What is the best string trimmer?

The "best" string trimmer depends heavily on your yard size and whether you prefer the convenience of battery power, the endless runtime of a cord, or the raw muscle of gas . Industry tests and expert reviews from sources like Wirecutter and Consumer Reports consistently point to a few standout models:

Add to list Widely regarded as the overall best cordless/battery string trimmer. It features Powerload technology (which automatically winds the string for you at the push of a button) and Line IQ on select models to auto-feed the line without bumping. It matches gas-like power with zero emissions and uses a battery compatible with an entire ecosystem of outdoor tools.

Add to list A top-tier cordless luxury/heavy-duty pick. It features a dual-direction head that lets you change the direction the trimmings fly to keep hardscapes clean, alongside a turbo mode for chewing through thicker weeds.

Add to list The favorite for small lawns and tight spaces. It is lightweight, highly adjustable, and easily converts into a wheeled edger, making it exceptionally user-friendly for light-to-moderate yard maintenance.

Add to list The gold standard if you prefer gas or need commercial-grade power. These straight-shaft 2-stroke trimmers are robust, reliable workhorses designed to clear thick brush, heavy ditches, and acreage day after day.

To help narrow down the ideal choice, could you tell me:

• How large is your yard?
• Do you prefer battery-powered or gas?
• Do you have heavy overgrowth/brush, or mostly light lawn maintenance and edging?

If you mean a cordless string trimmer/weed whacker, my top pick right now is the EGO POWER+ ST1623T 56V 16" POWERLOAD + LINE IQ.

• EGO POWER+ 56V 16 in POWERLOAD with LINE IQ - $489.00 (Lowe's)

Why I’d pick it

• Excellent homeowner choice: Pro Tool Reviews rated it their best homeowner battery trimmer in 2026 testing.
• Very long runtime: about 51 minutes in their testing with the 4.0Ah battery.
• LINE IQ automatically feeds the string, so you don't have to bump the head every few minutes.
• POWERLOAD makes restringing extremely easy.
• 16-inch cutting swath and relatively low vibration.
• EGO's 56V platform has a large selection of compatible lawn tools.

The alternatives

• EGO POWER+ ST1623T - $489.00 (Lowe's)
• Milwaukee M18 FUEL - $489.00 (The Home Depot)
• Greenworks 60V 16-inch - $210.22 (Walmart)
• Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16-inch - $329.00 (The Home Depot)

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL is the better choice if you routinely cut through really heavy growth; independent 2026 testing found its dual-battery version was the most powerful trimmer tested.

Bottom line: For a typical homeowner, I'd buy the EGO ST1623T. It's the best combination of power, runtime, convenience, and low hassle.

If you tell me your yard size, whether you already own batteries (EGO, Milwaukee, DeWalt, Ryobi, etc.), and your budget, I can narrow it down to the best one for you.

If you want the best overall string trimmer for most homeowners, I’d buy the EGO POWER+ ST1623T 56V.

• EGO POWER+ 56V 16 in POWERLOAD with LINE IQ String Trimmer - $489.00 (Lowe's)

Why I recommend it

• Excellent cutting power — handles normal grass and fairly heavy weeds very well.
• 16-inch cutting swath for covering ground quickly.
• LINE IQ automatically feeds line, so you don't have to bump the head.
• POWERLOAD makes reloading line unusually easy.
• Carbon-fiber shaft and telescoping adjustment improve comfort.
• Independent 2026 testing rates it among the best homeowner trimmers, particularly for runtime, vibration control, and ease of use.
• EGO's current 2026 catalog continues to offer the ST1623T with its 56V system and carbon-fiber shaft.

My other picks

• RYOBI 40V HP Brushless 17-in String Trimmer - $348.00 (The Home Depot)

• Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16-in String Trimmer - $329.00 (The Home Depot)

• Greenworks PRO 80V 16-in String Trimmer - $299.94 (Walmart)

• Best value: Ryobi 40V HP — especially attractive if you already own Ryobi 40V batteries. It's powerful enough to replace a gas trimmer and supports attachments.

• Best for Milwaukee owners: Milwaukee M18 FUEL — a very powerful option with QUIK-LOK attachments.

• Best for maximum power: Greenworks 80V — worth considering for large properties and heavy vegetation.

• Best lightweight option: STIHL FSA 57 — substantially lighter and designed for suburban-yard maintenance, though it's less of a heavy-duty machine.

Bottom line: Unless you already have another battery platform, I'd get the EGO ST1623T. It's the best combination of power, convenience, runtime, and ergonomics right now.

If you tell me your yard size, whether you have thick weeds/brush, and your budget, I can narrow it down to the best one for your yard.

The ideal string trimmer depends on your property size and how much power you need to cut through weeds. For most homeowners, the EGO Power+ POWERLOAD String Trimmer with LINE IQ st1623t Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is the top overall choice because it delivers gas-like power with automated line feeding. If you prefer a traditional fuel engine for larger land, the Echo SRM-225 Gas Straight Shaft Trimmer Go to product viewer dialog for this item. offers unmatched durability and consistency.[1][2][3]

Top Battery-Powered Trimmers (Best for Convenience)

Add to list

• Standout Feature : Line IQ technology automatically monitors and feeds the string without bumping.
• Build : Includes a lightweight carbon fiber telescopic shaft and an auto-winding head.[1]

Add to list

• Standout Feature : 3-in-1 design converts instantly into a wheeled edger or mini-mower.
• Build : Weighs under 6 pounds with a push-button electronic line feed system. [1][2]

Add to list

• Standout Feature : Expand-It system allows you to swap the trimmer head for a brush cutter, edger, or blower.
• Build : High-performance brushless motor that matches 21cc gas engine power.[1][2]

Top Gas-Powered Trimmers (Best for Heavy Clearing)

Add to list

• Standout Feature : A professional-grade 21.2cc engine built for residential or light commercial tasks.
• Build : Straight shaft with an i-30 starter that reduces pulling effort by 30%.[1]

Add to list

• Standout Feature : 28cc engine providing a wide 18-inch cutting swath for faster coverage.
• Build : LowVib anti-vibration technology and a rapid-replace head for quick line reloads. [1][2]

Key Differences At a Glance

To help pinpoint the best option for your yard, tell me:

• What type of overgrowth are you cutting (light lawn grass, thick weeds, or woody brush)?
• How large is your property?
• Do you already own batteries from a specific brand like Ryobi, DeWalt, or Milwaukee? [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]

The ideal string trimmer depends on your property size and how much power you need to cut through weeds. For most homeowners, the EGO Power+ POWERLOAD String Trimmer with LINE IQ st1623t Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is the top overall choice because it delivers gas-like power with automated line feeding. If you prefer a traditional fuel engine for larger land, the Echo SRM-225 Gas Straight Shaft Trimmer Go to product viewer dialog for this item. offers unmatched durability and consistency.[1][2][3]

Top Battery-Powered Trimmers (Best for Convenience)

Add to list

• Standout Feature : Line IQ technology automatically monitors and feeds the string without bumping.
• Build : Includes a lightweight carbon fiber telescopic shaft and an auto-winding head.[1]

Add to list

• Standout Feature : 3-in-1 design converts instantly into a wheeled edger or mini-mower.
• Build : Weighs under 6 pounds with a push-button electronic line feed system. [1][2]

Add to list

• Standout Feature : Expand-It system allows you to swap the trimmer head for a brush cutter, edger, or blower.
• Build : High-performance brushless motor that matches 21cc gas engine power.[1][2]

Top Gas-Powered Trimmers (Best for Heavy Clearing)

Add to list

• Standout Feature : A professional-grade 21.2cc engine built for residential or light commercial tasks.
• Build : Straight shaft with an i-30 starter that reduces pulling effort by 30%.[1]

Add to list

• Standout Feature : 28cc engine providing a wide 18-inch cutting swath for faster coverage.
• Build : LowVib anti-vibration technology and a rapid-replace head for quick line reloads. [1][2]

Key Differences At a Glance

To help pinpoint the best option for your yard, tell me:

• What type of overgrowth are you cutting (light lawn grass, thick weeds, or woody brush)?
• How large is your property?
• Do you already own batteries from a specific brand like Ryobi, DeWalt, or Milwaukee? [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]

The best string trimmer for most homeowners right now is the EGO POWER+ 56V 16 in. POWERLOAD with LINE IQ String Trimmer. It has a strong balance of power, battery life, comfort, and convenience, and it can handle typical homeowner yards without the maintenance of gas.

• EGO POWER+ 56V 16 in. POWERLOAD with LINE IQ String Trimmer - $489.00 (Lowe's)
• Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16 in. String Trimmer - $299.00 (The Home Depot)
• RYOBI ONE+ HP 18V Brushless 15 in. String Trimmer - $199.00 (The Home Depot)
• DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V MAX 16 in. String Trimmer - $229.00 (The Home Depot)

Best picks by situation

• **Best overall:

**

• Excellent power for thick grass and weeds
• POWERLOAD system makes loading line much easier
• Good choice for most suburban lawns
• Premium price, but a very polished tool
• **Best heavy-duty/pro option:

**

• Very strong cutting performance
• Great if you already own Milwaukee M18 batteries
• Better suited for larger properties or frequent use
• **Best value:

**

• Good performance for the money
• Huge battery ecosystem
• A smart choice for typical homeowner maintenance
• **Best for tough weeds/overgrowth:

**

• More muscle for thick vegetation
• Good fit if you already use DEWALT tools

What I’d buy based on your yard

• Small yard (<¼ acre): EGO 56V or Ryobi 18V
• Average suburban yard: EGO 56V is the easiest recommendation
• Large lot / heavy weeds: Milwaukee M18 FUEL, DEWALT FLEXVOLT, or a gas trimmer
• Already invested in batteries: Stay with your existing brand (DeWalt, Milwaukee, Ryobi, Makita, etc.)

Battery models have become strong enough that many top-rated cordless trimmers now compete closely with gas models while being quieter and lower maintenance.

If you tell me your yard size, grass type (St. Augustine/Bahia/Bermuda/etc.), and whether you already own batteries from a brand, I can narrow it down to one model.

If you mean a weed-eating/string trimmer for your yard, my pick for most homeowners right now is the EGO Power+ 56V 16-inch POWERLOAD with LINE IQ.

• EGO POWER+ 56V 16 in POWERLOAD with LINE IQ - $489.00 (Lowe's)

Why I’d choose it

• Excellent power without dealing with gas, starting, or engine maintenance.
• 16-inch cutting width gives you good productivity.
• POWERLOAD makes replacing line unusually easy.
• LINE IQ automatically manages the cutting line, reducing the constant bumping/feeding hassle.
• Independent 2026 testing has put EGO's 56V models among the top homeowner trimmers; HGTV named its 15-inch Powerload model Best Overall, while Pro Tool Reviews rated the newer EGO ST1623T highly in its head-to-head testing.

My shortlist

• EGO Power+ 56V 16-inch POWERLOAD with LINE IQ - $489.00 (Lowe's)

• Greenworks PRO 80V 16-inch - $236.20 (Walmart)

• Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16-inch QUIK-LOK - $329.00 (The Home Depot)

• DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V 16-inch - $229.00 (The Home Depot)

• Best overall: EGO 56V — best combination of power, convenience, and homeowner-friendly design.

• Best for really heavy weeds/overgrowth: Greenworks 80V — very strong performance and good value.

• Best if you already own Milwaukee M18 batteries: Milwaukee M18 FUEL — excellent power and the QUIK-LOK system adds versatility.

• Best if you're already invested in DeWalt: DeWalt FLEXVOLT 60V — powerful and attachment-capable.

If you tell me your yard size, whether you have thick weeds/brush, and your budget, I can narrow it down to the one I'd buy for your situation.

The EGO Power+ ST1623T 16-Inch String Trimmer Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is widely considered the best overall string trimmer for most homeowners. It features revolutionary Line IQ technology that automatically feeds the line without bumping, paired with a push-button POWERLOAD system that winds the replacement string for you. [1][2]

If you have specific property needs or prefer gas power, several other highly rated options stand out:

Best String Trimmers Comparison

Top Contenders Breakdown

Add to list Features a carbon fiber telescopic shaft, variable speed, and a 56V battery yielding up to 60 minutes of runtime. The automated line management completely removes the frustration of tangled trimmer lines. [1][2]

Add to list Ideal if you prefer the runtime of fuel or have a large property. Its 21.2 cc commercial-grade engine reduces starting effort by 30% and includes a rapid-reloading head. [1][2]

Add to list Built specifically for heavy overgrowth and commercial landscaping maintenance. It hits full throttle instantly and coordinates with an extensive 275+ tool system.[1]

Add to list Perfect for small yards. At a fraction of the cost of pro models, it changes easily from a trimmer into a wheeled walk-behind sidewalk edger. [1][2]

To help narrow down the perfect match, tell me:

• What is your yard size (e.g., small suburban lot or multiple acres)?
• Do you need to clear thick brush and tall weeds , or just do light lawn edging?
• Do you already own batteries from a specific brand (like Ryobi, DeWalt, or Milwaukee)?

If you want the best overall string trimmer for a typical homeowner, I’d buy the EGO POWER+ 56V 15-inch POWERLOAD.

• EGO POWERLOAD 56V 15-inch String Trimmer - $179.00 (Lowe's)

Why I’d pick it

• Excellent power: Battery performance now rivals gas trimmers, according to Consumer Reports.
• POWERLOAD head: Loading new line is dramatically easier than traditional bump-feed heads.
• 15-inch cutting width: A good balance of speed and maneuverability.
• 56V platform: EGO has a large ecosystem of lawn tools, so the battery can be shared with blowers, mowers, chainsaws, etc.
• Good value: The current bare trimmer/battery kit is around $179, depending on configuration and retailer.
• HGTV's 2026 testing also picked an EGO 56V POWERLOAD model as its best overall string trimmer.

My picks by situation

• EGO POWERLOAD 56V 15-inch - $179.00 (Lowe's)

• RYOBI 40V HP 17-inch - $348.00 (The Home Depot)

• Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16-inch - $279.00 (The Home Depot)

• EGO POWERLOAD 56V 15-inch with 2.5Ah battery - $219.00 (Lowe's)

• Best overall: EGO POWER+ 56V POWERLOAD — my choice for most yards.

• Best for lots of attachments: RYOBI 40V HP Expand-It — especially attractive if you also want pole saw, hedge trimmer, brush cutter, etc.

• Best for heavy-duty work: Milwaukee M18 FUEL — particularly if you already own Milwaukee batteries. It has professional-level power, but it's heavier.

• Best budget choice: A smaller EGO or Ryobi model; you don't need a 17-inch professional trimmer for a modest suburban lawn.

One important caveat: if you already own batteries from EGO, Ryobi, Milwaukee, DeWalt, etc., I'd generally choose a good trimmer from that same battery platform. The battery ecosystem can matter more than small differences between trimmers.

If you tell me your yard size, whether you already own a battery system, and your budget, I can narrow it down to the exact model I'd buy.

The EGO Power+ POWERLOAD with LINE IQ (ST1623T)Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is widely regarded by major testing outlets like Wirecutter and TechGearLab as the best overall string trimmer for most homeowners. It completely eliminates the two biggest headaches of yard work: bumping the head to advance the string and manually winding replacement line. [1][2][3]

While battery-powered options have largely replaced gas models for residential use, the right trimmer depends on your existing tool batteries, yard size, and budget.

The Best String Trimmers of 2026

• Best Overall : Features "Line IQ" technology which automatically senses line wear and feeds string without bumping.

• Effortless Reloading : The push-button "POWERLOAD" system rewinds new line automatically in seconds.

• Premium Build : Equipped with a lightweight, telescoping carbon fiber shaft and a high-efficiency brushless motor. [1][2]

• Best for Large Yards : Achieves top reliability and satisfaction scores in expert field tests.

• Dual-Battery Power : Runs on two 18V LXT batteries, giving it professional-grade torque and up to 90 minutes of runtime.

• Pro Feel : Features reverse-rotation to quickly clear entangled weeds and a counter-clockwise spin preferred by landscapers.[1][2]

• Best Ergonomics : Features a highly adjustable telescoping shaft and a lightweight build that vastly reduces lower back strain.

• Heavy-Duty Cutting : Offers a massive 17-inch cutting swath and a cast aluminum motor head to survive impacts against fences and concrete. [1][2]

Black+Decker 40V MAX String Trimmer And Edger Kit, Cordless, 13 Inch, 2-in-1, Battery And Charger Included (LST140C)

• Best Budget Option : An affordable, lightweight tool perfect for small-to-medium suburban properties.
• Built-in Edger : Features a 2-in-1 design with a rotating head and wheels to easily transition into a sidewalk edger.

Key Features to Compare

To help narrow down the selection, please share a few more details:

• What size yard are you managing, and do you have thick overgrowth or just light grass?
• Do you already own cordless power tools from a specific brand like Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, or Ryobi?
• Do you prefer a dedicated trimmer or a tool that can transform into an edger or pole saw?