Effective gas-powered string trimmers tidy the edges of your yard and maintain its appearance while preventing water damage and staining on fence boards, sheds, and garden-bed edging blocks.

These battery-powered and corded electric string trimmers perform on a par with gas-powered models—or even better—in CR’s tests.

We independently review everything we recommend. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more› By Doug Mahoney Doug Mahoney is a writer covering home-improvement topics, ...

Consumer Reports reveals the best string trimmers you can buy right now. Our tests find that you don't have to pay a lot to get a capable string trimmer.