Our guide on the best leaf blowers has been a big hit now that fall weather is here. Of course, a leaf blower is just one piece of the puzzle. If you want a perfectly manicured lawn, you don’t need to pay big bucks for a professional landscaping crew. It’s all about having the best tools for the job, and this guide will show you the best string trimmers (also known as weed wackers) that you can get.
Our top picks
- Best overall: BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* String Trimmer
- Runner-up: DEWALT 20V MAX* XR String Trimmer
- Best corded string trimmer: BLACK+DECKER BESTE620 String Trimmer
- Best gas string trimmer: Wild Badger Power 52cc Gas Weed Wacker
- Best pro-grade string trimmer: DEWALT 60V Cordless String Trimmer
Any one of those string trimmers will help you keep your property pristine, and you’ll be the envy of all your neighbors. If you want to learn more about what makes each model so impressive, you’ll find all that info down below.
1. Best overall: BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* String Trimmer
Pros: Works very well, powerful, lightweight, solid build quality, inexpensive
Cons: Batteries take long to recharge, and one battery might not be enough for large properties
We tested dozens of string trimmers, and the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* String Trimmer shined brighter than all the rest.
This lightweight model is so easy to use and maneuver. It has more than enough power to take care of grass, weeds, and edging. Plus, it’s very easy to convert from a string trimmer to an edger so that your flower beds and curbs look clean and pristine.
The “Easyfeed” line feeder mechanism lets you advance the line with the push of a button when it gets cut. There are also two different speeds, so you don’t have to run at max power the whole time and burn through your battery.
As for downsides, there’s really only one to speak of — and it affects most battery-powered trimmers. Since the battery takes a long time to recharge, people with large properties might want to buy a second battery or make sure they keep their main battery charged up at all times.
2. Runner-up: DEWALT 20V MAX* XR String Trimmer
Pros: Plenty of power, foldable, lightweight, great build quality, good price
Cons: No wheel for edging
The DEWALT 20V MAX* XR String Trimmer could have been our top pick, but one glaring omission held it back. While the power, weight, battery life, and build quality are all on par with our #1 pick (BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX* String Trimmer), this model doesn’t double as an edger.
That could be a deal breaker for many people out there. If you’re skilled enough to handle edges without a wheel, though, this is definitely the string trimmer you should get.
DEWALT’s 20V trimmer has plenty of power and good battery life, though it should be noted that it doesn’t come with a battery or charger by default. It uses the same DEWALT 20V MAX* batteries as the rest of the company’s lineup, and you can find deep discounts on bundles.
Our favorite thing about this model, other than the performance, is the fact that it folds in half. That makes it very easy to transport, and it takes up much less space in your garage than other string trimmers.
3. Best corded string trimmer: BLACK+DECKER BESTE620 String Trimmer
Pros: Cheap, powerful, lightweight, easy to use
Cons: It’s… well… corded
While most people these days opt for battery-powered string trimmers, the cost can really add up fast. Thankfully, there are still great corded string trimmers out there that are way more affordable, like the BLACK+DECKER BESTE620 String Trimmer.
With a retail price of just $69 and no extra batteries or charging docks to buy, this model is by far the most affordable option in our guide. It still packs plenty of power, however, and it has great build quality that’ll last forever as long as you take care of it.
The BESTE620 is lightweight and maneuverable, so it’s very easy to get a consistent cut. It also has a wheel and converts into an edger, which is obviously handy.
If you want a corded string trimmer that offers great quality and a low price, this is definitely the one to get.
4. Best gas string trimmer: Wild Badger Power 52cc Gas Weed Wacker
Pros: 3 tools in 1, powerful, durable, easy to start, long runtime
Cons: Loud, smelly
“Wild Badger Power” probably isn’t the first brand that comes to mind when you think of string trimmers. Of all the gas trimmers we tested, however, the Wild Badger Power 52cc Gas Weed Wacker was the best.
This model delivers tons of power and performance despite its reasonable price tag. It retails for $200, but it’s often on sale for much less. For a 52cc gas string trimmer this impressive, that’s an impressive bargain.
We loved the 3-in-1 design of this trimmer. In addition to the regular string trimmer mode, it also works as an edger or a brush cutter. The separate brush cutter blade is relatively easy to swap, though we do with this model had a wheel for edging.
Since it has a strap and dual handles, it’s easy to ensure a level cut with this string trimmer. Depending on your lawn size, you might never take out your mower again.
As for downsides, you’ve got the same two issues you’ll find with any gas trimmer. Since it’s a gas motor, it’s very loud and very smelly. Of course, a good pair of safety earmuffs will take care of the noise.
5. Best pro-grade string trimmer: DEWALT 60V Cordless String Trimmer
Pros: Tons of power, excellent build quality, works with other tool attachments
Cons: Expensive, edging attachment sold separately
If you’re the type of person who wants professional-grade tools that’ll outlast you, the DEWALT 60V Cordless String Trimmer is the best model you can get.
This insanely powerful electric string trimmer uses DEWALT’s 60V system, which means it’s far more powerful than the typical 20V string trimmers out there. It also has pro-grade build quality as well as DEWALT’s universal attachment system so you can use it with other tool attachments. That means you can swap out the string trimmer and instantly transform it into an edger, blower, hedge trimmer, saw, and more.
The high-efficiency motor and 2-speed trigger help ensure that you can trim your entire property multiple times on one charge. It also has a quick-load spool system with a dual-line setup that takes DEWALT’s 0.080-inch line as well as the thicker 0.095-inch line.
The biggest strike against this model is the price tag, which is over $500. Also, that doesn’t include the edger attachment, which is sold separately. If you want a professional-grade tool, you should be prepared to pay a professional-grade price. That being said, we often find this model on sale with sizeable discounts, so you should be able to snag one for less than $500.
