A weed eater is an essential gardening machine that you can’t do without in the yard. However, if you head online to your favorite retailer, you might find the amount of selection somewhat intimidating.
Reading through spec sheets and analyzing the performance of a prospective weed eater you’re thinking about purchasing takes time. We decided to take the effort out of choosing the best weed eater for your yard.
Our reviews of the best weed eaters allow you to make an informed purchase decision on the weed eater that’s right for your garden. In the review section, we look at the top models on offer and follow it up with a buyer’s guide to help you narrow down your choices.
Our Top Picks
In case you don’t have the time or the patience to read through all of our top picks, let’s make it even easier for you to pick the best weed eater for your garden. Here are our top three models, based on overall performance, affordability, and build-quality.
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- The Best Pick: Black & Decker Battery Weed Eater
Black & Decker never fails to disappoint when delivering the perfect balance of effective, efficient, and affordable gardening and DIY tools, with unique functionality and features. The Black & Decker Battery Weed Eater is the ideal cordless model to add to your tool shed. - The Premium Pick: Makita XRU09PT1 Cordless String Trimmer
Makita produces another fantastic power tool for the garden. As one of the top brands in the world for semi-industrial DIY power tools, Makita delivers a trimmer with excellent functionality, and the quality design and build components Makita-Lovers expect from the brand. - The Budget Pick: Worx WG163 Battery Weed Eater
For those gardeners looking to purchase a weed eater on a budget, look no further than the Worx WG163 Battery Weed Eater. This affordable model comes with a great price tag, and all the basic functionality you need to keep your garden in tip-top condition.
Battery Powered Weed Eater Reviews
When we analyzed the data for the best battery powered weed eater, we looked at a few criteria to assess the overall utility of the machine. Some of the factors that influenced our decisions to include these specific models in our review include the following
- Performance
- Utility
- Motor power
- User-friendly operation
- User-comfort
- Warranties
- Maintenance requirements
- Run time
- Feed spool operation
Measuring up all of our top choices against these criteria gives us a list of the best battery powered weed eaters available.
The Best Overall Model – Black & Decker Battery Weed Eater
If you’re looking for a high-performance weed eater at an affordable price point, then the Black & Decker is a fantastic choice for any gardener that wants a powerful battery powered weed eater, but doesn’t want to sacrifice operating performance.
This model is ideal for performing minor weed eating and trimming tasks in your garden. The dual cutting head functionality means that you can invert the cutting head by positioning your grip on the handle, allowing you to trim as well.
- High-performance 40V MAX* Lithium Ion battery with state of charge indicator shows you how much power you have left at all times.Charger Type : Jack Plug.
- POWER DRIVE high-torque transmission gives you cutting power at the string, for clean, fast cuts
- Convenient and versatile, it converts from trimmer to edger in seconds
- The AUTOMATIC FEED SPOOL - AFS automatically feeds trimmer line as needed, with no bumping to interrupt your work
- Maximum initial battery voltage (measured without a workload) is 40V. Nominal voltage is 36.
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This model also features variable speed control with six power levels to choose from. That’s a handy feature if you need to cut tougher, taller grass, or you want to reduce the power around the flowerbeds.
This battery-powered weed eater also comes with an automatic feed spool, taking the hassle out of your trimming.
Depending on the power level you use while running the machine, you can expect anywhere from 20 to 40-minutes of run time. It takes the charging unit around an hour to fully charge the battery pack to capacity.
Overall, this machine is ideal for anyone with a small to a medium-sized yard, and it’s available at a great price point as well.
- The winner of the best overall battery powered weed eater in this review
- Dual-purpose edger and trimmer for the yard
- Run time and max power options
- Automatic spool feeder
- Strong enough motor to handle all jobs around the yard
- Battery life could be better
The Best Premium Model – Makita XRU09PT1 Cordless String Trimmer
Those homeowners with a passion for DIY will recognize the Makita brand. Makita design and construct some of the best DIY power tools available. The battery-powered weed eater from Makita is no exception to this rule.
The Makita features top-quality design and premium components in its construction.The Makita XRU09PT1 Cordless String Trimmer gets the award for the best premium model in this review, and when we take a look at the specs, combined with the brand reputation, it’s easy to see why this machine costs a small fortune.
- Power equivalent to a 30cc gas string trimmer
- No gas, emissions, oil mixing or pull starts
- Makita-built BL Brushless Motor provides high power and increased torque
- 17" cutting swath for increased productivity
- Variable speed trigger switch for controlled cutting speed
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Still, die-hard Makita fans won’t use anything else, and this machine offers you the best weed eater performance in this review.
With the machine weighing under 10-pounds, it feels light in your hands, with an excellent balance. Makita also offers an adjustable sling strap accessory for those gardeners trimming large properties.
The machine uses a bump head, line feeding system, and some users report they experience wear on the bump head. Fortunately, Makita offer replacement bump heads for this model as well.
- Winner of the best premium model in this review
- Dual trimming and edging functionality
- Top-quality design and components from a leading DIY power tool manufacturer
- Plenty of power to cut down tall, tough grass
- Multiple speed settings for better user control
- Expensive
- Bump head wears down quickly
The Best Budget Pick – Worx WG163 Battery Weed Eater
If you’re working with a budget, and you’re looking for the best value option in this review, then you can’t go wrong with the Worx WG163 Weed Eater. This machine will suit the cost-conscious gardener and still manages to provide excellent performance.
The Worx provides you with a dual cutting operation for trimming and edging, and you also get a telescopic handle to adjust the machine to your user height.
- [TRIMMER & EDGER 2-in-1] Easily converts from a string trimmer to an edger lawn tool in just seconds
- [INSTANT LINE FEED] This grass trimmer has innovative push button Command Feed spool system for instant line feeding. Plus, Free Spools for Life
- [HEAD TILTS 90°] So you can use string trimmer and edger on sloped terrain, and get to tough-to-reach places
- [RUBBERIZED WHEELS] Support and guide the edger, giving you straighter lines and cleaner cuts
- [SPACER GUARD] Adjustable, so you don't damage plants, landscape features, and lawn ornaments while you're using the lawn trimmer
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The machine operates on the 20-volt Worx lithium-ion battery setup, and the battery is interchangeable with other Worx machines as well.
The only gripe we have with this machine is that it comes with small wire spools, and the trimming line breaks quickly. These factors mean that gardeners will replace the line and cutting heads often, driving up the cost of ownership in the long term.
However, you can’t beat the price of this battery-powered weed eater, and that’s why we chose it as the best value offering in this review.
- The winner for the best budget machine in this review
- Affordable
- Dual trimming and edging functionality
- Telescopic handle
- Compatible with all Worx 20-Volt battery systems
- Small cutting wire spools
DeWALT DCST920P1 Battery-Powered Weed Eater
If there’s another brand that’s synonymous with quality in DIY power tool manufacturing, its DeWALT. This company releases some top-quality machines, with a wide range of functionality. The weed eater is no different, and dedicated DeWALT fans will find this offering suits all of their weed-eating needs.
The DEWALT DCST920P1 battery powered weed eater has a powerful motor capable of ripping through the most robust grass.
- Gear drive design of the edger/trimmer powers through tough overgrowth
- High-efficiency brushless motor of the cordless grass trimmer maximizes run time and motor life
- Lawn trimmer provides 15-inch cutting swath with 0.080-inch line (also accepts 0.095 inch)
- Variable speed trigger with Hi/Lo speed control for added power or extended run time
- Lightweight and ergonomic design maximizes control and minimizes stress on your arms
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The 20-volt battery pack provides enough energy to the machine to allow it to cut through any task you throw at it. The battery run time is excellent, and you can expect anywhere from 25 to 40-minutes of use on a single charge.
Some users report cutting sessions as long as an hour off of one charge when using the low power setting.
The only gripe we have with this battery-powered weed eater is the user reviews. There are quite a few reviews regarding the quality control on this model. Therefore, if you experience any issues, don’t hesitate to send it back to the manufacturer.
Because of the quality control issues with this battery-powered weed eater, we feel more comfortable recommending the Makita for the top premium buy in this review.
- Premium, reputable DIY power tool brand
- Compatible with all 20-Volt DeWALT battery pack systems
- 13-inch clearance range
- Low and high operating modes for better user control
- Extended run time from a lithium-ion 20-volt battery pack
- User reviews reveal some quality control issues
Greenworks 2101602 Battery-Powered Weed-Eater
The Greenworks 2101602 Battery-Powered Weed-Eater offers gardeners with an affordable and powerful weed eater to suit any garden. It was challenging for us to choose between the Worx and this model for the best value weed eater in this review.
However, while the Greenworks may have lost the title to the Worx, that’s not to say that this machine is not worth the buy. The Greenworks comes with a 40-volt battery pack, which is better than many of the models in this review.
- 40V STRING TRIMMER – powers through the toughest grass and weeds.String trimmer operation temperature range : 6.8°F (-14°C) - 104°F (40°C). Charger operation temperature range : 39°F (4°C) - 113°F (45°C)
- 12” CUTTING PATH - .065” line, auto feed head for quick and easy line advancement
- VARIABLE SPEED TRIGGER – allows you to control cutting speed on the go, so you can easily maneuver around plants and shrubs
- LIGHTWEIGHT – Ultra lightweight design, along with superior ergonomics allow for reduced user fatigue
- EASY TO USE – Push button start. Included 2.0Ah battery recharges in 60 minutes
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The battery packs are also interchangeable with other 40-volt Greenworks batteries, allowing you to keep the charge going while you’re cutting your lawn. While the 40-volt battery is impressive, it didn’t provide the machine with the run time we expected.
With the high power setting, some users report run times as low as 20-minutes, which is considerably lower than we expect when considering the 40-volt battery pack.
This weed eater also features a variable speed control trigger, allowing gardeners to boost power to the machine when they encounter a tough spot of grass.
There are also some reports of users encountering issues with dysfunctional battery packs as well. If you have any problems with your machine after purchase, contact the manufacturer or dealer for a replacement.
- Lightweight and compact
- Comes with a 40-volt battery
- Variable speed operation for better user control
- Compatible with other 40-Volt Greenworks battery packs
- Low runtime, with some users reporting as little as 20-minutes on a charge
- User reviews reveal some quality control issues with the machine
Earthwise LST02010 Battery-Powered Weed Eater
This machine is the ideal battery-powered weed eater for small gardens. The lightweight and compact design of the Earthwise makes it easy to maneuver. It’s the perfect machine for seniors that enjoy gardening, as it’s easy to use, and the lightweight nature of the weed eater causes less operator fatigue.
- Powerful 20-volt trimmer with 2.0Ah lithium-ion battery and fast charger included in the package; Durable and reliable motor with a superior run-time.Speed : 9000 RPM
- Trimmer edger with 10" cutting width with auto-feed; Spool and 0.065" nylon line included; Flip-down edge guard for a more convenient edging experience
- Eco trimmer with an adjustable handle and telescopic pole so you can adjust the shaft based on your preference and comfort
- Cordless, lightweight and easy to use; Battery-powered, low-maintenance and does not require gas or oil
- Earthwise Power Tools by ALM 20-volt battery that is compatible with all second series 20-volt lithium-ion Earthwise product; 2-year warranty on the tool and 1-year warranty on the battery
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The 4.4-lb weight of the machine and the 10-inch cutting range prove our point about this machine being for smaller gardens. The battery pack provides enough charge to run the weed eater for up to 20-minutes, which is more than enough run time to trim a small yard.
This weed eater is also remarkably affordable. While we still prefer the Worx as our value choice in this review, it might be too much machine for a small garden to handle. If this is the case for your home, then this little beauty will do you fine instead.
- Lightweight for user-friendly operation and comfort
- Excellent value for money
- Adjustable height handle
- Good for small lawns
- Minimal run time of 15 to 20-minutes on a single charge
Worx WG 184 Battery-Powered Cordless String Trimmer
Worx cracks our review list again with the WG184 model. This model is the big brother to our value pick in this review. With the Worx WG184, you get a double battery, prolonging the run time of the machine.
Worx introduced a fast-charging system for this machine, and the total charge time on this weed eater is nearly as fast as the Makita, which has a considerably higher price tag.
- [2x20V=40V] Powered by two 20V MaxLithium PowerShare batteries for 40V of total power and performance.Charging time : 60 min. No Load Speed : 7500 /min.
- [2-IN-1] Easily converts from a string trimmer into an in-line wheeled edger
- [COMMAND FEED] Innovative Command Feed spool system of this grass trimmer offers instant line feeding at the touch of a button
- [VARIABLE SPEED THROTTLE] Increase the speed when you run into tougher grass, then dial it back down to increase runtime
- [PRO-GRADE] Professional-grade trimmer line of lawn trimmer for sharp edges and professionally landscaped results
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
With the Worx WG184, you get all the functionality and features of the Worx WG163 Battery Weed Eater, with additional battery life, and a fast-charging system.
- Affordable price tag
- Powerful motor with high cutting speed
- Powerful cutting operation suitable for long grass
- Extended battery life
- 3-year warranty
- Not suitable for landscaping use
DeWALT DCST922P1 Battery-Powered Weed Eater
DeWALT is back again with another top-quality model for this review. If you like the Worx WG 184 Battery-Powered Cordless String Trimmer, but want a model from a premium manufacturer, then we recommend you go with the DeWALT DCST922P1 Battery-Powered Weed Eater.
This machine has all of the features and functionality of the Worx. However, it runs on a single 4.0aH lithium-ion battery, instead of the two 2.0aH batteries in the Worx model.
- Folding hinge to fit into small storage spaces**
- Reduced length when folded for easy transportation**
- 14 in. swath for a wide cutting area
- Durability even in the thick brush
- Choose between performance and runtime with variable-speed trigger
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Therefore, gardeners can expect the same cutting rpm and run time with this machine, but this model won’t be able to provide the gardener with the same power as the Worx model when cutting through tough grass in the garden.
However, the weight and balance of the DeWALT are far superior to the Worx, which is one standout point that makes this the more attractive machine of the two. That is until you look at the price tag.
- A premium brand with an excellent reputation
- Excellent build quality and design with top-quality components
- Lightweight and compact
- 13-inch cutting width
- 3-year warranty
- A tough choice between this model and the Makita for the best premium model
Black & Decker LSTE525 Battery-Powered Weed Eater
This unit is the bigger brother to our top choice in this review. With this machine, you get two 1.5aH batteries, providing a total run time of around 30-minutes depending on the terrain you’re cutting.
This model is similar to the Worx WG163 in cutting width, voltage, and price. However, we feel the Worx provides a better run time and operation between the two machines.
- Converts from trimmer to wheeled edger; Amp hour: (2) 1.5 ampere hour
- Power drive transmission for increased torque
- 2 speed control for more power or extended runtime. Line diameter: 0.065 inches; Cutting swath 12 inches
- Easy feed allows you to advance your line with the push of a button with no bumping required
- Part of the 20V Max system; 1 system endless tasks. Power for your style
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However, as with most other Black & Decker power tools, it sports a long service life and quality components that make it a pound heavier than the Worx.
- Excellent functionality and features
- Affordable
- Versatile dual trimming and edging function
- Batteries are interchangeable
- Comes with two battery packs
- Low run time of 10 to 15-minutes
Ryobi RY40204 Battery Powered Weed Eater
The Ryobi RY40204 2016 model is an example of junk for sale. While the Worx is a great value machine, the Ryobi is nothing more than cheap.
The unit doesn’t come with a battery pack or a charger, and gardeners will have to buy these spares separately. It also has a short string length, and we feel its underpowered as well. User reports state that Ryobi is not very good at honoring its warranty as well.
- Brand New in box. The product ships with all relevant accessories
Last update on 2024-10-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
However, we felt we needed to include this model in our review to show readers an example of what not to buy. We suggest you go with the Worx if you’re looking for the most affordable model for a medium to large yard.
- Cheap build and design makes it an affordable choice
- No battery or charger included with the unit
- User reviews report early burnout of the motor
- A short cutting string length
Battery Powered Weed Eater Buyer’s Guide
Whether you’re slashing your way through waist-high grass, trimming the edges on your lawn, or cutting away weeds in the driveway bricks, a weed eater is a versatile and indispensable machine that belongs in every gardener’s tool shed.
Most of us think of a lawnmower as the backbone of our garden care tools. However, a weed eater is a more versatile machine. A weed eater might not give you the stunning level finish on your grass that a lawnmower provides, but you can still use it to cut back grass where a lawnmower can’t reach.
If you need a little assistance with selecting the best battery powered weed eater, then review this buyer’s guide section. The functionality and features of weed eaters can be somewhat overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers.
In this section, we’ll unpack everything you need to know to help you make an informed decision when selecting the best battery powered weed eater for your yard.
Weight
The first factor you need to consider when selecting the best battery powered weed eater for your yard is the weight of the machine. The weight of the weed eater determines the user-friendly operation of the weed eater.
Lightweight machines are easy to maneuver, and you can get them into tight spaces. A lightweight weedeater also reduces the stress on your arms during operation, allowing you to trim for longer before feeling tired.
The heaviest part of the machine is the battery pack. Remove the battery pack, and you’ll notice that the weed eater feels unbalanced in your hands. Most manufacturers take the weight of the battery into account when designing the machine.
As a result, you get a lightweight machine that’s comfortable to operate. It’s also one of the primary reasons why you should never swap battery packs with another brand. The other brand might have a battery design that affects the user operation and comfort of handling your machine.
Machine Power
When assessing your battery powered weed eater, take a look at the power output. Most models will have an operating voltage of at least 20-volts. 40-volt models offer you more power, but they often drain the battery faster as well.
If you do want a higher power machine, it’s advisable to get a spare battery, especially if you have a large yard, and you plan on trimming for more than 30-minutes.
Manufacturers measure battery output in ampere-hours or amp-hours, with top manufacturers offering maximums of 5-Amp-hours in their machines. Those gardeners wanting to cut tough grass or weeds should consider investing in a weed eater that has a minimum power output of 5-Amp-hours.
Feed Reloading Features
The line feed also makes a difference when selecting your ideal battery powered weed eater. There are a few different models to choose from concerning the line feeding features of the machine.
Before selecting your preferred line feeding mechanism, make sure that you understand that the thicker gauge line lasts longer, requiring less need for replacement than the thinner gauge line.
The common types of line feeding mechanisms in weed eaters are the following.
- The Manual Feed – This is the type all gardeners should avoid., Why feed the line manually when you can let the machine do the work?
- The Bump Head – This system is a popular line feeding mechanism found in many weed eaters. The user bumps the cutting head against the ground, and the machine automatically feeds the line into the cutting head.
- Auto-off Feeds – This mechanism feeds line into the cutting head when you switch the machine off.
- Automatic feeding – This is the best option. The machine detects when you’re low on cutting line and automatically feeds it into the cutting head.
Battery Powered Weed Eater FAQs
Here are a few commonly asked questions we get concerning purchasing the best battery powered weed eater.
How Does a Battery-Powered Weed Eater Work?
Weed eaters have a cutting head that spins at high rpm. The cutting head has two line ports which feed cutting line into the cutting head at a specific length. Some weed eaters feature dual cutting and edging functionality.
The machine receives its power source from lithium-ion batteries. The batteries are rechargeable, with an average service life of 5-years.
What is the Best Brand of Battery-Powered Weed Eater?
All of the brands mentioned in this review are worthy of mention, apart from the Ryobi. Makita and DeWALT are renowned as the premier DIY power tool brands in the world.
What’s the Average Service Life of a Weed Eater
Most battery-powered weed eaters don’t require much maintenance. The most gardeners will have to do for general maintenance is to replace the line spool from time to time, and keep the machine clean. If you experience any issues that are not related to your battery, then take your weed eater to your local dealer for a service or repair.
Most of the problems that occur with battery-powered electric weed eaters are due to issues with the battery pack. Lithium-ion batteries last a long time, but they can be somewhat dysfunctional in some cases. If you have any problems with your battery, and it’s still under warranty, ask your manufacturer for a replacement.
As mentioned, most lithium-ion batteries have a service life of 3 to 5-years. After this time, you’ll need to replace it with a new unit.
Can I Swap My Battery Pack with another Brand?
While many machines will operate using battery packs from other brands, we recommend you avoid this practice. Using another brand’s battery pack may damage your weed eater. The design of the battery pack may also affect the balance of the machine in your hands during operation, leading to injury.
The Best Battery Powered Weed Eaters – Conclusion
If you’re still on the fence about choosing the best battery powered weed eater for your yard, then follow our suggestions. Our choices include a model from the top manufacturer of DIY power tools, as well as affordable budget-buy option, and our vote for the best overall battery powered weed eater on the market.
Depending on your budget and your requirements, you’re sure to find a battery-powered weed eater that’s the right choice for your yard. Follow the guidelines in our buyer’s guide and ensure you pick the right machine for the job. Some gardeners don’t need multiple speed selection, while others might find this function very beneficial.
It’s up to you which battery powered weed eater you decide to purchase, but we’re confident in stating that we believe all the models in this review are an excellent addition to your tool shed.
