September 2023
String Lawn Trimmers: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of string lawn trimmers rankings posted by key online experts, as of September 2023.
Summary
On 3 Sep 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 88 string trimmer endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
66 string 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 3 Sep 2023, Worx WG163 GT takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed string trimmer with 6 expert endorsements. 1 expert out of 6 recommended it as the '#1 string trimmer' this month.
Brand breakdown
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Black+Decker: 11 string trimmers
(#1 is Black & Decker LSTE525)
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Ryobi: 7 string trimmers
(#1 is Ryobi RY40270)
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Husqvarna: 5 string trimmers
(#1 is Husqvarna 128LD)
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Ego Power+: 5 string trimmers
(#1 is Ego ST1521S)
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Worx: 4 string trimmers
(#1 is Worx WG163 GT)
Price breakdown
At a glance - September Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | String Trimmer |
Best of Machinery
|
The Spruce
|
Pocket-lint
|
Bob Vila
|
Epic Gardening
|
LawnStarter
|
BestCovery
|
Architecture Lab
|
Wirecutter
|
Popular Mechanics
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $122 |
Worx WG163 GT
The Worx WG163 GT String Trimmer is a highly recommended tool for homeowners looking to maintain their lawns and complete landscaping projects, offering sufficient power, durability, ease of use, and safety features.
|
1
|
7
|
2
|
7
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
|
2
|
- | $195 |
Husqvarna 128LD
The Husqvarna 128LD gas string trimmer is highly recommended by experts for its power, versatility, durability, low noise levels, ease of use, and safety features, making it a reliable and valuable tool for homeowners and professional landscapers.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
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1
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
3
|
- | $240 |
Ego ST1521S
The Ego ST1521S String Trimmer is a powerful and versatile cordless trimmer that offers impressive cutting power, precise trimming and edging capabilities, and a quiet and comfortable trimming experience, making it a reliable option for users looking for a durable and flexible trimmer.
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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1
|
2
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | Check price |
Ryobi RY40270
The Ryobi RY40270 String Trimmer is a versatile and powerful tool for trimming tasks in smaller lawns and lighter vegetation, offering improved power, durability, and ease of use compared to other models.
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
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-
|
-
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-
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-
|
3
|
-
|
|
5
|
- | $114 |
Black & Decker LSTE525
The Black & Decker LSTE525 is a cordless string trimmer that offers adjustable power settings, effective trimming and edging capabilities, and a user-friendly design, making it a versatile and reliable option for maintaining smaller yards and lawns.
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-
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-
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1
|
-
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-
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-
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-
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3
|
-
|
-
|
|
6
|
- | Check price |
Makita XRU15Z
The Makita XRU15Z is a highly praised string trimmer that offers powerful performance, versatility, durability, low noise levels, ease of use, and safety features, making it a highly recommended option for homeowners with smaller lawns or those who require precision trimming and edging.
|
6
|
-
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-
|
3
|
-
|
-
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-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
|
7
|
- | $219 |
Dewalt Flexvolt DCST970X1
The Dewalt Flexvolt DCST970X1 String Trimmer is a highly praised and powerful tool that is suitable for both residential and commercial use, offering power, versatility, and efficient trimming capabilities.
|
7
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
3
|
-
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-
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-
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-
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-
|
|
8
|
- | $65 |
Toro 51480
The Toro 51480 String Trimmer is a powerful and reliable option for homeowners, offering almost gas-powered performance levels, easy switching between trimming and edging modes, and a comfortable and safe trimming experience.
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-
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-
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-
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-
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6
|
6
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5
|
-
|
-
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-
|
|
9
|
- | $52 |
Black+Decker ST8600
The Black+Decker ST8600 String Trimmer is a powerful and reliable corded trimmer that is suitable for maintaining lawns and tackling various vegetation, with adjustable power settings, a durable design, and user-friendly features.
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-
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-
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-
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2
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2
|
-
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-
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-
|
-
|
-
|
|
15
|
- | Check price |
GreenWorks 21212
The GreenWorks 21212 String Trimmer is a powerful and durable electric trimmer that is easy to handle and maneuver, making it a reliable tool for maintaining smaller lawns or areas with less dense vegetation.
|
3
|
-
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-
|
-
|
-
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-
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-
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7
|
-
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-
|
|
16
|
- | $300 |
DeWalt DCST972X1
The DeWalt DCST972X1 String Trimmer is a highly recommended tool for both professional landscapers and homeowners, thanks to its high-end power output, versatility, durability, and user-friendly features.
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-
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8
|
-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
|
3
|
|
17
|
- | $115 |
Worx GT Revolution
The Worx GT Revolution String Trimmer is a powerful and versatile tool suitable for smaller to medium-sized lawns, offering adjustable power settings, durability, ease of use, and safety features for efficient regular lawn maintenance.
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-
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-
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-
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4
|
-
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-
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-
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-
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4
|
-
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|
18
|
- | $80 |
Greenworks 21142
The Greenworks 21142 String Trimmer is a powerful and durable option for those with larger yards and open spaces, offering efficient trimming and edging capabilities with a 10-amp motor and 18-inch cutting swath, while also being praised for its durability and quieter operation.
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
|
4
|
5
|
-
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-
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|
19
|
- | $50 |
Black+Decker BESTA510
|
-
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-
|
6
|
-
|
-
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5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
20
|
- | $110 |
Greenworks 21302
The Greenworks 21302 String Trimmer is a battery-powered, lightweight, and versatile trimmer/edger that offers powerful performance and convenience without the need for gas or emissions.
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
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-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Worx WG163 GT #1 in September 2023 because:
- 6 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 / 2023 Choice Award
|
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
|
You might need to swap the string out - it's not very strong
|
The Spruce
Best Rated
|
Comes with two batteries
Free string replacement reels
Converts from trimmer to edger
|
String runs out quickly
|
Bob Vila
Best for Small Yards
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Shaft rotates 90 degrees for convenient edging
Includes a second battery
Folds flat for compact storage
Good power for the size
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Shorter runtime
Longer charging time
Head angle adjustment is somewhat awkward
|
Architecture Lab
|
Good all-round performance
High-powered and versatile
Compact and ergonomic design
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Misleading advertisement on packaging
|
We ranked Husqvarna 128LD #2 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best string lawn trimmers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Husqvarna 128LD as #1.
LawnStarter
Runner-Up
|
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
|
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
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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 September 2023 ranking
Best of Machinery
The Spruce
Pocket-lint
Bob Vila
Epic Gardening
LawnStarter
BestCovery
Architecture Lab
Wirecutter
Popular Mechanics
We ranked Ego ST1521S #3 in September 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
Best for Heavy-Duty Tasks
|
Impressive cutting power
Noiseless and pollution-free
Durable; good value for money
|
Weighs on the heavier side
|
We ranked Ryobi RY40270 #4 in September 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
|
Multiple attachments available
Variable speed
Adjustable cutting width
Very easy to reload with string
|
Some complaints that included blades aren't strong enough
|
We ranked Black & Decker LSTE525 #5 in September 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
Best for Versatility and Design
|
High-functioning, portable device
Affords greater control to user
Ergonomic design
Affordable
|
Battery prone to running out
|
We ranked Makita XRU15Z #6 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best string lawn trimmers” rankings.
Best of Machinery
Best Professional Battery-Powered String Trimmer
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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
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Small debris shield
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Bob Vila
Upgrade pick
|
Runtime is longer than recharge time; second battery always ready to use
Comes with a second set of batteries; ideal for extended use
Runtime is longer than the competition
Gas-like power, without the noise or the fumes
|
Very small debris guard
Bump head is a little stiff
|
We ranked Dewalt Flexvolt DCST970X1 #7 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best string lawn trimmers” rankings.
Best of Machinery
Best Residential Battery-Powered String Trimmer
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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
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Users report issues with the included bump head
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We ranked Toro 51480 #8 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best string lawn trimmers” rankings.
LawnStarter
|
Inexpensive
Easy to use
Converts to wheeled edger
Telescoping shaft
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Relatively weak engine
A little heavy for corded
|
We ranked Black+Decker ST8600 #9 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best string lawn trimmers” rankings.
Bob Vila
Best Bang for the Buck
|
Compact and lightweight unit is easy to carry
13-inch cutting swath handles most work quickly
Great flexibility; converts from string trimmer to edger
Corded model; no expensive batteries to replace
|
Does not include a pigtail power cord
Range limited by the length of the extension cord
|
We ranked GreenWorks 21212 #10 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best string lawn trimmers” rankings.
Best of Machinery
Best Corded Trimmer for Small Gardens
|
Powerful 4 amp electric motor
13” cutting diameter for more efficient performance
Incredibly lightweight 5.2 lb body
Automatic line feed for less downtime
|
You'll need to use an extension cord with this trimmer
|
Architecture Lab
|
Time-efficient trimming
Powerful motor with quick start-up
Increased operational efficiency
Great value for money
|
Not suitable for bigger lawns
|
We ranked DeWalt DCST972X1 #11 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best string lawn trimmers” rankings.
The Spruce
Best Splurge
|
Adjustable cutting swath
Can be used with many different attachments
Powerful
|
Relatively heavy
|
We ranked Worx GT Revolution #12 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best string lawn trimmers” rankings.
Bob Vila
Best Lightweight
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Very lightweight and easy to carry
Budget-friendly
Includes an extra battery
Folds flat for storage
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Limited runtime
Long recharge time
Not as effective for overgrown grass and coarse weeds
|
We ranked Greenworks 21142 #13 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best string lawn trimmers” rankings.
Architecture Lab
|
Energy and time-efficient
Incredible value for money
Reliable with a good shelf-life
|
Prone to polluting
|
We ranked Black+Decker BESTA510 #14 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best string lawn trimmers” rankings.
LawnStarter
Top Corded Electric
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Inexpensive
Lightweight
Easy to use
Converts to wheeled edger
|
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 21302 #15 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best string lawn trimmers” rankings.
