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Our top picks
Short on time? Our top recommendation is the EGO Power+ ST1521S 15-Inch String Trimmer.
Compare
At a glance
The traits that separate these picks, side by side.
In depth
The 6 best, explained
Why each made the cut, where it falls short, and who should buy it.
Best overallEGO
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
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
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
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
EGO
A 56V cordless trimmer with a telescopic shaft and EGO's PowerLoad automatic line winding.
✓ Pros
- Gas-like power for thick weeds
- PowerLoad winds line automatically
- Telescopic shaft
- Battery and charger included
✕ Cons
- Heavier than 20V trimmers
- EGO battery platform lock-in
- Premium price
Greenworks
Wide 16-inch cutting path
✓ Pros
- Wide 16-inch cutting path
- 4.0Ah battery for longer runs
- Shares the Greenworks 40V platform
- Quieter than gas
✕ Cons
- Heavier than 24V trimmers
- Bump feed needs occasional rewinding
- Not as powerful as 56V+ models
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 compla in about after 6 months.
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.
FAQ
Common 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 pla in 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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