Lawn Care
Best Lawn Edgers (2026): Stick vs Wheeled, Edger vs Trimmer
Quick answer
The best lawn edger for long driveways and overgrown curbs is the Earthquake 41273 walk-behind: a 79cc 4-cycle engine, 10 depth settings to 2.5 inches and a pivoting blade for beveled bed edges. For typical suburban lots, a battery stick edger such as the Greenworks 40V 8 in. cuts crisp edges with less weight and upkeep.
A lawn edger cuts a clean vertical line between grass and hard surfaces or beds with a spinning steel blade, something a string trimmer only approximates. Edgers come in three forms: stick edgers (a shaft with a blade and guide wheel), small wheeled edgers you roll along a walk, and 4-wheel walk-behind edgers with engines.
Our top pick is the Earthquake 41273 at $465.99, because four wheels, a variable throttle and deep depth settings produce straight edges on long runs with little effort. If you edge a short driveway and front walk, the CRAFTSMAN V20 edger or WORX WG896 does it for much less. Compare lifetime running costs with the gas vs battery cost calculator.
On this page
- Stick vs wheeled edger: which type should I buy?
- How much edging does my yard have?
- Beginner picks: simple edgers for short runs
- Intermediate picks: battery stick edgers for typical lots
- Expert picks: walk-behind and professional stick edgers
- How do the picks compare on specs?
- Edger vs string trimmer: do I need both?
- Gas or battery lawn edger: which should I buy?
- How do I edge a lawn cleanly?
- What should I check before buying a lawn edger?
Stick vs wheeled edger: which type should I buy?
Choose by how many feet you edge, how overgrown the edges are and how much weight you want to carry.
| Type | How it works | Examples | Depth range | Best for | Trade-offs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Corded stick edger | Blade on a shaft with a guide wheel, plugged in | WORX WG896 | 1 to 1.5 in | Small lots near an outlet | Cord management |
| Battery stick edger | Brushless motor and blade on a shaft with a wheel | Greenworks 40V, EGO ME0820 | Up to 3 in (EGO) | Most suburban lots | Runtime, you carry the weight |
| Compact wheeled edger | Lightweight body rolled along the edge | CRAFTSMAN V20 | Touch-up depth | Maintenance edging on short runs | Less power for overgrown edges |
| Gas stick edger | 2-cycle engine on a shaft, professional head | Husqvarna 525ECS | Pro edger head | Weekly edging, commercial turf | Fuel mixing, noise, weight |
| Walk-behind edger | Engine on a 4-wheel frame, pivoting blade | Earthquake 41273 | 10 settings to 2.5 in | Long curbs, overgrown edges, bevels | Storage space, price |
How much edging does my yard have?
Add up every hard edge you plan to cut: both sides of the driveway, public sidewalk frontage (two edges if grass is on both sides), front walk and bed borders. Here is a worked example for a common suburban lot, so you can compare against battery ratings such as the 1,000 ft per charge listed for the CRAFTSMAN V20 edger.
| Edge | Length | Sides edged | Linear feet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driveway | 50 ft | 2 | 100 |
| Public sidewalk (80 ft frontage, grass both sides) | 80 ft | 2 | 160 |
| Front walk to door | 30 ft | 2 | 60 |
| Curb along street | 80 ft | 1 | 80 |
| Bed borders (natural edge) | 60 ft | 1 | 60 |
| Total | 460 ft |
Example lot only; measure your own. At 460 ft, a battery edger rated for 1,000 ft per charge finishes with margin on maintenance passes, while first cuts on overgrown edges use far more energy.
Beginner picks: simple edgers for short runs
For small lots, townhomes and owners who edge a driveway and walk every couple of weeks.
WORX WG896 12 Amp 7.5 in. Corded Electric Edger and Trencher
$125.89A 12 amp motor spins a 7.5 in. blade at 4,700 RPM, with three cutting depths of 1, 1.25 and 1.5 in., a cutting line indicator and an adjustable shaft with a D-grip handle. It has a 1 ft cord, so budget for an outdoor extension cord.
Best for: budget edging close to an outlet
Check price on Amazon
CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCED400D1 7.5 in. Cordless Edger Kit
$159.00An 8 lb wheeled edger with an integrated edge guide that CRAFTSMAN rates at 1,000 ft of edging per charge on the included 2.0Ah V20 battery, plus a hook for wall storage. The battery runs other V20 tools.
Best for: small yards and quick touch-ups
Check price on AmazonIntermediate picks: battery stick edgers for typical lots
For quarter to half-acre lots with a driveway, sidewalk and beds, where you want crisp lines without gas.
Greenworks 40V 8 in. Brushless Edger Kit with 4.0Ah Battery
$189.98A brushless motor spinning an 8 in. steel blade through grass and compacted soil, with tool-less depth adjustment and a design meant for uneven or sloped ground. A 4.0Ah battery, charger and a 4-year warranty on tool and battery are included.
Best for: crisp driveway and sidewalk edges on a suburban lot
Check price on Amazon
EGO Power+ ME0820 8 in. Edger with Multi-Head Power Head (tool only)
$219.00The PH1420 power head with an 8 in. edger attachment that cuts up to 3 in. deep, a two-speed selector, carbon fiber shafts and IPX4 weather resistance. The same head runs 12 EGO attachments including trimmer, hedge and pole saw heads. Battery sold separately.
Best for: EGO owners who want an edger now and more attachments later
Check price on AmazonExpert picks: walk-behind and professional stick edgers
For long curbs, corner lots, overgrown edges and owners who want a manicured line every week.
Earthquake 41273 79cc Walk-Behind Edger
$465.99A 79cc 4-cycle engine with more torque than handheld edgers, 10 depth settings to 2.5 in. deep, a tri-tip steel blade that pivots up to 20 degrees for beveled bed edges, a variable throttle for corners and 4-wheel stability. It also cuts small trenches for cable runs.
Best for: long curbs, overgrown edges and bed bevels
Check price on Amazon
Husqvarna 525ECS 25.4cc Professional Stick Edger
$399.50A 25.4cc X-Torq engine that reduces fuel use and emissions, a heavy-duty edger head with improved blade sight lines and a standalone starter that makes cord replacement easy. It is built for commercial turf work.
Best for: weekly edging and professional-grade results
Check price on AmazonWho should not buy this tier: Skip this tier if you edge a short driveway and front walk. A walk-behind edger takes floor space and costs more than many battery kits, and a professional gas stick edger adds 2-cycle fuel, noise and vibration that a small lot does not need. A battery stick edger keeps typical suburban edges crisp with far less effort.
How do the picks compare on specs?
| Model | Price | Edger blade | Voltage | Battery | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WORX WG896 12 Amp 7.5 in. Corded Electric Edger and Trencher | $125.89 | 7.5 in | - | - | - |
| CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCED400D1 7.5 in. Cordless Edger Kit | $159.00 | 7.5 in | 20V | 2 Ah | - |
| Greenworks 40V 8 in. Brushless Edger Kit with 4.0Ah Battery | $189.98 | 8 in | 40V | 4 Ah | - |
| EGO Power+ ME0820 8 in. Edger with Multi-Head Power Head (tool only) | $219.00 | 8 in | 56V | - | - |
| Earthquake 41273 79cc Walk-Behind Edger | $465.99 | - | - | - | 79 cc |
| Husqvarna 525ECS 25.4cc Professional Stick Edger | $399.50 | - | - | - | 25.4 cc |
Edger vs string trimmer: do I need both?
You need an edger if you want a sharp, vertical cut along concrete that stays defined for weeks. A string trimmer turned on its side can maintain an edge that already exists, but the line wears quickly against concrete, wanders, and does not cut down into soil and roots. The comparison is on string trimmer vs edger.
- Blade vs line: an edger's steel blade cuts 1 to 3 in. into soil and roots; line only trims what sticks out.
- Guide wheel: edgers roll along the pavement edge, keeping the cut straight.
- Regrowth: a deeper edge cut slows grass creeping back over concrete.
- One-tool option: attachment systems let one power head do both. EGO, RYOBI, DEWALT and Milwaukee all offer edger heads; see cordless outdoor tool systems.
If you only own one tool, buy the trimmer first; see best string trimmers.
Gas or battery lawn edger: which should I buy?
A battery edger is the better choice for most suburban homeowners: brushless stick edgers such as the Greenworks 40V and EGO ME0820 start instantly, run quietly enough for a weekday evening, and need no fuel or pull cords. Their batteries also power trimmers and blowers on the same platform, which lowers the cost of the next tool. See choosing a battery tool platform.
A gas edger is the better choice when edges are badly overgrown, runs are long, or you want to cut decorative bevels and small trenches. The 4-cycle Earthquake 41273 runs on straight gasoline, while the 2-cycle Husqvarna 525ECS needs an oil and fuel mix; use the two-cycle mix ratio calculator. Corded edgers such as the WORX WG896 remain the cheapest option within reach of an outlet, and they never need charging.
How do I edge a lawn cleanly?
- Set the depth shallow for maintenance. Use about 1 in. for routine passes and go deeper only to recut an overgrown edge.
- Put the wheel on the pavement. Run the guide wheel on the concrete and the blade in the seam so the pavement keeps your line straight.
- Walk at a steady pace. Let the blade cut; pushing too fast bounces the edger and leaves a wavy line.
- Bevel bed edges. For natural bed edges, tilt or pivot the blade to cut a V that holds mulch in and turf out.
- Clean up debris. Blow or sweep the thrown soil and grass off the pavement, and stop the edger before clearing the guard.
What should I check before buying a lawn edger?
- Depth settings. Multiple depths let you recut overgrown edges deep and maintain shallow.
- Blade access. Blades wear against concrete; check that replacements are available.
- Wheels and curb use. Walk-behinds with a pivoting blade handle curbs and bevels; stick edgers use one guide wheel.
- Weight. The CRAFTSMAN V20 edger is 8 lbs; gas stick edgers are noticeably heavier to carry.
- Warranty. Earthquake lists 5 years on the Earthquake 41273, Greenworks 4 years on its 40V edger and EGO 5 years on the tool.
- Hard edges vs soft edges. If you want a permanent border instead of cutting one, see best landscape edging.
Keep NoCry safety glasses with the edger; they cost less than a replacement blade.
How we chose
We did not test these products in person. Picks are researched from manufacturer specifications and owner manuals, engine and safety certifications where they apply, warranty terms, public recall records, and the recurring themes in verified owner reviews. We favor established brands with large review counts and parts support, match each pick to a real yard size or task, and place it in the tier where its price and capability actually belong.
Frequently asked questions
Is a lawn edger worth it?
A lawn edger is worth it if you want crisp, defined lines along driveways, sidewalks and beds that last for weeks. Its steel blade cuts down into soil and roots, so grass takes longer to creep back than it does after trimming with string. If you mow a small lot and only care about tidy edges occasionally, a string trimmer turned vertically is a reasonable substitute.
Should I get a stick edger or a walk-behind edger?
Get a stick edger if you have a typical suburban lot with a few hundred feet of edging, because it is lighter, cheaper and easier to store. Get a walk-behind edger such as the Earthquake 41273 if you have long curbs, a corner lot, overgrown edges or decorative beveled bed borders, because four wheels and deeper settings make long, straight cuts easier.
How deep should a lawn edger cut?
For routine maintenance, about 1 inch deep is enough to define the edge. When recutting an overgrown edge or creating a new bed border, go 2 to 3 inches deep to sever roots and slow regrowth. The EGO ME0820 cuts up to 3 inches deep and the Earthquake 41273 offers 10 depth settings down to 2.5 inches.
How often should I edge my lawn?
Many homeowners edge every second or third mowing during the growing season, and weekly for a manicured look. Warm-season grasses such as bermudagrass and St. Augustinegrass creep across concrete faster and may need more frequent edging. A deeper first cut early in the season makes later maintenance passes quicker and shallower.
Can a string trimmer replace an edger?
A string trimmer can maintain an edge that already exists if you rotate the head vertically and walk slowly along the pavement. It cannot cut deep into soil, the line wears fast against concrete, and the edge is less straight. An attachment-capable trimmer with an edger head, such as the EGO Multi-Head system, gives you both functions from one motor.
Are battery lawn edgers strong enough?
Yes, for most homeowners. Brushless battery edgers with 8 inch steel blades, such as the Greenworks 40V, cut maintenance edges and moderately overgrown ones, and CRAFTSMAN rates its V20 edger at 1,000 feet per charge. Gas walk-behind edgers are still better for heavily overgrown curbs, long commercial runs and trenching.
Researched, not professional advice. This page is compiled from published specifications, manuals, labels and owner-review consensus, not hands-on testing. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and product label, and consult a qualified professional where safety, chemicals, fuel or structures are involved. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.