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Our top picks
Short on time? Our top recommendation is the Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer.
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At a glance
The traits that separate these picks, side by side.
In depth
The 4 best, explained
Why each made the cut, where it falls short, and who should buy it.
Best overallGreenworks
Battery and charger included, a real warranty, and enough performance for everyday yard work. 0Ah included. One caveat, 12-inch swath is on the narrower side.
- 12-inch cutting swath
- 40V lithium battery, 2.0Ah included
- Dual line auto-feed
- Variable speed trigger
- 3-year warranty
- Typically $80 to $100 with battery and charger
✓ Pros
- Battery and charger included at a price that competitors often charge for the bare tool alone
- 3-year warranty is longer than most trimmers at this price point
- Handles typical small to medium yard trimming without issue
✕ Cons
- 12-inch swath is on the narrower side
- 2.0Ah battery runtime is modest on larger lots
- Plastic shaft coupler feels less premium than pricier models
Worx
0Ah batteries included. One caveat, 13-inch swath, still on the narrower end.
- 13-inch dual-exit cutting head
- 40V PowerShare, 2 x 2.0Ah batteries included
- Under 5 pounds
- Pivoting head
- Typically under $100
✓ Pros
- Lightest trimmer in this price range
- Pivoting head adds edging capability most budget trimmers skip
✕ Cons
- 13-inch swath, still on the narrower end
- Auto-feed line advance occasionally over-feeds
- PowerShare batteries don't cross over to non-Worx tools
Husqvarna
What earns it a place here: more cutting power than any battery trimmer at a similar price point and no battery to buy or replace down the road. One caveat, ongoing fuel and oil cost adds to the real total price over time.
- 28cc 2-cycle gas engine
- 17-inch cutting swath
- Straight shaft
- Smart Start recoil system
- Street price often close to or just above $100 depending on retailer
✓ Pros
- More cutting power than any battery trimmer at a similar price point
- No battery to buy or replace down the road
- 17-inch swath covers ground faster than the 12 to 13-inch battery models here
✕ Cons
- Ongoing fuel and oil cost adds to the real total price over time
- Heavier and louder than the cordless options in this list
Greenworks
A light 24V trimmer that rotates into an edger, sold without battery for existing Greenworks owners.
✓ Pros
- Light and easy to handle
- Converts to an edger
- Affordable tool-only price
- Shares 24V batteries
✕ Cons
- Battery and charger not included
- 12-inch swath is narrow
- For light trimming only
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 $100 right now?
Our top pick is the Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer (best overall), because battery and charger included at a price that competitors often charge for the bare tool alone. The runner-up is the Worx WG183 40V String Trimmer, followed by the Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer.
Is the Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer worth it?
For most buyers, yes. It ranks #1 in our string trimmers under $100 research, though 12-inch swath is on the narrower side.
What do you give up buying a string trimmer under $100?
Mainly battery capacity, cutting swath, and premium materials. For a small to medium yard, none of those tradeoffs are dealbreakers.
Is a $90 battery trimmer as durable as a $180 one?
Generally not over the long term. Premium models tend to use brushless motors, which last longer and run more efficiently than the brushed motors common in budget trimmers. For occasional, light-duty use on a small lot, a budget trimmer with a brushed motor can still last several years without issue.
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