The Top 10 Best String Trimmers in the Market

When it comes to keeping our lawn and other landscape areas looking consistently beautiful, we have to make sure we have the right tools handy at any given moment. Many would associate lawn and garden tools including only the standard lawn mower and other hand tools, but what about those clean-up and additive power tools to “top off” the project and give it that clean look we all love? Here is where string trimmers come in — handling those pesky areas and angles we need to tackle to finish the job. Today we review the top 10 best string trimmers in the market.

What is a string trimmer?

A string trimmer is one of the most popular lawn and garden power tools in the market aside from a few others, such as chainsaws or leaf blowers. String trimmers may also be called a weed eater, weed whacker, or grass trimmer. It is a tool that has a flexible monofilament line instead of a blade and it is used to cut grass or other plants that are found near objects, on irregular terrains, or steep inclines. It has the cutting head on its end and a long shaft with a handle or handles and sometimes a shoulder strap. They’re especially useful when you need to polish off a lawn or other landscaping projects after you’ve finished your lawn mower duties.

The string trimmer works based on a principle that the line can be turned quickly and is held out of the housing with centrifugal force.  When it turns faster, it becomes stiffer.  The line has to be hand-wound in a reel before the job can start, and this leaves the two ends to extend from its reel housing.  The motor will turn a reel and the line will extend horizontally to a place where the operator wants to swing the trimmer in order to cut the plants. If you need some help with the technique, check out this how to use a string trimmer article we found helpful.

This guy below was way too cool to also share:

How to pick the best string trimmer

• Price point – It all depends on how much money you have at hand to buy your string trimmer. We found some very highly rated models that are below $60, while some of the higher quality models go for $100 and up. Which direction do you want to go?
• Gas or electric? A majority of grass trimmers out there that are worth looking at with high reviews tend to go the electric side (since it also helps with gas compliance). Keep in mind that if you do go electric, would you like a corded or cordless string trimmer? We picked from each category to give you some options.
• Trimmer size – The average size of the actual trimmer on the unit ranges from under 10″ all the way to 17″ and up. The average is around 12″ to 13″, so grabbing one within that range and up is best for most applications.
• Fancy features – Straight or curved shaft, push-to-start button, auto-feed, dual-line, and more. These aren’t necessarily crucial to using string trimmers, but some may be appealing to you in terms of convenience and versatility.

The top 10 best string trimmers for the money

Black and Decker LST136W

If you were looking for an immediate answer to buy one of the best string trimmers in the market, the Black and Decker LST136W is one of the highest rated within its class. It is cordless electric and features a 40 volt lithium battery system. Lithium battery cells are able to hold 5 times the charge when it is idle and it has a longer life compared to other battery packs in the same category. The trimmer features a lightweight design at nearly 7 pounds with edge conversion and some bump free use. It offers great power in order to tackle thick weeds with its maximum run time. It also has a nifty variable speed setting in their “Power Command System” to help customize your work. It is one of Black and Decker’s most popular pieces of electric lawn\garden equipment that releases zero emissions in the yard if you want some help in reducing pollution. Not to mention it is highly rated among many of the online websites you’ll find it on.

GreenWorks 21212

This another one of the best string trimmers for the money and it has a 4-amp electric motor. The GreenWorks 21212 uses only a push button to start and its 13 inch cutting path and 0.65 inch dual line auto feed head makes advancing the cutting line easy and simple. It has a trimmer shaft that rotates to achieve accurate and easy edging. It also comes with an adjustable telescoping shaft that can fit the height of the users. It has an instant electronic start and it features a convenient lock that can prevent any accidental unplugging.  It has a lightweight design which makes it the best for light duty jobs and is one of the cheaper string trimmers out there. If you wanted a budget-friendly, electric corded model that still gives you some reliable construction, be sure to check this one out. GreenWorks is pretty popular among the lawn and garden electric tool market, particularly for those looking to buy without breaking their wallet.

DeWalt DCST920B

This is one of DeWalt’s best cordless string trimmers and it offers great power control with a variable speed trigger for good performance. The DeWalt DCST920B also helps with time management since it has a high and low-speed control switch. Their gear drives the design that offers a solid amount of torque, and it maintains the cut speed under a load. It has a dual line bump feed that clears over 13 inches. It is well-balanced and weighs only 8.5 lb. — it is easy to maneuver and puts very little stress on the user. The trimmer has a brushless motor with a metal gear case for increased durability. It is ergonomically balanced and lightweight at the same time, making this one of the better string trimmers in terms of construction and overall quality if it’s within your budget. Don’t forget it’s the bare-tool version so if you don’t have a DeWalt battery yet, you’ll have to factor that into your budget.

Husqvarna 128DJx

We all know that brand name when it comes to high-end tools. The Husqvarna 128DJx is one of the best string trimmers that accommodates professional attachments like a pruner, edger and hedge trimmer. It comes with a blade kit if you wanted some extra customization. It has been built for people who seek reliable and proven performance with quality and is easy to use and ideal for small and medium-sized yards that have different needs.  The trimmer is multi-purpose and it has many attachments that are available to be used as accessories. It has a detachable shaft that is a tool-less coupler, and it separates the shaft to offer easy storage and transport.  The engine and the starter have been designed to start faster without too much effort. The trimmer has a low-level of vibration on the front and on the rear handle. Take a look at this one if you want a top-of-the-line string trimmer to add to your tool repertoire.

WORX WG175

This is among the best string trimmers and it has taken grass trimming and edging to another level because of its function and power. The Worx WG175 uses 32 volts for Max Lithium battery power and it offers long run times with great stamina. It has a 12 inch cutting diameter, which means that the trimming is done in a pretty quick and efficient manner, depending on the project of course. The trimmer can be converted into an edger in a few seconds while at the same time it can be used like a mini mower. It has dual position in-line wheels that make the edging a breeze. The wheels are used in a mowing-like function to achieve detailed trimming on the landscape or in other hard to reach places. The quick release trigger level makes height adjustment easy and the 90 degree pivoting head just adds to its overall versatility. Check this one out if you want a high quality string trimmer within the middle price-point.

Black and Decker LCC140

This string trimmer uses a 40V Max 2.0 Ah Li-ion for extended run time. The GearDrive transmission in the Black and Decker LCC140 is used to deliver the cutting power in a very efficient manner.  It is two tools in one since it can be used like your needed string trimmer but also as an edger. The powerful and light sweeper is easy to use to clear the debris during or after your project. It has a power command dial used to choose between the maximum powers and run time. The string trimmer also has an automatic feed spool to offer uninterrupted work and it is compatible with the lion system. The trimmer is cordless and it has just 1 battery needed (it uses the Ah battery type with the engine type displacement). It does not need any tool to exchange its accessories and we find that pretty convenient. Grab it if the additional tool is something you fancy or see yourself needing not only now but in the future.

Hitachi CG22EABSLP

This one is a two stroke gas-powered string trimmer with a curved shaft grass trimmer, and it features a commercial-grade engine. The Hitachi CG22EABSLP has an extended reach drive shaft with a 4 inch head and a semi-automatic line dispenser. It uses a CARB compliant tool in order to trim around the walkways, porches and gardens. It has a lightweight trimmer that features an S-Start system with an anti-vibration design. It features a Pure-fire low emission with two stroke engine technology which reduces the fumes. It can cut light brush, weeds and grass and has a trimmer which is able to perform well with the engine that is behind it. It uses their ‘S-start system’ developed by Hitachi. It’s beginning to drop in terms of availability since Hitachi discontinued to creation of it, but if you can find one for a good price it’s a solid gas-powered option if that’s what you were looking for. Otherwise, the last model in here is also gas-powered to give you a comparison.

GreenWorks 21332 G-MAX

Here’s another string trimmer for this brand with a cordless design and it is reliable, lighter and it requires only the push of a button in order to start so it does not wear the arms out. The GreenWorks 21332 G-MAX is a lot higher in quality than their previously listed model (still budget-friendly) and has a pivoting head that provides edging and trimming capability using an edging wheel. It is compatible with the green works replacement spool. The trimmer also has an easy auto feed option and a one touch conversion button to achieve easy trimming with multiple angles using the edging wheel to achieve clean and precise edging.  The trimmer does not require gas, pull cords or extensive maintenance since it’s electric and cordless — you’ll just have to worry about charging it up at night before using it. It lastly has little vibration and noise and it has an instant electric start. Not to mention it is easy to use and also lightweight.

Black and Decker GH900

Here’s another B and D string trimmer that is the best when it comes to clipping grass in areas which are hard to reach and where mowers are not able to cut or maintain edging along hard surfaces. The Black and Decker GH900 has an AFS (an automatic feed system) which ensures the continual work without having to stop or to bump in order to feed the spool. This trimmer is a 2-in-1 tool and can easily be converted with the wheeled edging that rotates in order to convert the trimmer to the edger. The Powerdrive transmission can prevent any bogging down from heavy weeds or grass. It has a lightweight, ergonomic design that has adjustable height and it pivots the handle position to give the maximum control and comfort. Consumer Reports listed the model below this in their best string trimmer post as well — it’s recommended if you want to stay in the budget-friendly range of prices but grab something a bit higher in quality as compared to the GreenWorks models.

Poulan Pro 967185601

The Poulan Pro 967185601 is a gas-powered string trimmer that has a curved shaft string. It holds some solid features which ensure the unit is perfect to use in trimming areas. The trimmer attachment is able to use their ‘ProLink system’ to add some versatility to how you use the model and it has been designed to accept at least six optional attachments, which makes it a very all-in-one type of tool. It uses a two-cycle engine which gives it long-lasting power and a very nice 17 inch cutting path. You are going to depend on the trimmer so that it can help you to make your lawn look better. If you’re unaware of who Poulan Pro is, they have some very highly rated gas-powered lawn and garden tools in the market. Be careful of the CARB law if you live in California.