We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Shopping Gardening Reviews Lawn Care Reviews The 8 Best Weed Whackers of 2024 Top weed whacker models make it easy to clip weeds and keep your lawn looking trim. By Kat de Naoum Kat de Naoum Kat is a writer, editor, author, and frequent contributor to Better Homes & Gardens. She covers home decor, appliances, and housewares. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process and Kristina McGuirk Updated on February 27, 2024 Fact checked by Shereen Jegtvig Fact checked by Shereen Jegtvig Shereen Jegtvig is an author, fact-checker, and expert with over two decades of experience in health and wellness in the lifestyle space. In addition she is a Developmental Editor for Dotdash Meredith where she reviews the work of other fact checkers. Learn about BHG's Fact Checking Process In This Article Expand Jump to a Section Our top picks Reviews The Bottom Line What to Know Before Shopping Your Questions, Answered Who We Are Better Homes & Gardens / David Hattan 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. "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. To find the best weed whackers on the market, we spoke to lawn experts and home hardware pros to get the lowdown on how to best use a weed whacker for weed removal and lawn health, as well as what to know about important features like engine and motor performance. When it comes to keeping a tidy lawn, these weed whackers are comfortable to use and maintain, and powerful enough to get the yard work done. What We Researched Power: Weed whackers can be corded electric, battery powered, and gas powered. We looked at models with each type of power and evaluated the ideal yard type and size for each.Cutting Width: The larger the cutting width, the more work you can get done in one pass, but larger widths can also make precision work more difficult. The weed whackers on our list have a cutting width ranging from 15 to 22 inchesWeight: A lightweight weed whacker can make work more comfortable, especially if you need to carry your weed whacker a distance and or you'll be working for long spans of time.Ease of Use: We looked at each model's feed system, shaft length, and ergonomic features to make sure the tool offers an overall comfortable and easy-to-use experience. Key Terms 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. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Ego Power+ 15-Inch String Trimmer at Amazon ($212) Jump to Review Best Budget: Greenworks Corded Electric 15-Inch String Trimmer at Amazon ($54) Jump to Review Best Gas-Powered: Echo 21.2 cc Straight Shaft Trimmer at Amazon ($249) Jump to Review Best Corded Electric: Black+Decker 14-Inch Corded Electric String Trimmer at Amazon ($59) Jump to Review Best Battery-Powered: Worx 20V Power Share GT Revolution 12-Inch String Trimmer at Amazon ($115) Jump to Review Best Wheeled: Craftsman 159cc Wheeled String Trimmer at Tractor Supply Co. ($400) Jump to Review Best for Large Yards: Makita Brushless String Trimmer at Amazon ($449) Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Ryobi One+ String Trimmer at Home Depot ($89) Jump to Review Best Overall Ego Power+ 15-Inch String Trimmer Amazon View On Amazon $212 View On Walmart $230 View On Lowe's $249 Why You Should Get It With a durable construction and a lifetime warranty, this is one tool that will stay in your yard work toolkit for a long, long time. Keep in Mind 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. Product Details: Power: Cordless 2.5-amp hour 56-volt battery | Cutting width: 15 inches | Weight: 7 pounds | Shaft length: 42 inches | Feed system: Bump Best Budget Greenworks Corded Electric 15-Inch String Trimmer Amazon View On Amazon $54 View On Walmart $54 View On Lowe's $50 Why You Should Get It 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. Keep in Mind Though lightweight, the motor is in the cutting head, making the swing weight feel a bit heavier than you'd expect. 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. Product Details: Power: Corded electric, 5.5-amp | Cutting width: 15 inches | Weight: 7.3 pounds | Shaft length: 41 inches | Feed system: Automatic Best Gas-Powered Echo 21.2 cc Straight Shaft Trimmer Amazon View On Amazon $249 View On Walmart $230 View On Home Depot $199 Why You Should Get It You can cover more ground with its 17-inch cutting swath, and there's no need to disassemble the head to add a new line. Keep in Mind 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. Product Details: 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 Black+Decker 14-Inch Corded Electric String Trimmer Amazon View On Amazon $59 View On Walmart $71 View On Lowe's $60 Why You Should Get It This 2-in-1 tool doubles up as a lawn edger, too. Keep in Mind You'll need an outdoor extension cord to use with it since it doesn't come with an electrical cord. With no need to recharge batteries or refuel, the Black+Decker 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 a lawn 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. Product Details: Power: Corded electric, 6.5-amp motor | Cutting width: 14 inches | Weight: 5.3 pounds | Shaft length: 48 inches | Feed system: Automatic Best Battery-Powered Worx 20V Power Share GT Revolution 12-Inch String Trimmer Amazon View On Amazon $115 View On Walmart $115 View On Lowe's $149 Why You Should Get It There's a spool holder on the weed whacker, so you can carry extra string with you. Keep in Mind The wheels don't swivel, which may make it harder to trim along a curved path. 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 and can run long enough to trim 10,000 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. Product Details: Power: Cordless 4-amp hour 20-volt battery | Cutting width: 12 inches | Weight: 5.5 pounds | Shaft length: 48 inches | Feed system: Automatic We Tested 30 Garden Hoses—These Are the 7 You Need for Your Yard Best Wheeled Craftsman 159cc Wheeled String Trimmer Amazon View On Tractor Supply Co. $400 View On Menards.com Why You Should Get It This push mower-style weed whacker is the most powerful machine on our list. Keep in Mind It weighs 70 pounds and may not be able to be stored as easily as other options. Instead of straining to carry a traditional weed whacker, the Earthquake 22 inch 160cc Viper Engine Walk Behind String Mower has a push-mower style that reduces back fatigue during use. It’s an ideal setup whether you have a lot of trimming to do or simply need a weed whacker that’s a little easier on your body. The gas-powered 160cc four-cycle Viper engine is the most powerful on our list thanks to the mower-like construction of the machine. The 22-inch cutting width is the widest of our best weed whackers, which is especially helpful for tackling large yards and areas of overgrowth. The 14-inch diameter wheels help the machine stay stable and traverse varied terrains and uneven surfaces. The tires are airless so you don’t have to worry about their maintenance, but you will have to manually replace the mower line. At 70 pounds, it is the heaviest model on our list. This can impact storage and portability, but the handle does fold down for more convenient storage. Product Details: Power: Gas, 160cc four-cycle engine | Cutting Width: 22 inches | Weight: 70 pounds | Shaft length: 54.62 inches | Feed system: Manual Best for Large Yards Makita Brushless String Trimmer Amazon View On Amazon $449 View On Home Depot $449 View On Mscdirect.com Why You Should Get It It weighs a little over 10 pounds, so you’ll be comfortable using it for longer periods on large yards. Keep in Mind Its cutting width is only 15 inches. The best weed whackers for large yards are easy to use for long periods, and the Makita XRU15PT String Trimmer has numerous features to make longevity a priority. Its two 18-volt batteries not only increase the power to 36 volts overall, they allow the trimmer to run up to an hour and a half. This model has three speed settings—3,500, 5,300, and 6,500 RPM—which let you get the right speed for the job at hand, while also allowing for lower speeds that save on battery life. In addition, the Makita has technology that can intuitively run the machine at optimum speed for the grass being trimmed, so you don’t have to manually adjust the settings. Lightweight at only 10.4 pounds, it’s easy to maneuver and hold for long periods. But because support is important for long bouts of yard work, it also comes with an adjustable harness. The handle is adjustable, too, so you get the most comfortable fit to carry it all over a large property. The dual string head has a bump feed system, and it has a reverse button so that with just a quick tap, you momentarily reverse the strings to jostle and unstick debris. These features help you keep on trimming without interruption. This model has an average 15-inch cutting width, which places it middle-of-the-road on our list. If you’re needing to weed whack large areas in the yard, rather than just do a lot of trimming, you may want to choose one of the models with a larger cutting width. Product Details: Power: Cordless 36 volts | Cutting Width: 15 inches | Weight: 10.4 pounds | Shaft length: 69.25 inches | Feed System: Bump Best Lightweight Ryobi One+ String Trimmer Amazon View On Home Depot $89 Why You Should Get It It's not only extremely lightweight allowing comfortable one-handed use, but it's also an edging tool. Keep in Mind Its smaller cutting swath and run time of just eight to 10 minutes on one charge make it better suited to smaller properties. 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. Power: Cordless, 1.5-amp hour 18-volt battery | Cutting width: 10 inches | Weight: 4 pounds | Shaft length: 42 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 construction and flexible cordless format, 30-minute runtime, and lifetime warranty. If you’re looking to tackle larger yards or more rough terrain, check out the heavy duty Earthquake 22 inch 160cc Viper Engine Walk Behind String Mower. 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. Like our best overall weed whacker, Ego Power+ 15-Inch String Trimmer with Powerload, 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, like the Black+Decker 14-Inch Corded Electric String Trimmer, 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, like the Echo 21.2 cc Gas 2-Stroke Cycle Straight Shaft Trimmer, 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, like the lightweight carbon fiber shaft of the Ego Power+ 15-Inch String Trimmer, 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. Engine Power “For the average homeowner the engine size is not a huge consideration,” says Lou Manfredini, home expert for Ace Hardware. For lawn care professionals and those with exceptionally large or challenging properties, the engine’s power is a more significant factor in choosing the best weed whacker. “Gas-powered small engine tools are rated in CCs like motorcycle engines,” says Manfredini. CC stands for cubic capacity. Stick weed whackers will naturally have a lower engine power than push models like the Earthquake 22 inch 160cc Viper Engine Walk Behind String Mower, the most powerful engine on our list. Corded and battery-powered models offer power ratings in amps and volts. You’ll find models offering 2 to 10 amps, and cordless models will have battery power from 18 to 80 volts—the higher the number, the more powerful. Noise Level “Each manufacturer will spell out the noise level,” says Manfredini. “On average a gas-powered unit creates about 90 decibels of noise which is loud. Battery operated units are closer to 60 decibels.” Manfredini also notes that while noise level is a consideration, it’s important to wear hearing protection for either gas- or battery-powered models. 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," says Ashley Platen-Mills, director of WWCS Environmental Services. "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. The Ryobi ONE+ 18-Volt Cordless Battery String Trimmer has only a 10-inch cutting width, allowing you to get very close to those fragile areas. 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. What is a good engine size for a weed whacker? “A 25cc to 50cc would be more than enough to get the job done,” advises Manfredini about residential gas-powered models. Traditional stick weed whackers, like Echo 21.2cc Gas 2-Stroke Cycle Straight Shaft Trimmer, sit on the lower end—around 20 to 30cc. These weed whackers perform perfectly well for most residential uses and standard trimming. For electric models, higher amps and volts have more power, but like gas, middle-of-the-road measurements will go far for at-home use. A more robust weed or major property clearing project would benefit from a higher power, like the combined 36 volts of the Makita XRU15PT String Trimmer, the 160cc engine on the Earthquake Walk Behind String Mower, or the 6.5-amp motor on the Black+Decker 14-Inch Corded Electric String Trimmer. What is the difference between a lawn edger and a weed whacker? Essentially, a weed whacker is a practical tool for cutting grass, while a lawn edger is a tool for making sure your lawn looks aesthetically pleasing. “A weed whacker allows you to trim grass around trees, shrubs, fence lines and so on,” says Manfredini. “A lawn edger is a tool or accessory you can install on a power head unit to give you a crisp line between the sidewalk or driveway and your lawn.” A weed wacker and lawn mower will take care of the job of keeping your yard trimmed overall. An edger creates a sharp edge for the lawn’s boundaries by trimming along sidewalks and other borders. It’s a tool that helps create a well manicured lawn. Who We Are Kat de Naoum has over 10 years of commerce-writing experience. Kristina McGuirk is a freelance writer with more than a decade of experience writing and researching product and home design stories for Better Homes & Gardens. For this article, we researched key performance factors, such as power source, cutting swath, and value for money, to select the best weed whackers. We also interviewed experts including Ashley Platen-Mills, director at WWCS Environmental Services and Lou Manfredini, home expert for Ace Hardware. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit