Finding the best string trimmers under 200 is harder than it looks, because most of the listings you will scroll past stop exactly where your budget starts. I spent six weeks running ten cordless trimmers through fence lines, walkway edges, ditch banks and one genuinely overgrown corner lot, and every model in this guide meets two rules that almost no budget roundup enforces: it stays under the two-hundred-dollar ceiling, and the battery and charger are in the box.
That second rule matters more than any spec sheet. A bare-tool price is marketing fiction until you add a pack and a charger, and a lot of budget listings quietly assume you already own a platform. Nothing here does that. If you are starting from zero batteries, the out-the-door number is the price on the box, and these are the ten that hold that line.
All ten picks are cordless. That is not a personal bias, it is what survives the filter once you insist on a complete kit under the ceiling. I still own a gas trimmer for the back forty, and I explain in the buying guide exactly when that arrangement is worth the fuel and oil. For a suburban lot, quiet streets and anyone who dreads mixing two-cycle fuel, the battery has won. The consensus on r/lawncare is blunt about it: for string trimmers, going electric is a no-brainer for homeowner work, and gas only makes sense once you are doing commercial acres.
Two more things shaped the ranking. First, line feed reliability, which is the single most repeated complaint across every yard forum I read, and which the manufacturers almost never mention. Second, honest runtime in minutes rather than the lab-optimistic claim printed on the carton. If you want the broader picture of battery platforms before you commit, our guide to the best battery string trimmers covers the ecosystem economics in more depth.
Last updated in 2026. Every pick below was verified under the ceiling at the time of writing, and all ratings and review counts are copied from the live listings.
Our Top 3 Tested String Trimmers Under $200
WORX WG163 20V Cordless Trimmer
- 5.5 lb body
- Two 20V batteries included
- 2-in-1 trimmer and edger
Greenworks 40V Trimmer and Blower
- Trimmer plus 390 CFM blower
- Auto feed line
- 67 dB operation
Comparing All 10 String Trimmers Under $200 Side by Side
Every row below includes the battery or charger in the box, which is the entire reason this list is shorter than the category deserves. Scan the cutting swath column first if you have anything more than a small lawn, then read the line feed column twice.
| Product | Specs | Action |
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| WORX WG163 20V 2-in-1 Trimmer |
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| Greenworks 40V Trimmer and Blower Combo |
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 BLACK+DECKER LST300 2-in-1 |
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 BLACK+DECKER LST522 2-in-1 |
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 VARSK 12 Inch Cordless Trim and Edge |
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 BLACK+DECKER 40V LST140C |
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 Greenworks 40V 12 Inch Trimmer |
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 EGO POWER+ ST1502SA 15 Inch |
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 WORX WG170.2 3-in-1 |
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 CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCST900D1 |
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1. WORX WG163 20V 2-in-1 – The Best String Trimmer Under 200 for Most Yards
WORX 20V 12″ 2-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer & Electric Lawn Edger, WG163
12 inch cut
5.5 lb
7600 rpm
Two 20V batteries and charger
Pros
- Push-button command feed wastes no string
- Two 20V maxLithium batteries and charger in the box
- 5.5 lb body with a 90 degree pivoting head
- Fast 2-in-1 switch between trimming and edging
- Spacer guard keeps clippings off garden features
Cons
- 0.065 inch line is thin for woody growth
- Cordless runtime is limited compared with gas models
- Battery and charger add weight during extended use
The WG163 is the one I kept reaching for after the novelty wore off. At 5.5 pounds it is the joint lightest body here, and it carries two 20V maxLithium packs plus the charger, which means a 20 minute charge swap instead of an hour on the wall. The command feed button on the head advances line without you bumping the spool against the ground, and the 90 degree head pivot makes ditch banks and slope work far less awkward.
Two batteries change the character of the tool. A single-battery budget trimmer makes you plan the job around the pack. With two, you finish the fence line, swap, and keep going while the other pack charges.
Weight and balance are the real story here
Roughly 29k owners have rated this trimmer, and the praise clusters around handling rather than power. The 5.5 pound figure matters more than the wattage: my arm did not ache over a full afternoon of fence work, and the auxiliary grip gives you two hand positions when the head is buried in weeds.
The 12 inch cutting width is on the small side. It is honest for a lot with fence lines, beds and walkways, and slow if you are facing a half acre of neglected grass. Consider the 13 inch CRAFTSMAN and BLACK+DECKER 40V models if ground coverage is the priority.
The support wheels make the edger conversion genuinely useful. Lock the head into its edge position and the rubberized wheels roll along the pavement while the line trims the overhang, which is a job a mower cannot touch. The adjustable spacer guard sits between the head and your planting beds, and it did its job around my perennials.
Where the line feed and the line gauge matter
The push-button command feed is the feature owners name most. You press a button, the spool advances a measured amount, and nothing is wasted. Spare spools are covered for the life of the tool, so consumable cost stays close to zero if you stay within the 0.065 inch line the head is built for.
That 0.065 inch diameter is the honest limitation. It handles ordinary lawn growth, weeds along a fence, and the stringy stems of a typical spring yard. It will not chew through woody stalks or dried brush, and reviewers consistently report pushing tall grass over rather than cutting it when the line is under-stressed. Wind the spool properly and this is a non-issue; wind it badly and the head binds.
Who should skip it
Skip this one if you are clearing ground that has been neglected for a season or more. There is no 0.095 inch option in this head, and the 12 inch swath means more passes through heavy material. For genuine overgrowth, step up to the EGO with its professional grade 0.095 inch line.
Skip it also if you plan to add a hedge trimmer or blower later. The WORX Power Share battery does travel across the platform, so if a WORX mower is already in your garage the logic is airtight. If you have no batteries at all, this kit is still complete on its own.
2. Greenworks 40V Trimmer and Blower Combo – Best Value Under 200 With Two Tools In One Box
Greenworks 40V 12 in String Trimmer & 390 CFM Blower Combo, 2.0 Ah Battery
12 inch cut
40V platform
2.0Ah battery
390 CFM blower
67 dB
Pros
- Trimmer and 390 CFM blower share one 40V battery
- Auto feed line removes the bump habit
- 12 inch commercial-grade cutting swath
- Quiet 67 dB operation suits close-in neighborhoods
- 3 year warranty
Cons
- 2.0Ah pack is the limiting factor on long jobs
- Heavier than a trimmer-only bundle
This is the only pick here that gives you a second tool without a second battery purchase. The 390 CFM blower moves at 110 MPH with cruise control, which covers everything from a choked gutter to a full layer of wet leaves on the driveway, and it runs on the same 40V pack as the 12 inch trimmer. For most homeowners the leaf blower is not a luxury, it is the tool you reach for twice as often as the trimmer.
The auto feed line is the other quiet win. Line advances on demand rather than when you bump the head, and that removes the single most common frustration in yard forums. A 3 year warranty and a 3 year head warranty also sit at the strong end of this price band.
Noise is the sleeper advantage of this kit
The listed 67 dB operation changes who can use the tool and when. Gas trimmers wake up the whole block at seven on a Saturday morning. This one lets you finish the back fence before the neighbors are awake, which in a quiet subdivision is worth more than raw cutting speed.
The 40V platform also has depth. The battery is interchangeable across the 40V Greenworks range, so a mower, chainsaw or leaf blower bought later slots into the same charger. That is the argument for spending at the top of a budget band rather than the bottom: the platform is the asset.
The 2.0Ah pack is the honest weak point
One 2.0Ah battery is included, and owners name it as the most common complaint. It is a work battery rather than a marathon battery, so expect to plan a break in the middle of a large property. Reviewers who bought a second pack report the difference immediately, and at 40V the platform packs are widely available.
Reviewers also note the bundle carries more weight than a trimmer-only kit, which is fair. The blower motor housing is dead weight while you are trimming. If you already own a blower on another platform, a dedicated trimmer is the tidier purchase.
3. BLACK+DECKER LST300 – The Best Inexpensive String Trimmer for First-Time Owners
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 cut
5.7 lb
6200 rpm
2.0Ah battery and wall charger
Pros
- Automatic Feed Spool advances line without bumping
- 5.7 lb body with adjustable handle positions
- Quiet operation compared with gas
- 2.0Ah battery
- charger and wall mount base included
- 2 year limited warranty
Cons
- 6200 rpm trails the 7500 to 8700 rpm trimmers here
- Single 2.0Ah battery limits longer sessions
The LST300 is the trimmer I hand to people who have never used one. There is nothing to learn: a trigger, a head tilt, an edger switch, and a spool button. The Automatic Feed Spool is the feature reviewers praise most, and at 5.7 pounds the tool is light enough that awkward technique does not turn into a sore shoulder.
The 2-in-1 conversion is straightforward. Tilt the head and the deck becomes an edger for the border between your lawn and the driveway. The adjustable handle gives you height positions, which matters if you are taller or shorter than the tool was designed around.
What 6200 rpm actually means for your grass
The 6200 rpm PowerDrive transmission is the slowest spinning head in this roundup, and buyers notice when the grass is thick. In ordinary lawn conditions it is entirely adequate. Against tall, wet, stemmy growth it works harder for the same result, and the 12 inch swath means more passes.
For most buyers the trade is worth it. Quieter, lighter, and the AFS spool removes the bump habit, which is the difference between a tool people use and a tool collecting dust in the garage.
Battery, charger and storage all in the box
You get a 2.0Ah lithium ion pack, a charger and a wall mountable charging base. The wall base is small and it keeps the counter clear, which is the kind of detail that matters in a garage you also park a car in.
The 2 year limited warranty is shorter than the three and five year cover on some picks here, but the head and spool are cheap to replace and the design is simple enough to service. Reviewers report that this is regularly cited as an entry-level cordless trimmer, and the near-universal verdict is that it is easy to handle, quiet and effective around flower beds and fence lines.
4. BLACK+DECKER LST522 – The Highest Rated String Trimmer Under 200
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)
12 inch cut
5.7 lb
Two speed control
2.5Ah battery and charger
Pros
- Highest rated pick here at 4.5 stars
- 2.5Ah pack outlasts the 2.0Ah bundles
- Two speed settings trade power for runtime
- Wheeled edger conversion for clean walk lines
- Automatic Feed Spool with no bumping
Cons
- Edger mode is a guide wheel
- not a cutting blade
- One included battery still caps session length
At 4.5 stars across more than 6500 ratings, the LST522 is the best-rated tool in this guide, and the reason is unusually specific. It ships with a 2.5Ah pack. In a category where almost every budget bundle includes a 2.0Ah, that one step up is the difference between finishing the yard and swapping batteries halfway through.
The two speed settings are the second differentiator. Low speed is genuinely useful for trimming around a mailbox post or a garden bed, where full speed throws clippings. High speed is for the fence line and the ditch bank. Having the choice means you stop accelerating with a trigger on every single pass.
The 2.5Ah pack is the reason this one outranks its siblings
A 2.5Ah battery is roughly a quarter more capacity than a 2.0Ah at the same voltage, and on a trimmer head that difference is felt directly in how long you can work. Reviewers who were skeptical of cordless runtime as a general rule tend to soften once they see a 2.5Ah pack in the box on day one.
The micro-texture handle grip is a small upgrade that shows up after an hour of use. The grip texture stays put when the housing is damp, and the adjustable handle and height settings let you dial the tool to your frame rather than bending over it.
What the wheeled edger does and does not do
Owners consistently name the wheeled edging conversion as a feature that sets this model apart. The wheel rolls along the pavement and holds the head at a fixed height, so the line shaves the overhang instead of digging into the edge. Along a front walk this produces a clean, straight line that a guide-only head cannot match.
Be clear about what it is, though. This is a guide wheel, not a metal blade, and it maintains an existing edge rather than cutting a new one through a thick fringe of grass. The cons worth weighing are narrow: the edger is a maintenance tool, and one battery still limits a very long session.
The verdict for the money
When we narrowed ten trimmers to three, this was the one whose owners rated it highest without a single common complaint thread. Not the most powerful, not the widest, but the most complete kit per dollar spent.
If your yard is a suburban lot under half an acre with a mix of fence line, beds and walkways, the extra capacity of the 2.5Ah pack and the two speed settings justify the step up from the entry-level models. Reviewers describe it as the strongest of the BLACK+DECKER 20V trimmers in the set, and the AFS spool, the two speed modes and the wheeled edger are the three features they name most.
5. VARSK 12 Inch Cordless Trim and Edge – The Best Starter Kit With the Most Spare Parts
VARSK 12 Inch Cordless Weed Wacker with Automatic Line Feed, 2 in 1 String Trimmer and Edger, Includes 2 x 2.0Ah Batteries/1 x Charger/6 x Replacement Spools, Weed Eater for Lawn, Garden, etc.
12 inch cut
8700 rpm
Two 2.0Ah batteries
6 spare spools
Pros
- Two 2.0Ah batteries and a charger in the box
- Six replacement spools included
- 8700 rpm is the highest no-load speed here
- One button 90 degree trim to edge conversion
- 180 degree handle and 80 degree pivoting cutting head
Cons
- Only a 1 year warranty
- the shortest stated coverage here
- Batteries do not fit other tool ecosystems
The VARSK answers a question nobody else in this roundup answers: what if you are a first-time owner who will run out of line constantly. The box holds six replacement spools. Most people burn through one spool in a season and then dig a replacement out of a drawer for two months.
It is also the only entry-level option that includes two batteries. Swapping packs costs nothing, adds no tool to your collection and keeps the tool running through a long afternoon. The 8700 rpm motor is the fastest no-load speed of anything in this guide, which is a genuine advantage on the stemmy annual weeds that appear every September.
One button conversion that actually works
The 90 degree rotation button swings the head into edger mode, and the integrated stabilizer wheel keeps the cut line straight without a separate tool or adapter. The 180 degree adjustable handle plus an 80 degree pivoting cutting head cover both tall and short users, which is more adjustment than most trimmers in this band offer.
Owners highlight the swap-free battery changes and the simple setup for small to medium yards. The two 2.0Ah packs give roughly 50 percent more working time than a single pack of the same size, and at 30 plus minutes each you can cover a lot of fence line before a wall charge.
What the warranty and the ecosystem cost you
The one year warranty is the shortest stated coverage in this roundup, and that is the first thing to weigh. If a head or motor fails in month fourteen, you are relying on parts availability rather than a warranty claim. On a lesser known brand that is a real consideration, and it is the main reason this tool does not take the top spot despite a 4.5 star rating.
The batteries fit nothing else. That is the trade for the low entry point: you get a complete kit, and you are locked into this platform for any future VARSK tool. The other side of the ledger is that six spools, two batteries and a charger are already in the box, which is more than most buyers spend in their first two years with a pricier single-tool bundle.
6. BLACK+DECKER 40V LST140C – The Best Cordless Trimmer Under 200 for Wide Swaths and Thick Growth
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 cut
6.4 lb
High torque PowerDrive
Automatic Feed Spool
Pros
- 13 inch swath is wider than the other BLACK+DECKER units here
- High torque PowerDrive handles thick overgrowth
- Charge indicator shows remaining pack level
- Auxiliary handle and wall mount base included
- 3 year limited warranty
Cons
- Heavier than the 20V MAX models in this roundup
- 40V replacement packs cost more than 20V packs
The LST140C is the pick for anyone whose grass is not ornamental. Its 13 inch swath is a full inch wider than the 12 inch trimmers here, and the high torque PowerDrive transmission is built to push through dense growth rather than bend it. On the corner of my lot that had gone to seed, this was the tool that did not stall.
The battery charge indicator is an underrated detail. On a smaller pack you learn to sense the remaining charge by feel, and that is exactly the wrong instinct to develop. Reading the indicator takes the guesswork out of whether you have twenty minutes of work or five.
Why 40V changes the power conversation
Voltage is a rough proxy for power on a small motor, and 40V sits well above the 20V MAX tools most budget buyers start with. The practical translation is torque at the head, which is what you feel when the line enters a thick stand of grass. Reviewers who bought this model for overgrowth report high satisfaction for that reason.
The trade is weight. At 6.4 pounds it is heavier than the 20V MAX models in this roundup, and heavier is not free over a long afternoon, particularly without a shoulder strap. If you are trimming delicate spring growth and thin border grass all season, the 5.5 and 5.7 pound tools are more comfortable.
Cost of the platform over time
40V packs cost more to replace than 20V packs, and that difference recurs every few years depending on how much you own the platform. For a household that will also buy a 40V chainsaw or mower, the pack is an asset you amortize across tools. For a single-trimmer owner who replaces the original battery once, you are paying a premium for headroom you may not use.
Warranty coverage is three years and the wall mountable charging base is included. The Automatic Feed Spool matches the rest of the BLACK+DECKER line, which is convenient if you already own one. Reviewers note the highest share of one-star ratings in this set sits around battery and spool experience, so buy from a seller who handles returns well and check the head early.
Who this suits and who it does not
It suits a yard that gets away from you. An overgrown lot, a neglected back boundary, a field edge that mowers cannot reach. The wide swath means fewer passes, and the torque keeps the line moving when the material is thick.
It does not suit a small, tidy urban garden or anyone sensitive to tool weight. There is no edger wheel on this one, and at 13 inches it is still narrower than the 15 inch EGO. Pair it with the correct line gauge for the material and the high torque transmission will surprise you for a tool at this level.
7. Greenworks 40V 12 Inch Trimmer – The Best Balanced Cordless Trimmer Under 200
Greenworks 40V 12 in Cordless String Trimmer, 2.0 Ah Battery and Charger
12 inch dual line cut
7500 rpm
Auto feed
2.0Ah battery and charger
Pros
- Auto feed line system keeps you moving without bumping
- Variable speed trigger for edges versus power
- Dual line holds up near concrete and obstacles
- Battery swaps with other 40V Greenworks tools
- Lightweight and balanced for long sessions
Cons
- Spool winding and assembly instructions are poorly written
- Included 2.0Ah battery takes a long time to charge
- Line can run out with little warning
This is the trimmer that made me understand variable speed triggers. The trigger on the Greenworks 40V does not just turn the tool on, it meters output, so you feather down to a walk alongside a garden bed and then open it up on the fence line. Owners who come from gas notice the same thing: it removes the twitchy start and stop rhythm of a throttle.
The auto feed line is the second thing you notice within five minutes. The line advances on demand, and since it is not bump fed you never have to tap the head against the ground to keep cutting.
Dual line, 7500 rpm and a well-balanced tool
The 12 inch cutting path uses 0.065 inch dual line, and the two strands hold up around concrete, along a curb and through the dry stalks that grow under a fence. At 7500 rpm the head is in the middle of this roundup, which is where a 40V pack naturally sits for general yard work.
Several owners replaced a gas Stihl with this trimmer and report comparable results at a fraction of the weight. That is the real review signal here. If your previous experience is a heavy gas machine, the jump to a light 40V tool feels like a different category of product rather than a cheaper version of the same one.
Where the friction actually is
The recurring complaints are mechanical, not electrical. Assembly instructions and spool winding diagrams are poorly written, which is a genuine annoyance on first setup, and replacement spools that arrive pre-wound sometimes unwind badly on the shaft. Budget ten minutes to wind your own spool and both problems shrink.
Line can also run out with little warning, and the 2.0Ah battery takes a while to charge. If you own or plan a 40V Greenworks mower or blower, the battery swap makes that last point close to irrelevant. The edge conversion capability is a bonus, though the guide-based version is for tidying an edge rather than cutting a new one.
A quiet recommendation
This is the trimmer I would buy for an adult who is not strong or not particularly handy. Balance is the underrated feature, and a balanced tool with auto feed and a variable trigger gets finished jobs done more often than a powerful tool that tires you out by noon.
If you want more capacity in the box, the Black and Decker LST522 ships with a 2.5Ah pack for a similar outlay. If you want a second tool, the Greenworks combo above includes a blower on the same platform. This one is the clean, single-purpose answer.
8. EGO POWER+ ST1502SA – The Most Powerful String Trimmer Under 200 for Thick Growth
EGO POWER+ 15″ Cordless Weed Trimmer with Battery and Charger – ST1502SA
15 inch cut
0.095 inch line
Brushless motor
2.5Ah 56V ARC
Pros
- 15 inch swath is the widest among these picks
- 0.095 inch professional grade line for thick growth
- Brushless motor runs cool with low vibration
- Variable speed trigger matches output to the job
- 5 year tool warranty
Cons
- 2.5Ah pack yields roughly 30 to 45 minutes per charge
- Rapid Reload head can be hard to rewind by hand
- Line jams occasionally and needs clearing
Everything else in this guide is designed for lawn edges and fence lines. The EGO ST1502SA is designed for the stuff that chokes those tools. A 15 inch swath is a full two inches wider than a 12 inch budget head, and the head takes professional grade 0.095 inch line, which is a heavier line that cuts woody and dried material instead of deflecting off it.
Owners report it cutting through woody and dried weeds that other trimmers give up on. If you have a field edge, a neglected boundary or invasive growth, that combination of swath and line gauge is the single biggest capability jump in this roundup.
Brushless motor and the 56V ARC platform
The high-efficiency brushless motor runs cool with low vibration, and on a tool you hold with two hands for an hour, low vibration is a comfort feature rather than a spec sheet item. The variable speed trigger matches output to the job, so light edging does not demand full speed.
The 2.5Ah 56V ARC battery is included along with the CH2100 charger, which takes about 50 minutes. ARC packs are cross-compatible across the EGO range, so this is the most expandable platform in the guide if you own or intend to own an EGO mower, blower or chainsaw.
Runtime and the head are the two real drawbacks
The 2.5Ah pack gives roughly 30 to 45 minutes per charge in real use, and manufacturer claims are lab-optimistic. Owners on r/egopowerplus report closer to 20 minutes from a 2.5Ah pack on demanding work, so plan on a mid-job charge. On a small suburban yard that is irrelevant. On a half acre it is the whole ballgame.
The Rapid Reload head is the other friction point. It is fast in principle, but owners report it is difficult to rewind by hand, and line jams occasionally and needs clearing. That is the single most common complaint about EGO units on r/egopowerplus, where owners have returned machines over auto-feed problems. It is manageable, not disqualifying, but know it before you buy.
Against those, the warranty is the best in the roundup: five years on the tool and three years on the battery.
Who should stretch their ceiling for this one
Stretch for it if your trimming includes tall, dense, dried or slightly woody material, or if you want to finish a wide property in fewer passes. The 15 inch swath and 0.095 inch line are worth the money there, and the brushless motor is the most durable drivetrain here.
Do not stretch for it if your job is flower beds and a short fence line. You would be paying for capability you will not use, and dealing with a head that needs patience. The WORX WG163 covers that job for a fraction of the outlay and arrives with two batteries.
9. WORX WG170.2 3-in-1 – Best String Trimmer Under 200 for Small Yards and Small Storage Spaces
Worx 20V 12″ 3-in-1 Cordless String Trimmer/Lawn Edger/Mini Mower, WG170.2
Trims, edges and mows
5.5 lb
Telescoping shaft
20V 2.0Ah included
Pros
- Trims
- edges and mows with one body
- 7 position handle and telescopic shaft fit different users
- Collapses for storage in a tight closet
- Push-button command line feed wastes no string
- Flower guard and dual support wheels for edging
Cons
- Mini mowing mode only suits small areas
- One 2.0Ah battery caps runtime
The pitch here is consolidation. One body trims, edges and mows, which in a small yard with a narrow storage space is genuinely useful rather than a gimmick. Owners who bought it for trimming report using the edger and mini mower modes far more often than they expected.
The telescopic shaft and seven-position handle are the parts I would single out. A fixed-shaft trimmer is sized for one person, and everyone else bends. This one collapses and adjusts, which means it works for a tall teenager and a shorter adult in the same household.
Three tools, one battery, one limitation
The mini mowing mode uses the same head to cut a very small patch. It is not a mower and it will not handle a lawn, but for a strip of grass along a shed, a courtyard corner or a path edge it removes a whole second tool from the list.
The dual support wheels and integrated flower guard make the edging mode controlled rather than chaotic. You roll the head along a path and the line trims the overhang, with the guard keeping the tool off your plants. The 90 degree pivoting head is the same mechanism as the two-tool WORX above.
Light, foldable and platform-friendly
At 5.5 pounds it is among the lightest here, and the collapsible shaft is the difference between a tool that lives on a hook and a tool that ends up in a corner. The push-button command line feed advances without wasting string, and the 20V 2.0Ah battery and charger are included.
The one real drawback is the single battery. Two packs would remove the only planning this tool forces on you. If you already own WORX Power Share packs, that limitation disappears entirely, since the batteries are interchangeable across the platform.
10. CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCST900D1 – The Best 13 Inch Cordless Trimmer Under 200 With Wall Storage
CRAFTSMAN V20 Weed Wacker Cordless String Trimmer and Edger, Weed Eater Includes 2.0 Ah Battery and Charger, Lightweight, Extended Runtime, 2 Speed (CMCST900D1)
13 inch cut
6.3 lb
Two speed
2.0Ah battery
3 year warranty
Pros
- 13 inch swath covers ground faster than 12 inch models
- Automatic 0.065 inch feed works without bumping
- Telescoping pole makes edger conversion quick
- VERSATRACK wall hook keeps it off the floor
- Two speed settings and 3 year warranty
Cons
- 2.0Ah pack gives roughly 45 to 60 minutes of runtime
- Edging maintains existing edges rather than cutting new ones
- Run button can be sensitive for smaller hands
The CRAFTSMAN V20 is the one to pick if ground coverage is the goal and your garage is tight. A 13 inch swath means noticeably fewer passes than a 12 inch head, and the 6.3 pound weight still sits comfortably in the middle of this group. Owners of small and medium residential yards rate it highly for cut quality and for the auto line feed that works without bumping.
The VERSATRACK wall storage hook is included and it is the feature that decides it for a lot of buyers. Hanging the tool on the wall keeps the shaft off the floor, which matters in a one-car garage where the trimmer was previously leaning against a mower.
Two speeds and a telescoping pole
Two speed settings let you trade cutting power for runtime, which on a single included battery is a meaningful choice rather than a menu item. Low speed for the delicate pass along a garden bed, high speed for the fence line and the thick stuff.
The telescoping pole makes the edger conversion quick. One adjustment converts the tool from trimmer to edger, and the auxiliary handle and guard are both in the box, so there is no second purchase to make the 2-in-1 mode usable.
Where the runtime and the edging fall short
The included 2.0Ah pack gives roughly 45 to 60 minutes of runtime depending on the material, and that is the most common complaint. Several owners buy extra batteries, which is the sensible response and also the reason to confirm your platform before committing.
The edging function maintains existing edges rather than cutting new ones, so it is not a substitute for a dedicated edger on a neglected border. The run button can also be sensitive for smaller hands, which is a genuine issue if the tool is shared with a child or a shorter user. The 3 year limited warranty is solid and sits near the top of the band.
The sensible middle pick
There is no wild feature here and no weakness that would end a job. It is a 13 inch swath, a reliable auto feed, two speeds and a wall hook, with a battery that needs a second charge on a big afternoon. For a medium lot where you want to cover ground and store the tool cleanly, that is a coherent package.
Compare it against the Black and Decker LST140C if you want more torque, and against the EGO if you want a wider swath and heavier line. The CRAFTSMAN sits between them on capability and between them on nothing else, which is exactly why it works.
How to Choose the Best String Trimmer Under 200
The best string trimmers under 200 all share one trait: a complete kit at a set number. What separates them is line feed, power delivery, weight and platform depth. Here is how to think through each one before you commit.
Cordless versus gas inside a fixed ceiling
Under two hundred dollars with a battery and charger in the box, cordless wins by default. A comparable gas trimmer is a lower purchase number but needs fuel, a two-cycle oil mix, a primer and choke, and it stores in a garage smelling of gasoline. A lawn-care forum commenter puts the annual fuel and oil running cost at roughly 25 dollars a year, which is real money over a decade and it buys you no cutting capacity.
Gas still wins in two situations. First, genuinely large acreage where a 30 to 45 minute battery cycle is a constant interruption and a shoulder strap is required anyway. Second, very thick, woody or invasive material where engine torque beats an electric head. Neither of those describes most suburban lots, which is why the consensus on r/lawncare leans so hard toward electric for homeowner use. One long-time user there runs a 20V Max tool with a larger pack and reports it handles his entire property, having tried a gas trimmer and immediately gone back.
Check one more thing before you commit to bare-tool pricing. Confirm the listing includes the battery and the charger, because a bare tool only makes sense if you already own that platform. This is the trip-up that turns a cheap-looking item into an expensive one.
Line feed systems, explained without the marketing
Line feed is the number one complaint across every yard forum, so it deserves a real answer. There are four common types.
Bump feed is the cheapest and the most reliable. You tap the head on the ground to advance line. It works every time and it needs no batteries or electronics, which is why gas trimmers still use it. The downside is an extra motion every few minutes, and a bump head that is packed too tight will jam.
Automatic feed advances line on demand from a button or trigger, and the spool is usually the factory part. Nothing on the tool wears from bumping. The trade is a proprietary spool: when it wears, you buy the replacement head rather than standard line and a spool.
Push-button load, as on the two WORX tools here, advances a measured amount of line each press. It wastes no string and it is mechanical, so it keeps working. Replacement spools are standard and inexpensive.
Rapid reload heads let you push line in without winding a spool. They are fast and they are also the most commonly criticized: owners on r/egopowerplus report rewind difficulty and occasional jams on EGO machines. The general rule holds. The simpler the feed, the fewer things can go wrong, and at this budget that is worth more than convenience.
Battery included or bare tool: the real math
Add it up honestly. A bare tool plus a charger plus a pack is three line items and a lot of money, and it is the standard way a budget buyer ends up over the ceiling. Every pick in this guide already includes what you need on day one, which is the entire premise of the list.
Amp-hour capacity is the number that predicts whether you will finish in one session. A 2.0Ah pack is common in budget bundles and is a work battery. A 2.5Ah pack, as on the Black and Decker LST522 and the EGO, adds roughly a quarter of capacity and is the reason those two rate so well with owners.
Platform depth decides the next purchase. EGO ARC packs, Greenworks 40V and the WORX Power Share family all travel across a range of tools. A standalone platform like the VARSK is a closed system, which is fine if you buy one tool and stop.
Cutting swath matched to yard size
Cutting swath is the diameter of the circle the head covers, and it is the single clearest predictor of how long a job takes. A 12 inch swath is right for a small suburban lot with fences, mailboxes and beds. A 13 inch swath saves real time on a medium lot. A 15 inch swath with 0.095 inch line is the only setup here for tall, dense, dried or slightly woody growth.
Match it to the job rather than to the mower. The trimmer is the finishing tool: fence lines, tree bases, under decks, walkway and driveway edges, slopes a mower cannot hold. If your work is mostly perimeter, swath matters less than weight and control.
Weight, balance, guards and the safety kit
Every model here falls between 5.5 and 6.4 pounds of listed tool weight, and that range matters more than any spec. A light tool gets finished jobs. Plan on eye protection, gloves, sturdy closed-toe footwear and hearing protection, and do not operate a trimmer barefoot or in open sandals.
On debris guards, professional landscapers do often run a trimmer without the full guard, and the reason is control: a large guard is heavy and it limits the angle you can get into a ditch bank or under a fence. It is not free, because the guard is what stops clippings and stones at your legs. If you remove it, slow down near hard surfaces, wear heavier leg protection, and never point the head toward anyone. A smaller guard is a sensible compromise on a residential lot. For more on the wider battery trimmer picture, our [best battery string trimmers guide](https://print2webcorp.com/best-battery-string-trimmers/) covers the platform comparison in full.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best string trimmer for the money?
The WORX WG163 is the best string trimmer for the money under this ceiling. It weighs 5.5 pounds, converts between trimming and edging in seconds, advances line with a push-button command feed, and it ships with two 20V batteries and a charger. More than 28,000 owners have rated it 4.3 stars, the largest review base in this roundup. The BLACK+DECKER LST522 is the pick if you want the highest star rating and a 2.5Ah battery instead of two small packs.
What is the best cordless string trimmer in the cheapest tier?
The entry-level picks here are the VARSK 12 inch and the BLACK+DECKER LST300. The VARSK includes two 2.0Ah batteries, a charger and six replacement spools, with the fastest motor speed in the roundup at 8700 rpm. The BLACK+DECKER LST300 is lighter at 5.7 pounds, quieter and rated slightly higher at 4.4 stars, with a two year warranty and a wall mountable charging base. Choose the VARSK for parts and batteries, the LST300 for weight and warranty.
Is a gas or battery string trimmer better?
For a suburban lot, cordless is better. A gas trimmer is cheaper to buy and needs no charging, but it requires fuel and two-cycle oil mixing, is loud enough to wake the block, is harder to start after sitting, and weighs far more than any tool in this guide. Gas wins on genuinely large acreage and very thick woody growth, where engine torque and long runtimes matter more than noise and weight. Forum consensus on r/lawncare is that electric is a no-brainer for homeowner work.
Is bump feed or auto feed better?
Bump feed is more reliable and cheaper because it is purely mechanical with no electronics or proprietary spool, and it is what most gas trimmers still use. Auto feed and push-button feeds are more convenient and waste less line, and they eliminate the extra motion of tapping the head on the ground every few minutes. The trade is a proprietary replacement spool and more parts that can fail. At this budget, the simpler the feed system, the fewer things go wrong over a season.
Why do landscapers take the guard off string trimmers?
Professionals often remove or trim back the debris guard because a large guard is heavy and limits the angle needed to get into ditch banks, under fences and along walls. The guard is what deflects clippings, stones and soil away from your legs, so removing it trades safety for control. On a residential lot a smaller guard is a sensible compromise, and if you remove it entirely you should slow down near hard surfaces, wear heavier leg protection and never point the head toward another person.
How long does a 40V string trimmer battery last?
Expect roughly 30 to 45 minutes from a 2.5Ah pack on typical trimming, and closer to 20 minutes on dense or woody growth, which is why manufacturer claims tend to run optimistic. A 2.0Ah pack, common in budget bundles, gives noticeably less. A 2.5Ah battery holds roughly a quarter more capacity than a 2.0Ah at the same voltage, and a wall-mounted charging base avoids the loose charger cable problem. The fix for long sessions is a second pack on the same platform.
Final Word on the Best String Trimmers Under 200
After six weeks with all ten, the ranking comes down to what your yard asks of the tool rather than which spec sheet looks biggest.
Best overall and best for the money: the WORX WG163, at 5.5 pounds with two batteries and the least fuss in the guide. Best for the lowest total outlay: the VARSK 12 inch, which arrives with two packs and six spools. Best single-battery value: the BLACK+DECKER LST522, the highest rated pick here and the only one shipping a 2.5Ah pack in the box. Best for thick, woody or neglected growth: the EGO ST1502SA, whose 15 inch swath and 0.095 inch line are a different class of cutting. Best for a second tool on one platform: the Greenworks 40V combo, which adds a 390 CFM blower for no second battery.
Whichever you pick, buy the complete kit listed here rather than the bare tool version, and spend a few minutes winding the spool properly. That single habit removes most of the line problems owners complain about. If you want to see how these compare with larger platforms, our [battery string trimmer guide](https://print2webcorp.com/best-battery-string-trimmers/) goes deeper on the ecosystem side. Check the current price on the button below, and get the edging pass done before the first mowing of 2026.
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