Consumer Reports Data Shows These Are The 3 Best String Trimmers Of 2026 So Far

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A freshly mowed lawn can still look unfinished if the grass is sticking out along the fences and trees. That is where a string trimmer can help. It reaches those awkward spots a regular mower can't. The problem? With so many gas, corded, and battery-powered models on the market, narrowing down your options and finding a string trimmer that does the job well isn't always easy and can feel like a chore of its own. There is no need to worry, though. Consumer Reports has got your back! They put several string trimmers through their testing program and declared the Makita XRU15PT, Milwaukee 3016-21ST, and Makita GRU01M1 as their top choices.

All three got a perfect score in Consumer Reports' testing when it comes to trimming, edging and cutting tall grass and weeds. They all also scored well in terms of handling. As for specs, all three have straight shafts and two cutting lines, but there are some differences, too. For instance, the Makita XRU15PT uses two 18-volt LXT batteries and has a 15-inch cutting width, and it is currently listed for about $499 at Home Depot. The Milwaukee 3016-21ST, on the other hand, costs about $329 and lets you switch between a 14-inch and 16-inch cutting width. Its QUIK-LOK system also supports other yard-care attachments.

Meanwhile, the Makita GRU01M1 has a 15-inch cutting width, and it runs on Makita's 40-volt XGT battery. Currently, you can get it for about $519. Also, keep in mind that no matter which string trimmer you use, you should never hold a weed whacker's head vertically. It is a mistake that will do major damage to your lawn.

The Makita XRU15PT takes the leading spot in Consumer Reports' general-use battery category. They noted that it trims cleanly, works quietly and edges quickly. Its ease of use score, however, was only average. As for buyers, customers on Home Depot offer a similar mix of praise and caution. Customers say it is easy to use, has good battery life and feels well built. In fact, one buyer called it the best battery-powered trimmer out there. That said, there are some negative reviews as well. For instance, one buyer noted the mower heats up quickly, whereas another mentioned its line does not feed properly and breaks often.

The Milwaukee 3016-21ST had similar feedback as well. Consumer Reports especially liked it for its versatility since it can be used with different attachments, and its string trimmer can even be swapped out for a hedge or pole trimmer. Its ease of use score, however, was average, too. As for buyer feedback, the majority of the customers on Home Depot praised the Milwaukee 3016-21ST for its power and said it is easy to use. Some customers, however, noted that the trimmer is heavy and its parts broke quickly.

Lastly, there is the Makita GRU01M1. Unlike the Makita XRU15PT, it did not get a perfect score for handling, but Consumer Reports still praised it for its trimming and edging. Buyers on Home Depot also mentioned that the Makita GRU01M1 offers good value for money and delivers great performance. One buyer even mentioned that it outperforms his gas trimmer. As for negative reviews, there aren't many, but some customers have complained about the size and design of its guard and the quality of its string.

Now, if you are torn between these three, start by checking which batteries you already own, as they are all sold in tool-only options as well. The Makita string trimmers, for instance, make the most sense if you are already using other Makita power tools and own compatible batteries. They are both lighter than the Milwaukee 3016-21ST string trimmer too. Now this is definitely worth paying attention to if you plan to spend long stretches trimming your yard, where a lighter tool can be easier to manoeuvre.

If, however, you want a tool that can pull multiple garden and lawn care tasks, the Milwaukee 3016-21ST makes more sense. Its QUIK-LOK system accepts attachments such as a pole saw and hedge trimmer, and you can change its cutting width from 14 to 16 inches. Also, at only 329 for the listed kit, it is the cheapest of the three.

Lastly, once again, keep in mind that all these string trimmers are battery-powered. Now, according to buyers and Consumer Reports, they work just as well as gas-powered weed eaters. However, if you have a large property and do not want to deal with the hassle of constantly charging and swapping batteries, a gas-powered weed eater or string trimmer might be the better choice.