More maneuverable and convenient to use than gas-powered trimmers, electric string trimmers make it easy to achieve a perfectly manicured lawn. The best electric string trimmers can take down tall weeds, clip stray grass with precision, and keep running until you’re ready to take a break, but beyond this, they vary in a number of areas.
With a little research on this year’s best performing electric string trimmers, you’ll find a model that helps you create a picture-perfect lawn.
Ego 15-inch Cordless String Trimmer
If you’re looking for an electric string trimmer that can handle the toughest weeds around, this is the model for you. It’s got more torque than some gas trimmers and breezes through weeds up to 4 feet high. Its brushless motor is powered by a 56V 2.5Ah EGO ARC lithium-ion battery that lasts 30 to 45 minutes.
One of this trimmer’s most popular features is its Powerload head, which lets you load new line with the push of a button. The thick 0.095-inch trimmer line is advanced with a traditional bump feed system, giving you full control over how much line you use.
The shaft is durable carbon, but the tool is only 38 inches high, which can be awkward for taller users. At 15.5 pounds, it’s no lightweight, but it’s still lighter than most gas string trimmers.
WORX WG163 GT 3.0
The WG163 GT 3.0 gives you a string trimmer with a cutting width of 12 inches and a wheel edger in one. With the WORX PowerShare 20V 2Ah MaxLithium battery, you’ll get around 20 to 30 minutes of runtime, enough for the average suburban lawn. Use the 20V 4Ah battery, and you’ll have 30 to 40 minutes. The push-button Command Feed spool system lets you advance more line without having to bump your trimmer on the ground.
It’s a light 5.3 pounds, and the head tilts 90 degrees for easier trimming in tight spots and edging on slopes. The adjustable spacer guard protects your garden plants and lawn decor while you work. The shaft is adjustable, and at 36 inches high, the trimmer is comfortable for shorter users.
CRAFTSMAN V20 String Trimmer/Edger (Model CMCST910M1)
As a trimmer, this popular tool cuts a 13-inch swath through weeds up to 4 feet high. Simply turning the tool lets you use it as an edger for precise cuts. Two speed settings let you choose between more power for tougher weeds or longer runtime for trimming your whole lawn. Depending on the setting you choose, you’ll get around 30 to 40 minutes of runtime out of the 20V 4.0Ah battery.
The push-button feed gives you almost full control over the 0.080-inch twisted line, but the line still advances every time you release the trigger. The tool’s height of 44.5 inches and its adjustable shaft make it suitable for most users, although it’s a little on the heavy side at 11.11 pounds.
Makita XRU02Z 18V LXT
This highly rated trimmer packs a lot of power into a compact form. It’s a well balanced 6.4 pounds with a cutting width of 10 1/4 inches, but the Makita-built motor delivers 7,800 rpm to give it plenty of power for tackling high grass and moderately dense weeds.
The 180-degree rotating head with five adjustable positions is well suited to precise trimming and edging in small areas. The shaft telescopes from 48 1/2 inches to 56 1/2 inches, so it’s comfortable for anyone despite its overall small size. The trimmer uses standard 0.065-inch line with a bump feed head.
DEWALT DCST920P1
Equipped with a patented gear drive design and durable, energy-efficient brushless motor, this trimmer can cut a 13-inch swath through grass up to 12 inches high. Dense weeds aren’t something it handles well, though. The variable trigger lets you choose a motor speed of 0 to 4,600 or 0 to 6,000 rpm. It runs on a 20V MAX 5.0Ah lithium-ion battery, which provides around 30 minutes of work time.
For extra efficiency, the trimmer uses a dual 0.080-inch line with a bump feed system, but lacks dual spool separation, which can make installing new line difficult. It’s a little heavy at 14 pounds and weighted toward the head, but at 68 inches high, it’s ideal for taller users.
Greenworks 13-Inch Corded String Trimmer (Model 21212)
With its 13-inch cutting width and 4 Amp motor, this trimmer is tough enough to handle grass and dense weeds up to 12 inches high. Two adjustment points on the trimmer’s body let you rotate the head for greater cutting accuracy. The telescoping shaft and weight of 7 pounds makes this trimmer easy for anyone to handle.
The 0.065-inch dual line system features auto-feed, but as with many other electric string trimmers, the line advances every time you release the trigger and allow the line to stop. Frequent stops and starts to eat up line quickly.
BLACK+DECKER LST136W
The LST136W converts between a 13-inch string trimmer and an edger with a single turn of the shaft. The tool’s main advantage is its PowerDrive transmission, which boosts power to the motor, helping you get the weeds and errant grass around your yard under control faster. With the Automatic Feed Spool, you won’t even have to stop to advance the line.
The trimmer runs on a 40V Max lithium-ion battery. Turn the PowerCommand dial to choose between MAX power, with around 10 to 15 minutes of runtime for cutting down dense weeds, and MAX runtime, with up to 50 minutes of runtime for trimming grass and light weeds. The battery meter tells you approximately how much time you have left. It’s a well-balanced 7.8 pounds with a 52-inch shaft, so it’s easy for anyone to use.
Toro 51480
Cutting a 14-inch path and powered by a robust 5 Amp motor, the Toro 51480 trimmer/edger can take on a little more than the average trimmer. As a trimmer, it’s perfect for tackling long grass and high weeds. Push a button, and it converts to an edger with a guide wheel that helps you edge smoothly and avoid scalping your lawn.
The 0.065-inch dual line system includes an auto-feed feature that lets you adjust the line to an optimal length by pulling the trigger. Release the trigger, wait several seconds, and the line advances. This user-controlled system prevents the line waste some auto-feed systems cause. At 7.5 pounds and 48 inches with an adjustable aluminum shaft, it’s long but light.
Earthwise CST00012
One of the smaller trimmers out there, the CST00012 is powered by a 18V/1.7Ah NiCad battery (included) and cuts a 12-inch swath. It’s highly capable of cutting overgrown grass at the edges of walkways, along walls, and in tight spots where a mower won’t fit, but it’s not designed for dense weeds.
The 3-position adjustable angle enhances the tool’s precision, and the flip-down edge guard reduces your risk of accidentally tearing up your flowerbeds. For even greater precision, rotate the upper handle and use the trimmer as an edger.
The single .065-inch line system uses an automatic feed, and the battery gives you between 30 and 40 minutes of work time. Be aware that on some units, the power button tends to stick, which poses the risk of overheating.
Ryobi One ONE+ 18-Volt Lithium-Ion String Trimmer/Edger and Blower Combo Kit
Versatility is this handy little tool’s forte. As a trimmer, it cuts a modest 10-inch swath and can handle most light grass and weeds. Rotate the shaft, and you can use it for edging, too. Something you won’t find on most electric string trimmer/edgers, however, is the blower attachment, which gives you an easy way to clear grass clippings and leaves from your sidewalks or dust from your garage floor.
The included battery powers the trimmer for around 15 to 20 minutes, so this tool is best suited to small lawns. To speed up your work, the auto-feed system advances the 0.065-inch line every time you pull the trigger.
The best electric string trimmers all do a decent job of tidying up overgrown grass, but to get the most from your trimmer, look for additional features that meet your specific needs. Motor power is important, but also pay attention to the cutting width, line feed system, head design, and size. Get informed on what’s available, and you’ll find a tool that turns trimming into your favorite part of lawn care.