Best Cheap Lawn Mowers for Budget Buyers

For budget buyers, the Sun Joe MJ401E and the Greenworks 20-inch corded mower are the cheapest sensible ways to cut a small lawn, the Craftsman M105 is the least expensive gas push mower worth buying, and the Toro Recycler 21-inch is the better-regarded step up when you want gas power that lasts. The right choice depends on yard size, whether an outlet is within cord reach, and how much maintenance you will tolerate.

This guide compares corded electric, battery, and gas push mowers at the entry-level tier. It explains what you give up at a low price, which durability traps to avoid, and includes a worked example for matching deck width and power source to your lawn size. It names eight models; we describe them by spec class where an exact figure could not be confirmed, and we avoid quoting prices because they move constantly.

How we chose

This is a research-based comparison, not a product trial. We compared manufacturer-listed specifications and the recurring points in established home and garden publications, focusing on what matters when money is tight: deck width, power source, drive type, cutting features (mulch, bag, side discharge), build material, and parts availability. A mower made the list if it met these conditions:

• It sits at the entry-level or low mid-range tier for its power type.
• It is a push mower, because self-propelled drive adds cost and complexity that budget buyers rarely need on small lawns, with one exception noted below.
• It comes from a brand with broad service and parts availability.
• It covers a distinct need, so the list does not offer eight near-identical corded models.

Always check the current manual and listing, because brands change motors, batteries, and included accessories between model years.

What you give up at a low price

A cheap mower is not a bad mower, but it is a compromise. Expect these trade-offs and decide which ones you can live with:

• Smaller deck: Cheap corded and battery mowers often have decks of 14 to 17 inches, which means more passes and more time.
• Plastic decks and wheels: Lighter and rust-proof, but they flex, crack on impact, and wear out earlier than steel on rough ground.
• Fewer height positions: Fewer cutting-height settings and less precise adjustment, often through a single lever.
• Small grass bags: Bags fill quickly, so you stop more often to empty them.
• Weaker motors under load: Thick, wet, or tall grass can stall a budget motor or drain a small battery quickly.
• Short warranties: Check the warranty length and what it excludes (batteries are often shorter than the mower body).
• No drive assist: Push models make you do the work on slopes and thick turf.

Corded vs battery vs gas at the budget tier

Worked example: pick deck width and power source for your lawn

Mowing time depends on deck width and your walking speed. A practical estimate is: time = lawn area / (deck width in feet x overlap factor x walking distance per hour x efficiency).

1. Assume a lawn of 8,700 square feet (about 0.2 acre).
2. Walking speed of about 2.5 mph is roughly 13,200 feet per hour.
3. Overlap factor of 0.9 (you overlap each pass slightly) and an efficiency of about 0.8 for turns and obstacles.
4. For a 14-inch (1.17 ft) deck: 1.17 x 0.9 x 13,200 x 0.8 = about 11,100 square feet per hour. Time = 8,700 / 11,100, about 47 minutes.
5. For a 20-inch (1.67 ft) deck: 1.67 x 0.9 x 13,200 x 0.8 = about 15,900 square feet per hour. Time = about 33 minutes.
6. For a 21-inch (1.75 ft) deck: 1.75 x 0.9 x 13,200 x 0.8 = about 16,600 square feet per hour. Time = about 31 minutes.

Decision logic: If your estimated mowing time is longer than the battery runtime listed for a cordless model, you will either need a spare battery or a different power source. A 47-minute job needs a battery rated well beyond that in real mowing conditions, which small-battery models often cannot deliver. In that case, corded or gas is the safer low-cost route. Wider decks also cut time substantially, so for lawns above roughly 0.2 acre, a 20-inch corded or 21-inch gas model beats a 14-inch model even though it costs more.

Cord reach and extension cord rules

For corded mowers, measure the farthest point from the outlet. A 100-foot cord covers an area that extends about 100 feet from the outlet, minus the cord you need to turn and stay clear of the blade. Use an outdoor-rated extension cord of a heavy enough gauge for the mower’s amp rating; heavier gauge (lower number) is needed for longer runs, and manufacturers publish minimum gauge and length in the manual. Plug into a GFCI-protected outlet, and always mow away from the cord and keep it behind you.

Eight budget mowers worth comparing

Sun Joe MJ401E

Spec line: Corded electric push · 14-inch deck · 12-amp motor · multi-position height adjustment · rear bag

Best for: Small yards, townhomes, and patches of lawn within cord reach of an outlet.

Skip if: Your lawn is larger than about a quarter acre or has thick, tall grass.

• Pros: Among the lowest-cost ways to cut grass without gas; lightweight; quiet; almost no maintenance.
• Cons: Narrow deck means more passes; cord limits reach; smaller bag fills quickly.

Greenworks 20-inch corded mower

Spec line: Corded electric push · 20-inch steel deck · 12-amp motor · mulch, bag, and side-discharge modes

Best for: Budget buyers with a small to medium lawn who want a wider deck than the 14-inch class.

Skip if: You hate managing a cord or your lawn is too far from an outlet.

• Pros: Wide deck cuts mowing time; steel deck is more durable than plastic; more cutting modes.
• Cons: Heavier to push and turn; cord management is still required; motor can bog in tall or wet grass.

Craftsman 20-inch corded 3-in-1 (13-amp)

Spec line: Corded electric push · 20-inch deck · 13-amp motor · 3-in-1 (mulch, bag, side discharge)

Best for: A no-frills corded mower with a bit more motor power than 12-amp rivals.

Skip if: You want battery freedom or gas-level power.

• Pros: Slightly higher amp rating; familiar brand with accessible parts; straightforward controls.
• Cons: Still limited by cord reach; model details such as deck material and height settings vary by version, so confirm on the current listing.

Sun Joe MJ401C (28V, 14-inch cordless)

Spec line: Battery push · 14-inch deck · 28-volt class battery · foldable handle

Best for: Very small lawns, patios with a turf strip, or secondary mowing where an outlet is not close.

Skip if: Your lawn takes more than a short session to cut; the small battery will limit you.

• Pros: No cord and no gas; compact storage; quiet.
• Cons: Narrow deck and limited runtime; battery replacement is a future cost.

Sun Joe 24V-X2-17LM (17-inch cordless)

Spec line: Battery push · 17-inch deck · dual 24-volt battery class · multiple cutting modes

Best for: Budget buyers who want cordless convenience and a slightly wider deck than the smallest battery mowers.

Skip if: You have a medium-to-large lawn; runtime and deck width become limiting.

• Pros: Two-battery design improves power and runtime compared with single small packs; no cord; low noise.
• Cons: Mid-teens deck width still means many passes; heavy batteries add cost to replace; check the number of batteries and chargers included.

Craftsman M105

Spec line: Gas push · 21-inch deck · 140cc Briggs and Stratton engine · 3-in-1 cutting · rear bag

Best for: The lowest-cost gas option for a normal suburban lawn where power and runtime matter.

Skip if: You want a quiet, low-maintenance mower or need self-propelled assistance on slopes.

• Pros: Gas power for thick grass; wide deck; no cord or battery limits; widely available service.
• Cons: Pull-start; fuel, oil, and filter upkeep; noisy; push only.

Toro Recycler 21-inch (model 21322 class)

Spec line: Gas push · 21-inch deck · mulching-focused Recycler cutting system · rear bag option

Best for: Buyers who want a gas mower with a strong reputation for dependable starting and fine mulching, and are willing to spend somewhat more than the cheapest gas option.

Skip if: You want the absolute lowest cost, or prefer electric.

• Pros: Respected build and cut quality; mulching reduces bagging; strong parts and dealer support.
• Cons: Costs more than the cheapest gas mowers; same fuel and maintenance duties as any gas mower; model specifics change by year.

Toro Recycler 22-inch Personal Pace

Spec line: Gas self-propelled · 22-inch deck · Personal Pace speed-matching drive · Recycler mulching deck

Best for: Budget buyers with slopes, thicker turf, or physical limits who want drive assist without paying for a premium model.

Skip if: Your lawn is small and flat; push is enough and costs less.

• Pros: Self-propelled drive reduces effort; wide deck; mulching deck.
• Cons: At the upper end of the budget range; heavier; more parts that can need service.

Quick match table

What to avoid at a low price

• Tiny batteries on big lawns: If runtime listed is shorter than your estimated mow time, you will be left with half a lawn cut. Verify runtime under load, not at idle.
• Unknown brands with no parts: If you cannot find a replacement blade, wheel, or pull cord for a model, the mower becomes disposable.
• Ultra-thin plastic wheels and axles: These are the first parts to fail on uneven ground.
• Single-height lever with no stops: Hard to cut at a consistent height, which stresses the lawn.
• Gas mowers with no oil drain access: Makes routine maintenance messy and tempts people to skip it.
• Underpowered corded mowers on thick grass: A motor under about 10 amps in the 14-inch class may stall. If your grass is thick, step up to a larger motor or gas.
• Listings with vague specs: If deck width, motor rating, or battery capacity is unclear, skip it.

Durability and maintenance tips

• Sharpen or replace the blade: A dull blade tears grass and makes the motor work harder. Sharpen at least once a season, or replace as needed.
• Clean the deck: Remove caked grass after each use; it traps moisture, causes rust on steel decks, and strains the motor.
• Do not mow wet grass with electric models: It clogs the deck and increases electrical risk.
• Gas mowers: Change oil at the interval in the manual, replace the air filter and spark plug, and use fresh fuel. Add a stabilizer if storing over winter or run the tank dry.
• Batteries: Store indoors at moderate temperature and avoid fully draining them for long periods.
• Cords: Inspect for cuts before every use and replace damaged cords.

Safety essentials

• Wear protection: Closed-toe sturdy shoes, long pants, and eye and hearing protection. Gas mowers can exceed safe noise levels.
• Clear the lawn first: Remove stones, sticks, toys, and wire; a mower can throw debris at high speed.
• Disconnect before service: Unplug a corded mower, remove the battery from a cordless one, or disconnect the spark plug wire on a gas mower before touching the blade or clearing a clog.
• Never bypass safety features: Do not tie down the bail or remove the discharge guard.
• Refuel safely: Gas mowers should cool before refueling, and fuel must be stored in an approved container away from ignition sources.
• Slopes: Mow across slopes with a push mower only if the manual advises it, and keep pace slow and footing secure. Do not mow wet slopes.
• Children and pets: Keep them indoors or well away while mowing.
• Cord safety: Use a GFCI outlet and keep the cord behind you.

Frequently asked questions

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

The Sun Joe MJ401E is the lowest-cost corded option for small yards, and the Greenworks 20-inch corded model is a good step up if you want a wider deck.

Both require an outlet within cord reach and are best for lawns about a quarter acre or less.

Is a corded or battery mower better on a tight budget?

Corded is cheaper and has no battery replacement cost. Battery is more convenient if an outlet is far away, but small batteries limit runtime.

Estimate your mow time first and compare it with the battery runtime listed in the manual before deciding.

Is a cheap gas mower worth it?

Yes, if your lawn is medium-size or grass is thick, because gas power handles load better. The Craftsman M105 is a typical entry-level choice.

Budget for oil, filters, and spark plugs, and expect louder operation than electric.

How wide a deck do I need?

For lawns up to about a quarter acre, a 14 to 21 inch deck is workable. A wider deck means fewer passes and less time.

A 20 or 21 inch deck mows noticeably faster than a 14-inch model, as the worked example shows.

Are cheap mowers durable?

They can last several seasons if you maintain them. Steel decks, accessible parts, and a sharp blade all help.

Plastic wheels, thin decks, and unknown brands are the usual weak points; avoid them when you can.

Can I use any extension cord with a corded mower?

No. Use an outdoor-rated cord with a gauge and length that meet the mower manual’s recommendation, and plug into a GFCI-protected outlet.

An undersized cord overheats and starves the motor, which shortens its life.

Do I need self-propelled drive?

Not on a small, flat lawn. Self-propelled drive helps on slopes, thick turf, and for users who tire easily.

It costs more and adds parts, so push mowers remain the budget default.

When is the best time to buy a budget mower?

Prices tend to soften toward the end of the mowing season and around major holiday sales, but selection narrows.

Compare deck width, motor or battery specs, and warranty rather than chasing only the lowest listing, since the cheapest option is not always the best long-term value.