Updated September 16, 2026.
Electric string trimmers—also called weed whackers or weed eaters—finish the work a mower cannot reach. The right model depends on yard size, weed density, edging needs, working weight, and the batteries you already own.
Compare our four cordless string trimmer picks →
Start with the job, not the voltage
A compact 20V trimmer can be the better tool around a small maintained lawn because it is easy to place and store. A 40V or 56V model makes more sense for long fence lines, wider cutting passes, and heavier growth. Voltage alone does not measure cutting performance. Compare the motor, line diameter, cutting swath, head design, battery capacity, and total working weight.
EGO ST1623T review
Premium 56V choice with a 16-inch swath, LINE IQ automatic feed, POWERLOAD winding, and a 4.0Ah kit.
BLACK+DECKER LSTE525 review
Budget small-yard trimmer with a 12-inch swath, two compact batteries, EASYFEED, and wheeled edging.
Greenworks STF457 review
Attachment-capable 40V model with a brushless motor, 16-inch swath, and 4.0Ah kit.
RYOBI RY402110 review
Heavy-duty 40V HP model with a 15- to 17-inch swath, 6Ah battery, and three head configurations.
How to choose an electric string trimmer
Match the cutting path to the yard
A 10- to 13-inch head is easy to maneuver around beds and play equipment. A 15- to 17-inch head clears more area on long borders, but it needs more space and usually comes on a heavier tool.
Check the complete working weight
Manufacturers often list bare-tool weight. The battery can add several pounds, and a long shaft creates leverage during edging. Compare the weight with the battery you will actually use.
Understand the line system
Bump-feed heads are simple and widely serviceable. Push-button feed is convenient on light-duty tools. Automatic feed and power winding reduce interruptions but add complexity. Use the line diameter and shape specified in the manual; thicker line is not automatically compatible.
Buy into the battery platform deliberately
A string-trimmer kit can be an affordable way to add a useful battery and charger to an existing platform. Batteries from different voltage families are usually not interchangeable, even within one brand. Confirm the exact platform before ordering a bare tool.
Common questions
Is “weed whacker” the same as “string trimmer”?
In ordinary use, yes. String trimmer is the generic product name. Weed whacker and weed eater are common informal terms. A brush cutter is a different, heavier tool designed for thicker vegetation and may use a metal blade.
Can a string trimmer edge a sidewalk?
Many can be rotated for edging. Models with a pivoting head and guide wheel are easier to keep vertical. A dedicated edger usually creates a cleaner groove in established turf.
Do cordless trimmers need maintenance?
They need less routine service than gas trimmers, but they still require cleaning, correct replacement line, spool or head inspection, fastener checks, and proper battery storage. Remove the battery before touching the head.
How we evaluate models
Our reviews compare official specifications, manuals, kit contents, line and head design, battery compatibility, warranties, current availability, and owner-feedback patterns. Products are not personally tested unless a page explicitly says otherwise. We separate manufacturer runtime and power claims from independently verified facts.