▷ Key difference: string trimmer vs edger
A string trimmer (also called a weed eater, weed whacker, or strimmer) is designed to cut grass and weeds in areas where a lawn mower cannot reach: around trees and fence posts, along walls, under garden furniture, on slopes, and in tight corners. It operates with the cutting head parallel to the ground, sweeping horizontally through vegetation.
An edger is designed for one specific job: creating a clean, vertical cut along the boundary between lawn and hard surface — typically the edge of a sidewalk, driveway, garden bed border, or patio. It holds the cutting head perpendicular to the ground and is guided in a straight line along the edge. The result is a sharp, defined boundary that gives a manicured look to a lawn.
Both use spinning nylon line. The difference is the cutting plane (horizontal vs vertical), the tool's balance and ergonomics (trimmers are balanced for sweeping motion; edgers are balanced for controlled straight-line travel), and the precision of the cut produced.
When you need a string trimmer
A string trimmer is the right tool when your primary task is cutting grass and weeds that the mower misses. If you have a property with trees, fence lines, raised beds, garden walls, uneven ground or other obstacles, a string trimmer lets you finish the job after mowing. For homeowners with a standard lawn and a reasonable amount of garden structure, a string trimmer is an essential tool that you will use every time you mow.
String trimmers are also the right choice for managing overgrown areas — wild corners, roadside verges, ditches, or areas of rough grass that rarely get cut. The horizontal cutting motion handles tall grass, weeds, and soft-stemmed plants up to about ¾ inch in diameter effectively. For anything heavier — woody brush, saplings, thick bramble — you would need a brush cutter (a heavier machine with a metal blade).
EGO Power+ ST1521S 15-Inch String Trimmer — 56V
- ✓ 56V arc lithium battery — same platform as EGO mowers and blowers
- ✓ 15-inch cutting swath with .095-inch professional-grade line
- ✓ Carbon fiber split shaft: easy to transport and store
- ✓ Variable speed trigger: up to 6,000 RPM at full throttle
Price from Amazon.com · ships within US
When you need a dedicated edger
A dedicated edger is the right tool when lawn aesthetics matter and you want crisp, vertical cuts along paved edges. The edger's blade or line runs in a vertical plane, cutting downward through the grass and creating a defined channel between the lawn and the path. This produces a result that no trimmer in edging position can quite match — a cleaner line with less straying, and far less strain on the operator's wrists from maintaining the unusual angle.
Dedicated edgers make most sense for homeowners who edge frequently (weekly or more), have long runs of straight edges along paths and driveways, or simply want the most polished lawn finish possible. Landscaping professionals almost universally use dedicated edgers or rotary blade edgers for this reason: the speed and precision over long runs is significantly better than a trimmer.
String trimmer vs edger: comparison table
| Feature | String Trimmer | Dedicated Edger |
|---|---|---|
| Primary use | Trimming grass around obstacles | Clean vertical edges along paths |
| Cutting plane | Horizontal (parallel to ground) | Vertical (perpendicular to ground) |
| Edge precision | Moderate (tilted trimmer) | High (purpose-built) |
| Versatility | High — handles trimming + light edging | Low — edging only |
| Ergonomics for edging | Awkward (wrist angle) | Natural and comfortable |
| Typical price range | $80–300 (battery) / $150–500 (gas) | $40–150 (electric/battery) |
| Best for | Most homeowners as primary tool | Lawn perfectionists + pros |
Best string trimmers of 2026
The EGO ST1521S above is our top pick for premium performance. For most homeowners who want a capable battery trimmer at a mid-range price, the WORX GT Revolution is the standout choice — and it doubles as a wheeled edger, making it arguably the best single tool for the job.
Best trimmer/edger combo: WORX GT Revolution
WORX WG163 GT Revolution 20V 12-Inch Cordless Trimmer/Edger
- ✓ 3-in-1: string trimmer, in-line edger, and mini-mower
- ✓ Command Feed spool system — no bump feed needed
- ✓ Pivoting head rotates 90° to switch between trimmer and edger mode
- ✓ 20V Power Share battery compatible with 40+ WORX tools
Price from Amazon.com · ships within US
The WORX GT Revolution is the ideal solution for homeowners who do not want to buy two separate tools. Rotate the head 90 degrees and it becomes an in-line edger with a guide wheel that keeps the cutting depth consistent along paths and driveways. The Command Feed system automatically advances line as needed, eliminating the need to tap the head on the ground. Compatible with the WORX 20V Power Share platform, so the battery works with dozens of other WORX tools.
Best dedicated edger
Black+Decker LE750 12-Amp Edge Hog Lawn Edger
- ✓ 12-amp corded motor — never runs out of power
- ✓ 7.5-inch rotating blade with 3 depth positions
- ✓ Three-wheel design for consistent, precise edge depth
- ✓ Pivoting head angles for edging and trenching along garden beds
Price from Amazon.com · ships within US
If you have long runs of edging along driveways and paths and you want the cleanest possible result, a dedicated rotary blade edger like the Black+Decker LE750 is the professional approach. The rotating blade cuts a precise vertical trench rather than a frayed nylon-cut line, and the three-wheel guide keeps the depth perfectly consistent. At this price point with a corded motor, it is an exceptional value for homeowners who edge regularly.
Do you really need to buy both?
For a small to medium lawn (under 5,000 sq ft) with a modest amount of edging: one convertible tool like the WORX GT Revolution is sufficient. The slight compromise in edge precision versus a dedicated edger is invisible to most eyes and more than offset by the saving of buying and storing a second machine.
For a larger property where you edge weekly and care deeply about lawn presentation, or for a professional landscaper: buy both. A gas or high-voltage battery string trimmer for trimming duties, plus a dedicated edger or a walk-behind rotary edger for the edges. The two tools together cost less than $300 and each does its job better than any compromise solution.
If you already own a string trimmer and are considering adding a dedicated edger: try using your trimmer in edging mode for one full season first. If you find the wrist angle uncomfortable, the line keeps straying, or the edges just do not look as sharp as you would like — then add the edger. Many homeowners discover the trimmer is perfectly adequate; others find the dedicated edger is immediately worth it.