The best trimmers for edging & finishing
Edging is about precision and comfort, not power. A light trimmer with a proper edging mode beats a heavy brush cutter around beds and paths every time.
In short:The best edging trimmers are light and have a real edging mode. The Worx WG163E (2 kg kit) converts to a wheeled edger; the Black+Decker STC1820 (2.6 kg kit) has a flip-to-edge head with a guide wheel; Gardena's EasyTrim 25 (1.7 kg without battery) switches to edging on a wheel; Makita's DUR181RF head rotates 180° and the DUR193RT has an edger function; and Bosch's UniversalGrassCut 18V-260 turns its head with a foot pedal. All are line-only lawn tools.
Our picks, ranked
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Precision over power
Edging is finesse work: crisp lines along paths, borders and beds. The best tools are light, well balanced and easy to steer, with an edging mode that turns the head vertical — ideally running on a guide wheel so the cut stays straight and at an even depth.
Our picks
- Worx WG163E — 2 kg kit with a 2 Ah battery; converts instantly to a wheeled edger, swivels its head 90° and loads line with Command Feed.
- Black+Decker STC1820PC-GB — 18V kit, 28 cm cut, automatic line feed and a flip-to-edge head with a guide wheel; about 2.6 kg.
- Makita DUR181RF — 18V LXT kit, 26 cm cut; the head tilts in five steps and rotates 180° for edging, on a telescopic shaft.
- Gardena EasyTrim 25/18V P4A — just 1.7 kg without battery; push-button switch to edging with an edging wheel. Bare or as a kit.
- Bosch UniversalGrassCut 18V-260 — IntelliFEED line and a foot pedal to turn or tilt the head; 2.3 kg kit.
- Makita DUR193RT — 18V kit with a big 5.0 Ah battery, angle-adjustable head and edger function.
How to edge neatly
Switch to edging mode, set the shaft so you stand upright, and walk slowly along the edge with the guide wheel on the path or lawn. Let the line do the work — pushing it into soil wears line fast. A second, lighter pass tidies stragglers. Cut edges after mowing for the cleanest finish.
Pair it with your main machine
Many people keep a light edging trimmer alongside a bigger brush cutter for clearing. For more lawn trimmers, see the best grass trimmers.
Our picks at a glance
| Model | Type | Engine / power | Weight | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worx WG163E | Cordless | 20V PowerShare | 2 kg (Amazon item weight) | 7.6 / 10 |
| BLACK+DECKER STC1820 | Cordless | 18V PowerConnect | About 2.6 kg | 7.2 / 10 |
| Makita DUR181RF | Cordless | 18V LXT | — | 7.5 / 10 |
| Gardena EasyTrim 25/18V P4A | Cordless | 18V P4A | 1.7 kg without battery | 7.1 / 10 |
| Bosch UniversalGrassCut 18V-260 | Cordless | 18V Power For All | 2.3 kg (Amazon.co.uk item weight) | 7.6 / 10 |
| Makita DUR193RT | Cordless | 18V LXT | — | 7.9 / 10 |
Weights are as stated by the maker, UK retailers or Amazon, so some include a battery or cutting gear and others don't — see each review for details.
Compare our picks head to head
Frequently asked questions
What's the best trimmer for edging a lawn?
One with an edging mode and a guide wheel, which keeps the line vertical and at a steady depth. The Worx WG163E (wheeled edger conversion), Black+Decker STC1820 and Gardena EasyTrim 25 all have one.
Do I need a brush cutter for edging?
No — edging is grass only, so a light string trimmer is ideal. A heavy brush cutter is harder to steer precisely around borders.
Corded or cordless for edging?
Cordless gives you freedom to move around beds and paths. All six picks here are cordless; the Worx WG163E, Black+Decker STC1820, Makita DUR181RF and DUR193RT come as kits with a battery.