8 Best Trimmer Heads of 2021 [Reviews]

Even the best, most versatile mower can struggle to turn an unruly lawn into an emerald-green sea of landscaping perfection. For tight spots and tougher weeds, a string trimmer is necessary.

However, the rapidly spinning trimmer head that easily cuts through errant blades and coarse growth can and does break down over time. And because replacement trimmer heads vary in size, capability, and durability, it can be a challenge to pick the best one.

This handy guide can help anyone find the right replacement trimmer head and learn more about string trimmers. Keep reading to explore the best trimmer heads of 2021.

Quick Glance: Our Top Picks

The 8 Best Trimmer Heads – Reviews

1) Husqvarna T25 Tap Trimmer Advance Head

Husqvarna tends to be one of the most popular brands for trimmer heads, and it’s not difficult to understand why. Their dedication to providing quality, compatibility, and versatility shows in their products, including the T25 Tap trimmer head.

This nifty little head can hold three different gauges of line and comes pre-wound with one of the toughest lines of the market (either .080” or .095”). It fits all 322L trimmers, no matter whether they have curved or straight shafts. In terms of compatibility, this model could do a little more to make itself more accessible. However, in terms of quality, Husqvarna did a superb job.

• Holds three different gauges: 0.065-inch, 0.080-inch and 0.095-inch
• Compatible with at least four brands of trimmers, including Craftsman
• Installs easily and comes with thick, heavy-duty line

Pros

• Extremely durable and long-lasting
• Excellent choice for heavy-duty tasks, large jobs, or landscaping professionals
• Installs onto a trimmer in a matter of minutes
• Affordable

Cons

• Ideally, would be far more compatible
• May be an overpowered option for light work tasks

2) Oregon 55-265 Trimmer Head

The design and integral strength of the Oregon 55-265 head help it to stand apart from comparable models. It features a slightly depressed inner wall that catches fast-moving debris, helping to protect users’ arms, legs, and eyes while they trim. The extra-large eyelets provide more space for the line to move, helping to prevent unexpected snaps and increasing the longevity of the line.

In terms of compatibility, this trimmer head is one of the best. It comes with three adapter bolts and screws that allow it to work with most standard trimmers. Also, the line-tensioning, split spool internal system reduces vibration and ensures that the line never gets caught on an internal mechanism or component.

• Easy-load line
• Split-spool
• Compatible with most left-hand trimmers

Pros

• Includes adapters to ensure that it fits snugly on most trimmers
• Unique body design helps keep the operator safe while trimming
• Wider eyelets reduce strain on the line
• New line loads in thirty seconds

Cons

• Not ideal for light work
• Not universally compatible

3) Stens 385-288 Speed Feed 450 Trimmer Head

For those who use their string trimmer often, either for home landscaping or for commercial landscaping tasks, an easy-to-load trimmer head is a necessity. This head is by far one of the easiest to load line into, and it accepts up to 20 feet of it.

This trimmer head eliminates the need to stop in the middle of a task to load more line. However, it’s important to note that this model doesn’t stand up well to tough knocks or impacts. Still, for the power that comes with it, it may be worth the extra caution during use.

• Great option for most standard straight shaft trimmers
• Uses .080″, .095″ and .105″ gauge line
• One of the easiest to feed line into

Pros

• Fits nearly all straight shaft trimmers, especially Husqvarna and Red brand trimmers.
• Great for heavy-duty, long-lasting trimming tasks.
• Loads new line quickly and easily.

Cons

• One of the most expensive options
• Not for use with curved shaft trimmers

4) MaxPower PivoTrim Head

For those with bump-head trimmers, it can be challenging to find a replacement trimmer head that is powerful and not enclosed. The MaxPower PivoTrim trimmer head is a great solution, as it features six pieces of line and no plastic or metal housing.

The head itself is made of hard, sturdy metal and the thick lines are powerful enough to whip their way through even the toughest, sapling-like weeds.

• No protective plastic body around line
• Cuts with six lines instead of two
• Ideal for bump-head trimmers

Pros

• Cuts with 3x the average amount of lines
• Hard metal body reduces risk of cracks and breaks
• Accepts thick line types; great for thick vegetation

Cons

• No head body to protect string or trimmer
• May snap line if installed incorrectly

5) ECHO Speed-Feed 400 Universal Trimmer Head

ECHO is one of the most trusted brands when it comes to landscaping equipment and it might have something to do with their product designs. Their Speed-Feed 400 Universal trimmer installs in mere seconds, loads in no time, and never twists or tangles the line.

It’s a solid, effective option that’s best suited to those who constantly find themselves changing trimmer heads. Though it’s a bit more expensive than comparable models, it’s still incredibly affordable, especially considering how well and how long it works. Also, this model is compatible with both straight and curved trimmers, which is excellent.

• High-quality body resists cracks and breaks
• Fits both straight and curved trimmers
• Works best with ECHO products

Pros

• Great for bumper trimmers
• High-quality material ensures a long product life
• Simple installation and loading process

Cons

• Slightly more expensive than comparable brands
• Lacks universal compatibility and adapter equipment

6) HUZTL Universal Trimmer Head

Though many trimmer heads tout themselves as fitting any trimmer shaft, most can’t live up to this promise. However, this one can. It’s compatible with more than 100 models and four brands, making it one of the most universally compatible trimmer heads on the market.

This head replaces typical Speed-Feed heads and loads very quickly. Overall, it’s an effective trimmer head that works well with most shafts. The one significant price it pays for universal compatibility is brand-specific fitting. Depending on the trimmer shaft, it may prove a little loose or over-tight.

• One of the most compatible options
• Loads line very quickly
• Affordable

Pros

• Fits nearly any type and brand of trimmer shaft
• Extremely affordable option
• Accepts most gauges of line

Cons

• Not ideal for bump feeding
• Line can unspool after extended use

7) Yermax 3-3/4″ Universal Trimmer Head

Sometimes, all consumers really want from a trimmer head is simplicity. This trimmer head offers just that. It doesn’t have any frills or exceptional features, it’s just an affordable head that’s easy to install and easy to use.

That said, it also happens to be a reasonably compatible model that installs onto both straight and curved trimmer shafts. However, the plastic housing seems to be composed of less-than-stellar quality material which may break or crack upon impact. So, when choosing this model, be careful around fences and stone borders.

• Compatible with most trimmers
• Affordable
• Installs in less than a minute

Pros

• One of the most affordable options
• Compatible with dozens of trimmers, both straight and curved shaft models
• Incredibly easy to install onto trimmer shaft

Cons

• May suddenly unspool line during use
• May crack or break after several uses

8) SYITCUN Trimmer Head

Searching for a stringless trimmer head? This steel trimmer might be the perfect fit. It features six two-inch long steel cutters that swirl powerfully around the trimmer shaft. It’s an ideal trimmer head for overgrown areas where weeds and vegetation may be very thick and tall.

Because it’s stringless, it doesn’t require any loading or line cutting. However, it doesn’t work well with curved shafts and it may not be compatible with all trimmer shafts.

• Stringless, steel trimmer head
• Compatible with most straight shaft trimmers
• Capable of cutting through even the toughest weeds

Pros

• Doesn’t require any line
• Compatible many brands of trimmers
• An affordable option

Cons

• May require an adaptor kit to use
• Can be difficult to install

Trimmer Head Buying Guide

What’s the best type of head for my trimmer?

The best type of head for a trimmer is one that fits! This might seem like an obvious answer, but it’s the truth. Nearly all trimmer heads use nylon or hard plastic string line to cut through debris, and the variation among them comes from bolt size.

When searching for a new trimmer head, it’s essential to take note of the previous head’s arbor bolt size. Though the bolt itself is quite small, it’s the one piece that will determine what precise model or type of trimmer head replacement the unit needs.

Why does thread matter?

When referring to trimmer heads (as opposed to bedsheets!), thread, or string, is what does most of the work. The tiny string-like pieces that jut from the body of a trimmer head cut grass or vegetation down by moving at incredibly high speeds. When using an inferior-quality thread, users will probably need a replacement head sooner rather than later.

Lines that are thicker are better for heavy-duty work, while thinner threads are perfectly appropriate for light work.

What’s the difference between a string trimmer and an edger?

Trimmers are typically used to eradicate weeds, grass, and vegetation that a mower failed to catch. They’re not built to define law borders, maintain edges, or do much else apart from detailed work near large obstacles and objects.

An edger, on the other hand, perfectly cleans up messy edges. It can help remove weeds or overgrowth near garden beds, keep the lawn from overtaking a nearby sidewalk, and generally help the yard look manicured and neat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are trimmers important when landscaping?

String trimmers are great for doing detailed work. Lawnmowers can handle the bulk of cutting work, but they often neglect to cut down vegetation near surfaces. The grass at the foot of a fence is likely to remain after mowing, and a trimmer can go ahead and cut all of that down.

Weeds or unwanted vegetation at the base of large trees, buildings, and other large objects also requires the use of a trimmer. Without this extra touch, any outdoor environment can quickly become overrun with pesky plants.

When is the best time to use a trimmer?

The best time to use a trimmer is either directly before or after mowing the lawn. After mowing might be ideal, however. Think of it like a haircut—the bulk of the hair that needs cutting is always handled before the finer, more detailed cuts.

When trimming before mowing, there may be areas that need to be trimmed a second time. But trim after mowing, and homeowners need only trim once!

What safety precautions should I take when trimming?

When trimming any yard area, it’s important to wear the right clothing and safety accessories. Long pants, long sleeves, protective eyewear, and even a face mask can help prevent accidental injury. Also, consider wearing thick gloves to protect fingers and hands.

Perhaps the most important safety advice to follow when working with a string trimmer is to turn it off completely before attempting to bend down and view something. The thin plastic strings inside a trimmer head can break skin if they’re hard enough, so always be careful.

How do trimmer heads break?

Trimmer heads and lines can break for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, they simply run out of line. Other times, the line won’t feed from the body of the head. Misuse is one of the least common causes of trimmer head breakages, so don’t feel bad about dealing with a faulty head.

Breakages happen, which is why replacement heads are so easy to snap-up and install.

Conclusion

Replacing a string trimmer head doesn’t have to feel like banging your head against a brick wall. There are lots of options out there to try, and many replacement heads feature universal compatibility to make things easier. When in doubt, try it out.