January 2023
String Lawn Trimmers: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of String Trimmer rankings posted by key online experts, as of January 2023.
Summary
Between 9 Jan 2023 and 10 Jan 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 86 String Trimmer endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
62 String Lawn Trimmers were endorsed in total, only 15 made it into this month's ranking (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included).
As of 10 Jan 2023, Worx WG163 GT takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed string trimmer with 5 expert endorsements. 1 expert out of 5 recommended it as the '#1 string trimmer' this month. It is followed by Husqvarna 128LD and Makita XRU15Z , with 3 and 4 expert endorsements respectively.
Brand breakdown
-
Black+Decker:
10 String Trimmers
(#1 is Black+Decker LST140C )
-
Ryobi:
6 String Trimmers
(#1 is Ryobi RLT1825 )
-
Worx:
5 String Trimmers
(#1 is Worx PowerShare WG154 )
-
Husqvarna:
5 String Trimmers
(#1 is Husqvarna 525L )
-
Ego Power+:
5 String Trimmers
(#1 is Ego Power+ ST1623T )
Price breakdown
At a glance - January 2023 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | String Trimmer |
BestCovery
|
Best of Machinery
|
Wirecutter
|
LawnStarter
|
Architecture Lab
|
Epic Gardening
|
Bob Vila
|
The Spruce
|
Popular Mechanics
|
Pocket-lint
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $139 |
Worx WG163 GT
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
7
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
|
2
|
- | $220 |
Husqvarna 128LD
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
9
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
3
|
- | Check price |
Makita XRU15Z
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
7
|
9
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | $65 |
Toro 51480
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
- | $240 |
Ego ST1521S
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
6
|
- | $400 |
Ryobi RY40270
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
|
7
|
- | $99 |
Black & Decker LSTE525
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
|
8
|
- | Check price |
Dewalt Flexvolt DCST970X1
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
|
9
|
- | $40 |
Black+Decker ST8600
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
15
|
- | $111 |
Worx GT Revolution
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
16
|
- | $50 |
GreenWorks 21212
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
- | $50 |
Black+Decker BESTA510
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
|
18
|
- | $74 |
Greenworks 21142
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
19
|
- | $95 |
Ryobi P2030
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
|
20
|
- | $136 |
Greenworks 21302
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
Sorted by price:
| Position in ranking | Price | String Trimmer |
|---|---|---|
| #9 | $39.99 | Black+Decker ST8600 [buy] [more info] |
| #17 | $49.88 | Black+Decker BESTA510 [buy] [more info] |
| #16 | $49.99 | GreenWorks 21212 [buy] [more info] |
| #4 | $64.99 | Toro 51480 [buy] [more info] |
| #18 | $74 | Greenworks 21142 [buy] [more info] |
| #19 | $94.99 | Ryobi P2030 [buy] [more info] |
| #7 | $99 | Black & Decker LSTE525 [buy] [more info] |
| #15 | $110.53 | Worx GT Revolution [buy] [more info] |
| #20 | $135.99 | Greenworks 21302 [buy] [more info] |
| #1 | $138.84 | Worx WG163 GT [buy] [more info] |
| #2 | $219.99 | Husqvarna 128LD [buy] [more info] |
| #5 | $239.99 | Ego ST1521S [buy] [more info] |
| #6 | $399.99 | Ryobi RY40270 [buy] [more info] |
We ranked Worx WG163 GT #1 in January 2023 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best String Lawn Trimmers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Worx WG163 GT as #1.
Best of Machinery
Best Trimmer for Efficient Performance / 2022 Choice Award
|
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
|
Architecture Lab
|
Pros
Good all-round performance
High-powered and versatile
Compact and ergonomic design
|
Cons
Misleading advertisement on packaging
|
Bob Vila
Best for Small Yards
|
Pros
Shaft rotates 90 degrees for convenient edging
Includes a second battery
Folds flat for compact storage
Good power for the size
|
Cons
Shorter runtime
Longer charging time
Head angle adjustment is somewhat awkward
|
We ranked Husqvarna 128LD #2 in January 2023 because:
- 3 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
|
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 January 2023 ranking
BestCovery
Best of Machinery
Wirecutter
LawnStarter
Architecture Lab
Epic Gardening
Bob Vila
The Spruce
Popular Mechanics
Pocket-lint
We ranked Makita XRU15Z #3 in January 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best String Lawn Trimmers” rankings.
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
|
Bob Vila
Upgrade pick
|
Pros
Runtime is longer than recharge time
Comes with a second set of batteries
Runtime is longer than the competition
Gas-like power
|
Cons
More expensive than competition
Very small debris guard
Bump head is a little stiff
|
The Spruce
Best Safety Features
|
Pros
Three speeds
Automatic Torque Drive technology
Protects battery life
|
Cons
Expensive
|
We ranked Toro 51480 #4 in January 2023 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
Wide cutting swath
|
Cons
Cord limits mobility
|
We ranked Ego ST1521S #5 in January 2023 because:
- 2 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 Ryobi RY40270 #6 in January 2023 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
Ryobi tool compatible
Multiple attachments available
Variable speed
Adjustable cutting width
|
Cons
Expensive
Heavy
|
We ranked Black & Decker LSTE525 #7 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best String Lawn Trimmers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert 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 Dewalt Flexvolt DCST970X1 #8 in January 2023 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 Black+Decker ST8600 #9 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best String Lawn Trimmers” rankings.
Bob Vila
Best Budget
|
Pros
Easy to carry
13-inch cutting swath
Converts from string trimmer to edger
No expensive batteries to replace
|
Cons
Does not include a pigtail power cord
Range limited by the length of the extension cord
|
We ranked Worx GT Revolution #10 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best String Lawn Trimmers” rankings.
Bob Vila
Best Lightweight
|
Pros
Very lightweight and easy to carry
Budget-friendly
Includes an extra battery
Folds flat for storage
|
Cons
Limited runtime
Long recharge time
Not as effective for overgrown grass and coarse weeds
|
We ranked GreenWorks 21212 #11 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best String Lawn Trimmers” rankings.
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
|
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
|
We ranked Black+Decker BESTA510 #12 in January 2023 because:
- 2 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 Greenworks 21142 #13 in January 2023 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
|
We ranked Ryobi P2030 #14 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best String Lawn Trimmers” rankings.
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
|
The Spruce
Best Battery
|
Pros
Battery compatible with other Ryobi products
Easy to rotate shaft
Ergonomic handle
|
Cons
Narrow cutting width
|
We ranked Greenworks 21302 #15 in January 2023 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
|