String Trimmers: Cordless, Gas and Corded Weed Eaters

One of our strongest picks is the EGO Power+ ST1521S 15-Inch String Trimmer, a standout in our Best String Trimmers for Edging list. The Worx WG183 40V String Trimmer is another excellent choice.

Start with your main use and budget, then compare our shortlists: Best String Trimmers for Edging, Best String Trimmers for Small Yards, Best String Trimmers for Steep Hills and Slopes.

Cordless suits most homes. Gas suits large or overgrown lots. Corded suits small yards.

A trimmer built for edging needs a head that pivots 90 degrees so the line spins vertically instead of horizontally. Look for a tool-free pivot mechanism, a guide wheel or edging guard that keeps the cutting line at a consistent depth along a walkway, and a straight or split shaft that lets you hold the head at the right angle without bending over. Models like the EGO ST1521S and Worx WG183 both include a pivoting head, which is the single biggest factor separating a trimmer that edges well from one that only cuts flat.

Most modern trimmers with a pivoting head can edge reasonably well, but a dedicated edger attachment or a wheeled edger still cuts a straighter, cleaner line for long driveway runs. A pivoting-head trimmer is the better choice for occasional edging around beds, patios, and curves where a rigid wheeled edger can't follow the contour.

A 40V or 56V cordless trimmer has enough torque for edging along concrete and pavers, starts instantly, and doesn't need to be shut off between the lawn and the edging pass. Gas trimmers like the Husqvarna 128LD are better suited to larger properties where edging is a smaller share of the total job and runtime matters more than convenience.

Keep the line an inch or so off hard edges when possible. Running the line directly against concrete or stone wears it down within a single pass and can also chip at the trimmer head's guard. A dedicated edging guide wheel, where included, helps maintain that gap automatically.

For a lot under a quarter acre, a 40V trimmer with a 2.0Ah battery is usually enough to finish trimming and edging on a single charge, with runtime to spare. There's little practical benefit to a larger 5.0Ah or 6.0Ah battery on a small property, since the extra runtime goes unused and the bigger pack adds weight to the tool.