Best String Trimmers — Buying Guide & Top Picks

We ran these trimmers through overgrown edges, thick crabgrass, and narrow fence lines so you don't have to guess. Whether you're maintaining a quarter-acre suburban lot or cleaning up a full acre of rough terrain, this guide cuts straight to the models worth buying — ranked by real-yard power, runtime, and durability. Updated April 2025.

All five models below were tested on real lawns. Specs are pulled directly from manufacturer data and verified against in-hand testing. Look for the power source, cutting swath, and weight column — those three numbers tell you 80% of what you need to know before buying.

The STIHL FSA 60 R is the trimmer we'd buy with our own money. The 36V AK-series battery delivers enough torque to chew through thick fescue and wire-like crabgrass without bogging — something cheaper battery trimmers can't claim. The straight shaft keeps you in control along fence lines and concrete edges, and at 7.3 lbs it won't wreck your shoulder on a long session. Line feeding is automatic and reliable. Build quality is unmistakably STIHL: black rubber grip, solid head, zero rattles.

If the STIHL price tag is hard to swallow, the Greenworks 40V is where smart shoppers land. It ships with a 2.0Ah battery and charger for around $110–$120 — making it the lowest barrier to entry of any battery trimmer worth recommending. The 14-inch cutting swath outclasses most entry-level competitors, and the bump-feed line system is predictable. It won't overpower dense weeds like the STIHL, but for weekly edging and cleanup on lots up to a quarter acre, it gets the job done without drama.

Power source is your first decision. Gas trimmers deliver the most raw power and unlimited runtime but require two-stroke oil mixing, more maintenance, and ear protection. Battery models have closed the gap significantly — 40V and above handle most residential lots without issue. Corded trimmers are the lightest and cheapest but tie you to an extension cord and a power outlet.

Cutting swath width determines how fast you cover ground. A 12-inch swath is precise and maneuverable; a 15–17-inch swath covers more turf per pass. For lots under a quarter acre, 12–14 inches is plenty. For half an acre or more, go 15 inches and up.

Shaft style matters more than most buyers realize. Straight shafts let you reach under decks and along tight fence lines; curved shafts are lighter and more natural for casual edging but limit reach and attachment compatibility. If you want to run edger, blower, or cultivator attachments, only a straight-shaft split-boom model works.