8 Best String Trimmers (July 2026) Top Reviewed

The best string trimmers make the final pass around fences, trees, garden beds, and walls far less tiring. A mower handles open grass; a string trimmer, also called a weed eater or weed wacker, reaches the places its deck cannot and cuts grass or weeds with fast-spinning nylon line.

For this 2026 guide, I compared all eight analyzed models by their verified cutting swath, stated weight, power source, line-feed system, included batteries, adjustment options, and attachment capability. The right choice is not simply the widest or most powerful tool: a compact 12-inch cordless weed eater can be the sensible answer for a small lot, while a 17-inch gas or high-voltage battery model better suits long fence lines and heavier growth.

I also put extra weight on the issues owners repeatedly raise in community discussions: battery runtime that ends before the work does, fatigue from a poorly balanced tool, line that tangles or breaks, and guards that hide the cutting area. No model is perfect, so I call out the trade-offs as clearly as the strengths and keep the recommendations tied to the product information available.

The three strongest picks answer most yard-care needs.

The EGO ST1623T is my top pick when you want a broad 16-inch cutting swath, automatic line management, and a stated runtime up to 60 minutes from the included 56V 4.0Ah battery. Its LINE IQ feeds line as needed, while POWERLOAD winds line at the push of a button; those two features address two routine sources of frustration.

The WORX WG170 is the flexible small-yard choice because it converts among trimmer, in-line edger, and mini mower roles, includes two batteries, and has a stated weight of 5.5 pounds. Pick the WORX WG163 instead when straight edging and terrain access matter more than the mini-mower function: its rubberized wheels, spacer guard, and 90-degree tilting head are built around that work.

The best string trimmers in 2026 range from light cordless tools to a gas attachment system.

The comparison below puts every reviewed model in one place. Compare the cutting path first, then verify the power system and line-feed design against the length and density of the vegetation you actually trim.

1. The EGO Power+ ST1623T is the best overall choice for broad cordless trimming.

I would start with the ST1623T for a homeowner who wants a battery-powered string trimmer that reduces interruptions rather than merely replacing a cord. Its 16-inch cutting width covers more ground per pass than the 12-inch tools here, and the telescopic carbon-fiber shaft gives different-height users a direct fit adjustment.

Its strongest practical feature set is the pairing of LINE IQ and POWERLOAD. LINE IQ monitors and feeds trimmer line automatically, while POWERLOAD lets you feed the line through and press a button to wind it; for anyone who dreads manual spool winding, that is a meaningful distinction.

The supplied 56V 4.0Ah battery has a stated runtime up to 60 minutes, with a listed 55-minute charge time through the included 320W charger. Runtime shifts with grass density, trigger use, and speed selection, so I treat that figure as a planning ceiling rather than a promise for thick weeds.

A digital variable-speed selector and high-efficiency brushless motor give the operator a way to match output to the task. I would use the lighter setting around maintained grass and step up only where the line begins to slow, which helps make one charge go further.

The ST1623T is best for homeowners who want fewer line-loading interruptions.

This EGO is a strong fit for medium or larger yards where refilling line during the session feels more bothersome than carrying a slightly more substantial tool. The product has a stated weight of 7.5 pounds, so it is not the lightest option, but its adjustable shaft and 16-inch reach make it a credible all-around grass trimmer.

I also favor it for buyers already committed to the EGO 56V battery platform, since sharing compatible batteries can make a longer job easier to plan. The included battery and charger make the kit ready for a first-time EGO owner as well.

The ST1623T is less suitable when a very light tool or attachment system is the priority.

If your work is limited to a few minutes of edging after mowing, the 5.5-pound WORX choices may be less demanding to carry. The product information for this EGO focuses on trimming rather than universal click-on attachments, so buyers seeking a multi-tool shaft should consider the DEWALT or Husqvarna later in this list.

It requires assembly and includes one battery, two practical points to consider before the first job. Its 4.4-star average across 2,196 listed reviews is encouraging, though individual work conditions still determine whether the stated runtime fits your routine.

2. The WORX WG170 is the best flexible pick for small lawns and edging.

The WG170 approaches routine yard work differently from a wide-swath trimmer: it is a 3-in-1 tool that changes from string trimmer to in-line edger to mini mower. That makes it an appealing answer for small lawns with narrow strips of grass where bringing out a full mower is more effort than the patch deserves.

At a stated 5.5 pounds, it is among the lightest reviewed options. The kit includes two batteries and a charger, so I see it as a sensible choice for someone who wants the convenience of a second pack on hand rather than one long, heavy battery session.

WORX lists a 7,600-RPM motor, 12-inch cutting path, seven handle adjustments, and six rotating-head settings. Those adjustments give you more ways to position the trimmer around beds, path edges, and varied terrain than a fixed-shaft entry model.

Command Feed is a button-operated line feed, not an automatic system. I like the control this gives a careful user: add line when the cutting tips have shortened instead of bumping a head against the ground or waiting for an auto-feed response.

The WG170 is best for compact properties with several finishing jobs.

Choose this model if a clean lawn edge, light trimming, and small missed grass areas all appear on the same weekly list. Its conversion features and included support wheels point toward careful residential maintenance rather than sustained clearing of tall, woody growth.

The included flower guard also matters around ornamental beds, where accidental contact with stems is an easy mistake. I would set the handle and head position before starting so the light weight works with good posture rather than encouraging a rushed reach.

The WG170 is less suitable for dense weeds across a large acreage.

A 12-inch swath means more passes across a long property boundary, and a 20V platform has a different role from the 56V EGO or 60V DEWALT systems. The available data does not state runtime for this kit, so buyers with a large workload should not assume that the second battery turns it into a long-duration clearing tool.

Assembly is required, which is normal for this type of trimmer but worth allowing time for. Its 4.4-star average from 6,265 listed reviews provides a broad owner sample, while the smaller-cutting-path limitation remains part of the decision.

3. The WORX WG163 is the best budget-minded pick for guided edging.

The WG163 focuses on the basics that make a yard look finished: trimming along obstacles and creating straight, supported edges. It converts between trimmer and edger modes, and its rubberized wheels guide the tool along a path instead of asking your wrists to hold a perfect line freehand.

I would put it near the top for a first cordless weed eater when flowers, lawn ornaments, or hard edges need careful attention. The adjustable spacer guard helps keep the rotating line away from plants and objects, while the two included batteries offer a practical rotation option.

The 12-inch cutting path and 0.065-inch line show where this product belongs: regular grass and light weeds, not a brush cutter substitute. Its 7,600-RPM no-load speed is paired with a head that tilts 90 degrees for slopes and awkward angles, which can be more valuable than a broad swath on a landscaped lot.

Like the WG170, it uses push-button Command Feed for instant line advancement. That design lets me make line length a deliberate choice, which can reduce wasted line when working near stone, fences, or a garden border.

The WG163 is best for homeowners who want straighter lawn edges.

The wheeled edger setup is the feature to prioritize here. It supports a controlled pass down sidewalks and driveways, and the adjustable spacer guard adds a layer of distance around plants that a bare trimmer head does not provide.

At a stated 5.52 pounds, it should be easier to carry than the 10- to 15-pound options in this roundup. That lighter build can be especially helpful for short, frequent sessions after mowing, when convenience often determines whether the trimming gets done.

The WG163 is less suitable for people who need a wide, heavy-duty cutting path.

The 12-inch width requires more overlap along a long fence, and the 0.065-inch line is not the same as the 0.095-inch line specified for the EGO ST1511T and supported by the DEWALT. Use it for the maintained vegetation it is designed to manage instead of forcing it through thick stalks.

The trimmer requires assembly, and the product has a 4.3-star average among 27,995 listed reviews. That large review count is useful context, but the model’s role is still light, controlled trimming and edging.

4. The BLACK+DECKER LST522 is the strongest light pick for automatic line feed.

The LST522 pairs a modest 12-inch cutting width with features that make ordinary touch-up work approachable. Its stated 5.7-pound weight, adjustable height and handle, and wheeled-edger conversion give it a homeowner-friendly profile for grass around the house rather than aggressive clearing.

The defining feature is BLACK+DECKER’s AFS automatic line advancement system. It dispenses line as you work, so I would consider it for a person who dislikes managing a bump-feed head or deciding when to hit a feed button.

The 20V MAX kit includes a 2.5Ah battery and charger, and BLACK+DECKER states that this battery provides 66% more runtime than its standard option. There is one included pack, so a larger property may still call for a pause or a separate compatible battery.

Two speeds and the PowerDrive Transmission add useful control. I would keep the lower setting for maintained grass, then use the higher-power mode only in denser patches; that is the simplest way to balance trimming force and available battery capacity.

The LST522 is best for light weekly work with minimal line-feed effort.

This is a good match for paths, fence edges, beds, and the small tufts a mower leaves behind. The wheeled conversion also gives the operator a more stable edging position than trying to balance a rotating head on a hard edge.

I particularly like the combination of automatic feed and adjustable fit for someone new to cordless lawn tools. The product receives a 4.5-star average across 6,448 listed reviews, the highest average in this group, though that figure does not change the 12-inch scope of the tool.

The LST522 is less suitable for large lots or sustained heavy growth.

Its cutting width is narrower than the 15-, 16-, and 17-inch models, which matters when hundreds of feet of boundary need attention. A single included battery also puts more emphasis on planning the session, especially when the higher speed is necessary.

The product has a two-year limited warranty according to the supplied details. I would choose a higher-voltage, wider-swath model if thick weeds and extended trim sessions are normal rather than occasional.

5. The EGO Power+ ST1511T is the best 15-inch cordless choice for thicker grass.

The ST1511T gives up one inch of swath compared with the flagship EGO above, but it retains a feature many people value most: POWERLOAD line winding. Feed the line through the head and push the button, rather than manually winding a spool after every refill.

Its 15-inch cutting swath uses professional-grade 0.095-inch cutting line, a sturdier specification than the 0.065-inch line listed on the WORX WG163 and Greenworks. That does not make it a brush cutter, but it does point to a better fit for tougher grass and a more demanding residential trim route.

The included 56V 2.5Ah battery has a stated runtime up to 45 minutes, and the standard charger is listed at 50 minutes for charging that pack. I would view it as a good balance for a homeowner who needs a substantial pass around the yard but does not require the ST1623T’s stated 60-minute maximum.

A telescopic aluminum shaft, two-speed variable control, and brushless motor round out the working features. The specified 10.27-pound weight is much higher than the small WORX models, so set the shaft length and hand position before starting to avoid carrying that load with an awkward reach.

The ST1511T is best for users who want thicker line and POWERLOAD convenience.

This model fits a yard that has moved beyond light grass trimming but does not call for a gas engine. The 15-inch swath and 0.095-inch line make it a sensible middle path between compact 12-inch trimmers and the EGO ST1623T’s wider, auto-feeding setup.

I would also consider it for an EGO owner who wants to stay within the 56V platform. The included battery and charger make the package usable on its own, while a shared battery collection can make yard planning more flexible.

The ST1511T is less suitable when the lightest carry weight is nonnegotiable.

The 10.27-pound stated weight can be noticeable during long edging work, even with a telescopic shaft. A buyer who trims only a small garden border may prefer a lighter model with a narrower path, because the extra cutting capacity would sit unused.

Assembly is required and one battery is included. Its 4.4-star average from 1,942 listed reviews supports its place as a well-regarded option, while the larger ST1623T remains the better EGO choice for automatic LINE IQ feed and a 16-inch swath.

6. The Greenworks 2101602 is the best simple 40V choice for maintained lawns.

The Greenworks 2101602 is a straightforward 40V cordless grass trimmer with a 12-inch dual-line cutting path, auto feed, and a variable-speed trigger. It aims at routine grass and light weeds around sidewalks and landscaping, where clean control matters more than a huge clearing capacity.

Automatic line advance removes the need to bump the head, and the variable trigger gives you a simple way to use just the output the work calls for. I find that especially useful when alternating between open grass and close work near beds, because a heavy trigger pull is not always the right answer.

The motor is listed at 7,500 RPM, and the kit includes a 40V 2Ah battery and charger. Product details list the item weight at 12 pounds, so I would not choose it solely on the word lightweight; compare that figure with the 5.5- to 5.7-pound options if carry fatigue is your main concern.

Greenworks includes a three-year limited tool-and-battery warranty in the feature information. That is a useful ownership detail for a homeowner entering the 40V system, though the available product data does not state a runtime figure for the included pack.

The Greenworks 2101602 is best for regular grass trimming with automatic feed.

Choose it for a maintained lawn where 12 inches of dual line is enough to work around pavement, landscape borders, and light weeds. The variable trigger gives a measured approach to those jobs instead of treating every patch as a full-power clearing task.

I would also look at it when the Greenworks 40V battery platform already has a place in the shed. Platform compatibility can matter more over time than a small specification difference, because compatible batteries and chargers reduce equipment clutter.

The Greenworks 2101602 is less suitable for buyers who expect long, hard clearing sessions.

Forum discussions flag runtime and power as common pain points for budget-oriented trimmers, and this model’s supplied data does not offer a stated runtime that would settle that concern. Its 12-inch path and 0.065-inch dual line frame it as a light-duty lawn tool, not an answer for dense brush.

It has a 4.3-star average across 3,948 listed reviews. Buyers who regularly face tall weeds may be better served by the thicker-line EGO ST1511T, the broad EGO ST1623T, or an attachment-capable model.

7. The DEWALT DCST972X1 is the best high-output cordless pick for attachments.

The DEWALT DCST972X1 is for the buyer who wants a cordless string trimmer to occupy a larger role in the tool shed. It has universal attachment capability, so its shaft can accept additional tool pieces instead of being limited to a single trimmer function.

Its adjustable 15- or 17-inch cutting swath is among the widest in this group, matching the Husqvarna’s stated 17-inch width at the larger setting. The dual-line setup uses 0.080-inch line and also works with DEWALT 0.095-inch line, giving it a more substantial line specification than the light 12-inch models.

A high-performance brushless motor, variable trigger, and high/low control give you several ways to manage output. I would treat the lower setting as the default for grass and reserve the higher mode for the patches that actually need it, since high-output use can be harder on both battery capacity and the operator’s arms.

The quick-load spool is designed for more convenient re-spooling, an important feature when line replacement is the one maintenance step that makes people postpone a job. The 60V battery and charger are included, but its listed 15-pound weight belongs in the decision just as much as the impressive width.

The DCST972X1 is best for DEWALT users who need trimmer and attachment flexibility.

This is the clear cordless recommendation for someone building around a shaft system rather than buying a one-job tool. The ability to accept compatible attachments can make sense for a property with more than edges to maintain, while the 15/17-inch swath helps shorten long passes.

I would also consider it for heavier grass where the 12-inch tools feel too slow. The listed three-year warranty on materials and workmanship adds a concrete ownership term, and the 4.3-star average from 1,038 listed reviews gives another piece of context.

The DCST972X1 is less suitable when low carry weight is the deciding factor.

At a stated 15 pounds, this is the heaviest battery model reviewed. That weight may be acceptable for an operator who values reach and attachments, but it can create fatigue during long sessions without a support strategy or frequent breaks.

Assembly is required, and the supplied details do not state runtime for the included battery. If your work is small, flat, and mostly edging, the lighter WORX or BLACK+DECKER models are easier choices to justify.

8. The Husqvarna 122LK is the best gas pick for long runs and click-on tools.

The Husqvarna 122LK is the only gas string trimmer in this group, which makes it the choice for buyers who do not want to work around a battery charge cycle. Its 22cc two-cycle engine, 17-inch cutting width, and straight shaft are aimed at broader trimming passes and access under bushes or obstacles.

Gas brings a different ownership routine: the engine requires a gas-and-oil mixture and the maintenance that comes with a combustion tool. In exchange, you can refuel rather than wait for a battery, a practical distinction for extended jobs when a cordless pack may not last through the route.

The SmartStart system is meant to reduce starting effort, and the T25 heavy-duty head compatibility gives the buyer a clear head-system detail to check. It also accepts click-on attachments for quick changes, placing it alongside the DEWALT as a better fit for a multi-tool plan.

At a stated 10.58 pounds, it sits below the DEWALT’s listed 15 pounds but above the light cordless models. The 7,200-RPM specification and 17-inch swath favor productivity, while the straight shaft helps reach around obstacles without kneeling or leaning as far.

The Husqvarna 122LK is best for users who prefer refueling and gas-tool versatility.

I would choose this model for a larger property, a long trim route, or a buyer who already accepts the care routine of a two-cycle engine. Community discussions often identify Husqvarna among the professional brands people respect, but this particular model is described by its manufacturer for occasional homeowner use.

The click-on attachment design is a real decision point, not a minor extra. If trimming is only one of several outdoor jobs, a shared powerhead can make storage and tool selection simpler than buying a separate motor for every task.

The Husqvarna 122LK is less suitable for buyers seeking quiet, low-maintenance cordless operation.

A battery-powered string trimmer avoids fuel mixing and engine maintenance, and it generally changes the noise and exhaust experience around a residential yard. The Husqvarna’s listed 4.1-star average from 268 reviews is lower than the other models here, with a 13% one-star share in the supplied review distribution.

Its limited consumer warranty is listed at two years, with a possible extension to five years when fuel is purchased; professional coverage is listed at 90 days. I would read those terms closely and choose gas only when the refueling pattern and attachment capability genuinely fit the property.

The right buying guide starts with the vegetation and the length of your trim route.

A string trimmer is not a mower replacement or automatically a brush cutter. Start by looking at what you cut most often: soft maintained grass, occasional light weeds, dense grass, or tall growth along a long boundary.

Battery power is best when quiet setup and simple maintenance matter most.

Battery models start with a trigger, avoid fuel mixing, and suit homeowners who trim after mowing or want a lower-maintenance routine. The trade-off is runtime: the EGO ST1623T states up to 60 minutes with its included 4.0Ah pack, and the ST1511T states up to 45 minutes with its 2.5Ah pack, while several other reviewed kits do not state a runtime.

I plan battery work by the worst patch, not the easy grass. Thick weeds, continuous high-speed operation, and repeated edging can shorten a session, so a second compatible battery is more useful when the yard routinely takes longer than one pack can cover.

Gas power is best when refueling and long uninterrupted work outweigh maintenance.

The Husqvarna 122LK’s 22cc two-cycle engine can be refueled instead of recharged, which may suit a long route or a property without a convenient charging routine. It also introduces fuel mixing, engine care, and a different sound and exhaust profile from a cordless tool.

Choose gas because its work pattern fits, not because it is automatically stronger. A 56V or 60V cordless model with a wide swath and brushless motor can be a more comfortable answer for many residential jobs, while gas remains appealing for its refueling rhythm and attachment format.

A wider cutting swath saves passes, but it can make close work less precise.

Cutting swath is the width of the area a trimmer cuts on one pass. The reviewed models range from 12 inches on the BLACK+DECKER, WORX, and Greenworks tools to 15 inches on the EGO ST1511T, 16 inches on the EGO ST1623T, and up to 17 inches on the DEWALT and Husqvarna.

For a small garden border, a 12-inch head can feel controlled and less intimidating near plants. For a long fence line, a 16- or 17-inch head reduces overlapping passes, though it may be more tiring to guide and can consume line faster in rough work.

Line thickness and feed design decide how often trimming stops.

The reviewed light-duty models list 0.065-inch line, while the EGO ST1511T uses 0.095-inch line and the DEWALT accepts 0.080-inch dual line as well as DEWALT 0.095-inch line. Check the manufacturer-specified line diameter before buying replacement line; thicker is not universally better if the head is not built for it.

Automatic systems such as BLACK+DECKER AFS, Greenworks auto feed, and EGO LINE IQ advance line as you work. WORX Command Feed asks you to press a button for line, while EGO POWERLOAD and DEWALT’s quick-load spool focus on making the refill process easier.

For trim line replacement, turn the tool off, remove the battery or follow the gas model’s safe shutdown steps, and use the specified line type and diameter. Feed or wind the line according to the head design, leaving even tails; most tangling complaints begin when the spool is wound unevenly or overloaded.

Weight and shaft fit matter more than a spec sheet suggests.

The listed weights range from 5.5 pounds for the WORX WG170 to 15 pounds for the DEWALT, with the Husqvarna at 10.58 pounds and the EGO ST1511T at 10.27 pounds. A few pounds becomes a real difference while holding the head level at the end of a long fence line.

Telescoping shafts on both EGO models let you set reach to your height, and the WORX WG170 has seven handle adjustments with six head positions. I would adjust the tool before adding power, stand close enough that the shaft does not pull you forward, and take short pauses before grip fatigue changes your cut line.

Attachment capability is worth choosing only when you will use the shared powerhead.

The DEWALT DCST972X1 has universal attachment capability, and the Husqvarna 122LK uses click-on attachments. These designs are compelling for an owner who expects more than trimming from the shaft, but they add little value if the tool will only ever work along pavement edges.

Battery-platform compatibility also matters. EGO’s two choices use the 56V system, the WORX tools are 20V Power Share products, the Greenworks unit is 40V, and the DEWALT is 60V; choosing a platform you already use can simplify battery and charger storage.

Maintenance and storage keep line feed and batteries ready for the next pass.

After trimming, clear grass from the guard and head, inspect the line for even length, and check that the spool cap is seated. Store a battery in a dry place away from excessive heat, and do not put it away completely depleted for an extended period.

For the gas Husqvarna, follow the product manual’s fuel and storage directions rather than leaving a mixed-fuel tool unattended between seasons. Good storage does not remove wear, but it helps you spot a damaged guard, worn head, or line-feed issue before the next job.

The direct answers below address the most common string-trimmer questions.

The best string trimmer for you is the one that matches your regular yard work.

For the broadest cordless mix of cutting coverage, automatic line handling, shaft adjustment, and stated runtime, I would choose the EGO Power+ ST1623T. The WORX WG170 and WG163 make more sense for compact lawns that need light trimming and precise edging, while the BLACK+DECKER LST522 is a compelling automatic-feed option for weekly touch-ups.

Choose the DEWALT DCST972X1 or Husqvarna 122LK when attachment capability is part of the plan, then decide whether the convenience of batteries or the refueling pattern of gas fits your work. Use this best string trimmers guide for 2026 as a final checklist: measure the route, identify the vegetation, check your battery platform, and select the line-feed system you will be comfortable maintaining.