3 Best String Trimmers for Edging for 2026 (Compared and Ranked)
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The best string trimmer for edging: the EGO ST1511T, a Husqvarna 320iL with a dual direction head and the WORX WG163.
A freshly mowed lawn still looks unfinished when grass spills over the sidewalk, driveway and flower beds. Many homeowners skip a dedicated edger and use their string trimmer instead, but not every trimmer is easy to turn on its side and hold steady along a curb. The best string trimmer for edging has enough power to cut a clean line, a head or design that makes vertical cuts easy and a weight you can control for the whole job.
To choose our picks, we compared power, cutting swath, line feed, edging features and weight, verified owner feedback on Amazon, expert reviews and price against value. Only current models in stock on Amazon made the list. Our favorites are the EGO Power+ ST1511T, the Husqvarna 320iL with a dual direction head and the WORX WG163, a light 2 in 1 trimmer that converts into a wheeled edger.
Our Top 3 Picks at a Glance
- Best Overall: EGO Power+ ST1511T 15" Powerload String Trimmer (around $220). Push button line winding, a brushless motor and up to 45 minutes of runtime.
- Best Premium Pick: Husqvarna 320iL 16" Battery String Trimmer Kit (around $320). A dual direction head that keeps clippings off walks and beds, plus a power boost mode.
- Best Value: WORX WG163 20V 12" 2 in 1 Trimmer and Edger (around $137). Converts to an edger in seconds, with rubberized guide wheels and two batteries.
The product table above adds more trimmers from Greenworks, Makita, BLACK+DECKER, CRAFTSMAN and WORX.
How We Chose the Best String Trimmer for Edging
Edging asks a trimmer to cut vertically, close to hard surfaces, in a straight line. We looked at power, swath, line feed, head design, edging features and balance. We then weighed owner feedback, price against features, build quality and current availability on amazon.com.
String Trimmer for Edging Reviews
1. EGO Power+ ST1511T 15" Powerload String Trimmer: Best Overall
- Line loading: Powerload Technology winds line at the push of a button
- Swath: 15 inches with 0.095 inch professional grade line
- Battery: 56V 2.5Ah, up to 45 minutes of runtime, charges in 50 minutes
- Motor: high efficiency brushless with low vibration
- Shaft: telescopic aluminum
- Speed: variable with two speed settings
Why We Picked It
Edging wears through trimmer line quickly, because the line constantly hits concrete. That is why the EGO ST1511T's Powerload Technology stands out. Instead of rewinding a spool by hand, you feed the line through the head and press a button, and the trimmer winds it automatically. Reloading takes seconds, so frequent line changes on long driveways stop being a chore.
The 15 inch swath and thick 0.095 inch line give it the cutting power to slice through overgrown grass along walks in a single pass. A brushless motor runs with low vibration, which helps you hold a steady vertical line, and two speed settings let you slow down for careful work near beds or speed up for heavy growth.
The telescopic aluminum shaft adjusts to your height, which makes it easier to hold the head at the right angle while edging. The included 2.5Ah battery runs up to 45 minutes and charges in about 50 minutes. For homeowners who want gas like power without the noise, fumes and pull starts, it is our top choice.
Pros
- Push button line reloading
- Gas like cutting power with thick line
- Quiet, no fumes
- Adjustable shaft and two speeds
Cons
- Heavier than 20V trimmers
- Battery adds cost if you are not in the EGO system
Who Should Buy It
Choose the ST1511T if you want a powerful trimmer that edges cleanly and reloads line in seconds. At around $220, it is the best all round cordless choice.
2. Husqvarna 320iL 16" Battery String Trimmer Kit: Best Premium Pick
- Kit: trimmer, 4Ah battery and charger
- Swath: 16 inch cutting width
- Head: Dual Direction trimmer head
- Power: boost mode adds 20 percent more power, with active cooling
- Controls: touchpad with LED on and off indicator
- Weight: Husqvarna says it is 25 percent lighter with faster cutting speed
Why We Picked It
The 320iL's best feature for edging is its Dual Direction trimmer head. You can change the cutting direction so clippings are thrown away from sidewalks, patios and garden beds instead of onto them. That means less cleanup after every edging pass and a neater finish along hardscapes.
A 16 inch cutting width covers more ground on long property lines, and the included 4Ah battery supports long sessions. When you hit thick weeds or overgrown grass along the curb, power boost mode delivers 20 percent more power, while an active cooling system helps keep power consistent and extends battery life.
Husqvarna also made it lighter, with faster cutting speed, which matters when you hold the head sideways for edging. Premium touchpad controls start the trimmer instantly, and an LED shows whether it is on. For edging conscious homeowners who want long runtime and a cleaner finish, it is a strong premium pick.
Pros
- Reversible head throws debris away from walks
- Power boost for tough growth
- 4Ah battery for long sessions
- Light for a 16 inch trimmer
Cons
- Higher price
- Battery platform is less common than some rivals
Who Should Buy It
The 320iL suits homeowners with long walks, driveways and beds who want a tidy finish with less cleanup. At around $320, it is the premium choice for edging.
3. WORX WG163 20V 12" 2 in 1 Trimmer and Edger: Best Value
- Design: converts from string trimmer to edger in seconds
- Wheels: rubberized wheels guide the edger for straight lines
- Head: tilts 90° for slopes and hard to reach spots
- Line feed: push button command feed
- Specs: 12 inch cutting diameter, 7,600 rpm no load speed, 0.065 inch line, 5.5 lb machine weight
- Batteries: two 20V Power Share batteries included
Why We Picked It
If edging is a big part of your routine, a trimmer built to convert into an edger makes the job easier. The WORX WG163 switches from string trimmer to edger in seconds, and rubberized wheels support the head and guide it along the sidewalk, which produces straighter lines than holding a trimmer freehand.
The head also tilts 90° for slopes and awkward spots, and an adjustable spacer guard protects plants and landscape features. Push button line feed keeps you cutting, and at 5.5 pounds the machine is light enough for long edging sessions without fatigue.
Two 20V Power Share batteries are included, so you can swap and keep going, and the batteries work with other WORX Power Share tools. It does not have the power of the 56V EGO for thick weeds, but for value buyers who want crisp edges on a typical suburban lot, it is a smart choice.
Pros
- Converts to a wheeled edger
- Very light at 5.5 lb
- Two batteries included
- Great value
Cons
- Less power than 40V and 56V models
- Thin line wears faster on concrete
Who Should Buy It
Pick the WG163 if you want straight, easy edges on a budget and prefer a light tool. At around $137, it is the best value for edging.
Getting Clean Edges Along Walks and Beds
A trimmer can edge as well as a dedicated edger with the right features and technique.
Rotating heads and wheels
Rotating or tilting heads let you turn the line vertical without twisting your wrists. Guide wheels, like those on the WORX WG163, roll along the pavement and keep the line at a consistent depth.
Technique for crisp lines
Walk slowly with the line just touching the edge of the pavement. Keep the head vertical and let the tip of the line do the cutting. Make a first pass to define the line, then a second to clean it up. Wear eye protection, since edging throws grit.
Edger vs trimmer
A dedicated edger with a steel blade cuts deeper, cleaner trenches and suits long sidewalks. A trimmer is more versatile and handles both trimming and light edging, which is enough for most homes.
How to Choose the Best String Trimmer for Edging
When people ask what is the best string trimmer for edging, the answer depends on yard size, grass type and how often you edge. For a full roundup, see our picks for the best string trimmer.
Gas vs Battery Power
Gas trimmers are powerful but loud and need fuel mixing. Battery trimmers from 40V to 56V now match light gas models for most homes. Deciding which string trimmer is best for edging often comes down to whether you already own batteries for another platform.
Cutting Swath and Line Diameter
Wider swaths cover more ground, while thicker line, such as 0.095 inch, lasts longer against concrete. Thin line is fine for light edging on small lots. For overgrown areas, see our picks for the best weed eater for tall grass.
Straight vs Curved Shaft
Straight shafts reach under shrubs and make it easier to hold the head vertical for edging. Curved shafts are lighter and easier to handle for shorter users but can be harder to angle.
Weight and Balance
Edging means holding the trimmer at an angle, so weight and balance matter. Lighter models reduce fatigue, which is why the best weed eater for edging for many people is a well balanced battery model. Seniors should compare our picks for the best weed eater for seniors.
Line Feed System
Edging uses line quickly. Automatic feed, push button feed or quick reload systems such as Powerload save time compared with bump feed heads.
Edging Mode and Attachments
Look for rotating heads, edging wheels or an edger conversion. Dual direction heads keep debris off walks. To budget, read how much does a weed eater cost.
FAQs About String Trimmers for Edging
Can a string trimmer be used for edging?
Yes. Turn the trimmer so the line spins vertically and walk slowly along the pavement edge. Models with rotating heads or guide wheels make it easier, and thicker line holds up better against concrete. A dedicated edger cuts deeper, but a trimmer is enough for most lawns.
How long does a string trimmer last?
A good battery trimmer can last many seasons with care. The battery usually wears first, and line, spools and guards are regular wear items. Keeping the head clean, storing batteries indoors and using the right line extends the trimmer's life.
Is a string trimmer worth the money?
Yes. A trimmer handles edges, fence lines, slopes and spots a mower cannot reach, and it can double as an edger. It is one of the most useful tools for a neat lawn.
How much should I spend on a string trimmer?
Budget cordless trimmers cost around $50 to $140. Mid range 40V to 60V models run around $170 to $260, and premium kits with large batteries and advanced heads cost around $300 or more.
How do I maintain a string trimmer?
Clean grass from the head and guard after each use, replace worn line and spools, and check that the guard and blade cutter are intact. Store batteries indoors and charge them before long storage. For store tips, see where to buy a weed eater.
Final Verdict
The EGO Power+ ST1511T is our best string trimmer for edging overall, powerful and quick to reload. The Husqvarna 320iL is the premium pick for a tidy finish with less cleanup, and the WORX WG163 is the best value thanks to its edger conversion and guide wheels. Check today's price on Amazon before you buy.
