Best Weed Whackers 2024 - Forbes Vetted

Nov 01, 2024

While lawn mowers are helpful, they aren't the only tools necessary for achieving a perfectly manicured yard. The best weed whackers effortlessly tackle pesky plants and overgrown foliage, helping you trim around walkways and gardens to give your lawn a fresh appearance. Our top pick for most home owners is the Ego Powerload 56-Volt String Trimmer, a nifty model with a generous cutting width and long run time.

The best weed whackers can help keep your lawn in tip-top shape.

While a string trimmer isn’t the most indispensable tool for lawn care, it’s smart to have one on hand, says Noah James, owner of Liberty Lawn Maintenance. In his opinion, a quality string trimmer is a wise investment for anyone looking to take control of their outdoor space and achieve a professional-looking lawn. As you start out on your shopping journey, consider important factors such as each promising model's power source, weight and cutting width, as these will all play a significant role in finding the perfect weed whacker. Check out all of our recommendations for 2024 ahead.

Amazon

Weight: 10 pounds | Voltage: 56 | Power source: Battery | Maximum cutting width: 15 inches

The Ego Powerload is packed with features that make it an excellent option for most homeowners. Offering 45 minutes of runtime and a generous 15-inch cutting width, it provides ample time to tackle most perimeters and shrubbery. The battery power source simplifies operation: simply pop in the battery, push a button and you're ready to work. Additionally, a telescoping aluminum shaft adjusts to your height, saving your back, while two speed settings offer versatility as you work. Weighing in at 10 pounds, it may not be the lightest weed whacker available, but it remains easily manageable for most users.

What the editors say: “The mechanics of this machine are simple and user-friendly,” says audience development director Spencer Dukoff, who tested this weed whacker over the course of a few weeks. “Novice home landscapers like myself will find it very easy to set up and operate. The weight is well-distributed, and the lightweight carbon fiber shaft makes it feel sturdy but not heavy.”

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Ace Hardware

Weight: 12 pounds | Voltage: N/A | Power source: Gas | Maximum cutting width: 16.5 inches

This gas-powered weed whacker is a professional-grade trimmer designed to handle heavy workloads with ease. Featuring a large fuel tank, it enables you to tackle larger yards in one go, while its low-emission engine ensures you can work without inhaling excessive exhaust fumes. With a three-step start procedure, you'll be up and running faster than with other gas weed whackers. Moreover, comfort was a priority in its design, evident in the rubberized loop handle that provides a cushioned grip. Additionally, the FS 91 R has large baffles to minimize noise, making it a considerate choice for your neighbors.

The Home Depot

Weight: 5.5 pounds | Voltage: 6.5 amps | Power source: Electric | Maximum cutting width: 14 inches

An electric weed whacker isn’t suitable for everyone, given its reliance on constant access to a power socket. However, it can be a great choice for those with smaller yards. This Black + Decker model offers a maximum extension cord length of 150 feet, providing ample space to maneuver around walkways and borders. Weighing just 5.5 pounds, it's lightweight and easy to carry. Despite its lightness, this trimmer doesn't compromise on power. Equipped with PowerDrive transmission, it efficiently tackles heavy grass and weeds. Additionally, its conversion wheel simplifies the transition from trimming to edging, enabling you to create straighter, cleaner lines effortlessly.

Amazon

Weight: 11 pounds | Voltage: 40 | Power source: Battery | Maximum cutting width: 15 inches

Ryobi’s 40-volt model is a top seller that offers versatility. You can adjust the cutting width from 13 to 15 inches to achieve the perfect trim. With a single charge, you can work for over an hour and 10 minutes, covering an entire acre of land. Plus, the battery charges up again in less than three hours. A variable speed trigger allows for precise control, while the bump-feed string head makes reloading a breeze. It's worth noting that the battery is compatible with other Ryobi devices, allowing you to mix and match with your other yard tools.

What the editors say: “This is one of the quietest string trimmers I have used,” says updates writer Claire Epting, who also appreciates its lightweight design. “I suppose you could take it apart and reassemble every time you plan on using it, but I find that it can rest up against my shed without taking up too much space as is.”

Lowe's

Weight: 11 pounds | Voltage: N/A | Power source: Gas | Maximum cutting width: 17 inches

Husqvarna 128LD is big by weed whacker standards, with a huge 17-inch cutting width that can tackle an army of overgrowth in one go. Powered by a 28-cc engine, it can easily fell just about anything in its path. It also has a strong twin-line cutting system and a function that removes air from the fuel system and carburetor, which helps the machine start up with ease. What’s more, a detachable shaft makes it easy to transport your device.

Lowe's

Weight: 13 pounds | Voltage: 80 | Power source: Battery | Maximum cutting width: 16 inches

This Kobalt machine boasts the company’s highest voltage, featuring a professional-grade lithium-ion battery that delivers a powerful 80 volts of power. With up to 60 minutes of runtime, it can effortlessly handle up to an acre of land on a single charge. You can adjust the cutting swath from 14 to 16 inches for optimal trimming, while the high and low-speed trigger provides enhanced control during operation. The trimmer’s straight shaft design makes it simple to reach under obstacles, ensuring thorough and efficient trimming.

Amazon

Weight: 9 pounds | Voltage: 40 | Power source: Battery | Maximum cutting width: 13 inches

Greenworks’ 40-volt trimmer stands out as one of the lightest-weight battery-operated weed whackers available. With 30 minutes of runtime and a 13-inch width, it offers slightly less coverage compared to other models. However, if you’re primarily trimming walkways, driveways, and yard edges, it should suffice for your needs. The trimmer’s four-position pivoting head enables you to work around angles easily, while its quiet operation ensures a pleasant experience for your ears. Just note that the battery and charger are not included.

Amazon

Weed whacker strings have a finite lifespan, typically requiring replacement every 90 to 180 days with regular use. When it’s time for an upgrade, consider this option from Husqvarna. Measuring 0.095 inches, the Titanium Force trimmer line features technology to effortlessly power through obstacles, and the string's undulated surface ensures quiet operation and precise cuts. Constructed from commercial-grade polymer, it's built to last and enhance your cutting performance. With 140 feet of line included, you'll have plenty to update your machine.

It takes a lot of thought, time and energy to keep your outdoor space in a pristine state (or even an acceptable state). The right tools can help, though, which is why we only feature the best items in our curated roundups.

To identify the most powerful and efficient weed whackers, we began by consulting a lawn care experts to gather insights on key features to prioritize in these essential yard tools.

Ready to get your lawn in tip-top shape? From power source to cutting width, here are the factors to keep in mind as you shop for weed whackers.

Weed whackers can generally be categorized into three power-source camps—electric, gas and battery-powered—and each has its strengths and weaknesses. Electric trimmers deliver continuous power but require proximity to an outlet, making them ideal for individuals with smaller yards. Gas weed whackers offer a powerful punch but necessitate continuous monitoring of fuel levels (and potential exposure to fumes). Battery-powered options are favored for their ease of use and lack of emissions, although they're constrained by charge time. Ultimately, determining the right type for you hinges on your outdoor space and personal preferences.

If you require a weed whacker that can navigate tight spots and maneuver around tricky corners, models with a rotating head are worth exploring. Certain machines, such as the Greenworks 40-Volt Cordless String Trimmer, enable you to adjust the trimmer at various angles, facilitating access to hard-to-reach areas. If your yard maintenance is relatively straightforward, this feature may not be essential. However, if you anticipate working around gardens, stonework and other obstacles, it's worth considering.

When considering a battery-powered weed whacker, it's crucial to pay attention to voltage. Generally, lower voltage correlates with shorter run time for your device, although other factors may also influence this. The Kobalt 80-Volt Cordless String Trimmer can go for an hour at a time, for example, but the Ryobi 40-Volt Cordless String Trimmer—which has half the voltage—can last for even longer. That said, in most cases, a higher-volt trimmer delivers more power over time.

The cutting width of a weed whacker determines the width of the area it can cover in a single pass. Typically, cutting widths range from about 13 to 20 inches, with 14 to 16 inches being the most prevalent. For large areas, consider trimmers on the higher end of this spectrum. However, if you're only touching up areas around walkways or pavers, a smaller width should suffice.