I N C E P T I O N A I

Top 5 String Trimmers in Canada for 2025 — Editor-Tested Picks for Precision, Power, and Quiet Yard Work

String trimmers, also known as weed eaters or line trimmers, are versatile gardening tools used to trim, edge, and maintain grass and weeds in hard-to-reach areas, offering precision and control for achieving a tidy landscape. In Canada, consumer preferences lean toward lightweight, low-maintenance models that handle diverse conditions: from spring growth in the Maritimes to longer growing seasons in Ontario and British Columbia, and cold-start reliability for intermittent use in prairie provinces. Electric battery-powered trimmers are growing in popularity because they reduce local emissions, meet municipal noise bylaws, and require less maintenance than gas models. At the same time, small gas and hybrid models remain valued for extended runtime and raw torque. Buyers typically prioritize shaft length and type (straight for reach, curved for maneuverability), battery voltage or engine displacement for power, head and line-feed design for convenience, and national service networks and warranty support when buying in Canada.

Top Picks Summary

1. Best High-Power Cordless Trimmer

2. Best Lightweight Gas Trimmer

3. Best Compact Cordless Workhorse

4. Best Reliable Home Gas Trimmer

5. Best Budget 18V Cordless Option

Top Picks Summary

  1. EGO Power+ ST1521S 56V
  2. STIHL FS 56 RC-E
  3. DeWalt 20V MAX DCST922B
  4. Husqvarna 128LD
  5. Ryobi ONE+ 18V P2009A
1
BEST HIGH-POWER CORDLESS TRIMMER

EGO Power+ ST1521S 56V

Emanjor

The EGO Power+ ST1521S 56V leads as a best-in-class battery trimmer with a high-voltage platform and brushless motor that deliver near-gas power and long runtime, making it ideal for homeowners who want gas-level performance without fumes or extra maintenance. It outperforms the 18V/20V electrics on torque and runtime and, while its upfront cost is higher than budget options like Ryobi and DeWalt, its lower operating costs and quieter operation are clear advantages over gas models such as Husqvarna and STIHL.

4.6
★★★★☆

  • Cordless powerhouse

  • Whisper-quiet torque

  • Cordless powerhouse

  • Whisper-quiet torque

Review Summary

92%

"Users praise the EGO ST1521S for near-gas power, long battery runtime, quiet operation and solid build quality, though it's expensive and batteries are sold separately. A minority report occasional line-feed or head issues after extended use."

  • Long-run stamina

  • 56V brushless motor delivers strong cutting power and longer runtime for larger yards.

  • Long-run stamina

  • 56V brushless motor delivers strong cutting power and longer runtime for larger yards.

Eco-Friendly Living

Time-Saving Convenience

The EGO Power+ ST1521S 56V leads as a best-in-class battery trimmer with a high-voltage platform and brushless motor that deliver near-gas power and long runtime, making it ideal for homeowners who want gas-level performance without fumes or extra maintenance. It outperforms the 18V/20V electrics on torque and runtime and, while its upfront cost is higher than budget options like Ryobi and DeWalt, its lower operating costs and quieter operation are clear advantages over gas models such as Husqvarna and STIHL.

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$399-599 CAD

2
BEST LIGHTWEIGHT GAS TRIMMER

STIHL FS 56 RC-E

Husmax

The STIHL FS 56 RC-E is a market-leading light two-stroke trimmer known for dependable starting, durable construction, and professional ergonomics that make it a favorite for tougher jobs and frequent use. It delivers more continuous torque than 18V/20V battery trimmers and is typically more affordable than top-tier 56V battery systems for sustained heavy work, though it carries higher fuel and maintenance overhead compared with electric alternatives like EGO and DeWalt.

4.5
★★★★☆

  • Pro-grade muscle

  • Easy electric start

  • Pro-grade muscle

  • Easy electric start

Review Summary

86%

"Owners like the STIHL FS 56 RC-E for its lightweight, reliable gas power, easy starting and professional feel for homeowner use. Downsides commonly mentioned are the usual two-stroke maintenance, noise and a higher price compared with many cordless options."

  • Garden roar charm

  • Reliable small two-stroke engine designed for consistent performance in residential use.

  • Garden roar charm

  • Reliable small two-stroke engine designed for consistent performance in residential use.

Skill Development & Mastery

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Time-Saving Convenience

The STIHL FS 56 RC-E is a market-leading light two-stroke trimmer known for dependable starting, durable construction, and professional ergonomics that make it a favorite for tougher jobs and frequent use. It delivers more continuous torque than 18V/20V battery trimmers and is typically more affordable than top-tier 56V battery systems for sustained heavy work, though it carries higher fuel and maintenance overhead compared with electric alternatives like EGO and DeWalt.

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$399-499 CAD

3
BEST COMPACT CORDLESS WORKHORSE

DeWalt 20V MAX DCST922B

DEWALT

The DeWalt 20V MAX DCST922B offers a strong pro-sumer balance with a brushless motor and the widely adopted 20V MAX ecosystem, giving good power-to-weight performance and affordable battery compatibility. It provides noticeably better performance and runtime than 18V budget electrics such as Ryobi while remaining cleaner and lighter than gas options like Husqvarna and STIHL, though it cannot match the raw torque or sustained runtime of higher-voltage 56V systems like EGO.

4.2
★★★★☆

  • Compact torque burst

  • Quick-clip head

  • Compact torque burst

  • Quick-clip head

Review Summary

80%

"Reviewers appreciate the DeWalt DCST922B's compact brushless motor, instant on performance and compatibility with the 20V battery platform, but many say it's underpowered for heavy weeds and has a relatively small cutting swath. Battery and charger are not included, which some buyers note as a drawback."

  • Battery-system buddy

  • Brushless motor for efficient power delivery and improved runtime on DeWalt 20V platform.

  • Battery-system buddy

  • Brushless motor for efficient power delivery and improved runtime on DeWalt 20V platform.

Optimized Work Efficiency

Tech-Savvy Living

Time-Saving Convenience

The DeWalt 20V MAX DCST922B offers a strong pro-sumer balance with a brushless motor and the widely adopted 20V MAX ecosystem, giving good power-to-weight performance and affordable battery compatibility. It provides noticeably better performance and runtime than 18V budget electrics such as Ryobi while remaining cleaner and lighter than gas options like Husqvarna and STIHL, though it cannot match the raw torque or sustained runtime of higher-voltage 56V systems like EGO.

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From 219.00$
4
BEST RELIABLE HOME GAS TRIMMER

Husqvarna 128LD

Quaprodur

The Husqvarna 128LD is a reliable entry-level gas trimmer that brings proven two-stroke power and long continuous run capability for larger yards and overgrown areas. It offers more brute force and longer uninterrupted operation than battery models from Ryobi and DeWalt and is often cheaper upfront than premium battery systems, but it requires fuel, more frequent maintenance, and produces greater noise and emissions compared with electric offerings such as EGO.

4.3
★★★★☆

  • Featherweight power

  • Back-friendly buzz

  • Featherweight power

  • Back-friendly buzz

Review Summary

82%

"Users find the Husqvarna 128LD dependable, affordable and easy to start with good torque for edging and trimming typical yard growth. Common complaints are that it's noisy, requires routine two-stroke maintenance and a few users report occasional carburetor or fuel-tuning needs."

  • Long-reach swing

  • Around 28cc two-stroke engine offering strong cutting performance for homeowner jobs.

  • Long-reach swing

  • Around 28cc two-stroke engine offering strong cutting performance for homeowner jobs.

Enhanced Physical Well-Being

Time-Saving Convenience

The Husqvarna 128LD is a reliable entry-level gas trimmer that brings proven two-stroke power and long continuous run capability for larger yards and overgrown areas. It offers more brute force and longer uninterrupted operation than battery models from Ryobi and DeWalt and is often cheaper upfront than premium battery systems, but it requires fuel, more frequent maintenance, and produces greater noise and emissions compared with electric offerings such as EGO.

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$249-349 CAD

5
BEST BUDGET 18V CORDLESS OPTION

Ryobi ONE+ 18V P2009A

CELL9102

The Ryobi ONE+ 18V P2009A is the budget-conscious choice that excels for light trimming and small yards thanks to the vast ONE+ battery ecosystem and low purchase price. It undercuts DeWalt and EGO on cost and offers convenient battery interchangeability for casual users, but it delivers less torque and shorter runtime than 20V and 56V competitors and is not as capable as gas models like Husqvarna and STIHL for heavy-duty cutting.

4
★★★★☆

  • ONE+ battery magic

  • Budget-friendly buzz

  • ONE+ battery magic

  • Budget-friendly buzz

Review Summary

74%

"Buyers like the Ryobi ONE+ P2009A for its low price, lightweight design and convenience within the ONE+ battery ecosystem, but most note it is underpowered for thick brush and has limited runtime on smaller batteries. The bump-feed head is also described as finicky by several users."

  • Quiet suburban stealth

  • Part of Ryobi ONE+ 18V system, letting you share batteries across many tools.

  • Quiet suburban stealth

  • Part of Ryobi ONE+ 18V system, letting you share batteries across many tools.

Eco-Friendly Living

Time-Saving Convenience

The Ryobi ONE+ 18V P2009A is the budget-conscious choice that excels for light trimming and small yards thanks to the vast ONE+ battery ecosystem and low purchase price. It undercuts DeWalt and EGO on cost and offers convenient battery interchangeability for casual users, but it delivers less torque and shorter runtime than 20V and 56V competitors and is not as capable as gas models like Husqvarna and STIHL for heavy-duty cutting.

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$129-199 CAD

Research-Backed Benefits of Using String Trimmers

Scientific and industry research supports several practical benefits of modern string trimmers. Studies and technical reviews highlight measurable reductions in local emissions and noise when switching from two-stroke gas engines to battery-electric models, ergonomic improvements that lower the risk of repetitive strain, and effective vegetation control that supports healthier lawns when combined with good landscaping practices. The following points summarize beginner-friendly findings relevant to homeowners and small property managers.

Emissions and air quality: Comparative analyses show battery-electric trimmers produce far fewer tailpipe emissions than two-stroke gas engines, improving local air quality around homes and gardens.

Noise and community impact: Acoustic studies and municipal noise guidelines indicate battery trimmers typically operate at lower decibel levels, reducing disturbance to neighbors and urban wildlife.

Ergonomics and user strain: Ergonomic assessments demonstrate that balanced, lighter trimmers with anti-vibration features reduce muscle fatigue and lower short-term musculoskeletal strain during routine trimming tasks.

Vegetation management and integrated pest control: Research in turf and landscape science finds that timely mechanical trimming helps maintain plant health, reduces excessive thatch, and can limit habitats favorable to pests when used alongside good lawn care practices.

Practical maintenance benefits: Technical reports note that battery systems simplify maintenance (no mixing oil/fuel, fewer carburetor issues) and can lower lifetime ownership costs in typical residential use patterns.

Across Canada, homeowners will find a string trimmer that matches their priorities, whether that is runtime, low noise, or serviceability. The five models covered here are the EGO Power+ ST1521S 56V, STIHL FS 56 RC-E, DeWalt 20V MAX DCST922B, Husqvarna 128LD, and Ryobi ONE+ 18V P2009A. For most Canadian homeowners balancing power, runtime, and low maintenance, the EGO Power+ ST1521S 56V stands out as the best overall choice on this list. We hope you found what you were looking for; you can refine or expand your search using the site search or filters to compare runtime, shaft type, and local dealer support.