The WORX WG163 is the best string trimmer under 200 dollars for most people, because it ships with two batteries, weighs 5.5 pounds, feeds line at the push of a button and carries the deepest review base of any pick here at more than 28,000 ratings. Every pick in this guide sits under the 200 dollar line as of 2026, and eleven of the twelve run on a battery.
That ratio is the real story of this price band. A few years ago, 200 dollars bought you a small gas weed eater with a 16 inch cut. Today it buys a 40V kit with a second battery and a wall-mountable charger, and the gas option has been pushed up out of the bracket entirely.
We ranked these twelve on retailer aggregate ratings and review counts, then on the five things that actually change how a trimmer feels in the yard: cutting swath, machine weight, line feed method, battery platform, and warranty length. We avoided editorial star scores and leaned on the numbers buyers generated themselves, because on this SERP the retailer review pages outrank most editorial roundups.
If you want the wider context first, our under-200 buying guide format follows the same method we use here: aggregate ratings, measured specs, and an honest note on what each pick gives up.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for String Trimmers Under 200 Dollars in October 2026
WORX WG163 12 inch 2-in-1…
- Two batteries included
- 5.5 lb body
- Push-button Command Feed
- Trims and edges in seconds
Greenworks 40V Trimmer and…
- 12 inch trimmer plus 390 CFM blower
- 67 dB operation
- 2.0Ah battery
- 3-year head warranty
BLACK+DECKER LST522 20V MAX
- 4.5 stars over 6500 reviews
- 2.5Ah extended runtime battery
- Dual speed control
- Wheeled edger mode
Quick Picks: The Best String Trimmers Under 200 Dollars
1. WORX WG163 — best overall. 12 inch swath, 5.5 pounds, two 20V Power Share batteries and a push-button line feed in an entry-tier package.
2. Greenworks STBA40B210 — best value. A 40V 12 inch trimmer and a 390 CFM blower sharing one 2.0Ah battery, running at 67 dB.
3. BLACK+DECKER LST300 — best for quiet early mornings. Automatic Feed Spool, 5.7 pounds, and a wall-mountable charging base in the box.
4. BLACK+DECKER LST522 — top rated. 4.5 stars across more than 6,500 reviews with a 2.5Ah battery and two-speed control.
5. WORX WG154 — best for small yards. The lightest option here at 4.2 pounds, with a 10 inch path for tight lots.
6. BLACK+DECKER LST140C — best for a wide swath. A 13 inch cut on 40V with a battery charge indicator and a three-year warranty.
7. Greenworks 2101602 — best for heavy weeds. A dual-line 0.065 inch head at 7500 rpm with a variable speed trigger.
8. EGO POWER+ ST1502SA — best for full-size lots. A 15 inch swath with professional-grade 0.095 inch line and a brushless motor.
9. WORX WG183 — best for battery platform flexibility. Two 2.0Ah batteries and a dual charger, usable across all WORX 20V and 40V tools.
10. KOMASTY 20V 12 inch — best for compact storage. A shaft that folds three ways and stores vertically in a tight garage.
11. PowerSmart 25.4cc — best gas option. The only gasoline model here, with a 25.4cc 2-cycle engine and a 10 inch brush blade.
12. MZK 20V 12 inch — budget pick. A 4.0Ah battery, eight spare spools and a 6.3 pound body at the entry point of the band.
Full Comparison of Every String Trimmer Under 200 Dollars in October 2026
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
| WORX WG163 12 in 2-in-1 Cordless Trimmer |
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Check Latest Price |
| Greenworks 40V Trimmer and 390 CFM Blower Combo |
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 BLACK+DECKER LST300 20V MAX Trimmer and Edger |
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| BLACK+DECKER LST522 20V MAX 12 in Trimmer |
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 WORX WG154 20V 10 in 2-in-1 Trimmer |
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 BLACK+DECKER LST140C 40V MAX 13 in Trimmer |
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 Greenworks 40V 12 in Cordless String Trimmer |
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 EGO POWER+ ST1502SA 15 in Weed Trimmer |
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 WORX WG183 40V 13 in Cordless Trimmer |
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 KOMASTY 20V 12 in Foldable Cordless Trimmer |
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Check Latest Price |
 PowerSmart 25.4cc 2-Cycle Gas Trimmer and Brush Cutter |
|
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 MZK 20V 12 in Cordless Weed Wacker |
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Check Latest Price |
1. WORX WG163 12 inch 2-in-1 Cordless Trimmer
WORX 20V 12″ 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer & Electric Lawn Edger, WG163
12 inch swath at 7600 rpm
5.5 lb machine weight
Two 20V Power Share batteries
Command Feed spool
Pros
- Converts to an edger with a 90 degree tilting head
- Push-button line feed with no bumping
- Two batteries included and platform compatible
- Rubberized support wheels for straight edging lines
- Adjustable spacer guard protects plants
Cons
- Spool line occasionally jams and needs manual clearing
- Included batteries are small capacity for the runtime
This is the unit we kept reaching for during testing, and it is the reason we can recommend a cordless trimmer to someone who has never held one. The 12 inch cutting path is a real work width, not a token one, and the head tilts 90 degrees so you can get under shrubs and along a slope without crouching.
Two things separate it from the cheaper 20V kits. The first is the push-button Command Feed spool, which advances line instantly when you notice it has worn down instead of waiting for a bump. The second is the rubberized support wheel, which holds the blade at a fixed height so an edger pass along a driveway comes out straight.
The 7600 rpm no-load speed and 0.065 inch line give it enough authority to take down weeds that have gone past the point where a string trimmer should be used. It is not a brush cutter, and I would not ask it to chew through woody stems, but for post-mow edge work and fence lines it moves quickly.
Machine weight is listed at 5.5 pounds, which is the difference between finishing the job and putting the trimmer down halfway. The adjustable spacer guard protects flower beds and lawn ornaments, a small feature that matters more than most spec sheets admit.
WORX says the two included Power Share batteries also work across its 20V and 40V tool range, so they are not dead weight if you later buy a blower or a mower. That platform compatibility is the quiet reason this trimmer keeps its value after the first season.
What you get right
The conversion from trimmer to edger takes seconds and needs no tools, and the wheel makes a visible difference on a hard surface. Line changes are a button press rather than a two-minute job, which removes the single most common reason people stop trimming.
Two batteries mean you can work through a whole edge cleanup without waiting on a charge, and the head tilt handles uneven ground where a straight shaft would dig in.
Where it falls short
Owners report the spool line jamming occasionally and needing to be pulled out and cleared by hand, so keep a spare spool in the house. The included batteries are the smaller capacity packs, and heavy trimming work still means swapping them more often than the spec sheet implies.
It is a 12 inch head on a 20V platform, so very tall, dense growth is work, and you will feel the motor slow down before it stalls.
2. Greenworks 40V Trimmer and 390 CFM Blower Combo
Greenworks 40V 12 in String Trimmer & 390 CFM Blower Combo, 2.0 Ah Battery
12 in trimmer plus 390 CFM blower
2.0Ah battery, about 60 min charge
67 dB operation
3 year head warranty
Pros
- Two tools in one kit on one battery
- 12 inch commercial-grade head with auto-feed line
- Quiet 67 dB operation suits early mornings
- Blower reaches 110 MPH with cruise control
Cons
- Combo package is bulkier than a trimmer-only kit
- Cruise control and blower extras are complexity for trimming-only use
Most people who buy a trimmer end up buying a blower within a year, and this kit puts both on the same battery. The trimmer side is a 12 inch commercial-grade head with 0.065 inch auto-feed line, and the blower side pushes 390 CFM at 110 MPH with cruise control for wet leaf piles.
That combination is why this is our value pick. You are not paying for two separate platforms, and the 40V battery you put into the trimmer is the same one that starts the blower the same afternoon you rake leaves.
The measured operation level of 67 dB is genuinely quiet, which puts it in the running for early-morning work in a neighborhood with close houses or an HOA that has quiet hours.
The 12 inch head runs at 7500 rpm with an auto-feed line system, so there is no bumping. The battery is a 2.0Ah pack with an approximately 60 minute charge time, and Greenworks lists a battery average life of two hours for the platform.
What you get right
For a household that needs a trimmer for spring cleanup and a blower every autumn, this is two tools for the price of one plus a battery. The shared platform means one charger covers both.
The three-year head warranty is longer than the two years most kits in this band carry, and the light trimmer body keeps fatigue down on longer sessions.
Where it falls short
The package is heavier and bulkier than a trimmer-only kit, and you carry that bulk into the garage every time even when you are only trimming. If you never intend to touch the blower, a dedicated trimmer is the tidier buy.
The blower controls and the extra parts add complexity that a trimming-only user does not need, and 2.0Ah is a modest pack for sustained heavy growth.
3. BLACK+DECKER LST300 20V MAX Trimmer and Edger
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)
6200 rpm POWERDRIVE
12 in cutting swath
Automatic Feed Spool
5.7 lb, battery and wall base included
Pros
- Automatic Feed Spool needs no bumping
- Switches trimmer to edger in seconds
- Quiet electric start with no oil mixing
- Battery charger and wall-mountable base included
Cons
- 2.0Ah battery is the smaller pack in the 20V MAX line
- Plastic housing and spool feel basic
This is the simplest working trimmer we tested and the one we hand to anyone who is nervous about outdoor power equipment. There is no fuel, no oil mixing, no pull cord, and no starting procedure to learn. You press a button and it runs.
The 6200 rpm POWERDRIVE transmission and the 12 inch swath handle routine post-mow cleanup comfortably, and the Automatic Feed Spool advances line as you work so you do not stop to tap the head on the ground.
At 5.7 pounds with an adjustable handle and height, it is comfortable for a full edge pass around a small or medium lot. Owners consistently single out easy handling and quiet operation as the standouts.
The kit includes one LBXR2020 2.0Ah lithium ion battery, a charger, and a wall-mountable charging base, which is a nicer garage solution than a cable draped over a bench. The warranty is a two year limited warranty.
What you get right
The learning curve is close to zero, which makes this the trimmer to buy for a first lawn, a rental property, or anyone who wants edge cleanup without a fuel can in the shed.
Converting to an edger takes seconds, and the automatic spool removes the most-hated maintenance task from the list.
Where it falls short
The 2.0Ah battery is the smaller capacity pack in the 20V MAX line, and owners name runtime as the recurring gripe. On a lot with a long fence line you will be swapping or recharging before you are done.
The plastic housing and spool assembly feel basic next to metal-deck rivals, so treat it as a touch-up tool rather than a machine for thick, sustained growth.
4. BLACK+DECKER LST522 20V MAX 12 inch Trimmer
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX 12 Inch Weed Eater Cordless String Trimmer and Wheeled Edger Lawn Tool with Spool, 2.5Ah Battery and Charger Included, Lightweight, 2 Speed PowerDrive (LST522)
4.5 stars over 6500 reviews
2.5Ah extended runtime battery
Dual speed control
5.7 lb adjustable soft-grip body
Pros
- 4.5 star average across more than 6500 ratings
- 2.5Ah battery outlasts smaller 20V packs
- Dual speed trades power for run time
- Wheeled edger mode gives clean sidewalk lines
Cons
- Edger wheel and head parts can loosen over time
- Not compatible with the 40V MAX battery platform
This is the best-rated trimmer in the roundup, with a 4.5 star average across more than 6,500 reviews, and the number is easy to justify on the spec sheet. The LBXR2520 2.5Ah battery delivers roughly 66 percent more runtime than the standard 20V pack, and that is the difference between finishing a yard and stopping halfway.
Dual speed control is the feature we did not expect to care about and now recommend. High speed for dense fence-line grass, low speed for delicate passes around a flower bed, and less heat and noise when you are working near the house.
The PowerDrive transmission boosts torque at the string, which matters when the grass has grown past mowing height and you are cutting into standing growth instead of skimming the tips.
Conversion to a wheeled edger takes seconds, and the soft-grip handle with micro-texture plus adjustable height keep the machine comfortable at 5.7 pounds. The warranty is two years limited.
Where it sits in the lineup is worth stating plainly. If you want the safest long-term bet on rating and owner satisfaction, this is the one. If you want the widest cut on a battery, the 13 inch and 15 inch models reach further.
The trade is platform. These batteries do not cross over to the 40V MAX tools, so buying this does not start you on the path toward a 40V blower or mower from the same brand.
Owners cite the extended battery, the two-speed control, and the trim-to-edge conversion as the reasons it outperforms cheaper 20V kits, and that pattern holds up across thousands of reviews.
What you get right
The 2.5Ah pack is the practical reason to choose this over a cheaper 20V kit with a 2.0Ah. More capacity per battery also means fewer batteries to store and carry.
Two-speed control and a wheeled edger mode cover both halves of a typical yard job without a second tool.
Where it falls short
The edger wheel and the head conversion add parts that can loosen with use, so check the fit before a long driveway job. And the platform lock-in is real: none of your batteries would move to a 40V MAX tool.
It is a 12 inch swath, so large properties mean more passes than the 13 and 15 inch models require.
5. WORX WG154 20V 10 inch 2-in-1 Trimmer
Worx 20V 10″ 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer & Lawn Edger for Yard, WG154
4.2 lb bare-tool weight
10 inch cutting path
180 degree head rotation
Auto feed line system
Pros
- Lightest option here at 4.2 lb
- Auto feed advances line without bumping
- Head rotates 180 degrees for trim or edge
- Spacer guard protects flowers and ornaments
Cons
- Narrow 10 inch swath means more passes
- 2800 rpm is the lowest no-load speed here
This is the trimmer we recommend for a small urban lot, a courtyard, or a property where storage space is the real constraint. At 4.2 pounds it is the lightest model in the group, and you feel the difference when you are working around a flower bed at arm’s length.
The 10 inch cutting path is narrow by the standards of this list, and on anything larger than a small lawn it means overlapping passes. We think that is an acceptable trade for the control.
The head rotates 180 degrees to switch between trimming and in-line edging, and the auto feed line system advances trimmer line without the bump-and-walk routine that wears out the spool tap.
Adjustable spacer guards protect plants and lawn features on the edging pass, which is where most accidental damage happens. The kit includes one 20V 2.0Ah Power Share battery, a charger, a spool, and the safety guard.
The battery is the same platform used across WORX 20V tools and select 40V and 80V models, so if this is your first tool in the range the packs are not wasted. Owners frequently buy the tool and a second battery together, and the shared platform is what makes that sensible.
Best fit is a townhouse yard, a small lot with tight boundaries, or a garden where a wider head would be a liability rather than a help. It is also the model we would hand to someone with wrist or shoulder sensitivity.
The 2800 rpm no-load speed is the lowest figure in this roundup, and it shows in tall or wet grass. Stay on the correct line diameter for this head and keep the passes short, and it stays perfectly effective.
What you get right
Weight is the headline. A 4.2 pound machine means you can finish a small property’s edges in one sitting without your hands telling you to stop.
The rotating head and spacer guard let you handle both trimming and edging tasks with one tool and no damage to beds and ornaments.
Where it falls short
A 10 inch swath means roughly 20 percent more passes than a 12 inch head over the same edge. On a long property line that adds up fast.
The lower no-load speed is a real limit in overgrown growth, and the single included 2.0Ah battery means a mid-job recharge rather than a swap.
6. BLACK+DECKER LST140C 40V MAX 13 inch Trimmer
Black+Decker 40V MAX 13 Inch String Trimmer and Lawn Edger with Battery and Charger, Cordless Weed Eater with Charge Indicator, High Torque PowerDrive Technology (LST140C)
13 inch cutting width
40V battery with charge indicator
High-torque PowerDrive
6.4 lb, 3 year warranty
Pros
- One of the two 13 inch swaths in this roundup
- Charge indicator shows remaining battery power
- Quick trim to edge conversion
- Wall mountable charging base and 3 year warranty
Cons
- 40V MAX batteries are not interchangeable with 20V MAX tools
- Heavier than the 20V BLACK+DECKER kits at 6.4 lb
The widest cut you can get on a battery in this price bracket is 13 inches, and this is one of the two models here that delivers it. On a half-acre property the extra three inches of path over a 10 inch head is the difference between one pass and a second overlapping one.
The 40V MAX lithium ion battery has a state of charge indicator on the pack itself. That is a small thing that removes a genuinely annoying habit, which is starting a job with a flat battery because the tool gave no warning.
High-torque PowerDrive transmission drives the line hard enough to make clean cuts rather than tearing at growth, and the AFS automatic line feeding system means you are not stopping every few minutes to bump the head.
At 6.4 pounds it is heavier than the 20V BLACK+DECKER kits, but the weight is doing work: more torque and a wider head. The wall mountable charging base keeps the garage tidy, and the warranty is three years limited.
Owners consistently mention the cutting width, the charge indicator, and the length of the warranty when they explain why they bought this one, and the three-year term is longer than the two-year cover on the 20V models in this list.
Quick conversion from trimming to edging takes seconds, so a full post-mow pass around a driveway, a garden border, and a set of steps stays a single-tool job.
Plan for the platform early. A 40V MAX battery is a different family from the 20V MAX packs, so if you later add a blower or a mower from this brand, those tools need the higher-voltage packs.
What you get right
Thirteen inches of swath at 40V is the best width-to-power combination in the bracket, and the three-year warranty gives more peace of mind than most kits here.
The charge indicator and the wall-mountable base are quality-of-life details that pay off every single use.
Where it falls short
Nothing here crosses into the 20V MAX line, so a mixed-brand tool collection gets more complicated rather than less. And at 6.4 pounds it is noticeably heavier than the entry kits on shorter jobs.
A 13 inch head on a smaller lot leaves a little cutting capacity unused, but it costs nothing to have it.
7. Greenworks 40V 12 inch Cordless String Trimmer
Greenworks 40V 12 in Cordless String Trimmer, 2.0 Ah Battery and Charger
12 inch path with 0.065 in dual line
7500 rpm
Variable speed trigger
3 year tool and battery warranty
Pros
- Dual-line 0.065 inch head powers through thick weeds
- Variable speed trigger for control or extra oomph
- Well balanced body usable by a wide range of operators
- Three-year tool and battery warranty
Cons
- Pre-wound replacement spools are wound too tightly
- Some factory spools are wound so line fails to advance
- Assembly directions are unclear at the handle clamp
This is the model we would put in the hands of someone whose problem is not tidying but reclaiming. Owners regularly report replacing a gas unit on larger yards with it, and the reason is the dual-line 0.065 inch head running at 7500 rpm, which is real cutting capacity rather than a token spin.
The variable speed trigger is the underrated part. It lets you back off for delicate passes around ornamental grass and open up when you hit a thick patch, and on a brushless-style electric motor that control also reduces battery draw on light work.
The auto feed line system advances line during operation without bumping, which keeps the work rhythm steady along a long fence line.
At 12 pounds the package weight is listed, though owners describe the body itself as well balanced and manageable for a wide range of operators. The 40V battery shares with the rest of the Greenworks lawn range, and the warranty is three years limited on both tool and battery.
Two cautions are worth repeating from owner feedback, and both are fixable. First, the pre-wound replacement spools are wound too tightly and perform poorly, so buy bulk line and wind your own if you can. Second, some factory spools arrive wound incorrectly, which stops the line from advancing at all.
That is a packaging problem rather than a machine problem, and it is the one complaint that shows up across this review base. Budget ten minutes with a bulk spool at the start of the season and the issue disappears for the year.
The assembly directions are also unclear around the handle clamp, so allow time the first afternoon and check the shaft is tight before you start.
What you get right
Cutting capacity is the reason to buy this one. The dual-line head and variable speed trigger make it the trimmer for knee-high grass, weeds, and light saplings rather than just edge cleanup.
Sharing 40V batteries across the Greenworks lawn range and a three-year warranty on tool and battery both reduce the long-term cost of ownership.
Where it falls short
The spools are the weak point. Poorly wound factory spools and tightly wound replacements are the two most repeated complaints, and you should plan to use bulk line instead.
At 12 pounds listed weight it is one of the heavier cordless options here, and the assembly instructions do not earn their place.
8. EGO POWER+ ST1502SA 15 inch Weed Trimmer
EGO POWER+ 15″ Cordless Weed Trimmer with Battery and Charger – ST1502SA
15 inch swath with 0.095 in line
Up to 45 minutes runtime
Brushless motor
5 year tool warranty
Pros
- Largest cutting swath in the roundup at 15 inches
- 0.095 in commercial-grade line for woody weeds
- Brushless motor is quiet and vibration free
- Rapid Reload head for faster line changes
- Works with all EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries
Cons
- Rapid Reload head can jam and is awkward to restring
- 2.5Ah battery gives roughly 30 to 45 minutes of heavy work
If you have a real property, this is the largest cut we could find under the bracket, and the difference is not marginal. A 15 inch swath with 0.095 inch professional-grade line covers ground noticeably faster than the 10 and 12 inch models, and the heavier line is the part that separates trimming from actual cutting.
The brushless motor is the quiet advantage. Owners describe it as noticeably quiet and free of the vibration that a brushed motor or a small gas engine produces, and that translates into a tool you can run longer and hold more comfortably.
Rated runtime is up to 45 minutes on the included 2.5Ah battery, which charges in 50 minutes with the included CH2100 charger, and the machine is listed at 7.4 pounds with a 71.7 inch overall length.
The warranty is the best in the roundup at five years on the tool and three years on the battery, and the battery works across all EGO 56V ARC Lithium packs, which is the ecosystem owners praise most.
Our one reservation is the Rapid Reload head. A recurring group of complaints centers on it jamming and on the restringing procedure being difficult for some owners, and line loading is exactly the task that makes people avoid trimming in the first place.
Expect roughly 30 to 45 minutes of heavy trimming per 2.5Ah pack. If your property needs longer, the answer is a second battery from the same platform rather than a different trimmer.
At 15 inches with 0.095 inch line you are still a step below a dedicated brush cutter, and the manufacturer does not market it for woody brush. It handles tall grass, weeds, and light saplings, which is where most homeowner properties actually sit.
What you get right
The 15 inch swath and 0.095 inch line give this the best cutting capacity of any battery model in the bracket, and the brushless motor keeps it quiet enough for early starts.
Five years of tool coverage, cross-platform battery compatibility, and a 45 minute rated runtime make the long-term maths better than anything else here.
Where it falls short
The Rapid Reload head is the weak point. It can jam, and the restringing procedure is awkward enough that some owners go back to a bump-feed head and standard bulk line.
A single 2.5Ah battery caps you at roughly 30 to 45 minutes of heavy work, and it is the heaviest cordless option at 7.4 pounds.
9. WORX WG183 40V 13 inch Cordless Trimmer
Worx Cordless String Trimmer, 40V 13″ Electric Weed Wacker, WG183
13 inch cut at 7000 rpm
Dual-exit cutting head
Two 2.0Ah batteries and dual charger
6.4 lb body
Pros
- Streamlined lightweight design reduces fatigue
- Dual-exit cutting head improves efficiency
- Automatic feed spool makes line changes painless
- Two batteries and a dual charger in the box
Cons
- Trimmer only with no edging wheel in the box
- Two small 2.0Ah packs limit total run time
This is the package we would buy for someone who expects to run out of battery mid-job and does not want to wait. It ships with two 20V 2.0Ah batteries and a WA3770 2.0A dual-charger, so both packs charge at once while you work.
The 13 inch cutting width at 7000 rpm and the dual-exit cutting head improve cutting efficiency, meaning more grass moved per pass than a conventional single-exit head of the same width.
Owners like the streamlined ultra-lightweight design, which reduces fatigue across a long session, and the automatic feed spool, which handles line changes without interrupting the rhythm of the work.
An adjustable auxiliary handle lets you set the balance to suit your height and grip. Listed weight is 6.4 pounds, and the kit also includes the trimmer body, a WA0007 spool, and both batteries.
What you get right
The dual-battery, dual-charger arrangement is the practical centerpiece. Continuous work matters more than a bigger single pack when you have fence lines and ditches to finish.
Thirteen inches of swath with a dual-exit head covers a medium to large lot efficiently, and the auxiliary handle improves control at higher speeds.
Where it falls short
It is a trimmer only. There is no edging wheel in the box, so driveway and sidewalk definition is a separate purchase or a different tool.
Two 2.0Ah packs still mean frequent changes in thick growth, and the 1,400-review base is smaller than the established models in this list.
10. KOMASTY 20V 12 inch Foldable Cordless Trimmer
20V Electric Cordless String Trimmer 2 x 2.0Ah Battery Powered with Charger
9500 rpm motor with 12 inch swath
Shaft folds 180 degrees three ways
Two 2.0Ah batteries for about 30 minutes
2-in-1 pivoting head
Pros
- Folding shaft stores vertically in a tight garage
- Highest no-load speed figure here at 9500 rpm
- Two batteries and a charger included
- Auto line feed needs no bumping
- 2-in-1 head covers trimming and edging
Cons
- About 30 minutes total run time across both batteries
- Line breaks against hard objects or very thick grass
- Lower review volume than the established brands
Storage is usually the problem nobody plans for, and this is the only machine here whose shaft folds 180 degrees in three ways so it can stand upright in a corner. In a small garage, a utility closet, or an apartment balcony setup, that is a genuine advantage.
The head adjusts 90 degrees and the handle rotates 180 degrees, which gets the cutting head into tight corners and against walls where a fixed geometry leaves gaps.
On paper the 9500 rpm motor is the highest no-load speed figure in this roundup, paired with a 12 inch cutting swath and an automatic line feed that dispenses cord as needed.
The two included 2.0Ah batteries give about 30 minutes of total run time, and the 2-in-1 pivoting head switches between trimming and edging without a second tool.
What you get right
The folding shaft and adjustable head geometry make this the easiest model here to maneuver in confined spaces and the easiest to store.
Two batteries and a charger in the box, a 12 inch swath, and automatic line feed give you a complete first tool at the entry point of the range.
Where it falls short
About 30 minutes of combined run time is the shortest working window here, and that is across two packs. Line also breaks if the head meets hard objects or very thick grass, which is the trade for the high no-load speed.
The review base is around 578 ratings, far thinner than the established brands, so there is less long-term reliability data behind it.
11. PowerSmart 25.4cc 2-Cycle Gas Trimmer and Brush Cutter
PowerSmart Gas Weed Wacker 2-Cycle 25cc Gas String Trimmer/Edger 16″ and 10″ Brush Cutter & Shoulder Strap Included
25.4cc 2-cycle engine
16 in line head and 10 in brush blade
18.7 lb
Shoulder strap included
Pros
- Only gas option here with no battery platform commitment
- 25.4cc engine handles large lots and light brush
- Interchangeable line head and 10 inch brush blade
- Shoulder strap keeps weight manageable
- Low vibration balanced design
Cons
- 18.7 lb is the heaviest model in the roundup
- Handle durability is inconsistent
- Assembly instructions omit steps
This is the only gasoline string trimmer that fits the bracket, and the reason to consider it is simple: it makes no promises about battery life. Where a cordless machine stops, this keeps cutting for as long as the tank lasts.
The 25.4cc 2-cycle engine has the displacement to handle large lots, brush, and knee-high grass, and the head switches between 0.095 inch trimmer line and a 10 inch brush blade, which pushes it beyond string-trimmer work without buying a second machine.
A shoulder strap and balanced design keep the 18.7 pound weight manageable on long jobs, and owners describe the running as low vibration and comparatively quiet for a small gas engine. The five-times pulling starter and a design that disassembles for storage both matter more than they sound.
It is also the lowest rated model in this roundup at 4.0 stars, and the reason is mechanical rather than power-related: handle durability reports and thin assembly instructions are the recurring complaints.
What you get right
Uninterrupted runtime and a 10 inch brush blade in the box. If your work is acres, brambles, or a neglected field, this is the only pick here that does not stop when a battery does.
No platform commitment, no charger, and no dependence on battery availability. It runs when fuel is in the tank.
Where it falls short
At 18.7 pounds it is the heaviest machine in the roundup by a wide margin, and the shoulder strap is not optional. Handle durability is inconsistent across reports, which matters on a tool built to absorb impacts.
The assembly instructions omit steps, and a 2-cycle engine needs fuel and oil mixed, plus periodic maintenance that a cordless model does not ask of you.
12. MZK 20V 12 inch Cordless Weed Wacker
MZK 20V 12-Inch Cordless Weed Wacker, 8000 RPM, 4.0Ah Battery
8000 rpm motor
12 inch cutting diameter
6.3 lb body
4.0Ah battery and 8 spools included
Pros
- 4.0Ah battery plus eight spare spools in the box
- 4.5 star average among sub-50 options
- Lightweight 6.3 lb body with adjustable handle
- 8000 rpm motor and 12 inch cutting diameter
Cons
- 4.0Ah battery is proprietary and fits no other MZK tool
- 210 ratings mean limited long-term reliability data
Our budget pick, and the reason is the box contents rather than the machine. You get a 4.0Ah battery, a charger, and eight replacement spools, which on most models at this level means paying again within a season for line and a second pack.
The 8000 rpm upgraded high-speed motor and 12 inch cutting diameter give it enough pace for grass and weed cutting, and the automatic line feed works without manual operation so the spool is not part of your routine.
At 6.3 pounds with an adjustable handle, it is light enough for small and medium yards, and the 40 inch listed length keeps it compact to carry and store.
The rating is 4.5 stars, which puts it level with the best-rated model in this roundup, but that rating sits on about 210 reviews. There is far less long-term data here than on any of the established brands.
What you get right
Eight spare spools and a 4.0Ah battery mean you are not buying consumables or a second pack to get started. For a first trimmer on a small lot, the total cost of ownership is the lowest in this list.
The 8000 rpm motor and 12 inch diameter are strong numbers for the entry point, and the weight is genuinely light.
Where it falls short
The 4.0Ah battery is proprietary and will not fit other MZK indoor or outdoor tools, so it is a closed ecosystem with no second-source option.
With roughly 210 ratings there is no multi-year reliability picture, which is exactly the data that separates a durable tool from a disposable one.
How to Choose a String Trimmer Under 200 Dollars
Cordless or gas inside the budget band
Inside 200 dollars, cordless wins almost every comparison. A battery needs no mixing, starts instantly, runs quietly enough for early mornings, and costs nothing to store over winter. Gas gives you uninterrupted runtime and brush-cutter capability, and it is now a single option in this bracket.
Choose gas only if you are clearing acres, brambles, or a long neglected boundary where stopping to recharge is not acceptable. For a normal residential property, the runtime of a modern 40V kit is not the limiting factor it used to be, and if low noise rather than runtime is your deciding factor, our under-200 noise-canceling headphone roundup covers the same budget-first method.
18V and 20V versus 40V platforms
An 18V or 20V trimmer is for touch-up work: edges, fence lines, ditches, and flower beds. A 40V platform gives you a wider head, more torque in standing growth, and a battery that does not drain in a quarter of an hour.
Within a brand, the higher-voltage packs usually do not cross into the lower-voltage tools. The 40V MAX packs will not run 20V MAX tools and the 20V MAX packs will not run 40V tools, so decide on the platform before you buy the first battery, not the third.
Kit versus bare tool pricing
A kit includes a battery, a charger, and often a second battery or a wall base. A bare tool includes none of that. The break-even is simple: if you already own batteries from that platform, the bare tool is a bargain. If you own none, a kit almost always costs less than the tool plus a battery plus a charger bought separately.
That is also why second-battery math matters so much. A replacement pack at higher capacity can cost more than the trimmer did on the day you bought it, which is the number that quietly breaks a strict 200 dollar budget over five years.
Line feed, cutting swath, and the debris guard
Three line systems appear here. Bump feed advances line when you tap the head on the ground. Auto feed advances it as you work, and push-button feed gives you a button on the handle. The push-button and auto systems remove the most-hated maintenance task, and they are the feature owners mention most often in reviews.
Cutting swath is simply the width of the path. Ten inches suits small lots, twelve is the sweet spot for most properties, and thirteen to fifteen inches cuts real time off a large one. The debris guard protects you and your legs from flying debris, and smaller guards on pro-styled trimmers are a frequent source of complaints.
Warranty, service, and repairability
Warranty length in this roundup runs from two to five years, and the length is usually a proxy for how confident a brand is in its motor. Service network and repairability matter just as much: a tool that can be fixed beats a tool that can be replaced, and a brand with no local parts support is a risk on a budget machine.
Look for standard bulk line compatibility over proprietary cartridges. A spool that fits any spool costs almost nothing to keep fed, and over a season that adds up to more than any single feature on this list. The same platform-first logic governs our under-200 beekeeping starter kit roundup, where the ecosystem matters as much as the headline price.
When you should spend more than 200 dollars
Go above the line when you have more than about half an acre of edging, when your growth is regularly knee-high, or when you need a brush blade rather than a line head.
Go above the line if you will be trimming more than a few times a season and want a brushless motor, a longer warranty, and a battery platform that spans your whole tool collection.
Our other under-200 buying guides follow the same budget-first framework, like our under-200 ukulele roundup, which shares the same aggregate-rating method.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best string trimmer for the money?
The WORX WG163 is our best string trimmer for the money under 200 dollars. It ships with two 20V Power Share batteries, weighs 5.5 pounds, has a 12 inch swath, and feeds line from a push-button spool rather than a bump head. It converts to an edger with a 90 degree head tilt and rubberized wheels, and it carries more than 28,000 retailer ratings at a 4.3 average.
Is there a difference between a string trimmer and a weed whacker?
No, they are the same tool with two different names. A string trimmer, weed eater, and weed whacker all describe a motorized tool that spins a nylon line head to cut grass, weeds, and light brush. The terms are interchangeable, and the differences that matter are cutting swath, power source, and line feed system rather than the label on the box.
What is the best string trimmer under 200 dollars for heavy weeds?
The Greenworks 40V 12 inch model is the best pick in this bracket for tall, dense growth. Its dual-line 0.065 inch head running at 7500 rpm gives it real cutting authority, and the variable speed trigger lets you back off for delicate work and open up on thick patches. Reviewers regularly report it replacing a gas unit on larger yards.
Is Echo or Stihl better for a homeowner budget?
Both brands build well-made machines, but their string trimmers generally sit above the 200 dollar line, so neither is covered by this roundup. Inside this budget, the practical comparison is between established battery platforms like EGO, BLACK+DECKER, WORX, and Greenworks, which now offer longer warranties and broader tool ranges than budget gas trimmers did. Judge on warranty length, service network, and line availability instead.
How much does a string trimmer cost to run over five years?
A cordless trimmer’s running cost is mostly line and an eventual battery replacement. Standard bulk line fits nearly every head in this roundup and costs far less per spool than proprietary cartridges. A higher-capacity replacement battery can exceed the original purchase price on some platforms, which is the single figure most likely to push a 200 dollar budget over its limit. Gas units add fuel, oil, spark plug, air filter, and off-season storage.
Which String Trimmer Under 200 Dollars Should You Buy?
The best string trimmers under 200 dollars are clear once you match the tool to the job. For most homeowners, the WORX WG163 is the answer: two batteries, a 5.5 pound body, push-button line feed, and the deepest review base in the category to back it up.
For the widest cut on a battery, take the EGO POWER+ ST1502SA at 15 inches with 0.095 inch line, and accept the Rapid Reload head as its one weak spot. For thick, overgrown growth, the Greenworks 40V dual-line head earns its place. For the best value per box, the Greenworks trimmer and blower combo gives you two tools on one battery.
Go above the line if you have half an acre or more, or if you need a brush blade. Below it, the biggest decisions are platform and line feed, and both are things you can live with for years.