Best Strimmer Under £200
Finding a reliable strimmer that balances power, runtime, and build quality without exceeding your budget is tough. We have analysed specs, battery ecosystems, and owner reviews to bring you the five best strimmers under £200 for 2026.
Quick answer
The Ryobi ONE+ 18V Brushless Strimmer is our top pick for its excellent balance of power, runtime, and value. For those needing more reach and power for heavy weeds, the Einhell GC-CT 18/28 Li-Solo Power X-Change is the best budget-friendly alternative.
Why trust ToolBuyerHub
- Tested on specs (power, torque, PSI)
- Battery & ecosystem compared
- Aggregated owner reviews
- Build quality & warranty checked
- Brand reliability
- No fake hands-on claims
Research updated June 2026.
Ryobi ONE+ 18V Brushless Strimmer (RY18110)
Brushless motor, reliable battery ecosystem, and easy edge-switching.
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryobi ONE+ 18V Brushless | Best Overall | 30cm cut, brushless | 4.7/5 | Check Amazon |
| Einhell GC-CT 18/28 Li-Solo | Best Budget | 28cm cut, 2x batteries | 4.5/5 | Check Amazon |
| Bosch EasyGrassCut 18V-26 | Best Lightweight | 26cm cut, 2.1kg | 4.4/5 | Check Amazon |
| Flymo Contour 18V | Best for Edging | 25cm cut, wheeled edge | 4.3/5 | Check Amazon |
| Makita DUR181Z (Bare) | Best for Makita Users | 30cm cut, 18V | 4.6/5 | Check Amazon |
Ryobi ONE+ 18V Brushless Strimmer (RY18110)
Best OverallPros
- Brushless motor for longer runtime
- Compatible with 50+ Ryobi ONE+ tools
- Easy edge-switch button
Cons
- Battery not included in all kits
- Plastic shaft can feel less robust
The Ryobi RY18110 is a standout in this price bracket because of its brushless motor, which delivers more torque and longer runtime than brushed alternatives. Owner reviews consistently mention that it handles thick grass and light weeds without bogging down, and the 30cm cutting width covers ground quickly.
The main drawback is that some kits ship without a battery, which adds cost if you are not already in the Ryobi ONE+ ecosystem. However, if you own any Ryobi 18V tool, this strimmer is a no-brainer upgrade.
Einhell GC-CT 18/28 Li-Solo Power X-Change
Best BudgetPros
- Excellent value with 2x 2.0Ah batteries
- Power X-Change ecosystem (50+ tools)
- Adjustable handle and height
Cons
- Brushed motor less efficient
- Plastic gearbox reported as weak point
The Einhell GC-CT 18/28 is the best budget option because it includes two 2.0Ah batteries and a charger for under £200. Owner reviews praise its runtime for a small to medium garden, and the adjustable handle makes it comfortable for different heights.
Some users report that the plastic gearbox can strip if you hit thick weeds repeatedly, but for regular grass trimming it holds up well. The brushed motor is less efficient than brushless, but the included batteries offset this for most tasks.
Bosch EasyGrassCut 18V-26
Best LightweightPros
- Very light at 2.1kg
- Bosch 18V ecosystem
- Compact design for tight spaces
Cons
- Smaller cutting width
- Not for heavy weeds
The Bosch EasyGrassCut is ideal for users who prioritise weight. At just 2.1kg, it is the lightest strimmer in this roundup, making it perfect for elderly users or those with smaller gardens. Owner reviews highlight its ease of use and how well it handles grass on flat lawns.
Its brushed motor and 26cm cutting width mean it is not suited for thick weeds or large areas. If your garden is mostly neat lawn, this is a great choice, but for heavier work look elsewhere.
Flymo Contour 18V
Best for EdgingPros
- Wheeled edge guide for neat edges
- Adjustable head for edging
- Good for small gardens
Cons
- Small cutting width
- Not powerful for thick weeds
The Flymo Contour 18V is designed with a wheeled edge guide that makes creating clean lawn borders simple. Owner reviews note that the adjustable head allows easy switching from trimming to edging, and the 25cm width is adequate for small to medium lawns.
Its brushed motor limits its ability to handle heavy growth, and the cutting width is smaller than competitors. If edging is your priority, this is a solid choice, but for general trimming the Ryobi or Einhell offer more versatility.
Makita DUR181Z (Bare Tool)
Best for Makita UsersPros
- Excellent build quality
- Powerful for a brushed motor
- Makita 18V ecosystem
Cons
- Bare tool only (no battery)
- Heavier than competitors
The Makita DUR181Z is a bare tool, meaning you need your own Makita 18V battery and charger. For existing Makita users, this is the best choice because of its robust build and reliable performance. Owner reviews consistently praise its power and durability, noting it handles thick grass well.
Its brushed motor is less efficient than brushless, and at 2.8kg it is heavier than the Ryobi. If you are not already in the Makita ecosystem, the Ryobi or Einhell offer better value with batteries included.
What to check before buying a strimmer under £200
Battery ecosystem is the most important factor. If you already own tools from Ryobi, Bosch, or Makita, buying a strimmer from the same brand lets you share batteries and chargers, saving money long term. Check the battery voltage and amp-hour (Ah) rating; higher Ah means longer runtime.
Cutting width affects how quickly you can trim. A 30cm width is standard for medium gardens, while 25cm or less is better for small lawns and edging. Also consider the line feed system: bump feed is common, but some models offer automatic feed for convenience.
Weight and balance matter for comfort. Lighter strimmers (under 2.5kg) are easier to use for extended periods, but heavier models often have more powerful motors. Adjustable handles and telescopic shafts improve ergonomics for different user heights.
Mistakes to avoid when buying a budget strimmer
Do not buy a strimmer without checking the battery compatibility. Many budget models use proprietary batteries that are expensive to replace and not shared with other tools. Stick to brands with established ecosystems like Ryobi, Bosch, or Makita.
Avoid models with very small cutting widths (under 23cm) unless you only have a tiny lawn. They take longer to cover ground and struggle with thicker grass. Also, be wary of very cheap kits that include low-capacity batteries (1.5Ah or less) as they may not provide enough runtime for a full garden.
FAQs
Can I use a strimmer under £200 for heavy weeds?
Most strimmers under £200 are designed for grass and light weeds. For heavy weeds, look for a brushless motor model like the Ryobi ONE+ or consider a petrol strimmer.
Is a brushless motor worth the extra cost?
Yes, brushless motors are more efficient, offer longer runtime, and require less maintenance than brushed motors. They are worth the premium if you use the strimmer regularly.
What battery size do I need for a strimmer?
A 2.0Ah battery is sufficient for small gardens, but a 4.0Ah or higher is recommended for medium to large gardens to avoid frequent recharging.
Can I use a strimmer to edge my lawn?
Many strimmers have an adjustable head that rotates for edging. The Flymo Contour 18V is specifically designed for edging with a wheeled guide.
How long does a strimmer battery last?
Runtime varies by battery capacity and grass thickness. A 2.0Ah battery typically lasts 15-25 minutes, while a 4.0Ah battery can last 30-50 minutes.
Are corded strimmers better than cordless?
Corded strimmers offer unlimited runtime and more power, but cordless models offer greater mobility and convenience. Under £200, cordless is more popular for most users.
What is the best strimmer for a small garden?
The Bosch EasyGrassCut 18V-26 is the best lightweight option for small gardens, while the Flymo Contour 18V is great for edging.
Can I use a strimmer on wet grass?
It is not recommended as wet grass can clog the cutting head and strain the motor. Always trim dry grass for best results.
How do I replace the line on a bump feed strimmer?
Most bump feed strimmers have a spool that can be removed and re-spooled with new line. Check the manual for your specific model.
Is the Makita DUR181Z worth buying?
If you already own Makita 18V batteries, the DUR181Z is an excellent choice for its build quality and power. If not, the Ryobi or Einhell offer better value.
Our verdict
The Ryobi ONE+ 18V Brushless Strimmer is our best overall pick for its brushless motor, reliable battery ecosystem, and excellent cutting performance. For budget-conscious buyers, the Einhell GC-CT 18/28 Li-Solo offers great value with two batteries included. Both deliver solid performance under £200.