10 Best Electric Weed Eaters of 2024 [Reviews]

Electric weed eaters are growing in popularity among homeowners, both for their efficiency and eco-friendliness. But which one is right for you?

We’ve tried to make that decision easy for you. We compared a host of electric string trimmers to compile our list of the 10 best electric weed eaters. 

What factors did we look at to compare the best electric weed trimmers? We ranked each weed eater in five categories (with various weightings): 

• Cost: 10%
• Weight: 15%
• Cutting Swath: 25%
• Line Diameter: 20%
• Revolutions Per Minute: 30%

The following 10 weed eaters with the best-weighted averages made it to our final list. We were as surprised as anyone to find BLACK+DECKER weed eaters winning so many blue ribbons. Happy shopping!

Top 10 Electric Weed Eaters [Reviews]

1. BLACK+DECKER BESTA510

Get jam-packed power for around 50 bucks with the BLACK+DECKER BESTA510. Operating with an 8000 rpm and 14-inch cutting swath, this weed wacker will get the work done in no time.

Users are impressed with the powerful motor, and positive reviews remark on the weed eater’s lightweight design. 

The weed eater’s automatic feed spool technology eliminates having to pause work for string refills. Just trim the grass, and the weed eater will self-regulate the line on its own.

Need to edge along the sidewalk or front walkway? Transition the BLACK+DECKER tool from a weed eater into an edger. And better yet, reviewers love how the connected edging wheel makes the job a breeze. 

Stayed away from corded models because you find it a nuisance when power cords disconnect? The BLACK+DECKER BESTA510 features a corded retention system that helps prevent accidental disconnection. 

Specifications: 

• Weight: 5.3 lbs
• Cutting Swath: 14 inches
• Line Diameter: 0.065 inch
• Power Source: Corded Electric, 6.5 amp
• Revolutions Per Minute: 8000 rpm

Pros: 

✓ Tied for lightest weed eater on our list
✓ Great for shopping on a budget
✓ Automatic feed spool technology
✓ Adjustable handle and height positions
✓ 2-in-1 edger and weed eater
✓ Equipped with edging wheel
✓ Corded retention system helps prevent accidental disconnection
✓ Easy to assemble

Cons: 

✗ Some users have reported the weed eater breaking too soon
✗ The automatic feed technology may go through the spool too fast

2. BLACK+DECKER ST8600

For a smaller cutting path and slightly slower rpm than the BLACK+DECKER BESTA510, try the BLACK+DECKER ST8600. The corded weed eater’s 7700 rpm, 5 amp motor, and 13-inch cutting swath make it easy to spruce up the spots where the lawn mower missed.

And whenever you need to edge the lawn, you can take advantage of the weed eater’s edging guide. 

At 5.35 lbs, the lightweight design is perfect for those longer outdoor jobs. The BLACK+DECKER ST8600 also has an automatic feed spool system, so you don’t have to worry about pausing your work to adjust the line. 

Specifications: 

• Weight: 5.35 lbs
• Cutting Swath: 13 inches
• Line Diameter: 0.065 inch
• Power Source: Corded electric, 5 amp
• Revolutions Per Minute: 7700 rpm

Pros: 

✓ Adjustable height and pivoting handle
✓ Corded retention system helps prevent accidental disconnection
✓ Features an edging guide for a more controlled cut
✓ Great for shopping on a budget
✓ Automatic feed system
✓ Lightweight design
✓ 2-in-1 edger and weed eater

Cons: 

✗ Some reviews remark the auto feed system uses the string too fast

3. BLACK+DECKER GH900

This weed eater is the third BLACK+DECKER on our list. We scouted the market, and time and time again, BLACK+DECKER string trimmers dominated the top sellers and our rankings. 

Users report the BLACK+DECKER GH900 is strong and dependable, great for small yards, and the perfect combination of lightweight design and powerful performance. This weed eater shows off a 7000 rpm and a wide 14-inch cutting path. 

Specifications: 

• Weight: 5.5 lbs
• Cutting Swath: 14 inches
• Line Diameter: 0.065 inch
• Power Source: Corded electric, 6.5 amp
• Revolutions Per Minute: 7000 rpm

Pros: 

✓ Automatic feed system 
✓ Edger wheel
✓ 2-in-1 edger and weed eater
✓ Adjusts to various heights
✓ Cord retention system prevents accidental cord disconnection
✓ Pivoting handle for added control and comfort
✓ Lightweight ergonomic design

Cons: 

✗ Users report the automatic feed system goes through the trimmer line too quickly
✗ A bit pricier than other BLACK+DECKER weed wackers. 

4. Remington RM115ST 

Get the job done faster with the Remington RM115ST’s dual-line auto feed. Instead of trimming with one trimmer string line, the Remington RM115ST speeds up the cutting job with two lines. Combine the second string with the impressive 14-inch cutting swath and automatic feeder system, and you can zip right through your yard work. 

Users report the weed eater is easy to assemble and produces an excellent bang for the buck. The Remington RM115ST also features a 180-degree rotating handle, an edger, and an adjustable shaft for different operator heights. 

Specifications: 

• Weight: 7 lbs
• Cutting Swath: 14 inches
• Line Diameter: 0.065 inch
• Power Source: Electric corded, 5.5 amp
• Revolutions Per Minute: 7000 rpm
• Weight: 7 lbs

Pros: 

✓ Adjustable telescopic shaft 
✓ Collapses for easy storage
✓ Easy to assemble
✓ 180-degree rotating handle
✓ 2-in-1 edger and weed eater
✓ Automatic feeder system
✓ Two string trimmer lines
✓ Affordable

Cons: 

✗ Some users report having to pause their work to advance the line manually

5. Greenworks 21342

The Greenworks 21342 operates on a 24-volt lithium-ion battery compatible with more than 20 other Greenworks tools. 

If you need to edge the landscape, rotate the cutting head and guide yourself with the edger wheel. 

And did we mention the Greenworks 21342 is equipped with an automatic feed system and an impressive 9000 rpm? The automatic feed system helps take the guesswork out of adjusting your string line. 

Specifications: 

• Weight: 8.82 lbs
• Cutting Swath: 12 inches
• Line Diameter: 0.065 inch
• Power Source: Battery, 24-volt
• Revolutions Per Minute: 9000 rpm

Pros: 

✓ Edging wheel
✓ Automatic feed head
✓ Highest rpm on our list
✓ 24-volt lithium-ion battery compatible with over 20 Greenworks tools
✓ 2-in-1 edger and weeder

Cons: 

✗ Users have complained about needing to pause their work and manually pull the string trimmer line. 
✗ Weighing in at 8.82 pounds, this weed eater may be heavy for some users. 

6. WORX WG163 

The battery-powered WORX WG163 weed eater has plenty to offer with its rubberized wheels, adjustable space guard, commander feed, and tilting head. 

While automatic feeder systems save you from pausing your work and replacing the line, an automatic feeder system isn’t always accurate.

Instead of an automatic feeder system, the WORX WG163 features a commander feed system which lets you simply press a button to replace the line.

Bonus points: The rubberized edger wheels make edging a breeze, and the adjustable spacer guard lets you protect your flower beds or other landscape features from the trimmer. When you’re trimming those hard-to-reach places, adjust the head up to 90 degrees for optimal control and reach. 

Specifications: 

• Weight: 5.3 lbs
• Cutting Swath: 12 inches
• Line Diameter: 0.065 inch
• Power Source: Battery, 20-volt 
• Revolutions Per Minute: 7600 rpm

Pros: 

✓ Rubberized edger wheels
✓ Two 20v Max Lithium batteries included
✓ Lightweight design
✓ Adjustable spacer guard allows you to protect plants and other lawn features
✓ Can tilt the head 90 degrees to trim on difficult terrain
✓ Innovative commander feed system
✓ Adjustable handle
✓ 2-in-1 edger and weed eater

Cons: 

✗ Smaller cutting path than most weed eaters in our top 10

7. Makita XRU15Z

If you’re looking for a high performing weed eater to tackle the tough spots in your yard (and aren’t afraid to lay down the big bucks), the Makita XRU15Z may be just what your turf needs. 

This weed eater has a 0.08-inch line diameter to tackle those thick grasses and weeds that are too much for the 0.065-inch lines. 

The Makita XRU15Z also has a straight shaft design that brings more power to the job. The long shaft is perfect if you’re tall or find discomfort in shorter models, which typically have curved shafts and less power. 

If short battery-life has ever been an issue with your other battery-powered tools, the Makita XRU15Z ought to end that frustration. The weed eater has three-speed options to let you regulate power and increase battery life. 

The tool features Star Protection Computer Controls technology that allows the weed eater and the battery to exchange data and protect against overloading, over-discharging, and overheating. 

The weed wacker’s brushless motor helps ensure a longer run time, more power and speed, and longer tool life. Given the appropriate power setting and handling, the Makita XRU15Z boasts up to 1.5 hours of run time. 

Specifications: 

• Weight: 10 lbs
• Cutting Swath: 15 inches
• Line Diameter: 0.08 inch
• Power Source: Battery, two 18-volt batteries (36V)
• Revolutions Per Minute: 6500 rpm

Pros: 

✓ 0.08-inch line diameter makes it easy to handle more challenging jobs. 
✓ The long shaft is excellent for tall operators.
✓ The straight shaft delivers more power than curved shafts.
✓ 15-inch cutting swath –– the highest on our list
✓ Brushless motor
✓ Up to 1.5 hours of run time
✓ Includes bump feed trimmer head
✓ The reverse rotation function allows the user to clear the trimmer head of entangled grass and weeds.
✓ Adjustable loop handle for operator comfort

Cons: 

✗ Expensive
✗ The long straight shaft may be difficult for some operators to control
✗ Lower rpm
✗ Batteries not included on Amazon
✗ Some users may prefer an automatic feeder system over the bump feed system

8. BLACK+DECKER LSTE523

Users of the BLACK+DECKER LSTE523 report long battery life and a lightweight operation. If you need to do light trimming in the backyard, don’t let smelly gas or a short extension cord hold you back. Just grab your charged BLACK+DECKER LSTE523 and get cutting. 

This weed eater is equipped with a two-speed control system that lets you adjust for more power or extended runtime. Only need to tackle a few stray weeds? Save on battery power by changing the speed setting. 

Instead of an automatic feeder or bump feed system, this BLACK+DECKER weed eater has a command feed system that advances the trimmer’s line at the push of a button.

Specifications: 

• Weight: 6.3 lbs
• Cutting Swath: 12 inches
• Line Diameter: 0.065 inch
• Power Source: Battery, 20-volt
• Revolutions Per Minute: 7200 rpm

Pros: 

✓ 2-in-1 edger and weed eater
✓ Equipped with a wheeled edger
✓ Adjustable height and handle
✓ A two-speed control system allows the operator to adjust for more power or extended runtime
✓ Command feed system

Cons: 

✗ Some reviews note low durability 

9. Makita XRU02Z

Need a weed eater with a long battery run time and a charging time that takes only 30 minutes? The Makita XRU02Z can trim your turf for up to 60 minutes with its 18-volt lithium-ion 3.0Ah battery. It can edge your lawn, too, with its 180-degree rotating head (equipped with five adjustable positions). 

And if your automatic feed trimmers ate up too much trimmer line in the past, the bump and feed trimmer head may be just what you need. When your trimmer line runs low, give the head a bump on the ground to restock. 

Specifications: 

• Weight: 6.4 lbs
• Cutting Swath: 10.25 inches
• Line Diameter: 0.065
• Power Source: Battery, 18-volt
• Revolutions Per Minute: 7800

Pros: 

✓ 2-in-1 edger and weed eater
✓ Adjustable shaft
✓ 180-degree rotating head with five adjustable positions
✓ Adjustable loop handle
✓ Bump and feed trimmer head
✓ Users applaud long battery life
✓ Only a 30-minute recharge

Cons: 

✗ The bump and feed system is challenging to use on edging mode
✗ Batteries are not included on Amazon
✗ The 10.25-inch cutting swath is the smallest on our list
✗ Some reviews remarked that this weed eater lacks cutting power and is best for light work

10. EGO Power+ ST1521S 

You might not typically associate battery-powered equipment with horsepower (usually, you save that praise for the gas-powered tools). But that will likely change with the battery-powered EGO Power+ ST1521S. 

Powered by a 56-volt ARC Lithium battery, the EGO Power+ ST1521S has plenty to boast. It gets the work done in no time with its 15-inch cutting swath and dual-feed line. When the line runs down, use the bump feed system to reload the line with ease. 

And if you’re tired of reloading a new spool by hand, this tool self-winds the spool at the click of a button.

Even better, this dual-line weed eater also supports a 0.095-inch line diameter. But what does a thick line diameter mean? It means this weed eater can tackle those demanding projects your 0.065-inch line weed eaters can’t cut through. 

And the EGO Power+ ST1521S’s durability ought to be the least of your worries. EGO boasts that its weed wacker has a carbon fiber shaft stronger than any other string trimmer on the market. The shaft also comes equipped with a lifetime warranty when you buy from EGO. 

Specifications: 

• Weight: 12 lbs
• Cutting Swath: 15 inches
• Line Diameter: 0.095 inch
• Power Source: Battery, 56-volt
• Revolutions Per Minute: 5800 rpm

Pros: 

✓ POWERLOAD technology self-winds the line
✓ Dual-line system 
✓ Bump feed system
✓ 15-inch cutting swath
✓ Spiral twist 0.095-inch line
✓ Variable speed control
✓ The 56-volt battery powers over 50 EGO tools
✓ Battery features cooling technology and power management
✓ Carbon fiber shaft comes with a lifetime warranty when you buy from EGO
✓ High-efficiency brushless motor

Cons: 

✗ 12 pounds may be too heavy for some users
✗ Lower rpm
✗ Expensive

Buyers Guide

Sometimes when shopping around for tools, it can be tough to know what to look for. Refer to the buying guide below for some essential items to weigh and consider how they meet your needs. 

Corded vs. Battery

When shopping for electric weed trimmers, you have the choice between a corded or battery-powered model. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. 

With corded models, you have an almost unlimited run time, as long as the tool doesn’t overheat. And since they don’t need to carry a battery, corded models tend to be lighter than battery-powered string trimmers.

Needing to work close to an outlet is the downside to corded models. If you don’t have an outdoor outlet or need to work far away from one, a corded model may not be the best choice. 

With battery-powered weed trimmers, you don’t need to worry about the extension cord being a nuisance. Just pick up your weed eater and take it anywhere in the yard. 

Yet battery weed eaters don’t have unlimited run times. Once the battery has run out of juice, you’ll need to charge it before using your weed eater again. Some users may find that recharging the battery slows their work. 

Invest in a second battery if you need to increase your run time. Several manufacturers also design their equipment so that one battery is compatible with many of their tools. 

Curved vs. Straight Shaft

A weed eater with a curved shaft is usually bent about halfway between the trimmer head and the handle. A curved shaft is often easier to control than a straight shaft and can trim better in tight areas. 

Yet, the increased comfort and balance of a curved shaft does have a tradeoff: power. A straight shaft usually features more power than a curved shaft and is often used in large commercial projects. 

A straight shaft may be hard for some users to control, but it’s often the optimal choice for tall users. Straight shaft weed eaters tend to be longer than curved shaft weed eaters, so if you’re tall, you won’t need to bend as much. 

Versatility 

Several string trimmers can convert from a trimmer to an edger, which is especially helpful for buyers who can’t afford two separate tools. Some brands sell multi-task weed eaters that can convert into edgers and leaf blowers. 

String Trimmer Line

There are three things buyers ought to consider about the trimmer’s string line: thickness, shape, and the feeder system. Let’s break it down so you can make the best choice. 

Thickness

Pro tip: The thicker the grass, the thicker the string trimmer line. For example, for trimming regular grass, a 0.065-inch to 0.080-inch line will do. If you’re tackling thicker grass and weeds, get the job done with a 0.080-inch to 0.110-inch line. Any heavy-duty jobs ought to be cut with a trimmer line that’s 0.110-inch thick or more.

Remember: The thicker the string trimmer line, the harder your weed eater will need to work. Make sure you don’t use a string trimmer that’s thicker than what a manufacturer recommends. Doing so could lower the weed eater’s power and run time. 

Shape

The shape of the trimmer line will affect how well the grass is cut. Though commonly used, rounded string trimmer lines do not have a cutting edge and will instead rip your grass rather than cut it. 

Consider a trimmer line with a cutting edge for a cleaner cut, like a square- or star-shaped trimmer line.  

Feeder System

Your string trimmer line will eventually wear down after it slices through the weeds and grass. Here are four common ways weed eaters advance the new trimmer line:  

An automatic feed system detects when the string begins to run short and releases more line automatically. The automated system is popular with beginner operators, as they don’t need to maintain the string quite as much. An automatic feed system also allows the user to get more work done without pausing and adjusting the line. 

The downside is that an automatic feed system may go through too much line too fast. The operator does not have full control over when more trimmer line is added, like in a bump feed system or fixed line system. 

A bump feed system requires you to bump the trimmer’s head on the ground to release more string when needed. This system gives you more control over when the trimmer adds more line.  

Yet repeated bumping can sometimes lead to damaging the trimmer head over time. A bump feed system also can be challenging when using the weed eater as an edger. 

Command feed systems give you plenty of control. When the line appears to have worn down, the operator simply clicks a button or turns a dial to add more trimmer string. 

Fixed line heads require an individual piece of line to be loaded as needed. Using single line pieces is ideal for commercial trimmers that use a tough, thick string that outlasts thin trimmer lines. The disadvantage is having to pause the work and replace the string line each time it’s worn down.   

Weight

A heavy weed eater can wear you out. If you buy a weed eater that’s too heavy for you to handle, it’s likely to slow you down. Avoid tired muscles by getting a weed eater that feels comfortable in your hands and isn’t too heavy. 

Height

Remember, your height and the weed eater’s length will affect how comfortable you are when operating the tool. If you’re tall, don’t opt for a weed eater that will have you bending the whole time you work. And if you’re short, don’t pick a weed eater that’s too long and difficult to control. 

Your weed eater needs to feel comfortable in your hands and shouldn’t require you to feel pain in your back and knees. Before buying your weed eater, check if it has an adjustable shaft that can accommodate your height. 

FAQs About Electric Weed Eaters

When to Call a Professional

If trimming the grass and weeds isn’t how you want to spend the weekend, why not have someone do it for you? Call a local lawn care professional near you to get the job done with quality and care so you can spend more time doing the things you love. 

A lawn care professional also can mow the lawn, mulch the flower beds, install sod, and even apply fertilizer. Pull your daunting to-do list off the refrigerator and hand it to someone with a passion for lawn care. Because in our books, the best weed eater stays in the hands of a qualified professional while you relax with family and friends. 

Main Photo Credit: Shutterstock

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