Best Cheap Push Mowers in 2026 – Top 5 Budget Picks Reviewed

Your old gas mower finally gave up, or maybe you just moved into a house with a small yard that doesn’t justify a $500 machine. You want something that cuts grass cleanly, doesn’t require a trip to the mechanic, and leaves enough cash in your wallet for other things. That’s where a cheap push mower comes in—but not all budget models are worth your time.

The best cheap push mowers balance three things: cutting performance, ease of use, and durability. You don’t need a 21-inch steel deck with self-propulsion for a quarter-acre lot. You need a machine that starts every time, handles the grass you actually have, and stores without taking over your garage. Whether you prefer cordless battery power, a simple corded electric, or the quiet efficiency of a reel mower, there’s a budget option that fits.

After comparing dozens of models, we narrowed it down to five picks that represent the best value in their categories. The MZK 40V is our overall favorite for cordless convenience, while the Greenworks 40V is a close second for those who want a trusted brand. The BILT HARD corded model suits tiny yards with an outlet nearby, and the LawnMaster and Earthwise reel mowers are perfect for small, flat lawns where you want zero emissions. Below, we break down each one so you can choose with confidence.

Here’s how the top contenders stack up on the specs that matter most:

Features	MZK 40V	Greenworks 40V	BILT HARD Corded	LawnMaster Reel	Earthwise Reel
Power Source	Cordless (2x20V)	Cordless (40V)	Corded (11A)	Manual push	Manual push
Cutting Width	13 inches	16 inches	15 inches	18 inches	16 inches
Height Adjustments	4 positions	5 positions	5 positions	9 positions	Adjustable
Grass Bag Capacity	8 gallons	Rear bag	9.2 gallons	None	None
Best For	Small-medium yards	Up to 1/3 acre	Small yards near outlet	Small flat lawns	Small flat lawns

MZK 40V 16-Inch 2-in-1

The MZK 40V cordless mower is a solid choice for homeowners with small to medium lawns who want to ditch gas without spending a fortune. It comes with two 20V 4.0Ah batteries, so you get about 30 minutes of run time per charge—enough for most quarter-acre lots if you mow regularly. The 13-inch deck is narrow, but that’s a trade-off for a lighter machine that’s easy to maneuver around flower beds and gates.

What stands out here is the dual-battery system. Instead of waiting for one battery to recharge, you swap in the second and keep going. The brushless motor is more efficient and lasts longer than brushed alternatives, which matters for a budget mower. The 2-in-1 design lets you mulch or bag, and the 30L rear bag is easy to empty. The 2-step safety start is a nice touch, especially if you have kids or pets around.

There are some limitations. The cutting height range (1.3 to 2.6 inches) is narrower than some competitors, so it’s not ideal for very tall grass or warm-season lawns that need a higher cut in summer. The 13-inch deck means more passes across your yard, and the runtime can drop if the grass is thick or wet. Also, the charger is single-port, so you can’t charge both batteries at once.

• Dual 20V 4.0Ah batteries included
• 13-inch cutting deck
• 4-position height adjustment (1.3″–2.6″)
• 8-gallon rear grass bag
• Brushless motor for longer life

Best for: Homeowners with small to medium yards who want cordless freedom without the premium price tag.

Greenworks 40V 16in Push

The Greenworks 40V 16-inch mower is a step up in cutting width and brand trust. It’s designed for yards up to 1/3 acre, which makes it more versatile than the MZK. The 16-inch deck cuts a wider path, so you finish faster. It’s also ultra-lightweight—about 35% lighter than steel deck mowers—which makes it easy to push and lift.

The single-lever height adjustment is a standout feature. You can change the cutting height with one hand, no tools needed, across five positions. That’s genuinely useful when you switch between spring growth and summer maintenance. The 2-in-1 system gives you mulching and rear bagging options, and the 40V battery platform works with over 75 other Greenworks tools, so if you already own a trimmer or blower, the batteries are interchangeable.

The biggest trade-off is the battery. It comes with a 4.0Ah battery, which gives you decent runtime but might not finish a full third of an acre if the grass is thick. You’ll likely want a second battery for larger lawns. Also, the rear bag is smaller than some competitors, so you’ll empty it more often. The 3-year warranty is reassuring, though.

• 16-inch cutting deck
• 5-position single-lever height adjustment
• Works with Greenworks 40V battery platform
• Ultra-lightweight design
• 3-year limited tool and battery warranty

Best for: Buyers who want a trusted brand, wider cut, and the option to expand their cordless tool collection later.

BILT HARD 15″ Corded Electric

If you have a small yard and an outdoor outlet, the BILT HARD corded mower is the cheapest way to get a clean cut. It’s powered by an 11A motor that spins the blade at 3300 RPM, which is plenty for typical residential grass. The 15-inch deck is a good middle ground, and the 9.2-gallon grass bag means fewer trips to the compost pile.

The best part? It weighs only 21 pounds. That’s lighter than most battery mowers, and it makes a noticeable difference when you’re pushing uphill or navigating tight corners. The foldable handle is another practical feature—it collapses down for storage in a shed or under a workbench. The double-safety system (start lock button plus instant-stop lever) is straightforward and responsive.

But it’s corded, and that comes with annoyances. You’ll manage the extension cord constantly, and if your yard is bigger than 5,000 square feet, you’ll likely hit the limit of a standard 100-foot cord. The cutting height range (1″–3″) is decent, but the 15-inch width means more passes than a 16-inch model. Also, the plastic deck isn’t as durable as steel, though it keeps the weight down.

• 11A motor with 3300 RPM
• 15-inch cutting width
• 5-position height adjustment (1″–3″)
• 9.2-gallon grass bag
• Folds flat for storage

Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners with small, flat yards who don’t mind managing a cord.

LawnMaster LMRM1801 Push Reel

The LawnMaster reel mower is for the purist who wants a perfect cut with zero emissions and zero noise. It uses a 5-blade reel that cuts grass with a scissor-like action, which is healthier for your lawn than the tearing action of rotary blades. It’s designed for small lawns, and the 18-inch cutting width means fewer passes than most budget mowers.

The standout feature here is the 9-position height adjustment, ranging from 1.1 to 2.5 inches. That’s more flexibility than any of the electric models on this list. The 10-inch front wheels help it roll over uneven ground, and the steel blades are built to last. It’s also completely silent—you can mow early in the morning without waking the neighbors.

The catch is that reel mowers require more physical effort and only work well on grass that isn’t too tall or thick. If you let your lawn go for two weeks, you’ll struggle. It’s also not ideal for Bermuda or St. Augustine unless you mow very frequently. And there’s no grass bag, so you’ll either leave clippings (which is good for the lawn) or rake them up.

• 18-inch cutting width
• 5-blade steel reel
• 9-position height adjustment
• 10-inch front wheels
• No motor, no gas, no noise

Best for: Eco-minded homeowners with small, flat, well-maintained lawns who enjoy the ritual of manual mowing.

Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-Inch

The Earthwise reel mower is a slightly more affordable alternative to the LawnMaster, with a few key differences. It has a 7-blade reel, which means more cuts per revolution and a finer finish on the grass. The 16-inch cutting width is narrower than the LawnMaster but still fine for small yards. The 10-inch composite wheels help it roll smoothly over bumps.

What sets the Earthwise apart is its versatility with grass types. It’s specifically designed to handle bent grass, Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, St. Augustine, and Seashore Paspalum—if you have one of these warm-season grasses, this mower will give you a cleaner cut than most rotary mowers. The alloy steel blades stay sharp longer, and the cutting height adjusts from 0.5 to 2.5 inches, which gives you a lower cut option for certain grass types.

The trade-offs are similar to the LawnMaster: it’s manual, so it takes effort, and it won’t handle tall, thick grass. The 16-inch width means more passes than the LawnMaster, but it’s also slightly lighter and easier to push. The composite wheels aren’t as durable as steel on rough terrain, but they’re fine for typical suburban lawns.

• 16-inch cutting width
• 7-blade alloy steel reel
• Adjustable height (0.5″–2.5″)
• 10-inch composite wheels
• Works on warm-season grasses

Best for: Homeowners with warm-season grass who want a precise, eco-friendly cut at a rock-bottom price.

How We Chose These Products

We started with a simple question: what does a typical homeowner with a small to medium yard actually need from a cheap push mower? Then we scoured current listings for models under $200 that had solid build quality, reasonable cutting widths, and features that genuinely matter—like height adjustments, bagging options, and foldable handles. We excluded anything with obvious red flags, like flimsy decks or poor reviews about durability.

For each category—cordless, corded, and reel—we picked the models that offer the best value for the price. We prioritized cutting performance, ease of use, and long-term reliability. We also considered the platform ecosystem, like whether batteries are shared with other tools. We didn’t include gas mowers because they’re rarely the best budget choice for small yards, and we ignored any model with a deck under 13 inches, as that’s too narrow for practical use.

Buying Guide: What Really Matters

Before you buy, think about your lawn size and terrain. If your yard is under 5,000 square feet and relatively flat, a reel mower or a corded electric will save you money and hassle. If it’s closer to a third of an acre, you’ll want a cordless model with a wide deck and decent battery runtime. Measure your yard, check for slopes, and note where your outdoor outlets are located—that will narrow your options quickly.

Next, consider the cutting width. A 16-inch deck is the sweet spot for most small yards; it’s wide enough to finish quickly but narrow enough to fit through gates and around obstacles. The height adjustment range matters too, especially if you have warm-season grass that needs a higher cut in summer. Look for at least 4 or 5 positions, and ideally a single-lever adjustment that you can change without tools.

Finally, think about maintenance and storage. Cordless mowers require battery care and periodic blade sharpening, but no oil changes or fuel. Corded mowers are nearly maintenance-free but require a cord. Reel mowers need blade sharpening every few years, but no other upkeep. And check the folded dimensions if you’re short on garage space—some models fold flat, others don’t.

Our Top Recommendation

For most people, the Greenworks 40V 16-inch is the best overall choice. It offers a wide cutting deck, a trusted brand, and a battery platform that grows with you. The runtime is adequate for typical small yards, and the 3-year warranty gives you peace of mind. If you already own Greenworks 40V tools, this is a no-brainer.

If you want the absolute cheapest option that still works well, go with the BILT HARD corded—just make sure you have an outlet close enough. For cordless convenience on a tighter budget, the MZK 40V is a strong runner-up. And if you’re ready to ditch power tools entirely, the LawnMaster reel mower gives you the best cutting experience for small, flat lawns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a cheap push mower handle thick or tall grass?

Most budget rotary mowers (corded or cordless) can handle grass up to about 4 inches tall if you take your time and overlap passes. Reel mowers struggle with anything above 3 inches, so you’ll need to mow more often. For thick grass, a corded mower like the BILT HARD has the most consistent power.

How long do batteries last on a budget cordless mower?

Expect 20 to 30 minutes of actual mowing time per charge, depending on grass conditions. The MZK’s dual-battery setup lets you swap and double your runtime, but you’ll need to recharge both after a full mow. Battery life degrades over time—usually after 2-3 seasons, you’ll notice shorter runtimes.

Is a reel mower really better for my lawn?

Reel mowers cut grass cleanly, like scissors, which reduces stress and disease risk. That’s better for the grass itself. But they only work well on short, even turf. If you have a fescue lawn that grows fast, you’ll be mowing every 3-4 days in spring. For Bermuda or Zoysia, a reel mower gives a golf-course finish.

What’s the difference between mulching and bagging?

Mulching chops grass into fine clippings and drops them back onto the lawn, returning nitrogen to the soil. Bagging collects the clippings, which is useful if you have weeds or want a pristine look. Most budget mowers offer both—look for a 2-in-1 system if you want the option to switch.