The 11 best string trimmers of 2026, according to Consumer Reports

String trimmers, sometimes called weed whackers, are built for the edges: tight runs along fences, rock walls, and garden beds where mowers can't reach. The market spans battery-powered, corded electric, and gas models, with prices ranging from under $60 to well over $500. Buy the wrong one and you'll either overpay for power you don't need or end up with something too underpowered for a large yard.

Consumer Reports tested hundreds of string trimmers across gas, corded, and battery types, and judged each on trimming, edging, tall-grass clearing, handling, and ease of use. Read on for 11 top picks.

Credit: Makita

At $499, the Makita XRU15PT is the top-rated battery-powered string trimmer in Consumer Reports' ratings. It weighs 10.1 pounds and logged more than 30 minutes of run time in CR's tests, which is average for its battery class. CR found the tool aces nearly every performance test, with only ease of use coming in at an average mark. Makita electric string trimmers as a brand earn top scores for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction in CR's member surveys.

Credit: Milwaukee

The Milwaukee 3016-21ST lists for $379 and ties the Makita XRU15PT with an overall score of 90, placing it second by sort index. Consumer Reports found it earns top marks for trimming and edging, with the 14-to-16-inch adjustable head and dual cutting lines handling tall grass and weeds impressively. CR noted the handle is difficult to adjust and the 12.38-pound weight makes it one of the heavier battery models in the ratings. The tool supports multiple attachments — swapping in a pole saw or hedge trimmer head extends its utility — and Milwaukee's M18 battery platform means the pack works across a wide lineup of power tools.

Credit: Makita

Priced at $519, the Makita GRU01M1 earns an overall score of 89, the third-highest among battery-powered trimmers in Consumer Reports' ratings. CR found it delivers excellent scores for trimming and edging, with standout performance clearing tall grass and weeds. The 40-volt battery gives it more staying power than 18-volt models in the lineup, which CR noted makes it better suited for larger yards. Owners can use that battery across other Makita 40-volt tools, though the platform is smaller than the brand's extensive 18-volt lineup.

Credit: Makita

The Makita XRU23SM1, priced at $229, is the top-rated light-duty battery string trimmer — with a 13-inch cutting swath — among models 14 inches and under in Consumer Reports' tests. CR found it aces nearly all performance categories, including battery run time, with only ease of use earning an average score. Weighing just over seven pounds, it's among the lightest battery trimmers CR has tested, making it easy to carry through extended yard work. Makita electric trimmers earn top scores for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction in CR's member surveys, and the XRU23SM1 runs on the brand's widely compatible 18-volt battery platform.

Credit: Makita

The Makita XUX02SM1X1 is priced at $299 and carries an overall score of 83, making it the second-rated light-duty battery trimmer in Consumer Reports' tests. CR found it earns excellent marks for trimming, edging, and tackling tall grass and weeds, with a very good score for handling. Its 13-inch cutting swath matches the XRU23SM1, but at 10.4 pounds it's about three pounds heavier, which CR says makes the model above the better pick for most buyers when it's in stock. Both run on Makita's 18-volt platform, and prices between the two models can shift, so it's worth checking before buying.

Credit: Ryobi

At $95, the Ryobi RY41135 is the top-rated corded electric string trimmer in Consumer Reports' tests, earning a score of 77. CR found the dual cutting strings on its 18-inch head deliver top marks in all three cutting tests — trimming, edging, and tall-grass clearing. The tool weighs 10 pounds and offers a corded-only design, which keeps the price low but limits reach to the length of an extension cord. Ryobi corded electric trimmers earn an above-average predicted reliability score in CR's member surveys, though owner satisfaction comes in as mediocre.

Credit: Amazon

The Black+Decker BESTE620 is one of the least expensive models in Consumer Reports' ratings at $59, yet CR found it aces the key performance tests, including the tall-grass-and-weeds assessment. CR noted it weighs just five pounds, making it among the lightest in the ratings. Its telescoping shaft and swiveling cutting head are designed for maneuverability, but CR found those features don't translate into strong ease-of-use or handling scores, which land at average. Black+Decker corded trimmers earn an average rating for predicted reliability in CR's member surveys, and owner satisfaction ratings are low.

Credit: Home Depot

The Echo SRM-2620 carries a price tag of $399 and an overall score of 83, placing it at the top of the gas straight-shaft category in Consumer Reports' ratings. CR found it cuts evenly and edges cleanly, earning standout scores for both trimming and handling. Echo gas straight-shaft trimmers earn an above-average reliability rating and an excellent owner satisfaction score in CR's member surveys. Buyers looking to spend less can also consider the Echo SRM-225i, which CR notes is somewhat less powerful but priced lower.

Credit: Stihl

Priced at $360, the Stihl FS 70 R earns an overall score of 82, putting it among the best gas straight-shaft string trimmers in Consumer Reports' ratings. CR found it earns top scores for trimming, edging, and clearing tall grass and weeds with its 27cc engine and 16.5-inch cutting head. Stihl gas straight-shaft trimmers receive a top mark for owner satisfaction and a very good rating for predicted reliability in CR's member surveys. The straight shaft gives it extra reach compared with curved-shaft models, which can make a difference when working along walls or under fences.

Credit: ECHO

The ECHO GT-225L is priced at $269 and leads the gas curved-shaft category with an overall score of 76 in Consumer Reports' ratings. CR found the 21.2cc trimmer earns top-notch ratings for trimming, edging, and clearing tall grass and weeds in a single pass. CR also found it easier to handle than other curved-shaft gas models it has tested, earning an above-average ease-of-use score. Echo's curved-shaft gas trimmers earn a better-than-average predicted reliability rating and an excellent owner satisfaction score in CR's member surveys.

Credit: Husqvarna

The Husqvarna 130C is priced at $240 and earns an overall score of 75, making it the second-rated gas curved-shaft trimmer in Consumer Reports' ratings. CR found the 28cc engine powers strong scores for trimming, edging, and clearing tall grass and weeds, with two cutting strings aiding more aggressive cutting. CR noted that a large batch of 130C units was recalled in 2024 due to a fire hazard in the ignition module, but the issue has since been resolved; buyers should confirm any unit they purchase is not among the recalled serial numbers. Husqvarna's curved-shaft gas trimmers earn very good owner satisfaction and midrange predicted reliability in CR's member surveys.