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You want a cordless string trimmer under $100 that finishes your yard without tangling, dying mid-lawn, or vibrating your arms numb. For most homeowners, a battery-powered model under $100 delivers enough power for a typical yard without the pull-cord hassle or gas fumes. Here are seven trimmers, each with its best use case and the honest trade-offs you’ll accept.
I’m Rikta — the founder and writer behind FitlyFast. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
You’ll see how cutting width, motor speed, and battery system decide which cordless string trimmer under $100 finishes your yard in one charge without the fatigue.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best Cordless String Trimmer Under $100
A trimmer that suits a flat, tidy lawn may struggle on a weedy, uneven lot. Choose based on your yard’s real conditions, not just the specs on the box.
Start with the cutting width
This number tells you how wide a path the string clears in one sweep. A 12-inch swath suits small to medium yards; a 13-inch swath covers ground faster on larger lawns. A wider swath means fewer passes, saving battery and time.
Motor speed is your power proxy
Revolutions per minute (RPM) measures how fast the string spins. Higher RPM generally slices through thick grass and stubborn weeds more easily. You’ll see figures like 6200 RPM on entry models and 9000 RPM on more aggressive ones — that gap is the difference between gentle trimming and real cutting muscle.
Battery system decides your runtime and future
Voltage (20V, 24V, 40V) hints at power, while amp-hours (Ah) roughly indicates runtime. A 2.0Ah battery handles a small yard; a 4.0Ah battery stretches much further. Check whether the brand shares one battery across other tools — that’s a long-term win if you plan to expand your cordless kit.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Cutting Width | Motor Speed | Battery | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BLACK+DECKER LST300★ Best Overall | Reliable all-around value | 12 inches | 6200 RPM | 20V 2.0Ah | Amazon |
| HTCFLY 21VBest Value | Two batteries, fast spin | 12 inches | 9000 RPM | 2 x 21V 2.0Ah | Amazon |
| Litheli 20V | Tool-free adjustable comfort | 12 inches | — | 2 x 20V 2.0Ah | Amazon |
| Greenworks 24V | Shared battery ecosystem | 12 inches | — | 24V 2.0Ah | Amazon |
| EWORK 20V | Featherlight trimming | 12 inches | 9000 RPM | 2 x 20V 2.0Ah | Amazon |
| CRAFTSMAN V20 | Wide cut & long runtime | 13 inches | — | 20V 4.0Ah | Amazon |
| BLACK+DECKER LST140C | Extra power for thick growth | 13 inches | — | 40V MAX | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX String Trimmer and Edger 2 in 1 (LST300)
The crowd favorite that proves a simple, light trimmer beats a complicated one.
You get a trimmer that spools new line for you automatically, so you never stop to bump the head on the ground — a feature called the Automatic Feed Spool (AFS). It clears a 12-inch cutting swath, and buyers report it handles a 30’x13′ yard of 6″ weeds in 15-20 minutes with battery charge left. That’s a full job completed in one charge, which is what most buyers want.
At 5.7 pounds with a 6200 RPM motor, it’s noticeably lighter than the 5-pound HTCFLY model above? Actually, no — it’s heavier, but the trade-off is the trusted brand and the “reduced vibration” design that keeps your hands comfortable. The 20V 2.0Ah lithium-ion battery pack delivers 33% more runtime than the brand’s previous LBXR20 pack, and the charger mounts on your wall to save space.
The honest catch: it’s not a powerhouse. Owners mention it’s underpowered compared to corded models and won’t dig grass out of sidewalk cracks. But for basic trimming and edging on a typical suburban lot, the convenience wins. The 2-in-1 design flips from trimmer to edger in seconds, and the adjustable handle and height positions let you match it to your height.
What wins people over
- Auto-feed line means no bumping the head
- Light at 5.7 pounds with reduced vibration
- Wall-mountable charger saves garage space
Know before you buy
- Lacks the raw power of corded or 40V models
- Only one battery included — grab a spare
The one to beat: best for first-time owners and small-to-medium yards that need reliable, low-fuss trimming.
Look elsewhere if: your yard is routinely overgrown with thick, stalky weeds — you’ll want a higher-voltage motor.
2. HTCFLY 21V Weed Wacker Cordless & Lawn Edger
Spins 45% faster than the top pick and hands you two batteries to finish the yard.
Here’s the headline: this trimmer’s motor hits 9000 RPM versus the BLACK+DECKER’s 6200 RPM — a 45% speed gap you’ll feel when you hit a tough clump. It also weighs 5 pounds, which is 14% lighter than the 5.7-pound LST300, so your arms stay fresher on longer sessions. And instead of one battery, you get two 21V 2.0Ah packs that customers note lasting over an hour on a single charge.
Assembly takes about 15 minutes, and the 180° rotating handle plus an 80° cutting-angle adjustment let you dial it to your height and the terrain. That’s a level of ergonomic tuning you rarely see at this price. The 2-in-1 head pivots 90° with a button press to switch from trimming to edging along sidewalks and garden borders.
The trade-off, as owners describe it, is that this is a light-duty machine — it handles stems under 1/4 inch fine, including blackberry vines, but it’s not built for heavy jobs. The line feeds automatically when you pull the trigger, advancing about 0.5 inches each start, and a dual-interlock switch prevents accidental activation. A foldable design keeps storage compact.
Why it’s a bargain: the 9000 RPM motor and two-battery setup are features you’d expect on pricier trimmers, and buyers consistently praise the build quality and light weight.
Who should pass: anyone whose yard is mostly thick, woody brush rather than regular grass.
3. Litheli 20V 12 Inch Cordless String Trimmer/Edger
The lightest pick here at 4.5 pounds, with a handle that extends without tools.
Some trimmers make you work to get comfortable; this one does the opposite. The telescopic shaft adjusts from 36 to 47 inches with no tools needed, so a taller or shorter user can match it to their height in seconds. The cutting head has 4 angle settings, letting you trim on slopes and in tight spots without contorting your wrists. This tool-free adjustability makes a 30-minute trimming session feel easy.
Under the hood, it’s a 20V trimmer with a 12-inch cutting path and a 0.065-inch automatic single-line feed. Two 2.0Ah batteries come in the box, and reviewers point out each lasting 45-60 minutes — enough for one full job before you swap to the spare. It’s also part of the Litheli 20V ecosystem, so the same battery can power other tools in that lineup.
The recurring note from owners: this is built for a maintained yard. On weekly upkeep it shines, but in overgrown, stalky weeds the string struggles. There are also scattered reports of string breakage and fragility, which is the durability trade-off for a 4.5-pound frame. For small, tidy personal yards, it’s a genuinely pleasant tool to use.
The comfort angle: no other trimmer here matches the 36-to-47-inch tool-free shaft, which is a real win for households with multiple users of different heights.
The honest limit: keep up with weekly trimming and it’ll treat you well; let the yard go and you’ll be frustrated.
4. Greenworks 24V 12 in Cordless String Trimmer
A 24V battery that powers 150+ Greenworks tools, plus a head that pivots for tricky angles.
If you’re already in the Greenworks 24V family, this trimmer is a no-brainer add — the same battery runs their chainsaws, leaf blowers, and more, so you’re not buying duplicate batteries. That ecosystem pitch is the main reason to choose this over a standalone brand. It weighs 6 pounds with an ergonomic grip and a telescoping aluminum shaft that adjusts for users from 4’8″ to 6’5″, which reduces back strain for shorter or taller gardeners.
The cutting head rotates 90° to edge around tree roots and garden beds, and a 30° angle works well on steep banks, per buyer feedback. The 0.065-inch single-line auto-feed head is designed to prevent jams, and the push-button start means no pull cords. It runs at 75 dB — quieter than a vacuum — which keeps you on good terms with HOA noise rules in the morning or evening.
The mixed feedback centers on battery life: some owners get through many mows on one charge, while others report it draining in about 10 minutes. There’s also a standout complaint about the string feed failing on a defective unit, though most buyers find it powerful and easy to use. One owner trimmed 60 feet of overgrown edges in under 10 minutes with aggressive cutting power.
The ecosystem edge: the 24V battery compatibility with 150+ tools makes this the smart pick if you plan to grow your cordless collection.
The gamble: battery endurance seems to vary unit to unit, so it’s worth testing the runtime early in your return window.
5. EWORK 2-in-1 Cordless Weed Wacker & Edger
At just 4.2 pounds, it’s half the weight of a gas model and cuts like a dream.
This trimmer is built for those who found heavy gas models too intimidating to use. At 4.2 pounds, owners describe it as half the weight of their gas model, making it a genuinely accessible tool for women, seniors, and beginners who want real cutting power without arm fatigue. The telescoping adjustable shaft and multi-angle rotating handle let you set the perfect length and angle for your height.
Don’t mistake light for weak: the 9000 RPM motor is built to handle thick weeds, tall grass, and stubborn vegetation across a 12-inch cutting diameter. The smart auto-feed system advances fresh 0.055-inch line automatically as it wears down — no bumping the head, no pulling, no frustration. It comes with 2 x 20V 2.0Ah batteries, a charger, and 6 replacement spools, so you’re stocked for the whole season from the start.
You get a quiet cut that handles overgrowth, with one buyer calling it “perfect for women who can’t use a regular weed eater because they are too heavy.” The 2-in-1 head pivots 90° to become a precision edger for driveways and garden borders, and a spacer guard protects flowers and plants as you trim. Each battery runs 30 minutes, enough for typical jobs, though you’ll swap packs for larger yards.
The accessibility win: this is the trimmer to hand to anyone who’s avoided yard work because the tool was too heavy.
The balance: it’s lighter than the 5.7-pound BLACK+DECKER, but the 30-minute runtime means you’ll use that second battery on bigger lawns.
6. CRAFTSMAN V20 String Trimmer and Lawn Edger Kit
The 13-inch cutting swath and 4.0Ah battery turn big yards into a single-pass job.
This is the trimmer for people who’d rather finish the whole lawn than swap batteries twice. The included 4.0Ah battery delivers up to 63 minutes of runtime, and the 13-inch cutting swath is the widest on this list alongside the BLACK+DECKER 40V — so you cover more ground in fewer passes. One owner reported the battery lasting 1.5 to 2 hours at high speed, which is exceptional for this price class.
It also packs 52% more power than a standard trimmer motor, according to CRAFTSMAN, which shows up when you hit wet grass or small saplings. Shoppers say it “took care of the weeds, grass, and small trees” on the heavier-duty setting. The 2 speed settings let you prioritize runtime on light trim or power on thick growth — a flexibility the single-speed picks here don’t offer.
It’s part of the V20 system, so the battery runs a whole family of CRAFTSMAN cordless tools. The Turn-To-Edge functionality converts it from trimmer to edger, and the adjustable handle keeps you comfortable. The recurring advice from owners: grab a second battery if you run on high power often, since it drains faster above level one.
Why it’s the runtime winner
- 4.0Ah battery with up to 63 minutes of runtime
- 13-inch swath cuts wide in one pass
- 2 speed settings for power or endurance
Small trade-offs
- Heavier than the 4.2-pound EWORK
- Higher speed drains the battery faster
Reach for this if: you have a larger yard and hate stopping mid-job to recharge.
Think twice if: you only trim a tiny patch — the extra battery capacity won’t earn its keep.
7. BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX 13 Inch String Trimmer and Lawn Edger (LST140C)
Double the voltage of the top pick for serious muscle against thick overgrowth.
When your yard looks more like a meadow than a lawn, this is the answer. The 40V MAX battery is twice the voltage of the 20V LST300, which translates to noticeably more cutting strength at the string. The High-Torque PowerDrive transmission delivers that force right where it counts, making clean, swift cuts through thick grass and weeds after mowing. It clears a 13-inch swath — the same wide path as the CRAFTSMAN above.
The battery has a state-of-charge indicator, so you can see your energy level at a glance instead of guessing when it’ll die. The AFS automatic line feeding system keeps the string advancing without interruption, and the wall-mountable charging base stores out of the way. It flips from trimmer to edger in seconds, and the auxiliary handle gives you a second grip for control.
Long-term owners stay loyal: one reports running the exact same model for 12 years before the gears wore out, calling it “pretty good for an hour every weekend for 6 months of the year.” The caveats are real, though. Some find it poorly balanced — too much weight at the cutting end — and there are reports of motors burning out after two years. It’s also not ideal for large farm areas, where the 40V battery needs frequent recharges. For small yards with serious overgrowth, it’s a force.
The power argument: if the 20V models feel weak on your property, this 40V motor is the clear step up — and the 13-inch swath keeps pass count low.
The caution: the balance complaints are consistent enough that you should handle it before you commit.
Understanding the Specs
Cutting Width (Inches)
This is the diameter of the circle the string sweeps as it spins. A 12-inch swath suits most small-to-medium yards, while a 13-inch swath covers more ground per pass. That extra inch means fewer passes, less battery drain, and less time in the sun — but a wider head can be slightly harder to maneuver in tight corners.
Motor Speed (RPM)
Revolutions per minute tells you how fast the string spins. Higher RPM (like 9000) generally slices through thick weeds more easily than lower speeds (like 6200). It’s the best single number for gauging raw cutting power across different trimmers, though voltage also plays a role in how much torque the string delivers.
Battery Voltage & Amp-Hours
Voltage (20V, 24V, 40V) is a rough measure of power output, while amp-hours (Ah) roughly indicates runtime. A 2.0Ah battery handles a standard suburban yard; a 4.0Ah battery stretches much further, like the CRAFTSMAN’s up to 63 minutes. If you see multiple batteries included (2 x 2.0Ah), that doubles your total runtime without waiting for a charge.
Line Feed System
Automatic feed systems advance new string as it wears down — some at the press of a trigger, others continuously. Bump-feed heads require tapping the trimmer on the ground. Auto-feed is more convenient and keeps you focused on the yard rather than the machine, which is why it’s a standout feature on several picks above.
FAQ
Will a 20V trimmer handle my whole yard on one battery?
What’s the difference between 20V and 40V trimmers?
How long does the battery actually last?
Is auto-feed line better than bump-feed?
Can these trimmers also edge my sidewalks?
Which brand’s battery works with other tools?
Why does the string keep breaking on my trimmer?
How loud are these battery trimmers?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
If you want one dependable pick, the cordless string trimmer under $100 winner is the BLACK+DECKER LST300 because it pairs a 6200 RPM motor with a trusted 20V battery system and auto-feed line at a crowd-pleasing value. If you want the fastest spin and two batteries, grab the HTCFLY 21V. And for the widest 13-inch cut with the longest 63-minute runtime, the CRAFTSMAN V20 is the one to reach for.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of August 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, FitlyFast earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.