The 11 best string trimmers of 2026, according to Consumer Reports

String trimmers are easy to overspend on. Consumer Reports tested dozens across battery, corded, and gas types to find 11 top picks

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String trimmers, sometimes called weed whackers, are built for the edges: tight runs along fences, rock walls, and garden beds where mowers can't reach. The market spans battery-powered, corded electric, and gas models, with prices ranging from under $60 to well over $500. Buy the wrong one and you'll either overpay for power you don't need or end up with something too underpowered for a large yard.

Consumer Reports tested hundreds of string trimmers across gas, corded, and battery types, and judged each on trimming, edging, tall-grass clearing, handling, and ease of use. Read on for 11 top picks.

At $499, the Makita XRU15PT is the top-rated battery-powered string trimmer in Consumer Reports' ratings. It weighs 10.1 pounds and logged more than 30 minutes of run time in CR's tests, which is average for its battery class. CR found the tool aces nearly every performance test, with only ease of use coming in at an average mark. Makita electric string trimmers as a brand earn top scores for predicted reliability and owner satisfaction in CR's member surveys.

The Milwaukee 3016-21ST lists for $379 and ties the Makita XRU15PT with an overall score of 90, placing it second by sort index. Consumer Reports found it earns top marks for trimming and edging, with the 14-to-16-inch adjustable head and dual cutting lines handling tall grass and weeds impressively. CR noted the handle is difficult to adjust and the 12.38-pound weight makes it one of the heavier battery models in the ratings. The tool supports multiple attachments — swapping in a pole saw or hedge trimmer head........

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