Lawn mowers are an essential tool for keeping yards neat and well-maintained. They come in many styles, from electric to gas-powered, and in a wide range of prices. Finding a reliable mower that doesn’t cost too much can be challenging, but affordable options are available that still perform well.
Cheap lawn mowers usually focus on basic features like cutting power and ease of use without extra bells and whistles. These mowers are great for small to medium-sized lawns and for people who want to save money without sacrificing quality. It’s important to understand the trade-offs when choosing a budget mower, such as shorter durability or fewer advanced functions.
When buying a cheap lawn mower, key things to pay attention to include the power source, cutting width, and how easy it is to start and maneuver. Weight and maintenance needs also matter, especially if you have uneven terrain or limited storage space. We spent time researching and testing affordable lawn mowers to find the ones that offer the best balance of performance, value, and ease of use.
Best Cheap Lawn Mowers
We have tested and reviewed several affordable lawn mowers to find the best options for different needs. Our list focuses on quality, ease of use, and value to help you keep your lawn tidy without spending too much.
Litheli Cordless Mower
This mower works well for small yards if you want a lightweight, easy-to-handle option without spending too much.
Pros
- Very light, easy to push and carry
- Simple to adjust cutting height with one lever
- Folds up nicely for storage
Cons
- Battery life is short, about 15 minutes per charge
- Struggles with thick or tall grass
- Motor sometimes cuts out unexpectedly
We found the Litheli cordless mower to be very handy for small yards or quick touch-ups. Its light weight made it easy for us to move around tight spots without getting tired. The folding handle was also a plus when it came time to put it away.
Adjusting the cutting height was straightforward with one lever controlling all wheels at once. This saved time and made it simple to get the look we wanted. The 13-inch blade width is enough for small areas, but it may feel slow on larger spaces.
Battery life was the biggest issue. About 15 minutes of run time means you might need to charge it mid-job in bigger yards. Some times, the power would cut out suddenly, which was frustrating during use. Overall, it’s best for small, manageable lawns.
American Lawn Mower 50514
This mower is a solid choice for small yards if you want an affordable, quiet, and easy-to-use electric option.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to push
- Quiet operation with a strong motor
- Simple assembly and eco-friendly
Cons
- Small cutting width means more passes
- Lawn bag fills up quickly
- Cutting height adjustment could be improved
We found this mower surprisingly powerful for its size. It handles small lawns smoothly without much effort. The motor runs quietly, which makes mowing less annoying than gas-powered models.
The compact 14-inch deck means the mower is great for tight spaces but takes longer on bigger yards. The grass catcher needs frequent emptying, especially if you mow after a couple of weeks of growth.
Adjusting the cutting height was a bit tricky. Sometimes it cuts lower than expected even at the highest setting. Still, its price and easy setup make it a practical pick if you have a small lawn and want a no-fuss, corded mower.
LawnMaster ME1218X Electric Mower
This mower is a solid choice for those needing a budget-friendly, lightweight electric option that handles small to medium yards decently.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to push around
- Decent cutting width for its price
- Simple height adjustment lever
Cons
- Handle design limits side-to-side movement
- Build quality feels a bit flimsy
- Cord can limit mobility compared to cordless models
The LawnMaster ME1218X stood out for how easy it was to carry around since it weighs just over 30 pounds. We liked that it didn’t feel like a heavy chore to get mowing done, especially for smaller yards. The 19-inch cutting deck made it quicker to cover ground than expected at this price.
Adjusting the height with the single lever was straightforward, letting us switch between different cut lengths quickly. This helped when our lawn had some spots with taller grass.
On the downside, the handle can’t really swing side to side like older mowers, which made tight turns a little awkward. Also, the plastic parts felt less sturdy than other models we’ve used, so it might not last for heavy-duty use. Finally, because it’s corded, the power cable limited how far we could roam without unplugging regularly.
Overall, this mower works well if you want a lightweight, affordable electric mower and don’t need extra features or heavy-duty parts.
LawnMaster 16-Inch Push Reel Mower
This mower is a solid choice for those who want an easy-to-use, eco-friendly tool that cuts grass cleanly without any noise or fuel hassle.
Pros
- Cuts grass cleanly without tearing
- Easy to push and steer around the yard
- No gas or batteries needed, so it’s quiet and green
Cons
- Not great for tall or thick weeds
- Cutting height range is limited
- Assembly can be tricky if you aren’t careful
We found the LawnMaster reel mower works well if you have a small to medium lawn with mostly soft, even grass. The blades cut like scissors, which leaves the grass healthier and looking sharper compared to rotary mowers. It’s nice to push because the front wheels are big and move smoothly on flat ground.
Adjusting the height was simple, though it only offers four positions between 1 and 2 inches. That’s fine for keeping a short, neat lawn but not useful if your grass grows taller or if you have rough patches. It’s very light and quiet since it doesn’t need any power source, making it easy to store and clean after use.
A heads-up: the assembly needed some patience, especially loosening the wingnuts on the handle before joining everything. Once that was done, it felt sturdy and reliable. Overall, we think this mower gives good value if you want a basic, environmentally friendly option for regular lawn care.
Litheli 40V Cordless Lawn Mower
This mower is a solid option for small yards if you want a lightweight, easy-to-move electric mower with decent battery life.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to push around
- Adjustable cutting height works for different grass lengths
- Comes with two batteries for longer mowing sessions
Cons
- Sometimes stalls on thick or tall grass
- Blade could be sharper out of the box
- Battery can overheat after extended use
We found the Litheli mower impressively light, which made mowing less tiring for us. Moving it around the yard was simple, especially for those who don’t want to deal with heavy machines. The six height adjustments gave us good control to keep the lawn just right.
On thicker patches, though, the mower stalled a few times and needed a quick restart. The blade wasn’t very sharp when we got it, so a sharpening would improve cut quality and save battery power. The batteries last about 30 minutes, which suits smaller yards, but the heat buildup can be a problem if you push it too hard.
The wide 16-inch deck actually helped cover more ground with fewer passes. The large grass catcher meant we emptied it less often, which saves time. Overall, this mower fits well for light to medium jobs around small yards but might struggle if your grass is especially thick or long.
Greenworks 40V Cordless Mower
If you want a simple, quiet mower for small to medium lawns, this is a solid choice that saves you time and hassle.
Pros
- Starts instantly with a button—no gas or pull cords.
- Very light and easy to push around tight corners.
- Battery works with other Greenworks tools, so you can share power sources.
Cons
- Battery life may be short for bigger yards requiring multiple charges.
- Cutting width is smaller, so mowing takes longer on larger lawns.
- Bag can fill up quickly, needing frequent emptying on thick grass.
We found this mower runs quietly and starts right away, which really makes mowing feel less like a chore. Its lightweight build helped us cut around flower beds and slopes without much effort. The battery charging was fast, but we had to keep in mind the 35-minute runtime when planning to cover about half an acre.
The simple height adjustments worked well for different grass lengths, and switching between mulching or bagging clippings was straightforward. We liked not having to deal with gas or oil, which meant less maintenance and no strong odors during use.
This mower is a good fit for small yards or those looking to avoid noise and fumes. For bigger lawns, the limited run time and narrow cutting deck might slow you down. Still, it’s a handy tool that connects with other Greenworks 40V equipment for a neat power system.
LawnMaster Mower
This mower is a solid choice for anyone who wants a lightweight, easy-to-handle machine without the noise and mess of gas.
Pros
- Easy to push and maneuver
- Cuts well on different grass heights
- Compact and stores without hassle
Cons
- Grass bag fills quickly and needs frequent emptying
- Assembly can be a bit tricky to align the bag
- Limited cutting width means it takes longer for big yards
We found this mower fun to use on small lawns. It runs quietly and feels smooth when pushing it around. The folding handle makes storing it inside a tight garage straightforward.
The cutting height can be quickly changed, which is handy when the grass gets taller or shorter. It’s impressive how much power it delivers without gas or batteries.
However, the collection bag is smaller than expected, so plan to stop and dump clippings more often. Setting it up took a bit of patience, especially getting the grass catcher to fit right.
Overall, this mower works well for those with small spaces and don’t want loud equipment. Just keep in mind the bag size and cutting width if your yard is larger or thicker.
American Lawn Mower 14-Inch Reel Mower
If you want a low-cost, eco-friendly mower for a small yard, this reel mower is a solid choice because it’s simple and effective.
Pros
- Quiet with no gas or electricity needed
- Cuts cleanly without damaging grass
- Very lightweight and easy to push
Cons
- Not great for tall or thick grass
- Requires some skill to use well
- Needs blade sharpening every few years
We found this mower easy to use once we got the hang of pushing it steadily. It slides through short grass smoothly and leaves a neat, fresh cut. The noise is barely noticeable, which makes the job less annoying compared to gas mowers.
Since it’s manual, there’s no fuel, engine troubles, or loud starts. That makes it perfect for people looking for a hassle-free tool that won’t damage the environment.
However, if your lawn has tall or tough grass, this mower struggles and slows down. It’s best for smaller yards with lighter grass that you cut often. Also, a little patience is needed as mowing takes more time than motorized versions.
BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Corded Lawn Mower
This mower is great for small yards because it combines mowing, trimming, and edging in one lightweight, easy-to-use tool.
Pros
- Very lightweight and easy to handle
- Converts quickly between mower, trimmer, and edger modes
- Cord retention system keeps the cord secure during use
Cons
- Only suitable for small lawn areas
- Requires an extension cord (not included)
- Cutting width and height are limited
We found this mower is easy to carry around and perfect for tight spaces. Using it felt simple, especially when switching between mowing and trimming without wasting time.
The power is decent for a small yard, and the cord lock helped prevent unplugging accidentally. However, for larger lawns, the 12-inch cutting width felt slow and a bit limiting.
Overall, it does the job well in small spaces and along edges. If you want a lightweight tool that covers multiple tasks without burning gas, this is a good pick.
Great States Reel Mower
This manual reel mower is a solid choice for small yards if you want a quiet, easy-to-handle tool that keeps grass looking neat without gas or electricity.
Pros
- Cuts cleanly without damaging the grass
- Lightweight and easy to push on flat lawns
- No gas, oil, or power cords to worry about
Cons
- Can be tough to push on thick or tall grass
- Takes some practice to adjust the height right
- Not ideal for large or uneven yards
We found this mower works well for keeping small patches of lawn tidy. It’s simple to use once you get the hang of pushing the reel blades through the grass. The scissor-like cut leaves the grass edges smooth, which helps make your lawn healthier over time.
Because it’s manual, there’s no noise or fumes, which is a big plus if you want something eco-friendly. Maneuvering around flower beds or tight spots is easier thanks to the small size and light wheels.
On the flip side, if you have thick or high grass, it’ll take more effort. Also, it takes a little trial and error to set the blade height just right. Overall, for basic lawn care on a small to medium yard, this is a reliable, low-maintenance mower.
Buying Guide
Choosing the best cheap lawn mower means balancing price with important features. We need to think about what type of lawn we have and how often we plan to cut the grass. This will help us pick a mower that suits our yard and our budget.
We should look at the mower’s power source first. Gas models tend to be stronger but need more maintenance. Electric mowers are quieter and easier to use but may not work well for large yards. Battery-powered mowers can offer more flexibility but check how long the battery lasts.
Next, consider the mower’s size and weight. A lighter mower is easier to push and store, especially if we have a small yard. Larger mowers cover more ground faster, which is good for big lawns but might be harder to manage.
Cutting width is another key feature. A wider blade means fewer passes over the lawn, saving us time. However, wider mowers can be harder to maneuver in tight spaces.
We also want to check features like height adjustment, which lets us choose how short or tall the grass stays. Some mowers offer options like bagging or mulching clippings, which can keep the yard tidy.
| Feature | Why It Matters | What To Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Power Source | Affects strength and maintenance | Gas, electric, or battery options |
| Weight & Size | Ease of use and storage | Light for small yards; bigger for large areas |
| Cutting Width | Efficiency | Wider for faster mowing |
| Height Adjustment | Grass length control | Multiple settings |
| Clipping Options | Yard cleanliness | Bagging, mulching, or side discharge |
FAQs
What makes a lawn mower “cheap” but still effective?
We look for mowers that offer good cutting power and durability at a low price. Cheap doesn’t mean low quality if the mower can handle regular grass cutting without breaking down quickly.
Are cheap lawn mowers safe to use?
Yes, most cheap lawn mowers follow safety standards. We recommend checking for safety features like blade guards, automatic shut-off, and easy-to-use controls to avoid accidents.
How large of an area can a cheap lawn mower cover?
Cheap mowers usually work best for small to medium yards around 1/4 to 1/2 acre. For bigger spaces, you might need a more powerful or larger mower.
What kind of maintenance do cheap lawn mowers need?
Regular cleaning, blade sharpening, and oil changes keep our mowers running well. Cheap mowers often require the same maintenance as more expensive models but may need parts replaced sooner.
How do cheap lawn mowers compare to electric or battery-powered models?
Gas-powered cheap mowers can be stronger but require fuel and more upkeep. Electric or battery mowers are quieter and easier to maintain but might cost more upfront.
Is it better to buy a cheap lawn mower or rent one?
If we mow often, buying cheap is more cost-effective. Renting is good for one-time or rare use but can add up with frequent needs.
Can cheap lawn mowers handle thick or tall grass?
Some can, but many cheap models work best on regular grass. If our lawn has thick grass, we should look for models with stronger engines and adjustable cutting heights.
Conclusion
When we look for the best cheap lawn mower, we focus on effectiveness and safety. A good mower should cut grass evenly and be easy to control. Safety features like blade guards help protect us while working.
Eco-friendliness is another key factor. Many affordable mowers use electric power or efficient gas engines. This helps reduce pollution and lowers fuel costs, which is better for our environment and budget.
We want a lawn mower that fits our yard size and mowing habits. Choosing the right type—push, self-propelled, or electric—can make a big difference in comfort and results. It’s smart to pick a reliable brand with good reviews for long-term use.
By selecting a mower that balances cost with quality, we get the best value without sacrificing performance. Investing in a solid, cheap lawn mower means we maintain a healthy lawn without extra stress.
Let’s take action now and find a mower that meets our needs. This way, we enjoy a neat yard and a smart purchase for years to come.
