Whether you call it a string trimmer, weed whacker or something else entirely different, it's essential to rid your garden of overgrown areas that are sometimes difficult to reach

Since the humble lawnmower can only really handle open areas of outdoor space, picking up a trusty strimmer can help refine the borders along your fence, snip the turf under decking and handle all the hard-to-reach spots.

However, weeding out the duds on offer is more difficult than you would think, which is why we've rounded up some of the top options for those looking to add this handy tool to their arsenal. 

As with most garden equipment, however, the feature set and price varies quite significantly between different options. More expensive picks will often be cordless models, featuring a universal battery that can power other tools, while more budget-friendly trimmers are often basic, corded designs. 

Before digging into the details of each model, have an idea in mind of how much you're willing to spend, how often you'll actually use the device and what you really need a strimmer for. This should help you make the best decision for your garden.

Best string trimmers available to buy today

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Black + Decker LSTE525

Solid all-rounder

An excellent cordless string trimmer offering ample versatility and reliability.

BLACK+DECKER 20V Max String Trimmer/Edger, 12-Inch (LSTE525)

Amazon

If you're in desperate need of a string trimmer but crave some versatility, Black + Decker's LSTE525 is an ideal pick. 

First and foremost, it can handle weed whacking with ease. The cordless design provides plenty of torque, and you even have the ability to advance the line with the push of a button (meaning you won't have to use the old bumping trick).

Two-speed control lets you switch between adding more power or increasing your run time, with it also converting to a wheeled edger once the weed munching is complete.

The multi-purposing doesn't end there, either, with the 20V Black + Decker Power Connect battery included with the string trimmer also able to fit into the company's wide range of power tools and garden equipment. 

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Worx GT 3.0 WG163.8

An excellent choice

An elite cordless weed wacker that pairs expert design with versatility in use.

WORX 20V GT 3.0 (1) Battery & Charger Included

Amazon

Worx's GT 3.0 lineup can be bundled in a number of different ways, but, in our view, the company's cordless string trimmer paired with the 20V battery and quick charger is the one to consider.

In truth, it offers a remarkably similar package to Black + Decker's LSTE525. You get the same ability to share your 20V battery across much of the company's range, as well as transforming it into an edger.

Again, there's no bumping required here to extend the spool - this can instead be done with the touch of a button -  and the shaft of the strimmer is also adjustable, extending out for taller users and telescoping back in for easy storage. 

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Ryobi OLT1832 18V string trimmer

Expert control

An elite string trimmer that affords you expert control over your garden.

RYOBI P20101BTL One+ 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Attachment Capable Brushless String Trimmer (Tool-Only)

Amazon

The Ryobi gives you all the typical string trimmer mod-cons, making it another top choice to consider. 

It's all about giving you control over the action, with an adjustable cutting width, changeable handles and a pivoting head for finding the best angles. 

The 18V battery doesn't come included in this particular bundle (though it is available to buy separately), and once you pick one up to run your strimmer it can also be used to power other Ryobi tools. 

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Flymo Contour 500E

Snip the price

An affordable and reliable trimmer that offers great versatility around the garden.

Flymo 500E Contour Trim And Edge

Amazon

Flymo has five different string trimmers in its current collection, but, in our view, the Contour 500E gives you the best mix of features and affordability. 

Like many other modern whipper snippers, this model doubles up to help you tackle edges properly, with the head also able to easily tilt over onto the side wheel.

Plants and trees are also safe, thanks to the dedicated guard, with the handles and telescopic shaft able to be adjusted to fit the user's height, too. 

It will require you to negotiate a wire while you finesse your garden into shape, but the trade-off is a much more competitive price tag.

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Black + Decker 18V string trimmer

Intuitive design

A great all-round cordless strimmer offering plenty of versatility.

BLACK+DECKER 18V Cordless 28 cm String Grass Trimmer 2.0Ah Lithium Ion Battery

Black + Decker's 18V strimmer comes with all the typical bells and whistles, making it a great choice for those who want some versatility. 

The wire-free design is excellent for those with bigger gardens, and two power modes help the user gain speed and power for quick trims and also shift things to a power-saving mode for extended tasks.

To help avoid the typical bumping technique to extend the string, this model also comes with an automatic line feeder. And for those who want to finish off their lawn edges the right way, the head can also be positioned to handle edges with plenty of torque. 

Like plenty of other Black + Decker strimmer models, the 18V battery can even fit into other power tools and garden accessories. 

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Black + Decker BESTA510

Best for basics

An affordable string trimmer that handles the basics without the hassle.

BLACK+DECKER String Trimmer with Auto Feed, Electric, 6.5-Amp, 14-Inch (BESTA510)

Amazon

If you're less about the multi-purpose batteries and cordless design, Black + Decker's BESTA510 is likely a much better pick.

Able to handle weed whacking duties and be turned into an edger, this 14-inch wired strimmer allows you to put the finishing touches on lawn, borders and flower beds - albeit without the ability to mix up your speeds. 

What you can adjust with the touch of a button, though, is both the length of the shaft and the string.

So, all in all, this is a great pick for occasional gardeners and those on a small budget that are happy with something a little more basic.

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Greenworks 13-inch string trimmer

For hardcore users

Perfect for big gardens and those who want long-lasting battery.

Greenworks 13-Inch 40V Cordless String Trimmer/Edger, 2.0 AH Battery Included 21302

Amazon

If you're after something that can tackle your garden for longer, Greenworks' 13-inch cordless weed wacker should be high on your wish list. 

While most traditional 20V batteries will give you around 15 minutes of continuous use, that may not be enough for bigger gardens. So, instead, the 40V Greenworks option will provide you with roughly 30 minutes, with the battery also able to be switched into other garden tools from the brand. 

The automatic line cable adds to the efficiency further, with the head of the trimmer also able to pivot into different positions to allow for edge trimming. 

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Terratek Cordless Strimmer

Mix up the design

This unique design lets you ditch wire spools and still give your garden an expert trim.

The Terratek Cordless Strimmer mixes things up from traditional designs and instead opts for blades over a string.

In this great value-for-money package, you're given 30 spare blades to whip around your device and provide a 25cm cutting diameter, as well as a pair of 20V batteries to ensure you never run out of juice for the job.

To give added control, the head is also able to adjust to help with cleaning up edges, while the telescope-style length can also be changed to fit the height of the user.  

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DeWalt Flexvolt

Power meets simplicity

The perfect cordless strimmer for those who want ease in use without sacrificing power. 

DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V MAX String Trimmer, Brushless, Two Speed, 15-Inch, 3-Ah Battery (DCST970X1)

Amazon

DeWalt's battery-powered design is the ideal pick for those who don't want a pesky cord getting in the way of their strimming. 

Unlike other cordless options, it's also powerful, able to cut through tough areas of the garden thanks to the brushless motor, two different speeds and the ergonomic design.

Now, granted, it is an expensive pick. However, for those who will use it regularly, and those who want to keep their garden in tip-top shape all year round, it's a feature-packed pick.

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Bosch Electric Grass Trimmer

Basic and ergonomic

A lightweight, budget strimmer that can expertly handle the basics.

Not everybody wants to splash out on a strimmer, which is where this Bosch option comes into play. 

It's not the sturdiest device you can pick up, naturally, but it does remain lightweight and ergonomic in use. And with a semi-automatic spool that can be enabled with the trigger, coupled with the motor, it can also deliver some very solid grass-cutting performance for the price. 

If you want a cordless design, a more powerful experience or speed control, you'll have to explore more expensive options, but, for the basics, this is a top pick to consider.