String trimmers

What's behind our string trimmer Ratings?

Experts at our National Testing and Research Center tested 60 models in string trimmers to see which ones perform best.

We look for:

Overall score
Overall score is 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
Trimming denotes how quickly and neatly models cut grass.
Edging
Edging is how quickly and neatly models trimmed a vertical line along a walkway.
Tall grass & weeds
Tall grass denotes cutting power in tall grass and weeds.
Handling
Handling denotes responsiveness and balance.
Ease of use
Ease of use denotes ease of starting, feeding out more line, and accessing controls, along with handle comfort.

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String trimmer user reviews

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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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Why shop here?

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.

Learn more about our Price & Shop program

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 (60)

Recommended models are standout choices with high scores. They include CR Best Buys, which offer exceptional value. When narrowing your choices among models, weigh performance, features, price, and attributes that matter to you, such as color, size, or style.

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.

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