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String Trimmers · Best picks

Best String Trimmers Under $200

Our research-backed shortlist of the 6 best String trimmers for 2026, what each pick does well, where it falls short, and who should buy it.

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Our top picks

Short on time? Our top recommendation is the EGO Power+ ST1521S 15-Inch String Trimmer (best overall). Here's how the shortlist breaks down.

  1. EGO Power+ ST1521S 15-Inch String Trimmer

    #1 · Best overall

    EGO Power+ ST1521S 15-Inch String Trimmer

    POWERLOAD auto-feed removes the most annoying part of trimmer maintenance

    Check price
  2. Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer

    #2

    Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer

    More raw cutting power than any battery trimmer at this price

    Check price
  3. Worx WG183 40V String Trimmer

    #3

    Worx WG183 40V String Trimmer

    Two batteries included covers most yards without a runtime concern

    Check price
  4. Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer

    #4

    Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer

    3-year warranty adds confidence at a budget price

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  5. EGO Power+ ST1511T 15" Cordless String Trimmer

    #5

    EGO Power+ ST1511T 15" Cordless String Trimmer

    Gas-like power for thick weeds

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  6. Greenworks 40V 16" Cordless String Trimmer (4.0Ah Kit)

    #6

    Greenworks 40V 16" Cordless String Trimmer (4.0Ah Kit)

    Wide 16-inch cutting path

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At a glance

The specs and traits that separate these picks, side by side.

How to read this table
Why it stands out: its biggest strength
Keep in mind: the main trade-off
Best for: the buyer it suits
Comparison: Best String Trimmers Under $200
PickWhy it stands outKeep in mindBest forPrice
EGO Power+ ST1521S 15-Inch String Trimmer product photo
EGO Power+ ST1521S 15-Inch String Trimmer		POWERLOAD auto-feed removes the most annoying part of trimmer maintenanceNear the top of this price band once accessories are addedmost buyers in this categoryCheck price
Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer product photo
Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer		More raw cutting power than any battery trimmer at this priceRequires mixed fuel, oil, and periodic carburetor maintenancemost buyers in this categoryCheck price
Worx WG183 40V String Trimmer product photo
Worx WG183 40V String Trimmer		Two batteries included covers most yards without a runtime concernLess motor power and swath width than the EGO or Husqvarnamost buyers in this categoryCheck price
Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer product photo
Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer		3-year warranty adds confidence at a budget priceNarrowest swath and smallest battery in this comparisonmost buyers in this categoryCheck price
In depth

The 6 best string trimmers, explained

Why each made the cut, where it falls short, and who it suits best.

EGO Power+ ST1521S 15-Inch String Trimmer
Best overall

1. EGO Power+ ST1521S 15-Inch String Trimmer

EGO

The clearest step up in build quality and cutting performance from budget models. 5Ah included. One caveat, near the top of this price band once accessories are added.

  • 15-inch cutting swath with POWERLOAD auto-feed
  • 56V ARC Lithium battery, 2.5Ah included
  • Carbon fiber split shaft
  • Brushless motor
  • Typically $170 to $200

Pros

  • POWERLOAD auto-feed removes the most annoying part of trimmer maintenance
  • Carbon fiber shaft keeps weight down despite the larger battery and motor

Cons

  • Near the top of this price band once accessories are added
  • 56V battery doesn't interchange with more common 40V ecosystems

Prices and availability change, so confirm on Amazon.

Product details Check price on Amazon
Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer

2. Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer

Husqvarna

The highlights are more raw cutting power than any battery trimmer at this price and 17-inch swath and unlimited runtime suit larger properties. One caveat, requires mixed fuel, oil, and periodic carburetor maintenance.

  • 28cc 2-cycle gas engine
  • 17-inch cutting swath
  • Straight shaft with Tap 'n Go head
  • Smart Start recoil system
  • Typically $180 to $220

Pros

  • More raw cutting power than any battery trimmer at this price
  • 17-inch swath and unlimited runtime suit larger properties
  • Click-on attachment compatibility adds versatility for edging and blowing

Cons

  • Requires mixed fuel, oil, and periodic carburetor maintenance
  • Heavier and louder than the EGO or any cordless model

Prices and availability change, so confirm on Amazon.

Product details Check price on Amazon
Worx WG183 40V String Trimmer

3. Worx WG183 40V String Trimmer

Worx

Buy this and still have budget left for a spare battery or a second yard tool. 0Ah batteries included. One caveat, less motor power and swath width than the EGO or Husqvarna.

  • 13-inch dual-exit cutting head
  • 40V PowerShare, 2 x 2.0Ah batteries included
  • Under 5 pounds
  • Pivoting head
  • Typically under $100, leaving room in a $200 budget for accessories

Pros

  • Two batteries included covers most yards without a runtime concern
  • Lightest trimmer in this comparison

Cons

  • Less motor power and swath width than the EGO or Husqvarna
  • Not the pick if maximum cutting performance is the goal at this budget

Prices and availability change, so confirm on Amazon.

Product details Check price on Amazon
Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer

4. Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer

Greenworks

0Ah included. One caveat, narrowest swath and smallest battery in this comparison.

  • 12-inch cutting swath
  • 40V lithium battery, 2.0Ah included
  • Dual line auto-feed
  • 3-year warranty
  • Typically $80 to $100

Pros

  • 3-year warranty adds confidence at a budget price
  • Adequate performance for small to medium yards

Cons

  • Narrowest swath and smallest battery in this comparison

Prices and availability change, so confirm on Amazon.

Product details Check price on Amazon

How we chose these picks

Every pick below earned its place through documented strengths, verified specifications, consistent praise in reputable reviews, and owner-feedback patterns. We don't sell placements, and we don't invent test scores.

Mistakes buyers often make

  • Buying on brand name alone instead of matching features to your actual use case.
  • Overpaying for headline specs you'll never use, define must-haves first.
  • Ignoring size, compatibility, and ongoing costs (filters, accessories, refills).
  • Trusting star ratings without reading what owners complain about after 6 months.

How we chose these picks

  • We started from manufacturer specifications and feature lists, the verifiable foundation.
  • We weighed reputable independent reviews from established tech and consumer publications.
  • We read large volumes of verified-owner feedback to find patterns in reliability and satisfaction.
  • We scored value: what you get for the price, not just absolute performance.
  • We excluded products with thin, suspicious, or heavily incentivized review profiles.

We don't claim hands-on testing we haven't done. Assessments synthesize manufacturer specifications, reputable independent reviews and documented owner feedback. Read our methodology.

Before you buy

Buying guide

How to choose: the factors that matter

  • Capacity and sizing, Measure your space and your actual use before falling for bigger-is-better. The right size is the one that fits your routine, not the spec sheet's maximum.
  • Build quality and materials, Heavier-gauge materials, tight tolerances, and solid joints outlast thin, rattly construction. In reviews, look for longevity comments over first-impression praise.
  • Ease of use and setup, Clear instructions, intuitive controls, and minimal assembly separate daily drivers from garage ornaments.
  • Maintenance and cleaning, Whatever you buy will need cleaning. Removable, dishwasher-safe, or wipe-clean parts get maintained; fiddly ones get neglected.
  • Warranty and support, A multi-year warranty signals the manufacturer expects it to last. Check what's actually covered, motors and frames matter more than accessories.

The bottom line

If you want the short answer: the top pick above suits most buyers, the value pick suits tight budgets, and the specialist picks suit specific needs. Match the pick to your use case, not to the hype.

Answers

Frequently asked questions

What are the best string trimmers under $200 right now?

Our top pick is the EGO Power+ ST1521S 15-Inch String Trimmer (best overall), because pOWERLOAD auto-feed removes the most annoying part of trimmer maintenance. The runner-up is the Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer, followed by the Worx WG183 40V String Trimmer.

Is the EGO Power+ ST1521S 15-Inch String Trimmer worth it?

For most buyers, yes. It ranks #1 in our string trimmers under $200 research, though near the top of this price band once accessories are added.

What does the extra money buy over a sub-$100 trimmer?

Mainly a stronger motor, a larger cutting swath, a larger or higher-voltage battery, and generally a carbon fiber or reinforced shaft rather than plain plastic.

Is a brushless motor worth paying more for?

Generally yes, for anyone who uses a trimmer regularly. Brushless motors last longer, run more efficiently on the same battery charge, and produce less heat than brushed motors. For occasional, light use, the difference is less noticeable and may not justify the added cost.

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