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Our top picks
Short on time? Our top recommendation is the EGO Power+ ST1521S 15-Inch String Trimmer.
Compare
At a glance
The traits that separate these picks, side by side.
| # | Product | Best for | Key feature | |
|---|
| 1 | | — | 15-inch cutting swath with POWERLOAD auto-feed line | Check ↗ |
| 2 | | — | 13-inch dual-exit cutting head | Check ↗ |
| 3 | | — | 12-inch cutting swath | Check ↗ |
| 4 | | — | 28cc 2-cycle gas engine | Check ↗ |
| 5 | | — | — | Check ↗ |
In depth
The 5 best, explained
Why each made the cut, where it falls short, and who should buy it.
EGO
Pivoting head locks cleanly into edging position without extra tools
- 15-inch cutting swath with POWERLOAD auto-feed line
- 56V ARC Lithium battery, 2.5Ah included
- Carbon fiber split shaft
- Pivoting head for vertical edging
- Brushless motor
✓ Pros
- Pivoting head locks cleanly into edging position without extra tools
- POWERLOAD auto-feed threads new line in seconds, useful after a long edging session wears the line down
- 56V battery has enough torque to run the line against curb edges without bogging
- Carbon fiber shaft keeps the tool light for one-handed edging control
✕ Cons
- 56V battery and charger add cost versus 40V competitors
- Proprietary EGO battery doesn't cross over to other brands
- No built-in guide wheel, so depth control is by feel
Worx
Under 5 pounds makes it easy to hold at the edging angle for long stretches
- 13-inch dual-exit cutting head
- 40V PowerShare battery system, 2 x 2.0Ah batteries included
- Pivoting head with adjustable angle
- Auto-feed line advance
- Under 5 pounds
✓ Pros
- Under 5 pounds makes it easy to hold at the edging angle for long stretches
- Two included batteries mean a full lot can be edged and trimmed on one charge cycle
- Dual-exit head keeps line closer to hardscape without scalping the lawn
✕ Cons
- 13-inch swath means more passes on a wide driveway
- 2.0Ah batteries run down faster on dense edging line-to-concrete contact
- Pivot angle has fewer fixed detents than the EGO's mechanism
Greenworks
Lowest price of the group while still including a pivoting head
- 12-inch cutting swath
- 40V lithium battery, 2.0Ah included
- Pivoting head
- Variable speed trigger
- 3-year warranty
✓ Pros
- Lowest price of the group while still including a pivoting head
- Variable speed trigger helps conserve battery during precision edging
- 3-year warranty covers longer than most trimmers at this price
✕ Cons
- 12-inch swath is the narrowest here, meaning more time on longer edges
- 2.0Ah battery has the shortest runtime in this list
- Pivot mechanism feels less solid than EGO or Worx
Husqvarna
And no battery to manage on properties with hundreds of feet of edging. Keep in mind that no dedicated pivoting edge guide, angle is held manually.
- 28cc 2-cycle gas engine
- 17-inch cutting swath
- Straight shaft with Tap 'n Go head
- Smart Start recoil system
- Air Purge carburetor priming
✓ Pros
- 17-inch swath covers a long driveway edge in fewer passes than any battery model here
- No battery to manage on properties with hundreds of feet of edging
- Straight shaft gives more reach along raised beds and retaining walls
✕ Cons
- No dedicated pivoting edge guide, angle is held manually
- Heavier and louder than the cordless options
- Requires mixed fuel and periodic carburetor maintenance
Greenworks
A light 24V trimmer that rotates into an edger, sold without battery for existing Greenworks owners.
✓ Pros
- Light and easy to handle
- Converts to an edger
- Affordable tool-only price
- Shares 24V batteries
✕ Cons
- Battery and charger not included
- 12-inch swath is narrow
- For light trimming only
How we chose these picks
This shortlist is the product of research, not advertising. We cross-checked manufacturer specs against independent reviews and long-term owner feedback, then ranked by value for real use cases.
Mistakes buyers often make
- Buying on brand name alone instead of matching features to your actual use case.
- Overpaying for headline specs you'll never use, define must-haves first.
- Ignoring size — compatibility, and ongoing costs (filters, accessories, refills).
- Trusting star ratings without reading what owners compla in about after 6 months.
How to choose: the factors that matter
- Capacity and sizing — Measure your space and your actual use before falling for bigger-is-better. The right size is the one that fits your routine, not the spec sheet's maximum.
- Build quality and materials — Heavier-gauge materials, tight tolerances, and solid joints outlast thin, rattly construction. In reviews, look for longevity comments over first-impression praise.
- Ease of use and setup — Clear instructions, intuitive controls, and minimal assembly separate daily drivers from garage ornaments.
- Maintenance and cleaning — Whatever you buy will need cleaning. Removable, dishwasher-safe, or wipe-clean parts get maintained; fiddly ones get neglected.
- Warranty and support — A multi-year warranty signals the manufacturer expects it to last. Check what's actually covered, motors and frames matter more than accessories.
The bottom line
There's no single 'best' here, only the best match for your situation. Start from your must-have features, then choose the least expensive pick that covers them.
FAQ
Common questions
What are the best string trimmers for edging right now?
Our top pick is the EGO Power+ ST1521S 15-Inch String Trimmer (our top pick), because pivoting head locks cleanly into edging position without extra tools. The runner-up is the Worx WG183 40V String Trimmer, followed by the Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer.
Is the EGO Power+ ST1521S 15-Inch String Trimmer worth it?
For most buyers, yes. It ranks #1 in our string trimmers for edging research, though 56V battery and charger add cost versus 40V competitors.
What makes a string trimmer good for edging, versus just trimming?
A trimmer built for edging needs a head that pivots 90 degrees so the line spins vertically instead of horizontally. Look for a tool-free pivot mechanism, a guide wheel or edging guard that keeps the cutting line at a consistent depth along a walkway, and a straight or split shaft that lets you hold the head at the right angle without bending over. Models like the EGO ST1521S and Worx WG183 both include a pivoting head, which is the single biggest factor separating a trimmer that edges well from one that only cuts flat.
Can any string trimmer be used as an edger?
Most modern trimmers with a pivoting head can edge reasonably well, but a dedicated edger attachment or a wheeled edger still cuts a straighter, cleaner line for long driveway runs. A pivoting-head trimmer is the better choice for occasional edging around beds, patios, and curves w here a rigid wheeled edger can't follow the contour.
Battery or gas for edging small residential lots?
A 40V or 56V cordless trimmer has enough torque for edging along concrete and pavers, starts instantly, and doesn't need to be shut off between the lawn and the edging pass. Gas trimmers like the Husqvarna 128LD are better suited to larger properties w here edging is a smaller share of the total job and runtime matters more than convenience.
How close to concrete can I run the trimmer line without it wearing out too fast?
Keep the line an inch or so off hard edges when possible. Running the line directly against concrete or stone wears it down with in a single pass and can also chip at the trimmer head's guard. A dedicated edging guide wheel, w here included, helps mainta in that gap automatically.
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