How to choose the right string trimmer

Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.

Gas vs electric: which is right for your yard?

Gas trimmers still dominate for raw, sustained power on large properties. They never run out of charge mid-job and chew through heavy brush without bogging down. The trade-offs are real: fuel mixing, engine maintenance, and noise that will have your neighbors waving. Modern four-stroke gas trimmers are cleaner and easier to start, but they’re also heavier and cost more upfront. Battery models have closed the gap considerably. A good 60V or 80V brushless trimmer will handle weekly trimming on most suburban lots and even some tougher weeds. The real advantage is grab-and-go simplicity: no pull cord, no gas, no winterizing. If you already own a popular battery system from brands like Ego, Ryobi, Greenworks, or DeWalt, you can buy a trimmer �tool only� at a budget-friendly price. For the average quarter-acre lot, battery is the smart, practical choice. For over an acre of dense blackberry or saplings, consider a straight-shaft gas model from Stihl, Husqvarna, or Echo. But the tipping point keeps moving: 2026 sees more high-capacity batteries that push runtime closer to a tank of gas.

What to look for in a battery-powered trimmer

Battery voltage alone doesn’t tell you how well a trimmer will cut. A high-voltage trimmer can spin more torque, but a well-designed brushless motor and a bigger battery amp-hour (Ah) rating matter just as much. Look for a trimmer that uses the same battery platform as your other outdoor tools so you share chargers and packs. That alone saves money and clutter. Pay attention to the trimmer head. Many budget trimmers use a bump-feed head that is easy to reload. More expensive models offer a speed-feed or rapid-load head that spools a new line without taking the head apart. For occasional use, bump-feed is fine. For frequent trimming, the time saved with a speed-feed head is worth the small premium. A straight shaft is preferred for reach under fences and shrubs. A curved shaft is lighter and better for edging but can be harder to control for tall users. Also check if the trimmer has a variable-speed trigger or a cruise-control lock for long trimming sessions. A telescoping shaft is a nice bonus if multiple people of different heights will use it.

Pro tips for getting the cleanest cut

Trim with the head angled so the line strikes the grass at a 45-60 degree angle. This lets the tip of the line do the cutting and prevents the guard from bouncing off the ground. Keep the line length moderate; a longer line flops and reduces efficiency. Most trimmers work best with a line diameter of 0.065 to 0.095 inches. Thicker line handles heavy weeds but requires a heavier trimmer and uses more battery power. Replace the line when it wears down instead of waiting until it snaps. Dull line rips, not cuts. For stubborn weeds, upgrade to a star or square profile line. These cut more aggressively than round line. Avoid using the trimmer like a scythe: sweep across the target, don’t beat it. A steady, smooth arc produces a cleaner edge and reduces strain on the motor. If your trimmer has an edging function, flip the head and walk along the sidewalk or bed edge. Many battery trimmers make edging easy because they are lighter. For a professional-looking border, cut a shallow trench first with the trimmer tilted, then finish with the vertical edging mode.

What weight and balance mean for your back

A heavy trimmer with a motor at the top can be surprisingly fatiguing. Look for a model with a balanced design where the battery sits low or the motor is near the handle. Many battery trimmers mount the battery at the rear or use a backpack battery system, which shifts weight off your arms and onto your shoulders. This makes a huge difference when trimming for more than 20 minutes. Gas trimmers are generally heavier, especially with steel driveshafts. Consider a model with a padded harness if you expect to use it for over an hour. The harness distributes weight across your shoulders and lets the trimmer float rather than hang from your arms. Test the handle ergonomics if possible. Most trimmers come with a “j-handle” or “bicycle handle.” J-handles are fine for level trimming; bicycle handles offer more control for detail work. Also check the trigger pull. Some trimmers have a long stiff trigger that becomes uncomfortable after a half hour.

Common string trimmer features that are actually worth paying for

Brushless motors are the single best upgrade. They run cooler, quieter, and more efficiently than brushed motors, and they almost never wear out. If you buy battery-powered, make sure it is brushless. You will get more cut time from the same battery. Variable-speed control is useful for delicate work around flowers or young trees. A simple two-speed switch is fine; a variable trigger gives you precise control. The permanent “cruise control” setting lets you hold a consistent speed without squeezing the trigger��a godsend on long runs. Easy-load heads are a time-saver. Look for a head that lets you wind line in seconds without tools. Some models like the DeWalt 60V FlexVolt and Ego Power+ line have loaders that are really intuitive. If you buy a gas trimmer, check that the head is interchangeable; many users upgrade to a Speed-Feed or T35 head. A straight shaft is worth the extra money for reach and versatility. Curved shafts are lighter but limit your ability to trim beneath shrubs. A detachable shaft that converts to a power head is only worth it if you plan to buy multiple attachments like a pole saw or edger.

Frequently asked questions