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. The EGO Power+ ST1521S at this tier uses a 56V system and a brushless motor, both upgrades over the 40V brushed motors common under $100.

Is $200 enough for a gas trimmer with real power?

Yes. A 28cc gas trimmer like the Husqvarna 128LD typically sells in the $180 to $220 range and offers meaningfully more cutting power and runtime than a similarly priced battery trimmer, at the cost of fuel mixing and maintenance.

Should I buy an extra battery instead of a pricier trimmer?

If your existing trimmer's only limitation is runtime, a second battery is often the better $50 to $80 spend than upgrading the whole tool. If the limitation is cutting power or swath width, a step up to a higher-voltage or brushless model is the better use of a $200 budget.

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.

Best String Trimmers Under $200

The best string trimmers under $200, ranked by motor power, battery capacity, build quality, and the meaningful upgrades this price tier buys over budget models.

Two hundred dollars is where string trimmers stop being purely budget tools and start showing real differences in motor type, battery voltage, and build materials.

Every trimmer in this list was evaluated on what that extra budget headroom actually buys, whether that's spent entirely on one premium trimmer or split across a trimmer and a spare battery.

The EGO Power+ ST1521S leads the list, its 56V brushless motor and carbon fiber shaft are the clearest jump in build quality from budget-tier trimmers.

The Husqvarna 128LD is the gas alternative at a similar price, trading cordless convenience for more raw cutting power and unlimited runtime.

For buyers who'd rather stretch a $200 budget across a trimmer and a spare battery or second tool, the Worx WG183 and Greenworks 40V both leave real headroom.

The Best String Trimmers Under $200 at a Glance

Best overall: EGO Power+ ST1521S, brushless motor and carbon fiber shaft for the biggest step up from budget models.

Best gas trimmer: Husqvarna 128LD, more power and runtime for buyers willing to manage fuel.

Best value: Worx WG183, two batteries included with budget left over.

Best for building a tool system: Greenworks 40V 12-inch, frees up budget for a matching 40V tool.

How to Spend a $200 Budget

One premium trimmer: if cutting performance on a larger or tougher lot is the priority, put the full budget into the EGO or a comparable gas model.

A trimmer plus a spare battery: if the yard is modest but battery anxiety is a concern, a budget trimmer plus a second battery pack often serves better than one expensive unit.

A matched tool platform: if a leaf blower or hedge trimmer is also on the wish list, buying into one 40V battery ecosystem now saves money on every future tool in that lineup.

Check price on Amazon, EGO Power+ ST1521S

Check price on Amazon, Husqvarna 128LD

Best String Trimmers Under $200

Our Top Picks

EGO Power+ ST1521S 15-Inch String Trimmer

Pros

Cons

Husqvarna 128LD Gas String Trimmer

Pros

Cons

Worx WG183 40V String Trimmer

Pros

Cons

Greenworks 40V 12-Inch Cordless String Trimmer

Pros

Cons

The Best String Trimmers Under $200 at a Glance

How to Spend a $200 Budget

See Also

Frequently Asked Questions