The average string trimmer costs $220, with most models priced between $95 and $350. However, high-end battery models cost up to $700, and budget corded trimmers are as cheap as $30.
We researched string trimmers from America’s largest retailers, including Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Harbor Freight. After an extensive study, we created a comprehensive guide for string trimmer pricing.
This article explains string trimmer cost by:
String Trimmer Cost by Power Source
| Power Source | Typical Price |
| Corded Electric | $40 – $130 |
| Battery | $100 – $350 |
| Gas | $125 – $360 |
On average, gas-powered string trimmers are the most expensive, and corded electric ones are the cheapest. However, high-end battery string trimmers have the highest price.
Gas String Trimmer Prices
| Average price | $240 |
| Standard price range | $125 – $360 |
| Cheapest | $85 |
| Expensive | $550 |
The average gas-powered string trimmer costs about $240, but they can be as much as $550 or as little as $85.
Battery String Trimmer Prices
| Average price | $215 |
| Standard price range | $100 – $350 |
| Cheapest | $70 |
| Expensive | $700 |
The average cordless electric string trimmer costs about $215, but they can be as much as $700 or as little as $70.
Corded Electric String Trimmer Prices
| Average price | $70 |
| Standard price range | $40 – $90 |
| Cheapest | $30 |
| Expensive | $130 |
Corded electric string trimmers are by far the cheapest, with an average price of just $70. However, some are as cheap as $30, like the PORTLAND 3.8 Amp 13 in. Electric String Trimmer at Harbor Freight.
String Trimmer Cost by Cutting Swath
Trimmers with a wider swath cut more grass and weeds with each pass. Hence, they finish trimming quicker. Expect models with a broader swath to cost more.
| Cutting Swath | Cost |
| 10 inches | $50 – $100 |
| 12 inches | $45 – $150 |
| 13 inches | $40 – $235 |
| 14 inches | $55 – $250 |
| 15 inches | $55 – $600 |
| 16 inches | $150 – $300 |
| 17 inches | $90 – $700 |
| 18 inches | $80 – $550 |
| 20 inches | $320 – $500 |
Gas string trimmers with a broad swath are significantly cheaper than wide battery models. Gas trimmers come in 14- to 20-inch widths, and battery models have a swath from 10 to 17 inches.
| Gas | Battery | |
| 10 inches | – | $70 – $100 |
| 12 inches | – | $70 – $150 |
| 13 inches | – | $100 – $200 |
| 14 inches | $130 – $230 | $150 – $250 |
| 15 inches | $125 – $190 | $180 – $500 |
| 16 inches | $150 – $240 | $240 – $300 |
| 17 inches | $100 – $450 | $330 – $700 |
| 18 inches | $110 – $450 | – |
| 20 inches | $320 – $500 | – |
The best string trimmers for large yards have a 16 to 20 inch swath.
Cost by String Trimmer Brand
Bauer is one of the most affordable brands, while Echo and Stihl make many expensive pro-grade models.
| Brand | Typical Price Range |
| BAUER | $45 – $85 |
| BLACK+DECKER | $45 – $100 |
| Cat | $150 – $270 |
| Craftsman | $70 – $260 |
| Dewalt | $130 – $330 |
| Echo | $200 – $550 |
| Ego | $170 – $430 |
| Husqvarna | $170 – $350 |
| Ryobi | $70 – $230 |
| Stihl | $150 – $550 |
| WORX | $50 – $115 |
String Trimmer Cost by Shaft Style
| Shaft Style | Average Price |
| Telescopic | $125 |
| Curved | $140 |
| Straight | $215 |
Telescopic shaft string trimmers are the cheapest, and straight shaft models typically cost the most. To find the trimmer that’s best for your yard, check out our string trimmer shopping guide.
Straight String Trimmer Prices
| Average | $215 |
| Cheap | $40 |
| Expensive | $700 |
Curved String Trimmer Prices
| Average | $125 |
| Cheap | $50 |
| Expensive | $240 |
Telescopic String Trimmer Prices
| Average | $140 |
| Cheap | $55 |
| Expensive | $300 |
Two-Stroke Vs. Four-Stroke String Trimmer Prices
The average 4-stroke string trimmer costs $205, and the average 2-stroke trimmer costs $245. The cheapest 4-stroke model we found is the Senix 17 in. 26.5cc Curved Shaft Gas String Trimmer at Tractor Supply.
Four-stroke engines are more fuel efficient and have fewer emissions than 2-stroke engines. However, 2-strokes have faster engine speeds and greater power potential per engine displacement (cc).
Shaft Material
Shaft materials, from the cheapest to the most expensive:
- Carbon steel
- Stainless steel
- Aluminum
- Carbon fiber
Trimmer Line Cost
Expect to use more trimmer line with auto-feed string trimmers, than with bump-feed. Most line costs $10 to $25 per spool.
| Trimmer Line Brand | Price Per Spool |
| Dewalt | $10 – $25 |
| Echo | $15 – $60 |
| Ego | $15 – $30 |
| Husqvarna | $12 – $50 |
| Ryobi | $10 – $15 |
| Stihl | $10 – $35 |
String Trimmer FAQ
1. What string trimmer is the best for the money?
The best string trimmers for the money:
- Gas: The Wild Badger Power 26cc Weed Wacker is the best bang for your buck.
- Battery: The Enhulk 56V with a carbon fiber shaft is a great deal for heavy-duty trimming.
- Corded: The BAUER 5.5 Amp 15 in. Electric String Trimmer is a great budget buy for light-duty trimming.
2. What is the difference between a string trimmer and a weed eater?
A Weed Eater is a name brand. String trimmer is to Weed Eater, as cotton swab is to Q-tip.
3. How long do string trimmers last?
If you buy a good string trimmer and keep up with its maintenance, it should last 5 to 10 years.