Best String Trimmers of 2024

Below, you’ll find two of the best gas straight-shaft string trimmers in CR’s ratings. Straight-shaft models are usually longer than curved-shaft trimmers, which can help you reach places a curved-shaft model can’t.

Curved-shaft gas string trimmers typically offer better maneuverability for treating hard-to-reach areas of your lawn. Below, we highlight two of the best models from this category, which as a whole don’t perform as well in CR’s tests as straight-shaft or battery-powered string trimmers.

Battery string trimmers now often pack the power of gas models, and they’re priced comparably. Plus the batteries can usually power other tools, like chainsaws, hedge trimmers, or leaf blowers, from the same brand.

Corded electric string trimmers are incredibly affordable. But there aren’t a ton of great options among this increasingly unpopular variety, and they have a built-in distance limit because they require a constant connection to an outlet. 

We use each trimmer to tackle typical yard weeds and high grass as well as dense brush, noting and timing how long each model takes to clear a defined path. We also test each model’s edging, or its ability to create a neat and straight line along a walkway. And we look at how easy each trimmer is to hold, maneuver, and operate, noting how difficult it is to start up or feed extra line through the cutting head.

We test gas models with curved and straight shafts, along with battery and electric models. If you’ve never used a string trimmer, try handling curved-shaft and straight-shaft models in a home center or hardware store to see which type feels better. In general, tall users may favor straight-shaft models because they have a longer reach. Shorter users may prefer curved-shaft models because they can be a bit easier to control.