6 Best Cheap Lawn Mowers to Buy in 2025

The BESTA512CM transforms from zero to hero faster than your neighbor can prime their gas mower. This 9.9-pound transformer morphs between mower, trimmer, and edger with surgical precision, making it the Swiss Army knife of budget lawn care. The 12-inch cutting deck paired with 8,000 RPM motor chews through overgrown patches that would choke lesser electric mowers, while the automatic feed spool eliminates the bump-and-pray dance traditional string trimmers demand.

During testing, this corded champion dominated small urban lawns under 1,500 square feet, slicing through thick Kentucky bluegrass like butter. The 1.6-inch maximum cutting height limits its appeal for taller fescue varieties, but the unlimited runtime means you’ll finish before battery-powered competitors need their first recharge. The built-in cord retention system prevents embarrassing disconnections mid-strip, though navigating around trees requires some creative extension cord choreography.

Against the LawnMaster MEB1114K, the BLACK+DECKER sacrifices cutting width and collection capability for versatility and weight savings. While the LawnMaster offers dedicated mower performance with bagging, the 3-in-1 functionality makes this the obvious choice for apartment dwellers or homeowners with intricate landscaping. For buyers prioritizing multi-tool convenience over pure mowing power, this represents the sweet spot between features and affordability.

The MEB1114K delivers gas-like power without the fumes, startup drama, or oil changes that plague budget gas mowers. This 28-pound workhorse spins its 15-inch blade at 3,300 RPM, creating a clean, consistent cut that rivals mowers costing twice as much. The 7-gallon collection bag captures clippings efficiently, while five height adjustments from 1.4 to 3 inches handle everything from manicured Bermuda to shaggy fescue with equal confidence.

Real-world testing revealed surprising hill-climbing ability thanks to those 7.75-inch rear wheels, conquering 15-degree slopes that leave lighter mowers spinning their wheels. The 11-amp motor maintains steady blade speed through thick patches, though extremely wet grass can overwhelm the discharge chute. Storage proves refreshingly simple – folding handles reduce this to closet-friendly dimensions, perfect for garage-challenged homeowners.

When stacked against the Litheli 13-inch cordless, the LawnMaster offers 50% more cutting width and continuous power at the cost of cord management. The corded design eliminates battery anxiety but introduces extension cord limitations. For buyers with medium-sized yards under 3,000 square feet who value raw cutting performance over portability, this represents the budget category’s performance leader.

The U20 Handy+ liberates budget-conscious homeowners from the tyranny of extension cords while delivering surprising endurance for its price class. This cordless contender covers 1,300 square feet on a single charge – enough for most suburban front yards – with a 13-inch cutting swath that balances efficiency with maneuverability. The 4.0Ah battery doubles as emergency power for your phone, making this the Swiss Army knife of yard tools.

Testing through varied grass types showed the 3400 RPM motor maintains consistent speed through standard residential lawns, though thick St. Augustine grass can drain the battery faster than advertised. The five-position height adjustment (1-2.5 inches) offers flexibility for seasonal changes, while the 8-gallon collection bag reduces emptying frequency compared to smaller competitors. The fold-flat design stores vertically, reclaiming precious garage space.

Against the corded LawnMaster MEB1114K, the Litheli sacrifices cutting width and unlimited runtime for cordless freedom and multi-tool battery compatibility. While the LawnMaster dominates larger yards, the Litheli 13-inch excels in tight spaces and landscaped areas where cords become trip hazards. For small to medium yards prioritizing convenience over raw power, this strikes the perfect budget balance.

The 16-inch Litheli brings premium features to the budget segment with dual-battery endurance that laughs at larger yards. This dual-20V powerhouse tackles 2,700 square feet per charge – nearly double its 13-inch sibling – while the 16-inch deck cuts mowing time significantly. The six-position height range (0.98-2.98 inches) offers professional-grade precision typically reserved for mowers costing twice as much.

Field testing through thick fescue and weed patches demonstrated the high-torque motor’s ability to maintain blade speed under load, though extremely tall grass can still challenge the system. The dual battery system provides 30 minutes of continuous runtime, with the battery level indicator preventing mid-mow surprises. The folding handle system creates an incredibly compact footprint, while the integrated carrying handle makes transport upstairs or between properties effortless.

Compared to the BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1, the Litheli 16-inch offers superior cutting performance and coverage but lacks the versatility of edging and trimming. While the BLACK+DECKER serves triple-duty, the dedicated mower design delivers cleaner cuts and better collection. For buyers with established lawns who need reliable weekly maintenance without breaking the bank, this represents the budget category’s range champion.

The 1204-14 delivers zen-like simplicity with scissor-action cutting that creates healthier, greener lawns without fossil fuels or electricity. This 19-pound manual marvel uses precision-ground blades to slice grass cleanly rather than tearing it, resulting in lawn-care professional results at a fraction of the cost. The 14-inch cutting width navigates gates and tight spaces effortlessly, while 8.5-inch polymer wheels roll smoothly over uneven terrain.

Real-world testing revealed surprising effectiveness on properly maintained lawns, slicing through Kentucky bluegrass like a hot knife through butter. The 0.5-1.75 inch height range excels at maintaining short, golf-course-style lawns, though taller fescue varieties require multiple passes. The pollution-free operation means early morning mowing without waking neighbors, while the virtually silent operation allows for podcast-listening sessions during yard work.

Against the LawnMaster LMRM1401, the American Lawn Mower offers similar cutting action with slightly narrower width and lower price point. While both provide eco-friendly operation, the American’s 4-blade system creates a slightly finer cut at the expense of some efficiency. For fit homeowners with small, regularly maintained lawns who value exercise and environmental responsibility, this represents the ultimate budget choice.

The LMRM1401 redefines manual mowing with hardened steel blades that maintain sharpness season after season. This motorless masterpiece delivers scissor-like precision that promotes healthier grass growth while eliminating fuel costs, noise pollution, and maintenance headaches. The 14-inch deck paired with 10-inch front wheels provides superior maneuverability compared to smaller reel mowers, making tight turns around flower beds effortless.

Testing across various grass types showed exceptional performance on regularly maintained lawns, creating striped patterns that rival professional equipment. The four height positions (1-2 inches) offer flexibility for seasonal adjustments, though the manual operation requires consistent weekly mowing to prevent overwhelming the system. The durable construction feels substantial without being heavy, while the tool-free assembly gets you mowing within minutes of unboxing.

When compared to the American Lawn Mower 1204-14, the LawnMaster offers larger wheels and one additional height position at a lower price point. While both provide eco-friendly operation, the LawnMaster’s 5-blade system creates a slightly more aggressive cut for thicker grass varieties. For environmentally conscious homeowners seeking the absolute cheapest lawn care solution without sacrificing cut quality, this delivers professional results with zero ongoing costs.