Best Grass String Trimmer: Honest Reviews and Buying Guide

Your grass is knee-high along the fence. The gas trimmer won’t start, the corded one won’t reach, and you’re already dreading the blisters. A string trimmer should make yard work easier, not turn it into a weekend project.

A good trimmer balances four things: cutting power, runtime, weight, and how easy it is to reload line. Get those right and you’ll finish the edges in fifteen minutes. Get them wrong and you’ll fight the tool more than the weeds.

We looked at five cordless models across different budgets and use cases. The ALSO GO Electric Weed Wacker takes our top spot for its blend of power, low weight, and three blade types. The Viabrico trimmer line is a smart add-on for anyone who already owns a trimmer. The KOMASTY, BLACK+DECKER, and WORX models each serve specific buyers well, and we’ll explain exactly who should pick each one.

Here’s a quick side-by-side of the key specs before we get into the details.

Features	ALSO GO Weed Wacker	Viabrico Trimmer Line	KOMASTY 20V Trimmer	BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX	WORX 20V Kit
Power Source	Two 24V batteries	For gas/electric trimmers	Two 20V batteries	40V MAX battery	Two 20V batteries
Cutting Width	Not specified	0.095 inch line	12 inches	13 inches	12 inches
Runtime	30 minutes total	330 feet of line	30 minutes total	Not specified	Not specified
Weight	2.65 lbs	1.7 lbs spool	Not specified	Not specified	5.3 lbs trimmer
Best Use Case	All-around yard care	Replacement line	Small yards, storage	Large yards, thick weeds	Trimming plus blowing

Electric Weed Wacker Cord…

The ALSO GO Electric Weed Wacker is a 3-in-1 cordless tool for homeowners who want one device for trimming, edging, and light brush clearing. It suits beginners, seniors, and anyone who finds gas trimmers too heavy or too loud. The 2.65-pound body makes one-handed work realistic, which matters if you have arthritis or shoulder issues.

What sets this trimmer apart is the blade system. You get plastic blades for soft grass, straight metal blades for dense weeds, and an alloy saw blade for thick shrubs and small branches. That’s rare at this price point. The 11,000 RPM brushless motor delivers solid cutting speed, and the dual 24V batteries give you about 30 minutes of combined runtime. Swapping batteries takes seconds, so you can keep working if you bought a spare set. The telescopic shaft extends from 33 to 47 inches, and the head rotates 0 to 90 degrees for reaching under fences and around bushes.

Here’s the honest part: 30 minutes of runtime is not enough for a half-acre lot. You’ll need to recharge or buy extra batteries for bigger jobs. The plastic blades wear down faster than string, and replacements aren’t as easy to find at local stores. The safety lock requires two-button activation, which is smart for families with kids but slightly awkward for quick restarts. And the 2.65-pound weight doesn’t include the battery, so it’s closer to 3.5 pounds fully loaded. Still, for small to medium yards, this is a versatile package.

• Three blade types handle grass, weeds, and light brush
• Dual 24V batteries provide about 30 minutes of total runtime
• Weighs just 2.65 lbs without battery for easy one-handed use
• Telescopic shaft adjusts from 33 to 47 inches
• Brushless motor runs quieter than gas trimmers

Best for: Homeowners with small to medium yards who want one lightweight tool for trimming, edging, and occasional brush clearing.

Viabrico.095″ Weed Eater…

The Viabrico.095-inch trimmer line is not a trimmer. It’s replacement string for anyone who already owns a gas, electric, or cordless trimmer that accepts 0.095-inch line. If you’re tired of thin lines snapping every few minutes, this square-shaped nylon line is worth a look. The 1.7-pound spool holds 330 feet, which should last most homeowners a full season or more.

Square trimmer line cuts faster than round line because the edges act like small blades. Viabrico claims a 300% increase in cutting surface area, and while that number sounds like marketing, the principle is real. The line is made from premium polyamide with a 110-pound tensile strength. That’s stiff enough for thick weeds but still flexible enough to feed through most trimmer heads. The precision winding reduces tangling and misfeeds, which saves you from stopping every few minutes to rewind the spool. It’s also abrasion-resistant, so edging along concrete driveways and gravel won’t chew through it as fast.

The trade-off is compatibility. Not every trimmer handles 0.095-inch line well. Smaller electric trimmers with weak motors may struggle to spin this thickness, and some automatic feed heads jam with square line. Check your trimmer’s manual before buying. Also, the orange color helps you see the line, but it doesn’t make it indestructible. Hitting a chain-link fence at full speed will still break it.

• 0.095-inch square nylon line with sharp cutting edges
• 330 feet per spool, 1.7 lbs total weight
• 110 lb tensile strength for thick weeds
• Precision-wound to reduce tangling and misfeeds
• Works with most gas, electric, and cordless trimmers

Best for: Trimmer owners who want a durable, tangle-resistant replacement line for heavy weeds and edging work.

20V Electric Cordless Str…

The KOMASTY 20V Cordless String Trimmer is built for tight spaces and small yards. The shaft folds 180 degrees in three ways, so it stores vertically in a closet, apartment corner, or crowded garage. That folding design is the standout feature here. If you live in a townhouse or have limited storage, this trimmer solves a real problem. The 12-inch cutting swath and 9,500 RPM motor handle basic grass and weeds without much fuss.

Two 20V 2.0Ah batteries provide about 30 minutes of total runtime, which is enough for a typical suburban front and back yard. The automatic line feed system detects when line is needed and dispenses it without bumping. That’s a nice convenience if you’ve ever fought with a bump-feed head that won’t cooperate. The 90-degree adjustable head and 180-degree rotatable handle let you trim slopes and under benches without contorting your body. It converts to an edger by pivoting the head, so you get two tools in one.

Now the drawbacks. The motor is less powerful than the 40V BLACK+DECKER or the ALSO GO, so thick, wet grass will slow it down. The manual warns against cutting excessively dense grass to prevent line breakage, which tells you the limits. The folding mechanism adds complexity, and a few users report the shaft loosening over time. Battery cooling before recharge is recommended, which is a minor hassle. And the 12-inch swath means more passes on larger lawns.

• Folds 180 degrees in three ways for vertical storage
• 12-inch cutting swath with 9,500 RPM motor
• Two 20V 2.0Ah batteries for 30 minutes total runtime
• Automatic line feed eliminates bumping
• Adjustable head and handle for slopes and corners

Best for: Apartment dwellers, townhome owners, or anyone with minimal storage space and a small yard.

BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX 13 i…

The BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX 13-inch String Trimmer is the most powerful cordless model on this list. It’s aimed at homeowners with larger yards and thick, overgrown weeds. The 40V MAX lithium-ion battery has a state of charge indicator, so you always know how much juice is left. That’s a small feature that makes a big difference when you’re halfway through a job. The 13-inch cutting swath clears more grass per pass than the 12-inch models here.

Two features stand out. The PowerCommand dial lets you choose between maximum power for thick weeds and maximum runtime for light trimming. That’s genuinely useful because you’re not stuck with one performance profile. The PowerDrive transmission delivers more torque from the motor to the cutting string, which means fewer stalls in tall grass. The Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) system feeds line as needed without bumping. And the fast charger restores full power in two hours or less, which is quicker than many competitors.

The honest downsides: this trimmer is heavier than the ALSO GO and KOMASTY models. BLACK+DECKER doesn’t list the exact weight, but user feedback consistently mentions fatigue during long sessions. The 40V battery is also larger and heavier than 20V packs. Runtime isn’t specified, but most users report 30 to 45 minutes depending on power mode. Replacement spools are easy to find at home improvement stores, which is a plus. The telescoping pole adjusts for height, but the overall build feels more utilitarian than premium.

• 40V MAX battery with state of charge indicator
• PowerCommand dial switches between power and runtime
• 13-inch cutting swath for faster coverage
• Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) with no bumping required
• Fast charger restores full battery in two hours or less

Best for: Homeowners with larger lawns and thick weeds who prioritize cutting power over light weight.

WORX 20V 12″ Cordless Str…

The WORX 20V 12-inch Cordless String Trimmer and Leaf Blower Kit is a bundle for people who need both tools and want to save money. You get the trimmer, a 360 CFM leaf blower, two 20V batteries, and a quick charger. The trimmer converts to an edger by pivoting the head, and the blower uses Turbine Tech for a wide, powerful air stream. If you’re starting from scratch with yard tools, this kit covers two essentials in one purchase.

The trimmer weighs 5.3 pounds with battery, and the blower weighs 4.4 pounds with battery. Both are light enough for most adults to use comfortably. The push-button line feed lets you dispense fresh string on demand, so you’re always cutting at peak efficiency. The 12-inch swath is standard for this class. The blower moves 360 CFM at 75 mph, which is strong enough for clearing driveways, sidewalks, and grass clippings after mowing.

What’s the catch? The trimmer itself is less powerful than the BLACK+DECKER 40V and the ALSO GO. It’s fine for regular grass and light weeds, but thick overgrowth will slow it down. The bundle locks you into WORX’s 20V battery ecosystem, which is fine if you plan to buy more WORX tools but limiting if you already own another brand. Runtime isn’t specified, but two batteries help. The blower is a nice bonus, but it’s not a substitute for a dedicated backpack blower if you have a large property.

• Bundle includes trimmer, leaf blower, two batteries, and charger
• Trimmer converts to edger with a pivot of the head
• Push-button line feed for on-demand string
• Blower delivers 360 CFM at 75 mph
• Trimmer weighs 5.3 lbs, blower weighs 4.4 lbs with battery

Best for: New homeowners or anyone who needs both a trimmer and a leaf blower without buying two separate kits.

How We Chose These Products

We started with the specs that matter most for real yard work: motor speed, cutting width, runtime, weight, and battery system. A trimmer with a fast motor but a 20-minute runtime won’t help anyone with a large yard. A lightweight trimmer with a weak motor won’t cut thick weeds. We weighed those trade-offs against each product’s intended use case.

We also looked at ease of use. Automatic line feed, tool-free adjustments, and comfortable grips matter more than raw power for most homeowners. We considered storage and portability, especially for people with small garages or apartments. And we factored in the honest limitations: battery compatibility, replacement part availability, and whether the tool feels durable or disposable. No product is perfect, and we called out the flaws.

Buying Guide: What Really Matters

Voltage is the first thing to check, but it’s not the whole story. A 40V trimmer usually has more torque than a 20V model, which helps in thick grass. But a well-designed 20V brushless motor can outperform a cheap 40V brushed motor. Look at RPM and cutting swath together. Higher RPM means faster cuts, and a wider swath means fewer passes. For small yards, 12 inches is fine. For larger lawns, 13 inches or more saves time.

Runtime depends on battery capacity and power draw. Two batteries are better than one because you can swap and keep working. If the manufacturer lists 30 minutes total, that’s 15 minutes per battery in most cases. Check whether the charger is fast or slow. A two-hour charge time is reasonable. A five-hour charge time means you’ll want spare batteries.

Weight matters more than most buyers expect. A 10-pound trimmer feels fine for five minutes and miserable after thirty. If you have back or shoulder issues, aim for under 6 pounds with battery. Telescopic shafts and adjustable handles help, but they add weight. Automatic line feed is worth paying extra for. Bump-feed works, but it’s annoying. And check the line diameter your trimmer accepts. Most universal trimmers take 0.065 to 0.095-inch line. Thicker line cuts better but drains battery faster.

Our Top Recommendation

The ALSO GO Electric Weed Wacker is our top pick for most homeowners. It’s light, versatile, and comes with three blade types that handle everything from soft grass to small branches. The dual 24V batteries give you enough runtime for a typical suburban yard, and the telescopic shaft fits different heights. It’s not the most powerful trimmer here, but it’s the best balance of weight, features, and price for the average user.

If you have a large yard with thick weeds, choose the BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX. It has more power and a wider cutting swath. If storage is your biggest problem, the KOMASTY 20V folds into a compact package that fits in a closet. If you need a trimmer and a leaf blower, the WORX kit saves you money. And if you just need replacement line for an existing trimmer, the Viabrico 0.095-inch line is a solid, tangle-resistant choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use 0.095-inch line in a trimmer designed for 0.065-inch line?

Usually no. The feed mechanism and motor are tuned for a specific line diameter. Using thicker line can cause jams, overload the motor, or break the automatic feed system. Check your manual or the trimmer’s spec sheet before switching. Some trimmers accept a range, like 0.065 to 0.080 inches, but exceeding the maximum is risky.

How long do cordless trimmer batteries actually last?

Most 20V to 40V lithium-ion batteries last 30 to 45 minutes of continuous use when new. Cold weather reduces runtime. So does thick grass, because the motor works harder. After two or three seasons, capacity drops noticeably. Storing batteries indoors at room temperature and avoiding full discharges helps them last longer.

Are metal blades better than string for trimming?

Metal blades cut thicker vegetation than string, but they’re more dangerous. They can throw rocks and debris, and they dull faster if you hit fences or concrete. Plastic blades are safer for soft grass. For most homeowners, string is the best all-around choice. Use metal blades only for brush clearing in areas without obstacles.

Do I need a gas trimmer for large properties?

Not necessarily. A 40V or 80V cordless trimmer with two or three batteries can handle an acre or more if you’re willing to swap packs. Gas trimmers still win for all-day commercial work and extreme overgrowth. But for residential use, cordless is quieter, lighter, and requires less maintenance. The main trade-off is runtime and upfront battery cost.