Best Weed Wacker

When it comes to keeping your yard looking the best it can all spring and summer long, having the right tools on-hand can make all of the difference in the world. A quality weed wacker will keep your lawn looking groomed and trimmed. 

Even better, the best weed wackers can work as mini-mowers and edgers at the same time. If you want to upgrade your current weed wacker, or if you need to buy one for the first time, I’ll round up the top 10 best weed wackers available on the market and review them for you below. 

Timing up your yard doesn’t have to be a long or drawn-out process if you have the correct tools for the job on-hand. The best weed wackers can shave hours of your yardword while giving you precision cuts.

Craftsman Gas Powered Weed Whacker – Top Pick

 

If you’re someone who wants to take advantage of tool systems to be able to make the most of all of your yard tools, this weed wacker from Craftsman is a great pick. You’ll get the ability to purchase and use a host of different attachments for this product, including a brushcutter, hedge trimmer, garden cultivator, pole saw, and more. They all attach to this weed wacker’s body. One of the nicest perks of using a combination tool system is that once you learn how to use all of the controls correctly, it’s easy and quick to learn how to use any new attachments you throw on. 

This weed eater comes with an impressive 17-inch cutting swath that allows you to take care of larger areas of weeds quickly and easily, and you get a four-cycle engine to power it to cut through the toughest jobs. All you have to do is prime it and pull it to start the motor and begin cutting. It’s a quiet option, and you get an adjustable handle for right and left-handed uses so everyone is comfortable with it. There are three styles available with this product, and it has a straight line head that is easy to control. 

Benefits:

• Can apply a host of attachments 
• 17-inch cutting swath 
• Low learning curve 
• Four-cycle engine 
• Quick to start
• Powers through tough projects 
• Adjustable for left and right-handed people 

Drawbacks:

• Gasoline has a smell when you use it

2. Makita Brushless String Trimmer – Step-Up Pick

 

Makita’s professional-grade weed wacker is more expensive, but it’s effective enough to help you tackle routine trim projects or very overgrown yards without stalling out or bogging down. You can choose from three different options when it comes to speed, including 3,500 RPMs for low, 5,300 RPMs for medium, and 6,500 RPMs for high. This allows you to control your weed wacker’s output as you work, and it’s also a safety feature to help avoid potential injuries. There is also Automatic Torque Drive technology built into the machine, and you can adjust your RMP as you work, based on the power you need. 

In turn, your battery won’t overheat or drain too quickly as you go about your project. You get 18-volt LXT 5.0Ah batteries that will help this machine run up to 1 ½ hours on a single charge, but you have to purchase them separately. The brushless motor has a direct-drive system on it that gives you increased torque and high power output. You get a 15-inch cutting swath to increase your productivity levels and help you finish your projects much quicker. You can choose from the tool only, a tool with a battery, kit with four batteries, or a kit when you buy it. 

Benefits:

• Professional-grade product
• Three speed settings 
• Automatic Torque Drive technology 
• Battery won’t overheat or drain 
• 15-inch cutting swath 
• Several kits available 
• Brushless motor 

Drawbacks:

• Doesn’t come with the batteries 

3. Max Lithium String Trimmer – Mid-End Budget Pick

 

This is a combination edger tool and weed wacker from Black+Decker that offers a fantastic price for those on a budget for the performance level and utility you get. You get a PowerDrive transmission that can help you cut through overgrown, heavy weeds and grass without stressing the components out or causing them to overheat. It does have a smaller 12-inch cutting width that can still help you take on bigger projects, but it works better for tighter spaces. You’ll get 6,200 RPMs with this weed wacker that will power the tool through thicker brush without an issue.

The battery in this weed wacker can swap out amongst any other battery-powered Black+Decker tool you have in your arsenal, and it is in a line that features everything from chainsaws to power drills.  It’ll easily cut along borders, flower beds, and sidewalks without a problem. It’s a lightweight product that is easy to handle, and you can adjust the height to make it comfortable for different people to use it. It has a low noise output so you can use it without disturbing your neighbors, and you get a decent runtime out of each battery. 

Benefits:

• PowerDrive transmission 
• Low noise output 
• Can swap batteries with other Black+Decker tools 
• Edger and a weed wacker in one 
• Decent runtime 
• Lightweight 
• Adjustable handle height 

Drawbacks:

• Battery can drain fast in heavy-duty cutting projects 

4. WORX Power Share Trimmer – Bargain Budget Pick

 

This is one of the best priced weed wackers on the market from a known brand, and it’s a great choice for those on a tight budget. It’s an edger and weed wacker combination, and it’s an excellent-performing model. You get an extra utility with this pick without driving up the price, and it weighs in at just five pounds. This makes it easy to use it on longer projects without any fatigue, and it has a rechargeable battery on it that allows you to ensure it’s always ready to go when you need it. It has a slightly smaller 12-inch cutting width to it that can fit right up to your walkways or flower beds. 

When you purchase this weed wacker, it comes with a nice Command Feed spool system that gives you instantaneous line feeding capabilities. The adjustable handle ensures you’re always in control and comfortable when you use it, and there are rubberized dual wheel supports to guide your edger for a neat finish. The telescopic shaft will adjust to your posture and height to keep you comfortable, and there is a 90° tilting shaft that orients the cutting head for hard-to-reach or sloped areas. 

Benefits:

• Weighs five pounds 
• 12-inch cutting width 
• Command Feed spool system 
• Weed wacker and an edger 
• 90° tilting shaft on the cutting head 
• Adjustable handles 
• Rubberized wheels for the edger

Drawbacks:

• Not suitable for larger projects 

5. Toro 51480 Corded Weed Wacker – Best For Plugging In

 

Having a weed wacker that plugs in using a cord means that you can run it as long as you want without worrying about battery life, so you can use it to easily trim around your flower beds, raised planter boxes, patios, decks, or out in the yard without having to stop and recharge. However, you have to stay close enough to the electrical outlet to be able to use it as a power source. It does have a more limited range, but you can use an extension cord to improve your reach if you have a larger yard to work on. You get a reliable combination tool at a decent price for virtually any budget. 

This weed wacker has a telescoping shaft that features a durable but lightweight aluminum that won’t rust, corrode, or break with heavy use or use in different weather conditions. The wide cutting head allows you to quickly work through small and large projects without worrying. There is an automatic feed trim line to ensure you’re always ready to go, and you can switch from the weed wacker to the trimmer in seconds. The adjustable handle will keep you comfortable when you use it, and you get a two-year warranty when you buy it. 

Benefits:

• Plugs in for a consistent power source 
• Combination with an edger 
• 14-inch cutting swath 
• Aluminum handle 
• Handle adjusts to different heights 
• Automatic feed trim line 
• Two-year warranty 

Drawbacks:

• String can slip 

6. EGO Power+ Cordless Weed Wacker – Best For Limited Storage Space

 

This weed wacker is on a whole other level, and it can cut through one-inch-thick Japanese knotweed like it was grass. Other trimmers can snap the strings if you try this, and it does it all without being extremely noisy. It gives off a hairdryer-like hum when it runs, so you can easily use it without worrying about disturbing anyone. It comes equipped with a telescoping handle that is very quick and easy to adjust to suit your needs, including adjusting the secondary handle. It’s able to work with a broad range of body types and heights without straining your back or getting fatigued. 

This is just as powerful as a lot of gas tools on the market, and it won’t break your bank. It also doesn’t have the smell of exhaust, messy fuel, or time-draining maintenance to keep it running. There is a nice line-load system that eliminates the need to manually spool the line on if it breaks, and it’s a very lightweight product with excellent balance to it that makes it easy to use without upsetting it. You can easily get it into and out of tighter spots, and the foldable shaft makes it very easy to store between uses without taking up a lot of space. 

Benefits:

• Cuts through one-inch thick Japanese knotweed
• Easy to adjust
• Foldable handle 
• Low maintenance needs 
• Lightweight
• Easy to maneuver 
• Gets into tighter areas 

Drawbacks:

• Nose heavy design 

7. Husqvarna Detachable String Trimmer – Best For Gas Trimmers

 

This weed wacker will become your go-to product if you need an easy but powerful tool for weeds, grass, and much more. It has SmartStart trimmer technology built into the design that reduces your starter cord resistance by an impressive 40% to make it easy and quick to start it each time you have a project to tackle. It has a strong braided trimmer line on it that can cut through thicker weeds or brush without an issue, and the straight shaft gives you a very strong reach underneath bushes or in hard-to-reach spots around your yard or garden without a lot of bending and twisting on your part. 

The trimmer is very easy to transport or store because it has a detachable head on it, and this weed wacker is part of the multi-tool family. This means that the 128LD base is compatible with three snap-on attachments, including a pole saw, garden cultivator, and an edger. So, you can take on a range of projects around your yard without having to have multiple tools stored until you need them. It runs on a mixture of unleaded gas and 2-cycle oil, so you will have to read before you fire it up to ensure you’re mixing it correctly. 

Benefits:

• SmartStart trimmer technology 
• Braided trimmer line 
• Straight shaft head 
• Detachable head for easy transport 
• Supports multiple attachments 
• Cuts through thicker brush or weeds 
• Easy to get in hard-to-reach spots 

Drawbacks:

• Have to mix gas and oil for it 

8. SRM-225 String Trimmer – Best For 

 

This is another gas-powered weed wacker that is a straight-shaft trimmer model. So, it has enough power to cut through tough weeds or brush in your yard without snapping the string. It also comes outfitted with an easier starting system with a newly revamped design that ensures you won’t have to struggle to get it running by pulling it multiple times each time you want to use it. It also has a very low vibration design that ensures you stay comfortable holding it through longer projects, and this can reduce the stress and strain on your body too. 

The ergonomic handles on this weed wacker are easy to grip, and they’re the perfect size for both small and larger hands. It has a larger 17-inch cutting width to it that allows you to cut through larger areas of your yard to complete your projects quicker. There is a line advance bump feed mechanism on it that ensures you don’t have to toy with it if it breaks to slow you down. It also features a very lightweight design that makes it easy to carry around your yard.

Benefits:

• Lightweight design 
• Anti-vibration handles 
• Low-vibration design 
• Ergonomic grip 
• 17-inch cutting swatch 
• Line advance bump feed 
• Easy to move around 

Drawbacks:

• Difficult to find parts to it 

9. Greenworks Corded String Trimmer – Best For Multiple Yard Projects

 

This nice weed wacker from Greenworks features a power cord that gives you an excellent runtime without the fumes you’d get from a gas trimmer, and you also don’t have to worry much about maintenance or mixing fuels. You get a 10-amp motor with an 18-inch cutting diameter that is strong enough to slice through tough weeds and tall grass without stalling out. It has a .080 dual line bump feed that ensures you don’t have to waste time manually spooling the line if it breaks when you work, and this can help you complete your projects faster. 

It has a lightweight design that allows you to easily move it around for extended periods without any fatigue, and the electric start is very easy to operate. The cord lock feature ensures you don’t accidentally trip over the cord or run over it by letting too much out, and you get a cushioned over-mold grip and handle that is comfortable to hold. The auxiliary handle gives you much more control with trimming around your home, and there is a quick-connect coupler that allows you to swap out attachments as you need to when you use it. 

Benefits:

• Dual line bump feed
• Cord lock mechanism 
• Auxiliary handle 
• Lightweight design 
• Cushioned grip 
• Quick-connect coupler 
• Can swap out attachments 

Drawbacks:

• Challenging to respool the line 

10. MAXLANDER Cordless String Trimmer – Best For Quick Charging

 

The final weed wacker on the list comes from Maxlander, and it’s a cordless string trimmer that can cut down normal yard and garden weeds before rotating 90° to turn into an edger and clean up along your driveways, patios, decks, flower beds, or walkways with ease. It comes with dual 20-volt batteries and a quick charger when you order it, and this gives you a longer runtime while ensuring that you have a battery ready each time you want to take it out. It has low heat and low power consumption, and you can charge your battery in an hour for up to 30-minutes of use. 

This weed wacker has an ergonomic design that makes it lightweight and easy to maneuver, and it has a soft rubber handle that feels non-slip when you use it. It means you can comfortably use it for hours without getting fatigued or straining your body. The string trimmer is detachable, and you get fast, clean cuts. It weighs in at less than six pounds, and the PowerDrive transmission gives you more power from the motor while keeping the noise levels lower. 

Benefits:

• PowerDrive transmission 
• Dual 20-volt batteries included
• Charges in an hour 
• Turns into an edger
• Lightweight 
• Comfortable, padded handle 
• Lower noise levels 

Drawbacks:

• Batteries only last 20 to 30 minutes

Best Weed Wacker – Buyer’s Guide

When you go to pick out the best weed wacker, there are buying considerations you have to mind to ensure you get a quality product. No matter if you want a weed wacker to trim around your chicken coop or just spruce up your landscaping, finding the best model to suit your needs will make your life easier. 

The best weed wacker should be versatile enough to take on large and small-scale projects without being too bulky or stalling halfway through due to the weeds and grass. 

Electric or Gas

One of the first things you have to decide on is whether you want an electric or gas model. An electric model is usually more lightweight, and it can run on batteries or with a cord. They’re very portable, but the battery can die within 20 minutes if you don’t have a corded option. They also don’t have as much power as the gas version, but they’re a nice pick for smaller or medium-sized yards. 

Gas powered weed wackers are very popular, and they’re powerful without being restricted by a cord. This allows you to move freely around larger yards, but it does release exhaust fumes. They’re usually more expensive than the electric models, but they make up for it in power and the size of the jobs they can tackle. Look at your yard and decide which one will fit in best. This will help you narrow down your choices from the get-go. 

Power

No matter what type of best weed wacker you pick out, the power is going to be important. You don’t want to get something that isn’t powerful enough to tackle your projects without stalling. It should be able to cut through densely overgrown grass and tall weeds. Look at the motor and see how many CCs it is. Another thing to look for is whether or not it’s a brushless motor because this can reduce your maintenance needs while boosting your power output. 

Overgrown grass and thick brush in your yard can present a problem for even the best weed wackers. Make sure it’s powerful enough to handle the jobs you want to take on before you buy it. If you don’t, you can burn it out.

Charge or Runtime 

If you buy a cordless best weed wacker, it’ll usually have a battery included in the purchase with a charger. Since you’ll have to recharge it between uses, you want it to give you enough runtime to complete your tasks. The runtime can vary depending on how difficult of a terrain you’re working with and how thick the grass is. It can vary from 20 minutes on a full charge to up over an hour. 

Another thing to consider is the charge time. If you only have one battery, this is huge because most units take five to six hours to charge between uses. Look for the shortest charge time possible because this will help you finish your job and get back out teaching your kids how to use a pogo stick much quicker than if you have to finish your project in pieces due to a dead battery. 

Balance 

Most of the best weed wackers have an ergonomic design that makes it easy to grip and hold onto when you use them. However, they can be very awkward to balance and use, and this is especially true if you have a large head on it or a large battery pack. Some have shoulder straps and clips on them to help you balance. Whichever model you choose should also be very responsive and have a high precision rate to make it easy to use it around cramped areas. Your balance will play a key role here. 

Line Changes

How easy is it to change the line on the best weed wackers? Putting a new line in your weed wacker shouldn’t be a frustrating or time-consuming task anymore. There are both manual and automatic systems in place that will reel the line in for you and keep it at the correct length. Look for one with an automatic line reel because this is the most convenient choice. 

Guard

If you look at the trimmer head on your best weed wacker, you’ll notice that it has a small guard attached. This guard protects your feet and legs from any flying debris the weed wacker could kick up when it runs. The wider the guard is, the more protection it’ll offer you. While it won’t stop everything from going through, it can help reduce the amount of green stainage you have on your shoes and legs when you finish using it. 

A durable guard is one way to protect yourself from flying debris, and the best weed wackers usually have a slightly thicker one equipped.

Budget 

Even the best weed wackers are within many people’s budgets. They can start around $60 and go up to well over a few hundred dollars easy. Unlike a lawn mower or a chainsaw, choosing a cordless model isn’t going to break the bank. You do have to consider the long-term pricing  that comes with owning one of these pieces of equipment like gas, oil, batteries, and routine maintenance. 

Bottom Line 

The best weed wackers allow you to spruce up your home, clean up around your patio or garden, and keep your yard looking neat and trimmed all summer and spring. My top 10 choices come from reputable brands, and you can compare them side-by-side using the buying guide I created to help narrow down your choices to the best one. Pick it out and spend some time making your yard the envy of the neighborhood.