Best Inexpensive Lawn Mowers for Small and Mid-Size Yards

The best inexpensive lawn mower for most small to mid-size yards is the SENIX 21-inch 144cc gas push mower, with the PowerSmart 21-inch 170cc self-propelled as the runner-up for anyone who does not want to push. Both are gas, both cut a full 21 inches, and both sit well below the cost of premium brands. If your lawn is tiny, a corded electric mower such as the LawnMaster MEB1216K or even a manual reel mower will do the job for even less, and we cover those below as well.

A note on method before the picks. This guide is research-based. We did not personally use these mowers. We compared listing details and maker specifications, and where a figure was not stated we wrote "not listed." We also do not quote prices, since they move constantly; we use tier words instead (Budget, Mid-range). Inexpensive mowers trade durability and refinement for cost, so the sensible goal is the right mower for your lawn at a low cost, not the lowest cost at all costs.

LawnMaster MEB1114K Electric Corded Lawn Mower 15-Inch 11AMP

Picked as a relevant option in this category.

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EWORK 40V 14-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower with 2x4.0Ah Batteries & Fast Charger | Lightweight Electric Lawn Mowers, 6 Cutting Height, Battery Powered Lawnmower with Grass Bag

Chosen because it specifies Lightweight Electric Lawn Mowers and 6 Cutting Height.

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PowerSmart 18-inch 144cc Gas Lawn Mower, Push Mower with Side-Discharge | 144cc 4-stroke OHV engine, 5-Position Height Adjustment

Chosen because it specifies Push Mower with Side-Discharge and 144cc 4-stroke OHV engine.

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Greenworks 40V 16in Push Lawn Mower, 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger | Quiet walk-behind mower with push-button start; gas-free operation eliminates fumes and pull starts

Chosen because it specifies 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger.

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Top Picks at a Glance

• Best Overall Inexpensive Mower: SENIX 21-Inch 144cc Gas Push Mower
• Best Self-Propelled on a Budget: PowerSmart 21-Inch 170cc Self-Propelled Gas Mower
• Best Mid-Range Variable Speed: YARDMAX 22-inch 201cc Select PACE 6-Speed Self-Propelled
• Best for Rougher, Thicker Grass: BILT HARD 201cc 21-inch 3-in-1 Push Mower
• Best Budget Electric: LawnMaster MEB1216K 16-Inch 12 Amp Corded Electric Mower
• Best Cordless Starter: WORX 20V 14-inch Cordless Mower WG733.1
• Best No-Fuel, No-Power Option: American Lawn Mower Company 14-inch 5-Blade Reel Mower

Inexpensive Mower Comparison

1. SENIX 21-Inch 144cc Gas Push Mower: Best Overall Inexpensive Mower

• 144cc 4-cycle gas engine
• 21-inch cutting deck
• 2-in-1 mulching and side discharge
• 6-position height adjustment
• Push mower (not self-propelled)

Best for: small to mid-size flat yards where you want gas power at a low cost. Skip if: your lawn is sloped or larger than about a third of an acre, where a self-propelled drive saves effort.

A 21-inch deck is the standard size for residential gas walk-behind mowers, and it is wide enough to keep mowing times reasonable on small and mid-size lawns. The 144cc engine class is the entry level, which is the main reason the mower costs less. You get enough power for regular grass cut on a weekly schedule. You should not expect it to feel as effortless in thick, wet, or overgrown grass as a 200cc-class engine would.

The 2-in-1 setup lets you mulch clippings back into the lawn or discharge them to the side, and there is no bag. Many owners prefer that, because bagging adds a chore, but if you want bagging, look at the 3-in-1 mowers below.

Pros: gas power with no cord or battery; full 21-inch deck; six height settings; mulch and side discharge. Cons: push only; no bag; entry-level engine size.

2. PowerSmart 21-Inch 170cc Self-Propelled Gas Mower: Best Self-Propelled on a Budget

• 170cc 4-stroke OHV engine
• 21-inch steel deck
• Rear-wheel drive
• 3-in-1: bag, mulch, side discharge

Best for: mid-size yards with small hills, or owners who find pushing tiring. Skip if: you have a very small flat lawn, where the added cost of the drive is not worth it.

Self-propelled mowers are rarely cheap, so a model in the lower end of this category is the best answer for the "inexpensive but not a pusher" shopper. Rear-wheel drive helps with traction going uphill, because weight shifts to the back wheels. A steel deck is common at this level and is more durable than plastic, though it needs to be kept clean to avoid rust.

Whether the drive runs at one speed or several is not clear from the listing title, so check the product page if you walk at a different pace than most people. Our advice is to pick this model if your priorities are traction and a lower cost rather than fine speed control.

Pros: self-propelled at a modest cost; larger 170cc engine; steel deck; bag, mulch and side discharge. Cons: heavier than a push mower; speed control not confirmed.

3. YARDMAX 22-Inch 201cc Select PACE Self-Propelled: Best Mid-Range Variable Speed

• 201cc engine
• 22-inch deck
• Select PACE 6-speed CVT drive
• High-wheel, front-wheel drive
• 3-in-1: bag, mulch, side discharge

Best for: mid-size yards and owners who want a mid-range mower with adjustable walking speed. Skip if: you prefer rear-wheel drive on hills, or you have limited storage space.

The 6-speed drive lets you slow down in trimming areas and speed up on open lawn, which matters on a yard with obstacles. High rear wheels roll over uneven ground more easily, and front-wheel drive makes turning easier since the front lifts slightly. On steep slopes, many owners prefer rear-wheel drive because the front wheels can lose grip. This is a general trade-off, not a promise about this specific model.

The 201cc engine class is the strongest on this list, so it is also the one best suited to thicker grass. It will be heavier than the 21-inch models, so account for storage and lifting into a truck or shed.

Pros: adjustable pace; more power; 22-inch deck; three discharge modes. Cons: heavier; front-wheel drive may slip on steep hills.

4. BILT HARD 21-Inch 201cc 3-in-1 Push Mower: Best for Thicker Grass

• 201cc 4-cycle engine
• 21-inch deck
• 3-in-1: bagging, mulching, side discharge

Best for: push mowing on a yard that grows quickly, or where grass is thicker than average. Skip if: you want self-propelled assistance. The brand also sells a self-propelled version, but that costs more.

A larger engine in a push mower is a good compromise for owners who want strong cutting without paying for a drive system. It gives you the bagging option too, which is not included in the SENIX model above. The trade-off is that you do the walking. Weight is not listed in the listing title we reviewed, so check the full page if lifting matters.

Pros: bigger engine in a push mower; bagging, mulching and side discharge; 21-inch deck. Cons: less established brand; weight not listed.

5. LawnMaster MEB1216K 16-Inch Corded Electric Mower: Best Budget Electric

• 16-inch deck
• 12 amp corded motor
• No fuel, no battery, minimal maintenance

Best for: small yards, townhouse lawns, and owners who want a lawn mower that starts instantly. Skip if: your lawn is far from an outlet or has many trees and beds to wrap the cord around.

Corded electric mowers are among the lowest-cost ways to cut grass because there is no engine to maintain, no gas to store, and no battery to replace. The 16-inch deck means more passes than a 21-inch gas mower, so this suits small areas. Use an outdoor-rated extension cord of the gauge the manual specifies, keep the cord behind you, and never mow wet grass. Always follow the manufacturer’s safety guidance.

Pros: very low maintenance; easy starting; light; no fuel. Cons: cord management; narrow deck; limited reach.

6. WORX WG733.1 20V 14-Inch Cordless Mower: Best Cordless Starter

• 20V battery platform
• 14-inch deck
• 2-in-1 mulching and bagging
• Brushless motor
• 6-position height adjustment

Best for: small yards where you want to skip the cord and the gas. Skip if: your yard is larger than a few thousand square feet. Runtime per charge is not listed in the listing title.

Cordless mowers cost more than corded ones, because you are paying for the battery. A 14-inch deck is small, so you should expect more passes. The brushless motor is a plus for efficiency. If you already own other WORX 20V tools, the batteries may be compatible, so check the maker’s compatibility list.

Pros: no cord or gas; brushless motor; mulch and bag; lightweight. Cons: small deck; runtime not listed; battery cost is the main long-term expense.

7. American Lawn Mower Company 14-Inch 5-Blade Reel Mower: Best No-Engine Option

• 14-inch cutting width
• 5-blade reel
• No engine, battery, or cord

Best for: tiny, flat lawns of fine grass, and owners who want quiet, simple mowing. Skip if: your grass grows tall, you let it go for weeks, or you have lots of weeds and sticks.

Reel mowers cut by scissor action between the reel and a bed knife, which gives a clean cut when the grass is short. They are the cheapest in this guide, need no fuel, and are nearly silent. The cost is effort and flexibility. They do not handle tall or wet grass well, and the blades dull over time and need adjustment or sharpening.

Pros: lowest cost; quiet; no fuel or battery; easy storage. Cons: struggles with tall grass; physical effort; narrow cut.

Also Consider

• PowerSmart 21-inch with 140cc Briggs and Stratton E550 engine: a push mower with a known engine brand for owners who prefer that name on the motor.
• BLACK+DECKER 20-inch 13 amp corded electric mower: a wider corded deck for slightly larger small yards.
• Scotts 18-inch 7-blade reel mower: a wider reel option for owners who like the reel concept but want fewer passes.
• Greenworks 60V 21-inch self-propelled cordless mower: a mid-range battery self-propelled option for owners who want to skip gas; it costs more than the gas models above.

Best Inexpensive Gas Lawn Mowers

Gas mowers have the longest range and the most power for the cost, so most inexpensive mowers for mid-size lawns are gas. The 144cc class (like the SENIX) cuts the average lawn well. The 170cc and 201cc classes help in thick grass and on slopes. Check the listing for the engine’s brand and the warranty. Basic maintenance includes fresh fuel, oil changes per the manual, and a clean air filter.

Best Inexpensive Push Mowers for Small Yards

A push mower is the simplest and cheapest design. Look at the deck width, the height settings, and the wheel size. Larger rear wheels roll more easily over bumps. For yards under roughly a quarter of an acre, a 21-inch push mower is plenty. For very small yards, a corded electric or reel mower reduces both cost and maintenance.

Mid-Range Mowers: When It Is Worth Stepping Up

The jump from budget to mid-range typically buys you one of three things: self-propelled drive, a larger engine, or a battery platform. If your yard is flat and small, none of these is necessary. If you have slopes, a mid-size lot, or physical limits, a self-propelled mower is the most valuable upgrade. If you value quiet and low maintenance, step up to cordless.

What About Mowers at Very Low Budgets?

Readers often ask what the lowest budget buys. In general, the lowest tier is made up of reel mowers, small corded electric mowers, and a few small-deck cordless models. Gas mowers start a little higher, and self-propelled models higher still. Prices change often and vary by seller, so we do not list figures; compare the tier words in the table above and check the current listing. Expect trade-offs: smaller decks, plastic parts, shorter warranties.

Non Self-Propelled Gas Options and Mid-Range Gas Mowers

Many shoppers search for non self-propelled gas mowers because they want the lowest price with real engine power. In this guide that means the SENIX 144cc, the BILT HARD 201cc and the PowerSmart models with a Briggs and Stratton engine. The difference between them is mostly engine size and bagging. Choose the SENIX for the lowest cost, the BILT HARD for thicker grass, and a Briggs and Stratton model if you value a familiar engine brand and its parts availability.

For a mid-range gas mower, the usual step up is a self-propelled drive and a bigger deck. That is where the PowerSmart 170cc and YARDMAX 201cc sit. If you only mow once a week during the growing season, you may not need them. If you mow a slope, carry a bag, or have less strength, they pay back in comfort every time you cut.

A simple way to compare total cost of ownership

Do not look only at the purchase tier. Add the small recurring items for each type. A gas mower needs fuel, oil, a spark plug and an air filter each season. A corded mower needs an extension cord rated for outdoor use. A cordless mower needs a battery that will eventually wear out and cost real money to replace. A reel mower needs occasional blade adjustment or sharpening. Write down which of these chores you are willing to do. The cheapest mower on paper is not always the cheapest for you once you account for the chores you dislike and the ones you will skip.

Safety basics for any mower

Wear closed shoes and eye protection, clear sticks and stones before mowing, and keep children and pets away from the area. Never lift or tilt a gas mower without following the manual, because oil and fuel can leak. Stop the engine and disconnect the spark plug wire, or remove the battery, before clearing a clog or touching the blade. These are general practices; your owner’s manual is the authority for your machine.

How We Chose

This guide is research-based. We reviewed maker specifications and product listing details for each mower, and we looked for mowers that cover each way of cutting grass at a low cost: gas push, gas self-propelled, corded electric, cordless, and reel. We did not personally use these mowers, so we make no claims about durability, cut quality, or lifespan. Every product here is listed in the store at the time of writing. Where a figure such as weight or runtime was not stated, we wrote "not listed."

We limited the guide to two mowers per brand, kept it to products that fit the small and mid-size yard intent, and skipped anything that looked like a compact tractor or a robotic mower, which are covered in other guides.

Buying Guide

Match the mower to your lawn size

As a rough guide, reel and small electric mowers suit lawns up to around a few thousand square feet, a 21-inch gas push mower suits a quarter acre or less, and self-propelled mowers are worth considering from there up to about half an acre. Treat these as starting points, not rules. Your time, your slope, and your fitness matter just as much.

Choose push or self-propelled

If your lawn is flat and under a quarter of an acre, a push mower is fine. If you have a slope or you mow for more than 45 minutes, self-propelled mowers reduce fatigue. Rear-wheel drive generally gives better traction on hills, while front-wheel drive makes turning easier.

Check the deck width and height range

A 21-inch deck is the common size for gas mowers. A 22-inch deck saves a small amount of time. Narrow 14 to 16 inch decks are common on electric mowers and suit small areas. Look for at least five height positions so you can raise the deck in summer and lower it in spring.

Decide on mulching, bagging, or side discharge

A 2-in-1 mower mulches and discharges to the side. A 3-in-1 adds a rear bag. Mulching returns finely cut clippings to the lawn, which many owners prefer. Bagging is useful when the grass is long or when you want a very clean look. If you rarely bag, a 2-in-1 model saves you the cost of the bag.

Think about maintenance and fuel

Gas mowers need oil changes, a clean air filter, fresh fuel, and blade sharpening. Electric and cordless mowers need less. Reel mowers need blade adjustment. Always read the manual, follow its safety guidance, keep hands and feet clear of the blade, and disconnect the spark plug wire or battery before working underneath.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying a bigger engine than the lawn needs, then paying for weight you do not use.
• Choosing a narrow-deck electric mower for a lawn that is too large for it.
• Leaving gas in the tank over winter without following the manual’s storage advice.
• Mowing wet grass with a corded electric mower.
• Ignoring blade sharpening, which can make any mower cut poorly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best inexpensive lawn mower for a small yard?

For most small yards, a 21-inch gas push mower such as the SENIX 144cc model is the best balance of power and cost. For very small yards, a corded electric mower or a reel mower costs less to run.

What are the best inexpensive gas lawn mowers?

The SENIX 21-inch 144cc and the BILT HARD 201cc push mowers cover the lower end, and the PowerSmart 170cc and YARDMAX 201cc self-propelled models cover the mid-range. Compare engine size, deck width, and discharge options.

What is the best inexpensive push mower?

If you want gas, the SENIX 21-inch 144cc is our top pick. If you want less maintenance, the LawnMaster corded electric is a simple option. If your lawn is tiny and level, a reel mower works.

Is a self-propelled mower worth the extra cost?

It is worth it if you have a slope, a lawn over a quarter of an acre, or any difficulty pushing. For a small, flat lawn, a push mower is usually enough.

What is a good mid-range mower?

The YARDMAX 22-inch 201cc with 6-speed drive and the PowerSmart 170cc self-propelled are the mid-range picks here. The WORX 20V is a mid-range cordless option for small yards.

Can I get a decent mower at a very low budget?

Yes, if your lawn is small. Reel and corded electric mowers are the lowest-cost options. Expect smaller decks and simpler construction. We do not promise durability for any inexpensive mower.

Do inexpensive gas mowers need special fuel or maintenance?

They use regular 4-cycle engine oil and gasoline as specified in the manual. Check the oil before each use, replace it on schedule, and clean or replace the air filter. Follow the maker’s storage instructions for fuel.

Which One Should You Buy?

For a small, flat yard and a gas mower, buy the SENIX 21-inch 144cc. If you need help with slopes or distance, choose the PowerSmart 170cc self-propelled or the YARDMAX Select PACE. If the grass is thick, the BILT HARD 201cc is the strongest push option here. For tiny yards, pick the LawnMaster corded electric, the WORX cordless, or the American Lawn Mower reel depending on whether you prefer a cord, a battery, or no power at all. Confirm the current listing details before you order.

Sources

• SENIX Tools product pages for 21-inch gas push mowers
• PowerSmart product pages for 21-inch gas mowers
• YARDMAX product information for the Select PACE self-propelled mower
• LawnMaster and WORX product pages for electric and cordless mowers
• American Lawn Mower Company reel mower product information
• Manufacturer owner’s manuals and safety guidance for walk-behind mowers

Last updated: October 2026