Best String Trimmers of 2024

CR's tests show you don't have to pay a lot to get a capable string trimmer

By Paul Hope

Updated by Quentyn Kennemer

Updated May 3, 2024

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The Echo SRM-2620 String Trimmer, Husqvarna 130C String Trimmer, and Ego ST1502SA String Trimmer — A string trimmer—such as these from (left to right) Echo, Husqvarna, and Ego—can reach tight spots that a lawn mower can't.

String trimmers (also commonly called weed whackers) are the tool of choice to cut high grass along fences, rock walls, and garden beds. That’s because they’re designed to get into tight areas where mowers can’t go. But not all of them are created equally.

To find out which ones are worth the money, CR’s lawn experts have tested hundreds of string trimmers over the years, including gas, corded, battery, and cordless versions. In our tests, we’ve found capable models in every configuration across a wide range of prices. But first you need to settle on which type is right for you.

In this article

Best String Trimmers: Straight-Shaft Gas Curved-Shaft Gas Battery Corded Electric
How CR Tests String Trimmers

Best Gas Straight-Shaft String Trimmers

Below, you’ll find two of the best gas straight-shaft string trimmers in CR’s ratings. Straight-shaft models are usually longer than curved-shaft trimmers, which can help you reach places a curved-shaft model can’t.

Best Gas Curved-Shaft String Trimmers

Curved-shaft gas string trimmers typically offer better maneuverability for treating hard-to-reach areas of your lawn. Below, we highlight two of the best models from this category, which as a whole don’t perform as well in CR’s tests as straight-shaft or battery-powered string trimmers.

https:////locations.husqvarna.com//us//. Get more details on the recall, including the serial number for recalled models, on the <a href=https://www.consumerreports.org/"https:////www.cpsc.gov//Recalls//2024//Husqvarna-Recalls-Grass-Trimmers-Due-to-Fire-Hazard?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery\%22>recall notice page<\/a>.<\/p><p>For more information, see our <a href=https://www.consumerreports.org/"https:////www.consumerreports.org//home-garden//home-product-recalls//husqvarna-gas-string-trimmers-recalled-for-fire-hazard-a6913896674///">Husqvarna string trimmer recall coverage.<\/a><\/p>","recallSubmissionDate":"2024-02-08T23:21:32.000Z"},"reliability":{"predictedReliabilityScore":4,"predictedReliability10PtScore":7,"scoreTypeRemarkId":1,"scoreTypeRemark":"Valid Score","infoText":"Predicted brand reliability ratings are based on estimated problem rates for newly purchased gas straight shaft string trimmers, by the end of the 4th year of ownership."},"ownerSatisfaction":{"predictedOwnerSatisfactionScore":4,"predictedOwnerSatisfaction10PtScore":7,"scoreTypeRemarkId":1,"scoreTypeRemark":"Valid Score","infoText":"Owner satisfaction ratings are based on the proportion of members who are extremely likely to recommend their gas straight shaft string trimmer brand to their friends and family."},"surveys":{"ownerSatisfaction":{"surveyTypeId":2,"surveyTypeLabel":"Owner satisfaction","scoreTypeRemarkId":1,"scoreTypeRemark":"Valid Score","infoText":"Owner satisfaction ratings are based on the proportion of members who are extremely likely to recommend their gas curved shaft string trimmer brand to their friends and family.","surveyScore":4,"survey10PtScore":7},"reliability":{"surveyTypeId":1,"surveyTypeLabel":"Predicted reliability","scoreTypeRemarkId":1,"scoreTypeRemark":"Valid Score","infoText":"Predicted brand reliability ratings are based on estimated problem rates for newly purchased gas curved shaft string trimmers, by the end of the 4th year of ownership.","surveyScore":4,"survey10PtScore":7}},"recommendationUpdateDate":"2022-07-14T16:16:59.000Z","bestBuyUpdateDate":"2022-07-14T16:16:59.000Z","scoreUpdateDate":"2024-04-09T19:50:05.000Z","overallScoreSortIndex":4,"modelLink":"\/home-garden\/string-trimmers\/husqvarna-130c\/m406370\/","criteria":[{"attributeId":2269,"attributeTypeId":1,"attributeTypeName":"TEST_RESULT","sortOrder":2,"name":"Trimming","displayName":"Trimming","description":"Indicates how quickly and neatly models cut grass.","attributeDataTypeId":3,"attributeDataTypeName":"numeric-rating-score","isProductGroupMainAttribute":true,"isAttributeArchived":false,"isFilterSuppressed":false,"value":5,"ratingsBlobScale":"5pt"},{"attributeId":2270,"attributeTypeId":1,"attributeTypeName":"TEST_RESULT","sortOrder":3,"name":"Edging","displayName":"Edging","description":"How quickly and neatly models trimmed a vertical line along a walkway.","attributeDataTypeId":3,"attributeDataTypeName":"numeric-rating-score","isProductGroupMainAttribute":true,"isAttributeArchived":false,"isFilterSuppressed":false,"value":5,"ratingsBlobScale":"5pt"},{"attributeId":2271,"attributeTypeId":1,"attributeTypeName":"TEST_RESULT","sortOrder":4,"name":"Tall grass and weeds","displayName":"Tall grass and weeds","description":"Indicates cutting power in tall grass and weeds.","attributeDataTypeId":3,"attributeDataTypeName":"numeric-rating-score","isProductGroupMainAttribute":true,"isAttributeArchived":false,"isFilterSuppressed":false,"value":5,"ratingsBlobScale":"5pt"}],"description":"<p>The <a href=https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/string-trimmers/best-string-trimmers-of-the-year-a7455170901/"https:////www.consumerreports.org//products//string-trimmers-28942//string-trimmer-28729//husqvarna-130c-406370//">Husqvarna 130C<\/a> aces our trimming and edging tests. It also does a phenomenal job of clearing tall grass and weeds. This model has two cutting strings for faster, more aggressive cutting. The brand\u2019s curved-shaft gas string trimmers nabbed a strong owner satisfaction rating and a midlevel predicted reliability rating in CR\u2019s member surveys. It\u2019s a good choice if you want a curved-shaft trimmer, which can be easier to handle for shorter users, and it\u2019s quite a bit cheaper than the top-scoring straight-shaft trimmers. <\/p>","ratingsLink":"\/home-garden\/string-trimmers\/c28729\/"},{"_id":59712,"modelName":"FS 40 C-E","slugName":"stihl-fs-40-c-e-59712","slugModelName":"fs-40-c-e","defaultUpc":"052613453452","asin":"B0007UQ2SM","overallScoreDescription":"Based mainly on trimming near a wall, edging, cutting tall grass and weeds, handling, and ease of use. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points.","overallDisplayScore":75,"price":120,"priceDescription":"Price is approximate retail.","brandId":158224,"brandName":"Stihl","brandSlugName":"stihl","productGroupTypeId":6,"productGroupTypeName":"SUBCATEGORY","productGroupClassificationId":1,"productGroupClassificationName":"PRODUCTS","productGroupId":34645,"productGroupName":"Gas Curved Shaft String Trimmers","testStateId":1,"testStateName":"Tested","modelAvailabilityId":1,"modelAvailabilityName":"Available","productGroupHierarchy":{"franchiseId":28937,"franchiseName":"Home & garden","franchiseSlugName":"home-garden","franchiseCuGroupId":2271,"subFranchiseId":28941,"subFranchiseName":"Tools & power equipment","subFranchiseSlugName":"tools-power-equipment","subFranchiseCuGroupId":2274,"superCategoryId":28942,"superCategoryName":"String Trimmers","superCategorySlugName":"string-trimmers","superCategorySingularName":"String Trimmer","superCategoryCuGroupId":2485,"categoryId":28729,"categoryName":"String Trimmers","categorySlugName":"string-trimmer","categoryCuGroupId":742,"subCategoryId":34645,"subCategoryName":"Gas Curved Shaft String Trimmers","subCategorySlugName":"gas-curved-shaft-string-trimmers","subCategoryCuGroupId":30091},"expertReview":{"summary":"This Stihl 27cc, gas curved shaft string trimmer has a curved shaft and weighs 11.23 lbs. It uses dual 0.08 or.0950-inch cutting lines on a 15-inch diameter head.","highs":"<UL><LI> Trimmed cleanly in a single pass.<\/LI><LI> Edged quickly, leaving a smooth, clean edge.<\/LI><LI> Cut down tall grass and weeds aggressively.<\/LI><LI> Easy to handle and control.<\/LI><LI> Has a clutch, which stops the cutting head from spinning while the engine is idling.<\/LI><LI> Has two cutting strings for faster, more aggressive cutting.<\/LI><\/UL>","lows":"This model had no discernible flaws in its performance."},"expertRatings":{"isRecommended":true,"isBestseller":false,"isBestBuy":false,"isDontBuy":false},"isPublishable":true,"availabilityUpdDate":"2021-05-28T20:40:49.000Z","lastPublishedDate":"2024-04-11T20:25:20.703Z","firstPublishedDate":"2010-02-07T19:47:15.000Z","profileImage":{"fileName":"59712-stringtrimmers-stihl-fs40ce","relativePath":"\/prod\/products\/cr\/models\/","cloudFrontDomain":"https:\/\/crdms.images.consumerreports.org","fileFormat":"jpg","imageTypeId":1},"cuModelId":"99026073","cuGroupId":30091,"isModelRatingFromSurveyCategory":false,"isPublishedInPCR":true,"reliability":{"predictedReliabilityScore":3,"predictedReliability10PtScore":6,"scoreTypeRemarkId":1,"scoreTypeRemark":"Valid Score","infoText":"Predicted brand reliability ratings are based on estimated problem rates for newly purchased gas straight shaft string trimmers, by the end of the 4th year of ownership."},"ownerSatisfaction":{"predictedOwnerSatisfactionScore":4,"predictedOwnerSatisfaction10PtScore":7,"scoreTypeRemarkId":1,"scoreTypeRemark":"Valid Score","infoText":"Owner satisfaction ratings are based on the proportion of members who are extremely likely to recommend their gas straight shaft string trimmer brand to their friends and family."},"surveys":{"ownerSatisfaction":{"surveyTypeId":2,"surveyTypeLabel":"Owner satisfaction","scoreTypeRemarkId":1,"scoreTypeRemark":"Valid Score","infoText":"Owner satisfaction ratings are based on the proportion of members who are extremely likely to recommend their gas curved shaft string trimmer brand to their friends and family.","surveyScore":4,"survey10PtScore":7},"reliability":{"surveyTypeId":1,"surveyTypeLabel":"Predicted reliability","scoreTypeRemarkId":1,"scoreTypeRemark":"Valid Score","infoText":"Predicted brand reliability ratings are based on estimated problem rates for newly purchased gas curved shaft string trimmers, by the end of the 4th year of ownership.","surveyScore":3,"survey10PtScore":6}},"recommendationUpdateDate":"2010-02-07T19:47:15.000Z","bestBuyUpdateDate":"2010-02-07T19:47:15.000Z","scoreUpdateDate":"2024-04-09T19:50:05.000Z","overallScoreSortIndex":10,"walmartId":10727798,"modelLink":"\/home-garden\/string-trimmers\/stihl-fs-40-c-e\/m59712\/","criteria":[{"attributeId":2269,"attributeTypeId":1,"attributeTypeName":"TEST_RESULT","sortOrder":2,"name":"Trimming","displayName":"Trimming","description":"Indicates how quickly and neatly models cut grass.","attributeDataTypeId":3,"attributeDataTypeName":"numeric-rating-score","isProductGroupMainAttribute":true,"isAttributeArchived":false,"isFilterSuppressed":false,"value":5,"ratingsBlobScale":"5pt"},{"attributeId":2270,"attributeTypeId":1,"attributeTypeName":"TEST_RESULT","sortOrder":3,"name":"Edging","displayName":"Edging","description":"How quickly and neatly models trimmed a vertical line along a walkway.","attributeDataTypeId":3,"attributeDataTypeName":"numeric-rating-score","isProductGroupMainAttribute":true,"isAttributeArchived":false,"isFilterSuppressed":false,"value":4,"ratingsBlobScale":"5pt"},{"attributeId":2271,"attributeTypeId":1,"attributeTypeName":"TEST_RESULT","sortOrder":4,"name":"Tall grass and weeds","displayName":"Tall grass and weeds","description":"Indicates cutting power in tall grass and weeds.","attributeDataTypeId":3,"attributeDataTypeName":"numeric-rating-score","isProductGroupMainAttribute":true,"isAttributeArchived":false,"isFilterSuppressed":false,"value":5,"ratingsBlobScale":"5pt"}],"description":"<p>The <a href=https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/string-trimmers/best-string-trimmers-of-the-year-a7455170901/"https:////www.consumerreports.org//products//string-trimmers-28942//string-trimmer-28729//stihl-fs-40-c-e-59712//">Stihl FS 40 C-E<\/a> is among the best curved-shaft gas string trimmers in our ratings. It\u2019s one of the few models that offers power and performance on a par with the best straight-shaft trimmers, for about $100 to $200 less than what you\u2019d pay for many of those tools. It earns a top rating for trimming, as well as for plowing through tall grass and weeds. In CR\u2019s member surveys, Stihl gas curved-shaft string trimmers received a top mark for owner satisfaction but a middling rating for predicted reliability. It\u2019s a great choice if you want a curved-shaft trimmer that\u2019s a good value. <\/p>","ratingsLink":"\/home-garden\/string-trimmers\/c28729\/"}]" hide-index />

Best Battery String Trimmers

Battery string trimmers now often pack the power of gas models, and they’re priced comparably. Plus the batteries can usually power other tools, like chainsaws, hedge trimmers, or leaf blowers, from the same brand.

Best Corded Electric String Trimmers

Corded electric string trimmers are incredibly affordable. But there aren’t a ton of great options among this increasingly unpopular variety, and they have a built-in distance limit because they require a constant connection to an outlet.

How CR Tests String Trimmers

We use each trimmer to tackle typical yard weeds and high grass as well as dense brush, noting and timing how long each model takes to clear a defined path. We also test each model’s edging, or its ability to create a neat and straight line along a walkway. And we look at how easy each trimmer is to hold, maneuver, and operate, noting how difficult it is to start up or feed extra line through the cutting head.

We test gas models with curved and straight shafts, along with battery and electric models. If you’ve never used a string trimmer, try handling curved-shaft and straight-shaft models in a home center or hardware store to see which type feels better. In general, tall users may favor straight-shaft models because they have a longer reach. Shorter users may prefer curved-shaft models because they can be a bit easier to control.

Paul Hope

Paul Hope is a senior multimedia content creator at Consumer Reports and a trained chef. He covers ranges, cooktops, and wall ovens, as well as grills, drills, outdoor power tools, decking, and wood stains. Before joining CR in 2016, he tested kitchen products at Good Housekeeping and covered tools and remodeling for This Old House magazine. You’ll typically find him in his old fixer-upper, engrossed in a DIY project or trying out a new recipe.