10 Best Budget Weed Eaters under $100 – Reviews & Top Picks 2024
- Pete Ortiz
- Last updated:
A beautiful and healthy lawn or garden is a great source of pride for any homeowner. However, regardless of the effort, we put in, the battle with weeds is seemingly never-ending.
While professional lawn care services can help you keep your weed problem under control, they can also be quite costly. A simpler alternative would be to invest in a weed eater.
Weed eaters are gardening tools whose design allows you to trim weeds and grass in areas where your mower cannot reach. They do so with relative ease, thus allowing you to keep your yard in excellent condition all year round.
Nonetheless, there are lots of weed trimmers on the market today and picking the right one can be daunting-especially if you are on a budget. Luckily, we have done the legwork for you. The following are reviews of the 10 best weed eaters under $100 on the market today.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024
Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall
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BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX String Trimmer / Edger |
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CHECK PRICE | |
Best Value
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BLACK+DECKER LST300 Weed Whacker |
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CHECK PRICE | |
Premium Choice
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WORX 20V Cordless Grass Trimmer/Edger with Command Feed |
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CHECK PRICE | |
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Homelite Gas Powered 17” Curved Shaft Trimmer |
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CHECK PRICE | |
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Earthwise 18-Volt Cordless Electric String Trimmer |
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CHECK PRICE |
The 10 Best Budget Weed Eaters under $100
1. BLACK+DECKER MAX String Trimmer / Edger – Best Overall
The Black+Decker LST240C is a great, cheap weed trimmer that allows you to handle large patches of land with relative ease.
It comes with a powerful motor that can deliver cuts with rotation speeds of up to 6,500 RPM, thus allowing you to eliminate even the toughest of weeds and grasses. This unit runs on a 40V battery that allows you up to 30 minutes of non-stop use. This means that you are more than likely to finish your weed maintenance work without having to stop for a recharge.
The LST140C design facilitates quick and effective trimming without tiring you out. At only 6.4 pounds, it is remarkably light to allow you to maneuver it with ease. Moreover, it comes with an ergonomic handle, which is adjustable for a comfortable angle. The grip is firm and easy to hold.
You will need some patience because this cheap weed trimmer takes a long time to recharge. But considering the Black+Decker LST140C’s efficiency, ease of use, and affordability, this is a worthy buy. Again, this unit comes with a hedging function, hence giving you more value for your money.
- Powerful for a small weed trimmer
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Versatile
- Long recharge time
2. BLACK+DECKER LST300 Weed Whacker – Best Value
If you are looking for a low-cost but effective weed eater for your small lawn or garden, the Black+Decker will make an excellent choice.
This cordless trimmer features a lightweight design to allow you to work for longer periods without experiencing fatigue. Additionally, it comes with an ergonomic handle and shaft that allows for height and angle adjustments. As a result, you have greater control over the machine’s working.
While not as powerful as the Black+Decker LST140C, the LST300 has a good enough motor to handle light-duty weeding needs. However, it may not be suitable for heavier weeds, but it comes with a 2.0A 20V battery that gives you decent runtime. This cheap weed eater is also remarkably noiseless during operation.
The LST300’s design also allows for attachments. For example, you can convert this tool into a hedger so that you can make cleaner trims. It can also be used as an edger. To use the edging mode, simply unlock the shaft, turn the knob, and then lock it.
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Versatile – can be used for hedging and edging
- Noiseless during operation
- Not ideal for heavy-duty weeding
3. WORX Cordless Grass Trimmer/Edger with Command Feed – Premium Choice
The WG163.9 by Worx is one of the cheapest weed trimmers in production today. However, this unit does not compromise performance and reliability for cost.
For starters, this is a 2-in-1 tool featuring a trimmer and an edger. To convert into either mode, all you have you have to do is pull the shaft and rotate the head. The benefits of this design are tremendous. First off, you can trim and edge at the same time, thus saving you time and effort. Secondly, you do not have to purchase another tool, which translates to cost savings.
Using this Worx trim is quite easy; simply pull the trigger, and you are set to go. Moreover, weighing in at only 5 pounds, it allows for easy maneuverability. This tool also comes with an ergonomic, 7-position adjustable handle for the most comfort.
Thanks to its head’s design that allows it to tilt a full 90 degrees, accessing weed that is hard to reach or working in uneven terrains should not be a problem.
This unit also comes with a spacer guard to ensure that you do not trim anything that you do not want to damage. It also comes with a command feed feature that allows you to get more line at the press of a button, thereby increasing your efficiency.
However, the WORX WG263.9 is not without fault. It has a low battery time, for starters. Moreover, the batteries and charger are sold separately. You will also have a hard time cutting heavy weeds or brush using this tool.
- Versatile
- Numerous features for exceptional functionality
- Lightweight
- Extremely low-cost for its quality
- Not ideal for heavy-duty weeding
- Batteries and chargers are sold separately
4. Homelite 26cc Gas Powered 17” Curved Shaft Trimmer
Gas-powered weed trimmers hold some key advantages over their battery-powered counterparts. They are more powerful and can run for longer. You simply refuel, unlike battery-powered trimmers, where you have to wait for them to recharge.
The Homelite is one of the best low-cost gas-powered weed eaters on the market today. It comes with a powerful 26cc 2-cycle engine to allow you to cut heavy weeds with little effort. Moreover, with a 17-inch cutting width, it allows you to handle extensive weeding work within a short period. You will also appreciate that this engine is noiseless during operation in addition to being environmentally friendly.
Weighing in at 14 pounds, the ZR33600 might not be as light as the battery-powered models; however, it is quite light for a gas-powered weed trimmer. As such, you should not have any problems moving it around. This unit also comes in a compact size to allow for easy storage.
The trimmer does have some issues. It has a small fuel tank, meaning that you will need to keep refueling. Also, despite its powerful engine, it does not perform when it comes to heavier weeds and grasses.
- Large cutting width
- Does not make a lot of noise
- Quick-fire carburetor
- Small gas tank
- Stalls during heavy-duty use
5. Earthwise 12-Inch 18-Volt Cordless Electric String Trimmer
The Earthwise is a small, budget-friendly weed eater that you can use for light-duty applications. You can also convert it into an edger by rotating the upper hand, thus allowing you to avoid the extra costs of purchasing an edging tool.
Performance-wise, the CST00012 is not designed to root out heavy weeds and grasses. Therefore, if you are looking for a trimmer for heavy-duty or commercial purposes, this unit might not be it. Nonetheless, for its cost, it delivers great value for money. You will also appreciate the auto-feed feature when it comes to extending the line, thus eliminating bumping.
Handling the Earthwise CST00012 is easy, thanks to its lightweight design. Moreover, both the head and handle come with adjustable settings. This allows you to position the head in an angle that suits your needs best.
This unit runs on Ni-Cad batteries that give you 20 minutes of work on a full charge. As such, you might have to purchase extra backup batteries to allow you to work for longer
- Adjustable head and handle
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Can be adjusted for edging
- Not ideal for heavy weeds
- Short runtime
6. Earthwise 15-inch 5-amp Corded Electric String Trimmer
The ST00115 by Earthwise is a reliable electric weed eater that should help you keep the weeds around your home at bay. However, this unit is corded, meaning that you need access to an electrical outlet to function. Nonetheless, it is extremely effective at what it does. Thanks to its 5-amp motor, it is powerful enough to meet the weeding needs of most homeowners.
The Earthwise ST00115 is equipped with a variety of features that include a three-position cutting head for adjustments according to the terrain. Moreover, it features an innovative flip-down edge guard to allow you to use the machine in tight spaces.
This cheap weed wacker also comes with a dual handle configuration with a rubber grip to enhance its comfort and ease of use.
- Wide 15” cutting path
- Ergonomic handle
- Decent power
- Must be attached to an electrical outlet to work
7. BLACK+DECKER GH900 String Trimmer
The GH900 is a corded string trimmer by Black and Decker that comes with sufficient power to meet the needs of most homeowners thanks to its 6.5-amp motor. The continual feed system means you do not have to keep stopping to adjust the string, which enhances your efficiency.
This unit comes in a lightweight, ergonomic design that allows you to adjust the height, as well as handle positions. This not only gives you greater control over your work but also increases your comfort, as well as the machine’s ease of use.
The GH900 also doubles as an edger. What’s more, the edging feature has a “Smart Edge” that enhances your edging control and accuracy, thus resulting in straighter and cleaner edges.
A drawback to this weed eater is that it is only compatible with thin strings of up to 0.07-inch in width.
- Powerful 6.5A motor
- Lightweight for easy maneuverability
- Ergonomic design
- Automatic string feed
- Only works with strings thinner than 0.070”
8. Greenworks Corded String Trimmer
Greenworks is one of the most reputable manufacturers in the gardening tools industry today. The company is renowned for making affordable and high-quality products, with the Greenworks 21212 weed eater being a good example.
This unit comes with a 4-amp motor, uses a 0.065-inch thin string, and a 13-inch cut path. As such, it is not designed for heavy-duty usage. Nonetheless, it is a versatile tool, as rotating the shaft turns it into an edger.
Nonetheless, this weed eater has some drawbacks. For example, due to the thin nature of its strings, they are susceptible to snapping during operation. Additionally, it does not come with an automatic feed system, meaning that you might have to keep bumping the unit. This weed trimmer is not recommended for people with thick, persistent weeds.
- Cheap
- Decent motor for light-duty purposes
- Uses thin 0.065” strings that are susceptible to cutting
- Unreliable string feed system
9. BLACK+DECKER MAX Lithium Easy Feed String Trimmer
The Black+Decker LSTE525 is one of the most capable weed eaters that you can get under $100. It is powered by a 20V motor, which generates enough power to handle light and medium-duty tasks comfortably. Moreover, it comes with a power drive transmission that allows the trimmer to generate extra torque when handling heavy weeds.
The LSTE525 also evades string issues thanks to the ”EASYFEED” feature that advances the string line automatically upon the press of a button, thus eliminating the need for bumping.
Weighing in at only 6.3 pounds, this weed eater features a lightweight design for easy maneuverability. Moreover, it comes with an ergonomic handle and shaft that allow you to adjust their angles for more comfort.
The Black+Decker LSTE525, however, has a few flaws. It is not powerful enough to handle thicker weeds. Additionally, it has a short runtime, meaning you will need to purchase extra batteries for backup.
- Doubles as an edger
- Ergonomic shaft and handle
- Convenient EASYFEED system
- Not enough power for handling thicker weeds
- Batteries run out of charge quickly
10. Toro Corded 14-Inch Electric Trimmer
Toro is another brand that you should look out for when scoping out gardening tools. The Toro 51480 is a corded cheap weed wacker that comes with a 2-year warranty, which is quite reassuring.
Performance-wise, this unit is quite efficient thanks to its dual line trimming deck that allows the machine to cut weeds in less than half the time that a single line machine would take. Moreover, the strings of the 51480 are less susceptible to breaking. It also has auto-feed technology.
This unit also doubles as an edger, thus saving you the costs of investing in a separate tool. Switching between trimming and edging is quite simple, only taking a few seconds. Additionally, it is easy to use, thanks to its telescopic shaft and ergonomic handle.
However, this unit is limited in portability, as you must always be close to a wall socket. Additionally, the auto-feed system can be unreliable.
- Lightweight and easy to use
- 2-year warranty
- Limited portability
- Unreliable auto-feed system
Buyer’s Guide – Finding the Best Budget Weed Eater under $100
Consider the following factors when looking for the best cheap weed eater.
Type
Weed eaters are of three different types: corded, battery-powered, and gas-powered. Corded trimmers are suitable for small to mid-sized gardens. They are lightweight and quiet during operation. However, they are limited in portability, as you always have to be close to a wall outlet. Moreover, they are not powerful enough to handle heavy-duty weeding.
Battery-powered trimmers are also suitable for small to medium-level jobs. They come with the advantage of portability. However, they cannot go for long without requiring a recharge.
Gas-powered trimmers are excellent for heavy-duty jobs. They are also portable but are not great for the environment.
Comfort
Since weed trimmers require significant physical effort to operate, look for one with an ergonomic design that enhances your comfort. Elements of such a design include an adjustable shaft and handle.
Durable Strings
One of the most prevalent problems among weed eaters is the snapping of strings. Check reviews before buying a weed eater to ensure that its strings are durable.
More buying guides like this:
- Top 5 overall weed eaters on the market
- Top 5 lightweight weed eaters out there
- Our favorite Husqvarna weed eaters
Conclusion
You do not always have to invest in a top-of-the-line weed eater to get your weed problem under control. With a bit of research, you should be able to identify an affordable weed trimmer that meets your needs perfectly.
We recommend checking out our top pick, the Black and Decker LST140C. This weed eater is efficient, powerful enough to handle most weeding needs, and is easy to use. If you have a smaller property will light-duty trimming needs, you can save a few bucks on our best-value pick, the BLACK+DECKER LST300 Weed Whacker.
We also recommend scoping out the other weed trimmers on this list as well
- See Also: 8 Best Lightweight Weed Eaters
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