Best String Trimmers of 2025: Cordless, Gas & Electric Options

A lawn mower handles the open grass, but it can’t reach fence lines, garden beds, or around trees. That’s where a string trimmer — often called a weed eater or weed whacker — earns its keep. It’s the detail tool that transforms a “just mowed” lawn into a manicured landscape.

The string trimmer market has evolved rapidly. Today’s top cordless models rival gas trimmers in power while eliminating fuel mixing, pull cords, and exhaust fumes. But with options ranging from budget plug-in models to professional-grade battery systems, picking the right one means weighing cutting width, battery compatibility, line feed mechanism, weight, and price.

We tested 6 of the best string trimmers in 2025 to help you choose.

How We Evaluated

We put each trimmer through real-world yard work and scored them on:

• Cutting width — wider swaths mean faster trimming (but add weight)
• Power & performance — thick grass, wet weeds, edging along concrete
• Battery life / fuel efficiency — real-world runtime or tank duration
• Line feed mechanism — bump feed vs. automatic feed reliability
• Weight & balance — comfort during 30+ minutes of continuous trimming
• Versatility — edging capability, attachment compatibility, adjustable shaft options

Why Go Cordless? (And When Gas Still Makes Sense)

The Battery Revolution

Cordless string trimmers have closed the gap with gas. A top-tier 56V or 80V battery trimmer delivers enough torque to slice through thick weeds and tall grass without bogging down — and starts with a button press instead of a pull cord. No fuel to mix, no carburetor to clean, no spark plug to replace.

Quieter Operation

Gas trimmers run at 90–100 decibels — hearing protection is mandatory. Most battery trimmers operate at 65–75 dB, about the level of a vacuum cleaner. You can trim early on a Saturday without waking the neighborhood.

Zero Maintenance, Zero Emissions

No oil changes. No fuel stabilizer. No gummed-up carburetor from ethanol-blended gas sitting in the tank all winter. Battery trimmers produce zero direct emissions and require essentially no maintenance beyond occasionally cleaning the guard and replacing the line.

When Gas Still Wins

If you’re clearing acres of overgrown brush or running a commercial landscaping business, a gas trimmer still offers unlimited runtime (just add fuel) and marginally more raw power. For the other 95% of us, battery has caught up — and the convenience gap only widens every year.

Top 6 String Trimmers of 2025

1. EGO Power+ ST1623T — Best Overall Cordless

EGO’s 56V platform continues to dominate outdoor power equipment, and the ST1623T is their flagship string trimmer. With a 16-inch cutting width, Powerload automatic line feed, and compatibility with all EGO 56V batteries, it delivers gas-like performance in a refined, well-balanced package.

Power Source: 56V battery (5.0Ah recommended)
Cutting Width: 16 inches
Line Feed: Powerload (automatic winding, bump feed)
Runtime: ~45 min with 5.0Ah battery
Weight: 13.5 lbs with battery
Shaft: Straight, aluminum

Pros:

• Powerload head — feed new line in under 30 seconds, no disassembly
• Exceptional power — cuts through thick weeds without bogging
• 16-inch cutting width covers ground fast
• Weather-resistant construction (IPX4 rated)
• 5-year tool warranty
• Battery works with all EGO 56V tools (mowers, blowers, chainsaws)

Cons:

• Premium price point
• Heavier than some competitors at 13.5 lbs
• Bump feed can be finicky if line isn’t loaded perfectly

Verdict: The best cordless string trimmer for most homeowners. The Powerload head alone is a game-changer — no more wrestling with tangled spools.

2. Greenworks Pro 80V 16-Inch — Best Runtime & Power

Greenworks’ 80V platform brings serious voltage, and their 16-inch brushless string trimmer takes full advantage. The brushless motor runs cooler and more efficiently than brushed alternatives, while the 80V system delivers torque that genuinely rivals entry-level gas models.

Power Source: 80V battery (2.5Ah included)
Cutting Width: 16 inches
Line Feed: Bump feed
Runtime: ~50 min with 2.5Ah battery
Weight: 14.2 lbs with battery
Shaft: Straight, steel

Pros:

• Best-in-class runtime — 50+ minutes on a single charge
• Brushless motor — longer life, more efficient operation
• 80V power cuts through dense weeds effortlessly
• Compatible with all Greenworks 80V tools
• Load-sensing speed adjustment
• 4-year tool and battery warranty

Cons:

• Heaviest in class at 14.2 lbs
• 80V ecosystem has fewer tool options than 40V or 56V
• Bump feed requires more frequent line advancement in heavy use

Verdict: Best choice if runtime is your top priority. The 80V system delivers unmatched stamina, and the brushless motor is built to last.

3. DeWalt DCST970 60V FlexVolt — Best for DeWalt Users

DeWalt’s FlexVolt system is brilliant — the same battery automatically switches between 20V and 60V depending on the tool. The DCST970 runs at 60V on a FlexVolt battery and delivers impressive cutting power in a familiar yellow-and-black package. The 17-inch cutting width is the widest in this guide.

Power Source: 60V FlexVolt battery (sold separately)
Cutting Width: 17 inches
Line Feed: Bump feed with QuickLoad spool
Runtime: ~40 min with 9.0Ah FlexVolt battery
Weight: 12.8 lbs with battery
Shaft: Straight, aluminum

Pros:

• Widest cutting swath at 17 inches — covers more ground per pass
• Uses FlexVolt batteries — same as DeWalt mowers, blowers, and saws
• QuickLoad spool — faster line changes than traditional bump heads
• Variable speed trigger with high/low speed switch
• Durable aluminum shaft
• 3-year limited warranty

Cons:

• Battery and charger typically sold separately (bare tool)
• FlexVolt batteries are expensive if you don’t already own them
• Heavier than some 20V-only trimmers

Verdict: The obvious choice if you’re already invested in DeWalt’s FlexVolt or 20V MAX system. The 17-inch cutting width is a real productivity booster.

4. Makita XRU15PT1 36V (18V X2) — Best Build Quality

Makita’s approach is characteristically refined: two 18V LXT batteries deliver 36V, maintaining full compatibility with their massive 18V tool ecosystem. The XRU15PT1 is the quietest trimmer we tested, with the tight tolerances, smooth operation, and solid feel that Makita is known for.

Power Source: 36V (2 × 18V LXT 5.0Ah batteries included)
Cutting Width: 15 inches
Line Feed: Bump feed
Runtime: ~45 min with dual 5.0Ah batteries
Weight: 12.3 lbs with batteries
Shaft: Straight, aluminum

Pros:

• Quietest operation — measured just 63 dB at operator ear level
• Legendary Makita build quality — smooth, tight, precise
• Uses standard 18V LXT batteries — enormous ecosystem of compatible tools
• Automatic torque drive — ramps power in thick grass
• Two 5.0Ah batteries included in the kit
• 3-year warranty

Cons:

• 15-inch cutting width is the narrowest among premium competitors
• Requires two batteries — charger slots fill up quickly if you own multiple tools
• Premium price

Verdict: The trimmer for people who appreciate refinement. If quiet operation and build quality matter more than raw cutting width, the Makita delivers.

5. Ryobi 40V HP Whisper Series — Best Value

Ryobi’s Whisper Series lives up to its name — this is one of the quietest gas-replacement trimmers available. The 40V HP brushless motor delivers solid power for typical suburban yards, and at roughly half the price of premium competitors, it’s the value champion of this guide.

Power Source: 40V battery (4.0Ah included)
Cutting Width: 15 inches
Line Feed: Reel-Easy bump feed
Runtime: ~40 min with 4.0Ah battery
Weight: 11.8 lbs with battery
Shaft: Straight, aluminum

Pros:

• Excellent value — strong performance at a mid-range price
• Whisper-quiet operation — lives up to the name
• Reel-Easy string head — less frustration when reloading line
• Variable speed trigger for precision work
• Compatible with 100+ Ryobi 40V tools
• 3-year warranty

Cons:

• 4.0Ah battery takes approximately 3 hours to fully charge
• Slightly less power than 56V or 80V competitors
• Some plastic components feel less premium than metal alternatives

Verdict: The best value in cordless string trimmers. Enough power for typical suburban yards, quiet operation, and a price that leaves room in your budget for other garden tools.

6. WORX WG163 GT 3.0 20V — Most Versatile

The WORX WG163 GT 3.0 takes a fundamentally different approach from the rest. It converts from a trimmer to a wheeled edger and even a mini-mower with the push of a button and a tilt of the head — no tools required. The included spacer guard lets you trim along fences and garden beds at a consistent height without scalping the grass.

Power Source: 20V Power Share battery (2 × 2.0Ah included)
Cutting Width: 12 inches
Line Feed: Command Feed (push-button spool feed)
Runtime: ~30 min with dual 2.0Ah batteries
Weight: 6.4 lbs with batteries
Shaft: Adjustable, telescoping

Pros:

• 3-in-1 design: trimmer, wheeled edger, and mini-mower
• Tool-free conversion between modes — takes seconds
• Featherweight at 6.4 lbs — anyone in the family can use it comfortably
• Command Feed spool — push a button for more line, no bumping required
• Two batteries included in the kit
• Telescoping shaft with adjustable handle position

Cons:

• Narrow 12-inch cutting width — slower on large areas
• Less powerful than dedicated 40V+ trimmers
• 2.0Ah batteries limit runtime to approximately 30 minutes

Verdict: The Swiss Army knife of string trimmers. Perfect for small to medium yards where versatility matters more than raw power. The tool-free edger conversion is genuinely useful.

Understanding String Trimmer Line

Line Diameter: Thicker Isn’t Always Better

String trimmer line typically runs from 0.065 to 0.105 inches in diameter. Here’s what to know:

• 0.065–0.080 inch: Light duty — grass, clover, soft weeds. Maximum compatibility with most trimmers.
• 0.080–0.095 inch: Medium duty — thick grass, dandelions, light brush. The sweet spot for homeowners.
• 0.095–0.105 inch: Heavy duty — woody weeds, overgrown areas. Requires a powerful trimmer to spin effectively without bogging.

Line Shape Matters

• Round line: Most common, most durable, least likely to break. Good all-purpose choice.
• Twisted line: Cuts more aggressively, slightly quieter in operation. Wears faster than round.
• Square or star-shaped line: Sharp edges cut cleanly through thick stalks. Wears the fastest but delivers the cleanest cut.

Bump Feed vs. Automatic Feed

Bump feed: Tap the head on the ground to advance a measured amount of line. Most common, reliable once you get the rhythm down. All our top picks use bump feed.

Automatic feed: Deploys new line when the trimmer senses it’s too short. Convenient but can waste line if the mechanism advances too aggressively.

Comparison Table

FAQ

What cutting width do I need for my yard?

For yards under 1/4 acre, a 12–15 inch cutting width is perfectly adequate. For 1/4 to 1/2 acre, go with 15–16 inches. Over 1/2 acre, a 16–17 inch width with a powerful motor saves real time. Wider isn’t always better — it adds weight and makes navigating tight spaces around flower beds and trees more difficult.

Are battery string trimmers as powerful as gas?

Top-tier battery trimmers like the EGO ST1623T and Greenworks 80V deliver power that matches mid-range gas models. They’ll handle thick grass, weeds, and light brush without issue. Gas still has an edge for commercial-scale work or clearing acres of heavy overgrowth, but for residential use, battery has effectively caught up — and you don’t have to deal with fuel mixing or pull cords.

What’s the difference between a straight shaft and curved shaft trimmer?

Straight shaft: Longer reach, better for edging along sidewalks and driveways, generally transmits power more efficiently. Preferred by professionals and anyone over 5'8". All our top picks are straight shaft.

Curved shaft: Lighter, more maneuverable, better for tight spaces and shorter users. Typically found on budget and light-duty models. Less effective for edging.

How often do I need to replace trimmer line?

With moderate use (about 30 minutes per week), a spool of line lasts 4–8 weeks. Heavy users, rocky soil conditions, and frequent trimming along concrete edges all accelerate line wear. Keep a spare spool of 0.080-inch round line on hand — it’s inexpensive ($8–$15) and eliminates the frustration of running out mid-job.

Can I use a string trimmer for edging along sidewalks and driveways?

Yes — most straight-shaft trimmers can be tilted 90 degrees to edge along hard surfaces. Some models (like the WORX WG163) have dedicated edging modes with guide wheels for cleaner, straighter results. For professional-looking edges, a dedicated walk-behind edger produces sharper lines, but a trimmer held at an angle does the job for the vast majority of homeowners.

The Bottom Line

• Best overall: EGO Power+ ST1623T — unbeatable combination of power, cutting width, and the genius Powerload head that makes line changes painless.
• Best runtime: Greenworks Pro 80V — 50+ minutes on a charge with brushless motor durability for the long haul.
• Best for DeWalt owners: DeWalt DCST970 FlexVolt — widest cut at 17 inches, uses batteries you likely already own.
• Best build quality: Makita XRU15PT1 — whisper-quiet, impeccably built, and compatible with the massive 18V LXT ecosystem.
• Best value: Ryobi 40V HP Whisper Series — strong performance at roughly half the price of premium competitors.
• Most versatile: WORX WG163 GT 3.0 — trimmer, edger, and mini-mower in one lightweight, affordable package.

A good string trimmer is the difference between a lawn that looks “mowed” and one that looks manicured. Pick the one that matches your yard size and tool ecosystem, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

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