The 11 Best Weed Killers of 2023

Best Overall

Spectracide Weed and Grass Killer Concentrate

4.6

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Spectracide is a popular choice for areas where quality results count, such as golf courses, sports stadiums, and turf grass. This weed killer earns our top spot on this list, because it is highly effective and can be applied to many different areas around your yard, including flower beds, around trees, and even hardscapes, such as walkways and patios, to keep them looking their best. We also appreciate that you can expect results the same day it’s applied, and it is weatherproof within 15 minutes, so you don't have to wait for a clear day to do the task.

This cost-effective 64-ounce container must be diluted first and then applied with a tank sprayer for best results (purchased separately). To save time, you can also purchase this product in a pre-mixed ready-to-use spray format. To achieve the best success and reduce spray drift, we suggest applying it on warm, sunny days with minimal wind.

Keep in mind that this effective weed-killing product kills all plants at the root, so you want to avoid using it on plants and grass you want to keep (or cover them up if need be, as we did while testing). It's also recommended to not mow the treated areas for at least a week, but you can plant new flowers or shrubs after 24 hours. This product should not be used near edible plants. Like all weed killers, make sure to keep it out of reach of kids and pets and wait a full 24 hours to dry before letting them near the treated areas. Aside from these few downsides, we think this is an excellent budget-friendly, effective weed killer.

Price at time of publish: $43

_{Application Type: Spray︱Targeted Plants: Broad-leaf weeds︱Rain Resistance Time: 15 minutes︱Volume: 64 ounces}

Best Budget

Ortho Weed B Gon Chickweed, Clover & Oxalis Killer for Lawns, 16oz.

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Selective herbicides, such as Ortho Weed B Gon, target weeds without harming the grass. From dandelions to clover, Ortho kills over 200 kinds of weeds at a great price point. This 16-ounce container should cover 3,200 square feet. Keep in mind that this is a concentrated formula, and needs to be diluted and applied with a sprayer (not included).

Since this product kills weeds at the roots, you should see results the same day; noticeable weed demise within 30 minutes has been reported. Perfect for northern and southern grass types, the formula is rainproof within an hour.

Price at time of publish: $14

_{Application Type: Spray︱Targeted Plants: Broadleaf grasses like dandelions and clover︱Rain Resistance Time: 1 hour︱Volume: 16 ounces}

Best Natural

Green Gobbler 20% Vinegar Weed Killer

4.2

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Many weed killers contain harsh chemicals; however, Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed and Grass Killer is glyphosate-free and made without synthetic ingredients. Derived from corn, it can take care of unwanted crabgrass, dandelions, clover weeds, white clover, mold, and more.

We tested this natural weed killer and successfully used it on driveways, sidewalks, concrete, mulch, and flower beds and didn't see weeds return, even weeks after application. We especially appreciated using this to get rid of weeds growing in the cracks of a driveway. However, we did have to pull the weeds after they were killed to ensure they did not come back.

You can expect to see visible results in less than 24 hours, and the manufacturer offers a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. Because it is vinegar based, it is not weed-specific and can harm all grass and plants. Make sure you use it only in areas where weeds are present, not plants you want to keep.

Price at time of publish: $30

_{Application Type: Spray︱Targeted Plants: Crabgrass, dandelions, and other listed weeds︱Rain Resistance Time: Not listed︱Volume: 1 gallon}

Best for Gravel

Ortho GroundClear Year Long Vegetation Killer

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Weeds popping up along walkways, the patio, driveways, and gravel surfaces present their own challenges. You can eradicate them quickly with Ortho Ground Clear Weed Control. Unlike many formulas intended for hardscapes, it contains no harmful glyphosate. This concentrated formula comes in a 1-gallon container that makes up to 21 gallons of spray and treats more than 20,000 square feet (larger than a hockey rink). This product is ideal for locations where you want no vegetation, such as gravel paths, driveways, parking areas, fencerows, patios, and around buildings.

In addition to killing growing vegetation, it prevents new weeds for up to a year. The formula is rainfast in one hour. You can buy it in assorted sizes, including one with a handy wand applicator, best suited for targeting hard-to-reach cracks and crevices.

Price at time of publish: $51

_{Application Type: Spray︱Targeted Plants: All weeds, grasses, vines, brush, and trees︱Rain Resistance Time: 1 hour︱Volume: 1 gallon}

Best for Lawns

Southern Ag Amine 2,4-D

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Southern Ag 2,4-D kills weeds that ruin the look of your hard-earned beautiful lawn. This concentrated formula targets broadleaf weeds such as clover, dandelions, and even crabgrass. It is an excellent value for the money, as all you need is one tablespoon per gallon of water.

Once diluted and sprayed, it kills weeds fully within three days, with visible results apparent within 30 minutes. 2,4-D is toxic to people and pets, so it is recommended that you avoid the sprayed area for 24 hours.

Price at time of publish: $19

_{Application Type: Spray︱Targeted Plants: Broadleaf weeds︱Rain Resistance: None︱Volume: 32 ounces}

Best Along Fences

Gordon’s SpeedZone Lawn Weed Killer, 20 Oz.

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Gordon’s Speed Zone effectively keeps weeds from growing under fence lines or creeping into lawns (without killing your grass). A combination of 2,4-D, dicamba acid, and carfentrazone-ethyl creates a dynamic weed killer capable of eliminating over 200 species.

Gordon’s works best when you mow grass two days before or after applying the product and when rain is absent from the forecast. Unfortunately, this product is not rainproof, so it might not be as effective for locations with significant rainfall. Pets and children must avoid sprayed areas.

Price at time of publish: $41

_{Application Type: Spray︱Targeted Plants: Broad-spectrum weeds︱Rain Resistance Time: None︱Volume: 20 ounces}

Best Pre-Emergent

Preen Garden Weed Preventer + Plant Food

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Preen Garden Weed Preventer is designed to prevent weeds from popping up in your flower beds, around the base of trees, or even in the vegetable garden. As a pre-emergent, its patented blend includes a plant fertilizer that helps keep your flowers blooming, and vegetables growing—all while keeping weeds from sprouting. Offering protection from nearly 30 broadleaf weeds, its granular format makes it less likely to blow onto your lawn.

The standout feature is how easily the product spreads. The bottle is designed with a convenient shaker cap: Just shake it over the intended area, add water, and you are done. You needn’t worry about timing, as you can apply Preen at any point during the year. It is also safe to use around vegetables, bulbs, and over 200 other flowering plants.

Price at time of publish: $27

_{Application Type: Granular︱Targeted Plants: Preventive against 25 broadleaf species︱Rain Resistance: None︱Volume: 7 pounds}

Best for Southern Grasses

Ortho WeedClear Lawn Weed Killer

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Many herbicides are not meant to be applied in hot or humid weather, which is often prevalent in the southern U.S. Ortho designed a special version of their popular Weed Clear line for the South. It is specially crafted and tested to ensure that it removes weeds but doesn't damage major grass types grown in the region.

Unlike other products on this list, the Ortho WeedClear Weed Killer does not need to be diluted, and it comes ready to use in a battery-powered sprayer. We also appreciate it is rainproof in under an hour. Plus, it takes care of more than 200 broadleaf species, including tough-to-kill dandelions and crabgrass.

Price at time of publish: $23

_{Application Type: Spray︱Targeted Plants: Broadleaf weeds including dandelions︱Rain Resistance Time: 1 hour︱Volume: 1 gallon}

Best for Flower Beds

Fertilome Over The Top Grass Killer

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Keep your flower beds looking picture-perfect with the Fertilome Over the Top Grass Killer II, which comes in a 16-ounce concentrate with a convenient hose attachment. Attach it to your hose, spray, and go. This herbicide kills tough weeds and grasses to the root, and its selective nature easily allows you to target annoying weeds without harming your flowers.

You can use this formula in and around vegetable gardens, flower beds, tree rings, and mulched beds, as well as on cracks in driveways, walkways, and patios. It is not rainproof, so it is best applied on days when rain is not in the forecast. Mowing beforehand is recommended. Be sure to follow all application instructions for the best results.

Price at time of publish: $30

_{Application Type: Spray︱Targeted Plants: Broadleaf weeds, including dandelions, Bermuda grass, and crabgrass︱Rain Resistance Time: None︱Volume: 16 ounces}

Best for Large Areas

BioAdvanced Weed Killer for Lawns

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When you have a large area that needs to be treated for weeds, a concentrated solution can be more effective than a ready-to-use solution. Our pick for this option is BioAdvanced Weed Killer for Lawns. Covering 20,000 square feet (larger than a hockey rink), this spray features a handy hose attachment, making it easy to dilute and go.

You can use this herbicide on walkways, driveways, and beside buildings and fences to kill weeds, grasses, vines, and brush. The formula contains no glyphosate. It is rainproof one hour after application—though the manufacturer recommends applying it on a warm, sunny day, with no rainfall anticipated for 24 hours. You should see results in 2 to 4 days, as it kills the weeds down to the roots. Make sure your grass and nearby plants are on the safe list provided in the label instructions. This product is not for use on St. Augustine grass.

Price at time of publish: $13

_{Application Type: Spray︱Targeted Plants: All weeds, grasses, vines, brush, and trees︱Rain Resistance Time: 1 hour︱Volume: 1 gallon}