September 2022
String Lawn Trimmers: Meta Ranking Report
This report contains an aggregate consensus of String Trimmer rankings posted by key online experts, as of September 2022.
Summary
As of 9 Sep 2022, Worx WG163 GT takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed string trimmer with 5 expert endorsements. 1 experts 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.
At a glance - September 2022 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | String Trimmer |
Wirecutter
|
Popular Mechanics
|
LawnStarter
|
The Spruce
|
Architecture Lab
|
Epic Gardening
|
Best of Machinery
|
BestCovery
|
Pocket-lint
|
Bob Vila
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $110 |
Worx WG163 GT
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
7
|
1
|
-
|
2
|
7
|
|
2
|
- | $214 |
Husqvarna 128LD
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
9
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
3
|
- | $399 |
Makita XRU15Z
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
|
4
|
- | $65 |
Toro 51480
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
8
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
- | $235 |
Ego ST1521S
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
6
|
- | $400 |
Ryobi RY40270
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
7
|
- | $100 |
Black & Decker LSTE525
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
|
8
|
- | Check price |
Dewalt Flexvolt DCST970X1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
7
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
|
9
|
- | $40 |
Black+Decker ST8600
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
|
15
|
- | $109 |
Worx GT Revolution
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
|
16
|
- | $38 |
GreenWorks 21212
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
+1 | $48 |
Black+Decker BESTA510
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
|
18
|
+1 | $79 |
Greenworks 21142
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
|
19
|
+1 | $99 |
Ryobi P2030
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
20
|
+1 | $150 |
Greenworks 21302
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
We ranked Worx WG163 GT #1 in September 2022 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best String Lawn Trimmers” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Worx WG163 GT as #1.
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
|
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 September 2022 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 September 2022 ranking
Wirecutter
Popular Mechanics
LawnStarter
The Spruce
Architecture Lab
Epic Gardening
Best of Machinery
BestCovery
Pocket-lint
Bob Vila
We ranked Makita XRU15Z #3 in September 2022 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best String Lawn Trimmers” rankings.
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
|
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
|
We ranked Toro 51480 #4 in September 2022 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 Ego ST1521S #5 in September 2022 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 September 2022 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 LSTE525 #7 in September 2022 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 September 2022 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 September 2022 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 September 2022 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 September 2022 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 Black+Decker BESTA510 #12 in September 2022 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 September 2022 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 September 2022 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 21302 #15 in September 2022 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
|