Best Budget String Trimmers Under $100 (2026)

You don't need a $200 gas monster to edge your sidewalk. We tested the top budget string trimmers so you can keep your yard clean without the noise, fumes, or price tag.

Nothing ruins a good mow like the scraggly grass along your fence line, sidewalk, and flower beds. A string trimmer (or weed eater, if you prefer) is the difference between "that yard looks great" and "did they even try?"

The good news: you don't need gas power or a $200 budget. Modern battery-powered trimmers under $100 handle 90% of suburban yards just fine. We tested the four best options for cutting power, battery life, weight, and whether the line feed actually works without jamming every 30 seconds.

Quick Comparison

Trimmer	Power	Cut Path	Weight	Best For
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX	20V	13"	6.1 lbs	Overall best
Greenworks 40V 12"	40V	12"	7.5 lbs	Most power
Worx WG163 GT 3.0	20V	12"	5.3 lbs	Edging & lightweight
Ryobi 18V ONE+	18V	12"	6.4 lbs	Ryobi ecosystem

1. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX String Trimmer — Best Overall

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX String Trimmer on Amazon →

The BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX is the trimmer most people should buy. It's not the most powerful on this list, but it wins on balance — lightweight enough for anyone to use, powerful enough for standard yard maintenance, and compatible with the massive BLACK+DECKER 20V battery ecosystem (drills, saws, fans — over 100 tools).

The 13-inch cut path is wider than most budget trimmers, meaning fewer passes. The automatic line feed works reliably, and the telescoping shaft adjusts for height. Our only gripe: the 20V battery gives you about 25 minutes of runtime on thick grass. Fine for edging and trimming, but you'll want a spare battery for larger yards.

The Good & The Bad

✅ 13" cut path — wider than most under $100
✅ Huge 20V tool ecosystem (100+ tools)
✅ Lightweight at 6.1 lbs
✅ Reliable auto line feed
❌ 25 min runtime on thick grass
❌ Not ideal for heavy brush

2. Greenworks 40V 12-Inch — Best for Power

Greenworks 40V 12-Inch String Trimmer on Amazon →

If your yard has thick grass, weeds, or you just want more raw cutting power, the Greenworks 40V is the pick. Double the voltage means noticeably more torque — it plows through tall grass and light brush that stalls the 20V models. The 12-inch cut path is slightly narrower than the BLACK+DECKER, but the extra power more than makes up for it.

Runtime is solid at 30-45 minutes depending on load. The variable speed trigger lets you throttle down for light edging and crank up for weeds. Downside: at 7.5 pounds, it's the heaviest trimmer on this list. Not uncomfortable, but you'll feel it after 30 minutes.

The Good & The Bad

✅ 40V = most power in this price range
✅ Variable speed trigger
✅ 30-45 min runtime
✅ Cuts through thick grass easily
❌ Heaviest at 7.5 lbs
❌ Greenworks 40V ecosystem is smaller

3. Worx WG163 GT 3.0 — Best for Edging

Worx WG163 GT 3.0 String Trimmer on Amazon →

The Worx GT 3.0 has a trick the others don't: it converts from trimmer to wheeled edger in seconds. Rotate the head 90 degrees, flip down the wheel, and you're edging your sidewalk like a pro. If clean edging is your main goal (and for most homeowners, it should be), this is the one.

At 5.3 pounds, it's the lightest trimmer here. The command feed lets you bump out more line by pushing a button — no tapping required. The 20V battery is compatible with other Worx Power Share tools. Runtime is about 20-25 minutes, which is fine for edging but tight for big trimming jobs.

The Good & The Bad

✅ Converts to wheeled edger instantly
✅ Lightest at 5.3 lbs
✅ Command feed button (no bumping)
✅ Power Share 20V ecosystem
❌ 20-25 min runtime
❌ Less power for thick growth

4. Ryobi 18V ONE+ — Best Ecosystem Value

Ryobi 18V ONE+ String Trimmer on Amazon →

Already own Ryobi ONE+ tools? This trimmer uses the same 18V battery as your drill, impact driver, fan, and 200+ other Ryobi tools. Even if you don't, the Ryobi ecosystem is one of the best budget tool platforms — the batteries are cheap and available everywhere.

The 18V motor is less powerful than the 40V Greenworks or even the 20V BLACK+DECKER, but it handles standard trimming and edging without complaints. The adjustable shaft and telescoping handle make it comfortable for most heights. Runtime is about 20-30 minutes depending on your battery capacity (1.5Ah vs 4Ah makes a big difference).

The Good & The Bad

✅ 200+ tools in ONE+ ecosystem
✅ Cheap, widely available batteries
✅ Comfortable adjustable shaft
✅ Good for existing Ryobi owners
❌ Least powerful motor (18V)
❌ Struggles with thick weeds

Which One Should You Buy?

Most people: Get the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX. Best balance of power, weight, and price. The wide 13-inch path and reliable line feed make it the safest pick.

Thick grass / overgrown yards: Get the Greenworks 40V. More power than anything else under $100.

Clean edges only: Get the Worx GT 3.0. The edger conversion is genuinely useful and it's the lightest option.

Ryobi owner: Get the Ryobi 18V ONE+. Uses batteries you already own. Simple as that.

FAQ

What is the best budget string trimmer?

The BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX offers the best balance of power, weight, and price for most homeowners. It handles regular yard trimming well and uses a widely available battery platform.

Are electric string trimmers as good as gas?

For most suburban yards, yes. Battery-powered trimmers under $100 handle grass and light weeds effectively. Gas trimmers are only needed for heavy brush or large properties over half an acre.

How long do battery string trimmers last?

Most budget battery trimmers run 20-45 minutes per charge depending on the voltage and how thick the vegetation is. A 40V battery typically lasts longer than a 20V but adds weight.

What string line size should I use?

0.065-inch line works for light grass trimming. 0.080-inch is the sweet spot for most homeowners — it handles grass and light weeds without breaking constantly. 0.095-inch is for heavier growth.