Finding the right string trimmer shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. Walk into any hardware store and you’ll be staring at a wall of options gas, battery, corded, 20V, 40V, 56V, 60V — with price tags ranging from $50 to $400. We’ve done the heavy lifting for you.
After testing and reviewing seven of the most popular models available right now, we’ve ranked the best string trimmers for homeowners in 2026. Whether you have a small backyard or a half-acre lot, there’s a clear winner for you on this list.
What We Looked For
Before diving into the picks, here’s what we evaluated each trimmer on:
- Cutting performance — handling everything from light grass to thick, overgrown weeds
- Runtime & battery life — how long it lasts on a full charge or tank
- Ease of use — weight, balance, line loading, and startup
- Value for money — what you actually get for the price
- Build quality — durability and long-term reliability
EGO Power+ ST1623T (56V with LINE IQ)
Best Overall
If you only read one entry on this list, make it this one. The EGO ST1623T is the most impressive string trimmer we’ve tested — and it’s not particularly close.
The standout feature is LINE IQ, a sensor-based system that automatically detects when your cutting line wears short and feeds more — without you touching a button. No bumping the head on the ground, no stopping mid-job. It just works.
Add in the POWERLOAD system (you drop line into the head and press a button — done), a telescoping carbon fiber shaft with a lifetime warranty, and roughly 60 minutes of runtime on the included 4.0Ah battery, and you have a trimmer that genuinely makes yard work less frustrating.
At 7.5 lbs, it’s light enough for extended use, and it handles thick ornamental grasses and overgrown fence lines without bogging down.
Who it’s for: Homeowners who want the best tool available and are willing to pay a premium for it.
Verdict: Best string trimmer you can buy in 2026. Full stop.
EGO Power+ ST1521S (56V POWERLOAD)
Best Mid-Range EGO
Think of this as the ST1623T’s slightly less-equipped sibling. You still get EGO’s excellent POWERLOAD line system and the powerful 56V platform, but you trade LINE IQ auto-sensing for manual control and get a smaller 2.5Ah battery (roughly 30 minutes of runtime).
The split shaft is a nice bonus — unclip it for compact storage in a tight shed or vehicle, then click it back together in seconds. It cuts a 15-inch swath and handles most residential trimming tasks with ease.
If the ST1623T is slightly out of budget, this is the sensible step down without feeling like a major compromise.
Who it’s for: Homeowners who want EGO quality but don’t need every premium feature.
Verdict: Great trimmer at a fair price. You won’t feel shortchanged.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL QUIK-LOK
Best for Milwaukee Tool Owners
Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL trimmer earns its spot through sheer performance and versatility. The QUIK-LOK head system lets you swap in different attachments — edger, pole saw, hedge trimmer — making it more than just a string trimmer if you invest in the ecosystem.
Two speed modes are genuinely useful: low speed handles regular lawn maintenance cleanly and quietly, while high speed makes quick work of overgrowth and thick weeds. Build quality is pro-grade throughout.
The catch? It’s sold as a bare tool, meaning you need M18 batteries separately. If you already own Milwaukee power tools, this is a natural, cost-effective addition. If you’re starting from scratch, factor in battery costs before buying.
Who it’s for: Homeowners already in the Milwaukee M18 ecosystem, or those wanting a multi-attachment outdoor system.
Verdict: Excellent trimmer — but only a clear buy if you own M18 batteries already.
Husqvarna 130L Gas (28cc, 18″)
Best Gas Trimmer
Every trimmer on this list runs on battery — except this one. The Husqvarna 130L is the only gas-powered model we’re recommending, and for the right person, it’s the best tool here.
The 28cc 2-cycle engine delivers a full 1 horsepower and the widest cutting path on this list at 18 inches. Most importantly, it never runs out of power mid-job — just top up the fuel tank and keep going. No waiting for batteries to charge.
The Rapid Replace trimmer head makes swapping line faster than most bump-feed systems. Husqvarna’s build quality is legendary in the landscaping world, and this model punches above its price point.
That said, gas trimmers come with tradeoffs: fuel mixing, pull-start, regular maintenance (spark plugs, air filter, carburetor cleaning), more noise, and exhaust fumes. For a small suburban yard, it’s overkill. For larger properties, it earns its place.
Who it’s for: Homeowners with large yards or areas requiring extended, uninterrupted trimming.
Verdict: The best option for large properties. Unnecessary for anything under half an acre.
Ryobi 40V RY40250
Best Budget Pick
Here’s the thing about the Ryobi 40V: at $179 with a 4.0Ah battery and charger already in the box, it’s the easiest recommendation on this entire list for most homeowners.
You get a brushless motor (longer tool life, better efficiency than brushed), a 15-inch cutting swath, a straight shaft, and roughly 30–45 minutes of runtime. It handles everyday residential trimming — fence lines, lawn edges, around garden beds — without complaint.
The Expand-It system is a bonus worth mentioning. Over 40 attachments — edgers, pole saws, cultivators, snow shovels — are compatible, meaning your $179 Ryobi can eventually become an entire outdoor tool platform.
It won’t match the raw power of the EGO 56V or DeWalt 60V on thick brush, but for a typical suburban lawn, you’ll never notice the difference.
Who it’s for: Budget-conscious homeowners who want a reliable, capable trimmer without overspending.
Verdict: Best bang for your buck on this list. If $179 for a complete kit sounds good, just get it.
WORX WG163 20V Cordless Trimmer & Edger
Best Lightweight Budget Option
The WORX WG163 is one of the best lightweight string trimmers for small to medium yards. Weighing only 5.5 lbs, it’s easy to handle and includes two batteries and a charger in the box.
Its biggest advantage is the 2-in-1 design. The trimmer quickly converts into a wheeled lawn edger, making it easy to create clean edges along sidewalks and driveways.
The Command Feed system also makes line feeding simple with the push of a button — no bumping required.
While it’s not designed for thick weeds or heavy brush, it performs very well for regular lawn maintenance and light trimming tasks.
Verdict: A great choice for homeowners who want a lightweight, budget-friendly trimmer for everyday lawn care.