The best electric weed wackers and string trimmers you can buy

Weighing just 4 pounds, the Earthwise Cordless String Trimmer has an ergonomic handle for comfortable use.

I purchased the Earthwise Cordless String Trimmer for my three-acre property, and have been pleasantly surprised by its performance over the past two years. I was drawn to the unit because of its light weight; I have some injuries to my hands and wrists that make supporting a heavier unit difficult. Not only does this string trimmer weigh just 4 pounds (plus the weight of the battery), but its adjustable support-handle and ergonomic grip on the main handle further maximize my comfort.

This trimmer's telescopic pole is easy to adjust and requires no tools. The auto-feed feature works well, and it's relatively easy to load the spool. The cut-head can adjust to three different positions, and a flip-down steel-edge guard is ideal for edging work. This trimmer comes with a 20-volt lithium battery and charger, and I found I was able to use the trimmer for about a half-hour on a single charge. The battery charges quickly, so I often did other yard work while the battery was recharging. The Earthwise battery is compatible with other Earthwise equipment.

One Amazon customer has been using this trimmer for six years: "This trimmer has been reliable, a workhorse, and I have never had an issue with the battery for this or the chainsaw from Earthwise … I would buy this again if mine ever dies."

Pros: Lightweight, adjustable handle and telescopic pole, cordless, ergonomic handle, auto-feed line is also easy to load

Cons: Limited battery life

Buy the Earthwise Cordless String Trimmer from Amazon for $59.99

Compact and lightweight, the Ryobi 18V One Plus Line Trimmer is ideal for small yard-work jobs around the house.

At just 29.8-inches long and weighing only 4.63 pounds (plus battery weight), the Ryobi 18V One Plus Line Trimmer is a compact unit that's ideal for smaller jobs and homes where storage space for tools is limited. This cordless trimmer is versatile enough for both trimming and edging, and its two-handle design makes it comfortable to use.

This trimmer has an auto-feed function that advances the string when the trigger is released, allowing for continuous use without the need for you to carefully monitor or manually alter the line length. The 18-volt motor is plenty powerful for most smaller-scale yard work. While the trimmer does not come with a battery or charger, Ryobi batteries are interchangeable across different tools, so this trimmer may be a great investment if you already use or plan to purchase additional battery-powered Ryobi tools.

The Ryobi 18V One Plus Line Trimmer has a 4.4 out of 5-star Amazon rating, based on 108 reviews. One customer writes: "My yard is quite large and wanted a lightweight trimmer that wouldn't tire me out since I am a rather small, 65-years-old but an avid DIYer and gardener. This tool is perfect for me. I worked for about 45 minutes and used one battery completely and probably half of the second. Ergonomically this works really well for someone that's around my height, which is 5 foot six."

Pros: Cordless, lightweight, auto-feed feature automatically advances line

Cons: Batteries and charger sold separately, handle is not adjustable so the trimmer may be a little short for taller adults

Buy the Ryobi 18V One Plus Line Trimmer on Amazon for $54.41

The Black & Decker 3-in-1 Trimmer/Edger and Mower easily transitions between three different tools, giving you great value and versatility.

Many string trimmers double as edgers, but the Black & Decker 3-in-1 Trimmer/Edger Mower takes things a step further by also transitioning into a push mower. This cordless machine features an automatic feed system, so you can enjoy continuous operation without having to stop to feed or monitor the string length. This product includes two batteries, so you can keep one on the charger as you use the other. These batteries are also compatible with the Black & Decker 20-Volt MAX series of power tools.

Once you're done with the string trimmer and edger, simply attach the tool to its mower base using the foot pedal release. The mower deck has two height adjustments to raise or lower the deck on all four wheels. The handle offers an ergonomic design with adjustable height, maximizing your comfort. With its multi-function design, this tool is ideal for homes with small yards and/or limited storage space.

The Black & Decker 3-in-1 Trimmer/Edger Mower has a 4 out of 5-star Amazon rating, based on near 1,500 reviews. One customer writes, "It handles everything I need it to in my small front and back yards and the whole unit is lighter than the string trimmer I used to have."

Pros: Versatile, automatic feed system, easy transition between trimmer/edger and mower

Cons: Higher price point, only two height settings on the mower base

Buy the Black & Decker 3-in-1 Trimmer/Edger and Mower on Amazon for $116.96

When it comes to durability and power, the EGO Power+ Cordless Electric 15-Inch Powerload String Trimmer offers an ideal combination of both.

The EGO Power+ Cordless Electric 15 in. Powerload String Trimmer may cost more than the other string trimmers on this list, but its features and design justify the higher price. This trimmer is equipped with a high-efficiency brushless motor, allowing for longer run-time on battery power. The trimmer is also equipped with variable speed control, so you can choose the appropriate setting for each job. Replacing and loading the line is quick and easy; just load, push a button, and you're ready to go. There's no threading and maneuvering line like other trimmers require.

This string trimmer is more durable than other models, and while it doesn't quite have the power of a gas trimmer, its 56-volt motor is plenty powerful for most jobs. The carbon-fiber shaft is designed for years of use, and while it doesn't come with a battery or charger, EGO batteries are interchangeable between devices, so this trimmer may be an ideal purchase if you already have other EGO products, like this lawn mower. Batteries are available in various capacities, so you can balance cost against run-time to find the option that's right for you.

Pros: Cordless, brushless motor for longer run-time, durable carbon-fiber shaft, easy line loading, variable speed control

Cons: Battery and charger not included

Buy the EGO Power+ Cordless Electric 15 in. Powerload String Trimmer on Amazon for $169.91