Brush cutter vs strimmer: what's the difference?
They look similar and the names get mixed up, but they're built for different jobs. Here's the simple difference between a brush cutter and a strimmer (string trimmer) — and which you need.
In short:A strimmer (string trimmer) cuts with nylon line only and is built for lawns and edges — light machines like the Worx WG183E (2.9 kg) or corded Bosch ART 30 (30 cm cut). A brush cutter is more powerful and also takes a metal blade, usually with a bike handle and harness, so it clears nettles, brambles and scrub — examples are the Ryobi RBC36X26B with a 26 cm 3-tooth blade and the petrol Stihl FS 131. Many brush cutters also run a line head for grass.
The terms are often used interchangeably, but there's a real difference. A strimmer (string trimmer, weed eater) is a grass tool: it spins nylon line to cut lawn and edges. A brush cutter is more powerful and can take a metal blade, so it also clears brambles, scrub and woody growth.
Side by side
| Strimmer (string trimmer) | Brush cutter | |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting tool | Nylon line only | Line + metal blade |
| Handles grass | Yes — its speciality | Yes |
| Handles brambles/scrub | No | Yes, with a blade |
| Power | Lower | Higher |
| Weight & ease | Lighter, simpler | Heavier, harness advised |
| Best for | Lawns & edging | Mixed & tough growth |
Get a strimmer if…
You only cut lawn grass and tidy edges. It's lighter, simpler and cheaper. Good picks: the corded Bosch ART 30 or cordless Worx WG183E. See our edging guide.
Get a brush cutter if…
You face tall grass, nettles, brambles or scrub — anything a line can't handle. Choose a machine that takes a metal blade, like the Ryobi RBC36X26B (cordless) or Stihl FS 131 (petrol).
The verdict
Buy a strimmer for lawns and edges; buy a brush cutter if you need to clear brush. Many brush cutters do both by swapping the head — the safest all-round choice if you're unsure. Try the free matcher.
Strimmers and brush cutters we review
| Model | Type | Engine / power | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER GL360 | Corded | Corded 350W | Very small gardens and light edging on the tightest budget. |
| Bosch EasyGrassCut 18V-26 | Cordless | 18V Power For All | Owners of Bosch or Gardena POWER FOR ALL 18V batteries who need a light trimmer for small lawn edges |
| Worx WG183E 40V | Cordless | 40V PowerShare (2× 20V) | Easy, lightweight lawn trimming and edging on small-to-medium gardens. |
| Bosch AFS 23-37 | Corded | Corded 950W · Blade | Small plots near a power socket that still have tough or tall growth. |
| Stiga BC 545 B | Petrol | 42.7 cc · 2-stroke | Large or tough plots where you want a complete, brand-backed 42 cc petrol machine. |
| Makita DUR369AZ | Cordless | 36V LXT · Brushless | LXT battery owners who want professional cordless power for tough grass and scrub. |
The first three are line-only strimmers for lawns and edges; the last three are brush cutters supplied with a metal blade.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a brush cutter and a strimmer?
A strimmer (string trimmer) uses only nylon line and is designed for grass and edging. A brush cutter is more powerful and can take a metal blade, so it cuts brambles, scrub and woody growth as well as grass. Many machines do both by swapping the head.
Do I need a brush cutter or just a strimmer?
If you only cut lawn grass and tidy edges, a strimmer is enough. If you face tall grass, nettles, brambles or scrub, you need a brush cutter that accepts a metal blade.
Can a strimmer cut brambles?
No — nylon line just flails against woody stems. Brambles need a metal blade on a brush cutter with enough torque to drive it.
Is a strimmer the same as a weed eater or whipper snipper?
Yes — 'strimmer' (UK), 'string trimmer' and 'weed eater' (US), and 'whipper snipper' (AU) are all names for the same line-based grass tool.