The 5 Best String Trimmers

A good string trimmer is one of those tools you don’t appreciate until you’ve used a bad one. I’ve spent too many Saturday mornings fighting with tangled lines, weak motors, and trimmers that felt like I was holding a running chainsaw. It’s frustrating when you just want to clean up the edges of your lawn.

But things have gotten so much better, especially with battery-powered models. They’re quieter, lighter, and the technology has finally caught up to gas power for most of us homeowners. After testing dozens over the past few seasons on my own quarter-acre lot, I’ve found the ones that actually work without the headaches.

These are the best string trimmers I’ve used in 2026. They start every time, they cut through tough weeds, and they make yard work a little less of a chore.

 

 

My Favorite String Trimmers of 2026

EGO Power+ Powerload with Line IQ ST1623T

The EGO Power+ costs around $359, and it’s an absolute beast. I use this one for the back half of my property where the thick, stubborn weeds grow along the fence line. It has never bogged down, not even once.

What I really love is the technology. The Powerload feature lets you feed new line through the head and press a button to wind it automatically. It’s incredible. And the Line IQ means I never have to bump the head on the ground—it just feeds itself as needed. It’s smart and saves so much time.

The Downside: At almost 13 pounds, it’s heavy. After about 45 minutes of solid work, my arms definitely feel it. It’s a trade-off for all that power and battery life.

 

 

Husqvarna 110iL FLXi String Trimmer

This Husqvarna trimmer is priced at $200 and it’s the one I’d recommend to most of my neighbors. It’s the perfect balance of everything you need without any of the overkill. It’s light enough for easy handling but still has plenty of power for regular grass and edging.

It’s just a really comfortable tool to use. The vibration is super low, so my hands don’t feel numb afterward. For typical weekly clean-up around trees, mailboxes, and sidewalks, this is the one. It just works exactly like you’d expect it to.

The Downside: It only has one speed setting. This isn’t a big deal for me, but if you like to have a low-speed option for delicate areas, you won’t find it here.

 

 

Makita XRU15PT 36V String Trimmer

The Makita XRU15PT runs about $300, and its biggest strength is the battery life. It uses two batteries at once, and it feels like it runs forever. If you have a large yard and hate stopping to swap or recharge batteries, this is your answer.

It handles really well and is surprisingly quiet for how powerful it is. I can get my trimming done early in the morning without waking anyone up. It slices through everything from thin grass to thicker, stalky weeds with no problem at all. It feels like a premium, well-built tool in your hands.

The Downside: It’s expensive. You’re paying for that Makita quality and amazing runtime, but it’s a definite investment for your lawn tool collection.

 

 

Worx WG163 GT 3.0 20V String Trimmer

At just $100, the Worx WG163 is a fantastic deal, especially for smaller yards. My favorite feature is the “Command Feed” button right on the handle. When you need more line, you just push it—no bumping required. It’s a simple idea that makes a huge difference.

It’s also super lightweight and converts to a wheeled edger in seconds. I used it to get a really clean line along my driveway and it worked perfectly. It’s not made for clearing an overgrown field, but for keeping a tidy yard looking sharp, it’s perfect.

The Downside: The cutting width is only 12 inches, which is smaller than the others. You’ll notice it takes a few more passes to clear larger areas.

 

 

Craftsman V20 Weedwacker CMCST900D1

This Craftsman Weedwacker costs about $120 and hits a real sweet spot for value. It’s a solid, dependable tool that gives you more power than you’d expect for the price. It feels sturdy and gets the job done without any fuss.

I like the adjustable length and the simple high/low speed switch. It’s a great step up from a budget model if you have a medium-sized yard with some moderately tough spots. It just feels like a classic, reliable trimmer.

The Downside: It doesn’t have the raw power of the more expensive EGO or Makita. If you’re consistently tackling very thick brush, you might find it struggling a bit.

 

 

What to Look For in a String Trimmer

When you’re shopping, the first thing to think about is your yard. Do you have a small, manicured lawn or a half-acre with wild edges? A smaller, lighter trimmer like the Worx is perfect for city lots, while something like the EGO is built for bigger, tougher jobs.

Pay attention to the line feed system. I can’t stand bumping the head on the ground over and over, so I lean towards models with automatic or push-button feeds. It seems like a small thing, but it removes one of the biggest frustrations of trimming.

And don’t forget about weight and balance. If you can, hold one in the store. A tool that feels balanced will be much more comfortable to use for 30 minutes straight. A heavier tool might be more powerful, but it won’t do you any good if you can’t carry it for long enough to finish the job.