Cordless string trimmers in the $50 to $100 price range are sprouting up faster than the weeds and grass they're designed to trim. These models are also getting more efficient every year. Technology is advancing to the point that gas-powered or corded trimmers are not the only options available if you're looking for a trimmer that will do a great job on your lawn.

Cordless units are now high-powered enough to get the job done, and their portability and mess-free operation can't be beat. But with all the available options and differing levels of performance out there, choosing a cordless trimmer that will fit your particular needs can be a real trick. Ordinarily, the better, more feature-packed models have a higher price tag. But keep in mind that a higher price doesn't always necessarily mean a trimmer is the best choice for you. Depending on how much trimming you need to do, a less expensive model might make more sense. Below is a list of five less-than-$100 cordless string trimmers that we have recently reviewed.

Toro 51467 8-inch cordless trimmer

At around $50, the Toro 51467 cordless trimmer is a small, maneuverable tool. At just 6.4 pounds, it's easy to transport to the far reaches of the yard, and a recent redesign -- primarily the addition of a stationary front handle -- has significantly improved its balance. Changing the line on this trimmer is simple: Just spin off the spool cap and pop in a new spool. Unlike most trimmers, which are powered by a removable battery, this unit's battery is built right in and plugs into a wall outlet with the included cord. On the negative side, it's got a tiny 8-inch cutting swath, so this model is best for light-duty trimming.

Toro 51467 8-inch cordless trimmer
Toro 51467 8-inch cordless trimmer

GroWorks 60043 battery-powered weed trimmer

The GroWorks 60043 battery-powered trimmer ($79.99) isn't technically a string trimmer: It uses snap-on plastic blades instead of the more traditional line. Early product testers quickly found that the blades were so fragile they'd break apart or erode when they came into contact with anything but grass or light weeds. The manufacturer claims that the latest version of the product has overcome that challenge by using more resilient blades. The GroWorks 60043 trimmer's other interesting twist is the fact that it's powered by a rechargeable battery that's housed in a separate case and connected to the trimmer by a cable. That unique design means that the trimmer itself weighs at around 4.5 pounds, which makes it ideal for one-handed trimming, or for trimming on hills or under decks and lawn furniture. The trimming head pivots, and the telescoping shaft can be adjusted anywhere from 37 to 49 inches long.


Troy-Bilt TB55B 12-volt cordless trimmer

The most distinguishing feature of the $89.99 Troy-Bilt TB55B 12-volt cordless trimmer is the fact that its motor is mounted on the top of the tool, rather than down by the cutting head. While a common design on gas-powered trimmers, a top-mounted motor is fairly uncommon for a cordless unit. Having the motor on the top shifts most of the weight away from the trimming head, so it's easier to maneuver than many other cordless trimmers. It also keeps the motor away from dust and debris. The Troy-Bilt TB55B has a 10-inch cutting swath, so it works best for small to medium trimming jobs. This model is heavier than many trimmers on the market, and uses heavier-duty .080-inch diameter line rather than the far more common .065-inch line.


Worx WG150 18-volt line trimmer

The Worx WG150 18-volt line trimmer ($99.99) lives up to Worx's growing reputation as a manufacturer of innovative, user-friendly tools. So much so, it's earned Consumer Guide's Best Buy designation. What stands out on this model is the ergonomic and completely customizable design, which allows you to adjust the tool to accommodate your posture and size. The telescoping shaft can be adjusted up to 8 inches, and the rotating handle uses a one-handed adjustment mechanism. The best feature, though, is the adjustable cutting head, which can be tilted up to 90 degrees to make it easy to trim under decks or on uneven slopes. It can be quickly converted into a two-wheeled edger, and the 18-volt system uses a battery that can be recharged in less than an hour. The Worx WG150 trimmer could be improved by increasing its moderate-size 10-inch cutting width, though.

Worx WG150 18-volt line trimmer
Worx WG150 18-volt line trimmer

Black & Decker NST2018 18-volt rechargeable trimmer

At $99.99, the Black & Decker NST2018 18-volt rechargeable trimmer is the most expensive in this product roundup, but it comes with the features to back up its price tag. One particularly nice addition: It features two rechargeable 18-volt batteries, so you can always keep one on the charger. While most trimmers use a bump-and-feed system to release more line, this model has a much more user-friendly automatic-feed spool. It senses when more string is needed, then uses centrifugal force to automatically release it. The Black & Decker NST2018 trimmer has a wide 12-inch cutting swath, so you'll spend less time zipping through tall grass and weeds. It also transforms into an edger with the push of a button. This is a good choice for trimming moderate-sized yards.