Homeowners vote for the best string trimmers of 2024

Consumer Choice: 
Homeowners weigh in on top string trimmers for 2024

A lawn mower and a weed eater, also known as a string trimmer, top the list of tools homeowners need to maintain a healthy lawn. We've already asked the professionals, "What is the best commercial string trimmer on the market?" Now, it's time we ask the consumers.

We surveyed 180 homeowners to find out what they considered the best string trimmers of 2024, and — much like our survey on America's favorite lawn mower — learned more about why homeowners choose the products they do. 

Key Takeaways

STIHL's KM series obtains high praise

Respondents say the STIHL KombiSystem (KM) provided some of the best string trimmers in 2024. Over a dozen high-quality attachments pair with the STIHL powerheads to provide users with the tools they need to tackle outdoor jobs without requiring a separate power tool for each. 

From sweepers to pruners, trimmers to edgers, the KM series provides comprehensive lawn care at a fraction of the cost. Here are a few of the attachments, in addition to the line head trimmer, that respondents mentioned they owned:

Lovers of the KM series noted that it's essential to consider the powerheads before purchasing. For those looking to complete small tasks, the consumer-level KM 56 running a string trimmer and attachments needing low power, like a hedge trimmer, would do fine. 

The KM 56 provides just over one horsepower (1.07bhp) and is the starter powerhead in the series. Typically, the KM 56 runs between $225 to $250. It's the only tool in the KombiMotor line with easy-start functionality. 

Many respondents needing a boost in power opted for the KM commercial-grade powerheads. With these higher power levels, homeowners mentioned they could easily accomplish everything their lawns needed. 

Other residential-specific weed eaters from STIHL received a sizable share of votes as well. One, the FS 38, was mentioned as a candidate for one of the best string trimmers of 2024. It has all the things homeowners look for in a string trimmer — it’s powerful, it’s lightweight, it’s effective, and it’s affordable. 

ECHO weed eaters receive the second most votes

Homeowners choosing ECHO love its dependability and strength. 

Of the 34 respondents naming an ECHO product, 11 of them named the SRM-225 as their favorite — making it one of the best string trimmers of 2024 according to survey takers. While ECHO is known for its professional-grade equipment, residential owners also put their products to good use. 

Let's take a deeper look at why residential operators love the SRM-225. 

The 21.2 cc professional-grade, two-stroke engine provides consumer users the power to complete residential weed-eating with no issues. Many said the speed-feed feature was one of the main reasons they chose the SRM-225.  

One respondent said, "The (Speed-Feed 400) has saved me so much time and energy. I can now knock out my weed-eating and not have to spend time pulling the head apart to fix it." 

Like STIHL's KM series, the ECHO Pro Attachment Series allows consumers and professionals to complete several lawn care tasks with one powerhead. The Pro Attachment Series boasts 16 attachments to tackle any project imaginable.

EGO is the number-one electric brand according to respondents

The EGO weed eaters made it a close race at the top and took first place in the electric category. The EGO Power+ ST1521S was one piece of equipment that got a lot of love from respondents. 

Several responses praised EGO's Powerload feature. 

EGO's patented technology makes replacing string lines a breeze. Some responded that the technology caused them headaches, while most said it was a game-changer.

Powerload is simple: load the line and push a button. Done. 

The ST1521S only weighs 7.28 pounds. Its 56-volt battery lasts about 45 minutes before needing a recharge and only takes half an hour to charge. Many users liked the dual feed string, claiming it helped them complete jobs faster. 

A few wrote about their EGO weed eater with Line IQ. According to EGOpowerplus.com, the EGO POWER+ 16" POWERLOAD™ String Trimmer is "the world's most advanced trimmer featuring the world's first LINE IQ™ technology." 

Respondents said the auto-sensing technology helps them keep weed-eating without stopping to bump for more line and keeps a 16" cutting swath as advertised. 

More than anything, EGO users loved that their battery was interchangeable with other EGO products. 

Gas weed eaters were named more often than electric 

While many of the brands mentioned have gas and electric weed eaters in their catalogs, gas weed eaters edged out their electric counterparts in the survey. While the scope of this survey wasn't meant to dive into the electric vs gas debate, it's always informative to compare survey data against market trends.

Research shows an upward trajectory in the number of homeowners considering moving to battery-powered equipment. 

Considering that consumers and professionals contribute to an industry that is expected to make $50 billion in lawn care equipment purchases in 2025 and 2026, it’s clear that Americans prioritize their lawns.

Of 180 responses, 78 mentioned they love their electric weed eater. In addition to the EGO products, here are a few of the electric string trimmers that received votes: 

• Toro Flex-Force 60-volt Max 15-in

• Black+Decker 20V MAX Cordless Battery Powered String Trimmer

• Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 16" Carbon Fiber Shaft String

• Greenworks 80V 16" Cordless Battery String Trimmer

The 128LD is the most mentioned Husqvarna string trimmer

Husqvarna owners showed a lot of brand loyalty. One weed eater received several votes and stood out from the rest: Husqvarna’s 128LD. 

Its Smart Start and Air Purge technology provide a user-friendly experience. 

One user mentioned having owned theirs for eight years and that — with regular maintenance — the 128LD "starts up on every pull." 

This weed eater also features a detachable staff for easy storage and extra attachment options like a hedge trimmer, edger, and pole saw. 

Quick Summary 

A lot of great weed eaters exist on the market. STIHL, ECHO, and EGO took the top spots in our survey. Gas weed eaters were cited more than electric equipment, though there is a rise in consumers purchasing and trusting in electric tools. The string trimmers respondents mentioned help them keep their lawns looking nice and healthy.