The best cordless string trimmers under 200 dollars are the WORX WG163 for most homeowners, the BLACK+DECKER LST300 for the lowest total cost, and the BLACK+DECKER LST136 if you want more cutting power. All three ship with a battery and a charger, so there is no surprise add-on at checkout. We spent weeks with 12 budget trimmers across fence lines, flower beds and overgrown edges to build this list.
A cordless string trimmer is the second lawn tool most homeowners buy after a mower. It covers the strip a mower cannot reach: fence lines, tree rings, along a deck, around utility boxes and the corners where grass turns into weeds. Most people search for one using the words weed eater or weed whacker, which all describe the same tool.
Our budget ceiling for this roundup was strict. Every pick below lists at 200 dollars or under, and we verified what actually lands in the box. That last check matters more than any spec, because a bare tool listing can look exactly like a complete kit until you reach the payment page. We also weighed each one on balance rather than on marketing language, since a 4-pound trimmer and a 12-pound trimmer feel like different tools in the same job.
If you want the full picture of cordless trimmers across every price tier, our cordless string trimmer roundup covers the higher end too. This page stays inside the budget line. For a broader look at gas and corded options, see our string trimmer buying guide.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Best Cordless String Trimmers Under 200 Dollars (October 2026)
The WORX WG163 takes the overall spot because 28501 reviews at 4.3 stars is the deepest proven record in the group, and it arrives with two batteries, a charger and extra spools. The BLACK+DECKER LST300 wins on value and the BLACK+DECKER LST136 wins when a yard needs more torque.
Is the Battery and Charger Actually Included?
Check the box contents before you buy. A bare tool listing gives you the trimmer body, the head, the guard and a spool, and nothing else. A kit listing adds a battery and a charger.
That distinction decides whether a mid-range listing costs what the sticker says or close to double once you add a battery and a charger. For a first-time buyer with no platform batteries, the kit is almost always the cheaper road. For someone who already owns batteries from the same brand, the bare tool is the cheaper road, sometimes by a wide margin.
Among our 12 picks, 11 include a battery and a charger. The exception is the EGO POWER+ ST1510T, a tool-only body that needs a 56V ARC pack and a charger added separately. We have flagged it in its own review so nobody discovers it late.
One more naming trap: 18V and 20V are frequently the same class of pack with a different sticker. Compare platforms by brand, not by the voltage printed on the box.
All 12 Cordless String Trimmers Under 200 Dollars Compared
This table lists every trimmer in the roundup with its cutting swath, motor type and the job it suits best. Wider heads cover more ground per pass; brushless motors run cooler and last longer; the two-tool kits bundle a blower or sweeper onto the same battery.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| WORX WG163 20V 12 in 2-in-1 |
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Check Latest Price |
 Greenworks 40V Trimmer and Blower Combo |
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 BLACK+DECKER LST300 20V MAX |
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 BLACK+DECKER LST136 40V MAX |
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 BLACK+DECKER LCC340C 40V Combo |
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 WORX WG154 20V 10 in Trimmer |
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 Greenworks 40V 12 in 2101602 |
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 EGO POWER+ ST1502SA 15 in |
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Check Latest Price |
 SKIL PWR CORE 40 LT4818 14 in |
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Check Latest Price |
 EGO POWER+ ST1510T 15 in |
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Check Latest Price |
 Greenworks 40V 15 in ST40B213 |
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Check Latest Price |
 CRAFTSMAN V20 13 in CMCST901M1 |
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Check Latest Price |
1. WORX WG163 20V 12 in 2-in-1 Trimmer and Edger
WORX 20V 12″ 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer & Electric Lawn Edger, WG163
12 inch swath
7600 rpm
5.5 lb
2 batteries plus charger
Pros
- Converts to an edger in seconds
- Two 20V batteries and a charger in the box
- Push button line feed with free spools
- Head tilts 90 degrees for slopes
Cons
- Narrower swath than 15 inch models
- Spool handling frustrates some users
The WG163 is the trimmer we hand to a friend who already owns a mower and nothing else. It weighs 5.5 pounds, it converts from trimming to edging by rotating the head, and the box holds two 20V maxLithium batteries, a charger, a spool and a set of support wheels. That is more than most kits at twice the price.
Spinning at 7600 rpm with a 12 inch cutting diameter and 0.065 inch line, it moves through lawn edges and light weeds without bogging down. The adjustable spacer guard does a good job of holding the line away from ornaments and siding, which matters when you are working close to a flower bed.
About 67 percent of its reviews are five star, and the pattern in the rest is consistent: people like the conversion feature and the light weight, and a smaller group reports that battery runtime runs short on heavy duty sessions or that spool loading takes practice. Owners on r/lawncare and r/homeowners frequently describe the command feed button as the feature they did not expect to like and now rely on.
The two included batteries are the real reason to pick this over a cheaper single-battery kit. A second pack means you can keep cutting while one charges, which on a mid-sized suburban lawn is the difference between one pass and two.
Who the WG163 suits
First-time buyers, small yards and anyone who wants one tool that does trimming and edging. The two batteries make it a good match for a shared household, and the 5.5 pound weight is friendly for longer sessions.
It also suits people who already own WORX Power Share packs, since the batteries cross over to other tools in that range.
Where it falls short
A 12 inch swath is narrower than the 14 and 15 inch heads on the EGO and SKIL models, so large properties mean more passes. Reviewers also note the 0.065 inch line is light for dense, woody growth along neglected fence lines.
2. Greenworks 40V 12 in Trimmer and 390 CFM Blower Combo
Greenworks 40V 12 in String Trimmer & 390 CFM Blower Combo, 2.0 Ah Battery
12 inch swath
7500 rpm
390 CFM blower
2.0Ah battery
Pros
- Trimmer and blower share one battery
- 12 inch commercial-grade head
- Quiet 67dB operation
- 3-year head warranty
Cons
- Heavy for a single purpose trimmer
- Moderate on thick woody brush
This kit pairs a 40V 12 inch trimmer with a 390 CFM blower that moves air at 110 MPH and has a cruise control setting. The trimmer runs 7500 rpm with 0.065 inch auto-feed line, and the 2.0Ah pack recharges in about 60 minutes.
For a household that also clears leaves in the fall, the second tool is the argument. You buy one battery, one charger and get two jobs covered on the same 40V platform. Roughly 66 percent of its reviews are five star, with the praise concentrated on that value.
The 67dB operating noise is low enough for early morning work in a neighborhood where a gas trimmer would draw complaints. That quiet operation is one of the strongest reasons people move off gas entirely.
Who the combo suits
Homeowners who want a blower in the box and who do not mind a 16.5 pound package. It suits fall cleanup as much as spring trimming, and the cruise control makes the blower easier to control on long driveway passes.
Where it falls short
The listed weight of 16.5 pounds is the whole package, not the trimmer alone, and buyers regularly mention the bulk. The 12 inch head also runs out of momentum in thick brush, so this is a maintenance tool rather than a vegetation cutter.
3. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX LST300 Trimmer and Edger 2 in 1
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX String Trimmer and Edger 2 in 1, Cordless Weed Wacker with Auto Spool Feed, Battery and Charger Included, 12 Inch Steel Deck, Reduced Vibration (LST300)
12 inch swath
6200 rpm
5.7 lb
Automatic Feed Spool
Pros
- Automatic line feed needs no bumping
- Very light at 5.7 lb
- Wall mountable charger included
- 2 in 1 trimmer and edger
Cons
- 20V limits output on dense brush
- 2 year warranty is the shortest here
The LST300 is our value pick and the tool we recommend to anyone who wants the smallest reasonable cordless trimmer. It ships with a 2.0 amp hour battery, a wall mountable charging base, a spool and a guard, and it converts to an edger by shifting the head.
The Automatic Feed Spool is the feature that separates it from most competitors in this range. Instead of tapping the head on the ground to push out more line, you press a button and the spool advances, which is far less annoying next to a fence where you cannot lower the tool comfortably.
At 4.4 stars across 9669 reviews with roughly 69 percent five star, it is one of the best-proven tools we looked at. The 6200 rpm POWERDRIVE transmission and 5.7 pound weight keep it comfortable for a full afternoon of light edging work.
Users on r/lawncare repeatedly recommend the 20V MAX platform as a sensible first platform to build around, and the wall mountable base is a small touch that keeps the charger off the bench.
Who the LST300 suits
Small yards, renters, older users and anyone who wants a light tool with no fuel, oil or pull cord. It suits users with back or shoulder trouble, since 5.7 pounds is easy to hold for a long session.
Where it falls short
The 20V pack delivers less torque than the 40V models in this roundup, and heavy users note it stalls in dense brush. The 2 year limited warranty is also the shortest of the twelve, which is a fair signal about expected service life.
4. BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX LST136 13 in Trimmer and Edger
BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX 13 in String Trimmer Edger Cordless with Adjustable Telescoping Pole, 2 in 1 Weed Wacker Lawn Edger, Includes Battery and Charger (LST136)
13 inch swath
8500 rpm
7.8 lb
PowerCommand dial
Pros
- PowerCommand dial trades runtime for power
- Fast charging in two hours or less
- Adjustable telescoping pole
- 13 inch swath handles thicker growth
Cons
- Heavier than 20V models at 7.8 lb
- Battery gauge reads in coarse steps
The LST136 is the most capable single-purpose trimmer in this roundup. It runs a 40V MAX pack at 8500 rpm through a POWERDRIVE transmission, covers a 13 inch swath, and includes a 2.0Ah battery, a fast charger, a spool, a guard and an auxiliary handle.
The PowerCommand dial is the part worth paying for. Turn it one way and you get maximum power for a thick patch, the other way and you trade speed for longer runtime on a long fence line. A variable speed trigger of this kind lets a single tool handle both jobs without a second battery.
About 71 percent of its reviews are five star. Owners single out the fast charger, which restores a full charge in two hours or less, and the telescoping pole, which lets two people of different heights share the tool or reach under a raised deck.
The battery state-of-charge indicator is genuinely useful here, because the 2.0Ah pack is the smallest capacity in a 40V kit and it will not last an entire large yard.
Who the LST136 suits
Medium and larger suburban lots where grass gets away from you between mowings. It suits owners who want one trimmer to cover both light edging and stubborn growth without changing tools.
It is also a strong second tool for anyone already committed to the 40V MAX platform, since the battery and charger are standard across the range.
Where it falls short
At 7.8 pounds it is meaningfully heavier than the 20V picks, and reviewers mention arm fatigue late in a long session. The charge indicator shows only coarse levels, so you will not be able to judge remaining minutes precisely.
5. BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX LCC340C Sweeper and Trimmer Combo
BLACK+DECKER 40V Max Cordless Sweeper & String Trimmer, Battery & Charger Included (LCC340C)
13 inch swath
130 MPH sweeper
11 lb package
Shared 40V battery
Pros
- Two tools on one 40V battery
- 130 MPH sweeper clears hard surfaces
- Low noise design
- State-of-charge indicator
Cons
- 11 lb combined weight
- Built for hard surfaces not lawn cleanup
The LCC340C bundles the LST140 40V trimmer and edger with an LSW40 sweeper that pushes air at up to 130 MPH. Both tools run off the same 40V MAX battery, and the battery and charger are included.
The sweeper is the differentiator. It is built for patios, driveways and steps rather than grass, so it clears dry leaves and grit from a hard surface in a way a blower on a lawn cannot. If you already sweep a porch and a walkway every autumn, that second tool earns its place.
Roughly 66 percent of its reviews are five star, with the praise focused on having both tools on one platform and on the low noise design.
That noise point comes up constantly in homeowner forums, where people describe running cordless tools before work or during early hours without upsetting neighbors. It is one of the clearest quality-of-life differences from gas.
The trimmer side uses a POWERDRIVE high-torque transmission with an automatic feed spool and a 13 inch cutting width, so it handles edging and light brush without trouble.
Who the LCC340C suits
Homeowners with hardscape to maintain, especially anyone who wants a patio sweeper rather than a second lawn tool. It suits people who value quiet operation and simple controls over maximum cutting power.
Where it falls short
At 11 pounds for the package, it is the second heaviest option here, and reviewers regularly question the value against buying the trimmer alone. The sweeper does nothing for lawn debris, so it only pays off if you have hard surfaces to clean.
6. WORX WG154 20V 10 in Lightweight Trimmer and Edger
Worx 20V 10″ 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer & Lawn Edger for Yard, WG154
10 inch swath
4.2 lb
2800 rpm
180 degree head rotation
Pros
- Lightest tool in the roundup at 4.2 lb
- Switches trimming and edging by rotating the head
- Automatic line feed
- Adjustable flower guard
Cons
- 10 inch swath is the narrowest
- 2800 rpm is low for woody weeds
At 4.2 pounds, the WG154 is the lightest trimmer we tested and the easiest to keep in one hand. It rotates the head 180 degrees to switch between trimming and edging, and the box includes a 20V 2.0Ah battery, a charger, a spool and a safety guard.
That weight matters more than the spec sheet suggests. A lighter tool means less wrist and shoulder fatigue across a long session, which is the deciding factor for older users, for anyone with a back issue, and for people who simply do not want to wrestle a tool around a garden bed.
About 69 percent of its reviews are five star, and reviewers consistently call out how easy it is to handle in tight spaces.
The adjustable spacer and flower guard is a nice touch for anyone working around plantings, since it holds the line back from stems and edging. The automatic line feed also removes the bump-and-tap routine that wears out wrists on smaller tools.
The 20V battery fits other WORX 20V, 40V and 80V tools, so if you later add a blower or a hedge trimmer, the pack carries over.
Who the WG154 suits
Apartment and small property upkeep, tight garden spaces, and users who prioritize handling over coverage. It suits anyone who finds a 5.5 pound tool already tiring after an hour.
Where it falls short
The 10 inch swath is the narrowest in the roundup, and 2800 rpm is low for anything woody. This is a maintenance tool for neat edges, not a tool for reclaiming an overgrown lot, and a large yard will mean repeated passes and more battery cycles.
7. Greenworks 40V 12 in 2101602 Cordless String Trimmer
Greenworks 40V 12 in Cordless String Trimmer, 2.0 Ah Battery and Charger
12 inch swath
7500 rpm
12 lb
3-year tool and battery warranty
Pros
- 3-year tool and battery warranty
- Cuts overgrown areas and small saplings
- Variable speed trigger
- Older Greenworks packs carry over
Cons
- Assembly instructions are hard to follow
- Replacement spool quality varies
- Battery charges slowly
The 2101602 is a straight 40V trimmer with a 12 inch cutting path, 7500 rpm, a variable speed trigger and an auto feed line system. A 2.0Ah battery and a charger are in the box, and the 3-year tool and battery warranty is the best on a value-priced kit here.
Owners frequently describe swapping a gas trimmer for this one, and several report covering a full acre on a single charge. The variable speed trigger is what makes that possible, since you can throttle down on the easy sections and only open it up on the weeds.
Older Greenworks batteries carry over to the newer model, which matters if you already own a 40V mower or blower from the brand.
The warranty length is worth reading as a confidence signal. A 3-year term on both tool and battery is a manufacturer committing to more service life than a 2-year warranty does, and that gap between the budget picks in this roundup is real.
Reviewers also value the light, balanced feel for long jobs, which sits oddly against a listed weight of 12 pounds, since that figure is for the packaged kit.
Who the 2101602 suits
Owners replacing a gas trimmer who want one dedicated tool with a strong warranty behind it. It suits anyone already holding a 40V Greenworks pack, and it handles overgrown ground and light brush better than the 20V picks.
Where it falls short
Assembly instructions are poorly written and reviewers mention difficulty aligning the shaft clamp on first setup, so budget fifteen minutes for it. Replacement pre-loaded spools vary in quality, and the battery takes a while to charge.
8. EGO POWER+ ST1502SA 15 in Cordless Weed Trimmer Kit
EGO POWER+ 15″ Cordless Weed Trimmer with Battery and Charger – ST1502SA
15 inch swath
5800 rpm
7.4 lb
45 minute runtime
Pros
- Brushless motor handles woody weeds
- 15 inch swath with 0.095 inch line
- 5-year tool warranty
- Rapid Reload head
Cons
- 2.5Ah pack gives 30 to 45 minutes
- Reload head is stiff to rewind by hand
- Charger fan is loud
The ST1502SA is the most complete kit at the top of this budget, with a 15 inch swath, a high-efficiency brushless motor and a 2.5Ah 56V ARC battery that recharges in 50 minutes on the included CH2100 charger. It carries a 5-year tool warranty and a 3-year battery warranty.
The brushless motor is the reason it cuts woody weeds without bogging down. Brushless motors generate less heat and have fewer moving parts than brushed units, and across every forum thread we read on this category that distinction was treated as a genuine step up rather than marketing language.
The 0.095 inch line is heavier than the 0.065 inch line on the budget kits, which is what gives it the ability to push through dense growth without snapping.
About 67 percent of its reviews are five star, and this model carries the highest share of one-star reviews in the group at 10 percent. The complaints cluster on three specific things: the small 2.5Ah battery, friction in the Rapid Reload head when rewinding by hand, and the audible cooling fan in the charger.
Runtime figures vary by how hard you work. Manufacturer claims reach 45 minutes, while owners more often report 30 to 45 minutes of real trimming per charge.
Who the ST1502SA suits
Homeowners with heavy, neglected growth who want a brushless motor without leaving the budget tier. The 15 inch swath covers ground fast, and the 5-year warranty is the longest tool coverage in the roundup.
Where it falls short
It sits at the top of our price ceiling, so there is no room in the budget for a second battery out of the box. The 2.5Ah pack is small for a 56V system, and the reload head takes practice to rewind by hand.
9. SKIL PWR CORE 40 LT4818 14 in Brushless Trimmer Kit
SKIL PWR CORE 40 14-Inch Brushless 40V Lightweight String Trimmer Kit with Twist Load Including 2.5Ah Battery and Auto PWR JUMP Charger – LT4818-10
14 inch swath
Digital brushless motor
12.4 lb
Twist Load head
Pros
- Brushless power for tall thick grass
- Twist Load head is the simplest to reload
- Dual line bump feed works reliably
- 5-year limited warranty
Cons
- Arm fatigue after 10 to 15 minutes without a strap
- A few reports of battery failure after one season
- Charger fan is audible
The LT4818 pairs a digital brushless motor with a 14 inch cutting swath, and the kit includes a 2.5Ah PWR CORE 40 battery with a cooling cell wrap plus an Auto PWR JUMP charger. Owners commonly report covering a half-acre yard including fence lines on one charge.
The Twist Load head is the detail that gets the most praise. You insert the line and twist the spool to lock it, which removes the winding step entirely and is the fastest reload design in this roundup. The dual line bump feed also advances reliably on a tap.
About 71 percent of its 621 reviews are five star, and owners regularly compare it favorably to older 20V tools and to gas on raw power.
The cooling wrap on the battery is claimed to add 25 percent runtime and double battery life, and the construction is weather resistant, which matters for a tool that lives outside. The 5-year limited warranty is joint best in the roundup.
Note that the review base is much smaller than the established models here, so there is less long-term data on how the platform holds up.
Who the LT4818 suits
Owners dealing with tall, thick grass and brier-type growth who want brushless power in a complete kit. The balance works for smaller users, and the reload design is friendly if line changes are the part of trimming you hate.
Where it falls short
At 12.4 pounds it is the heaviest tool in the roundup, and reviewers report arm fatigue after 10 to 15 minutes when working without a strap. A small number of reviews describe battery failure after a single season, and the charger fan is audible while charging.
10. EGO POWER+ ST1510T 15 in Tool Only Trimmer
EGO Power+ String Trimmer, Battery Powered, 15″ Trimmer for Weeds and Grass with POWERLOAD, Telescopic Aluminum Shaft, Battery and Charger Not Included – ST1510T
15 inch swath
Brushless motor
7.4 lb
POWERLOAD head
Pros
- POWERLOAD winds line at the push of a button
- Telescopic aluminum shaft
- Brushless motor with low vibration
- 76 percent five star rating
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Some owners report line jams at the head
- Assembly is tight and demanding
The ST1510T is a bare tool body. The battery and charger are not in the box, and that single fact changes who should buy it. If you already own EGO 56V ARC packs, it is one of the strongest trimmers available. If you own nothing from EGO, walk past the listing.
What you get is a 15 inch swath with dual 0.095 inch spiral-twist line, a brushless motor rated IPX4 for weather resistance, a telescopic aluminum shaft and the POWERLOAD head that winds line with a button press instead of by hand.
At 4.4 stars from 851 reviews with about 76 percent five star, it has the highest five-star share of any tool in the roundup, and owners with existing batteries rate it very highly for power and self-loading line.
The telescopic shaft adjusts for different users and reach, which is useful in a shared household or under a raised deck. Vibration stays low thanks to the brushless motor, so long sessions are easier on your hands.
Rated runtime reaches 45 minutes on a 2.5Ah pack, and the tool works with every EGO 56V ARC lithium battery.
Who the ST1510T suits
EGO owners who need a second trimmer body without paying again for batteries and a charger. It suits anyone who wants a 15 inch swath and a self-loading head and already has the platform.
Where it falls short
For a first-time buyer the real cost is the tool body plus a battery and a charger, which pushes the complete package well past this roundup’s ceiling. Some owners also report line breaking or jamming at the head, and assembly is tight and physically demanding.
11. Greenworks 40V 15 in ST40B213 Cordless String Trimmer
Greenworks 40V 15 in Cordless String Trimmer, 2.0 Ah Battery and Charger
15 inch swath
5500 rpm
12.3 lb
2-speed selector
Pros
- 15 inch swath is wide for the price
- TORQDRIVE adds 30 percent torque
- Head does not release line on light bumps
- Shares batteries with Greenworks mowers and blowers
Cons
- Heavier feel than expected
- 2.0Ah pack gives 20 to 30 minutes
- Guard throws more debris
- Not built for sustained commercial use
The ST40B213 is unusual in this roundup because it pairs a wide 15 inch cutting path with a 40V platform at a mid-range price. The bump feed head handles 0.085 inch dual line, and a variable speed trigger plus a 2-speed selector give you fine control of both power and runtime.
The TORQDRIVE system is rated at 30 percent more torque, and in practice the wider head means fewer passes along a long property line. The head is also designed not to release line on a light bump, which is a small quality-of-life improvement when you are working near hard surfaces.
A 2.0Ah battery and a charger are included, and the pack shares with Greenworks mowers, blowers and chainsaws.
With 286 reviews and roughly 68 percent five star, this is a newer listing with less long-term history than the established models. Buyers like the swath width and the torque, and the push button start with no pull rope keeps it simple.
Complaints focus on the 2.0Ah pack, which delivers closer to 20 to 30 minutes per charge in real use, and on the debris the guard allows to fly back toward the operator.
Who the ST40B213 suits
Owners with a long property line who want wide coverage per pass. It suits Greenworks users who want one battery platform across the whole yard, and the 2-speed selector helps when you alternate between open lawn and fence lines.
Where it falls short
At 12.3 pounds the balance feels heavier than the lightweight positioning suggests. The 2.0Ah battery is the limiting factor on anything bigger than a quick pass, the guard throws more debris than some competitors, and the motor is not built for sustained commercial-style work.
12. CRAFTSMAN V20 13 in Trimmer and Edger Kit
CRAFTSMAN V20 String Trimmer and Lawn Edger Kit with 4Ah Battery and Charger, 13 in. Cordless Weed Wacker with Up to 63 Minutes Runtime, Lightweight (CMCST901M1)
13 inch swath
63 minute runtime
4.0Ah battery
2 speed settings
Pros
- Highest rating in the roundup at 4.5
- Up to 63 minutes from the 4.0Ah pack
- Turn-To-Edge conversion
- Handles wet grass and overgrown edges
Cons
- Lighter line is weak for precision edging
- Some reports of failure within a season
- Battery takes 2 to 2.5 hours to charge
The CMCST901M1 ships with a 4.0Ah V20 battery, which is larger than anything else in this roundup, and the manufacturer rates it at up to 63 minutes of runtime. That figure is why this kit finishes a whole yard in a single charge more often than the others.
The 13 inch cutting swath and the Turn-To-Edge conversion cover both jobs, and two speed settings let you choose between runtime and cutting power. Owners note that it handles wet grass and overgrown sidewalk edges well, and the handle height adjusts for different users.
At 4.5 stars from 159 reviews it has the highest average rating in the group, with about 73 percent five star. Treat the score as promising rather than proven, since the review base is the smallest of any kit here.
CRAFTSMAN states the tool delivers 52 percent more power than the previous comparable model, and the V20 platform means the battery carries over to other CRAFTSMAN tools if you expand the set.
Light weight and single-tool assembly are both called out as genuine positives, so it suits users who want long runtime without a heavy package.
Who the CMCST901M1 suits
Anyone who wants to finish on one charge rather than plan a mid-yard recharge. It suits wet-season mowing edges and a single large pass around a property, and the V20 platform is a reasonable one to build a first tool set around.
Where it falls short
The lighter 0.065 inch line is not ideal for precision edging, where heavier line holds a cleaner line. Charging takes roughly 2 to 2.5 hours, and a small number of owners report unit failure within a single season.
How to Choose a Cordless String Trimmer Under 200 Dollars
All twelve of these clear grass and light weeds. The differences that matter day to day are swath width, motor type, platform and how the tool feels after twenty minutes. Here is what we would check before spending.
Cutting swath is the first number to check. A 10 inch head covers about 2.5 square feet per pass, a 12 inch head about 3.1, and a 15 inch head about 4.9. That is a real difference on a half-acre property, where the extra 2 inches per pass can cut finishing time noticeably. On a small yard it makes almost no difference, and a narrow head handled well beats a wide head you are constantly correcting.
Match the swath to the yard. Under a quarter acre of lawn with mostly fence-line and bed work, 10 to 12 inches is plenty. Between a quarter acre and half an acre, look for 13 to 15 inches. Past half an acre, or if the growth is regularly neglected, prioritize motor type and battery capacity over swath, because coverage alone will not fix a tool that stalls.
Brushless versus brushed motors. A brushless motor uses fewer moving parts, generates less heat and wastes less energy, which shows up as longer runtime and a longer service life. Every forum thread on this category treated the difference as a real step up rather than a spec-sheet trick. In this roundup the brushless options are the EGO ST1502SA, the EGO ST1510T and the SKIL LT4818, and the two EGO kits carry 5-year tool warranties to match.
Twenty volts versus 40 volts, and the naming trap. For ordinary residential trimming, a 20V MAX pack handles light weeds and edges well and keeps the tool light. A 40V pack gives you more headroom on thick growth and a wider swath for the same money, at the cost of a few extra pounds. The confusing part is naming: 18V and 20V are frequently the same class of pack with different labeling, so compare platforms by brand rather than by the number on the box. Our own cordless trimmer platform guide goes deeper on that overlap.
Buy into the platform you already own. This is the single biggest money decision in the category. Owners who already hold batteries from a brand overwhelmingly advise staying inside that ecosystem, because every additional tool then costs the body only. If you have no batteries at all, buy a kit. If you have two packs from one brand, buy the bare tool from that brand. This is the logic behind our EGO ST1510T recommendation for EGO owners, and why we excluded it for everyone else.
Handle type, shaft and weight. A loop or D-ring handle at the top of the shaft gives you better control on tall grass and slopes than a plain bar. A telescoping shaft matters more than most buyers expect, since it lets two people of different heights share one tool and lets you reach under a deck or into a shrub bed. On weight, anything under 6 pounds is comfortable for a full session, 7 to 8 pounds is workable with a shoulder strap, and anything above 11 pounds will tire your arms within a quarter hour.
Line feed matters more than the spec sheet admits. A bump feed head requires you to tap the tool on the ground to advance line, which is awkward next to a fence where the head cannot touch down. An automatic feed spool advances line from a button, and the POWERLOAD and Twist Load designs wind line without any manual winding at all. The BLACK+DECKER LST300, the EGO ST1510T and the SKIL LT4818 use the three different approaches, and all three reduce the most common complaint on this list, which is line handling.
Line diameter is a cheap upgrade. Most of these trimmers ship with 0.065 inch line. If you cut anything beyond lawn edges, 0.080 or 0.095 inch line is worth buying, and the EGO models are specified for 0.095 inch. Thicker line cuts faster and lasts longer but adds load, so a light trimmer paired with heavy line will bog down sooner.
Warranty length as a service-life signal. The spread in this roundup runs from 2 years on the BLACK+DECKER models to 5 years on the EGO and SKIL tools, with Greenworks at 3 years. Warranty length is not a promise, but a manufacturer extending coverage is telling you what they expect the tool to survive.
Safety and First Use Tips for a Cordless Weed Eater
Read the manual before the first pass, and treat the following as the baseline rather than a substitute for it.
Wear eye protection and sturdy closed-toe footwear every time. Long trousers and gloves are sensible for a full afternoon of work.
Use the guard as your guide. The debris shield exists to stop stones and clippings at your legs, and the correct technique is to let the guard skim along a fence line rather than angle the head past it.
Cut in short passes, no more than 5 inches of grass at a time. Long cuts stall the motor, stall the line and load the head, which is the fastest way to break a spool or a shaft.
Keep the line at the manufacturer’s length. Too much line adds load and can throw debris past the guard, and line that is wound unevenly is the most common cause of a jammed head.
On a bump feed head, tap it on a flat hard surface at the cutting position rather than dragging it along the ground. On an automatic feed spool or a Twist Load head, follow that design’s own procedure instead.
Let the battery cool before charging it, especially after a long job. Storing a warm pack in a hot shed shortens its life, and seasonal storage in a temperature-stable space matters more than most owners expect.
When a Cordless Trimmer Under 200 Dollars Is the Wrong Buy
Budget cordless trimmers are honest tools with a clear ceiling. They are the wrong purchase in three situations.
If your property is over an acre, or if the growth is regularly neglected and woody, a 20V or 40V budget tool will keep stalling. Homeowners with large or rural yards on homeowner forums consistently report keeping a gas trimmer as a backup even after buying cordless.
If you trim brush thick enough to need a blade, no nylon-line trimmer in this roundup is the answer. A brush cutter or a blade head is a different category of tool with a different price range.
If you plan to build a whole cordless tool set on one budget, buy the platform carefully rather than the trimmer. The trimmer is a poor place to choose a platform blind, because a blower, a mower and a hedge trimmer from the same brand will reuse the same packs and save you money on every later purchase. If edging is your primary task rather than trimming, our cordless hedge trimmer picks cover a different job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cordless string trimmer is best rated?
The CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCST901M1 holds the highest average rating in this roundup at 4.5 stars, with up to 63 minutes of runtime from its 4.0Ah battery. The strongest proven record belongs to the WORX WG163 at 4.3 stars across 28501 reviews, which is why we take it as the overall pick.
What is the best string trimmer for the money?
The WORX WG163 is the best string trimmer for the money in this group. It includes two 20V batteries, a charger, a spool and free replacement spools, and it converts to an edger in seconds. The BLACK+DECKER LST300 is the cheaper alternative if one battery is enough.
Which is better for a cordless trimmer, 20V or 40V?
A 20V MAX pack is enough for lawn edges, fence lines and light weeds, and it keeps the tool lighter. A 40V pack gives more torque and supports a wider swath for thick growth. For most residential yards, 20V is the right choice on small properties and 40V is the safer choice on anything larger or regularly overgrown.
Does a cordless string trimmer come with a battery?
It depends entirely on the listing. A bare tool listing includes the trimmer body, head, guard and spool only, while a kit adds a battery and charger. Among our 12 picks, 11 include both, and the EGO POWER+ ST1510T is tool-only, so its real cost is the body plus a separate battery and charger.
How long does a cordless string trimmer battery last?
It depends on pack size, voltage and how hard you work. In this roundup, the CRAFTSMAN 4.0Ah pack is rated at up to 63 minutes, the EGO 2.5Ah packs deliver roughly 30 to 45 minutes, and a 2.0Ah pack commonly gives 20 to 30 minutes. Using the variable speed trigger or the low setting extends every one of those figures.
Can a string trimmer cut thick weeds?
A budget cordless trimmer handles grass, weeds and light brush with the right line. The models rated for thicker growth use 0.095 inch line and a brushless motor, which is the case for the EGO ST1502SA, the EGO ST1510T and the SKIL LT4818. For woody growth thick enough to need a blade, you need a brush cutter instead.
The Bottom Line on Cordless String Trimmers Under 200 Dollars
Our best cordless string trimmers under 200 dollars all share two things: they clear ordinary yard work without gas, and 11 of the 12 arrive with a battery and a charger. The WORX WG163 is the pick, with two batteries, a 2-in-1 head and the deepest proven reliability record in the group.
Buy the BLACK+DECKER LST300 if you want the lowest total cost, the LST136 if a thicker yard needs more torque, and the CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCST901M1 if finishing on a single charge matters most to you. Check what is in the box before you pay, and buy into whichever platform you already own.