Trimming a small lawn and clearing thicker grass call for different strengths. A wider cutting path can cover open areas faster, while adjustable speed settings and edging modes can make detail work easier. This guide to the Best Weed Eater Under $100 compares three cordless models by cutting width, line feed, battery details, and controls, so you can match features to your yard.
Pros
- 4Ah battery and charger included
- Trimmer and edger in one tool
- Two speed settings
- Adjustable handle
Cons
- 13-inch swath may require more passes across wide areas
- Skip it for broad lawns needing wider cutting coverage
Pros
- Trimmer and edger in one tool
- Automatic line feed
- Battery and charger included
- Lightweight 5.7-pound design
Cons
- Skip it if you need a wider cutting swath
Pros
- Trimmer and wheeled edger in one tool
- Two-speed control
- 2.5Ah battery and charger included
- Automatic line advancement
Cons
- Skip it if you need a wider cutting swath
The Best String Trimmers by Use Case
Best for Longer Listed Runtime: CRAFTSMAN V20 String Trimmer and Lawn Edger Kit
The CRAFTSMAN V20 String Trimmer and Lawn Edger Kit stands out for buyers who want a battery and charger included, along with a comparatively long stated runtime. Its listing specifies up to 63 minutes, a 13-inch cutting swath, two speed settings, and a turn-to-edge function. The listing also identifies the included battery as a 4.0Ah V20 model, making this option worth considering if you already use compatible V20 tools. The runtime is a manufacturer claim, not a guarantee for every yard or cutting condition. See the String Trimmers category for more options.
Name: CRAFTSMAN V20 String Trimmer and Lawn Edger Kit
Reasons to buy:
- The listing specifies up to 63 minutes of runtime and includes a 4.0Ah battery and charger.
- The 13-inch cutting swath covers a wider strip per pass than the two 12-inch alternatives here.
- Two speed settings let you prioritize power or runtime, while turn-to-edge operation adds edging in the same tool.
Reasons to avoid:
- Its 0.065-inch line specification is worth checking against your preferred replacement line before buying.
- The listing does not provide runtime conditions, so actual operating time may differ with grass, speed, and use.
Who should skip it: Skip it if you need verified runtime for a specific yard or do not want to use the V20 battery system.
Best for Automatic Line Feeding: BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX String Trimmer and Edger 2
The BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX String Trimmer and Edger 2 suits buyers who prefer automatic line advancement over bumping the head during use. Its AFS system feeds line when needed, and its 2-in-1 design converts between trimming and edging. The listing specifies a 12-inch cutting swath and a 2.0Ah battery and charger in the package. With fewer details about runtime than the other two listings, it is a straightforward option to compare when automatic feeding and included essentials matter more than a longer stated runtime.
Name: BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX String Trimmer and Edger 2
Reasons to buy:
- Automatic Feed Spool advances line without requiring you to bump the trimmer head.
- The trimmer converts to an edger, and the listing describes the conversion as quick.
- Battery, charger, and a wall-mountable charging base are listed as included.
Reasons to avoid:
- The 12-inch cutting swath is narrower than the CRAFTSMAN model’s 13-inch swath.
- The included battery is 2.0Ah, and the supplied listing does not state a runtime in minutes.
Who should skip it: Skip it if you need a listed runtime estimate or want the wider cutting path and larger included battery specified by the CRAFTSMAN kit.
Best for Two-Speed Control: BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX 12 Inch Weed Eater Cordless
The BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX 12 Inch Weed Eater Cordless is a fit for buyers who want to switch between higher power and longer runtime according to the job. Its listing specifies two speeds, PowerDrive transmission, automatic line advancement, and conversion to wheeled edging. The package includes a 2.5Ah battery and charger. These details make it a flexible choice for a yard with both routine trimming and areas where extra cutting power may be useful, though the listing does not give a runtime in minutes.
Name: BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX 12 Inch Weed Eater Cordless
Reasons to buy:
- Two speed settings let you choose higher power or longer runtime for the task.
- Automatic line advancement reduces the need to stop and manually feed line.
- The listing specifies a wheeled edging mode and includes a 2.5Ah battery and charger.
Reasons to avoid:
- Its 12-inch cutting swath is smaller than the CRAFTSMAN trimmer’s 13-inch path.
- The listing does not state a runtime in minutes, so buyers cannot compare expected operating time directly from the supplied information.
Who should skip it: Skip it if a stated runtime estimate or a wider cutting swath matters more than switching speeds.
How to Choose the Best Weed Eater Under $100
Match the cutting swath to your yard
Cutting swath indicates how wide a strip the trimmer covers in one pass. A 13-inch path can suit open sections where covering ground is a priority; a 12-inch path may be sufficient for smaller lawns or detail trimming. The CRAFTSMAN listing specifies a 13-inch swath, while both BLACK+DECKER listings specify 12 inches. That difference can help guide a choice, but it does not by itself show how quickly a particular yard will be finished. Check the listed width and consider whether your work involves broad areas, tight corners, or a mix.
Read battery capacity and runtime claims separately
A battery’s amp-hour rating and a stated runtime are different pieces of information. The CRAFTSMAN listing gives a 4.0Ah battery and claims up to 63 minutes; BLACK+DECKER LST300 lists a 2.0Ah battery, while LST522 lists a 2.5Ah battery. The two BLACK+DECKER descriptions do not give runtime in minutes. Do not treat battery capacity alone as a precise runtime estimate. If you have other cordless tools, check the exact battery-system compatibility on the listing before assuming a battery will fit or work with another device.
Choose line feeding that fits your work habits
Both BLACK+DECKER models list automatic line advancement. That can reduce interruptions associated with manually feeding line, but buyers should still confirm replacement-spool details and compatibility before purchasing refills. The CRAFTSMAN listing specifies a spool using 0.065-inch line. The supplied information does not establish that the spool or line used by one model fits another, so treat each product’s refills as model-specific until the manufacturer confirms otherwise. Look for line diameter and spool information in the product listing or manual.
Consider edging method and controls
All three listings describe trimming and edging functions, but the details differ. CRAFTSMAN specifies turn-to-edge functionality, the LST300 converts between modes, and the LST522 describes conversion to wheeled edging. If you edge sidewalks often, check the product images and instructions to understand how the conversion works and whether the stated wheeled feature suits your preferred method. Two-speed control is listed on the CRAFTSMAN and LST522 models, useful when you want a choice between power and longer runtime rather than a single operating setting.
Verify what comes in the box
Included batteries and chargers matter because cordless tools may be sold in different package versions. The supplied details list a battery and charger with each of these three products, but capacities vary. Before ordering, confirm the exact model number and package contents on the current product page, especially if you already own batteries or chargers. You can browse the broader Lawn & Garden category if your shopping list includes other yard equipment.
How We Compared
This comparison uses the supplied product descriptions and listed specifications, including cutting width, battery details, line-feeding systems, speed controls, and edging functions. The product data also includes ratings, but reports zero reviews for each listing, so customer feedback cannot establish recurring owner experiences here. Runtime and power statements are presented as manufacturer claims where provided. Buyers should confirm current package details and compatibility on the product listing before choosing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can these string trimmers also edge a lawn?
Each supplied listing describes an edging function. CRAFTSMAN specifies turn-to-edge operation, the BLACK+DECKER LST300 converts between trimming and edging, and the LST522 listing specifies wheeled edging. Check the product instructions for how to change modes and guide the tool along borders.
Which model has the longest stated runtime?
The CRAFTSMAN listing claims up to 63 minutes. That figure is a manufacturer claim, and the supplied information does not describe the conditions behind it. The two BLACK+DECKER listings provide battery capacities but no runtime in minutes.
Are the batteries interchangeable among these models?
The supplied product information identifies the CRAFTSMAN kit as part of its V20 system and the BLACK+DECKER models as part of the 20V MAX system. It does not confirm cross-brand compatibility. Verify the exact battery model and manufacturer compatibility guidance rather than assuming similar voltage labels mean batteries can be shared.
What is the advantage of automatic line feeding?
An automatic feed system advances line as needed, according to the BLACK+DECKER listings. This can reduce the need to bump the head or stop to feed line manually. Check replacement-spool compatibility and instructions, since the supplied product data does not establish that spools are interchangeable between models.
Is a wider cutting swath always the better choice?
Not necessarily. A wider path can cover more ground per pass in open areas, while a narrower path may feel more manageable around tight edges and obstacles. These listings specify 13 inches for CRAFTSMAN and 12 inches for both BLACK+DECKER models. Choose based on the shape of your yard and the work you do most often.
Do all three products include a battery and charger?
Yes, the supplied descriptions list a battery and charger with each model. The listed capacities differ: 4.0Ah for CRAFTSMAN, 2.0Ah for BLACK+DECKER LST300, and 2.5Ah for BLACK+DECKER LST522. Confirm the current package contents and model number before purchase.
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