder to edge along a curved path.

We also like that it has a handy extra string spool holder on the trimmer, so you’ll always have string when you need it. Automatic feeds often mean that the line runs out quite quickly, but one of the best things about Worx trimmers is that the company provides free spools for life if you run out—all you have to do is pay for postage and processing.

Price at time of publish: 150

Power: Cordless 4-amp hour 20-volt battery | Cutting width: 12 inches | Weight: 5.5 pounds | Shaft length: 48 inches | Feed system: Automatic

Best Wheeled

Craftsman 159cc Wheeled String Trimmer

• There is no on/off switch, electric start, or idle mode, and it turns off as soon as you release the bar, meaning you must start it again via the pull start. This does, however, save fuel.

like a lawnmower than a weed whacker, both in appearance and use, this Craftsman 159cc Wheeled String Trimmer provides a different type of lawn trimming experience, one that is preferred by many over the usual types of weed trimmers on the market.

Since it’s a walk-behind machine, you don’t have to lift it in order to use it, which saves you backache and reduces user fatigue. Though it has a manual feed system, it’s very easy to change out the string, so this shouldn’t be a concern.

Its large 14-inch wheels make maneuverability a breeze, and it also has an impressively large cutting width of 22 inches, which allows you to cover more ground in less time. It can cut thick and unruly grass, weeds, and sticks on large properties, and it has six cutting heights to choose from, ranging from 2.4 to 4.4 inches.

While it is a pull-start machine, it has an auto choke system that means you don’t have to prime the engine before starting it up. It also has a foldable handle that makes it easier to store neatly away.

Power: Gas, 159cc 4-cycle overhead valve engine | Cutting width: 22 inches | Weight: 78.7 pounds | Length: 34.6 inches | Feed system: Manual

Best for Large Yards

Husqvarna 18.5 in. 336FR Pro Gas-Powered Brushcutter

• This tool is one of the most powerful weed whackers available and is built to last. It’s ideal for anyone with a very large yard with thick grasses and weeds to get rid of.

Though technically not classed as a weed whacker, this Husqvarna brush cutter can do everything a weed whacker can and more. Thanks to its much thicker trimmer line, grass blade, and saw blade, it is capable of getting through the thickest grasses, reeds, stalks, and even small trees. It’s the optimal tool for working on larger yards and overgrown parts of your property, but you won’t need this much power if you have a small yard.

Though it’s a gas power tool, it has been designed to use less fuel and emit fewer exhaust emissions.

Since this tool is a little heavier than other weed whacker models, it comes with a body harness that is worn by the user and strapped to the tool to distribute its weight evenly, making it much easier to lift and maneuver, without causing back pain or user fatigue. It also has a bike-style soft-grip handlebar for more user comfort and ease of use.

While it does technically have a bump feed system, it needs nothing more than a small tap on the ground to activate the line change, making it less likely to damage the unit.

Price at time of publish: 669

Power: Gas, 1.9 horsepower, 34.6cc engine | Cutting width: 18.5 inches | Weight: 15.4 pounds | Length: 58.4 inches | Feed system: Bump

Best Lightweight

Ryobi ONE 18-Volt Cordless Battery String Trimmer

At just 4 pounds, this Ryobi string trimmer and edger is so light that it almost feels like a toy to handle, but that’s not to say that it lacks in performance. On the contrary, this weed whacker and edger is tough on weeds, cutting them down in just one pass. It features a rotatable shaft that shifts the tool from weed trimmer to edger, and its grip is ergonomic, making it even easier to handle and maneuver around tighter spaces, such as small backyard gardens.

Though it provides a rather short run time of around 10 minutes, charging the battery fully only takes an hour, and if you have a second battery handy, you can easily get through a small- to medium-sized yard without any issues. It has an easy auto-feed system that advances the line every time you let go of the trigger, and it comes with a three-year warranty, too.

Price at time of publish: 69

Power: Cordless, 1.5-amp hour 18-volt battery | Cutting width: 10 inches | Weight: 4 pounds | Shaft length: 42 inches | Feed system: Automatic

Best Budget

Greenworks 5.5 Amp 15-Inch Corded Electric String Trimmer

• This economical weed whacker proves that there’s no need to break the bank in order to keep the corners and edges of your lawn looking spick and span.

For residential use on a smaller-sized lawn, you don’t need to shell out hundreds on a high-end weed whacker when a budget option, like this 5.5-amp string trimmer from Greenworks, will clean up your yard easily and effectively in very little time.

Simple to use with an automatic line feed system, this unit has a rotating and pivoting head that can be adjusted to four different positions for getting into every hard-to-reach corner of your yard and provide a nice clean line along landscape edging.

The handy wheels on the edger side make trimming along driveways, pathways, and sidewalks practically effortless, and, to change the device into an edger, all you have to do is press a button. There’s not a guard on the edger side, so it is a little messier when it comes to flying lawn clippings than when using the trimming side, but that’s a small price to pay for its economical cost, light weight, and constant flow of corded electric power.

Price at time of publish: 40

Power: Corded electric, 5.5-amp | Cutting width: 15 inches | Weight: 7.3 pounds | Shaft length: 41 inches | Feed system: Automatic

The Bottom Line

The super-strong and durable Ego Power 15-Inch String Trimmer with Powerload was our overall top pick of the best weed whackers due to its sturdy carbon fiber shaft, 30-minute runtime (considered good for a cordless weed whacker), large 15-inch cutting swath, and easy automatic string feed system. What’s more, it has a lifetime warranty that, in effect, guarantees you a tool that could potentially last forever.

What to Know About Weed Whackers Before Shopping

Power Source

In terms of power, weed whackers typically come in two main varieties: gas and electric. A gas version offers more power, while an electric model is quieter, more lightweight, and generally easier to use. Electric battery-powered trimmers are a good option for home use because they’re more maneuverable than gas options or corded electric models.

Corded electric weed whackers offer continuous power without needing to charge batteries, but you’ll be limited to the area your extension cord can reach.

As with all gas-powered tools, a gas weed whacker requires you to handle fuel and put up with the fumes it emits. Yearly maintenance by a professional is also a must, but if you’re confident enough, you can do it yourself with a good YouTube tutorial.

Weight

These tools come in varying sizes and weights, but thankfully, modern weed whackers are much lighter than their predecessors, making them easier to use by just about anyone. A gas weed whacker is typically a little heavier than its electric counterpart since you have to factor in the fuel weight, too, but on average, you’ll find that the best weed whackers weigh around 5 to 10 pounds.

Shaft Style

You can also choose between a curved or straight shaft. The curved shafts can feel better-balanced and easier to use but may have less torque, while the straight ones will have a longer reach and can more easily double up as edging tools. A straight shaft also puts less strain on the interior mechanisms of the weed whacker and is more likely to be able to handle different attachments.

Feed System

A feed system releases the cutting string—the line the tool uses to cut the weeds down—to the head of a weed whacker. The string, which is typically made of plastic, needs to be advanced every few yards or so since it gets considerably worn down. Old weed whackers required the string to be changed manually by hand, but most trimmers nowadays have much easier feed systems, the main two for residential use being a bump feed and an automatic feed.

• Bump feed: These systems are fully user-controlled and will only release more line when you bump the weed whacker on the ground. This is a straightforward system, but you do have to be careful not to damage the tool while bumping it.
• Automatic feed: An auto-feed system is more intuitive and will release more line when it detects that it is time for new string. Though auto-feed systems give you one less thing to worry about, they are often a little more expensive than bump-feed systems in terms of buying price and repairs. You may also find that it goes through spools of string faster than a model with a bump feed system.

Your Questions, Answered

When should you use a weed whacker?

One of the best practices to avoid potential lawn issues in the summer is to use your weed whacker in conjunction with a lawn mower every time you mow the lawn, which could be once a week from springtime on. A lawn mower isn’t able to trim the grass and weeds along the edges of sidewalks and driveways or get into corners, nooks, or the bases of sharp inclines, which is why a weed whacker is necessary. “You can use a weed whacker all year round for the best lawn maintenance,” Ashley Platen-Mills says. “However, weekly use, along with your lawn mower, will be required during the growing season, which is typically March through October.”

You’ll also want to use a weed whacker near delicate flower beds instead of taking the mower right up to them. While a weed whacker is the tool of choice for hard-to-reach areas, be careful not to cut grass against trees as this can cause severe damage to the bark and tree in general. “Remember to keep it 2 inches off the grass when trimming and go over the lawn with a weed whacker first before using the mower,” Platen-Mills says. This way, the lawn mower will chop the clippings, too, and either bag them or mulch them, depending on the type of mower you have.

Can you use a weed whacker on wet grass?

While you can use a weed whacker on wet grass, it isn’t advisable. “Using a trimmer on wet grass will more than likely end up ripping the grass rather than cutting it cleanly,” Platen-Mills says. “This can lead to scalping and bald patches.” Scalping is when too much grass is removed at once, resulting in unsightly stubbly brown patches. “It’s better to use the string trimmer when the lawn is dry in the areas where you can’t take a lawn mower, and then use the lawnmower to go over and collect the trimmings.”

How do you clean a weed whacker?

There’s no need to give these tools a detail clean or wash them off with water. “Straight after use, wipe the weed whacker down well with a stiff brush to get rid of any lawn clippings and soil,” Platen-Mills recommends. In addition to keeping the tool generally clean, yearly maintenance of gas models is necessary in order to check the fuel, oil, engine, spark plugs, and the blade on weed whacker-mower combo models.

Who We Are

This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over 10 years of commerce-writing experience. Kat is also the Commerce Editor-at-Large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading U.S. online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. For this best weed whacker article, Kat reviewed and tested multiple weed whackers; spoke to lawn maintenance experts at WWCS Environmental Services, including its director, Ashley Platen-Mills; and researched and considered factors such as each weed whacker’s power, cutting swath, shaft length and style, durability, as well as value for money.

Walk-behind VS Handheld Trimmer. Best option?

Despite their appearance, wheeled string trimmers are not so complex compared to their handheld counterparts. These types of trimmers are hybrids between handle trimmers and traditional push mowers. In other words, they combined the best features of both. Nonetheless, depending on the intended usage, these trimmers have their drawbacks.

It is very important to know the difference between the three types of trimmers: handle trimmers wheeled trimmers, and mowers. They all have pros and cons. We will be covering most of them in this article. To better understand the befits, let’s first take a look at the design of the mower.

It is not a ”DR”!

Walk-behind or wheeled string trimmers are often referred to as DR Trimmer Mower, however, DR is a company and not the type. Although DR “Done right” is well known for making these types of trimmers, they are many other companies that produced them.

Why pick a handle trimmer?

For general usage, traditional handheld trimmers are the popular choice because the design is simple. You have an engine (2stroke or 4stroke) mounted at the end of a shaft and a trimmer head on the next end. This lightweight design makes it easy for most individuals to carry and maneuver the trimmer by hand. These types of trimmers (brush-cutter) can be divided into three categories which are: looped handle, bike handle, and backpack. All have their advantages but generally, work the same way.

Why pick a wheeled trimmer?

A wheeled trimmer applies the same concept with the engine mounted unto a frame on wheels. Sound familiar? Well, that’s because it is basically a mower minus the blade deck. This design allows for a much bigger engine, usually, a 4-stroke Briggs Stratton found on most pushed mowers. Some companies like STHIL and Ryobi make a smaller 2-stroke version of these wheeled trimmers, however, it lacks the same power.

To summarize it all. You should get a handle trimmer if you have a smaller residential area, sloped property, or need to maneuver around a lot of obstacles. A Harness is available if you suffer from back pain or lack the physical strength to carry a weed-eater for extended periods.

On the other hand, a wheeled trimmer is a better option if you have a larger and flat area to cover. A wheeled trimmer also has more power compared to a regular handle, so it can devour thicker vegetations like saplings or blackberries. In terms of the price difference, handle general is cheaper, however, this all depends on the brand.

What is the best commercial string trimmer on the market?

Well, I imagine you are looking to get the best bang for your buck when investing in your lawn care equipment!

If so, good news! We asked over 1000 landscapers what their favorite string trimmer was, and the result is clear.

And at the end of the day, one brand stood tall about the rest!

Want to find out what the favorite weed eater among lawn care pros is?

What to Look For in a Commercial String Trimmer

It’s no secret, there is a huge difference between selecting a weed eater for your own personal use, than when you are looking for one to use commercially.

While a Ryobi 4-cycle Expand-it may be an excellent choice for the average homeowner.

When it comes to operating a professional lawn care company, you likley want to consider something else.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting a commercial weed whacker.

1. Get a Straight Shaft (Never Curved)

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when purchasing a string trimmer is to go with a curved shaft.

There are a couple reasons straight shafted string trimmers are much more effective than curved trimmers for commercial use.

Curved Trimmers are Shorter

Curved string trimmers are shorter by design. Unless you are 5 feet tall, or have a small space to manage. A curved string trimmer will likely cause you to hunch over, and cause long, painful days.

Curved Trimmers are Less Dynamic

Unlike a straight shafted trimmer, curved trimmers are not as dynamic.

Though they may help you maintain a more level cut, they are more limited.

For example, curved trimmers can not be easily turned on their sides to edge, or get in tight spaces.

Trust me, stay away from any curved weed whacker if you really want to weed eat like a pro!

Go with Gas!

It’s true, battery-powered tools have come a long way, BUT when it comes to commercial lawn care operations, they are not up to par.

Always stick with a good ole’ 2-stroke or 4-stroke weed eater. Either of these will be a better option than the current battery-powered options.

Single Purpose or Multi-tool String Trimmers?

Look, this one really depends on how your business is set up.

If you are Looking for The Best of the Best

If you are looking for a trimmer that can help you knock out 10 lawns or more in a day. You really should stick with a solid shaft string trimmer and stay away from the multi-purpose weed whacker designs.

Think about it, you are going to be using your trimmer a few hours everyday. The more efficient the weed whacker is, the more time you can save on each lawn.

Multi-purpose for New Operations

On the other hand, if you are just getting started with your lawn care or landscaping business. And you are looking for a low-cost multi-function tool, then a ‘multi-tool’ string trimmer may be a good temporary option. Especially if you want a tool that can be used to clear brush and do regular weed eating on the same day.

For my first year of operation. the multi-tool Ryobi helped me get off the ground allowed me to offer a wider range of services until I was able to FOCUS solely on lawn care.

4. Get a Trimmer that can Handle.095 String

Personally, I mostly use.095 string.

Here’s why.095 string is light enough to not be too much, but strong enough to take on some pretty thick grass. Additionally, with proper handling, it is thick enough to edge when needed.

In my experience. if you need anything thicker you can either use a metal blade, or you simply need a different tool.

What string trimmer brand is the best?

Well, we polled over 1000 landscapers, and the winner was VERY Clear.

As you can see from the results below, there is one obvious winner!

Honestly, I was shocked by how much the winner stood out from the rest.

Over 50% of lawn care professionals opt for Echo brand string trimmers.

And no, this poll was not sponsored by Echo.

Based on the response from lawn care pros here is what we learned about why they prefer Echo trimmers.

Why Lawn Care Pros Love Echo String Trimmers

So why do lawn care pros rave about Echo trimmers?

Let’s see what they had to say!

Starting is a Breeze

Sheli Groat from Groat Mowing and Snow in Otho, IA told us that here Echo trimmer always starts when she needs it too!

She also mentioned that the bump feature always works properly!

In my experience, the bump feature is typically the first thing to fail. So that is certainly an important feature to look for in a commercial weed whacker.

Fairly Priced and Reliable

Michael Sterba of Murfreesboro, TN said he likes Echo because they are fairly priced and very reliable!

It’s true, Echo’s pro string trimmers are very affordable.

Less Down Time

Troy Mosley of Mosley Lawn Service in Tulsa, OK said that he prefers Echo’s weed whackers had 0 down time during the entire season!

All Around Beast

Jim Mullins of Exceptional Lawns says that his Echo string trimmer “is just a beast”!

He particularly recommends their SRM-3020 model which starts at 399.

Additionally, he also reiterates Sheli’s statement that they are very easy to start.

Other Notable Weed Eaters to Consider

Again, this post is not sponsored by Echo, and I would like to suggest other trimmers you may want to consider.

Husqvarna’s Pro Line of String Trimmers

Husqvarna is on par in many ways with Echo, and STIHL. Honestly, it is difficult to say which brand is truly better across the board.

I have had nothing but great experiences with Husqvarna’s pro line of trimmers. In fact, they last years with little maintenance. The one downside I would have to say is the poor quality of the trimmer head. The bump heads of their weed whackers deteriorate rather quickly.

With that being said, Husqvarna’s 324L is a good option if you are looking for something a little cheaper, with a quality build.

Best Battery Powered Weed Eater in 2023 [Top 8 Pick]

STIHL’s Pro Line of String Trimmers

Stihl trimmers are the second choice among lawn care pros when it comes to commercial string trimmers.

Here’s the deal, STIHL offers a great line of gas-powered products. Although I have never owned a commercial STIHL trimmer, I do prefer their chainsaws far beyond any other brand I have tried, and based on that I would assume their weed whackers are a great option too.

If STIHL is your only option, you can rest assured that you are going to get a great product. Check out the STIHL FS 460 C-EM.

Ryobi Multi-Use Weed Eater

Look, people can say whatever they want. Let’s face it, not everyone can afford a 400 weedeater for their business.

In fact, the first lawn care tool I owned was the Ryobi expand-it with the string trimmer head, along with the metal blade head. And it did what I needed it to do until I was able to take my lawn care business to the next level.

Additionally, the Ryobi trimmers offer the ability to use.095 size string, for about 200. Seriously, if it’s all you can afford to get your business started.

There is no shame in doing what you have to do!

The Bottom Line on Choosing a Commercial Trimmer

At the end of the day, the lawn care professionals have spoken. Echo is the champ!

However, that is not to say that other brands are not also worth testing out.

The most important thing is that you know what you are looking for in a string trimmer.

Ideally, you want a straight shafted gas-powered weed whacker, and is able to handle.095 sized string.

Until next time, check out our lawn care pros area for more information.

Here is one of the many great articles you will find there; Copywriting Tips for Lawncare Professionals.