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Best Weed Eaters – Electric Corded, Battery Operated Cordless & Gas String Trimmers

No one likes an overgrown lawn. It’s an eyesore. That’s why getting the right weed eater can make such a huge difference. It saves you time and energy, and leaves your lawn looking like it was done by a professional. To help you choose the right weed eater, we’ve put together a straightforward buying guide and reviewed five of the top weed eater brands.

For the products we reviewed, we included both gas and cordless weed weed eaters, because these give you the most flexibility in terms of mobility. However, we also have a some corded electric weed eaters as Honorable Mentions in our buying guide.
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Overview
PROS
CONS
SPECS
Power Source
Cutting Width
Line Info
Length/Weight
Accessories
Our Top Choice
Toro Max 12” Cordless Weed Eater
Toro Max 12” Cordless Weed Eater
Toro has an impressive history and an even more impressive reputation, which it lives up to with its 12” Cordless Weed Eater.
Power saving features. Quickly converts from trimmer to edger. Easily handled. Designed for maximum comfort. Efficient thanks to wide cutting. Durable. Adjustable height.
A bit expensive, but a wise investment.
Battery Powered
10-12 Inches
Auto/Single Line
56.5”/7.2 lbs
Spool
Best Value
Black and Decker GH900 6.5 Amp String Edger/Trimmer
Black and Decker GH900 6.5 Amp String Edger/Trimmer
Black and Decker is a household name with over a century of history. It continues to provide consumers with affordable tools and appliances, such as the GH900 weed eater.
Lightweight. Impressive power for price. Automatic feeding. Cord retention protects against disconnection. Simple trimmer to edger conversion. No harmful fumes. Easy storage.
Motor has a lifespan of roughly 2 years, but that’s a great lifespan for this price.
Electric
14-Inch
AFS
36.4”/5.5lbs
Spool
Husqvarna 128CD 17" Weed Eater
Husqvarna 128CD 17" Weed Eater
Husqvarna is a brand with a royal history that continues to live up to and surpass expectations by delivering high-end products like the 128CD weed eater.
Powerful. Multipurpose capabilities. Easy to start up. Simple to use. Durable. Easy to store and transport. Great for a homeowner or lawncare professional.
Pricey, but a terrific investment.
Gas Powered
17-Inch
Trimmer Line
70”/11 lbs
Blower, Brush Cutter & More
Greenworks G-MAX 14-Inch String Trimmer
Greenworks G-MAX 14-Inch String Trimmer
The Greenworks brand is built on delivering eco-friendly and quality products. That’s what it did with the G-MAX 40V 14-Inch string weed eater.
Lightweight. Silent operation. Attachment compatible. Can be used with gas attachments. Zero carbon emissions. Good battery life. Great torque. Efficient.
Some may find it expensive. But it’s a great long term investment.
Battery Powered
14”
Bump Feed
37.9”/10.2lbs
Blower/VAC
Ryobi 18V One+ Cordless Weed Whacker
Ryobi 18V One+ Cordless Weed Whacker
Ryobi started in Japan and has since gone global. It caters to the needs of its customers with great products, such as the 18V One+ 12” Weed Eater.
Lightweight. Quick startup. Easy to use. Dual edging and trimming. Good battery life. Adjustable length. Affordable. Durable.
May not be powerful enough for a few users.
Battery Powered
10-12”
Auto Feed
40.8”/6.65lbs
Spool

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Watch Our Weed eater Review

What is the Best Weed Eater? Read Our Reviews

We’ve covered all you need to know about choosing a weed whacker for your lawn, from the price to the features you need to keep an eye out for, and more. Now, here are those five great options we mentioned. Let’s see how they compare.
Our Top Choice
Toro Max 12” Cordless Weed Eater
The Toro Max 12” Cordless Weed Eater is a great lawncare tool with extensive battery life, thanks to its 24-Volt Lithium Ion battery and power-saving adjustable cut. But if you feel like it’s not what you want, take a look at Toro’s 20V 12” Cordless Weed Eater, which has a telescoping shaft and a full 2-year warranty.

Toro Max 12” 51487 Cordless Weed Whacker – 24-Volt Lithium Ion Battery & LED charge meter


Features
Toro has over a hundred years in the lawn care industry. With purpose centered around helping its customers enhance the land’s natural beauty, sustainability and productivity, Toro has produced a wide range excellent of tools. Its dedication to purpose, along with its innovative technologies and brilliant customer care, has led it to have an impressive network spanning 90 countries. Its products are used at notable sites, such as the Wimbledon Championships, the Super Bowl, Baltusrol Golf Club (2016 Host of the PGA Championship) and more.

There is no doubt that Toro has manufactured numerous impressive tools. One such tool is the Toro 24V Max 12" Cordless Weed Eater, which currently retails for $169.99. It’s battery powered and comes chock-full of cool features, making it a standout amongst the rest.

Look at what it’s got to offer:
  • Easy storage made possible by wall mount
  • You can easily extend shaft length to maximize efficiency
  • Runtime is extended thanks to power saver mode
  • Trimmer quickly converts to an edger with the simple push of a button
  • 24V Max Lithium Ion Battery gives you longer run time
  • Onboard LED charge meter so you can see your battery life
  • Power saver adjustable cut allowing you to have better power efficiency
  • Comes with an easily adjustable assist handle for improved balance and comfort
  • Full 2-year warranty
  • Fixed shaft
The Toro 24V Max 12" Cordless Trimmer/Edger Weed Eater is a part of Toro’s line of yard tools, which features many different weed eaters.
If you’re not into the Toro 12” Cordless Weed Eater, then check out Toro’s other great options on Amazon!
Best Value
Black and Decker GH900 6.5 Amp String Edger/Trimmer
The Black and Decker GH900 Weed Eater offers great features, such as its Automatic Feed Spool which allows you to work without any hiccup. If you want something more powerful, then definitely check out the Black and Decker LST136W, which has a 40V battery and PowerCommand to allow you to choose between max power and max runtime.

Black and Decker GH900 6.5Amp Weed Whacker – 14-Inch Swath & AFS


Features
Black and Decker was started as a little machine shop in Baltimore by S. Duncan Black and Alonzo G. Decker in 1910. Since then Black and Decker has gone on to manufacture and produce a wide range of products, which now include appliances such as blenders, power tools such as drills, and lawn and garden care tools such as weed eaters.

The Black and Decker weed cutter we chose to feature is the GH900 6.5Amp Trimmer and Edger. It is affordable, currently going for under $35 at Walmart, and has great features for an awesome price.

Look at some of what it offers:
  • Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) allows you to work without any stopping
  • Able to cut through the toughest grass, overgrowth and weeds thanks to its 6.5amp motor and POWERDRIVE™ Transmission
  • Pivoting handle and adjustable height for increased ergonomics and comfort
  • Easily convert from trimmer to wheeled edger by a simple rotation
  • Cord retention system ensures your cord isn’t accidentally disconnected
  • Zero carbon emissions
  • 2-year limited warranty
The GH900 is a part of Black and Decker’s line of string trimmers, which vary in cutting width. Each comes with its own cool features.
If you don’t like the Black and Decker GH900, take a look at its other weed eaters on Amazon to see what you do like!
Husqvarna 128CD 17" Weed Eater
The Husqvarna 128CD is a great weed whacker with a 28cc engine and effortless start-up thanks to its air purge feature. This model has an ergonomic curved handle design, but if you prefer a straight shaft or an electric weed eater, then the Husqvarna Battery Straight Shaft String Trimmer is worth checking out

Husqvarna 128CD 17" Cutting Path, Detachable Gas String Trimmer Weed Eater


Features
Husqvarna is the oldest brand on our list. Originally created as the Jonkoping Rifle Factory by the order of the King of Sweden in 1620, Husqvarna knows what it means to deliver quality befitting a king. Since its ownership was transferred form the Crown to a private owner, Husqvarna has grown and expanded while staying true to quality that has withstood the test of time.

Husqvarna only used to manufacture musket pipes. It now produces a wide range of tools and products. One such tool is the Husqvarna 128CD gas string trimmer. It is lightweight and multipurpose, thanks to its attachment capabilities.

Check out its features:
  • Air purge removes air from the fuel system and carburetor for easy start-up
  • Detachable shaft makes storage and transport easy
  • Compatible with multiple attachments, making it a great multipurpose tool
  • The stop switch returns to the ON position on its own, saving you the time and effort
  • Powerful 28cc engine
The Husqvarna 128CD is part of a lineup of trimmers designed with landscapers to give your lawn that look of excellence.
Not the one? Don’t worry, you can see Husqvarna’s other great weed eaters on Amazon!
Greenworks G-MAX 14-Inch String Trimmer
The Greenworks G-Max 14” Weed Eater is an unbelievable product. Even though it is battery-powered, its performance rivals a gas-powered trimmer, thanks in part to its brushless motor. However, if you want something more affordable, check out the Greenworks 10 Amp Trimmer, which has an impressive 18-inch cutting path.

Greenworks G-MAX 40V Cordless String Weed Whacker – 14-Inch Swatch & Brushless Motor


Features
As an exclusive brand of the Globe Tools Group, Greenworks Tools™ is a brand of an American company with its operating headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina. While its headquarters is in the US, the Globe Tools Group has over 4,000 employees worldwide, including 300 R&D engineers. Its facilities produce their own components, allowing them to test with minimal delay and ensure that only the best is shipped out to you.

It is no wonder Greenworks Tools™ produces such great products. An added plus is that all Greenworks tools produce zero carbon emissions. While this company has a great lineup of products, we decided to feature the G-MAX 14” String Trimmer. It delivers impressive performance rivaling that of a gas trimmer, and has many cool features. It is currently retailing for about $149.00 and will have you wondering why it didn’t cost more.

Here’s what you get with the G-MAX 14” String Trimmer:
  • Quick startup that’s comparable to gas performing tools
  • Attachment capable and accepts most gas attachments
  • Brushless motor produces less noise, allowing higher battery efficiency and greater torque
  • Zero carbon emissions
  • Designed with a top mounted motor coupled with a steel straight shaft, allowing for impeccable balance and increased ergonomics
  • G-MAX 40V Lithium-ion battery which fits multiple tools
  • Compatible only with other Greenworks G-MAX 40V Battery Models – 29472, 29462, String Trimmer Model 29252, Charger 29482
The Greenworks G-MAX 14” String Trimmer is a part of Greenworks’ line of string trimmers.
If the Greenworks G-MAX 14” Weed Eater isn’t for you, browse Amazon for Greenworks’ other great products!
Ryobi 18V One+ Cordless Weed Whacker
The Ryobi 18V One+ Cordless String Trimmer is a terrific lawn care tool. It’s lightweight, easy to start up and has a cutting width that’s adjustable, giving you freedom of choice. But Ryobi doesn’t just make great weed cutters; it also makes other impressive tools, such as the 2 Cycle Full Crank Power Head, which is a terrific all-in-one tool.

Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless String Edger/Trimmer – Rotating Shaft & 10-12” Swath


Features
Ryobi was founded in 1943 as Ryobi Seisakusho Co., Ltd. It provides its customers around the world with a wide range of products, from components for automobiles to electronics and power tools. Its power tools, which are known for their reliance on the Ryobi 18Volt one+battery system, are sold around the US and come with high praise from people across the country. The product we chose to feature from Ryobi’s lineup is the 18V One+ 12” Cordless String Weed Eater.

Lightweight and beyond easy to use, the Ryobi 18V One+ 12” Cordless Trimmer/Edger is great. You can get it for $89 at Home Depot, which is a pretty good price for this handy tool.

Check out its features:
  • Length can be adjusted per your comfort level
  • Comes with a 90-min charger and 18V lithium-ion battery
  • Rotating shaft for easy trimmer to edger conversion
  • RYOBI 3-year warranty
  • Cutting width is adjustable, not only for large cutting but also a longer runtime
If you want, you can also purchase it without the charger or battery.
The Ryobi 18V One+ 12” Cordless Trimmer is great, but for something different, check Ryobi’s other options here!

Guide to Choosing the Best Weed Trimmer

A gorgeous lawn requires time, care, and effort. It doesn’t come about by magic, unfortunately. It needs the right fertilizer to nourish and protect it. As it grows, you tend to it with the right edger and cut it with either a weed eater or lawn mower.

Lawn care is comparable to hair care. When you’re cutting the lawn, you don’t just cut the grass and leave it be. You shape up the bushes and make sure that everything is in tip-top shape. Similar to how you get a haircut, you cut your hair as well as trim your beard and the like.

Everything comes together for a clean and polished look that everyone can appreciate. If this is your first time shopping for a weed eater, then no worries. We’ve put together a great buying guide to help you choose the right model for your lawn and budget.

By the way, in case you were wondering. Weed eaters, weed trimmers, weed wackers (or whackers) are all names for the same thing. The term "weed eater" actually came about because that was the name of the very first brand. But over time, it began to be used interchangeably for different types of powered yard maintenance tools for trimming weeds. Kind of like how we call all bandages, band-aids!

Where the difference lies is between string trimmers and blade edgers, with the former being the focus of this article. Lawn edgers, also called stick edgers, have a more specific use — for making clean lines in your lawn. Trimmers, on the other hand can be used for both edging, as well as getting rid of weeds or cutting grass in the areas where your mower can't reach. If you are looking specifically for an edger, we have a separate review for those.

Honorable Mentions

When it comes to lawn and garden equipment, there are a wide range of reputable brands. And weed eaters and trimmers are no exception. While we had to narrow the field down to five brands for our product reviews, we have to admit it was not an easy decision.

As a result, we wanted to give you a list of other quality weed trimmers that deserve to be mentioned.


How to Use a Weed Eater — Plus Comparison of Different Types of String Trimmers





Landscape contractor Roger Cook provides tips for safe, effective string trimming. | Courtesy of This Old House
Price
Weed eaters are available in different sizes and designs, all of which affect their overall price. There are four types of weed eaters, which are gas, propane, electric, and battery-powered. The most expensive of the four is the gas-powered models which offer more power than all the other models.

Besides the type of weed eater, other features which affect the weed whacker’s price are: the trimmer’s cutting width, the type of battery it uses if it’s a battery-operated model, and the materials used to create the weed eater, along with its design. A good weed eater starts at around $75 and can run you up to, say, $300.

That said, do your best to avoid purchasing cheap weed eaters. Their low price tag, while tempting, is an indicator of lower quality and a money-pit waiting to happen. Spend a little bit more and get something of better quality—you won’t regret it!
Features
Product features are what make a huge difference in how weed eaters operate and what they have to offer. While there are a few weed eaters with unique features, many of the great ones share some basic features, plus their own unique features which set them apart.

Here’s what to look out for when choosing a great weed trimmer:
  • Weight - You’ll be carrying your weed eater around as you trim your lawn, so the weight is an important feature to consider.
  • Power Source - We mentioned before that there are four types of weed eaters and they are determined by their power source. Choose the type that works best for your lawn care needs and budget.
  • Shaft - There are weed eaters with curved shafts and those with straight shafts. Curved models are good for trimming tight areas, while straight ones can reach under different obstacles. Some shafts are even adjustable, while others are fixed.
  • Cutting Swath - This refers to the trimmer’s cutting area.
  • Engine - The engine’s power is an important factor, along with noise production.
  • Simple Feed and Reload - Whether it’s a bump-feed or automatic-feed system, it’s important to choose one that’s easy to load and operate smoothly. However, if you do have a preference, then that works just as well.
  • Safety Guard - This is a shield at the end of the string trimmer which will protect you from flying debris while you’re trimming your lawn.
  • Warranty - Manufacturers typically offer great coverage with weed eaters and it’s always nice to know your investment is protected.
Construction and Design
Two factors you’ll likely want to consider when checking out various weed eaters are its build, and its balance and shaft. Let’s take a closer look at these features below.

Build

The overall build of a weed eater is crucial to its performance. When you’re shopping for a new one, you’ve got to take into account the size of your yard, the thickness of your grass, and stuff in your yard before you make your purchase.

If it’s the case that you need a powerful weed eater to cover a large area of land, then a gas-powered model would be the one for you. On the other hand, if you have a small yard with little grass, then a battery-powered or electric model would suit you just fine.

Balance and Shaft

Not only is weight a key feature to consider when choosing a weed eater, but so is its balance. You want a model that will perform smoothly without a fight. The type of shaft that you’ll choose, again depends upon your yard and what’s in it. Another important thing to remember when considering which shaft to choose is that curved shafts are typically better-suited for light trimming, while straight shafts are better for heavy-duty jobs.
Performance and Ease of Use
When it comes to maintenance and care, gas trimmers require the most while electric and battery-powered models require the least. You could say that gas weed eaters’ need for more upkeep is what ensures their power and is the tradeoff for improved power and longer runtime. These are best suited for larger properties.

Electric weed whackers, on the other hand, are great for averagely-sized residences. They do not require as much upkeep as their gas-powered counterparts. However, they do not run as long and lack the power to take on the level of work that gas-powered models can. Battery-operated models offer more freedom, and with advancements in lithium-ion batteries, they have improved run times. Direct-powered models are more restricted due to their power cords, but won’t run out of power while in use.

If you opt for a gas-powered model, look for those with anti-vibration technology. This reduces the vibration produced by the engine, which can tire out your hands. When it comes to noise level, gas-powered models are also significantly louder than electric models, so it’s recommended you wear ear protection when using them and protective eyewear no matter which model you’re using.

How to Use a String Trimmer - 10 Skills to Master





Lawn care professional Jason Creel demonstrates how to use a weed eater. | Courtesy of Lawn Care Life

DISCLAIMER: Unless you are a professional, it's safer to keep the guard on your weed eater!

Go back to the start of the reviews

Get the Best Weed Eater of 2020!

Thanks for reading our weed eater review. We made sure to review different types of weed eaters so you can see your choices. If you didn’t think any of the ones reviewed were for you, then don’t hesitate to see what else these great brands have to offer. We made sure that they all had a wide range of great products for you to choose from.

Our Top Choice
Toro Max 12” Cordless Weed Eater
Toro Max 12” Cordless Weed Eater
Best Value
Black and Decker GH900 6.5 Amp String Edger/Trimmer
Black and Decker GH900 6.5 Amp String Edger/Trimmer
Husqvarna 128CD 17" Weed Eater
Husqvarna 128CD 17" Weed Eater
Greenworks G-MAX 14-Inch String Trimmer
Greenworks G-MAX 14-Inch String Trimmer
Ryobi 18V One+ Cordless Weed Whacker
Ryobi 18V One+ Cordless Weed Whacker

Go back to the start of the reviews
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