October 2021
String Lawn Trimmers: Aggregated Ranking Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of String Trimmer rankings posted by key online experts, as of October 2021.
At a glance - October 2021 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | String Trimmer |
Wirecutter
|
Popular Mechanics
|
LawnStarter
|
The Spruce
|
Architecture Lab
|
Bob Vila
|
Epic Gardening
|
Best of Machinery
|
BestCovery
|
Pocket-lint
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $113 |
Worx WG163 GT
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
6
|
5
|
7
|
1
|
-
|
2
|
|
2
|
- | $210 |
Husqvarna 128LD
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
4
|
9
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
3
|
- | Check price |
Black & Decker LSTE525
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
|
4
|
- | $249 |
Ego ST1521S
|
2
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
- | $50 |
Toro 51480
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
|
6
|
- | $389 |
Makita XRU15Z
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
|
7
|
- | Check price |
Dewalt Flexvolt DCST970X1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
7
|
-
|
9
|
|
8
|
- | Check price |
Ryobi RY40270
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
9
|
- | $44 |
Black+Decker BESTA510
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
|
10
|
- | $44 |
Black+Decker ST8600
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
11
|
- | $38 |
GreenWorks 21212
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
|
12
|
- | $225 |
Echo SRM-225
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
|
13
|
- | $145 |
Greenworks 21302
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
|
14
|
- | $60 |
Ryobi P2030
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
|
15
|
- | $61 |
Greenworks 21142
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
We ranked Worx WG163 GT #1 in October 2021 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best String Lawn Trimmers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Worx WG163 GT as #1.
The Spruce
Best Budget
|
Pros
Budget-Friendly
Combo tool
Rechargeable battery
Lightweight
|
Cons
Okay cutting width
|
Architecture Lab
|
Pros
Good all-round performance
High-powered and versatile
Compact and ergonomic design
|
Cons
Misleading advertisement on packaging
|
Best of Machinery
Best Trimmer for Efficient Performance
|
Pros
12” wide cutting path
2-in-1 function with dual-position wheels for grass trimming or edging
Comes with 2 powerful 20V MAX lithium-ion rechargeable batteries
Ultra-lightweight design at only 5.3 lbs
|
Cons
You might need to swap the string out - it's not very strong
|
We ranked Husqvarna 128LD #2 in October 2021 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best String Lawn Trimmers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Husqvarna 128LD as #1.
LawnStarter
|
Pros
Powerful engine with easy starts
Easy to load and release line
Uses professional-grade string
Converts to other power tools with Husqvarna attachments (sold separately)
Lightweight compared to similar gas trimmers
|
Cons
Expensive
Users reported the shaft being too short for someone around 6 feet to use comfortably
Some users reported issues with the engine stalling out regularly
|
The Spruce
Best Gas
|
Pros
Powerful motor
Attachments available
SmartStart system
|
Cons
Requires gas filling
Expensive
|
Architecture Lab
|
Pros
High-performing engine
Energy and time-efficient
Design optimized for easy operation and maneuverability
|
Cons
• Expensive
|
Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend String Lawn Trimmers.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of String Lawn Trimmers, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for October 2021 ranking
Wirecutter
Popular Mechanics
LawnStarter
The Spruce
Architecture Lab
Bob Vila
Epic Gardening
Best of Machinery
BestCovery
Pocket-lint
We ranked Black & Decker LSTE525 #3 in October 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best String Lawn Trimmers” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Black & Decker LSTE525 as #1.
Architecture Lab
|
Pros
High-functioning, portable device
Affords greater control to user
Ergonomic design
Affordable
|
Cons
Battery prone to running out
|
We ranked Ego ST1521S #4 in October 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best String Lawn Trimmers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Ego ST1521S as #1.
Architecture Lab
|
Pros
Impressive cutting power
Noiseless and pollution-free
Durable; good value for money
|
Cons
Weighs on the heavier side
|
We ranked Toro 51480 #5 in October 2021 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best String Lawn Trimmers” rankings.
LawnStarter
|
Pros
Inexpensive
Easy to use
Converts to wheeled edger
Telescoping shaft
|
Cons
Relatively weak engine
A little heavy for corded
|
The Spruce
Best Plug-in
|
Pros
Combination trimmer/edger
Budget-friendly
Good cutting width
|
Cons
Needs to plug in
|
We ranked Makita XRU15Z #6 in October 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best String Lawn Trimmers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Makita XRU15Z as #1.
The Spruce
Best Safety Features
|
Pros
Three speeds
Automatic Torque Drive technology
Protects battery life
|
Cons
Expensive
|
Best of Machinery
Best Professional Battery-Powered String Trimmer
|
Pros
No need to purchase or add fuel
Automatic sensing technology provides the proper RPM
Brushless motor allows for a long run time
Easy push-button start
Quiet and odorless engine
|
Cons
Small debris shield
|
We ranked Dewalt Flexvolt DCST970X1 #7 in October 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best String Lawn Trimmers” rankings.
Best of Machinery
Best Residential Battery-Powered String Trimmer
|
Pros
Brushless motor allows for long run time
Quiet operation and no idling
Push-button start
No need for gasoline nor oil
3-year limited warranty + 90-day money-back guarantee
|
Cons
Users report issues with the included bump head
|
We ranked Ryobi RY40270 #8 in October 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best String Lawn Trimmers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Ryobi RY40270 as #1.
The Spruce
Best Overall
|
Pros
Compatible with other Ryobi tools
Multiple attachments available
Variable speed
Adjustable cutting width
|
Cons
Expensive
Heavy
|
We ranked Black+Decker BESTA510 #9 in October 2021 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best String Lawn Trimmers” rankings.
LawnStarter
|
Pros
Inexpensive
Lightweight
Easy to use
Converts to wheeled edger
|
Cons
Not compatible with some 3-prong extension cords
Some users reported problems with the auto-feed not releasing the right length of line
|
We ranked Black+Decker ST8600 #10 in October 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best String Lawn Trimmers” rankings.
We ranked GreenWorks 21212 #11 in October 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best String Lawn Trimmers” rankings.
Architecture Lab
|
Pros
Time-efficient trimming
Powerful motor with quick start-up
Increased operational efficiency
Great value for money
|
Cons
Not suitable for bigger lawns
|
Best of Machinery
Best Corded Trimmer for Small Gardens
|
Pros
Powerful 4 amp electric motor
13” cutting diameter for more efficient performance
Incredibly lightweight 5.2 lb body
Automatic line feed for less downtime
|
Cons
You'll need to use an extension cord with this trimmer
|
We ranked Echo SRM-225 #12 in October 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best String Lawn Trimmers” rankings.
Best of Machinery
Best 2-Stroke String Trimmer for Homeowners
|
Pros
Lightweight at 11.5 lbs
Bump head allows for easy release of string
Low vibration design reduces user fatigue
Engine is easy to start and keeps running while in use
5-year residential and 2-year commercial warranty
|
Cons
2-stroke cycle engine requires a mix of gasoline and oil
|
We ranked Greenworks 21302 #13 in October 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best String Lawn Trimmers” rankings.
LawnStarter
|
Pros
Powerful battery
Converts to wheeled edger
Telescoping shaft
|
Cons
Heavy
|
We ranked Ryobi P2030 #14 in October 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best String Lawn Trimmers” rankings.
The Spruce
Best Battery
|
Pros
Battery compatible with other Ryobi products
Easy to rotate shaft
Ergonomic handle
|
Cons
Small cutting width
|
Best of Machinery
Best Value Battery-Powered String Trimmer
|
Pros
Weighs only 4 lb
No need to purchase gasoline nor oil
3-year limited warranty + 90-day satisfaction guarantee
Includes automatic string advancement system
Battery charges in one hour
|
Cons
Short shaft limits reach
Not as sturdy as other string trimmers
|
We ranked Greenworks 21142 #15 in October 2021 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best String Lawn Trimmers” rankings.
Architecture Lab
|
Pros
Energy and time-efficient
Incredible value for money
Reliable with a good shelf-life
|
Cons
Prone to polluting
|