EGO ST1502SA
#1 in BatteryFull review
A proven EGO 15 in. trimmer at a lower price than the POWERLOAD models. Good for average yards and small storage spaces.
Amazon $199$199
A string trimmer, or weed eater, cuts the grass a mower can’t reach: along fences, walls, beds and trees, and the long grass at the edges of a lot. These rankings compare what the makers publish on the same terms: how much cutting swath you get for the money, how heavy a line it takes, how wide it cuts, how much it weighs and how long it’s covered.
Line size is the best single sign of power: a trimmer built for 0.095 in line cuts thick weeds that snap 0.065 in line, because it needs a stronger motor or engine to swing it. Swath is the width of each pass, usually 13 to 17 in.
Battery trimmers now match small gas trimmers for most yards, start at a squeeze and are much quieter, but run 20 to 45 minutes on a typical kit battery. Gas trimmers run as long as there’s fuel and suit big lots and heavy weeds. Many trimmers on both sides take attachments such as an edger, pole saw or blower.
Top Picks
Husqvarna 122C
#2 in GasFull review
A low cost curved shaft trimmer for small, tidy yards.
Amazon $179.99$179.99
Shop by Power Source
Battery
18 rankedQuiet cordless trimmers that start at a squeeze, for edges, fence lines and most yards.
Top rated: EGO ST1502SA $199
Gas
15 rankedEngine trimmers for thick weeds, big lots and trimming all day on a tank of fuel.
Top rated: ECHO GT-225 $199.99
Narrow It Down
Prices were last checked October 31, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Best Battery String Trimmers
- EGO ST1502SA#1 of 18Full review
A proven EGO 15 in. trimmer at a lower price than the POWERLOAD models. Good for average yards and small storage spaces.
Amazon $199$19915 in.095 in7.4 lb - EGO ST1511T#2 of 18Full review
A strong 15 in. trimmer for suburban yards, with the easiest line reloading around and a long warranty. Buy it if you already own EGO batteries or want to start on that platform.
Amazon $219$21915 in.095 in7.6 lb - Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 17 in Trimmer#3 of 18Full review
A strong, wide cutting trimmer for medium to large yards, and a base for Ryobi’s Expand-It attachments.
RYOBI $249$24917 in.095 in- - Greenworks 40V 16 in Brushless Trimmer#4 of 18Full review
A low priced 16 in. trimmer for medium yards that can grow into a multi tool with Greenworks attachments.
Amazon $169.67$169.6716 in.095 in9.7 lb - Echo eFORCE DSRM-2100 56V Trimmer#5 of 18Full review
A capable, well built 16 in. trimmer for medium yards, with a long tool warranty.
Amazon $248.99$248.9916 in.095 in9.8 lb
Best Gas String Trimmers
- ECHO GT-225#1 of 15Full review
A cheap, light curved shaft trimmer with a long warranty, for small yards and weekly touch-ups.
Russo Power $199.99$199.9916 in.095 in9.5 lb - Husqvarna 122C#2 of 15Full review
A low cost curved shaft trimmer for small, tidy yards.
Amazon $179.99$179.9917 in.095 in9.7 lb - ECHO SRM-225#3 of 15Full review
A reliable straight shaft trimmer for homeowners who want a five year warranty and quick reloading.
Russo Power $279.99$279.9917 in.095 in11.2 lb - Husqvarna 525L#4 of 15Full review
A light, durable pro trimmer for owners who trim large properties every week.
Amazon $349.99$349.9918.1 in.105 in9.7 lb - STIHL FS 56 RC-E#5 of 15Full review
The STIHL most homeowners should buy: a straight shaft, an easy start and a head that takes heavy line, for a few dollars more than the curved models.
STIHL $259.99$259.9916.5 in.105 in10.6 lb
How We Rank
Each trimmer is ranked against others with the same power source, and scored on its price per inch of swath, its line size, its swath, its weight and its warranty.
| Factor | Measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Value | price per inch of cutting swath | 30% |
| Line | largest line diameter | 20% |
| Swath | cutting swath | 15% |
| Weight | the trimmer's weight as the maker states it | 15% |
| Warranty | warranty length | 20% |
How we rank explains each factor in full.