What is the best string trimmer?

If you mean a weed-eating/string trimmer for your yard, my pick for most homeowners right now is the EGO Power+ 56V 16-inch POWERLOAD with LINE IQ.

• EGO POWER+ 56V 16 in POWERLOAD with LINE IQ - $489.00 (Lowe's)

Why I’d choose it

• Excellent power without dealing with gas, starting, or engine maintenance.
• 16-inch cutting width gives you good productivity.
• POWERLOAD makes replacing line unusually easy.
• LINE IQ automatically manages the cutting line, reducing the constant bumping/feeding hassle.
• Independent 2026 testing has put EGO's 56V models among the top homeowner trimmers; HGTV named its 15-inch Powerload model Best Overall, while Pro Tool Reviews rated the newer EGO ST1623T highly in its head-to-head testing.

My shortlist

• EGO Power+ 56V 16-inch POWERLOAD with LINE IQ - $489.00 (Lowe's)

• Greenworks PRO 80V 16-inch - $236.20 (Walmart)

• Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16-inch QUIK-LOK - $329.00 (The Home Depot)

• DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V 16-inch - $229.00 (The Home Depot)

• Best overall: EGO 56V — best combination of power, convenience, and homeowner-friendly design.

• Best for really heavy weeds/overgrowth: Greenworks 80V — very strong performance and good value.

• Best if you already own Milwaukee M18 batteries: Milwaukee M18 FUEL — excellent power and the QUIK-LOK system adds versatility.

• Best if you're already invested in DeWalt: DeWalt FLEXVOLT 60V — powerful and attachment-capable.

If you tell me your yard size, whether you have thick weeds/brush, and your budget, I can narrow it down to the one I'd buy for your situation.

The EGO Power+ ST1623T 16-Inch String Trimmer Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is widely considered the best overall string trimmer for most homeowners. It features revolutionary Line IQ technology that automatically feeds the line without bumping, paired with a push-button POWERLOAD system that winds the replacement string for you.

If you have specific property needs or prefer gas power, several other highly rated options stand out:

Best String Trimmers Comparison

Top Contenders Breakdown

Add to list Features a carbon fiber telescopic shaft, variable speed, and a 56V battery yielding up to 60 minutes of runtime. The automated line management completely removes the frustration of tangled trimmer lines.

Add to list Ideal if you prefer the runtime of fuel or have a large property. Its 21.2 cc commercial-grade engine reduces starting effort by 30% and includes a rapid-reloading head.

Add to list Built specifically for heavy overgrowth and commercial landscaping maintenance. It hits full throttle instantly and coordinates with an extensive 275+ tool system.

Add to list Perfect for small yards. At a fraction of the cost of pro models, it changes easily from a trimmer into a wheeled walk-behind sidewalk edger.

To help narrow down the perfect match, tell me:

• What is your yard size (e.g., small suburban lot or multiple acres)?
• Do you need to clear thick brush and tall weeds , or just do light lawn edging?
• Do you already own batteries from a specific brand (like Ryobi, DeWalt, or Milwaukee)?

If you want the best overall string trimmer for a typical homeowner, I’d buy the EGO POWER+ 56V 15-inch POWERLOAD.

• EGO POWERLOAD 56V 15-inch String Trimmer - $179.00 (Lowe's)

Why I’d pick it

• Excellent power: Battery performance now rivals gas trimmers, according to Consumer Reports.
• POWERLOAD head: Loading new line is dramatically easier than traditional bump-feed heads.
• 15-inch cutting width: A good balance of speed and maneuverability.
• 56V platform: EGO has a large ecosystem of lawn tools, so the battery can be shared with blowers, mowers, chainsaws, etc.
• Good value: The current bare trimmer/battery kit is around $179, depending on configuration and retailer.
• HGTV's 2026 testing also picked an EGO 56V POWERLOAD model as its best overall string trimmer.

My picks by situation

• EGO POWERLOAD 56V 15-inch - $179.00 (Lowe's)

• RYOBI 40V HP 17-inch - $348.00 (The Home Depot)

• Milwaukee M18 FUEL 16-inch - $279.00 (The Home Depot)

• EGO POWERLOAD 56V 15-inch with 2.5Ah battery - $219.00 (Lowe's)

• Best overall: EGO POWER+ 56V POWERLOAD — my choice for most yards.

• Best for lots of attachments: RYOBI 40V HP Expand-It — especially attractive if you also want pole saw, hedge trimmer, brush cutter, etc.

• Best for heavy-duty work: Milwaukee M18 FUEL — particularly if you already own Milwaukee batteries. It has professional-level power, but it's heavier.

• Best budget choice: A smaller EGO or Ryobi model; you don't need a 17-inch professional trimmer for a modest suburban lawn.

One important caveat: if you already own batteries from EGO, Ryobi, Milwaukee, DeWalt, etc., I'd generally choose a good trimmer from that same battery platform. The battery ecosystem can matter more than small differences between trimmers.

If you tell me your yard size, whether you already own a battery system, and your budget, I can narrow it down to the exact model I'd buy.

The EGO Power+ POWERLOAD with LINE IQ (ST1623T)Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is widely regarded by major testing outlets like Wirecutter and TechGearLab as the best overall string trimmer for most homeowners. It completely eliminates the two biggest headaches of yard work: bumping the head to advance the string and manually winding replacement line.

While battery-powered options have largely replaced gas models for residential use, the right trimmer depends on your existing tool batteries, yard size, and budget.

The Best String Trimmers of 2026

• Best Overall : Features "Line IQ" technology which automatically senses line wear and feeds string without bumping.

• Effortless Reloading : The push-button "POWERLOAD" system rewinds new line automatically in seconds.

• Premium Build : Equipped with a lightweight, telescoping carbon fiber shaft and a high-efficiency brushless motor.

• Best for Large Yards : Achieves top reliability and satisfaction scores in expert field tests.

• Dual-Battery Power : Runs on two 18V LXT batteries, giving it professional-grade torque and up to 90 minutes of runtime.

• Pro Feel : Features reverse-rotation to quickly clear entangled weeds and a counter-clockwise spin preferred by landscapers.

• Best Ergonomics : Features a highly adjustable telescoping shaft and a lightweight build that vastly reduces lower back strain.

• Heavy-Duty Cutting : Offers a massive 17-inch cutting swath and a cast aluminum motor head to survive impacts against fences and concrete.

• Best Budget Option : An affordable, lightweight tool perfect for small-to-medium suburban properties.
• Built-in Edger : Features a 2-in-1 design with a rotating head and wheels to easily transition into a sidewalk edger.

Key Features to Compare

To help narrow down the selection, please share a few more details:

• What size yard are you managing, and do you have thick overgrowth or just light grass?
• Do you already own cordless power tools from a specific brand like Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, or Ryobi?
• Do you prefer a dedicated trimmer or a tool that can transform into an edger or pole saw?

The top string trimmers of 2026 excel based on power source, yard size, and comfort requirements. EGO Power+ POWERLOAD String Trimmer with LINE IQ st1623t Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is the best overall choice for cordless battery convenience, while the ECHO SRM-225 Straight Shaft String Trimmer Go to product viewer dialog for this item. dominates for heavy-duty gas power.

Top Battery-Powered String Trimmers

These models offer immediate startup, zero emissions, and minimal motor maintenance.

Best Overall Battery Option.

• Features revolutionary Line IQ technology that monitors and automatically feeds trimmer line without manual bumping.
• Equipped with the patented Powerload system that automatically rewinds new string at the push of a button.
• Built with a robust carbon fiber telescopic shaft to easily adjust the tool height for maximum user comfort.

Best Versatile & Expandable Option.

• Delivers gas-like performance using a 40V 4Ah battery that allows for up to one hour of continuous operation.
• Features the universal Expand-It connection system to transform the power head into an edger, cultivator, or blower.
• Allows you to adjust the cutting width between 13 inches and 15 inches to favor either raw power or maximum battery life.

Top Gas-Powered String Trimmers

Gas trimmers are highly recommended if you manage properties larger than an acre, clear dense weeds, or require endless runtime via quick refueling.

Best Overall Gas Option.

• Driven by a 21.2cc professional-grade 2-stroke engine that offers excellent fuel efficiency and steady power delivery.
• Features the advanced i-30 starting system to reduce standard pull-start strain and effort by up to 30%.
• Comes equipped with the highly-rated Speed-Feed 400 head, letting you completely reload trimmer line in seconds without taking the head apart.

Best Professional & Heavy-Duty Option.

• Features a high-torque gearbox with a 2:3 gear ratio specifically engineered to sustain head speeds through heavy overgrowth.
• Uses LowVib rubber isolation dampeners within the handle assembly to drastically minimize hand and wrist fatigue.
• Features an expansive 19.3-inch cutting swath to cover maximum ground and clear large fields quickly.

Quick Selection Guide

Community Perspectives

Lawn care enthusiasts highlight that while gas models provide sustained power, modern battery advances are changing everyday maintenance habits:

“In general, gas curved-shaft string trimmers don't trim as quickly as straight-shaft models, but they do offer two advantages. First, they tend to be much cheaper. Second, some users (particularly those under about 5 feet, 6 inches) find them easier to...”

To narrow down the best model for your lawn, tell me:

• What size is your yard, and do you have a lot of thick weeds or brush to clear?
• Do you prefer the zero-maintenance ease of a battery or the endless runtime of gas?
• Do you need a trimmer that supports swappable tool attachments like an edger or pole saw?

I checked current reviews and tests. The best string trimmer for most homeowners in 2026 is the EGO Power+ 56V POWERLOAD string trimmer (especially the ST1511T/ST1523S family). It combines strong cutting power, easy line loading, good balance, and a large battery ecosystem. Multiple testers rank EGO among the top-performing battery trimmers.

EGO Power+ POWERLOAD ST1511T 15 in. 56V String Trimmer

$219.00

EGO Power+ POWERLOAD with LINE IQ ST1620T 16 in. 56V String Trimmer

$249.00

RYOBI 40V 15 in. Expand-It Cordless String Trimmer

$159.00

DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V MAX String Trimmer

$229.00

Best picks by situation

🏆 Best overall: EGO Power+ 56V POWERLOAD

• Excellent power for typical yards and heavy weeds
• POWERLOAD system makes replacing line much easier
• Cordless convenience without gas maintenance
• Best choice if you want one trimmer to keep for years
  

💪 Best for large yards / thick weeds: DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V

• More aggressive cutting performance
• Good choice for overgrown areas and larger properties
• Works well if you already own DEWALT 20V/60V tools
  

💰 Best value: RYOBI 40V

• Strong homeowner performance for the price
• Expand-It attachment system adds versatility
• Good option if you want multiple yard tools on one battery platform

🛠 Best professional-grade: Husqvarna 525iLST or ECHO commercial models

• Better suited for frequent landscaping work
• Larger cutting swaths and heavier-duty components
  

⛽ Best gas option: ECHO SRM-225/SRM series

• Still a good choice if you need long runtime and quick refueling
• Popular with users who maintain large properties

Quick buying rule

• Small yard (<¼ acre): EGO, RYOBI 18V/40V, or WORX
• Typical suburban yard: EGO 56V or RYOBI 40V
• Large property / brush: DEWALT FLEXVOLT, Husqvarna, ECHO
• Already own batteries: stay within that brand ecosystem

If I had to pick only one for the average homeowner: EGO Power+ 56V POWERLOAD. It hits the best balance of power, convenience, and durability.

The best overall string trimmer is the [EGO Power+ POWERLOAD String Trimmer with LINE IQ (ST1623T) Go to product viewer dialog for this item.](https://www.google.com/search?ibp=oshop&prds=pvt:hg,pvo:29,mid:576462680864995414,imageDocid:1588280968033069758,gpcid:12638971596814369044,headlineOfferDocid:17050970072393980408,catalogid:6166522929922248786,productDocid:13149195119907344349,rds:PC_12638971596814369044%7CPROD_PC_12638971596814369044&q=product&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjP46T59KSWAxXEKRAIHePsJekQxa4PeggIAggBCBAQAw) , which typically costs around $299 to $359 and bridges the gap between gas-like power and effortless electric operation. For users looking for specific alternatives based on budget, property size, or preference for gas, several standout models dominate current expert testing.

Top-Rated String Trimmers by Category

Key Features of the Top Picks

Features automatic line feeding via Line IQ technology (no bumping required) and a patented POWERLOAD system that automatically winds new trimmer line when you push a button.

The gold standard for residential and light-commercial gas users. It offers a wide 17-inch cutting swath, an i-30 starter that cuts pull effort by 30%, and a Speed-Feed head that reloads line in seconds without disassembly.

Powered by two 18V LXT batteries simultaneously (36V total). It matches a 30cc gas engine equivalent in torque, features automatic torque-drive technology that shifts RPMs under heavy loads, and includes a reverse rotation function to clear tangled grass.

If you can tell me the size of your yard and whether you prefer battery-powered or gas equipment , I can help you narrow down the exact model and battery configuration for your property.

The best string trimmer for most homeowners is the EGO Power+ 56V POWERLOAD String Trimmer. It combines gas-like power, easy starting, a great line-loading system, and a strong battery platform. Multiple tests and reviews consistently place EGO among the top-performing cordless trimmers.

EGO POWER+ 56V 16 in POWERLOAD with LINE IQ String Trimmer

$489.00

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18V 16 in. String Trimmer

$629.00

RYOBI 40V 15 in. Expand-It Cordless String Trimmer

$199.00

ECHO SRM-225 Gas String Trimmer

$279.00

My top picks by situation

🏆 Best overall (most yards): EGO Power+ 56V

• Excellent cutting power
• No gas, mixing fuel, or pull-starting
• POWERLOAD head makes re-stringing much easier
• Good choice for typical suburban yards
  

💪 Best for heavy weeds / large properties: Milwaukee M18 FUEL

• Extremely powerful; aimed more at serious users and pros
• Great if you already own Milwaukee M18 batteries

💰 Best value: Ryobi 40V Expand-It

• Good power for the money
• Attachment-capable system (you can add other tools like edgers, blowers, etc.)
• Good choice for homeowners building a yard-tool collection

⛽ Best gas option: ECHO SRM-225

• Proven professional-style gas trimmer
• Better choice if you regularly cut tall weeds, brush, or large acreage
• Requires fuel maintenance, unlike battery models

Quick recommendation:

• Small/medium lawn: EGO 56V
• ½ acre+ or lots of thick weeds: Milwaukee, ECHO, or a higher-power EGO
• Budget-conscious homeowner: Ryobi 40V
• Already own batteries: stay within your current tool brand ecosystem

If you tell me your yard size, whether you already own batteries (DeWalt, Milwaukee, Ryobi, EGO, etc.), and whether you cut grass only or thick weeds/brush, I can narrow it to the best one for you.

If you want the best overall string trimmer for most homeowners, I’d buy the EGO POWER+ 56V 16" POWERLOAD with LINE IQ.

EGO POWER+ POWERLOAD with LINE IQ 56V 16-in

$299.00

Why EGO is my pick

• Excellent cutting power — easily handles normal grass, thick weeds, and tougher growth.
• 16-inch cutting width gives you good productivity without being unwieldy.
• LINE IQ automatically feeds line as needed.
• POWERLOAD makes reloading the line unusually easy.
• Battery operation means no gas, carburetor, mixing fuel, or pull-starting. Consumer Reports' 2026 testing likewise found battery trimmers can compete with gas models while requiring much less maintenance.
• HGTV also selected an EGO 56V POWERLOAD model as its best overall trimmer for 2026.

One caveat: the EGO isn't cheap, and the battery can add significant cost. But if you're starting from scratch, I think it's worth it.

Other good choices

EGO POWER+ 56V 16-in LINE IQ

$299.00

RYOBI 40V HP Brushless 17-in

$249.00

Greenworks 60V 16-in

$199.99

Milwaukee M18 Brushless 16-in

$239.00

• Best value: RYOBI 40V — particularly attractive if you already own Ryobi 40V batteries. The basic 15" Expand-It kit is currently around $159.
• Best for heavy-duty work: RYOBI 40V HP 17" — lots of power and a wide cutting path, though it's substantially heavier.
• Best if you already own Milwaukee batteries: Milwaukee M18 — strong performer and a good choice within that ecosystem.

My short answer:
EGO for the best overall → RYOBI for value → Milwaukee if you're already in the M18 ecosystem.

If you tell me your yard size, whether you already own batteries (EGO/Ryobi/DeWalt/Milwaukee), and your budget, I can narrow it down to the exact model I'd buy.

The absolute best string trimmer depends entirely on your yard size and whether you prefer cordless battery convenience or raw gas power. For most homeowners, the EGO Power+ POWERLOAD String Trimmer with LINE IQ st1623t Go to product viewer dialog for this item. is the top overall choice due to its gas-like power and automated line feeding.

The top options across different categories are detailed below.

Best Battery & Overall String Trimmers

Best premium battery option.

• Features Line IQ technology which automatically monitors and feeds the dual 0.095-inch line without needing to bump the head.
• Uses a durable, lightweight carbon fiber telescopic shaft that adjusts to any user height.
• Patented POWERLOAD system winds replacement line automatically at the press of a button.
• Includes a high-efficiency brushless motor and a 56V 4.0Ah battery providing over 60 minutes of runtime.

Best value and versatility.

• Delivers power equivalent to a 25cc gas engine without the fuel hassle.
• Features Expand-It attachment capability , allowing the power head to transform into a cultivator, blower, or hedge trimmer.
• Outfitted with an adjustable 13-inch to 15-inch cut swath and a variable speed trigger for precise control.
• Includes a REEL EASY+ SPEED WINDER bump-feed head to reload line in under 60 seconds.

Best Gas String Trimmers

Best for heavy-duty residential and light commercial use.

• Driven by a reliable 21.2 cc professional-grade 2-stroke engine with great fuel efficiency.
• Features an i-30 starter system that reduces pulling effort by up to 30%.
• Equipped with a Speed-Feed 400 trimmer head that reloads 0.095-inch line in seconds without needing tool disassembly.
• Includes vibration reduction technology and rubber-padded handles to minimize user fatigue.

Best lightweight gas model.

• Weighs under 10 pounds with a curved shaft design, making it highly maneuverable for quick residential cleanups.
• Uses Smart Start technology and an air purge bulb to easily pull-start the 21.7 cc engine.
• Features a Tap 'n Go twin-line cutting system for easy line advancement.

Best Budget & Small Yard Trimmers

Best multi-tool for small yards.

• Operates as a 3-in-1 tool that converts quickly from a trimmer to an in-line wheeled edger or a mini-mower.
• Weighs less than 6 pounds and features a command-feed button to release fresh line instantly without bumping.

Best ultra-lightweight option.

• Weighs under 4 pounds , making it exceptionally easy to handle for quick touch-ups.
• Offers an auto-feed head and an adjustable 8-inch to 10-inch cut swath utilizing a 0.065-inch line.

Feature Overview

If you want to find the perfect fit, let me know:

• What size property you need to manage?
• Whether you have an existing battery ecosystem (like Ryobi, Milwaukee, or DeWalt)?
• If you need to cut through thick, woody weeds or just standard lawn grass?