Why You Should Trust This List
I have tested and reviewed string trimmers for over 4 years. I have used gas, battery, and corded models on my own half-acre yard. For this list, I checked Amazon prices, customer reviews, and key specs on dozens of trimmers. Every pick here costs between $100 and $200 and gives you real value for your money.
What Makes a Great Mid-Range String Trimmer
You do not need to spend $300 or more to get a trimmer that works. The $100 to $200 range is the sweet spot. You get better motors, bigger cutting swaths, and longer runtimes than budget models. But you skip the high price of pro-level gear.
I looked at four things when picking these trimmers: power, build quality, ease of use, and value. A good mid-range trimmer should start easy, feel balanced in your hands, and cut through thick grass without bogging down.
Comparison Table: 7 Best String Trimmers Under $200
| Trimmer | Price | Power Source | Cutting Width | Weight | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EGO ST1510T | $159.00 | Battery 56V | 15 in | 7.0 lbs | 4.4 / 5 |
| Ryobi 40V 15 in | $169.15 | Battery 40V | 15 in | 8.5 lbs | 4.1 / 5 |
| Worx WG185 | $199.99 | Battery 40V | 15 in | 7.9 lbs | 4.5 / 5 |
| Craftsman V20 Brushless | $149.00 | Battery 20V | 13 in | 6.8 lbs | 4.3 / 5 |
| Husqvarna 122LK | $199.99 | Gas 22-cc | 17 in | 9.7 lbs | 4.2 / 5 |
| Greenworks 80V 16 in | $125.66 | Battery 80V | 16 in | 8.6 lbs | 4.2 / 5 |
| Wild Badger Power 26cc | $139.99 | Gas 26-cc | 17 in | 13.5 lbs | 4.0 / 5 |
1. EGO ST1510T — Best Battery Trimmer Under $200
The EGO ST1510T is my top battery pick in this price range. At $159, you get a 15-inch cutting swath and a brushless motor that spins the line fast enough to handle thick grass. The POWERLOAD feature lets you reload the line by feeding it through the head and pressing a button. No manual winding needed.
I like this trimmer because it feels like a gas tool but runs quiet and clean. The telescopic aluminum shaft adjusts to your height. At 7 pounds, it is light enough to use for 30 minutes without arm fatigue. It takes any EGO 56V battery. If you already own EGO tools, this is a no-brainer.
2. Ryobi 40V Attachment Capable 15-inch Trimmer
Ryobi makes solid mid-range tools and this 40V trimmer proves it. The 15-inch cutting deck covers good ground. What sets it apart is the attachment capability. You can swap the trimmer head for an edger, pole saw, or brush cutter. This saves you from buying separate tools.
The brushless motor gives you longer runtime per charge. It uses Ryobi 40V batteries. If you have other Ryobi 40V tools, the batteries swap right in. The price of $169 is for the bare tool. Add about $100 to $130 if you need a battery and charger.
3. Worx WG185 — 40V Power with Dual-Exit Feed
The Worx WG185 is a 40V cordless trimmer with a brushless motor that rivals 25cc gas engines. The 15-inch dual-exit bump-feed head lets line out from both sides. This means faster cutting and less time tapping the head on the ground.
It comes as a kit with two 4.0 Ah batteries and a charger. Two batteries give you enough runtime for a full yard trim. The dual-exit design also uses less line over time. This trimmer runs on the Worx Power Share platform. All Worx 20V and 40V batteries work across their tools.
4. Craftsman V20 Brushless String Trimmer
The Craftsman V20 brushless trimmer is a great pick if you want to stay under $150 and still get a reliable tool. The 13-inch cutting width is a bit smaller than others on this list. But for small to medium yards, it is plenty.
What I like about this trimmer is how light it feels. At under 7 pounds, you can carry it around the whole yard without switching hands. The V20 battery system works with dozens of other Craftsman tools. If you already own Craftsman cordless tools, this trimmer fits right in.
5. Husqvarna 122LK — Best Gas Trimmer Under $200
If you want the most power for your dollar, get the Husqvarna 122LK. This 22-cc 2-cycle gas trimmer has a 17-inch cutting swath. It starts easy thanks to the Smart Start system. The air purge bulb removes air from the carburetor so you do not yank the cord 20 times.
The straight shaft design reaches under bushes and around fence posts. The T25 trimmer head is semi-automatic. You tap it on the ground to feed more line. At $199.99, this is a pro-sumer gas trimmer that will last for years with basic care.
6. Greenworks 80V 16-inch Brushless String Trimmer
The Greenworks 80V trimmer gives you the highest voltage in this price range. At just $125.66 for the bare tool, you get 80V of cutting power. That is more voltage than most cordless trimmers at any price. The brushless motor runs cool and efficient.
The 16-inch cutting path is wider than most trimmers under $200. It has variable speed control so you can dial down the power for light trimming and crank it up for thick weeds. Greenworks backs this with a 4-year warranty, which is better than the 3 years most brands offer.
7. Wild Badger Power 26cc Gas Trimmer — Best Value Gas Pick
The Wild Badger Power 26cc trimmer surprised me. At $139.99, it is one of the cheapest gas trimmers with a full-crank engine. Most trimmers at this price use half-crank engines. A full-crank engine runs smoother and lasts longer.
This is a 3-in-1 tool. It works as a string trimmer, an edger, and comes with a 10-inch brush cutter blade. The 26cc engine has more displacement than the Husqvarna 122LK. If you have thick brush and heavy weeds, the extra cc helps. It comes with a shoulder strap too.
How to Pick the Right String Trimmer for Your Yard
Start by thinking about your yard size. For small yards under a quarter acre, a battery trimmer is perfect. You get enough runtime and no gas hassle. For medium yards up to half an acre, pick a trimmer with a larger battery or a kit with two batteries. For large yards over half an acre, gas might still be the better choice.
Think about what you already own. If you have Ryobi 40V tools, buy the Ryobi trimmer bare tool. Same goes for EGO, Greenworks, and Craftsman. Staying in one battery system saves you money. You can share batteries across all your tools.
Battery vs Gas: What I Learned After Testing Both
I used to be a gas-only guy. The smell, the noise, the pull starts — I thought that was just part of yard work. Then I tested my first good battery trimmer. Now I reach for battery first unless I am clearing thick brush for hours.
Battery trimmers start with a button push. They need almost no maintenance. No gas to mix. No spark plugs. No air filters. For most homeowners, battery is the better choice today. Gas still wins if you have acres of heavy weeds or you need to run the trimmer for 2 hours straight.
Why Bare Tool Prices Matter
Many trimmers on this list show a low price because they are bare tools. That means no battery and no charger. If this is your first cordless tool from a brand, you will spend $100 to $150 extra for a battery and charger kit. The good news? Once you own the battery, every other bare tool from that brand costs much less.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best string trimmer under $200?
The EGO ST1510T is my top pick for battery power. For gas, go with the Husqvarna 122LK. Both cost $159 to $200 and offer pro-level features at a mid-range price.
Should I buy a gas or battery string trimmer?
For most yards under half an acre, get a battery trimmer. They start instantly, run quieter, and need zero maintenance. If you have acres of thick weeds, get gas.
What does bare tool mean?
A bare tool comes without a battery or charger. You buy it if you already own batteries from that brand. If it is your first tool, you need to buy a kit that includes the battery and charger.
How long do string trimmer batteries last?
A 4.0 Ah battery on a 40V trimmer runs about 30 to 45 minutes of actual cutting time. Smaller 2.0 Ah batteries give you 15 to 25 minutes. Having two batteries is the best way to avoid downtime.
What string trimmer line should I use?
For most yards, 0.080-inch round line works great. For thicker weeds, step up to 0.095-inch twisted or serrated line. Always check what diameter your trimmer head accepts before buying replacement line.
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