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Here at BobVila.com, we have plenty of experience with all things DIY and home improvement, but one of the most common product types we test is the lawn mower. We’ve tested all types of mowers—from fancy stand-on mowers that cost as much as some cars do to humble reel mowers that anyone can afford. Through all this, we’ve developed a knack for understanding which of these lawn care tools make the cut and which to pull the plug on.
In this economy, we know dishing out big bucks for a mower isn’t everyone’s dream scenario. As such, we decided it was high time to put together a guide to affordable lawn mowers. Through a combination of diligent market research and hands-on testing done by our in-house team, we selected and reviewed seven of the best affordable lawn mowers on the market.
Key Takeaways
- Top affordable lawn mowers reviewed. Bob Vila’s team tested and selected seven budget-friendly options, focusing on performance and price.
- Greenworks battery-powered mower shines. Offers SmartCut technology and strong performance, similar to gas mowers.
- Fiskars reel mower offers eco-friendly quality. InertiaDrive system handles dense grass without fuel or noise.
- Corded and robot mowers provide unique benefits. Cost-effective for small yards and innovative solutions for effortless mowing.
Bottom line: Discover the best affordable lawn mowers that balance cost, performance, and unique features for every yard type.
Our Top Picks
We’re not brand supremacists, but certain companies continue churning out great products year after year. In building this list, we considered brand name, product reputation, build quality, specs, and, most importantly, price.
Best Overall
Photo: Amazon
Powered by a rapid-charging battery, this mower features a 21-inch-wide steel deck and Greenworks’ SmartCut technology, which automatically adjusts its motor speed based on cutting load. This optimizes both battery life and mower performance across different types of grass. It offers variable cutting-height positions, three grass-disposal options (bagging, mulching, and side discharge), and large 10-inch rear wheels for strong traction and maneuverability.
During testing, this mower’s powerful motor made it perform like a gas mower. It sliced through dense, weedy grass up to 10 inches tall with ease, leaving a clean, tidy finish. No matter which disposal mode we used, it produced smooth results with no uneven spots or stringy weeds left behind. Plus, it mulched thick grass into virtually invisible clippings.
The only drawbacks we noticed were reduced runtime on hilly terrain (because we had to slow down, not because of motor strain) and the fact that the side-discharge chute fit loosely and was easy to knock off during use.
What our tester says: “This push mower delivers the strongest mowing capability of all the mowers we tested. It leaves our grass perfectly smooth, and we don’t mind manually pushing it. Plus, the price is quite a bit lower than most others.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer
Runner-Up
Photo: Amazon
In the old days, long before gas mowers became the norm, people mowed their lawns with manual mowers. This reel mower from Fiskars is the cream of the crop. Unlike most other manual mowers, this one uses Fiskars’ patented InertiaDrive system, which helps it slice and dice through dense clumps and difficult patches that other manual mowers would struggle with.
What people like about this mower is the quality. This is a buy-it-for-a-lifetime type purchase, as long as you treat it well. It doesn’t require much maintenance (unlike certain mowers), doesn’t require costly fuel, and it doesn’t make a ruckus. It also offers greater control thanks to its narrow 17-inch design. It may struggle a bit in extremely overgrown weeds and tall grass, but for the most part, this is a machine you can count on. Plus, the eco-friendly among us will appreciate its role in minimizing one’s carbon footprint. Did we mention that it may keep grass healthier than motorized mowers?
Best Bang for the Buck
Photo: Amazon
When we say affordable, we mean it. With a double-digit price tag, this mower boasts a solid reputation and an endless swath of positive reviews from users who swear by it. Like the Fiskars StaySharp, this is another reel mower, only this one prioritizes convenience and cost savings above all else. No, it may not last a lifetime (though anything is possible!), and it won’t provide the same level of precision as the StaySharp, but it gets the job done and it does it well.
Its 14-inch deck size makes it very maneuverable. That means it’s great for small, windy yards with obstacles, twists, turns, and other unusual terrain. And due to its small size, this 20-pound mower is extremely easy to store away when not in use. Height-adjustable, easy to maintain, and downright cool-looking, this mower is one we feel confident recommending.
What our tester says: “Overall, the mower felt strong, durable, and easy to use, but it required a second pass to clean up some of the more difficult areas. It’s probably a good choice for keeping up with pathways in the vegetable garden or other secondary grassy areas.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer
Best for Small Yards
American Lawn Mower Company 50514 14″ Corded Mower
Photo: Amazon
Corded mowers have faded in popularity, but we think they’re underrated. That’s because they’re very useful in certain use cases, like mowing small yards. People immediately think of the hassle of having to use an extension cord, but if you can manage that, the payoffs are notable. (And the smaller the yard, the shorter the extension cord needed.)
For starters, with a corded mower, there’s no need to replace expensive batteries, which can cost upwards of $100 for some mowers. And further savings are notable—low operating costs and less maintenance. Many corded mowers are extremely lightweight and maneuverable, and that’s very much the case with this one. With an adjustable cutting height, large wheels, and the ability to mulch or catch grass clippings, we like just about everything about this mower. Especially the fact that it also folds to make storing it simpler.
Best Robot Mower
Photo: Amazon
We tested the Segway Navimow i Series for our guide on the best robot mowers, and we couldn’t have been more impressed. Though we were skeptical about robot mowers at first, this one showed us that they’re not only capable of replacing a traditional mower, but that in many ways, they’re superior.
During testing, the mower stayed in bounds at all times, mowed on schedule, and had no problem keeping up with our quarter-plus acre of grass. It took a while to set up (about 2 hours), and that includes charging, setting up the app, and mapping the yard. Once mapped, we found scheduling and customizing mowing schedules to be a breeze.
Though it isn’t exactly “cheap”, the Navimow i Series is a value-packed titan compared to other robot mowers. If you’re tired of mowing or downright unable, this might be worth a try.
What our tester says: “It was the fastest and easiest to set up and the first model I’ve tested that was able to cut perfect lawn stripes instead of a random pattern.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer
Best Gas Mower
Yardmax YG1650 21” 3-in-1 Walk-Behind Gas Lawn Mower
Photo: Amazon
For homeowners who prefer the raw muscle of a combustion engine without the hefty price that “pro” brands charge, the Yardmax 1650 is an option worth considering. It features a powerful 170cc engine and a 21-inch steel deck, as well as high rear wheels that help offer serious traction. This is great for anyone with a hilly or uneven yard, as it helps ensure you won’t slip.
This mower doesn’t feature a self-propelled drive system, but what it lacks in convenience, it makes up for in power and cost value. It also offers seven cutting heights, allowing you to adjust the height to suit your yard. And unlike some of the mowers we mentioned that might struggle in dense grass, this one will power right through.
Best Wide Deck
Toro 22″ Recycler Personal Pace Gas Lawn Mower
Photo: Amazon
If you’re hoping to find a smooth operator, this is it. Featuring an extra-wide 22-inch deck, Toro’s Recycler boasts a self-propelled drive system that adjusts to your pace. Fittingly named the “Personal Pace” system, it kicks into high gear when you push harder, and it slows down when you do. This helps make quick work of large lawns, and it’s great for those with mobility or endurance issues.
We loved using the Toro Recycler, and we’re not alone. A fan-favorite, this mower seems to be the darling of online reviewers and discussion forums. And after using it ourselves, we see why.
What our tester says: “During testing, we were incredibly impressed with how smoothly and quietly this Toro ran, especially compared to other gas self-propelled lawn mowers. But the thing we liked about it best was the quality of its cut. Mowing results were consistently excellent, no matter how fast we walked, how thick the grass was, and regardless of whether we mulched or bagged the clippings.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer
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