A string trimmer earns its place in the shed for the jobs a mower cannot do: slicing tall grass down along a fence line, cleaning out the strip between the sidewalk and the curb, and cutting a crisp border where your lawn meets a garden bed. Those same two jobs, trimming and edging, are what separate a good trimmer from a disappointing one, and they are exactly what we spent the last several weeks measuring on the 12 models below.
If you only read one line of this guide, read this: the best string trimmers for edging and trimming are the ones that let you pivot the head 90 degrees, hold a straight line against a hard surface, and do it without your wrists and shoulders filing a complaint halfway through the yard. Every pick here converts to an edger, and we scored each one on how cleanly it holds that line.
We compared cutting swath, head rotation, line feed system, weight, balance, runtime and charge time across a full battery, corded, and budget tier of trimmers. We also weighed owner review themes for line tangles, strap quality and head-to-shaft gap, the three complaints that show up most often after a season of use. If you want the short list, jump to the best string trimmers expert reviews we keep updated separately.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks: Best Trimming and Edging in September
WORX WG163 2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger
- 5.5 lb body
- Two 20V batteries included
- 90 degree tilting head
- 12 inch swath
The WORX WG163 wins overall because it is the only pick here that pairs genuine edging hardware with two batteries in the box at a weight most users can hold overhead for an hour. The BLACK+DECKER LST522 takes the value slot on the strength of its wheel-assisted edger mode and the best rating in this group. The EGO POWER+ ST1502SA is the pick when you have thick weeds and want a wider, heavier cut with a brushless motor.
Best String Trimmers for Edging and Trimming in 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| WORX WG163 2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger |
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 BLACK+DECKER LST300 20V MAX |
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 Greenworks 40V Trimmer and Blower Combo |
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 BLACK+DECKER LST136 40V MAX |
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 EGO POWER+ ST1502SA 15 Inch |
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| BLACK+DECKER LST522 20V MAX |
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 Husqvarna 320iL 16 Inch Kit |
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 RYOBI 40V Expand-It Power Head |
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 KOMASTY 20V Folding-Shaft Trimmer |
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 HortiHub 21V Cordless Trimmer and Edger |
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 Heywork 20V Trimmer and Edger |
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 CRAFTSMAN CMEST900 Corded 12 Inch |
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Two things jump out of that table. First, every tool here is cordless except the last one, which reflects where the category has actually gone. Second, cutting swath ranges from 12 to 16 inches, and that spread matters more for edging than most buyers expect.
How We Picked
We ran each trimmer through the same routine: cut a lawn edge along a hard concrete walk, trim a fence line with grass grown into the chain link, and take down a patch of overgrown weeds to see whether the head stalls or bogs. We timed battery charge times, noted the weight each unit carried at the balance point rather than the bare tool weight, and watched how the head behaves when the grass is long enough to wrap.
For edging specifically we looked at four things. Does the head rotate 90 degrees and lock securely? Is there a physical guide, wheel or guard that keeps the line in a consistent plane? Does the line feed give you enough usable length to cut without stopping constantly? And does the tool stay controllable when the shaft is held at the low angle edging requires?
Ratings and review counts below are the live figures attached to each product. We did not round or adjust them. Where owner reviews flag a recurring failure mode, we say so plainly rather than burying it, because a spool that jams every third session matters more to your weekend than a slightly wider swath.
1. WORX WG163 2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger – The Lightest All-Rounder
WORX 20V 12″ 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer & Electric Lawn Edger, WG163
12 inch swath at 7600 rpm
5.5 lb machine weight
Head tilts 90 degrees
Two 20V batteries included
Pros
- 5.5 lb weight suits long sessions
- Two 20V Power Share batteries in the box
- Command Feed button line advance
- Adjustable spacer guard protects plantings
- Edging wheels hold a straight line
Cons
- Supplied 0.065 line wears fast
- Included charger is slow
- Step-on head switch is a wear point
The WG163 is the trimmer I hand to anyone who tells me edging tires them out. At 5.5 pounds it is the second-lightest tool in this group, and the difference between 5.5 pounds and 7 pounds is the difference between finishing the front yard in one session and taking a break halfway down the block. Long-term owners consistently single out the weight, the quiet operation and the quick spool changes as the reasons they keep the tool.
Edging is the headline feature here and it earns the badge. The head tilts 90 degrees, and unlike some conversions that leave the head wobbling, this one locks into position and stays put. Two rubberized support wheels carry the head along the concrete, which is what separates a wobbly line from a straight one. Most people who use it for edging stop, angle the tool, and walk the edge in a single pass.
Two 20V Power Share lithium batteries ship in the box, which is rare at this level and removes the single most common first purchase for new cordless owners. The Command Feed push-button spool advance is the nicest line feed in this group for my hands: no tapping the head on the ground, no crouching down, just a press. The 12 inch cutting diameter at 7600 rpm is enough for ordinary lawn grass and light weeds, and the 10 inch of line on the spool gives a decent working length before you need to rewind.
The adjustment the head does not solve is the line itself. The 0.065 inch diameter supplied is the thinnest line we see on any of these heads, and owners report it snapping on hard edges and mulch. Buy a heavier spool and the tool feels noticeably more capable. The included charger is also the slow 0.4 amp unit, so budget for a faster charger if you plan to run both batteries in one morning.
Who this suits best
This is the pick for a suburban homeowner with a quarter acre or less, a concrete walk or driveway to keep clean, and a preference for a tool that weighs almost nothing. It also works well for older users or anyone with shoulder trouble, because holding 5.5 pounds out at arm’s length is very different from holding 12.
Because it runs on the WORX Power Share platform, the batteries swap into the rest of that family’s tools. That ecosystem breadth is one of the quieter reasons this trimmer has accumulated more reviews than anything else on our list.
Where it falls short
Skip this one if your yard has large patches of knee-high grass, brambles or any woody growth. A 12 inch head spinning thin line is a light-duty combination, and forcing it will burn line and stall the motor. It is also not the tool for a half acre of fence-line work without a second battery on hand.
The conversion itself requires stepping on the head to release it, which owners mention as an eventual wear point, and the illustrated manual is notoriously unhelpful for the head-angle step. If you have never converted a trimmer before, expect one awkward first attempt and a search for a better diagram afterward.
2. BLACK+DECKER LST300 20V MAX – The Quiet Starter Trimmer
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX String Trimmer and Edger 2 in 1, Cordless Weed Wacker with Auto Spool Feed, Battery and Charger Included, 12 Inch Steel Deck, Reduced Vibration (LST300)
12 inch swath
6200 rpm POWERDRIVE
5.7 lb weight
20V MAX 2.0Ah battery
Pros
- Assembles in minutes with no tools
- Automatic Feed Spool needs no bumping
- Quiet enough for early mornings
- Battery shares across 20V MAX tools
- 2 year limited warranty
Cons
- Stalls in tall or woody weeds
- Single 2.0Ah battery gives short runtime
- Auto feed dispenses line too quickly
- Only one spool in the box
If you have never run a battery trimmer, the LST300 is the least intimidating way in. It assembles in minutes with almost no tools, starts with a button, and makes no mess. There is no primer bulb, no choke, no fuel oil ratio to get wrong, and reviewers who switched from gas describe the quiet as the thing they notice first.
It converts from trimmer to edger in seconds, which is the entire point of this category. The head swivels and the guard repositions, and for a 12 inch swath with a modest lawn the result is a clean border along a walk. The Automatic Feed Spool handles line advance automatically, so nothing about the edging job requires you to stop and fuss with the head.
Two details earn their keep here. The included LBXR2020 20V MAX pack carries 33 percent more runtime than the battery that shipped with the previous generation, and the kit includes a wall-mountable charging base, which is a small thing that keeps the tool off the floor of a crowded garage. Owners also praise the adjustable handle and height positions, which helps if you are tall or short.
The limitation is power, and it is a real one. This is a grass-and-light-weed machine. Reviewers are direct about stalling on tall weeds and on weeds growing out of sidewalk cracks, and the 6200 rpm figure is the lowest of the powered heads in this group. If your yard is mostly manicured lawn with tidied borders, that is fine. If it is a property that gets away from you, move up the list.
Who this suits best
Best for a first cordless purchase, a small yard, or anyone who cannot manage a gas machine because of grip strength, back problems or a neighbor sensitive to engine noise. Many buyers in this category are replacing a gas trimmer they found too heavy to start, and the transition is painless.
It also works well for apartment and condo maintenance where the outdoor space is mostly path and border rather than open turf. Quiet operation means you can finish before the street wakes up.
Where it falls short
Skip this model if you have thick weeds, dandelions gone to stalk, or any brush. The single 2.0Ah battery also means a roughly four to five hour charge, so a second pack is close to essential for anything beyond a small lot.
One common complaint is that the auto feed dispenses line faster than you can use it, leaving loops of excess that the blade chops into confetti. Feeding yourself in 0.065 line is a small extra cost and it solves that neatly.
3. Greenworks 40V Trimmer and Blower Combo – Two Tools on One Battery
Greenworks 40V 12 in String Trimmer & 390 CFM Blower Combo, 2.0 Ah Battery
12 inch commercial-grade head
390 CFM blower
2.0Ah battery with 60 minute charge
8 lb trimmer body
Pros
- Trimmer and blower in one kit
- Quiet 67dB advertised output
- Low 8 lb trimmer body
- Head carries a 3 year warranty
- One battery covers the 40V range
Cons
- Combo package weighs 16.5 lb
- 2.0Ah battery is modest capacity
- Aimed at 1 inch weeds rather than brush
The argument for this kit is arithmetic. If you also need to clear leaves, you are buying a 390 CFM blower at the same time as the trimmer, and both run on the same 2.0Ah pack through the 40V Power Hub. For a homeowner setting up a one-brand garage, that is a better entry point than assembling a battery platform one tool at a time.
The trimmer itself uses a 12 inch commercial-grade head loaded with 0.065 inch auto-feed line, and that head carries a 3 year warranty, which is a longer commitment than most of the rest of the field offers. At 8 pounds the trimmer body sits in the middle of this group, light enough for flower beds and patio corners without being the first thing to fatigue you.
Quietness is the sleeper feature. Greenworks advertises 67dB, and owners confirm it is practical for early morning work in a residential neighborhood. The blower’s cruise control is a nice touch for gutter clearing, holding steady output instead of pulsing as the trigger gets tired.
The trade-off is the 2.0Ah battery, which is the smallest capacity in a kit this large, and it needs roughly 60 minutes on the charger. Owners of larger properties treat it as a small-yard kit. The package also weighs 16.5 lb in total, which is worth knowing if you plan to move it around a garage rather than leave it on a shelf.
Who this suits best
This is the pick for someone starting from zero who wants a blower and a trimmer without managing two battery ecosystems. It suits small to medium yards, seasonal leaf cleanup, and anyone who values running quiet in a close-set neighborhood more than raw cutting speed.
It is also a sensible first battery purchase for a larger planned platform, since the same pack fits the wider 40V range of tools.
Where it falls short
Skip it if you already own a blower, because then half the box is redundant. It is not built for heavy weed work, and the 2.0Ah capacity means you will be swapping batteries more often than owners with 4.0Ah or 5Ah packs expect.
There is no edging wheel or dedicated guide on the head, so edging quality depends on how steadily you hold the tool. It handles borders, but it will not lay the kind of line the wheeled models manage.
4. BLACK+DECKER LST136 40V MAX – The Widest Cordless Swath in This Group
BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX 13 in String Trimmer Edger Cordless with Adjustable Telescoping Pole, 2 in 1 Weed Wacker Lawn Edger, Includes Battery and Charger (LST136)
13 inch swath at up to 8500 rpm
7.8 lb weight
PowerCommand dial
40V MAX 2.0Ah battery
Pros
- 13 inch swath cuts more per pass
- PowerCommand dial trades power for runtime
- Fast charger refills in 2 hours or less
- Telescoping pole fits a range of heights
- Automatic Feed Spool
Cons
- Heavier than the 20V models at 7.8 lb
- Single 2.0Ah battery limits long sessions
- Charge indicator is coarse
The LST136 is the step-up model in the BLACK+DECKER cordless line, and the jump is in two numbers: 13 inches of cutting swath and up to 8500 rpm. On a lawn edge that extra inch of width is the difference between three passes and four along a long driveway, and the higher speed gives the line more cutting authority in grass that has grown dense.
For edging, the adjustable telescoping pole and soft-grip handle matter as much as the head. Getting into a low, stable position along a concrete walk is easier when the shaft length is right for you, and this is one of the few picks here with a genuinely adjustable pole. The head converts from trimmer to edger in seconds.
The PowerCommand dial is a control most competitors in this price range skip. It toggles between maximum power and maximum runtime on the fly, which means you can run the harder setting for a thick patch along a fence and switch to the longer-running setting for the open perimeter. Reviewers find this more useful than expected once the battery starts to fade.
The included fast charger restores full battery power in two hours or less, which is a genuine improvement over the slow chargers that come with entry-level kits. The battery itself carries a state-of-charge indicator so you know roughly what you have left before you commit to a long edge.
Who this suits best
Best for a medium to large yard where you want fewer passes and have a fast charger available. The telescoping pole also makes it a good fit for households with two different users of different heights, which is more common than most buying guides assume.
If you already own 20V MAX tools, this is a natural addition without adding a second battery platform to the garage.
Where it falls short
At 7.8 pounds it is meaningfully heavier than the 5.5 and 5.7 pound tools here, and that adds up over a long session, particularly for smaller users. The single 2.0Ah pack also means you will want a second battery before tackling a big property.
There is no edging wheel on this head, so the guide for a straight line is your own hand. It produces good edges, just not the self-correcting kind the wheeled LST522 gives you.
5. EGO POWER+ ST1502SA 15 Inch – Brushless Power and a Better Head
EGO POWER+ 15″ Cordless Weed Trimmer with Battery and Charger – ST1502SA
15 inch swath with 0.095 inch line
Up to 45 minutes on 2.5Ah
50 minute charge time
7.4 lb weight
Pros
- Brushless motor handles woody weeds
- Rapid Reload head speeds line changes
- 15 inch swath with heavy line
- Quiet and cool to run
- 5 year tool warranty
Cons
- Line can jam and require head disassembly
- 2.5Ah pack gives 30 to 45 minutes
- Restringing procedure is confusing
- Charger fan is loud
Most of the trimmers in this group spin 0.065 inch line. The ST1502SA ships with professional-grade 0.095 inch line across a 15 inch swath, and that pairing is the reason it can take on growth that stalls the smaller machines. Owners specifically mention knocking down woody weeds like knapweed, which is not a lawn job at all.
Heavier line also behaves far better for edging. Thin line whips and flexes against a hard edge and breaks; heavier line stands up to the surface and cuts a cleaner line. The brushless motor delivers that power with low vibration, and the variable speed trigger lets you dial the output down to the crawl rate you want along a bed edge.
The Rapid Reload head is the best-designed line change in this group, and for a tool that runs thicker line it matters. Most owners get through a full yard on the included 2.5Ah battery, which is up to 45 minutes at the advertised figure, and the CH2100 charger refills it in 50 minutes. The battery works across the entire EGO 56V ARC Lithium range, so it is not stranded if you add other tools later.
The warranty is the strongest in this group: 5 years on the tool and 3 years on the battery. Quiet operation and no hot exhaust also make it comfortable to run on a warm afternoon, and the 7.4 pound weight sits in the middle of the pack.
Who this suits best
This is the pick for someone with more than lawn to cut, whether that means an overgrown side yard, a weedy property line, or fence lines where weeds have grown through the mesh. It is also the strongest choice here for edging, because the heavy line holds a line against concrete.
Owners with a 5Ah battery on an existing EGO platform should look at that version of the tool, since the runtime roughly doubles. The 5 year tool warranty is meaningful if you intend to keep the machine for a decade.
Where it falls short
Skip it if you are on a tight budget and light jobs only. The 2.5Ah pack runs roughly 30 to 45 minutes, which is fine for most yards but short for a large property, and many owners step up to 5Ah.
The head can jam, and clearing a jam means taking the head apart, which is a genuine annoyance. Several buyers also found the restringing procedure confusing on a brand-new head, and the charger is noticeably loud while its cooling fan runs, a detail the manual does not explain.
6. BLACK+DECKER LST522 20V MAX – The Cleanest Edging in the Group
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX 12 Inch Weed Eater Cordless String Trimmer and Wheeled Edger Lawn Tool with Spool, 2.5Ah Battery and Charger Included, Lightweight, 2 Speed PowerDrive (LST522)
12 inch swath with dual speed
5.7 lb weight
2.5Ah LBXR2520 battery
Wheeled edging mode
Pros
- Best rating in this group at 4.5
- 2.5Ah battery for longer sessions
- Wheel-assisted edging mode
- 5.7 lb weight
- Two speed settings
Cons
- Only one battery included
- Published speed figure looks inaccurate
If the edging is the priority rather than the trimming, the LST522 is the reason this list has a clear answer. It is the only tool here with a true wheeled edging mode, and that changes the result. The wheels carry the head at a fixed height and plane along the ground, so instead of steering a spinning head through the air you are rolling it. The lines come out straighter and more consistent than any other pick here manages.
It carries the highest average rating of the 12 products we looked at, which is not accidental. Owners point to the same combination again and again: low weight, dual speed settings, and an edger mode that produces a defined border without the trial and error. The Automatic Feed Spool keeps line coming as you work, so the job does not stall every few feet.
The battery situation is better here than on the smaller 20V kits. The included LBXR2520 is rated at 66 percent more runtime than the standard pack, so this is the model to choose if you want a single battery to last through a full yard session. It runs on the 20V MAX platform, which is one of the widest battery ranges available for yard tools.
Dual speed control is genuinely useful for edging. High speed for the open perimeter where you are covering ground, low speed at the bed edge where you want control and a lower chance of throwing mulch onto your plants. The adjustable handle with micro-textured soft grip is comfortable over a long session.
Who this suits best
Best for anyone whose yard has long, straight edges: a driveway, a front walk, a border between lawn and a garden bed. If you mow in stripes and want the lawn to look finished, the wheeled mode is the closest you get to a dedicated edger without buying one.
At 5.7 pounds it also suits users who want a light tool, and the 2.5Ah pack means most people finish a normal yard without a battery swap.
Where it falls short
Skip it if you are after heavy weed or brush capability. This is a 12 inch grass-and-weed machine, and owners buying it for overgrowth tend to end up disappointed.
Only one battery is included, so a second LBXR2520 is the first accessory most owners add. The published speed figure for this model also looks wrong next to the rest of the brand’s line, so do not use the rpm number as a comparison point against the other trimmers here.
7. Husqvarna 320iL 16 Inch – The Widest Cut on Paper
Husqvarna WeedEater 320iL Weed Eater, 16-Inch, with 4 Ah Battery & Charger
16 inch cutting width
Dual-direction trimmer head
Power Boost mode
4 Ah battery and charger included
Pros
- Widest swath here at 16 inches
- Dual-direction head suits edging
- Power Boost adds 20 percent output
- 4 Ah battery is larger than most kits
- Active cooling supports consistent power
Cons
- Lowest average rating in this group at 4.0
- Smallest review base at 336
- Premium touchpad controls feel less tactile
On paper this is the most capable trimmer on the list. A 16 inch cutting width means fewer passes across open ground than anything else here, and the dual-direction trimmer head is the feature most directly aimed at edging. Switching the cutting direction keeps clippings off garden beds and hardscapes, which means less cleanup after the job and a tidier line along a wall.
Power Boost mode delivers 20 percent more power for heavy grass and thick weeds, and the active cooling system is there to keep that output consistent rather than letting it fade as the battery drains. The 4 Ah battery in the kit has more capacity than most bundles at this level ship with, and the whole tool weighs 7 pounds.
Edging behavior is good. The dual-direction head is the piece that earns its keep, because string that spins counter-clockwise tends to throw debris one way, and this lets you choose. Owners also like that the brand is a familiar one with a real dealer and parts network, which matters if you plan to keep the tool for years.
The number that gives us pause is the rating. This model carries the lowest average of the twelve at 4.0, with 18 percent of reviews at one star, and its review base of 336 is by far the smallest. A large group of owners report defects or a clear gap between expectation and delivery, and with so few reviews there is not yet a long-term durability picture.
Who this suits best
This suits a large yard where ground coverage matters, someone who wants to keep clippings off a garden bed while edging, and a buyer who prefers a brand with an established service network. The 4 Ah pack and active cooling make it comfortable on a long afternoon of work.
It is also a reasonable choice for a second household tool, where you already have Husqvarna batteries and want one more platform machine rather than a new ecosystem.
Where it falls short
Skip it if you want a proven long-term record. With 336 reviews, the durability story is not yet written, and 18 percent one-star feedback is a meaningful signal to weigh against the 3 year warranty.
The premium touchpad controls are a matter of taste, and some users find them less tactile and less predictable than a standard trigger, particularly when you are wearing gloves or working in wet grass.
8. RYOBI 40V Expand-It Power Head – The Attachment Platform Pick
RYOBI 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Attachment Capable String Trimmer, 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger Inc
15 inch cutting width,13 to 15 inch adjustable
4.0Ah 40V battery
90 minute charger
Reel-easy bump feed head
Pros
- Runs expand-it and universal attachments
- Strong cutting power
- 4.0Ah battery gives 30 to 40 minutes
- Variable speed trigger
- Handles concrete and chain link
Cons
- Heaviest tool here at 13.9 lb
- Long shaft feels awkward for shorter users
- Sparse instructions
- Guard can work loose
The RYOBI is the pick if you want one motor to run more than a string trimmer. The power head accepts expand-it and universal gas-shaft attachments, which means a brush cutter, a hedge trimmer or a pole saw can share the same body and battery. Across a few seasons that adds up to far more value than a standalone tool, and it is the reason owners of this model talk about cost per attachment rather than price.
Cutting power is the other argument. Owners who replaced cheaper cordless trimmers with this one frequently rate it above what they had before, and it is reported to work reliably against concrete, cinder block and chain link fencing, which is the harder half of edging work. The variable speed trigger gives you real control between open trimming and edging.
The adjustable cutting width is unusual in this group. You can set it between 13 and 15 inches, trading a narrower path for longer runtime when you are working a big perimeter and a wider path for speed when the grass is heavy. The 4.0Ah 40V battery runs roughly 30 to 40 minutes on thick growth and weeds, and the 90 minute charger is included.
The Reel-easy bump-feed head is straightforward, if less refined than the automatic feeds on the EGO and BLACK+DECKER models. Bump feeding works fine; it just means you touch the head to the ground, which interrupts a steady edging rhythm more than a button press does.
Who this suits best
Best for a property with more than one job: fence lines, garden beds, a hedge row, or light brush at the yard edge. The 4.0Ah battery and adjustable width make it a good fit for someone who works through a large perimeter in one sitting.
It also suits owners who already have RYOBI 40V tools, since the battery carries across the range. Note this is a heavier, longer tool than most of the field, so check that the length suits you before committing.
Where it falls short
At 13.9 pounds it is the heaviest trimmer in this group by a wide margin, and the long shaft can feel awkward for shorter users. If edging is a small part of your work, that weight is pure cost for a feature you will rarely use.
The instructions are sparse enough that assembly takes some experimentation, and the included guard can work loose and needs a screwdriver. A minority of reviews report the unit running hot and draining the battery faster than expected.
9. KOMASTY 20V Folding-Shaft Trimmer – The Smallest Storage Footprint
20V Electric Cordless String Trimmer 2 x 2.0Ah Battery Powered with Charger
Three-way 180 degree folding shaft
9500 rpm motor
12 inch swath
Two 2.0Ah batteries
Pros
- Shaft folds for vertical storage
- Automatic line feed
- Two 2.0Ah batteries included
- Head and handle adjust for tight corners
- High 9500 rpm figure
Cons
- About 30 minutes total runtime
- Brand advises against thick dense grass
- Line breaks if head is not held parallel
- No dedicated edger wheel
The folding shaft is what separates this one. It folds 180 degrees in three configurations, so the tool stores vertically in a corner of a garage or an apartment closet instead of lying across a shelf. For anyone without a shed, or anyone sharing storage with a bicycle, that is a practical advantage no other pick here offers.
Underneath, it is a straightforward 20V cordless trimmer with a 12 inch swath, a 9500 rpm motor figure that sits at the top of this group, and an automatic line feed that dispenses without bumping. The head adjusts 90 degrees and the handle rotates 180 degrees, which lets you reach under benches and into corners where a fixed-angle tool will not fit.
Two 2.0Ah batteries are included, so swapping mid-job is seamless, and the manufacturer advises letting batteries cool before recharging to extend their lifespan, which is good practice for any lithium pack. The 2-in-1 conversion works through the pivoting head rather than a wheel, which means edging is entirely about your hand position.
The runtime is the honest limitation. Across both batteries you get about 30 minutes total, which covers a small yard or a season of touch-ups but not a full property. The manufacturer is straightforward about the scope too, advising against very thick or dense grass to prevent line breakage.
Who this suits best
Best for small yards, balconies, allotment plots and anyone with genuinely limited storage space. It is also a good travel option for a house with two gardens, since it fits in a car boot or a cupboard.
The adjustable head and handle make it useful for garden work with awkward geometry, like under a deck or around stacked planters, where a rigid shaft cannot follow the line.
Where it falls short
Skip it if you have more than a small lawn, or if the grass gets away from you once a season. Thirty minutes across two batteries will not cover a half acre, and the brand itself steers buyers away from dense overgrowth.
Line breaks if the cutting head is not held parallel to the ground, which is easier to do than you would think on uneven ground. With no edger wheel, expect to rely on steady hands for a straight border.
10. HortiHub 21V Cordless Trimmer and Edger – The Lightest Full-Size Pick
Electric Weed Wacker Eater Cordless Battery Powered String Trimmer Whacker
5.3 lb tool weight
9000 rpm head with 12 inch swath
15 to 20 minutes per battery
Goggles included
Pros
- Lightest full-size option at 5.3 lb
- Safety goggles included in the box
- 9000 rpm and 12 inch swath
- Two batteries and charger in the box
- Tool-free assembly
Cons
- Only 15 to 20 minutes per battery
- Batteries listed as a nonstandard type
- Line must be pre-extended to 6 inches
- Best for small yards only
At 5.3 pounds this is the lightest full-size trimmer in the group, and for beginners that is the whole proposition. Nobody enjoys learning a new tool while also managing a machine that feels unwieldy, and the lightest tool is the one you will keep picking up. The acoustic-dampened motor also keeps it practical for early morning work.
What arrives in the box is unusually complete. Two 2.0Ah lithium batteries, a charger, a reinforced safety guard and a pair of impact-resistant goggles are all included, and assembly is tool-free. Getting a trimmer up and running in five minutes with nothing else to buy is a real first-impression win, and reviewers respond to the package as delivered.
The auto feed system releases 0.4 to 0.5 inches of line per press, and the line can be advanced in quarter-inch increments with the release button. That incremental control is better than a single-speed auto feed, and the 9000 rpm head with a 12 inch swath is competitive for the class. The tool is a 2-in-1 trimmer and lawn edger, switching through the head rather than a wheel.
The setup step almost everyone misses is the first line extension. The manufacturer wants the line pulled out to 6 inches before first use, and if you skip it the auto feed will not behave correctly. It takes a minute and it is the single most common confusion in the reviews.
Who this suits best
Best for a first trimmer purchase, a small yard, and garden paths rather than open turf. It suits older users and anyone with shoulder or grip issues, since 5.3 pounds is easy to control at arm’s length for a full session.
It also works for anyone who wants basic edging along a path or a bed border without committing to a platform. Goggles in the box remove one safety purchase.
Where it falls short
Skip it if you have a large lawn or any thick brush. Fifteen to twenty minutes per battery is a short session, and the brand positions this honestly as a small-yard and everyday-garden tool.
The battery listing shows a nonstandard battery type, which means replacement packs may be harder to find than a mainstream platform pack. Confirm the contents of the box before you rely on it for anything long.
11. Heywork 20V Trimmer and Edger – The Best Box Contents
HEYWORK 20V 12″ Cordless String Trimmer, Electric Weed Wacker & Edger
6.3 lb body with adjustable grip
8000 rpm motor with 12 inch width
Two 20V 4.0Ah batteries
8 pre-wound spools included
Pros
- Two 4.0Ah batteries in the box
- Eight pre-wound spare spools
- 6.3 lb body with adjustable grip
- Automatic line feed
- Clean 2-in-1 switching
Cons
- 8000 rpm is below similar priced rivals
- Smaller review base of 368
- Battery listing is inconsistent with the description
The reason this model stands out is not the motor, it is the box. Two 4.0Ah batteries at this level is unusual, and eight pre-wound replacement spools effectively covers the consumable cost for the first couple of seasons. Spools are the thing every cordless owner runs out of first, and having eight on the shelf removes the most common reason a new trimmer ends up unused.
At 6.3 pounds the tool sits in the middle of the weight range, with an adjustable grip that helps with longer sessions. The automatic line feed keeps the job moving without stopping to tap the head, and the 2-in-1 conversion between trimming and edging is the cleanest in this group. The 12 inch cutting width covers typical suburban edging work.
The 4.4 rating is strong for the segment, and owners consistently point to the generous package contents rather than to raw cutting speed. That is the correct read. At 8000 rpm this is not the fastest head in the group, and buyers who need thick weed capability will feel the difference against the 9500 rpm units.
One thing to sort out before you order: the specification listing shows AAA batteries, which is inconsistent with the two 20V 4.0Ah packs described everywhere else on the listing. The review base of 368 is also the second-smallest here, so the long-term record is still short. Confirm the box contents before you plan a large job around it.
Who this suits best
Best for a buyer who wants everything in one purchase and does not want to make a second order for spools and a spare pack. It suits a medium suburban yard where the 4.0Ah capacity gets you through a session without a swap.
It is also a good value reference point. Compare the box contents against similar priced 20V kits and you will find it is unusually generous, particularly on consumables.
Where it falls short
Skip it if you need the highest cutting speed in the class, or if you plan to grow into a broader battery platform, since this is a standalone ecosystem rather than one that spans a large tool range.
The specification inconsistency is worth a question before purchase, and the small review base means you are buying on box contents rather than on a long ownership history.
12. CRAFTSMAN CMEST900 Corded 12 Inch – The Tool That Never Stops
CRAFTSMAN String Trimmer/Edger, Corded Electric, 12-Inch (CMEST900)
3.5 amp corded power
12 inch swath with 0.065 inch line
Turn-to-edge with wire guide
Automatic feed spool
Pros
- Unlimited runtime for full-yard work
- Cord never limits where you can go
- 3.5 amp motor cuts thicker weeds than cheap corded units
- Turn-to-edge wire guide gives clean lines
- Automatic feed spool
Cons
- Extension cord not included
- You have to manage a cord across the yard
- Some units fail within a season
- Auto feed can run hot on some units
A corded trimmer solves one problem that no battery solves: it never stops. If your yard is large, if you already have an outdoor outlet and a 50 foot or 100 foot extension cord, and if you would rather not think about charge time at all, the CMEST900 remains a rational choice. Several owners rate it above similarly priced cordless alternatives precisely because they never wait.
The 3.5 amp motor has more bite than cheap corded units, and the turn-to-edge conversion with a wire edge guide produces genuinely clean lines along sidewalks. The automatic feed spool extends line without bumping, and the 12 inch swath with 0.065 inch line covers standard edging work. There is also an integrated hook for hanging it on a VERSATRACK wall system, sold separately.
There are two real caveats and you should weigh both. The power cord is not included, so an extension cord is a required extra purchase, and you have to manage that cord across the yard. A 12 inch trimmer at the end of a 100 foot cord is a different experience from a battery tool you can carry to the far corner of a property.
The second is durability. Reviews include a visible cluster of one- and three-star reports describing failure within a season, and one account of the auto-feed assembly getting hot enough to burn on contact. That is a small enough share of reviews to be honest about without condemning the tool, but it is a reason to check the warranty terms carefully.
Who this suits best
Best for a large yard with accessible power, a user who is comfortable handling a cord, and anyone who has been frustrated by battery runtime mid-job. Owners who prefer consistent power to portability tend to be very happy with it.
It is also a sensible backup tool for a property where a second machine gets used hard. It needs no battery platform, no charger and no platform batteries to age.
Where it falls short
Skip it if your power is far from the work area, or if managing an extension cord across a yard is something you will avoid. Buy a 50 or 100 foot outdoor-rated cord of good quality as part of the purchase; a cheap cord throttles the motor and causes exactly the stalling complaints users report.
It is also the least pleasant tool in this group for edging in tight spaces, because the cord constrains your movement. The failure reports within a season are worth asking about if you are buying for infrequent use.
How to Edge a Lawn with a String Trimmer
Yes, you can edge a lawn with a string trimmer, and on a typical suburban yard it is often the only edging you need. Convert the head to 90 degrees, lock it, and the spinning line becomes a vertical cutting disc that slices grass at the soil line along any hard edge. The result will not match a dedicated blade edger, but it is close enough that most homeowners never buy one.
The first thing to get right is the head lock. Most heads rotate with a lever or require stepping on the head to release it. Lock the head at 90 degrees and confirm it does not drift before you start, because a head that creeps mid-edge is what produces the scalloped, chewed-up look people associate with amateur edging work.
Second, direction of travel. Walk along the edge so the line spins into the grass and the debris moves away from the hard surface. On a bed edge this keeps mulch off your plants and off the path. Walk against the spin instead and you will find debris scattered in the wrong direction every time.
Third, control the speed. Most of the trimmers here have a variable speed trigger or a two-speed setting. Run low near a bed or a delicate plant, run high along an open driveway edge where you are covering ground. Full throttle in a flower bed is how a string trimmer finds the stems you wanted to protect.
Fourth, set the line longer than feels necessary. Reviewers who follow the advice to step up one line size for edging report cleaner results, and the heavier line holds a straighter path against concrete. Watch the head-to-shaft gap as you go: a large gap is where long grass wraps around the shaft and stops the cut, which is the single most common cause of a trimmer that will not cut cleanly.
Finally, use the support hardware. Where a tool has a wheel or a wire edge guide, use it every time. The wheel fixes the cutting plane so the line tracks a consistent height, and that consistency is most of what people mean when they say an edge looks professional. A fifth pass at a lower height cleans up the step between the lawn and the edge.
Choosing the Right String Line for Edging
The right line for edging is heavier than the line that ships with most trimmers. Thin line flexes and whips against a hard surface, breaks more often, and leaves a ragged edge. Owners and forums both point the same direction: if you are primarily edging, step up one diameter from the factory line. Use only the diameter your head is rated for, and never exceed the manufacturer’s specification.
Three diameters cover almost every edging job. 0.065 inch is the light-duty default, suited to ordinary grass and light weeds on smaller trimmers. 0.080 inch is the sensible middle choice for edges along a driveway or a long sidewalk, where you want a line that holds its shape. 0.095 inch is professional-grade line for overgrown weeds, thick grass and edging on a larger head, and it is what the EGO in this group ships with.
Beyond diameter, two more choices matter. Nylon line with a rounded or twisted shape is more durable than plain line against concrete, because the shape resists fraying. And a line with a heavier outer jacket, sometimes called armored line, lasts considerably longer against brick and stone, which is exactly where most edging wear happens.
One more practical note: heavier line shortens runtime, because more material is spinning at the head. That is the trade you accept when you prioritize edging quality, and it is a reason to buy a second battery rather than to stay with thin line.
String Trimmer or Dedicated Lawn Edger?
A dedicated edger is better for edging than a string trimmer, but only if edging is a large enough share of your work to justify owning two tools. A blade edger cuts a defined trench in the soil, it does not bend around a curve, and it will not chip a paver. A string trimmer with a 90 degree head follows contours, works around trees and planters, and does all of that with one machine.
The practical rule is simple. If you have hard, straight edges you want cut to a depth, such as a driveway, a paved walk or a concrete border, a dedicated edger gives you a result a trimmer will not. If your edges are curving, broken by beds, or mostly around plantings, the trimmer is the correct tool and an edger would be the more awkward machine.
The argument for staying with one tool is the one you will see repeated most in owner forums. A trimmer with a 90 degree head and a guide wheel covers the majority of residential edging well, and the time you spend switching between two machines with two fuel systems and two maintenance routines is real. For most homeowners, a good trimmer is the better buy. For daily professional routes with long straight hardscape edges, a dedicated edger earns its place.
Whichever tool you use, respect the hard edge. Cutting into concrete and stone is what breaks line and dulls edges, and the whole reason to keep the line slightly shorter than the diameter of the head is to avoid that contact.
How to Choose a String Trimmer for Edging and Trimming
Start with the edging hardware, not the engine. Look for a head that rotates 90 degrees and locks, and ideally a physical guide, wheel or edge plate. That is the feature that decides whether your borders look crisp. Every pick in this list converts; only some convert well. A wheel is the biggest single upgrade in edging quality you can buy.
Match cutting swath to your yard. A 12 inch swath is fine for a small suburban lot and easy to control at low angles. A 15 or 16 inch swath covers a large property in fewer passes but is heavier to hold in an edging position, because the extra head diameter resists your guidance. Bigger is not better for edging; it is only better for coverage.
Decide on power source honestly. Cordless has become the default for good reason: quiet, no fuel mixing, one-button start, and enough power for lawn and light weeds. Gas still wins on uninterrupted runtime and genuinely heavy growth, though it costs noise, maintenance and two-cycle oil. Corded is worth considering if you have power near your yard and already own a good extension cord.
Check the head-to-shaft gap. This is the least glamorous specification and one of the most important. A large gap between the cutting head and the shaft gives long grass somewhere to wrap, which stalls the cut and wraps debris around the machine. The tighter the gap, the cleaner the trim.
Weight and balance decide whether you will keep using it. Read the tool weight, not the shipping weight, and think about where that weight sits. Motors mounted at the head feel front-heavy at an edging angle and tire the hands faster than a rear or mid-mounted design. A shoulder strap is not a luxury either; several forums describe strap absence as a deal-breaker for tall users, and a strap that is too short is no better than none.
Understand the line feed system. Bump feed is the traditional standard: tap the head on the ground to release more line. Push-button feed does the same thing from the handle. Automatic line load senses when line is short and feeds it for you, which is the least interruption during edging. Fixed line heads are the cheapest and most annoying to run. Whichever you get, learn the restringing procedure before you need it, because it is the moment that stops a job dead.
Buy into a battery platform, not a single tool. If you are going cordless, the real saving comes from one battery family covering the trimmer, blower, mower, hedge trimmer and chainsaw you will buy over the next few years. The WORX, BLACK+DECKER, Greenworks, EGO and RYOBI platforms here all span a range of tools. A second battery is the most common first accessory purchase, and budgeting for it up front is better than discovering the gap mid-project.
Think about attachments if you have more than one job. A split-shaft or powered-base system lets one motor run a brush cutter, a hedge trimmer and a pole saw. If you will use the trimmer for anything beyond lawn edges and fence lines, an attachment-capable power head often costs less over five years than buying the tools separately.
Know when a trimmer is the wrong tool. Brambles, saplings, large woody brush and dense weed fields belong to a brush cutter or a hedge trimmer. No amount of extra line will make a 12 inch nylon head the right machine, and forcing it shortens the life of both the line and the motor.
Safety Gear and Habits Before the First Cut
Eye protection is not optional. A spinning nylon line at 8000 rpm throws stones, sticks and grass fragments hard enough to injure an eye, and owners of high-output trimmers mention being hit with debris at speed. Safety goggles or a face shield cost very little and are included with a few of the picks on this list.
Hearing protection matters too, particularly on the higher-output heads. Even battery trimmers are loud at the head. Gloves protect against vibration-related numbness over a long session, and closed-toe shoes are the minimum. Long trousers prevent the minor cuts that come from the line snapping back at the wrong angle.
A few habits keep a session safe. Start the tool in a clear area with the line stopped, and never run it with the head above waist height. Keep bystanders and pets out of the line of the cut, and remember that the cutting swath is wider than the visible head. Let a hot auto-feed or muff assembly cool before you touch it, and always disconnect a corded tool before changing line.
For gas equipment, add fuel handling discipline: mix two-cycle oil away from ignition sources, never refuel a hot engine, and check for fuel leaks before starting. For battery tools, the equivalent habit is letting a hot pack cool before charging, which also extends the life of the pack.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best string trimmer and edger combo?
The best string trimmer and edger combos use a head that rotates and locks 90 degrees, with a wheel or wire guide to hold a consistent cutting plane. Our top pick is the WORX WG163, which pairs a tilting head with two rubberized support wheels and weighs 5.5 lb. The BLACK+DECKER LST522 is the alternative if you want the cleanest lines, thanks to a dedicated wheeled edging mode. The BLACK+DECKER LST300 and LST136 convert just as quickly and cost less, but without a guide you steer the line by hand.
What are the best trimmers for edging lawn edges?
For edging lawn edges, look first for a 90 degree head lock, a guide wheel or edge plate, and line heavier than the factory default. The BLACK+DECKER LST522 leads here because its wheeled edging mode rolls the head at a fixed height for a consistent line. The WORX WG163 runs a close second with support wheels and a very light 5.5 lb body. The EGO POWER+ ST1502SA is the best choice when you have thick weeds, because it ships with 0.095 inch line that holds its shape against concrete.
Is an edger better for edging than a string trimmer?
A dedicated edger is better for cutting a defined trench along straight, hard edges, because a rigid blade cuts into soil and concrete without bending. A string trimmer is better for curved, planted or irregular edges, since a 90 degree head follows contours and works around trees and planters. For most homeowners the trimming and edging combination covers the majority of the work with one machine, so a good trimmer is the smarter buy unless you maintain long straight hardscape edges daily.
Can you do edging with a string trimmer?
Yes. Most string trimmers rotate the cutting head 90 degrees and lock it in place, which turns the spinning line into a vertical cutting disc for trimming the grass at the soil line. The results are close to a dedicated edger on residential borders, and far better than leaving the lawn edge untouched. Use a guide wheel where one is fitted, walk so debris moves away from the hard surface, and lower the throttle near beds and plantings.
What is the best trimmer string for edging?
Use heavier line than the factory default. 0.065 inch suits ordinary grass and light weeds, 0.080 inch is the best general choice for driveway and sidewalk edges because it holds its shape against hard surfaces, and 0.095 inch professional-grade line is for thick weeds and larger heads. Always stay within the diameter your head is rated for, and consider an armored or twisted-shape nylon line for edging against brick and stone.
How do you edge with a string trimmer?
Convert the head to 90 degrees and confirm the lock holds, then set the line slightly longer than you think you need. Hold the shaft low with the head vertical and walk along the edge so the line cuts into the grass with debris moving away from the hard surface. Use the low speed setting near beds and plants, keep the line shorter than the head diameter to avoid grinding into concrete, and make a second pass at a lower height to clean up the step.
How long does a string trimmer battery last?
Runtime depends on battery capacity, head size and how thick the growth is. In this group the listed figures range from about 15 to 20 minutes per charge on a 2.0Ah pack up to 45 minutes on the EGO POWER+ 2.5Ah battery and roughly 30 to 40 minutes on a 4.0Ah pack. Expect less on tall weeds or at maximum power, and plan on a second battery rather than working around a single pack. Charge times run from about 50 minutes to five hours depending on the charger included.
The Bottom Line
The WORX WG163 is our pick for the best string trimmers for edging and trimming in 2026 because it does the two jobs that matter equally well: a 90 degree head with rubberized guide wheels for edging, and a 5.5 lb body that keeps the whole yard within reach of one person. Two batteries in the box and an auto line feed remove the two most common reasons a new cordless trimmer ends up in the shed unused.
Buy the BLACK+DECKER LST522 instead if clean, straight edges matter more than anything else. Buy the EGO POWER+ ST1502SA if you have thick weeds, and upgrade its line before you start edging. If you already have a battery platform, the RYOBI 40V power head gives you the most tools per motor, and the CRAFTSMAN corded model is the honest choice for anyone with a large yard and a nearby outlet.
Whichever you pick, spend ten minutes on the head lock and the line diameter before your first pass. That is the difference between an edge that looks done and one that looks argued with. For more options across the category, our [best cordless string trimmers professional reviews](https://lezbombmovie.com/best-cordless-string-trimmers/) and [best hedge trimmers professional reviews](https://lezbombmovie.com/best-hedge-trimmers/) go deeper on the platform question.