Our best overall pick is the Ryobi 40-Volt Brushless Electric String Trimmer, which stands out for its variable speed control, adjustable cutting width, and range of attachments. Here are the best weed eaters. What do buyers say? 3,500+ Home Depot reviewers rated this product 5 stars. For a powerful, versatile, and effective weed eater, we recommend the Ryobi Electric Cordless String Trimmer. This electric weed eater delivers plenty of power, with the convenience of rechargeable electric batteries. Those are compatible with over 50 Ryobi tools, so you can always have an extra battery ready to go! Designed to give you more control, this weed eater has a variable speed trigger and two-speed switch, plus an adjustable cutting width (13 to 15 inches). It comes with a 5-year warranty for the body, and a 3-year warranty for the battery. You can use other attachments to turn it into a blower or pole saw. Ryobi’s tools all work together, and many are multi-use. Rather than purchase several different devices, you can save space and keep your garage organized with just one. While pricey, it may be the only lawn trimming tool you need. Price at time of publish: $199 The 15-inch cutting width isn’t the largest available, but it can meet the needs of most homeowners without any issues. While the cord may limit some of your landscaping abilities, it’s lightweight enough to attach to an extension cord without having to fight extra weight. In our opinion, the price outweighs this tool’s limitations, especially considering it can both trim and edge your lawn. Price at time of publish: $58 The battery works with other BLACK+DECKER products, an essential feature that makes it easy to switch between tools during regular lawn and landscape maintenance. This particular line has everything, from power drills to chainsaws. Price at time of publish: $89 While this weed eater is one of the heavier options available, its contoured handle makes for comfortable and safe control while in use. On a gas-powered weed eater, you need to operate common functions such as the choke and purge settings. But ECHO designed the controls to be intuitive. Plus, the included instructions explain all of the functions very well. Price at time of publish: $400 This weed eater also performs well as a weed whacker, with an impressive 17-inch cutting width, power from a four-cycle engine, and a simple prime-and-pull start process. It is also quieter than many other gas weed whackers, and it features an adjustable handle for right-handed or left-handed users. Price at time of publish: $249 Price at time of publish: $69 Price at time of publish: $535 A plug-in weed eater requires close proximity to an electrical outlet. But thanks to this trimmer’s lightweight design, you could easily plug it into an extension cord without having to worry about the additional weight from the cord. The telescoping shaft is made from aluminum, and the wide cutting width is perfect for almost any job. This is a reliable combination tool at a great price. Price at time of publish: $80
Rotating Head
Some weed eaters can be rotated to serve as edgers, which cut perpendicular to the ground rather than parallel to it. This feature allows you to clean up areas around your sidewalk or driveway without buying another yard tool.
Adjustable Length
If you anticipate multiple members of your household might use the weed eater, look for one with an adjustable shaft you can make longer or shorter, depending on user height.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Begley, who is a writer specializing in home and garden products. She has been writing for The Spruce since 2019, covering everything from air conditioners to outdoor storage sheds, and moisture meters for plants. To choose the best options for this article, she consulted dozens of customer and third-party reviews, considering each product’s power source, durability, versatility, and price point.
