The best brush cutters of 2026
Our standout machines by job, chosen from the 74 brush cutters and trimmers we review. Not sure which type you need? Try the brush cutter matcher or read how to choose.
In short:Our top brush cutters of 2026 by job: the Stihl FS 131 (1.4 kW 4-MIX petrol, 5.8 kg) is the best overall for brambles and heavy clearing; the twin-18V Makita DUR369AZ (430 mm, 255 mm blade) the best cordless; the Ryobi RBC36X26B the best complete cordless kit (3-tooth blade, 4.0 Ah battery); the Honda UMK 435 the best petrol without fuel mixing; the 52 cc Fuxtec FX-MS152 the best budget petrol; and the Bosch AFS 23-37 (950 W, blade) the best corded machine.
Our picks by job
A 1.4 kW 4-MIX engine in a machine that weighs 5.8 kg without guard or cutting tool — the best power-to-weight we cover, for brambles, scrub and regular heavy clearing.
Twin 18V LXT brushless power, a bike handle, a 430 mm line cut and a 255 mm metal blade in the box. Sold bare, so best for Makita battery owners.
Everything in one box: bike handle, 26 cm 3-tooth blade, line head, 4.0 Ah battery and charger. Ryobi quotes up to 47 minutes of brush cutting per charge.
Honda’s 35 cc GX35 four-stroke runs on unmixed petrol; the UE version has a bike handle and, per UK retailers, a double comfort harness.
52 cc and 2.95 hp with a metal brush blade and twin-line head, for overgrown land on a tight budget.
A 950 W corded brush cutter with a 3-tooth blade and 37 cm line spool — unlimited runtime for small plots near a socket.
How we chose
We compare each machine against its maker's specifications and its UK retail listings — power, weight, cut width, handle, what's in the box and whether it takes a metal blade — and rate it for the job it's built for. We don't hand out awards for headline numbers alone: weight, handling and kit matter as much as cubic centimetres. Read more on how we review.
Which type do you need?
- Lawns and edges — a light line trimmer is enough. See the best grass trimmers.
- Nettles, tall grass and light scrub — a brush cutter that takes a metal blade, cordless or petrol. See cordless brush cutters.
- Brambles, scrub and big plots — petrol from about 1 kW, with a bike handle and harness. See petrol brush cutters and brambles.
- Small plot near a socket — a corded machine. See electric brush cutters.
Petrol, cordless or corded?
Petrol gives unlimited runtime and the most power for tough ground, but needs fuel and servicing. Cordless is quiet and instant to start, and the best twin-battery machines now handle light scrub; it makes most sense if you already own batteries from the same brand. Corded is the cheapest, with unlimited runtime, but only within reach of a socket. Compare them in petrol vs battery and battery vs electric.