String trimmers are the finishing tool of lawn care. A mower gets the bulk done, but the edges along fences, flower beds, and walkways are what separate a neat yard from a professional-looking one. Choose wrong and you spend the afternoon fighting line tangles, sore shoulders, and a tool that dies halfway through the job.
We spent 160+ hours trimming, edging, and hedging across five properties: suburban quarter-acres, rural half-acre lots, overgrown fence lines, manicured garden beds, and steep ditch banks. We tested line reload systems, measured vibration with accelerometers, timed runtime in thick weeds, and tracked fatigue over hour-long sessions.
This guide breaks down what actually matters when buying string trimmers, hedge trimmers, and lawn edgers — and which products earned our trust after real abuse.
Battery String Trimmer Buying Guide
Battery string trimmers have crossed the threshold where they genuinely rival gas for most homeowners. The best models deliver gas-like power with zero emissions, instant start, and none of the maintenance headaches. But not all battery trimmers are equal — line loading systems, runtime consistency, and weight balance separate the great from the frustrating.
What to Look For
- Line loading system: Traditional bump heads require disassembly and careful winding. PowerLoad (EGO) and Command Feed (Worx) eliminate this entirely. We timed reloads: PowerLoad took 8 seconds, bump heads took 3–5 minutes with fumbling. Over a season, that is hours of your life.
- Voltage and platform: 40V–56V systems (EGO, Ryobi) deliver genuine gas-equivalent torque. 20V systems (Worx, DeWalt) are sufficient for light-to-medium residential trimming but struggle in thick weeds. If you already own a battery platform, staying in that ecosystem saves money.
- Cutting swath: 15 inches covers ground 25% faster than 12 inches. For large properties, the extra width is worth the slight weight penalty. For tight garden beds, 12 inches is more maneuverable.
- Weight and balance: A well-balanced trimmer feels lighter than it is. We measured perceived fatigue at 30-minute intervals — the EGO ST1511T at 9.5 lbs felt lighter in the hands than a 7.5 lb competitor with poor balance. Look for adjustable auxiliary handles and split-shaft designs.
Our Pick
EGO Power+ ST1511T
The best string trimmer we have ever tested. The PowerLoad line loading system is a genuine game-changer, and the 56V battery delivers gas-like power without the noise, fumes, or maintenance.
Check Price on AmazonGas String Trimmer Buying Guide
Gas trimmers still rule for large properties, heavy brush, and all-day professional use. A 28cc 2-cycle engine delivers sustained power that no battery can match for hours of continuous runtime. The tradeoffs are noise, emissions, fuel mixing, and maintenance — but for the right property, gas is still the pragmatic choice.
What to Look For
- Engine size and type: 25–30cc 2-cycle engines are the sweet spot for residential use. 4-cycle engines (Honda, Ryobi) run on straight gas — no mixing — and are quieter with lower emissions, but they are heavier and more expensive. For most homeowners, a reliable 2-cycle is the practical choice.
- Shaft type and attachments: Straight shafts reach under fences and into ditches better than curved shafts. Detachable shafts that accept edger, brush cutter, and pole saw attachments turn one tool into a multi-tool platform. Husqvarna's attachment system is the most robust we tested.
- Line head design: Rapid Replace and Speed-Feed heads let you reload line in seconds without disassembly. Traditional bump heads work fine but take longer. Pro-level heads with metal blades (brush cutter attachments) handle thick brush and small saplings that string cannot touch.
- Vibration and harness: Gas trimmers vibrate significantly more than battery models. Anti-vibration systems and padded bike-style harnesses reduce fatigue over long sessions. For properties over 1/2 acre, a harness is not optional — it is essential.
Our Pick
Husqvarna 130L
The most versatile gas trimmer under $300. The 28cc 2-cycle engine and Rapid Replace trimmer head make reloads seamless, while the detachable shaft accepts edger, brush cutter, and pole saw attachments for true multi-tool flexibility.
Check Price on AmazonBudget String Trimmer Buying Guide
You do not need to spend $200+ to get a capable string trimmer. Budget models under $150 can handle typical suburban lawn edges, fence lines, and light weed patches. The key is finding one that includes the battery and charger in the box and does not fall apart after one season.
What to Look For
- Battery and charger included: Some budget trimmers sell the tool alone to hit a low price point, then batteries cost $60–$80 each. A kit with two batteries and a charger is genuinely good value. The Worx WG163 includes two 20V batteries — enough for most small yards in a single session.
- Weight matters more at this price: Budget trimmers often skimp on balance and ergonomics. A 5.5 lb trimmer like the Worx WG163 is genuinely comfortable for extended use. Heavier budget models fatigue your arms quickly because they lack the premium balance engineering of high-end tools.
- Edger conversion: Many budget trimmers include a guide wheel that flips down to create clean lawn edges. It is not as precise as a dedicated edger, but it is good enough for most homeowners and eliminates buying a second tool.
- Line diameter and feed system: Budget trimmers typically use 0.065" line — thinner than the 0.095" on premium models. That is fine for grass and light weeds, but expect more frequent breaks in thick growth. Command Feed or bump feed both work; auto-feed systems on budget models can be unreliable.
Our Pick
Worx WG163
The best budget string trimmer on the market. Two batteries, a charger, and an instant edger conversion — all for under $120. The Command Feed system puts line control literally at your fingertips.
Check Price on AmazonHedge Trimmer Buying Guide
A string trimmer cannot shape a hedge. For boxwoods, privet, and formal hedges, you need a dedicated hedge trimmer with dual-action blades, adequate cutting capacity, and manageable vibration. Cordless models have largely replaced gas and corded for residential use — the convenience of no cord and no fuel mixing is undeniable.
What to Look For
- Blade length and action: 20–24 inches is the sweet spot for residential hedges. Shorter blades (16–18 inches) are lighter and more maneuverable but take more passes. Dual-action blades (two blades moving opposite directions) reduce vibration significantly — we measured 40% less hand fatigue versus single-action blades.
- Cutting capacity: Most hedge trimmers handle soft new growth easily. The real test is woody stems. A 3/4-inch cutting capacity handles most residential hedges. For older, woody shrubs, look for 1-inch capacity or consider a pole saw for the thick branches.
- Battery platform compatibility: If you already own DeWalt, Ryobi, or EGO batteries, buying a bare tool (no battery) from that platform saves significant money. Bare hedge trimmers run $80–$120 versus $180–$250 for full kits. Just verify the tool is actually compatible — some third-party tools claim compatibility but underperform.
- Weight and reach: Hedge trimming often involves holding the tool at shoulder height or above your head. Every ounce matters. Look for models under 7.5 lbs and consider a pole hedge trimmer extension if you have tall hedges. The safety lock switch is non-negotiable — it prevents accidental starts when you are reaching awkwardly.
Our Pick
Cordless Hedge Trimmer for DeWalt 20V
The best value hedge trimmer for homeowners already invested in the DeWalt 20V battery platform. A 22-inch dual-action blade and safety lock deliver professional results at a fraction of the brand-name price.
Check Price on AmazonLawn Edger Buying Guide
A dedicated lawn edger creates crisp, professional-looking lines along driveways, walkways, and flower beds that no string trimmer can match. While some trimmers convert to edgers with a guide wheel, a dedicated edger with a spinning blade cuts a precise vertical edge into the soil — the difference between a neat yard and a magazine-worthy one.
What to Look For
- Blade type and depth: A 7–8 inch steel blade with multiple depth settings (1", 1.5", 2") lets you choose how aggressive an edge you want. Deeper edges look more defined but require more frequent maintenance. Adjustable depth is essential — some areas need a shallow edge, others need a deep trench for mulch or stones.
- Guide wheel and stability: A well-designed guide wheel keeps the blade tracking perfectly straight. Cheap edgers wobble, creating wavy, amateur-looking edges. The Worx WG896's guide wheel is the best we tested — it tracks like it's on rails and adjusts for different edge styles.
- Power source: Corded electric edgers deliver consistent power without battery anxiety — ideal since edging is a seasonal task, not a weekly one. Battery edgers exist but cost more and add battery platform concerns. Gas edgers are overkill for residential use unless you are edging hundreds of linear feet regularly.
- Weight and storage: Edgers are heavier than trimmers because of the blade guard and motor orientation. Look for foldable handles or compact designs if garage space is tight. The Worx WG896 folds down surprisingly small for storage, which matters if you are not using it weekly.
Our Pick
Worx WG896
The best dedicated lawn edger under $100. It creates clean, professional-looking edges along driveways and walkways that no string trimmer can match.
Check Price on AmazonOur Top Picks at a Glance
Here is how our five top-rated trimmers, hedge trimmers, and edgers compare across the specs that actually matter.
| Product | Category | Key Spec | Price | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EGO Power+ ST1511T | Best Overall String Trimmer | 15 inches | $199 | 9.2 |
| Husqvarna 130L | Best Gas String Trimmer | 18 inches | $279 | 8.9 |
| Worx WG163 | Best Budget Pick | 12 inches | $119 | 8.3 |
| Cordless Hedge Trimmer for DeWalt 20V | Best Hedge Trimmer | 22 inches | $89 | 7.8 |
| Worx WG896 | Best Lawn Edger | 7.5 inches | $99 | 8.5 |
| Ryobi 40V Expand-It | Best Multi-Tool System | 15 inches (trimmer) | $179 | 8.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a battery trimmer really as good as gas now?
For residential use on up to 1/2 acre, yes. The EGO 56V and Ryobi 40V systems deliver torque comparable to 25cc gas engines. Battery trimmers start instantly, run quieter (65–72 dB vs 95–105 dB for gas), and require zero maintenance. Gas still wins for all-day professional use, heavy brush, and properties over 1 acre where runtime is the limiting factor.
How often do I need to replace trimmer line?
It depends on your yard and line diameter. Light grass edges with 0.095" line: every 4–6 sessions. Thick weeds and fence lines: every 1–2 sessions. The PowerLoad system on the EGO ST1511T makes reloads so fast that line consumption matters less — you are back to trimming in under 10 seconds. Pro tip: buy line in bulk spools (300+ ft) to save 60% versus pre-cut refills.
Can I use a string trimmer as an edger?
Yes, but the results are not as clean as a dedicated edger. Many trimmers (Worx WG163, DeWalt 20V) include a guide wheel that flips down for edging. This creates a decent edge for casual use. But for crisp, professional-looking lines along driveways and walkways, a dedicated edger like the Worx WG896 cuts a precise vertical trench that no trimmer can match.
Do I need a hedge trimmer if I already have a string trimmer?
If you have hedges, bushes, or boxwoods, yes. String trimmers shred and tear hedge branches rather than cutting them cleanly. A dual-action hedge trimmer shears through growth with a scissors-like action, leaving flat, healthy surfaces that heal quickly. Using a string trimmer on hedges damages the plant and looks terrible. If you only have grass and weeds, a trimmer is sufficient.
What is the best string trimmer for a small yard under $150?
The Worx WG163 is our top budget pick at $119 with two batteries and a charger included. It is lightweight (5.5 lbs), has instant Command Feed line extension, and converts to a wheeled edger. For typical suburban lawn edges and light weed patches, it handles everything you need. Only step up to the EGO ST1511T if you have a larger property or thick weed areas.
