Best Push Mower for the Money: 7 Gas, Cordless and Reel Picks

The best push mower for the money for most yards is the Greenworks 24V 13-inch brushless push mower: a quiet, battery-powered 2-in-1 mulch and bag mower with a 4.0 Ah battery and charger included, aimed at small to mid-size lawns. If your lawn is bigger or thicker, the best budget push mower with a gas engine is the BILT HARD 20-inch 144cc, which gives you a wider deck and no battery limits for much less than a premium brand. And for a tiny, flat yard, a LawnMaster 18-inch reel mower costs little and needs no fuel or charger.

A push mower is the cheapest way to cut grass, but the cheapest sticker price is not always the best value. Value depends on lawn size, grass type, how much you hate pull cords, and whether you want to store gasoline. This guide sorts seven push mowers by those trade-offs: gas for big lawns, cordless for quiet convenience, reel for tiny yards, and one premium option for the long term. It is research-based, built from maker pages and listing details; we did not personally use these mowers, and anything we could not confirm is marked not listed.

Top Picks at a Glance

• Best Overall Value: Greenworks 24V 13 inch brushless push mower, 4.0 Ah battery and charger
• Best Budget Gas Push Mower: BILT HARD 20 inch 144cc 4-cycle gas mower with 8 heights
• Best Gas Mower for Bigger Lawns: SENIX 21 inch 144cc gas push mower, 2-in-1 mulching
• Best Cheap Cordless: Litheli 14 inch brushless cordless mower, 5.0 Ah battery
• Best Mid-Size Cordless: Greenworks 40V 16 inch push mower with 4.0 Ah battery
• Best No-Fuel Reel Mower: LawnMaster LMRM1801 18 inch 5-blade push reel mower
• Best Premium Cordless Push Mower: EGO Power+ LM2112 21 inch 56V push mower

1. Greenworks 24V 13-Inch Brushless Push Mower: Best Push Mower for the Money Overall

• Brushless motor with a 13-inch 2-in-1 deck (mulch or bag) per the listing
• 4.0 Ah USB battery and charger included; listings show roughly 30 to 40 minutes of runtime and about 2 hours to recharge
• Five cutting heights on a single lever on the current version (older versions list 3)
• Folding handles for storage; 3-year limited warranty per Greenworks
• Price tier: Mid-range

Best for: Small to mid-size lawns, quiet mowing and people who do not want gas.

Skip if: You have more than about a quarter acre or thick, tall grass.

The Greenworks 24V is the value pick because it solves the problems that make people hate cheap mowers: no pull cord, no fuel, no oil and low noise. The brushless motor means less maintenance, and the 2-in-1 deck lets you bag or mulch. The battery and charger are in the box, which is not always true of cordless mowers.

The 13-inch deck is narrow, so a bigger yard takes more passes. Lowe’s lists it for yards up to about a quarter acre. Runtime numbers vary between Greenworks pages and retailers from about 30 to 40 minutes, so treat the lowest number as your planning figure.

If your lawn is under a quarter acre, this is the easiest mower to live with. For bigger lawns, move to the 40V or a gas mower.

Pros

• No gas, oil or pull cord
• Brushless motor
• Folds for storage
• Battery and charger included

Cons

• Narrow deck
• Limited runtime

2. BILT HARD 20-Inch 144cc Gas Push Mower: Best Budget Gas Push Mower

• 20-inch deck with a 144cc 4-cycle OHV engine per the listing
• 8 adjustable cutting heights per the listing
• Side discharge and mulching; bagging: not listed in the title we checked
• Pull-start gas engine; fuel and oil needed
• Price tier: Budget

Best for: Medium to large lawns where you need power without a high price.

Skip if: You do not want to handle gasoline, oil or pull starting.

BILT HARD is a budget brand that offers a 20-inch gas push mower with a 144cc four-cycle engine, which is the same size category as many mid-range names. The 8 cutting heights let you adjust for the season, and the wider deck cuts fewer passes than the 13-inch cordless mowers.

Gas mowers need ongoing care. Use fresh fuel, check oil, and clean or replace the air filter and spark plug on schedule. A four-cycle engine runs on gas and oil separately, which is easier than mixing fuel. Expect more noise and vibration than a battery mower.

The brand has a short track record compared with Honda or Toro, so check the warranty on the product page. For the price, it is a good choice for anyone who wants raw cutting power.

Pros

• Wide 20-inch deck
• 8 cutting heights
• Low upfront price
• Runs as long as it has fuel

Cons

• Pull start
• Brand track record is shorter

3. SENIX 21-Inch 144cc Gas Push Mower: Best Gas Push Mower for Bigger Lawns

• 21-inch deck with a 144cc 4-cycle engine per the listing
• 2-in-1 mulching and side discharge; 6 height positions per the listing
• Push-driven (not self-propelled)
• Weight: not listed in the title we checked
• Price tier: Mid-range

Best for: Larger flat lawns where a 21-inch deck saves time.

Skip if: You have a hilly yard where self-propelled would be easier.

The SENIX adds an inch of deck to the BILT HARD and the 2-in-1 mulch and side-discharge setup, which fits most suburban lawns. A 21-inch deck is the standard width for most gas mowers, and it is where the cutting time starts to fall.

Push mowers rely on you for forward motion, so a 21-inch gas mower can be tiring on a slope or a large lawn. If your yard is large or hilly, consider a self-propelled model, which we cover in a separate guide.

As with any gas mower, plan for fuel storage and maintenance.

Pros

• 21-inch deck
• Mulch or side discharge
• 6 heights
• No battery limits

Cons

• Gas upkeep
• Heavy to push

4. Litheli 14-Inch Brushless Cordless Mower: Best Cheap Cordless Push Mower

• 14-inch deck with a brushless motor per the listing
• 5.0 Ah battery and charger included per the listing
• Zero-maintenance, battery-powered design
• Grass bag size and weight: not listed in the title we checked
• Price tier: Budget

Best for: Small yards, townhomes and first-time mower buyers on a tight budget.

Skip if: You have a big lawn or tall, wet grass.

The Litheli is one of the cheapest ways to get a cordless mower with a decent battery. The 5.0 Ah pack is larger than the 4.0 Ah of many pricier names, which helps runtime, and the brushless motor reduces wear.

A 14-inch deck is small, so it suits postage-stamp yards. Check the bag capacity on the full product page, because we could not confirm it from the title. Because the brand is lesser known, look at the warranty and parts support before you buy.

For a small patch of grass, this is great value.

Pros

• Very low price
• Large 5.0 Ah battery
• Quiet
• No gas

Cons

• Small deck
• Lesser-known brand

5. Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Push Mower: Best Mid-Size Cordless Push Mower

• 16-inch deck at 40V per the listing
• 4.0 Ah battery and charger included
• Push-button start; gas-free and quiet per the listing
• Cutting height positions: not listed in the title we checked
• Price tier: Mid-range

Best for: Mid-size yards that need a little more width than the 24V.

Skip if: You want the lowest cost or a larger deck.

This is the older, wider sibling of the 24V model. A 16-inch deck cuts about 20 percent more width per pass than the 13-inch, which adds up on a larger lawn. The 40V platform is also shared with other Greenworks tools, so the battery can be reused.

The trade-off is price, since it costs noticeably more than the 24V, and runtime is still limited by the 4.0 Ah battery. If you have a larger lawn, consider a second battery.

It is a sensible step up if the 24V is too narrow.

Pros

• Wider deck
• Push-button start
• Shared 40V battery system

Cons

• Costs more than the 24V
• Runtime limit

6. LawnMaster LMRM1801 18-Inch Reel Mower: Best No-Fuel Reel Push Mower

• 18-inch push reel mower with 5 blades per the listing
• No engine, fuel or battery
• Quiet and low maintenance
• Grass catcher: not listed in the title we checked
• Price tier: Budget

Best for: Tiny to small, flat lawns with fine grass and anyone who wants silence.

Skip if: Your grass is tall, thick or you let it grow between cuts.

A reel mower works like scissors, with spinning blades that cut against a fixed bedknife. It is the cheapest option, makes almost no noise and needs no fuel or charging. The 18-inch width and 5 blades of the LawnMaster suit small, flat lawns.

The key limit is grass height. Reel mowers cut best when you mow often, and they struggle with tall weeds, thick grass or sticks. Keep the blades sharp, and expect a bit of exercise.

If your yard is small and you do not mind frequent cuts, nothing is cheaper to own.

Pros

• No fuel or battery
• Very quiet
• Lowest cost
• Almost no maintenance

Cons

• Struggles with tall grass
• Needs frequent mowing

7. EGO Power+ LM2112 21-Inch Cordless Push Mower: Best Premium Cordless Push Mower

• 21-inch deck with a brushless 56V motor per EGO
• Seven cutting heights from 1.25 to 4 inches per EGO retailers (one major retailer lists 1.5 inches minimum)
• 3-in-1 mulching, bagging and side discharge; LED headlights; IPX4 weather resistance
• Kit includes a 4.0 Ah battery and a 320W charger; runtime listings range from about 35 to 55 minutes
• 5-year tool warranty and 3-year battery warranty per the maker

Best for: People who want a mower that lasts and who value quiet power over a low price.

Skip if: You want the cheapest option or you have a very small lawn.

The EGO LM2112 is not cheap, but it is the long-term value pick on this list. A 21-inch brushless mower with a 5-year tool warranty will cost more upfront but should last years, and the battery fits other EGO tools.

EGO lists the mower at about 45 pounds, with seven cutting heights and a 3-in-1 deck that mulches, bags or discharges to the side. Retailers disagree on runtime, so check the maker page. For a quarter to half acre of flat lawn, the manufacturer’s guidance fits.

If you can afford it, this is the one to buy once. If you cannot, the Greenworks 24V is the value alternative.

Pros

• 21-inch deck
• Strong warranty
• Quiet
• 7 cutting heights

Cons

• Highest upfront cost
• Battery runtime limits

Also Consider

American Lawn Mower 1304-14 Reel Mower

A 14-inch 5-blade reel mower with a catcher option for very small yards.

MZK 40V 16-Inch Cordless Mower

A brushless 2-in-1 cordless mower in the same class as the Greenworks 40V.

Great States 815-18 Reel Mower

An 18-inch 5-blade push reel mower from an established maker.

PowerSmart 21-Inch 144cc Gas Mower

A gas push mower with mulching and side discharge as an alternative to the SENIX.

How We Chose

This guide is research-based. We did not personally use these mowers. We searched currently sold push mowers across gas, cordless and reel types, then checked maker and retailer listings for Greenworks and EGO, and read listing titles for BILT HARD, SENIX, Litheli and LawnMaster. We compared deck width, power source, adjustability and what is included, and limited each brand to two main picks.

Because value depends on the lawn, we grouped picks by use case instead of ranking by a score. Where numbers conflicted between listings, such as runtime and weight, we noted the range. Anything unconfirmed is marked not listed.

Buying Guide

Gas, cordless or reel

Gas mowers have the most power and no runtime limit but need fuel, oil and servicing and are loud. Cordless mowers are quiet, start with a button and need little upkeep, but runtime is limited by the battery. Reel mowers cost the least and need no power, but work best on small, flat, regularly cut lawns. Choose by lawn size: under 1/8 acre, reel or small cordless; 1/8 to 1/2 acre, cordless 16 to 21 inch or gas; over 1/2 acre, think gas or self-propelled.

Deck width

A wider deck cuts fewer passes. A 13 to 14 inch deck is fine for tiny yards. A 20 to 21 inch deck is the standard for most lawns. Wider decks are heavier to push and harder to store, so balance width against storage space.

Battery size and runtime

Battery capacity in amp hours and voltage together decide runtime. A 4.0 Ah pack at 24V might run about 30 to 40 minutes, enough for a quarter acre. Cold weather and thick grass cut runtime. If your lawn takes longer than the rated time, buy a second battery or choose gas.

Cutting height and mulching

Look for at least five height positions. Mulching returns finely cut grass to the lawn and reduces bagging, but works best when you cut often and the grass is dry. Bagging is useful in spring or when the grass is long.

Warranty and parts

Mower warranties range from one to five years. Established brands such as EGO and Greenworks list longer warranties and have parts support. Lesser-known brands can be great value but check the warranty terms and whether blades and batteries are replaceable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Buying a narrow cordless mower for a lawn that needs an hour to mow
• Using stale gasoline or skipping oil changes on a gas mower
• Cutting the grass too short in summer heat
• Forgetting to sharpen reel or rotary blades
• Ignoring the warranty on a very cheap mower

Which Mower for Which Yard?

For a small suburban yard under a quarter acre, buy the Greenworks 24V. For a larger flat lawn on a budget, buy the BILT HARD or the SENIX. For a very small yard on a budget, the Litheli or the LawnMaster reel are cheap choices. For a mid-size cordless lawn, the Greenworks 40V is a step up. For long-term quiet power, the EGO.

If you have slopes or a big lawn, a push mower may be tiring and a self-propelled model is a better choice.

Keeping a Budget Mower Running Longer

Cheap mowers last when you maintain them. Sharpen the blade once a season, clean the underside of the deck after use to prevent clumps and rust, and store the mower dry. For gas models, change the oil at the interval listed in the manual, keep the air filter clean, and use fuel stabilizer if the mower sits for more than a month. For batteries, store them indoors away from extreme heat or cold and charge them before long storage.

Mow when the grass is dry and cut no more than about one third of the blade height at a time. This reduces strain on any mower and gives a healthier lawn. A well-kept budget mower often outlasts a neglected premium one.

Cost of Ownership: What a Mower Really Costs

Value is the purchase price plus what you spend to keep the mower running. A gas mower needs fuel, oil, a spark plug, an air filter and a blade now and then, which adds up to a modest yearly sum. A cordless mower has almost no running cost beyond electricity, but the battery is the part that eventually wears out and is the most expensive to replace, so look at the battery warranty. A reel mower has the lowest running cost: occasional blade sharpening and a bit of oil on the moving parts.

If you already own tools on a battery platform, buying a mower on that same platform can save money, because you can often buy the bare tool without a battery. If you do not, compare the kit price with the cost of the battery separately, since the battery is a large share of the price. The cheapest mower is the one you will still be happy to use in five years, so factor in noise, storage and how much you dislike pull cords.

Safety Basics Before You Mow

Clear sticks, toys and stones from the lawn before you start, wear closed-toe shoes and eye protection, and never leave a running mower unattended. Remove the battery or disconnect the spark plug wire before you clean or adjust the deck. Keep children and pets away from the mowing area, and check the manual for slope limits, since pushing a mower across a steep hill can be unsafe. Fill a gas mower only when the engine is cool and outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best push mower for the money?

The Greenworks 24V 13-inch brushless push mower is our best overall value for small to mid-size lawns. For bigger lawns on a budget, the BILT HARD 20-inch gas mower is the better value.

What is the best budget push mower?

For gas, the BILT HARD 20-inch 144cc. For cordless, the Litheli 14-inch. For a tiny yard, the LawnMaster reel mower.

Are cordless push mowers as good as gas?

For small to mid-size lawns, yes, and they are quieter and easier to start. For large lawns or thick grass, gas still has the edge for continuous power.

How big a lawn can a battery mower handle?

A 4.0 Ah 24V mower is rated for roughly a quarter acre. A 56V mower like the EGO covers up to about a half acre, but runtime varies with grass and weather.

Is a reel mower worth it?

Yes for small, flat lawns that you mow often. It costs little, makes little noise and needs no fuel, but it struggles with tall or thick grass.

Should I buy a push or self-propelled mower?

A push mower is cheaper and lighter, while self-propelled is easier on slopes and large lawns. Choose by your lawn and your strength.

How long do cheap push mowers last?

With regular maintenance, they can last many years. Lifespan depends on the engine or battery, how well you clean and store it, and how often you use it.

Which One Should You Buy?

Buy the Greenworks 24V for the best all-round value. Pick the BILT HARD or SENIX if you need gas power for a bigger lawn. Choose the Litheli for a very small budget, the Greenworks 40V for a wider cordless deck, the LawnMaster reel for a tiny flat yard and the EGO LM2112 if you want to buy one quality mower for years.

Measure your lawn, check what is included, and confirm any spec we marked not listed. This guide is based on research of maker pages and listings, not on our own use.

Sources

• Greenworks product pages for the 24V 13 inch and 40V 16 inch push mowers
• EGO Power+ product page for the LM2112 21 inch mower
• BILT HARD product listing for the 20 inch 144cc gas mower
• SENIX product listing for the 21 inch gas push mower
• LawnMaster product listing for the LMRM1801 reel mower

Last updated: October 2026