Best Weed Eaters in 2020

Best Overall

Greenworks 13 –Inch 40V

Greenworks Cordless String Trimmer
  • Cordless design
  • Has the edging wheel
  • 40 Volts battery
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Premium Pick

Husqvarna 128LD

Husqvarna String Trimmer 128LD
  • High Powered
  • 17 inch cutting swath
  • Automatic spool feed
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Budget Pick

BLACK+DECKER LST300

BLACK+DECKER LST300 Weed Whacker
  • Automatic feed spool
  • 20 Volts battery
  • PowerDrive Transmission
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Weed eaters, also known as string trimmers, are very handy tools. They allow us to trim grass and weeds in areas that have obstacles such as walls or areas that the lawnmower can’t reach. Unlike other grass cutting tools that use a blade, the wood eater uses a monofilament line. This line is flexible and easy to replace. Since their invention in the 1970s, many brands have sprung up, making it difficult to choose the best weed eater for your lawn.

If it’s your first time to get a weed eater, or you would like to switch from other grass cutting tools, worry no more. We’ve got you covered. We have had a chance to review most of the weed eaters in the market today. The main aspects we reviewed include the design, price, power system, features. Below is a round-up of the weed eaters that topped our list.

Weed Eater Reviews

Best Overall

Greenworks 13 –Inch 40V Cordless String Trimmer/Edger

Key Features

  • Cordless design. No more gas hassle.
  • It can work as a string trimmer and as an edger. It has the edging wheel too.
  • 40 Volts battery for continuous mowing.
  • Weight – 4kg (9.2lbs)
  • Cutting swath of 13 inches
Greenworks Cordless String Trimmer

Rating: 4/5

This weed eater is currently the best seller on Amazon, and they deserve it. It is ideal for both small lawns and larger gardens.

Why we like it
  • A wide cutting swath.
  • 40 volts battery for long running time.
  • 2-in-1 trimmer and edger, with an edging wheel.
  • It is cordless.
What we don’t like
  • You need a workaround to use the automatic line advancement. It doesn’t always work.

Our Verdict

This is by far the best weed eater in the market. It has a high capacity battery and a large cutting swath. It is also cordless, eliminating the gas hassle.

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Premium Pick

Husqvarna 128LD

Key Features

  • 28cc 2-cycle engine.
  • 17 inch cutting swath
  • Automatic spool feed that is also easy to install new lines.
  • Translucent fuel tank that allows you to monitor fuel levels.
  • Primer bulb to eliminate air in the fuel chamber.
  • 2-years warranty for non-commercial use of the weed eater.
Husqvarna String Trimmer 128LD

Rating: 4.2/5

Husqvarna are well known for their powerful machines. If you’re looking for power and can afford to pay more than $100, this one’s for you, it is powered by a 2-cycle (2-stroke) engine. It is not only ideal for mowing and edging; it has enough power to work as a cultivator. This weed eater is also laced with protective gear such as gloves, ear mugs, and protective eyeglasses.

Why we like it
  • Lightweight design to operate with your hands.
  • It’s easy to start. The primer bulb allows you to expel excess air.
  • It’s a three in one tool; trimmer, edger, and a cultivator
What we don’t like
  • It’s a bit short for taller people.
  • The engine dies when left idle for a few minutes.

Our Verdict

This one of the powerful weed eaters and a little bit expensive for domestic users. It is ideal when you have large areas to mow, or when your area has thick grass. The 2-stroke engine is quite powerful and easy to start.

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Budget Pick

BLACK+DECKER LST300

Key Features

  • Automatic feed spool
  • 20 Volts battery
  • PowerDrive Transmission for enhanced cutting.
  • 12 inches cutting swath
  • It can be converted to an edge in seconds.
BLACK+DECKER LST300 Weed Whacker

Rating: 4.3/5

This weed eater has been named as the best budget for the features it offers at an affordable cost. It is ideal for people with a small yard.

When mowing small areas, you don’t need too much power or advanced features. A simple weed eater like this one will do. It is battery charged, and the batteries are easily replaced to keep you mowing hours on end. The spool also feeds the string automatically. Better yet, you can adjust the shaft’s length to make it more comfortable.

Why we like it
  • It has a light design and adjustable shaft
  • It’s Amazon’s choice for the best budget.
  • Long run time.
What we don’t like
  • The automatic feed spool malfunctions frequently.

Our Verdict

The batteries are easy to change, making it possible to use continuously. The length of the shaft can be adjusted to make it more comfortable. Despite the automatic spool feed having some issues, it still works fine when you follow the instructions on the manual.

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WORX WG160.4 2.0 Hi-Capacity GT

Key Features

  • Two batteries, each 20 volts, for increased run time.
  • Telescopic adjustable shaft.
  • Automatic line fed for maximum performance.
  • You can use the batteries across all WORX products.
WORX WG160.4 4AH 2.0 Hi-Capacity GT

Rating: 4.1/5

Battery-powered weed eaters offer safety, and this one is the father of them all. Gas-powered weed eaters may fail to start due to poor gas-oil combinations, or too much air in the carburetor. Weed eaters with corded motors may lead to trimming the cord, delaying your mowing activities. Weed eaters, such as the WORX WG160.4 2.0 Hi-Capacity GT, have a large battery (4 AH). This allows you to mow for a long time without stopping. It also acts as an edger.

Why we like it
  • High capacity batteries (4.0 AH) for increased run time.
  • It can share the batteries with other WORX products.
  • Light design and easy to use, even for the aged.
  • Automatic line feed.
What we don’t like
  • There are lots of complains about battery life.

Our Verdict

This is one of the best battery powered weed eaters. You may have to keep recharging it, but the batteries last longer than most.

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LawnMaster GT1313 13-Inch Electric Grass Trimmer

Key Features

  • 4.2-amp motor
  • Dual line auto feed line
  • 13 inches cutting swath.
  • Telescopic shaft
  • It requires corded electricity.
LawnMaster GT1313 Electric Grass Trimmer

Rating: 4/5

Batteries are delicate objects; they eventually stop maintaining their charge as they used to. Cordless weed eaters are also not convenient when you have less time to mow. This makes the plug-in weed eaters a viable option. The LawnMaster GT1313 13-Inch Electric Grass Trimmer ensures you can mow at a high performance consistently. There are no breaks to recharge or troubles in starting the engine.

Why we like it
  • It’s relatively cheap.
  • It has a powerful 4.2-amp motor.
  • Dual-line automatic feed line.
What we don’t like
  • The edging guard doesn’t really work.

Our Verdict

If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a weed eater, this one’s for you. The dual string trimmer and the powerful motor will work fine for any lawn.

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DEWALT DCST920P1 Brushless Trimmer

Key Features

  • Brushless motor that is more efficient and durable.
  • Dual line with a 13-inch cutting swath.
  • Variable speed control.
  • 20 volts 5.0 AH battery and a charger.
DEWALT DCST920P1 Brushless Trimmer

Rating: 4.2/5

This one made the list of the best wed eaters for being simple. Slightly curved shafts are considered more efficient, but they make the weed eater heavier and less efficient for edging. The DEWALT DCST920P1 Brushless Trimmer has a straight shaft that is lighter and more efficient. This trimmer is powered by electricity and you can control the speed/torque with the hi/lo button.

Why we like it
  • Variable speed control.
  • Straight adjustable shaft that’s light and more efficient.
  • High capacity battery.
What we don’t like
  • There are complaints about the stringer head being different from the one shown in the manual.

Our Verdict

You can control the sped at different textures of grass using the hi/lo button.

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BLACK+DECKER String Trimmer

Key Features

  • 14 inches cutting swath
  • Powered by corded electricity.
  • Automatic spool
  • Weighs 3.9 pounds
  • 120 volts electricity.
BLACK+DECKER BESTA510

Rating: 4.4/5

This is an electric string trimmer/edger made with grass and other forms of undergrowth in mind.

Why we like it
  • It’s well priced
  • High quality
What we don’t like
  • Its use is limited to smaller lawns.

Our Verdict

This is a heavy-duty weed eater with 120 volts electricity sand 6.5 amps. It can cut through tough grass. It also has a guard to protect you from debris.

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DEWALT DCST970X1 FLEXVOLT 60V MAX Lithium-Ion Brushless 15″

Key Features

  • Gear-drive design.
  • 15 inches cutting swath.
  • Efficient brushless motor.
DEWALT DCST970X1

Rating: 4.2/5

The Dewalt 60V is designed for extensive outdoor mowing. The brushless motor makes it stronger, efficient, and resilient. It’s also in a light, ergonomic design, making it easy to use without straining your arms.

Why we like it
  • It has a light design to minimize the stress on your arms.
  • The motor is powerful enough to go through tough vegetation.
  • Variable speed.
What we don’t like
  • Dewalt’s warranty procedure is quite hectic.

Our Verdict

This weed eater displays strength and efficiency due to the brushless motor. The ergonomic design will enable you to use it for hours without straining your arms.

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WORX WG170 GT Revolution 20V 12″ Grass Trimmer/Edger/Mini-Mower

Key Features

  • 3-in-1. It can work as a trimmer, an edger, and a mini-mower.
  • Adjustable shaft.
  • 2 20-volt batteries that can be shared with other WORXdevices.
  • Adjustable guard to protect areas that you don’t want to trim.
  • Advanced spool holder. You also control the release of the string.
WORX WG170 GT Revolution

Rating: 4.4/5

The WORX Revolution allows you to trim even the most hidden areas, or areas very close to barriers. You get to trim a wider area in less time thanks to the 12-inch cutting swath. It also comes with two 20-volt batteries for increased run time and maximum power.

Why we like it
  • On command string release, it’s better than the automatic line feed.
  • The shaft is longer than most weed eaters to accommodate taller people.
  • Wheeled edger for better performance.
  • It has a light and ergonomic design.
What we don’t like
  • There are cases where the batteries don’t last as long as advertised.
  • It can be quite overwhelming to use compared to other simpler brands.

Our Verdict

The twin-wheeled edger makes it easier to trim the pavements like a professional. The 12-inch cutting swath also enables one to trim a wide area in less time, and without straining.

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Makita XRU02Z

Key Features

  • Adjustable telescopic shaft.
  • The battery and charger are sold separately.
  • Ergonomic light design.
  • 7800 RPM motor for enhanced speed and performance.
Makita XRU02Z

Rating: 4/5

Cordless weed eaters still offer much benefits such as; being environmentally friendly, and being easy to use and maintain. The Makita XRU02Z allows you to trim for more than 40 minutes non-stop. Weighing 6.4lbs, it’s easy to use this weed eater for a long time.

Why we like it
  • The head can be adjusted into five different positions.
  • The lithium-ion batteries offer more than 40 minutes run time.
  • It is well priced.
  • Light, ergonomic design
What we don’t like
  • The bumping feed fails to work when edging.

Our Verdict

When working on smaller lawns, this weed eater’s battery power is more than enough. It s also well built into a compact size, ideal for edging and trimming.

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How to Choose a Weed Eater

The following are the basic features you should look for in weed eater;

  • Additional features such as an edger – Most of the wood eaters can convert to an edger. This allows you to trim when you get to the pavement and then continue trimming other parts of the lawn. Other wed eaters can even function as a blower, or even as a cultivator.
  • Automatic spool feed – The weed eater should be able to feed the string automatically. It should also be easy to load a new string when the older one is worn out. Unfortunately, this feature tends to malfunction, look for weed eaters with a more reliable automatic feed line.

Below are some factors that you need to consider when getting your weed eater.

  • Cutting swath – This is the radius of the lawn that the trimmer can mow at a given time. These vary based on the power and size of the strings. If you have a small area, you can go for weed eaters with a smaller swath. Also, with larger swaths, you’ll take less time and less time to mow your lawn.
  • Power – Wed eaters are either powered by a battery, corded electricity, or a gas engine. Each of these power sources has varying strengths. The power you need should be determined by the density of the vegetation in your lawn.
  • Starting of the gas weed eaters – You need to get the mixture of gas and oil right to start a gas weed eater. However, some are still hard to start even after you’ve ensured everything is inline. Read reviews, and also test before buying to spare yourself frustrations when mowing.
  • Cost – Based on the weed eaters reviewed above, the price range is quite high. More expensive ones come with more advanced features. Cheaper weed eaters are limited in some way, but some still perform quite well. The basic principle is to buy the best item your budget can allow. You also need to understand the maintenance costs. Corded motors will raise your electricity bill, gas weed eaters need gas and oil, and cordless weed eaters need battery replacements.
  • Weight – You have to make sure that the weight is bearable for a long time.
  • Safety – The trimmer head could hurt you or throw debris when left running. You need to get a weed eater with a locking trigger. Some come in the form of a clutch. Just ensure that the safety measure is convenient. Gas weed eaters should also be equipped with eyeglasses, gloves, ear mugs, and other protective gear.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Do I Choose Between an Electric and a Gas Weed Eater?

This depends on where you want to use the trimmer. If you want to trim a field that is quite large, go for the gas weed eater. It will be easier to move around with. Gas weed eaters are also ideal for tough vegetation.

Why Will My Gas Weed Eater Not Start?

First, check whether the on/off button is switched on. Secondly, make sure that the gas and oil have been mixed at a 40:1 ratio. Thirdly, make sure the air filter is clean, the fuel filter should be clean too, and the engine should not be flooded. If it’s flooded, you’ll feel the smell of the gas. Set it aside for some time to allow it to vaporize.

My Weed Eater Keeps Throwing Debris at My Feet; What Do I Do?

You should always purchase weed eaters that have a guard. Also, wear protective gear as you go to mow your lawn. The debris may not always harm you, but if the string happens to break and hit your feet, it will leave some very painful wounds.

Final Thoughts

After carefully reviewing all other weed eaters, the Greenworks 13 inch Weed Whacker wins the show. We did mention another weed eater that’s best overall, but it’s quite expensive compared to the Black Decker, but it is advisable to choose it if you are not working on a tight budget.

It offers a PowerDrive transmission system, 12 inches swath, automatic line feed, adjustable shaft, and it’s affordable to a wide number of households. This weed eater is quite light, making it comfortable to use for a long time. The batteries are easily swapped to make it easy to use it for a long time.