6 Best Lawn Mowers Under $250 of 2025

This brushless powerhouse redefines what a sub-$250 cordless mower can achieve, delivering 3,400 RPM torque and a dual-battery system that extends runtime to a class-leading 50 minutes. With its 15-inch cutting deck and 6-position height adjustment, it tackles uneven terrain and varied grass lengths with surgical precision—perfect for homeowners tired of gas-guzzling beasts or underpowered budget models. The 8.8-gallon grass bag means fewer stops, while the dual-port rapid charger gets both 40V 4.0Ah batteries back to full in just half an hour, making it a true weekend warrior’s dream.

In real-world testing, this mower excels on medium-sized lawns up to 1/4 acre, maintaining consistent power even through thick, damp grass. The lightweight 36-pound frame glides effortlessly over gentle slopes, and the ergonomic folding handle reduces back strain during extended use. However, the 15-inch deck requires more passes on wider yards compared to 17-inch competitors, and while the runtime is strong, dense overgrowth eats battery life quickly. It’s best suited for regular maintenance mowing rather than tackling neglected lawns.

When stacked against the YARDCARE 36V and Litheli 16-inch models, this mower strikes a sweet spot between performance and value, offering brushless efficiency and dual batteries at a budget price. It’s ideal for eco-conscious homeowners who want gas-like power without the noise or emissions, especially those already invested in 40V battery ecosystems. While the WORX 40V offers smarter tech, this model delivers more raw runtime and better clipping capacity for less money, making it the best overall bang for your buck under $250.

Step into the future of lawn care with the 2025 YARDCARE 36V, a smartly engineered cordless mower that brings LED intelligence and 60-minute runtime to the mid-tier market. Its 3200 RPM brushless motor delivers whisper-quiet operation, while the dual 18V 4.0Ah batteries provide ample juice for small to medium yards—up to 40 minutes on heavy grass. The real-time LED display is a game-changer, showing battery life, speed, and error alerts, eliminating guesswork and preventing mid-mow shutdowns.

During testing, the mower proved exceptionally user-friendly, with smooth starts and consistent power across flat and slightly bumpy terrain. The 5-position height adjustment (0.98″ to 2.56″) handled spring growth and summer trimmings with ease, and the 8-gallon bag reduced emptying frequency. However, the 36V system doesn’t match the torque of 40V rivals, struggling slightly in thick patches, and the plastic housing feels less rugged than premium builds. It’s best for well-maintained lawns under 1/4 acre where reliability and tech matter more than brute force.

Compared to the Litheli 16-inch and base B0DTHRNHVQ models, the YARDCARE stands out with its digital feedback system and superior ergonomics, making it a top pick for tech-savvy users who value convenience. While it lacks mulching and has a smaller deck than the WORX, its 60-minute runtime and safety-first design make it perfect for families and pet owners. It offers better smart features and runtime than most at this price, though it trades a bit of power for polish.

Don’t let its compact size fool you—the Litheli U20 Handy+ is a nimble, ultra-portable powerhouse built for tight spaces and quick touch-ups. With a 13-inch cutting width and 3400 RPM motor, it zips through light mowing tasks with surprising vigor, covering up to 1,300 sq. ft. per charge. The real star? Its 4.0Ah universal battery, which doubles as a power bank for phones and tablets—a clever perk for outdoor workers or campers. At just under 30 pounds, it’s one of the lightest serious mowers in the under-$250 range.

In practice, this mower shines on small yards, side lots, or garden borders where larger models feel clunky. The 5 height settings (1″ to 2.5″) allow decent customization, and the 8-gallon bag is generous for its size. But don’t expect marathon runs—the 15-minute runtime means frequent recharges for anything beyond 2,000 sq. ft. It also bogs down in tall or wet grass, and the narrow deck demands more passes. Still, for apartment dwellers, renters, or second-mower users, it’s a space-saving, budget-smart solution.

Against the WORX and YARDCARE models, the U20 trades power and runtime for ultra-compact design and battery versatility. It’s not a primary mower for most, but as a supplemental tool or starter machine, it’s unmatched in value. While the B0DTHRNHVQ offers more runtime, this one wins on portability and multi-use battery, making it the best budget-friendly pick for those with minimal mowing needs.

The Litheli 16-inch is a stealth contender in the budget cordless arena, packing a 16-inch deck and dual 4.0Ah batteries into a sub-$160 package—a rare combo at this price. With 30 minutes of runtime and 6 height settings (0.98″ to 2.98″), it covers up to 2,700 sq. ft., making it ideal for small to medium yards that need reliable, no-fuss cutting. The coreless motor (a cost-effective brushless variant) delivers quiet, low-maintenance performance, and the universal battery system adds serious value, doubling as a mobile power station.

Field tests show it handles dry, medium-height grass with ease, and the wider deck reduces pass count compared to 13-inch rivals. The folding design is compact, and the dual batteries ensure you can swap and keep mowing. However, the motor lacks the torque of true 40V systems, and runtime drops fast in dense patches. It also lacks a mulching option, limiting lawn-nourishing flexibility. Still, for first-time owners or small-yard warriors, it delivers exceptional specs for the price.

Pitted against the YARDCARE 36V, it offers better deck width and dual batteries at the same price, though with less-smart features. Compared to the base 15-inch B0DTHRNHVQ, it matches battery count but sacrifices RPM and brand consistency. It’s the best choice for small yards needing width and runtime without breaking the bank, even if it lacks premium polish.

The WORX 40V 17-inch is the lightweight champion with a brain—its Intellicut sensor tech automatically ramps up power when grass gets thick, delivering smart, adaptive cutting that few rivals can match. With a 17-inch deck, 7 height positions (1.5″ to 4″), and a featherlight 35-pound frame, it’s built for tight spaces, hilly yards, and effortless maneuvering. The 2-in-1 bagging and mulching system adds serious versatility, and the 89-decibel operation keeps noise pollution minimal—perfect for early weekend mows.

Real-world use confirms its smooth, responsive performance, especially on uneven or narrow lawns. The dual 4.0Ah batteries offer solid runtime, and the PowerShare compatibility means you can use the same batteries across 140+ WORX tools—a huge value boost for DIYers. However, the $269 price nudges past $250, and the 1.2-bushel (10-gallon) bag fills faster than larger-capacity models. It’s also overkill for tiny yards, where simpler models suffice.

Against the B0DTHRNHVQ, it offers smarter tech, mulching, and wider deck, but at a higher price. Compared to the YARDCARE, it’s quieter and more expandable, though less feature-rich in digital feedback. For homeowners wanting a quiet, smart, expandable system, it’s the best lightweight performer, even if it exceeds the budget by a small margin.

The DOVAMAN LA16M is a corded workhorse that dominates clipping collection with an impressive 98% capture rate—thanks to its optimized airflow and massive 13.2-gallon rear bag. Its 13Amp copper motor spins the 16-inch steel blade at 3500 RPM, delivering consistent, stall-resistant cutting through damp or overgrown grass, a feat many cordless models can’t match. The single-lever height adjustment (0.98″ to 2.95″) makes on-the-fly changes a breeze, and the 3-step vertical fold saves space in cramped garages.

In testing, this mower never ran out of power, a clear advantage over battery models, and the large rear wheels handled bumpy terrain with confidence. The 2-in-1 mulching and bagging gives flexibility, and the fill indicator prevents overloading. However, the cord limits range, requiring an extension and outlet nearby, and it’s heavier and less portable than cordless rivals. It’s best for homeowners with access to outdoor power who prioritize clean finishes and zero runtime anxiety.

Versus the Litheli 16-inch or YARDCARE, it trades portability for relentless power and collection efficiency. Compared to the WORX, it lacks battery freedom but outperforms in sustained cutting. For those willing to manage a cord for superior performance, it’s the best for efficient collection, offering unmatched clipping capture and motor reliability in its class.