Best electric weed eaters 2024

Best electric weed eaters 2022
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The best electric weed eaters are great for helping with your lawn and yard maintenance by helping you keep stubborn weeds off of the edges of your patio or tiles. Weed eaters are a safe way to remove weeds without using harsh chemicals that could harm your pets, children, or the environment. 

You can manually pull weeds, but this is a tedious, laborious process, and for many people, the back pain is not worth it. Electric weed eaters make the process much easier and are available cordless or battery-powered - both are effective and will help solve your weed problems. 

Weed eaters are an easy way to keep weeds at bay so that your yard can look as good as possible. Besides looking awful, weeds also suck a lot of the water and nutrients out of the earth, which can damage surrounding plants or grass. 

As you may have noticed, there has been no mention of gas-powered weed eaters. A gas-powered weed eater would be overkill, as a battery-powered or standard electric weed eater is sufficient to remove the weeds from your garden. Gas-powered weed eaters cost more to run and maintain and are louder and heavier than electric weed eaters. Electric models are now more powerful and efficient than ever, so they will be more than enough to clear your yard and keep it looking tidy. 

Got a lot of yard work to do? Be sure to check out our guide to the best gas lawnmowers and the best electric mowers too. 

The best electric weed eaters

Best electric weed eaters: RYOBI RY40204A review

(Image credit: Walmart)
Best electric weed eater overall

Specifications

Power: 40 volts
Weight: 5lbs

Reasons to buy

+
Multiple speed options
+
You can alter the cutting width

Reasons to avoid

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No shoulder strap
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Will need charging

It’s hard to find a negative about the RYOBI RY40204A and we think it’s the best cordless electric weed eater on the market. It’s powerful, without the limitations of being corded, the battery has enough power to keep you trimming for over an hour and it’s quick to recharge too. It’s also quite light, so it’s not going to put extra strain on your back or muscles.

It doesn’t have the same range of adjustability as other models on this list, so if you need to tailor your weed eater for height or mobility needs, the Black + Decker LST300 might be a better option. However, it does have edging capabilities so you can adjust the head for both trimming and edging your yard.

It also has some nice features you won’t find on any other model on this list. The adjustable cutting width allows you to choose whether to save battery power or quickly breeze over your lawn. The variable speed is also another nice feature that allows you to choose how to trim.


Best electric weed eaters: Greenworks 21142 review

(Image credit: Walmart)
Best corded electric weed eater

Specifications

Power: 10-Amps
Weight: 9.9lbs

Reasons to buy

+
10-Amp motor 
+
No need to charge the battery

Reasons to avoid

-
Cord length is restrictive
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Shaft doesn't extend

If you’ve got some doubts as to whether an electric weed eater could ever measure up to a gas-powered one, then the Greenworks 21142 deserves a closer look. It is almost double the weight of most electric weed eaters, but that’s because it’s designed for power and durability.

It has an impressive 18-inch swath, so you can cover a greater area quickly, while the dual string means it easily dispatches even thick weeds. The lack of edging features is a bit of a disappointment and this is not a great option for small, hard-to-reach areas.

The Greenworks 21142 offers great value for money too. It’s not the cheapest on the market, but at around $70, it’s still very affordable, especially considering the cutting power it offers. A corded model may be inconvenient for some, but a battery-powered model with this much power would be more expensive.


Image shows the Craftsman V20 Weedwacker.

(Image credit: Amazon.)
Best lightweight electric weed eater

Specifications

Weight: 6.3 lbs
Type: Cordless

Reasons to buy

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Lightweight
+
Surprisingly powerful
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Good battery life

Reasons to avoid

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Quite loud
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Not the most durable materials

The Craftsman V20 Weedwacker is a lightweight electric weed eater that packs a surprising punch. Despite its slightly toy-like appearance and our doubts about the durability of the materials used for construction, its performance exceeded our expectations.

We tested this weed eater in a backyard and found it could cope with even the toughest weeds we subjected it to. Our tests took place over a week and we put it through its paces during a trimming session of over 30 minutes, after which there was no noticeable shakiness or vibrations. The Weedwacker provided an even cut even in the thickest brambles. 

With a gas trimmer, you’re probably going to be doing some maintenance at the beginning and end of the season. It’s just what you have to do with an engine. With a cordless trimmer, though, you don’t have that maintenance.

Kenneth Deemer, Local Roots Landscaping

However, it's worth noting that this power does come with a louder noise level than some of its competitors, something to keep in mind if you've got neighbors.

This weed eater is perfect for the occasional gardener with a decent-sized backyard. The fact that it's cordless means you have less maintenance to do, and its light weight is great for people who don't want to log a large tool around, as per the words of Kenneth Deemer, founder of Local Roots Landscaping in Pittsburgh PA.


Best electric weed eaters: Black + Decker LST300 review

(Image credit: Walmart)
Best electric weed eater for hard to reach spots

Specifications

Power: 20-volts
Weight: 5.7lbs

Reasons to buy

+
Adjustable
+
Comfortable to use

Reasons to avoid

-
Takes a long time to charge
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More powerful options available

The Black + Decker LST300 Electric Weed Eater is a versatile trimmer and edger that’s designed to tackle small gardens and hard-to-reach spots with ease. While the battery power is good, there are better battery-powered options for larger areas, like the RYOBI RY40204A.

If you already have one or two battery-powered Black + Decker products then you might find their batteries are compatible with this weed eater too. As the weed eater only comes with one battery and has quite a long charge time, this would be particularly useful. 

The Black + Decker LST300 Electric Weed Eater is both lightweight and quiet, making it a pleasure to use. It also offers the ability to adjust the weed eater, so you can set it to a more comfortable setup for you.


Worx WG170.3 20V Weed Eater

(Image credit: Worx)

5. Worx WG170.3

The best customizable weed eater

Specifications

RPM: 7600
Weight: 6 lbs

Reasons to buy

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Heavy duty
+
Customizable 
+
Comes with three extra spools

Reasons to avoid

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Expensive
-
Only comes with one battery

The Worx WG170.3 is a powerful 12" cordless electric weed eater that comes with everything you need to start trimming away weeds immediately. This weed eater comes with a rechargeable battery, a battery charger, three extra trimmer spools, a spool holder and support wheels. 

The Proprietary Command Feed technology allows you to add more line as needed - you simply push a button and it will automatically freshen the line so that you don't need to stop trimming and change it. 

This weed eater is also designed to suit the individual, with seven handle adjustments and six rotating head settings, making it fully customizable so that it's as comfortable as possible for you to use. The rotating head is also great for maintaining hard-to-reach areas without the need to bend over or crouch.

This weed eater is considerably more expensive than some of the others on our list, so if you are on a budget you might want to look at the cheaper options available.


Best electric weed eaters: Sun Joe TRJ13STE review

(Image credit: Walmart)
Best budget electric weed eater

Specifications

Power: 4-Amps
Weight: 5lbs

Reasons to buy

+
Light
+
Good warranty

Reasons to avoid

-
Need to replace spools regularly
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Not as powerful as other models

At just $30, the Sun Joe TRJ13STE is a bargain electric weed eater. It does have less power than the other models on this list, so it’s not best-suited for tough weeds and overgrowth, but it is light and easy-to-use so perfect for lawn trimming. It does have a tendency to work through spools quickly, so it’s worth keeping in mind the cost of replacement spools when deciding whether this model is for you.

The four degrees of cutting is a nice feature that allows you to adjust the weed eater to the terrain you need to trim. The 13-inch swath is a good cutting swatch, but it is smaller than that of other models like the Greenworks Corded String Trimmer. The cord can be a bit inconvenient, but the cord hook is a nice little feature that helps keep it out of the way.

As a budget model, it’s not going to be especially powerful, but it still manages to offer a good range of features and a two-year warranty. It’s not a great option for anyone looking to take on a big yard clearing project, but it can trim across a variety of terrains with ease.


Black + Decker BESTA510 Weed Eater

(Image credit: Black + Decker)

7. Black+Decker BESTA510

A great budget weed eater

Specifications

RPM: 8000
Weight: 6.34 lbs

Reasons to buy

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Affordable
+
Powerful

Reasons to avoid

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Only one replacement spool
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Replacement parts may get expensive

The Black+Decker BESTA510 is an affordable weed eater with a number of impressive features. The Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) eliminates bumping so that you can remove weeds without interruptions or limitations. 

This weed eater also converts from a trimmer to a wheeled edger, so you can sharpen up the edges of your lawn after removing all of the pesky weeds - simply rotate the head to access the edger feature. This model features a 6.5 amp motor which is more than enough power to remove any stubborn weeds that are ruining the look of your yard. 

If you have had problems in the past with the cord in your leaf blower becoming loose then you know how much of a hindrance this can be. Because of this common problem Black+Decker developed a cord retention system that prevents the cord from becoming loose while you are using it - this also makes this weed eater much safer to use as you don't need to worry about a stray cord hitting you while you are trimming weeds. 


DEWALT DCST922B Weed Eater

(Image credit: DEWALT)

8. DEWALT DCST922B

The best 2-in-1 weed eater and edger

Specifications

Cutting width: 14 inches
Weight: 10.54 lbs

Reasons to buy

+
Edger and trimmer combo
+
Large cutting width

Reasons to avoid

-
Heavy
-
Too big for smaller yards

The DEWALT DCST922B is a great weed eater if you are looking for a two-in-one edger and trimmer. If you want to clean up the edges of your yard after removing weeds then this could be the model for you. 

This model is incredibly easy to transport as it easily folds for compact storage when not in use. The 14-inch swath allows for a large cutting area - ideal if you have a large yard or big weeds to remove. If your yard is on the larger side then you can use the variable-speed trigger to save power and trim for longer.

This weed eater weighs 10.54 lbs, which is on the heavier side for weed eaters, so if you don't want to carry it round for long then we would recommend looking at some of the lighter options on our list. This weight does come with a lot of extra power, and the larger head also allows for a bigger cutting area. 

What to look for in an electric weed eater

If you have decided that a weed eater is for you, then it is time to find the perfect one to match your needs. It is important to know whether you want a corded or battery-powered weed eater. If you have a large yard then we would recommend a battery-powered weed eater, as it gives you complete freedom of movement while also getting the job done. Battery-powered weed eaters can cost more, so if your yard is smaller or full of tough weeds then we would recommend a corded machine to get the job done. 

Size is another thing to consider when you want to buy a new electric weed eater. If you have a lot of weeds to remove and a lot of ground to cover, then a weed eater with a large head is ideal - the larger the head the more time you have to spend on other tasks. 

The speed of the head is also important, the higher the RPM (revolutions per minute) the faster the head spins, giving a more powerful cut. Some faster models may be limited by the thickness and strength of the plastic cord that they use, however, you can often change the cord to a thicker one if you need to. Some models will also let you remove the cord and add a bladed cutter which can tackle thick brush rather than regular weeds, but this is often for professional use. 

If you have your heart set on a corded model then we would always recommend going for the longest cable possible if needed. You can opt for a shorter cable, but it would be wise to buy an extension cord in case you find yourself needing the extra range. With battery models, you may need a larger battery if you have a big yard to tend to - you can also buy extra batteries and swap them out as you cut. 

Electric weed eaters FAQs

Are electric weed eaters any good?

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If you’re looking for a fast, effective way to keep your yard a weed-free zone then a weed eater is a solid investment. They help take the hassle out of weeding so you can relax and enjoy your garden. The best electric weed eaters boast high power, with some models providing around 40 volts. This means the device can handle an hour’s worth of weeding. Compared to gas weed eaters, they’re much quieter and so can keep your garden feeling like a tranquil haven. 

If you’ve tried a gas weed eater in the past, you may have found it cumbersome to use. You’ll be pleased to know that electric weed eaters are much lighter, with the average machine weighing in at about 5lbs. This is because they don’t have a tank of fuel attached, unlike their gas counterparts. As electric weed eaters are lightweight, they are much easier to use for long periods. 

If you’re looking to do your bit for the planet and save yourself money, then an electric weed eater is a great option. Unlike gas models, they don’t rely on fossil fuels. They also offer great value for money with the average model costing around $70. Plus you’ll have none of the fuss of buying replacement gas.  


Gas vs electric weed eaters

What’s the difference between gas and electric weed eaters? You’ll typically find gas weed eaters in a professional gardening setting. This is because landscapers are working on a much larger scale and may need to tackle extremely overgrown plots. In this scenario, the power of a gas weed eater is necessary to blitz established weeds and last all day.  

If you’re looking for a device for everyday use at home, then we would recommend choosing an electric weed eater. They’re lightweight which makes them easy and convenient to use and you don’t have the hassle of topping up the gas. They produce zero emissions so are far more planet-friendly than their gas counterparts. Electric weed eaters are much quieter so can keep your garden feeling peaceful and avoid disturbing the neighbors. They help you fast-track your way to a tidy yard meaning you have more time to sit back and enjoy it.


Cordless electric weed eaters vs corded

Corded electric weed eaters provide you with constant and consistent power without having to recharge your machine. They are quite often a lot lighter too as they haven’t got the added weight of a battery. However corded weed eaters don’t give you as much flexibility in terms of reaching the furthest place in your garden. More often than not, corded models require the purchase of an extension lead – particularly if you have got a large and lengthy yard to clear. 

Cordless electric weed eaters give you more mobility. You can travel far and wide to rid your weeds with this type of battery-powered gadget because you aren’t limited by a cable. However cordless electric weed eaters can often be a bit heavier than their corded counterparts. That’s because they have the added weight of the rechargeable battery. 

Some cordless options also have lengthy battery charge times so watch out for that. Plus if you forget to recharge the battery before using your outdoor power tool, this can be a pain. Due to the fact you are running on battery – rather than mains power – you also have a limit to your cutting time. 


Electric weed eater power and battery

One of the most important things to consider when purchasing an electric string trimmer is if it has the power you need to accomplish the type of work you do. We looked for weed whackers that have high amps for corded models and high-voltage batteries for cordless ones. 

The more power a weed trimmer has, the tougher the grass and weeds it can tackle. We evaluated and compared cordless and corded electric string trimmers and found that regardless of the power source, if you choose a trimmer with enough power, you can trim efficiently.

When choosing between a corded and cordless weed eater, consider the type of work you need the trimmer to do and the size of your yard. Buying a trimmer that requires an extension cord limits your mobility, but that may not be a problem if you have a small yard. 

The advantage of using a cord is you don’t have to worry about the battery eventually dying and needing to be replaced. However, a cordless trimmer gives you limitless mobility, so it’s likely the best option if you have a large yard or need to trim in a remote location.


Maintaining your electric weed wacker

While electric trimmers don’t require nearly as much maintenance as their gas counterparts, there are things you can do on a regular basis to keep them running well for an extended period. Kristi Howard, of Black & Decker Outdoor Products, says that a common problem with electric string trimmers involves people using the wrong gauge of extension cord to power them. Howard says you should be sure to use an extension cord that is heavy enough to carry the current your product will draw.

“An undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating,” Howard explains. “When in doubt, use the next heavier gauge.” She says the letters WA on the cord jacket indicate a cord that is suitable for outdoor use. Regarding corded versus cordless trimmers, Howard feels they are comparable in terms of power. Corded trimmers are generally less expensive than battery-operated trimmers and are easy to maintain, but they have less mobility. 

To properly maintain an electric trimmer, Howard suggests checking for damaged parts and cleaning off the air intake slots before each use to avoid overheating. She says you should never immerse an electric string trimmer in water or clean it with a pressure washer, and you should store it indoors, out of reach of children. “Keeping your trimmer regularly maintained should minimize your need for larger repairs,” Howard adds.

Becks is a freelance lifestyle writer who has worked extensively for Top Ten Reviews during the past year. She started her career in print journalism at a local newspaper and has since then worked across digital and social media for food titles and home interior magazines. When she’s not writing, she’s reading and when she’s not reading, she’s writing. 


With contributions from