The powerful four-stroke engine is impressive and runs on straight gas, with no pre-mixing with oil required. Starts quickly and boasts an extra-wide cutting swath. Good choice for people with large yards who need a rugged, durable trimmer.

Cons

Expensive and heavier than most trimmers.

Best Bang for the Buck

BLACK+DECKER

MAX Lithium

This top-notch electric cordless trimmer is loaded with excellent features and has the muscle to tackle tough weeds and overgrowth.

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Bottom Line

This top-notch electric cordless trimmer is loaded with excellent features and has the muscle to tackle tough weeds and overgrowth.

Pros

A versatile tool, good for most lawns. Boasts variable speeds and an auto-feed spool that ensures continuous cutting. Converts from trimmer to edger with a push of a button. Power rivals pricier professional models.

Cons

Some owners have reported problems with the auto feed.

DEWALT

60V MAX

This durable electric cordless trimmer is a beast, capable of powering through thick blackberry vines. Lighter and easier to use than gas models.

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Bottom Line

This durable electric cordless trimmer is a beast, capable of powering through thick blackberry vines. Lighter and easier to use than gas models.

Pros

Comes with a very powerful Lithium-ion battery. Operates at different speeds and power and features a superior dual cutting line. Great choice for those wishing to end the hassle and noise of gas models.

Cons

Some owners have noted that the guard is narrow, making eye protection a must.

Ryobi

40V Lithium

For the price, this electric cordless trimmer rocks. Packed with features that should fulfill all basic outdoor needs.

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Bottom Line

For the price, this electric cordless trimmer rocks. Packed with features that should fulfill all basic outdoor needs.

Pros

Great tool for smaller suburban yards. Extremely light trimmer is powered by a Lithium-ion battery that can be swapped from other Ryobi tools. Easy conversion to edger mode and comes with an auto string advance.

Cons

Cutting swath is narrower than most.

EGO

Power+

This electric cordless trimmer is powerful and efficient. Offers the versatility of a professional-grade gas machine without the hassle and fumes.

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Bottom Line

This electric cordless trimmer is powerful and efficient. Offers the versatility of a professional-grade gas machine without the hassle and fumes.

Pros

The 56-volt Lithium-ion battery is more brawny than most and can be shared with other EGO tools. Boasts a variable speed trigger and an oversized cutting swath to get work done faster. Capable of covering large yards on one charge.

Cons

Some owners say replacement spools are hard to use.

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First Reviewed

October 10, 2021

Models
considered

Hours
researched

Written by Ade Hennis

Updated October 2021

A rotary lawn trimmer, also known as a weed whacker or weed eater, is a great tool for keeping your lawn tidy and weed-free. Gas-powered trimmers pack a lot of power and may have a wider path than other trimmers, but the extra weight and added cost are factors to consider. Most modern trimmers are electric and have small, lightweight designs with rechargeable batteries. Some electric models can switch quickly from trimming to edging mode. Make sure that the battery duration and cutting path are right for your situation. Some trimmers are better suited to handling bramble and brush, while others are best used for detail work like edging and working around patios and other obstacles.

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