Top 5 Budget Lawn Mowers: Review & Buying Guide

Does the thought of buying a new lawn mower make your wallet sweat? You want a neat, tidy yard, but those high-end machines come with sky-high price tags. It feels like you have to choose between a perfect lawn and paying your bills. Many people face this struggle every spring.

Finding an inexpensive lawn mower that actually works well can feel like a treasure hunt. You worry about buying something cheap that breaks after just a few uses. You need a reliable machine without emptying your savings account. This guide cuts through the confusion and noise.

We will show you exactly what features matter most when you are shopping on a budget. Learn how to spot the best deals and avoid common traps. Keep reading to discover smart tips for getting a great mower that keeps your grass looking sharp without costing too much!

Top Inexpensive Lawn Mowers Recommendations

No. 1
Litheli Cordless Lawn Mower 13 Inch, U20 Handy+ 20V Electric Lawn Mowers for Garden, Yard and Farm, 5 Heights Adjustment, Light Weight,4.0Ah Portable Battery Included
  • [Cutting Grass Strong]:The Walk-behind battery mowers can mow up to 1,300 sq. ft. of medium-sized lawn on a full charge, and this electric lawn mower has a 13 In cutting width,with 3400RPM high performance speed, you can cut your lawn with ease. Warning: Use only the original U20 charger. Improper charging may result in fire hazard.
  • [5 Mowing Height Adjustments] : The cordless lawn mower with five height adjustments, the battery lawn mower makes it easy to raise the blades from 1 In to 2.5 In, while also collecting the clippings in an 8-gallon bag.
  • [High-performance motor]:The battery powered lawn mower is powered by a high-performance motor, which is low-maintenance, low-noise, and powerful compared to conventional motors, ensuring maximum performance and longer, smoother running time.
  • [Easy to fold]:The lawn mower electric ensures a healthy working posture with an adjustable handle, which reduces the strain on your arms and back.The folding handle saves storage space, even in tight garden sheds and garages. The carrying handle makes it easy to carry the lightweight mower.
  • [BATTERY UNIVERSAL]:The lawn mower battery powered comes with 1 x 20,000mAh battery that can work continuously for 15 minutes, the same as a member of the Litheli series with all the cordless freedom of the series: lithium-ion rechargeable batteries can be used for all the products, and at the same time lithium-ion rechargeable batteries can be used for emergency charging of cell phones, computers, tablets and other electronic devices.
No. 2
LawnMaster MEB1114K Electric Corded Lawn Mower 15-Inch 11AMP
  • POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: Tackle your yard with 3,300 RPM of power and a 14-inch cutting width
  • ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY: No gas or batteries needed to power the mower
  • CUSTOMIZE YOUR CUT: Effortlessly change the height of your cut with 5 cutting positions varying between 1.4-inches and 3-inches
  • MAX MANEUVERABILITY: Features 7.75-inch rear wheels for easy navigation around the lawn
  • 7-GALLON COLLECTION BAG: Neatly stores grass clippings for a tidier lawn
No. 3
Greenworks 40V 16" Cordless Lawn Mower, Ultra-Light Push Mower with 4.0Ah Battery & Charger(75+ Tool Compatibility, 45Min Runtime)
  • Effortless Power for ½ Acre Yards- Experience gas-like performance without the hassle—35 minutes of continuous runtime from a single 4.0Ah battery (full charge in 2 hours). Perfect for small to medium lawns up to ½ acre.
  • Ultra-Lightweight Design (35% Lighter)- 16" cutting deck with ergonomic handles and push-button start makes maneuvering effortless—ideal for users prioritizing comfort and ease of storage.
  • Smart Cut Adjustment System- Single-lever 5-position height control (1.25"-3.375") adapts to any grass type. 2-in-1 mulching/rear-bagging system maximizes clippings management.
  • Zero Maintenance, Maximum Savings- No gas/oil costs, emissions, or engine tune-ups. Save $200+ annually vs gas mowers with whisper-quiet operation (<75dB).
  • Complete Ecosystem Value- Includes battery, fast charger, grass bag & 3year tool + 3year battery warranty Works with 75+ Greenworks 40V tools(trimmers, blowers, chainsaws...)—expand your cordless toolkit.
No. 4
LawnMaster MEB1216K Electric Lawn Mower 16-Inch 12AMP
  • POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: Tackle your yard with 3,500 RPM of power and a 16-inch cutting width
  • ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY: No gas or batteries needed to power the mower
  • CUSTOMIZE YOUR CUT: Effortlessly change the height of your cut with 5 cutting positions varying between 1.4-inches and 3-inches
  • MAX MANEUVERABILITY: Features 8.86-inch rear wheels for easy navigation around the lawn
  • 8-GALLON COLLECTION BAG: Neatly stores grass clippings for a tidier lawn
No. 5
ROYAL GARDEN 13 Inch Lawn Mower Cordless Electric Walk Behind Push Mower with 5-Height Adjust Portable & Lightweight Push Battery Powered Lawn Mower (4.0AH Battery & Charger Included)
  • 【Powerful Brushless Motor】:The lawn mower cordless features a brushless motor that delivers more power and lasts longer than traditional motors. Whether tackling overgrown weeds or freshly sprouted grass, it handles any yard effortlessly—keeping your lawn neat and tidy.
  • 【5-Height Adjust】:The cordless lawn mower with 5 position height adjustment from 0.78 inches to 2.36 inches. With multiple cutting height options, it adapts to any scenario—effortlessly tackling both manicured lawns and overgrown grass. Experience exceptional mowing performance every time.
  • 【Wide Cutting Path】: With a 13-inch cutting width and a 30L grass catcher.The brushless lawn mower cover more ground in less time. The wide cutting deck minimizes passes needed, letting you effortlessly maintain your entire lawn.
  • 【Lightweight and Maneuverable】: Weighing only 23.7 pounds, the electreic cordless lawn mower is easy to maneuver and transport. Lightweight and intuitively designed, it operates effortlessly—requiring minimal strength to maneuver. Anyone can master it, regardless of age or physical ability.
  • 【Powerful Performance】:This electric lawn mower has strong mowing ability, with a working time of up to 15 minutes and a cutting area of up to 1700 sqft.Suitable for small courtyard lawn maintenance and user-friendly for female users.
No. 6
BLACK+DECKER Electric Lawn Mower, Weed Eater and Edger 3-in-1 Combo, Corded 12-Inch 6.5 Amp Electric Weed Wacker and Compact Push Mower (BESTA512CM)
  • Multi-Function Convenience: Easily switch between mowing, trimming, and edging for three-in-one versatility with your string trimmer
  • Powerful Cutting Performance: The 6.5 amp motor with POWERDRIVE Transmission delivers top results when tackling tough weeds and thick grass using your electric weed eater
  • Continuous Operation: Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) system allows uninterrupted work without bumping or manual adjustments, keeping your grass cutter efficient
  • Ideal for Small Lawns: Designed for compact spaces with a 12-inch cutting width, 1.6-inch cutting height, and speeds up to 8000 RPM, this grass trimmer is built for precision
  • Comfort and Control: Lightweight construction with adjustable handle and height positions ensures maximum comfort during use
No. 7
WORKPROX 16-Inch Push Reel Lawn Mower, Adjustable Height 5-Blade Reel Mower with Removable 8-Gallon Grass Catcher for Yards and Gardens, Black
  • Multi-Blade Design: The push reel lawn mower features 5 cutting blades with a scissor-like action that won’t tear or damage grass blades, ensuring this reel mower delivers a cleaner, more level cut
  • Adjustable Cutting Height: The push lawn mower features adjustable cutting heights from 0.6 to 1.6 inches, making it ideal for yards and gardens, especially for trimming young grass and maintaining a neat, well-groomed lawn
  • Lightweight & Easy to Push: With a lightweight 16.8 lbs design, large 8.6-inch wheels, and a 16-inch cutting path, this push mower rolls smoothly, covers more area with less effort, and makes mowing faster and easier for homeowners
  • Quiet Operation: No gas, no electricity, no noise. This manual lawn mower operates silently with zero emissions, making it ideal for mowing without disturbing your family or neighbors
  • User-Centered Design: Features a detachable 8-gallon grass catcher for easy cleanup and a foam-padded U-shaped handle for comfortable grip. Simple assembly and the sturdy Y-shaped bracket make this lawn mower easy to set up and use right out of the box
No. 8
AMERISUN 21-Inch 3-in-1 Gas Lawn Mower, Self Propelled with 170cc 4-Stroke Engine, 6-Position Adjustable Cutting Height, Side Discharge, Mulching & Rear Bag, High-Wheel Push Mower for Yard & Garden
  • POWERFUL 170CC 4-STROKE OHV GAS ENGINE - This self propelled gas lawn mower is built for strength and efficiency, providing reliable starting and consistent power to cut through tall, thick grass in medium and large yards.
  • 21-INCH CUTTING DECK WITH 3-IN-1 FUNCTION – Versatile lawn mower design supports side discharge, mulching, and rear bag collection, making it the perfect push mower for yard, garden, and landscaping maintenance.
  • SELF PROPELLED DRIVE WITH HIGH-WHEEL DESIGN – Large 10-inch rear wheels and 7-inch front wheels make this gas powered lawn mower self propelled easy to maneuver across uneven terrain, hills, and slopes.
  • 6-POSITION ADJUSTABLE CUTTING HEIGHT (1.5”-3.9”) – Customize your cut with this 21-inch gas lawn mower by quickly switching between 6 height settings, ensuring a clean and professional finish for every season.
  • DURABLE, FOLDABLE & EASY ASSEMBLY – Built with a heavy-duty steel deck for long-lasting performance; includes a 1.4-bushel grass catcher to reduce emptying trips; the foldable handle design allows compact storage, while the quick and simple assembly makes this self propelled push mower with bag ready to use in minutes.

The Smart Shopper’s Guide to Inexpensive Lawn Mowers

Buying a new lawn mower doesn’t have to empty your wallet. Many affordable options exist that still give you a clean, neat yard. This guide helps you pick the best budget-friendly mower for your needs.

Key Features to Look For in Budget Mowers

When looking at cheaper models, focus on features that matter most for your yard size. Don’t get distracted by fancy extras you won’t use.

Power Source Matters

  • Corded Electric: These are usually the cheapest. They are light and require no gas or oil. You must stay near an outlet. Good for small, flat yards.
  • Battery (Cordless) Electric: Slightly more expensive than corded. They offer freedom of movement. Check the battery voltage (V) and amp-hours (Ah); higher numbers mean longer run times.
  • Gas Powered: Often found cheaply used, but new budget gas models can be noisy and need more upkeep (oil changes, spark plugs). Only choose gas if your yard is very large or very uneven.

Cutting Width and Height Adjustment

Cutting width (how wide the mower cuts in one pass) affects how fast you finish. Smaller yards benefit from 14-inch to 17-inch decks. Look for simple height adjustment levers. You should be able to change the cutting height easily, usually offering 3 to 5 settings.

Important Materials and Durability

The materials used show how long the mower will last. Budget mowers often make cuts here to save money.

Deck Material

Most inexpensive mowers use a **durable plastic or composite deck**. This keeps the mower light and rust-free. Steel decks are stronger but heavier and usually reserved for more expensive models.

Wheels and Handle

Examine the wheels. Plastic wheels can crack over time, especially if you push the mower over bumps often. Look for decent-sized wheels that spin smoothly. The handle should be sturdy enough not to wobble when you push it.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Even cheap mowers have differences in quality.

What Improves Quality (Even on a Budget)

  • Mulching Capability: If the mower can mulch (chop grass finely and drop it back on the lawn), this adds nutrients to your soil. This is a great bonus feature.
  • Safety Features: Ensure it has a reliable safety shut-off bar. This feature stops the blade instantly when you let go.

What Reduces Quality

Be wary of mowers with very low prices. They might have weak motors that bog down in thick grass. Also, look out for very thin plastic housing; this often breaks easily if bumped against a tree or rock.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about how you will actually use the mower before you buy.

Ease of Use

Electric mowers are easier to start—you just push a button. Gas mowers require pulling a cord, which some people find difficult. Lightweight mowers are easier to turn and store in a garage or shed.

Who Should Buy What?

  • Small City Lots (under 1/4 acre): A corded electric mower is often the perfect, cheapest choice.
  • Medium Yards with Slopes: A lightweight cordless electric mower gives you freedom without the hassle of gas maintenance.
  • Rental Properties or Occasional Use: A basic, used gas mower might work, but be ready for maintenance.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Inexpensive Lawn Mowers

Q: How small of a yard can a $100 mower handle?

A: A very small yard, maybe up to 1/8 of an acre, is fine for the cheapest electric mowers, as long as the grass isn’t too tall.

Q: Are cheap gas mowers worth buying new?

A: Generally, no. New budget gas mowers often have lower quality engines. You might find better value buying a slightly older, well-maintained used model.

Q: What does “deck size” mean?

A: Deck size is the width of the cutting area. A bigger deck means you finish mowing faster, but it makes the mower harder to store.

Q: Should I worry about batteries in a cheap cordless mower?

A: Yes. Check the warranty on the battery. Batteries are the most expensive part to replace later, so make sure the included battery lasts long enough for your whole yard.

Q: How do I keep my electric mower light?

A: Electric mowers stay light because they lack heavy gas tanks and complex engines. They are often easier to lift onto a shelf for storage.

Q: Do inexpensive mowers collect grass clippings?

A: Many do, using a bag that attaches to the back. However, on the very cheapest models, you might only have the option to mulch or side-discharge the grass.

Q: What is the main sacrifice when buying cheap?

A: The main sacrifice is usually durability and motor power. They may struggle in thick or wet grass where a powerful, expensive mower would not.

Q: Is a corded mower safe if it rains?

A: You should never use any electric mower in the rain or on wet grass. Always keep the extension cord connections elevated and dry.

Q: How loud are budget mowers?

A: Electric mowers (corded or battery) are much quieter than gas mowers. They usually sound like a loud vacuum cleaner.

Q: Can I mow very tall grass with a budget mower?

A: You should avoid it. Budget mowers work best when you cut off only one-third of the grass blade height at a time. If the grass is already very tall, cut it in two passes.