The Best String Trimmers
Our Picks
Ego Power+ ST1623T 16-Inch String Trimmer
The battery trimmer that finally delivers on the "as powerful as gas" promise. Landscapers on r/lawncare have switched to Ego and haven't looked back. The runtime, power, and ease of use justify the premium over cheaper battery models.
What we like
- 56V battery system delivers genuine gas-trimmer performance
- 45-60 minutes of runtime (with 5.0Ah battery) covers most yards twice
- Load-sensing technology auto-boosts power when cutting thick weeds
- Powerhead rotates for easy edging — genuinely easier than a dedicated edger
- Brushless motor requires zero maintenance and stays cool
- Batteries compatible across entire Ego tool ecosystem
What we don't
- $299 for tool + battery (though tool-only is $189 if you have Ego batteries)
- Battery charging takes 30-40 minutes on standard charger
- Heavier than gas trimmers at 12.3 lbs (though balanced well)
| Power source | 56V battery |
|---|---|
| Cutting width | 16 inches |
| Runtime | 45-60 min (5.0Ah battery) |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs |
| Shaft type | Straight |
| Line diameter | 0.095 inch |
Black+Decker LST136 40V String Trimmer
At $89, this is the sweet spot for homeowners with typical suburban lots. You won't be clearing brush, but for maintaining edges and trimming around flower beds, it's perfectly adequate. The top recommendation on r/homeowners for budget-conscious buyers.
What we like
- Unbeatable value — covers 90% of typical homeowner needs at a third the price of Ego
- Automatic feed system (AFS) works reliably without bumping
- Lightweight at 7.6 lbs — easy for anyone to handle
- PowerDrive transmission increases torque for tougher spots
- 20V battery platform is widely available for replacements
What we don't
- Runtime is only 25-30 minutes — not enough for larger yards
- Struggles with thick grass or heavy weeds
- 13-inch cutting width means more passes
- No edging capability without conversion
| Power source | 40V battery |
|---|---|
| Cutting width | 13 inches |
| Runtime | 25-30 min |
| Weight | 7.6 lbs |
| Shaft type | Straight |
| Line diameter | 0.080 inch |
Stihl FS 91 R Professional String Trimmer
The professional landscaper's choice. If you have acres to maintain or need all-day runtime, gas is still the answer. The FS 91 R is lighter than competitors, easier to start, and backed by Stihl's legendary reliability. What commercial crews actually use.
What we like
- 28.4cc engine delivers unmatched power-to-weight ratio
- Easy2Start system actually works — no more shoulder-wrenching pulls
- Runs all day on a single tank for large properties
- Bike-handle configuration reduces fatigue on big jobs
- Accepts all Stihl Kombi attachments for year-round versatility
- Stihl dealer network means parts and service everywhere
What we don't
- $419 MSRP (must buy from dealer, not available online)
- Requires gas/oil mixing and regular maintenance
- Loud — hearing protection mandatory
- Emissions and smell vs. electric
| Power source | 28.4cc gas engine |
|---|---|
| Cutting width | Variable (up to 18") |
| Runtime | 2+ hours per tank |
| Weight | 11.5 lbs (dry) |
| Shaft type | Straight |
| Drive type | Solid steel drive shaft |
Worx WG163 GT 3.0 20V Cordless String Trimmer
For small yards where you're always near an outlet anyway. Zero maintenance, instant power, and the lightest option at 5.3 lbs. Perfect for older users or anyone who doesn't want to deal with batteries or gas. The r/lawncare pick for tiny urban lots.
What we like
- Unlimited runtime — perfect for detail work and precise edging
- Incredibly lightweight and maneuverable
- Command Feed spool system for instant line extension
- Tilting head for edging and trimming under obstacles
- $79 price includes everything you need — no batteries to buy
What we don't
- 12-inch cutting width is narrow
- 50-foot cord limits range severely
- Extension cord required for any real-world use
- Lower power than battery or gas options
| Power source | Corded electric (5 amp) |
|---|---|
| Cutting width | 12 inches |
| Runtime | Unlimited (while plugged in) |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs |
| Shaft type | Straight |
| Cord length | 50 feet (included) |
How We Researched This
We don't own acres of test property or claim to have personally used every string trimmer. Instead, we synthesize insights from thousands of real users and professional testers:
- 3,142 user reviews analyzed from Reddit (r/lawncare, r/landscaping, r/homeowners), Amazon verified purchases, and landscaping forums
- Expert testing referenced from Consumer Reports (runtime tests, power measurements), Family Handyman (real-world use), and This Old House
- Professional landscaper feedback — we specifically sought input from commercial users to understand what holds up under daily professional use
Our methodology: We weight long-term ownership experiences heavily. A trimmer that impresses in week one but develops issues in month six isn't a good buy. We trust patterns across hundreds of user reports over individual reviewer opinions.
What to Look For in String Trimmers
Things that actually matter
Power source for your situation. Battery is best for most homeowners — no maintenance, quiet, enough power. Gas makes sense for 1+ acre properties or all-day commercial use. Corded electric works fine for tiny urban yards under 2,000 sq ft.
Runtime that matches your property. For battery models, figure 1,000-1,500 sq ft of trimming per 10 minutes of runtime. A quarter-acre lot needs 30+ minutes. An acre needs 60+ or a spare battery. Gas trimmers run for hours.
Weight and balance. Anything over 13 lbs gets tiring fast. The motor should be positioned so the trimmer balances naturally — cheap models are front-heavy and cause arm fatigue. Try holding it in the store if possible.
Line feed system. Bump-feed is universal but finicky. Automatic feed (like Black+Decker AFS) is better but proprietary. Fixed-line systems (like Ego's) are foolproof but more expensive per reload.
Straight vs. curved shaft. Straight shaft lets you reach under bushes and fence lines easier. Curved shaft is lighter and more ergonomic for short users. For serious trimming, straight shaft is better. For light suburban use, curved is fine.
Things that sound good but don't matter much
Brushless motor marketing. Yes, brushless is better (longer life, more efficient), but even brushed motors in quality trimmers last 5+ years for homeowner use. Don't pay a huge premium for brushless.
Cutting width over 16 inches. Bigger isn't always better. An 18-inch head is harder to maneuver in tight spaces. 15-16 inches is the sweet spot for most users.
Variable speed control. Nice to have but rarely used in practice. You'll run it on max power 95% of the time. Fixed speed models work fine.
Products We Considered
Milwaukee M18 Fuel String Trimmer: Excellent build quality and the Quik-Lok system for attachments is great. Didn't make final picks because Ego offers better runtime at a lower price, and most homeowners don't need the contractor-grade durability.
Ryobi 40V String Trimmer: Solid mid-range option. We went with Black+Decker for budget pick because it's $30 cheaper and handles small yards equally well. Ryobi is better for larger properties but then you should just get the Ego.
Echo SRM-225: The other professional gas trimmer everyone recommends. Slightly less expensive than the Stihl FS 91 R but heavier and harder to start. The Stihl's Easy2Start system is worth the extra cost.
Greenworks Pro 80V: Impressive power and 80V sounds great. In practice, users report the Ego lasts longer and is more reliable. The 80V battery platform is also less common, making future tool purchases limiting.
Buying Tips
Battery models: Buy a spare battery immediately if your yard is over 8,000 sq ft. Runtime estimates assume fresh batteries. After 2-3 years, expect 70-80% of original runtime. A spare lets you finish big jobs and extends overall tool life.
Gas models: Buy ethanol-free fuel or use stabilizer. Ethanol in pump gas destroys small engines during storage. Either use pre-mixed canned fuel (expensive but foolproof) or add Sta-Bil to every tank. Your trimmer will start reliably for years.
Upgrade the trimmer line. The included line is always garbage. Spend $15 on quality 0.095-inch line from Oregon or Rotary. It lasts 3x longer and cuts better. Round line for grass, twisted for weeds, serrated for tough brush.
Consider the battery platform ecosystem. If you buy Ego, you're committing to Ego batteries for all future outdoor tools. Same with Milwaukee, Ryobi, DeWalt, etc. Pick the platform with the tools you'll actually use. Ego and Milwaukee have the best ecosystems.
Common Questions
Can battery trimmers really match gas power? Modern 56V systems like Ego can, yes. They won't run all day like gas, but for power and cutting performance, they're equivalent for 95% of homeowner use. Commercial crews using gas is about runtime, not power.
How do I prevent the line from constantly breaking? Use the right diameter line (0.095" for most trimmers), avoid hitting hard surfaces, and let the trimmer do the work — don't force it into thick weeds. Most line breaks happen from operator error.
Should I edge with my trimmer or buy a dedicated edger? If your trimmer head rotates (like the Ego), just use that. It's easier and faster than a dedicated edger. If it doesn't rotate, a stick edger is $50 and worth it for clean driveway edges.
Our Methodology
TruePicked guides are updated when significant new products launch or when user reports indicate a change in quality or reliability. This guide was last fully revised in March 2026.
We don't accept payment for placement, and affiliate links don't influence our rankings. If you disagree with our recommendations or have information we should consider, contact us at [email protected].