9 Best Lawn Edgers For Landscaping | Gas, Battery-Powered

Maintaining a lawn takes effort any way you cut it, but it helps to have efficient tools on hand.

Power lawn edgers are fantastic for producing clean lines along the edge of your lawn to neatly separate them from flower beds or paths. You just cannot replicate this level of precision with a handheld edger and it takes a great deal more time.

I have used both variations in my landscaping work and have been fortunate enough to test a range of gas and electric-powered machines. Using the experience I have compiled a short list of solid performers to neaten up any lawn, whether it’s on a residential or commercial scale.

Let’s take a look at the list of machines that ‘edged’ out the competition.

Top Pick Lawn Edgers At A Glance

Let’s start things off with some of my favorite products. I have categorized them based on technology or design allowing you to jump to the type of product you’re looking for. There are options for gas or electric-powered, as well as a commercial-scale, walk-behind edger.

Best Gas Edger

1. STIHL FC 56 C-E 8-inch Gas Edger

A low-emission, fuel-efficient edger powerful enough to tear through thick overgrowth and compacted soil for a defined edge.

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Best Battery Edger

2. Ego POWER+ Multi-Head Kit with Edger

Battery-powered edger that’s easy to use, and efficient. It delivers a quality line as deep as three inches but you can easily adjust it for a shallower cut.

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Best Walk-Behind Edger

3. Earthquake Walk-Behind Lawn Edger

A heavy-duty 4-cycle walk-behind edger is powerful and perfect for bigger jobs. It’s ideal for defining flower beds and along sidewalks or driveways.

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Why Use A Lawn Edger

If you already have a reliable string trimmer on hand, you might wonder whether you also need an edger. Let’s be clear about this, your weed eater clears up overgrown areas and does a great job of what it is designed to do. But it can’t quite replicate the clean professional lines you get with a purpose-built lawn edger. Period.

Edgers use a steel blade to cut deep into the turf to create an attractive channel between the turf and your flower beds, patios, sidewalks, and walkways. It creates a clear definition between your lawn and the sidewalk while preventing stray grass from spreading into walkways. 

The speed at which you can run along the length of a strip of lawn is significantly faster than you could achieve with any other method. I can run down a 30-yard lawn edge at just a little slower than a walking pace. That in itself is a good enough reason to lay your hands on this tool.

Choosing A Lawn Edger

Selecting the right edger requires a little bit of knowledge of the different models, how they function, how different features can work for you, and of course their limitations. So let’s run through a few of the most important attributes to be aware of.

Gas Lawn Edger

Gas lawn edgers obviously run on gasoline, just like a lawnmower. The engine will determine the power output of the machine and its ability to handle firm ground or thick tufts of turf.

They are typically more powerful than battery-powered products with their ability to generate a higher horsepower output.

It also takes less time to refill a gas tank than recharge a battery so gas edgers are great for continual use, or where it just isn’t practical to plug in a battery to recharge. Such as commercial work in parks or sports fields.

The downside to gas lawn edgers is that they run on gas which makes for a loud, dirty process. Plus the engines require regular servicing. This will bring you various maintenance issues where you may need to get your hands dirty.

Engine Power (cc)

Determining engine power on a gas lawn edger comes down to cubic centimeters (cc) and horsepower (hp). The higher the cc, in theory, the more powerful the edger’s engine will be. I say in theory that extra engine capacity has to be transferred into power output. 

As you probably know, not all machine designs are equal, some engineering teams really produce incredibly efficient machines, whilst others don’t. Meaning some of that engine power can get lost through inefficient mechanics.

Gas-powered edgers with high cc and high horsepower tend to be the most efficient and powerful but also the most expensive to buy and maintain.

Battery-Powered Lawn Edger

Battery-powered lawn edgers run on a battery attached to the control head of the device. With this technology, higher voltage and amp levels translate into power and efficiency. 

While battery-powered edgers run cleaner than their gas counterparts, they have some drawbacks, …they need charging. In practice edging your lawn is a relatively quick task so as long as you have your battery cell charging in-between uses, you should complete your yard edging on a single charge. 

Battery-powered edgers typically rely on DC motors because they are efficient and inexpensive. These small motors reduce weight but provide enough power to operate the edger.

Motor Power Volts (V)

Discussions about voltage get extremely technical, so what you need to keep in mind is that higher is better. However, you have to consider the battery run time too, the two factors work in tandem. A low to mid-voltage battery could have a run time of a more powerful higher-volt battery. 

Lithium Battery Run Time (Ah)

Amp-hours (Ah) refers to how many amps are discharged from a lithium battery per hour. I hear you thinking…what the heck does that mean? Well, let’s say you have a power tool with a 5.0Ah battery cell. Now let’s also say your power tool draws 5 amps. This means the 5.0Ah battery will run for one hour, as the battery cell discharges at a rate of 5 amps per hour.

If you have a 10Ah battery and your tool draws 1 amp, the battery would last 10 hours. So in short the higher the Ah the longer your tool will run on a single charge.

Electric Corded Lawn Edger

Since a corded edger tethers you to an electrical outlet, it eliminates some of the issues tied to using a battery. You get clean, stable power, at the expense of the cord limiting the distance you can move. Corded lawn edgers aren’t practical for larger plots, but can work very well for smaller lawns with shorter edges.

Electric Vs. Gas Edger, Which Is Best?

There is no winner in the battle of electric versus gas. Both have distinct advantages and disadvantages, so it depends on your plot size and personal preference. 

Gas-powered edgers are more powerful and completely portable, but they come with several notable disadvantages, including noise level and a chance of injury. Electric edgers might not be as powerful, but they are quiet, clean, and lighter to use. 

Edging Blade Type

A standard edging blade can get the job done, but having an adjustable system can help you work around various obstacles. 

Trimming String Vs. Steel Edging Blade

While it’s possible to rotate a weed eater and use the trimming string to the edge, it’s not going to give you the same effect. Edgers typically use steel edging blades that are stronger and more durable to slice through roots and compacted soil. 

Steel Blade Patterns

Steel blades have three different patterns. A basic, flat blade works just fine, but you might want to upgrade in certain situations.

• Flat Blades have plain edges and handle basic jobs.
• Star Blades work well against solid obstacles, like alongside the house.
• Scooped Blades work best with uneven surfaces and work around some landscaping features, like hanging flowers or creeping ground cover.

Swapping out blades might seem like a lot of extra work, but it can make a huge impact when you’re dealing with varied terrain.

Cutting Depth and Width

The edger blade needs to cut deep enough to get through tough roots and compacted soil but not so deep that you risk cutting through buried cables or wires, or risk blunting the blade edge on the footings of edging pavers under the soil.  

Most edgers have a maximum depth of three to five inches, though you can find some that reach as much as six inches deep.

The tool’s width matters more for people with a lot of tight corners or areas adjacent to structures, like fences and patios. If your edger is too wide you might not be able to work through those spaces, meaning you need to go back through with a manual edger.

Wheel Configuration

The wheel configuration refers to the guidance system. Wheels support and balance the engine’s weight and make it possible to maneuver the tool with ease. 

Typically, edgers have three to four wheels. Two to three wheels support the weight while the remaining wheel lets you guide the tool.

You might find gas-powered edgers with an additional wheel. The “curb wheel” serves as a stabilizer for areas where the terrain drops off, along a street curb for example.

Comfort and Function

How often will you use a tool that causes you discomfort? Consider what you like in the tools you have and look for similar features in an edger so that you work easier without pain.

Straight or Curved Shaft

A curved shaft has a slight bend near the bottom which sets it slightly off the blade. They don’t hold up as well as straight shafts but offer a little more flexibility when turning corners. 

Straight shafts typically have a little more power because they don’t lose torque along the curve. 

Edger Weight and Handling

Weight and handling matter when you have to spend time working with the tool, and that means choosing something lightweight enough. Can you manage to carry ten to twenty pounds around your entire yard? On the other hand, a walk-behind edger is much heavier but you just have to push it. 

Safety Features

Aside from your comfort, staying safe while you operate the machinery is crucial.

• Trigger Locks prevent accident activations.
• Padded grips reduce impact from vibrations.
• Debris guards protect you from flying stones, branches, and more.

Other Considerations

You might consider some bonus features that can make your life easier.

• 2-in-1 trimmers and edgers are versatile options that do everything in one tool.
• Accessories, like additional batteries or wider guards, can enhance your comfort and the tool’s capabilities.

How About Manual Lawn Edging Tools

Manual lawn edging tools exist and they get the job done if you have the muscle to use them. You have a few different options available if you’d rather rely on manpower over gas or electric power.

• Shear edgers are exactly how they sound, scissors that cut through smaller pieces and maneuver into tight corners. It’s nice to have a pair on hand for touch-ups but they aren’t efficient or effective for large spaces.
• Spade edgers look like small, flat shovels. The sharp blade cuts through the turf when you push it down and the small platform at the top of the blade.
• Rotary edgers consist of a spiked wheel attached to a pole. You push the wheel along the line and the wheel cuts through the turf as it rolls across. 

There is a time and place for manual edging tools, but they may not be practical for larger landscaping projects. Imagine how tired your hand would be after edging your entire yard with sheer edgers!

The Best Lawn Edgers Reviewed

Now that you have an idea about the different designs and features, let’s take a look at my top recommendations. This is based on my using these tools extensively in residential and commercial jobs. There were two edgers that I had not used before, the Southland and the Generac, they were tested on a strip of lawn approximately 50 yards long.

The quality of the tool overall played a large part in my decision-making. The build, how well it handled, and whether it would withstand both residential and commercial use. The cut quality was excellent with every one of these products, so my final consideration was value for money.

1. STIHL FC 56 C-E 8-inch Gas Edger

Best Gas Edger

• Type: Handheld
• Power: 2-cycle Gas 22.7cc
• Run Time: 11.5 fluid ounces
• Weight: 13.5 pounds
• Blade: 8-inch rectangular blade
• Max Cutting Depth:

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Pros

• Adjustable depth to accommodate various uses
• Easy2Start system means you don’t need a powerful pull to start it up
• A one-touch stop switch keeps the ignition ready to make starts and stops easy

Cons

• The vibration might be too aggressive for some users

Stihl is a trusted brand that delivers quality, user-friendly equipment, and this edger is no exception. 

If you have breaks in your lawn, you can use the one-touch stop switch to keep the ignition poised while you move from one spot to the next, which is a feature I use a lot. Plus, you can adjust the depth to cut some areas deeper and others shallower to create a perfect definition every time without the risk of hitting paving footings.

I have used the FC56 is one of the easiest edgers to start thanks to the Easy2start system and semi-automatic choke lever. However, the vibrations from the tool can be aggressive, but that’s what you will get with gas-powered tools pretty much every time. I love the Stihl, and it’s my go-to tool when I’m working in large spaces.

2. Ego POWER+ Multi-Head System Kit with Edger

Best Battery Edger

• Type: Handheld
• Power: 56V Battery
• Run Time: 2.5Ah Battery
• Weight: 11 pounds
• Blade: 8-inch rectangular
• Max Cutting Depth: 3-inch

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Pros

• Adjustable cutting depth with the turn of a knob
• Guide marks on the blade guard let you see where it will cut
• Compatible with several other attachments

Cons

• Might require additional batteries or breaks to complete a large job

The Ego POWER+ is a system that includes various attachment options, including an edger. It’s a convenient option for those short on space because you can swap attachments with one power head. This lightweight system is easy to use and creates a clean cut through the dense thatch or thick growth.

When your working in densely populated residential areas, noise pollution can be a problem. That’s why I use the Ego Power+ at home. It performs very well, is relatively quiet and clean, and has enough charge to run through my lawn on a single battery.

This battery features Keep-Cool technology to extend battery life and efficiency. There’s also a charge gauge so that you can tell how much power your battery has left. That said, you might want to keep extra batteries on hand, especially if you plan to use other attachments around your backyard. The tool might not make it through everything you want to do without a battery swap.

3. Earthquake Walk-Behind Landscape and Lawn Edger

Best Walk-Behind Edger

• Type: walk-behind
• Power: gas
• Run Time: 67.84 fluid ounces 
• Weight: 57 pounds
• Blade: 9-inch rectangular

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Pros

• Pivoting head allows you to cut from different angles
• Chain link debris catcher protects you from flying debris
• Features a tool holder to stow a weed puller, trowel, or other useful equipment

Cons

• Expensive compared to other types of edgers

This walk-behind edger is obviously much larger and heavier than handheld alternatives, but it is also sturdier and more powerful. Everything about Earthquake’s walk-behind lawn edger is heavy-duty, including the chain-link debris catcher that does its job exceptionally well and even prevents clogs.

One of the key features of this walk-behind edger is the pivoting head that lets you adjust the cutting angle and depth. You can adjust the position to achieve clean cuts through various terrain. 

The drawback is that this machine will cost you significantly more than the alternatives. It is powerful and easy to use but it’s an investment that requires upkeep to make it worthwhile. I am a big fan of monster tools like this and there is no doubt on a comparable basis, they smash handheld models on performance. So if you have a big job to do, then you can have a lot of fun with this Earthquake edger.

4. Toro Flex Force 60V Stick Edger Kit 8”

• Type: handheld
• Power: battery
• Run Time: 2.0 Ah/60-volt battery
• Weight: 13.4 pounds
• Blade: 8-inch rectangular

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Pros

• The adjustable cutting depth and guide wheel
• Comfort grip handle
• Flex-Force Power System with intelligent software increases efficiency

Cons

• The shaft could be longer for more comfort

Toro is another popular choice in lawn equipment with a range of tools, including this powerful edger. It’s portable and the Flex-Force Power System gives you excellent battery life for an electric edger.

Though the shaft could be longer, it is collapsible to make storage easier. It’s surprisingly powerful for such a lightweight tool.

There’s nothing especially flashy about this edger, but it does have a blade guard and steel skid plate. It’s also surprisingly quiet, even compared with other electric edgers. I found it was surprisingly heavy compared to my Ego Power+ and offered no advantages for the extra weight. But a good power tool all the same.

5. Dewalt 60V Max 7-½-inch Attachment Capable Edger Kit

• Type: handheld
• Power: battery
• Run Time: 3.0 Ah/60-volt battery
• Weight: 10.75 pounds
• Blade: 7.5-inch rectangular

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Pros

• Features high-low settings to optimize runtime
• A larger guide wheel is easier to maneuver
• Compatible with universal attachments

Cons

• Plastic debris blocker needs improvement

If you’re a fan of Dewalt tools and own other battery-powered devices from the line, this could be a winner. It’s lightweight and compatible with other Dewalt batteries, so you always have a backup. 

The power is surprising for something so lightweight and the battery lasts longer than expected. Plus, the variable trigger and settings let you customize the speed to improve performance and runtime. Increase power for tough terrain and decrease it to extend the battery life.

6. Southland 79cc Walk Behind Gas Lawn Edger

• Type: walk-behind
• Power: gas
• Run Time: 53.76 fluid ounces
• Weight: 60 pounds
• Blade: 9-inch tri-arch blade

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Pros

• Adjustable blade up to 15 degrees
• 5 depth positions up to 2.5 inches
• Easy Pull system

Cons

• There’s no guide so it’s easy to go off track
• The debris guard doesn’t work when angling the blade

Southland’s walk-behind edger offers some adjustable features to maneuver tight and awkward spaces. Drop the support wheels lower to maneuver curbs and uneven terrain without getting stuck.

This edger uses a triangular blade with contours to tear up the turf, roots, and compacted soil with precision. 

It’s straightforward to use for basic lines, but if you have to use some of the adjustable features it might take a minute to master them.

7. Generac DR Equipment 9-inch Gas Edger/Trimmer

• Type: walk-behind
• Power: gas
• Run Time: 112 fluid ounces
• Weight: 73 pounds
• Blade: 9-inch star blade

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Pros

• 6-position adjustable edging depth
• Blade pivots up to 15 degrees
• 4-wheel design with the curb-hopping ability

Cons

• There is no engine speed control so it can burn through fuel fast
• The pull start can be challenging 

This edger features four wheels for more stability on uneven terrain. It’s possible to adjust the wheels to accommodate curbs for a more precise cut.

You can adjust the blades to cut down to three inches deep or pull them up to as little as half an inch. If you need to work around flower beds, adjust the blade angle up to 15 degrees to protect your plants and create a clean border.

Though this engine is powerful, it’s a pull start with no speed controls. It can be tough to start compared to other options and you can burn through fuel faster.

8. Echo Gas Lawn Edger 21.2cc

• Type: handheld
• Power: gas
• Run Time: 14.2 fluid ounces
• Weight: 13.1 pounds
• Blade: 7.75-inch rectangular

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Pros

• Molded shield offers extra protection against flying debris
• Features adjustable, heavy-duty wheel guide
• Easy start system 

Cons

• Some quality control issues
• Might be too lightweight for dense terrains, like clay

This edger comes with several adjustable components, including a handle to make it more comfortable for users of all sizes. You can also adjust the wheel height to maneuver over uneven terrain.

The molded shield over the blade is molded to fit more precisely and protect better against flying debris. It also resists clogs and prevents residue from gumming up the system.

Homeowners with lighter jobs, like trimming around patios and cleaning up smaller areas might like this edger. It’s lightweight so it might struggle with tougher turf, roots, and dense soil.

9. Greenworks 48V 8” Brushless Cordless Edger 4.0Ah

• Type: handheld
• Power: battery
• Run Time: variable, compatible with 1.5Ah up to 5Ah batteries 
• Weight: 13.88 pounds
• Blade: 8-inch rectangular

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Pros

• Advanced brushless motor increases run time and torque
• Adjustable handle and cutting depth
• Compatible with multiple batteries sizes and runs on two batteries at a time

Cons

• It’s not easy to find 
• May not be as durable as other options

This battery-powered edger operates on two batteries to increase power and extend run time without requiring a cord. Even better, it’s possible to upgrade the batteries to use higher Ah options and further improve efficiency.

The curbed wheel increases precision and maneuverability. It’s also easy to adjust the blade height without a tool, meaning you can change it as needed.

Verdict: The Best Lawn Edgers

I feel that the best gas edger is the Stihl FC 56 while the battery-powered winner is the Ego POWER+ Multi-Head System. Both offer superior performance and durability while remaining lightweight enough for most people to use. 

If you want something heavier for bigger jobs, the Earthquake Walk-Behind Lawn Edger might be a better option. I found that it’s the best of the walk-behinds with a sturdy, reliable base and powerful, clean-cut.

Best Gas Edger

STIHL FC 56 C-E 8-inch Gas Edger

A low-emission, fuel-efficient edger powerful enough to tear through thick overgrowth and compacted soil for a defined edge.

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Best Battery Edger

Ego POWER+ Multi-Head Kit with Edger

Battery-powered edger that’s easy to use, and efficient. It delivers a quality line as deep as three inches but you can easily adjust it for a shallower cut.

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Best Walk-Behind Edger

Earthquake Walk-Behind Lawn Edger

A heavy-duty 4-cycle walk-behind edger is powerful and perfect for bigger jobs. It’s ideal for defining flower beds and along sidewalks or driveways.

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These three edgers offer a range of features that make edging easy and efficient. They outlast the competition in terms of power and performance, even if you’re new to edging.

While you need to maintain them to maximize their performance and durability, it doesn’t require excessive effort. With proper care, these edgers can keep your lawn perfectly manicured for years to come.

Lawn Edgers FAQs

Do you still have questions about lawn edgers? If you’re new to edging or never seemed to get the hang of it, these questions and answers will have you cutting the rug right in no time.