String trimmers

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String trimmers

What's behind our string trimmer Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 67 models in string trimmers to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score
Based mainly on trimming near a wall, edging, cutting tall grass and weeds, handling, and ease of use. The displayed score is out of a total of 100 points.
Trimming
Indicates how quickly and neatly models cut grass.
Edging
How quickly and neatly models trimmed a vertical line along a walkway.
Tall grass & weeds
Indicates cutting power in tall grass and weeds.
Handling
Denotes responsiveness and balance.
Ease of use
Denotes ease of starting, feeding out more line, and accessing controls, along with handle comfort.

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Recommended string trimmers

Recommended string trimmers are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices, weigh features, price, and attributes that matter to you.

Recommended string trimmers

String trimmer buying guide

To find the string trimmer that is right for you, read our expert advice on which features to consider and how to find the best value.

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In addition to finding Ratings for the latest models, you can now shop online using an ad-free interface where you can buy string trimmers in a safe-shopping environment.

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A string trimmer picks up where a lawn mower leaves off, providing the finishing touches as it whisks away grass around trees and flower beds, straightens uneven edges along driveways, and trims patches of lawn your mower or tractor can't reach. If you're looking for information about string trimmers, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ string trimmer reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our string trimmer buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and string trimmer reviews to help you choose the best string trimmer for your needs.

Ratings & recommended string trimmers

String trimmers (67)

Many gas and even several corded electric trimmers are competent at trimming, edging, and cutting tall grass. Top scorers do better at all three tasks and are easy to manage as well.

Choose from among gas models if your property is on the large side or has tall grass and weeds. They're also appropriate far from an electrical outlet. Electrics are best for smaller yards and more modest needs. Of these, cordless models serve minimal needs due to their lesser power and short trimming time between battery charges.

Gas or corded electric models can have either a straight or curved shaft. (Cordless models we tested all have curved shafts.) Curved shaft models are lighter and tend to be easier to handle than straight-shaft models, which have a longer reach for getting under bushes and other tight spots and keep the operator farther away from flying debris.

For any models, gas and electric, use safety goggles, long pants, and sturdy work shoes. We also recommend hearing protection for any models that scored fair or poor for noise.

The Ratings rank models strictly by overall performance within type.

String trimmer buying guide

Electric string trimmers are finding more favor with environment-conscious consumers. But the latest gas-powered trimmers are polluting less than the older models, thanks to tougher California and federal regulations. Several premium gas-powered models certify that their engines will meet those regulations for 300 hours, rather than the usual 50. More hours mean not only less pollution, but possibly longer engine life. But those premium trimmers carry a premium price, about $200 and up.

The best corded machines can trim, edge, and even tackle the tall stuff nearly as well some of the best gas models. And while cordless, battery-powered trimmers still aren't ideal for hacking away tall grass and weeds, the best now do a creditable job.

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