Weeds are the bane of any gardener’s existence, and most homeowners hate them, too. Luckily, the electric weed eater makes what used to be a back-breaking endeavor into a fast and (relatively) easy process. But what is the best electric weed eater? It can be difficult to “weed out” when there are so many to choose from. This guide will walk you through our picks for the best electric weed eaters so you can pluck unwanted invaders from your yard with grace.
Our Top Picks
Short on time? Here’s a quick overview:
  | Best Overall: WORX WG163. This cordless weed eater is lightweight, features dual support wheels for edging, has an adjustable assist handle, and is mounted on a telescoping shaft. What more could you want? |
  | Best Budget: Greenworks 21212. If savings are on your mind, check out this incredibly affordable trimmer that still offers the cutting power you need to get the job done. |
  | Best Lightweight: BLACK+DECKER BESTA510. This Black and Decker weed eater weighs an incredible 3.2 pounds, making it a breeze to use without sacrificing functionality. |
  | Best Corded: Toro 51480. If you prefer corded to cordless, then you’ll love this trimmer’s integrated short cord that makes attaching your preferred extension cord much easier. |
  | Best Edger: PowerSmart Cordless. For those planning to edge as much as trim, this baby uses dual multi-terrain support wheels to ensure your edging game is just as strong as your trimming one. |
  | Longest Reach: BLACK+DECKER LST136. This trimmer reaches an incredible 52 inches long to save your back no matter how tall you are. |
1. WORX WG163 GT 3.0 20V PowerShare
The best electric weed eaters overall
Brand: WORX | Power: Cordless | Weight: 5.3 pounds | Cutting Diameter: 12 inches | Price: 💰💰
When it comes to the best battery-operated weed eater, the WORX WG163 is the clear winner. This hybrid feeder uses an automatic system activated with the push of a button, which puts line control at your fingertips without all the bumping. The head tilts 90 degrees to convert to an edger. Dual rubberized wheels give you plenty of support while you edge to ensure straight lines and even cuts. The tilt capability also allows you to trim on inclines and get into hard-to-reach places. An adjustable spacer guard lets you customize how much space you need to protect your beloved flowerbeds. With the adjustable shaft length and a weight of just 5.3 pounds, it handles like a dream.
Reviewers Like
- Low noise and vibration is much more comfortable than a gas trimmer
- Ergonomic trigger handle and pivoting secondary handle for a comfortable hold
- Comes with two battery packs so that one can be charging and at the ready at all times
Reviewers Dislike
- A few reviewers had issues with locking and unlocking the plastic lock on the telescoping handle
- Each battery doesn’t get that much time on one charge, and you may have to pause to switch out batteries while you work
2. Greenworks 21212 4 Amp Electric
The best electric weed eaters on a budget
Brand: Greenworks | Power: Corded | Weight: 7 pounds | Cutting Diameter: 13 inches | Price: 💰
If you need an electric weed eater that won’t break the bank, check out the Greenworks 21212. This corded model costs half the price of its cordless counterparts with all the same cutting power. It comes with an integrated cord lock to prevent unplugging, making it the best cheap electric weed eater (corded) that we could find. The telescoping shaft lets you adjust the overall length to suit your height and ensure a more comfortable hold. The trimmer rotates, so you can use it for edging as well.
Reviewers Like
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
- Initial setup takes less than 10 minutes
- Lightweight model weighs only 7 pounds
Reviewers Dislike
- Not as powerful as more expensive models, though powerful enough for the average yard
- It doesn’t come with a power cord – you need a heavy-duty extension cord that you have to buy separately
3. BLACK+DECKER BESTA510 Auto Feed Electric
The best lightweight electric weed eater
Brand: BLACK+DECKER | Power: Corded | Weight: 3.2 pounds | Cutting Diameter: 14 inches | Price: 💰💰
Black and Decker is a household name when it comes to outdoor equipment, so it should be no surprise that a Black and Decker weed eater made our list of the best electric weed eaters! The BESTA510 weighs in at a mere 3.2 pounds, making it the lightest weight weed eater we could find on the market. Though it’s corded, the 6.5 amp motor and POWERDRIVE transmission offer plenty of torque to cut through the toughest of weeds. The head rotates for use as an edger, and features a built-in wheel to ensure an even cut and straight lines.
Reviewers Like
- Unbeatably lightweight design is easy for anyone to use
- Cord retention system to prevent accidental unplugging
- Adjustable secondary handle for more comfortable operation
Reviewers Dislike
- The shaft is very short, which makes it uncomfortable for taller people to use
- It doesn’t come with a power cord and is only compatible with ungrounded (2-prong) extension cords
4. Toro 51480 Corded Electric
The best corded electric weed eater
Brand: Toro | Power: Corded | Weight: 6.3 pounds | Cutting Diameter: 14 inches | Price: 💰💰
If you prefer a corded model over a cordless one, then the best electric corded weed eater must be the Toro 51480. Whereas other corded models have an outlet you need to plug an extension cord into, this trimmer has a short cord sticking out for the extension cord to plug in. This is compatible with a wider range of extension cords because you don’t have to worry about the casing fitting into the outlet.
The Toro 51480 has a powerful motor that cuts through tough plants like butter. Its auto-feed system means you don’t have to worry about when you need more line. The telescoping shaft lets you set the trimmer to a height that suits you, and the adjustable assist handle ensures you have a comfortable grip. A simple push-button lets you switch from a trimmer to an edger in seconds. The small, rubber-lined wheel makes sure your edges are straight, and your cuts are even.
Reviewers Like
- Included short cord, so extensions plug in exteriorly
- Adjustable shaft length and assist handle for comfortable use
- Push-button transition from trimmer to edger with edging wheel for accuracy
Reviewers Dislike
- The trimmer is suitable for smaller yards and lighter work but won’t be “heavy-duty”
- Some reviewers disliked the auto-feed method because it takes away the ability to feed line manually if/when needed
5. PowerSmart PS76110A Cordless
The best electric edger and weed eater
Brand: PowerSmart | Power: Cordless | Weight: 7.5 pounds | Cutting Diameter: 10 inches | Price: 💰💰
For those who need their weed eater to also function as an incredible edger, consider the PowerSmart PS746110A. The head, of course, tilts 90 degrees for use as an edger. It features an adjustable handle and ergonomic design suitable for trimming and edging work, which means you’ll be comfortable no matter what you’re doing. It weighs 7.5 pounds, which is a little heavier than some models. However, with the dual multi-terrain wheels, you can still edge confidently and accurately. The automatic feed spool takes the guesswork out of your line. The smaller cutting diameter allows you to get into much tighter spaces than its larger counterparts so that you can trim and around your prized hedges and flowerbeds.
Reviewers Like
- Dual edging wheels offer more stability for straighter edges
- Quick-charge battery takes less than an hour to return to full power
- Auto-feed spool so you don’t have to worry about manually adding line
Reviewers Dislike
- The smaller cutting diameter, though great for getting into tight spaces, means you cover less ground in each pass
- You can’t replace the auto-feed spool with a preloaded spool – you have to reload the included spool, which can be time-consuming
6. BLACK+DECKER LST136 Max
The best electric weed eater with the longest shaft
Brand: BLACK+DECKER | Power: Cordless | Weight: 7.8 pounds | Cutting Diameter: 46.5 x 13.5 x 11 inches | Price: 💰💰💰
While most weed eaters come with a telescoping shaft that allows you to adjust the height, many taller customers have trouble finding something long enough for them. This Black and Decker weed eater is here to end your struggles, though, with the LST136 Max. Other weed eaters start at under 40 long and only adjust a few inches longer. This baby starts at 46.5 inches long and reaches a massive 52 inches.
Of course, the assist handle is also adjustable to ensure you find the most comfortable operating position. The automatic feed spool eliminates the need to constantly bump or check line length, so you can focus on cutting. The head rotates to convert into a trimmer.
Reviewers Like
- Extra-long telescoping shaft perfect for taller users
- Quick-charge battery takes less than an hour to recharge fully
- Choose from two power outputs to maximize either cutting power or runtime
Reviewers Dislike
- At 7.8 pounds, this is the heaviest trimmer on our list
- Though it functions as an edger, there isn’t a support wheel, which makes edging more difficult
What to Look for
So what is the best electric weed eater on the market? Unfortunately, with so many different features, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all. The best battery-powered weed eater or corded weed eater for you will depend on your needs and preferences. To help you figure out what those needs and preferences are, here are a few things to consider:
1
Weight
It’s easy to look at a large weed eater and be excited by how much ground it can cover with just one sweep, but don’t forget: you have to lug the thing around your entire yard. Cordless weed eaters are heavier than corded since they have to have an on-board battery. Whichever you choose, make sure to check the weed eater’s weight to see if it’s manageable for you.
2
Size
Weed eaters are kinder on your back than bending over on your knees to pluck weeds out by hand. But they can still be awkward to use if they aren’t the right length for your height. Many weed eaters have adjustable shaft lengths, so you can find one that works for you, but it’s always best to double-check the shaft length and range before you buy.
3
Handling Ease
Handling ease refers to how comfortable the weed eater is to use. Remember, you’ll be hauling it all over your yard and swinging it back and forth. Weight, shaft length, number of handles and grips, and head size will impact how the weed eater handles.
4
Wireless vs Corded.
Wireless weed eaters give you a much wider range of motion. You can get pretty much anywhere with ease since you aren’t limited by proximity to an outlet. But wireless weed eaters can only run for so long on one charge. That run time might not be long enough for you to do your entire yard. So you may end up having to charge your weed eater halfway through before you can finish, which can be annoying. It can also be time-consuming, depending on how long the battery takes to recharge.
Corded weed eaters, on the other hand, will never run out of battery, meaning you can use them as long as you need to get the job done without stopping. But since they’re corded, you only have so much range before you’re in danger of yanking the plug out of the outlet. There are plenty of corded weed eaters out there with incredibly long cords, so you have more versatility. But the longer the cord, the more pain it will be when it comes time to wind that cord up and store it. Cords can also get tangled up pretty easily.
5
Blades
Many weed eaters use a nylon string that attaches to a spinning head to whack weeds. These are usually the cheapest option up front, but you’ll eventually need a new spool of string. The string mechanism can also break or get clogged, leading to more hours of maintenance for you.
There are plenty of weed eaters out there that use metallic or plastic blades. These don’t have to be replaced nearly as often (if ever), but they usually cost more. Replacing the blades if they get damaged is more expensive than buying a new spool of string.
6
Spool Feed
If you are thinking about a weed eater that uses nylon string, you’ll have to choose either a bump feed or an automatic feed. Basically, since the string that is spinning and cutting down weeds will get damaged, frayed, and lose length quickly, string weed eaters have an interior spool of string that feeds more string to your head weed eater to replace damaged string.
Automatic feeders do this automatically, so you don’t have to think or worry about it. The downside to this is that the internal mechanisms may break, clog, or otherwise fail, and require time and frustration to fix before you can continue. They are also typically more expensive than bump feeders.
Bump feeders only feed down more string when you “bump” the head of the weed eater against the ground. This squeezes a spring in the head, which in turn releases string with centrifugal from the spool. The benefit here is that there aren’t any automatic mechanisms that can break down, and bump feeders are usually less expensive upfront. But you have to be careful when you knock the head against the ground. Too much force can break the head casing, or even the spring itself.
Our Process
For this guide on the best electric weed eaters, our team spent 2.5 hours researching the most popular options from over 12 brands and manufacturers big and small. We then read about sixty user reviews (both positive and negative) to discover what shoppers thought about each electric weed eater. After comparing this data, we narrowed our list down to the top 6 on the market. You can count on this research to guide you to a mindful purchasing decision.
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Further Reading
