You’ve mowed the lawn, trimmed the hedges and tidied up the flower beds. Now it’s time to put the finishing touches on the yard by cleaning up around the edges. To do that you have two choices. You can pull out the handheld shears and knee pads and spend the next three hours redefining “tedium”. Or you can grab the weed wacker and finish up in about 15 minutes while saving your knees in the process.
The best electric weed wackers are fast, easy to use, and can help you get the edges done in minutes instead of hours. By allowing you to trim around all objects in your yard – flowerbeds, tree trunks, stairs, a mailbox, or anything else really – these handheld power tools will give your property a clean, uniform and polished cut.
There is a wide variety of gas, electric, and battery-powered string trimmers available though, so picking the right model for your needs can be tricky. In short, if you have a large acreage and lots of thick grass and weed to go through, consider getting a gas-powered weed eater as it offers more power. For anything else, we recommend an electric or a battery-powered model as these are lighter, quieter, and much safer and easier to work with.
Whether you call them weed wackers or whackers, weed eaters, or string trimmers, here are the best models for a truly polished yard.
- Best Corded Weed Wacker: Toro Corded 14-Inch Electric Weed Wacker
- Best Battery-Powered Model: DEWALT 20V MAX* Brushless String Trimmer
- Best Trimmer/Edger Combo: BLACK+DECKER LSTE523 Electric Weed Wackers
- Best Cordless with an Extra Battery: WORX GT Cordless Electric Weed Wackers
- Best Gas Weed Eater: Remington Rustler 16-inch 25Cc Gas String Trimmer
- Great Value Cordless Model: Greenworks 12-Inch 24V Cordless String Trimmer
- Best High-Speed Trimmer: Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless String Trimmer
- Best Value Corded Model: BLACK+DECKER ST8600 String Trimmer
- Impressive Cutting Power: Worx WG119 5.5 Amp 15
- Best Small Lawn Trimmer: Ryobi 18V One+ Electric String Trimmer and Edger
The Best Weed Wacker
1Toro Corded 14-Inch Electric Weed Wacker
Get those edges perfectly trimmed with this Toro Corded 14-inch Electric Weed Wacker. This edger features a powerful 5 amp motor with an extra wide 14-inch dual line cutting head that allows you to create clean lines along the perimeter of your lawn. What you’ll really love about this weed whacker is the telescopic shaft that allows you to extend it for hard-to-reach areas. This adjustable handle also means you can set the size to your height and comfort levels.
The shaft of this edger is made with durable, rust-free aluminum, and with the auto-feed trim line, you can work without interruption. Best of all, this one easily switches from a trimmer to an edger, so you can multitask. It’s also light in weight and relatively quiet, so you won’t disturb your neighbors. While you’re working on your lawn, take a look at our guide to the best hedge trimmers and make your yard the envy of the neighborhood.
Corded 14″ electric trimmer/edger
Powerful 5 amp motor
Extra wide 14″ dual line cutting head
Telescopic shaft with adjustable handle
2-year manufacturer’s warranty
- BrandToro
- Model51480
- Weight6.3 Pounds
Telescopic handle gives you extended reach
14-inch dual line cutting area allows you to work with increased efficiency
Beautifully balanced with a cord that stays out of your way
Auto feeder could use some refinement
2DEWALT 20V MAX* Brushless String Trimmer
When it comes to cordless weed eaters, the DEWALT 20V MAX* Brushless String Trimmer can definitely handle trimming your fence lines and around trees with ease. This battery-powered trimmer features a variable speed motor that lets you choose the high setting for tough weeds and lower the speed when the work is somewhat easier. The dual string cutting diameter of 13 inches is just the right size for powering through larger areas and makes short work of stubborn weeds.
While incredibly efficient, don’t expect this one to handle the edges as it’s designed for trimming. Regardless, you get excellent performance with this garden tool and the brushless motor is considerably quieter than competitors’ gas models. The lithium-ion battery takes just a few hours to fully recharge and the battery life can certainly handle a suburban garden. For stubborn weeds, make sure you also check our guide to the top weeding tools.
Dual-line 13-inch trimmer
Dependable bump feed head
Efficient brushless electric motor
Variable power settings
Lithium-ion battery and charger included
3-year limited warranty
- BrandDEWALT
- ModelDCST920P1
- Weight13.78 Pounds
Powers through stubborn overgrowth
The ability to change power and string speed is a handy feature
20V lithium-ion battery charges fast
Since it’s battery-powered, it’s ultra-portable
One of the heavier electric weed wackers
The spool line is prone to tangling
3BLACK+DECKER LSTE523 Electric Weed Wackers
The BLACK+DECKER LSTE523 String Trimmer switches effortlessly from a first-class trimmer to a first-class edger with a flip of the head, making it an incredibly versatile cordless tool. This is a 12-inch string trimmer and edger that makes light work of garden maintenance. This cordless string trimmer allows you to easily feed more line as you work so you can get more of your yard trimmed and edged without unnecessary interruptions. The 2-speed control allows you to boost the power for tougher overgrowth or lower the speed for light work and save the battery.
What you’ll appreciate with this battery-powered trimmer is that the lithium-ion battery is part of the 20V Max range. This means you can use the same battery with any other BLACK+DECKER tools in the same range. Invest in a second battery and you can keep both charged for all the power you need for a busy day of gardening. This is the perfect gift for gardeners who like to have a full storage shed of lawn care equipment.
12-inch string trimmer and edger
Push button string feeder
Power Drive Transmission
Micro soft texture grip handle
Convenient cordless operation
- BrandBLACK+DECKER
- ModelLSTE523
- Weight6.3 Pounds
Very light and easy to work with; no cord to trip over
Shaft can be adjusted quickly to accommodate your needs
The option to optimize runtime is a nice feature on a cordless trimmer
Push button feed gives you extra line when you need it
This one may not be suitable for heavier brush
The guard is a little flimsy
4WORX GT Cordless Electric Weed Wackers
The Worx GT is a lightweight, reliable, robust trimmer/edger with an innovative push button line feed that gives you complete control. The power source of this cordless string trimmer is a lithium-ion battery, which is included when you purchase this weed whacker. What sets this one apart is that you also get the charger and a second battery. Keep them both charged, and you can increase your cutting time and decrease your downtime.
The shaft is fully adjustable for height, and the tiltable trimmer head tilts to 90 degrees and allows you to trim in hard-to-reach areas of the garden and around garden beds. This one also converts from a trimmer to an edger and the ergonomic handle makes this weed wacker easy to use. When the heavy work is done, check out our guide to the best garden hoses and keep your lawn and garden beds nicely hydrated.
Fully adjustable trimmer/edger
12 in cutting diameter
Telescopic shaft and ergonomic handle
Includes 2 lithium-ion batteries and a charger
No-load speed 7,600 rpm
- BrandWorx
- ModelWG163
- Weight6 Pounds
Although lightweight, it has a nice robust feel to it
The flip-up edging option gives you a versatile garden tool
Comes with 2 lithium-ion batteries, so you should never be caught without power
Super-easy to assemble and use, and perfectly portable
Don’t expect to clear heavy undergrowth with this grass trimmer
5Remington Rustler 16-inch 25Cc Gas String Trimmer
When you have some heavy-duty gardening to do, the Remington Rustler String Trimmer enters the world of gas models for those who insist on consistent power and performance. This one is ideal for tall grass and yards that have become somewhat overgrown. The 25cc gas engine and the 16-inch cutting head give you all the power you need to fly through the brush, and the balanced curved shaft gives you the balance you need to avoid user fatigue.
The string is a bit thicker too with this model and is fed through a dual line bump head, which is convenient and easy to use. The quick start technology offers easy pull starts, making this gas string trimmer perfect when you simply want to get your yard looking great without the back-breaking toil. Before you get your hands into piles of cleared brush or thorns, protect them with a good pair of gardening gloves check out our guide and find the perfect pair.
25cc 2-stroke engine
Dependable dual line bump head
QuickStart technology
16-inch cutting width
2 year warranty
- BrandRemington
- Model41AD130G983
- Weight12.4 Pounds
The 25cc gas engine is powerful and reliable, albeit a bit noisy
Ideal for commercial purposes or for those with large properties
The RM2530 is a beautifully balanced machine that feels lighter than it is
Doesn’t have or accept attachments
Heavier than other tools in this guide
6Greenworks 12-Inch 24V Cordless String Trimmer
The Greenworks 24V Cordless String Trimmer is a well-built, convenient, and affordable weed whacker that is lightweight and easy to use. It features a 12-inch cutting diameter with a single line auto feed head that runs on a 2.0 Ah lithium-ion battery that comes with this trimmer along with a charger. It’s comfortable to work with, easy to adjust for height, and the tilting head makes easy work of minor slopes. The edger is easy to engage and effective, although it’s not touted for being the smoothest roller.
The variable speed trigger ensures you stay in complete control and the noise level is low, so you won’t annoy your neighbors no matter when you get to work. This is one of the top weed wackers for smaller yards and is a perfect option for folks on a budget. If you need to get even more weeds cleared, take a look at our guide on the best-selling manual weeders.
Three-position pivoting head
12-inch cutting swath
Lithium-ion battery and charger included
Convenient cordless operation
Adjustable telescopic shaft
- BrandGreenworks
- Model21342
- Weight8.82 Pounds
Affordable, reasonably powerful option for smaller yards
Fast, dependable charging of the lithium-ion battery
Pivoting head gets into awkward spaces
The roller for the edger is not very smooth
Battery life could be longer
7Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless String Trimmer
The Makita XRU02Z is an 18v LXT Lithium-ion cordless string trimmer that is compact in size and perfect for small lawns. Unlike most lightweight models, this one has a powerful 7800 RPM motor that gives you a faster cutting speed and superior performance.
When it comes to cordless weed eaters, this one gives you more options. The five-position adjustable head makes it easier to get the trimmer head into tricky spots around garden beds, trees, and fences. This one also has an efficient line feeding system. All you need to do is give the trimmer head a bit of a bump and continue working. On the downside, this trimmer probably isn’t the best one for larger areas, and if you don’t already have a few Makita LXT tools, you will need to purchase a battery and charger for this trimmer. While power garden tools make yard maintenance easier, sometimes all you need is a good garden shovel so take a look at our guide on these old-school tools.
18v Cordless String Trimmer
7,800 rpm motor
5 position pivoting head
Versatile trimmer/edger
Telescoping adjustable shaft
10.25-inch cutting swath
- BrandMakita
- ModelXRU02Z
- Weight6.4 Pounds
The head adjusts to 5 different positions for awkward areas
10” diameter cutting head lets you get more done faster
Battery charging is surprisingly swift
Lightweight and incredibly easy to use
It’s not much help on hardier vegetation
The battery and charger need to be purchased separately
8BLACK+DECKER ST8600 String Trimmer
It’s hard not to like an affordable well-made garden tool, and the BLACK+DECKER string trimmer is one you’ll love to use when tidying up your yard. This is the best-corded weed wacker in this price range and it will help you keep your garden in top shape all year round. It features an automatic string feed that works well and a powerful 5 amp electric motor with an integrated edge guide so you can use this tool for trimming and edging.
Trimming and edging your yard shouldn’t be hard, and with this one’s telescoping shaft, you can set up this weed wacker to what’s comfortable for you. Add Microgrip textured grips, and you have a tool you may actually enjoy working with. While it may release a little more line than you need from time to time, this is still a great value garden tool. For even more useful garden gear, our handy guide to the most sought-after cordless lawn mowers features more great products like this one.
13-inch single feed trimmer
Integrated edge guide
7,700 rpm 5 amp motor
B+D Powerdrive transmission
Automatic string feed and cord retention system
- Brand BLACK+DECKER
- ModelST8600
- Weight5.35 Pounds
40-volt lithium-ion battery gives you a decent runtime
This trimmer gives you high power without excessive noise
You can also dial in either max runtime or max power
No bumping or having to stop and replace the string
Tends to use a lot of line
You may need an extension cable for larger yards
9Worx WG119 5.5 Amp 15
The Worx WG119 Electric String Trimmer has an impressive cutting area of 15 inches, and with the tilting head, you can get down to creating a perfectly manicured yard. The powerful 5.5. amp motor powers through grassy edges, and with a quick motion, you can also turn this trimmer into an edger and have your paths and borders looking great.
The shaft of this trimmer can be adjusted to suit the individual height preferences of the user, and the dual-line cutter makes short work out of anything in its path. At 6.5 pounds, it’s also lightweight and easy to use with a tilting head that can tackle slopes and other uneven surfaces. This is the best electric weed wacker for those who just want a simple gardening tool that works. Unlike gas-powered counterparts, this electric-powered trimmer gives you consistent power without the fumes. To complete your weekend yard chores, check out our guide to the best-quality riding lawn mowers.
15-inch cutting swath
Telescoping shaft
Fully adjustable 4-position head
Dual line auto feeder
Powerful 5.5 amp motor
- BrandWorx
- ModelWG119
- Weight6.5 Pounds
Can be quickly and effectively transformed into a mini lawn mower
A wide 12-inch diameter cutting area allows you to move right along
With 5.5 amps it has more power than most electric weed trimmers
The string is prone to twisting around the spool
10Ryobi 18V One+ Electric String Trimmer and Edger
The Ryobi 18V One+ Trimmer and Edger gives you all the cutting power you need for a small lawn. This is an ultra-lightweight trimmer that can certainly trim efficiently, and with a quick motion, it transforms into an edger for the best-looking yard on the block. It can be powered either by ni-cad or lithium-ion batteries (neither of which is included), and it features an auto line feeder. With dual power options, you can tackle anything found in the average suburban yard.
The only concern is the limited adjustability of the handles, so you may not be able to use this one at a comfortable height. Other than that, it’s all good. For more handy tools like this, check out our guide to the best tillers.
18-volt cordless string trimmer
Dual power options
10-inch cutting swath
Rotating head becomes edger
9,300 rpm motor
- BrandRyobi
- ModelOLT1825
- Weight4.63 Pounds
Allows you to adjust the width of the cutting area
Brushless motor will provide years of reliable service
The lower handle on the shaft can be adjusted for comfort
Easy to use, no-hassle bump feed head
Not the easiest to assemble
The battery and charger are not included
Why Trust Us
It's hard not to love a power tool that gives you instant results, and everyone notices when you use a weed wacker in your garden. Many of our team are homeowners and take pride in keeping their yard looking its best. We've used some awesome weed wackers and some not-so-great ones. We looked at the best electric weed eater for each possible scenario so you can find the best one for your needs and budget.
Who This Is For
Our guide to the best weed wackers is for anyone who wants to spend more time relaxing in their yard and less time on actual yard work. Even if you enjoy yard work and don't mind spending extra time on this task, you'll still love the precision you get with an electric weed wacker.
How We Picked
We looked at a variety of different weed wackers and while they all pretty much perform the same task, some offer additional functions and features. While putting together the short list of weed eaters for this guide, we tried to include different types of trimmers, including gas weed eaters, cordless models, and fully electric models.
Features To Look For In Weed Wackers
Design - In the case of the weed wacker, design is driven by function without a doubt. As such, there’s a handhold at the very top, a second handle part way down the shaft that provides stability and balance, and then the motor and the rotor that spins the cord/string hanging off the bottom of the shaft. Most are made from aluminum (pretty durable and very lightweight), plastic (which helps keep the weight and manufacturing costs down), and sometimes steel (relatively rare). A well-designed string trimmer should maintain a proper angle of attack with little or no effort, and most of the best string trimmers have extendable shafts that allow trouble-free use for taller folks.
String - The string or cord on the weed eater is a mixed blessing. On one hand, it’s very light, making the trimmer easier to work with than it would be if steel cutting blades were involved (safer too). On the other hand, the string is constantly being worn away, which means you need to continually feed more line out to keep cutting. The weed wacker accomplishes this by using an automatic feeder system, a bump feed system, or a fixed string. In addition, some of the best weed wackers have two-sided string action. This enables much faster cutting. Most strings for weed wackers are made from nylon because it’s both lightweight and tough.
Shield - When a weed wacker is hard at work, it sends cuttings and debris flying off in every direction. The shield that encases the rotor mechanism is the only thing that stands between the user and this debris. Since weeds, grass cuttings, and the like are typically very light, a reinforced plastic shield is normally adequate to protect users. Nonetheless, it’s always wise to wear safety glasses because you never know when something might make it past the shield and ricochet up in your face. Also, ensure to never use the grass trimmer at an odd angle that might expose the rotor and allow debris to come flying out at you.
Extendibility - Gardeners come in all shapes and sizes; some are taller than others. A good weed wacker should have an extendable shaft that allows the user to adjust the shaft to a comfortable length for the user. The only drawback to extending or contracting the shaft length too much is that it’s likely to affect the balance of the device to some degree.
Warranty - All of the best grass trimmers come with a robust warranty. Or at least they should. Most will have a 1 to 3-year warranty, while others may offer something slightly longer. Be aware, though, that warranty for this type of device can be notoriously hard to submit simply because the burden of proof is on you to prove that any damage wasn’t the result of your mishandling of the device. That said, you should have nothing to worry about if you have a solid case. Also, read the fine print whenever you see "Limited Warranty," as this often means you can't claim most of the major repairs that may be needed.
Weight - The weed eater needs to have enough heft to hang comfortably and do its job, yet at the same time, it can’t be so heavy as to wear the user out. An electric plug-in trimmer will typically be the lightest, but there will be a power cord to drag around. The battery-powered electric weed eater will weigh a bit more because of the battery but allow for greater ease of movement. Finally, the gas-powered weed wacker will usually be the heaviest, at least when starting. This is because of the larger engine and the small tank of gas you need to lug around with you. Gas trimmers can weigh 12 pounds or more, while electric weed wackers are typically less than 10 pounds, often in the 5 to 6-pound range.
Noise - As a general rule, gas-powered weed eaters are noisier than electric models. That’s because gas-powered weed wackers are designed to tackle heavier material. So they have larger, more powerful, piston-driven motors and will kick up a ruckus. Most homeowners, however, won’t need a gas-powered trimmer. For them, an electric model should be more than sufficient. Be aware that noise levels vary from model to model, even among electric trimmers.
Heads - Weed wackers feature one of 3 different types of heads. Either bump feed, automatic feed, or fixed line.
- Bump feed - With a bump feed head on your trimmer, you can call for more line any time you feel the need. You simply bump your head against a flat, firm surface and an additional line or string emerges. This type of line feel allows you to make the string length as long as you need, which is great when you want to get into corners. Just be careful not to feed out too much line as this will present a hazard, and you'll find yourself going through more line than you need to.
- Automatic feed - If your cordless weed wacker has an automatic feed in the head, it lets out the string on a preset basis. The advantage here is that you don’t have to stop and bump the head to feed out more line, nor do you need to change the string when it gets too short as you do with a fixed line.
- Fixed feed - The fixed feed head eliminates the possibility of the auto feeder releasing too much or too little string. It also eliminates the need to be bumping the head all the time, which may affect the integrity of the head itself over longer periods. With a fixed line, if your string has worn down to an unusable length, you’ll need to stop what you’re doing and install a new one.
Types Of Weed Wackers
Electric - Electric weed trimmers are available in either corded or cordless models. Both have their advantages but keep in mind that neither will have the cutting power of a gas-powered weed wacker.
- Corded - Electric-powered weed wackers that use a power cord are usually the lightest weed wackers. This is due to the absence of the battery and the gas tank. The main drawback is that you can only get as far as the cord or extension cord allows.
- Cordless - The battery-powered weed wacker is very convenient. It is lighter than gas-powered trimmers and produces zero emissions. They’re safer than gas trimmers, and there’s no cord to drag around. You can take the battery-powered weed eater wherever you need to take it, work quickly, and get on to other things. The main disadvantage of the cordless weed wacker is that they are strictly light-duty machines. If you aren’t careful about charging it fully after every use, you run the risk of the battery dying while you’re in the middle of tidying up the yard.
Gas - The gas-powered weed wacker is often seen on roadsides, at golf courses, and on the grounds of large commercial developments. That’s because they’re more powerful and allow you to work fast to cover a lot of ground and don’t shy away from tougher undergrowth. As far as the homeowner is concerned, there are several reasons why they might want to take a pass on a gas-powered trimmer. They are noisier than other models; they give off noxious fumes and aren't as safe as other models. Gas-powered weed eaters are also heavier than their electric and battery-powered counterparts.
How To Use An Electric Weed Wacker
Here are a few common sense tips to make sure you’re always using your weed wacker in a safe manner.
- Never bump the head of the trimmer too hard against the ground to feed out extra line.
- Always hold the head of the trimmer perfectly level to the ground when trimming near obstructions.
- Don’t use a weed trimmer to trim right up against tree trunks.
- Always make sure to wear proper eye protection when using a weed trimmer.
- When using a gas trimmer in tight quarters, be mindful of fumes.
- Never put your hand near the trimmer head when it is in operation.
- Make sure any extension cords you use for an electric trimmer are in excellent condition.
- Don’t ask more of your electric-powered weed eater than it was designed to do.
Electric Weed Wacker FAQ
Q: Can the trimmer line break?
A: It is almost inevitable that your feeder line will break at some point. But there are certain steps you can take to minimize the number of times this happens. The most common causes for trimmer line breaks are:
- Contact with a foreign object such as a sprinkler head or brick - This can be avoided by staying alert while you work. Keep an eye out for what’s coming, and don’t move the weed trimmer into areas where loose debris is visible.
- Using the wrong replacement parts - While it’s not the Space Shuttle, a weed trimmer is still a piece of precision machinery. If you serviced the trimmer yourself and used non-approved parts at any time, this can lead to line failures.
- Incorrect storage - If the device is not stored properly, it can lead to corrosion inside the head of the trimmer, which can interfere with proper functioning and cause the trimmer line to break.
Q: Are electric wed wackers easy to use?
A: As a general rule, electric weed wackers are preferred over gas-powered weed wackers by most homeowners. And part of the reason has to do with how easy they are to use. Particularly cordless weed wackers. They’re often lighter than gas-powered alternatives because you’re not lugging around pistons and a small gas tank.
Sources:
- How To Put String On An Electric Weed Eater - SF Gate
- How To Use A Weed Eater Like A Pro - United Rentals
- How To Use A Weed Whacker - WikiHow
