Our editors independently research the best products online to produce this list. We may receive commission on purchases made from the links below but this will never affect our product choices.
Our Favourites
Editor’s Choice: Elixir Gardens Barclay Gallup
Fast Action Choice: Roundup Pump n’ Go
Industrial Option: Barclay Gallup Commercial Strength
Are you looking for the best weed killer? Then you’ve come to the right place.
If weeds are ruining the appearance of your beautiful yard, you’re not alone. These perennial and aggravating growths are the bane of almost every gardener – whether you’re a professional green-thumb or just a house-proud homeowner.
No matter how hard you try to keep your garden in check, it’s all too easy to end up with an unreasonable number of daisies and dandelions that seem to overrun your entire space. Fortunately, there are things you can do to regain control of your yard. For instance, a heavy-duty weed killer will not only banish unwanted weeds, but it can also kill the roots, making it less likely that those pesky visitors will come back in the future.
Of course, finding the ideal weed killer isn’t always as simple as it seems. You need to choose something reliable and strong, as well as a type of weed killer that’s not going to harm your grass and plants. To help you make the right choice, we’ve scoured through thousands of weed killer reviews to bring you this list of top-performing tools.
Read on for your guide to buying the ultimate weed killer.
How We Compared Weed Killers
To find the right weed killers we considered multiple factors including:
- Formula
- Coverage
- Ease of use
- No harmful residue
Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.
To find out more about our process please see here.
Best Weed Killer Reviews – Top 8 Picks
1. Elixir Gardens Barclay Gallup (Editor’s Choice)
If you’re looking for the strongest weed killer that kills everything and anything you don’t want in your yard, then this option from Elixir Gardens could be perfect for you.
Probably one of the most effective products on the market today, one litre of this substance can treat a vast 40% of an acre. The unique blend of enzymes in the Barclay Gallup mix is broken down by soil organisms to leave no lasting residue. This means that you can plant new seeds safely into the same soil within seven days of the application. You don’t even need a sprayer to use this system if you don’t need one. Instead, apply when the leaves and weeds are in the growth stage.
One possible issue with this weed control product is that it does take a few weeks to start working effectively. Additionally, the supplied gloves aren’t great, but you can always use your own.
Pros:
- One of the strongest weed killer options available today
- Great for treating large areas
- No lasting effect on the soil
- Use with a sprayer or without
Cons:
- Gloves aren’t outstanding quality
- It takes a few weeks to start working
2. Roundup Pump n’ Go (Fast Action Choice)
Sometimes, getting rid of weeds in your garden can feel like an exhausting process. Roundup aims to eliminate the hard work associated with keeping your garden in great condition with the fast action pump-and-go weed killer system. This 5-litre weed killer solution is easy to apply, with a precise wand that allows you to aim exactly where the weed killer goes.
Created to get rid of even the toughest weeds faster, the Fast Action solution from Roundup is easy to use and convenient. You don’t need to waste any time mixing solutions because everything is pre-mixed and ready to go.
The one-touch trigger system comes with an extendable wand so you can get as close to the weed as possible without bending. The five-litre package can even spray for up to 10 minutes continuously, so you can get more of your garden done quickly.
The Pump N’ Go sprayer is great for tackling wide areas, and it’s perfect for things like paths and driveways, where you might struggle to treat weeds in tight spots. This weed solution kills the root of the weed, too, allowing you to enjoy a weed-free garden within 1 to 2 days in most cases. Because no harmful residue stays behind, you can easily replant the flowers you want later.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Great for larger spaces
- Fast-acting within 1-2 days
- One-touch trigger system to reduce fatigue
- Good for replanting at a later stage
Cons:
- Does require you to keep pets and children out of the way as it may be toxic
- Can be difficult to avoid spraying on plants as well as weeds
3. Barclay Gallup Commercial Strength (Industrial Option)
If you’re looking for an excellent weed killer to tackle particularly challenging tasks, this commercial option from Elixir Gardens may be worth a look.
Designed using the strongest chemicals available online within the UK, this industrial weed killer will help you to quickly and easily get rid of a range of stubborn plants.
Thanks to its exceptionally high strength, this substance can easily last for quite a while or cover a large amount of space without having to be refilled. What’s more, you don’t need a professional certificate to start using it. Dilute the liquid following the instructions provided in the packaging and apply when your weeds are actively growing.
Keep in mind, however, that it can take up to 4 weeks before you begin to see any results. Additionally, if you’re looking for a solution to kill larger brambles, the Barclay Gallup is not the ideal weed control option.
Pros:
- Strongest option available for industrial use
- No certification needed
- Safe to re-plant within seven days of use
- Great value for money
Cons:
- Can take up to 4 weeks to see results
- Not great for giant brambles
4. Bond Hardware Butane Gas Weed Wands (Best Butane Kit)
If you’re worried about using chemicals and other substances to kill the weeds in your garden, you can always try taking a different approach. These butane gas weed wands, available in a pack of three, allow you to blast plants with intense heat to get rid of the internal structures that keep them clinging to your garden.
One of the quickest and easiest ways to get rid of weeds in a hurry, Bond Hardware’s butane gas blow torches are excellent for banishing unwanted plants from your garden. There are absolutely no chemicals to worry about, so you don’t need to fret about your children or pets playing in the garden when you’re done removing the weeds.
The butane gas weed wands remove the weeds from your garden within 1-2 days, and they’re environmentally friendly, too. Because the heat destroys the plant’s cell structure, you can also avoid dealing with weed regrowth for longer. A pack of 8 gas refills means you’ll be set for a decent amount of time.
Pros:
- Excellent for chemical-free weed removal
- Focuses the heat on the cell structure for a long-term removal
- Easy to use system with three wands for long-term use
- Environmentally friendly for your garden
- Good for de-icing pavements and defrosting pipes
Cons:
- May have limited control over heat output
- May need to cool down after use
5. A1 Lawn Double Strength (Best for Moss)
Different growths require different types of treatment – as any professional gardener will know. As we hunted through weed killer reviews to find you the most effective options available today, we found the A1 Lawn Double Strength kit to be the perfect weed solution for gardens overrun by moss.
This double action formula is the most effective weed killer for fast-growing plants like moss – particularly when it’s applied during early autumn, for year-round protection.
One of the impressive things about this strong weed killer is that it doesn’t take too many applications to start seeing amazing results. Even if your lawn is completely covered with weeds, you should find that most of the problems are eliminated after the first or second application. If you’re looking to make the most out of your yard by cleaning up your lawn, this is one of the strongest weed killer solutions to choose. Just keep in mind that the instructions are a little tricky to figure out at first.
Pros:
- Excellent results for both weed and moss
- Covers a lot of space in one application
- One of the strongest weed killer solutions – doesn’t require too many repeat applications
- Double-strength mix
Cons:
- Not great for focused or precise treatments
- Instructions are a little confusing
6. ToolTronix Hot Air Burner (Best for Paths)
Some problems with weeds are more focused around paths and driveways than large yard spaces. If you have the same issue, then you’ll be far better off using a tool like the ToolTronix 2000W Electric Burner.
Hot-air burners give you more precise control over the plants that you kill. As one of the best path weed killer options on the market today, this particular tool can heat up within five seconds and uses no chemicals at all.
Another thing that makes the ToolTronix the best weedkiller for paths is the fact that it comes with a handy cone attachment. It automatically concentrates the heat onto the weed without damaging the surrounding area. There’s no need for any dangerous gas canisters with this burner. Furthermore, there are two heat settings to choose from, so you’ll have an easier time eradicating even the most robust weeds.
Just don’t expect to kill everything immediately. You may need to use multiple treatments for thicker stems and brambles – but you will get the job done. Additionally, remember to give the machine plenty of time to cool when you’ve finished using it, as it heats up quite a lot.
Pros:
- Accurate and precise weed killing action
- Focuses the heat specifically on the weed and nowhere else
- No chemicals – so you can protect the environment
- No gas canisters or added extras required
- Two heat options to choose from
Cons:
- May require multiple applications for some weeds
- Needs time to cool down safely after use
7. RHS 5L Advanced Formula (Best Glyphosate-Free)
If you’re looking for a fast, no glyphosate weed killer to clean your garden without damaging your soil or yard, this could be the perfect option for you. Avoid wasting time on mixing your own weed-killing substances with a solution that’s ready to use.
The RHS 5l weed killer comes with a hose and a spray attachment so you can start using the substance immediately. What’s more, the liquid begins to penetrate the roots of your weeds within 24 hours.
Importantly, this substance is a non-selective moss and weed killer, which means that it’s going to kill other plants around your weeds if you’re not careful. You’ll need to make sure that you’re applying this substance very cautiously if there is any surrounding flora that you want to protect. Generally, this solution will work most splendidly in spring. Also, it’s more effective with smaller weeds, rather than big brambles and thick stems. Keep in mind that the pump and spray system can leak quite frequently, too.
Pros:
- The pre-mixed formula is easy to apply
- Completely glyphosate-free
- Fast action, starts working within 24 hours
- Comes with a hose trigger included
Cons:
- Not a selective killer, can affect other plants
- The pump/spray leaks a lot
8. Gallup Home & Garden (All-Around Option)
Designed specifically for home use, this extra strong weed killer from Gardener’s Dream is available to use without any need for a spraying certificate.
Fortunately, although anyone can use this chemical, it’s just as potent as the professional-grade solutions used by experts in the gardening world. Hence, you shouldn’t have problems tackling even the toughest growths.
The unique blend of chemicals in this effective liquid is excellent for sprayers or step-by-step application, but the manufacturer does recommend using the substance with caution. In other words, don’t walk on the treated area after using the liquid, and avoid spraying it in windy conditions. It may kill grass or other nearby plants.
However, the main downside of this product is that it doesn’t have great instructions included. Also, unlike other weed killers, this one is a bit selective. It’s not as good at getting rid of big brambles and ivy as it is at basic weeds, and may take a couple of weeks to see results.
Pros:
- High-strength performance for any homeowner
- Measuring cup and gloves included
- Compatible with spraying devices
- The 2-litre bottle should last a while
Cons:
- Instructions aren’t beneficial
- Not great for bigger brambles
- Not the ideal weed control solution if you want fast results
What is the Best Weed Killer for Your Yard?
Just like when you’re in the market for patio cleaners and lawn feeds, choosing the best weed killer for your garden isn’t always easy. There’s a wide variety of options to choose from, including systemic weed killer and precise electric burners.
To make the right decision, the first thing you’ll need to do is decide what kind of weed killer you need. Pressure hose sprayers can be excellent if you’re looking to cover an ample space, such as all of the grass in your lawn as rapidly as possible. On the other hand, an electric burner will make it easier to get rid of the weeds that plague your paths and driveways.
Other points to ask yourself include:
1. Do you want a strong weed killer, as well as an environment-friendly one?
Traditional chemical weed killers aren’t always great for the environment. If you want to get rid of your weeds but protect the planet at the same time, it might be better to choose a pressure water system or an electric burner.
2. Do you need to keep other plants safe?
If you’re buying a weed killer, but you don’t want to destroy your entire garden, you’ll need to pick a product that focuses explicitly on moss, weeds, or tree stumps – rather than those that kill grass and flowers.
3. How strong does it need to be?
If your outbreak is significant and the problem keeps coming back, then you might need a more concentrated weed killer to eradicate the issue once and for all.
Choosing the Right Weed Killer
These days, there are plenty of different weed killers to choose from depending on the issue that you want to address. For a general all-purpose option, we’d say that the best weed killer is the Elixir Gardens’ Barclay Gallup. This high-strength solution is great for covering your entire yard in one go, and it doesn’t require any specialised certifications to use.
Two litres of this domestic weed killer is enough to cover a total area of 3,332 square metres. Results can be seen as early as a few days or up to four weeks after application. This, however, will depend on the weather and the type of weed.
Which of our weed killer reviews spoke most to you? Let us know in the comments below, and good luck with your garden!
Additional Resources
Paul is the type of person who never met a problem he couldn’t fix. He can always be found tinkering with something in his house, even if it isn’t broken! His tips and tricks are often shared on our site. He’s the one you call when something breaks because he has been known to improvise fixes for everything from leaky faucets to malfunctioning dryers.