Best strimmers and grass trimmers in 2026

Still got tufts of grass around the edges after mowing? Or is the garden starting to look like it needs a bit of taming? A strimmer or grass trimmer can tidy up those awkward bits and get into places your mower can’t reach.

We’ve picked out the best trimmer for keeping your garden looking neat, with choices for different types of garden and kinds of jobs.

Best cordless strimmer overall

Model: Gtech GT50 cordless grass trimmer
Top feature: Up to 30 minutes of cordless cutting.

The Gtech GT50 is our all-round cordless grass trimmer pick. At 1.85kg it’s light enough to carry around the garden, and the 18V battery gives up to 30 minutes of cutting. The swivelling head lets you switch between trimming and edging – and you also get a harness and 20 replacement blades.

Best petrol grass trimmer

Model: Webb WEBC33 cordless brush vutter
Top feature: A 32.6 cc petrol engine for tougher growth.

The Webb WEBC33 is ideal if you’ve got a bigger garden and plenty of grass to get through. It has a 32cc two-stroke petrol engine and gives you a choice of cutting systems. Use the nylon line for grass, then swap to the metal blade when you hit tougher weeds and undergrowth. The cow-horn handle gives you plenty of control, and the shoulder harness takes a chunk of the weight.

Best heavy-duty strimmer for brambles and long grass

Model: Webb WEBC43 Cordless Brush Cutter
Top feature: A metal blade for dense, overgrown areas.

The Webb WEBC43 is the best heavy-duty strimmer for gardens that have gone rogue. It’s just what you need for brambles and long grass with a 26cc petrol engine and two cutting options. You can go for a nylon line for grass, or a metal blade for tougher growth. The shoulder harness also makes it easier to carry.

Best strimmer for large gardens

Model: Bosch AdvancedGrassCut 36 grass trimmer
Top feature: 30cm cutting diameter to cover more ground with each pass.

Top feature: 30cm cutting diameter to cover more ground with each pass.

For bigger gardens, the Bosch AdvancedGrassCut 36 gives you the reach and freedom to keep moving. The 36V cordless system means you aren't tied down to a mains cable. And its electronic motor protection helps you keep the same level of performance as you work through longer grass

Best lightweight strimmer for small gardens

Model: Lawn Barber cordless garden strimmer
Top feature: Weighs only 1.16 kg, do it’s easy to handle.

The Lawn Barber is the best lightweight strimmer for small gardens, thanks to its incredibly low 1.16 kg weight. That's only a little more than a one-litre bottle of water, making it easy to pick up and carry around the garden. Plus, its compact 13 cm cutting width is well suited to tidying grass around borders, patios and awkward corners.

Best grass edge trimmer for precision

Model: Hyundai HYTR600E Corded Grass Trimmer
Top feature: A rotating head and edging wheel help create neat, consistent borders.

If neat lawn borders are high on your list, the Hyundai HYTR600E is one of the best corded trimmers for the job. Its rotating head lets you switch into edging mode, while the wheel rolls along the border as you work. That gives you a clear guide to follow, helping keep the blade at a consistent distance from paths, patios and flowerbeds.

Best cordless hedge and grass trimmer

Model: Bosch EasyShear cordless shrub & grass trimmer set
Top feature: Quick-change blades let you switch from grass to shrub trimming in seconds.

The Bosch EasyShear is a versatile trimmer that can handle several jobs in one session. You can use the wider grass blade for tidying lawn edges, then quickly swap to the narrower shrub blade for shaping hedges and bushes. It's ideal for boxwood shrubs, forsythia, holly, yew and privet hedges.

Best budget strimmer

Model: Flymo SimpliTrim 230 Plus Grass Trimmer
Top feature: A 300W motor for everyday garden jobs.

The Flymo SimpliTrim 230 Plus is the best budget strimmer because it keeps things simple. Just like the name suggests. The 23cm cutting diameter is well suited to lawn edges and smaller patches of grass, and the lightweight design makes it easy to move around. It's a sensible pick if you want basic trimming without paying for extras you won't use.

The best grass cutters compared

How to choose the right strimmer for your garden

Choosing the right strimmer comes down to a few simple things, including your garden’s size, the type of growth you need to tackle and how often you’ll use it. Here’s what to look for before you buy.

• Power type. Petrol trimmers are the most powerful, so they’re worth considering when you've got lots of ground to cover or tougher growth to tackle. Battery cordless trimmers are easy to move around and suit most everyday jobs. A corded trimmer works well for a smaller garden near a socket.

• Line or blades? Nylon line is flexible and ideal for ordinary grass and lawn edges. Plastic blades are more rigid and can cope better with slightly tougher or longer growth. For brambles, nettles and dense growth, a metal blade gives you more cutting muscle.

• Cutting width. A 23–25cm cutting width is enough for many smaller gardens. A wider head can save time on a larger lawn because you cover more ground with each sweep.

• Battery runtime. For a cordless model, think about how long you normally spend trimming. If your garden takes 20 minutes to get around, you’ll want enough battery life to finish the job.

• Comfort and ease of use. Weight matters when you're carrying the trimmer around for a while. Adjustable handles, harnesses and anti-vibration features can make a noticeable difference, especially on larger jobs.

Need more help?

Once you've got the right strimmer, keeping on top of the garden becomes much less of a chore. For more advice, check out our tips for getting your garden into shape and guides to the best gardening tools and best lawnmowers for 2026.

FAQs

What is the best petrol strimmer to buy?

The Webb WEBC33 is the best petrol strimmer choice for bigger gardens and tougher grass. Its 32.6cc two-stroke engine gives you plenty of power, while the 25cm cutting width and choice of nylon line or metal blade make it extremely versatile.

Are cordless strimmers any good?

Yes, a good cordless strimmer can deal with everyday lawn edges, patches of longer grass and awkward areas - all without a cable getting in the way. Battery runtimes have improved, too. For a larger garden, check the claimed runtime and consider whether you can buy an extra battery.

Are petrol strimmers better than electric?

It depends on the job. Petrol models are generally better suited to large gardens and thick, overgrown areas because they offer plenty of power. Electric models are lighter, quieter and easier to maintain. For ordinary lawn trimming, cordless is usually the easier option.

Are plastic blade strimmers any good?

Yes, plastic blades can work well for normal grass and lawn edges. They’re easy to replace and don't require a line spool. They aren't designed for thick woody growth, though. If you're tackling brambles, dense weeds or serious overgrowth, look for a model with a metal blade.

Can a strimmer cut long grass?

Yes, but some are better suited to it than others. A lightweight grass trimmer can deal with longer grass if you take it slowly. Thick, tangled growth needs more power, though, so a petrol brush cutter with a metal blade will make much shorter work of a seriously overgrown garden.

Are all petrol strimmers 2-stroke?

No. Two-stroke engines are common, but four-stroke petrol models are available too. Two-stroke engines tend to be lighter, while four-stroke models can be quieter and don't require oil to be mixed with the petrol. Remember to always check the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct fuel requirements.