Best String Trimmers for DIYers
A string trimmer edges, trims, and clears what the mower misses. Battery models have taken over for most homeowners thanks to instant start and no fumes; gas still suits big, brushy properties.
What to look for
- ·Battery trimmers are quiet, start instantly, and cover most yards. Gas suits large properties and heavy brush.
- ·Automatic line feed (PowerLoad, Line IQ) saves the frustration of bumping or rethreading line.
- ·Match cutting swath to your yard: 15 to 16 inches is plenty for most homes. Bigger swaths clear faster but weigh more.
Quick comparison
| Product | Tier | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| EGO Power+ ST1623T | Editor's pick | $200 to $280 | The best all-around trimmer |
| Stihl FSA 80 R Battery Trimmer | Editor's pick | $250 to $350 | Pro-grade battery cutting |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL String Trimmer | Editor's pick | $230 to $330 | M18 owners and heavy growth |
| EGO Power+ ST1521S | Best value | $150 to $200 | EGO value with auto-load |
| Ryobi 40V Expand-It RY40250 | Best value | $150 to $200 | Best value and attachments |
| Greenworks 40V Brushless Trimmer | Best value | $120 to $170 | Value brushless trimming |
| Ryobi ONE+ 18V String Trimmer | Budget pick | $90 to $130 | Small yards on ONE+ |
| Black+Decker 20V Trimmer/Edger | Budget pick | $60 to $100 | Light small-yard trimming |
| WORX 20V Trimmer/Edger | Budget pick | $70 to $110 | Budget trimming with shared batteries |
Editor's pick
EGO Power+ ST1623T
$200 to $280
The best overall for most homeowners, with Line IQ automatic feeding, a carbon-fiber telescoping shaft, the longest runtime in testing, and plenty of power for thick weeds.
Best for: The best all-around trimmer
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Stihl FSA 80 R Battery Trimmer
$250 to $350
Smooth, powerful, low-vibration cutting that tears through coarse vegetation and woody stems. Pro-grade build for buyers who want Stihl quality on battery.
Best for: Pro-grade battery cutting
Typically available at Stihl dealers.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL String Trimmer
$230 to $330
Strong, durable cutting power on the M18 platform, ideal if you already own Milwaukee tools. Handles heavy growth with a quick-load head.
Best for: M18 owners and heavy growth
Typically available at Home Depot, Acme Tools.
Best value
EGO Power+ ST1521S
$150 to $200
EGO performance with the PowerLoad auto-line system at a lower price than the flagship. A strong value for reliable, fume-free trimming.
Best for: EGO value with auto-load
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Ryobi 40V Expand-It RY40250
$150 to $200
The best value in 2026, with a brushless motor, 15-inch swath, included battery, and compatibility with 40+ attachments. A versatile, affordable system.
Best for: Best value and attachments
Typically available at Home Depot.
Greenworks 40V Brushless Trimmer
$120 to $170
A capable brushless trimmer at a friendly price on the Greenworks 40V platform. A good value for typical yards with decent runtime.
Best for: Value brushless trimming
Typically available at Amazon, Lowe's.
Budget pick
Ryobi ONE+ 18V String Trimmer
$90 to $130
A light, affordable trimmer on the giant ONE+ battery system, fine for small yards and quick edging. Shorter runtime, but easy to own and add to.
Best for: Small yards on ONE+
Typically available at Home Depot.
Black+Decker 20V Trimmer/Edger
$60 to $100
A cheap, light 2-in-1 trimmer and edger for small lawns and touch-ups. Limited power, but an easy, low-cost grab for basic trimming.
Best for: Light small-yard trimming
Typically available at Amazon, Walmart.
WORX 20V Trimmer/Edger
$70 to $110
An affordable trimmer and wheeled edger with Power Share batteries that cross to other WORX tools. A budget pick for small, simple yards.
Best for: Budget trimming with shared batteries
Typically available at Amazon, Lowe's.
Frequently asked
Battery or gas string trimmer?+
Battery trimmers are quiet, fume-free, and start instantly, and they handle most homeowner yards on a charge. Gas trimmers offer more sustained power for large properties and heavy brush, at the cost of noise, fuel, and maintenance.
How long do battery trimmers run?+
Expect about 30 minutes on a charge at normal use, longer at lower speed or with a bigger battery. For larger yards, a second battery removes the runtime concern entirely.
What is automatic line feed?+
Systems like EGO PowerLoad and Line IQ feed or reload trimmer line for you, instead of bumping the head or rethreading by hand. It is a real convenience upgrade that saves time and frustration.
What line thickness should I use?+
For typical grass and weeds, 0.080 to 0.095 inch line is standard. Step up to 0.105 inch or thicker for heavy weeds and brush. Match the line to what the trimmer is rated for.
Straight or curved shaft?+
Straight-shaft trimmers reach farther under bushes and are generally more durable and powerful, preferred for bigger yards. Curved-shaft trimmers are lighter and comfortable for smaller yards and shorter users.