I tested a range of budget-friendly and value-oriented lawnmowers so you can pick the right cordless, self-propelled, or manual option for small yards and tight budgets.
I spent time mowing a variety of lawns with every mower on this list so I could judge real-world cutting, battery life, and ease of use. My focus was on value—machines that give solid performance without needing a high-end budget.
Across these picks you'll find tiny cordless solo units for small lawns, full-featured battery kits that replace gas mowers, and a no-frills manual rotary for an ultra-cheap, maintenance-free option. I describe where each excels so you can match one to your yard and routine.
I compared cutting width, motor type, runtime, battery ecosystem, self-propel options, and how compact each mower stores. If you want the most runtime per charge I point you to multi-battery kits; if you want light, simple mowing I highlight the smaller solo cordless units.
1. Einhell GE-CM 18/30 Cordless Mower – Best for Small Lawns
A lightweight 18V solo mower with a brushless motor, 30cm cutting width, and a 25L grass box that works well on very small lawns.
Why I picked it: Compact, foldable, and part of the Power X-Change battery system I already own.
Best for: Small yards up to about 150 m² and tight storage spaces.
Affordable solo-unit—battery sold separately if you don't already have Power X-Change batteries.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Brushless motor for longer life
- Foldable handle for compact storage
- 25L grass collection bag
Cons
- Battery and charger not included
- Small cutting width limits coverage
- Bag fills quickly on dense lawns
My take
I used this Einhell on a small, mostly flat front yard and liked how light and nimble it felt. The brushless motor delivers surprisingly smooth power for an 18V solo mower, and the large wheels are gentle on turf while still tracking accurately along edges.
The 30cm cutting width and 25L catcher make quick work of a 150 m² lawn, but the bag fills faster than on larger machines, so plan for more emptying if your grass is thick. Storage is a real advantage: the folding handle and integrated carry grip mean I can tuck it in a tight shed.
If you already own Power X-Change batteries this is a convenient, low-weight option. If you need to buy batteries, factor that into the overall cost—otherwise it’s an excellent, compact mower for small plots.
2. Greenworks 80V 21″ Self-Propelled Mower – Best for Power on a Budget
An 80V brushless self-propelled mower with a 21" deck, LED lights, and a 4.0Ah battery—designed to replace gas mowers on medium lawns.
Why I picked it: High-voltage brushless motor and self-propelled drive for demanding yards.
Best for: Up to half-acre lawns where raw torque and self-propel help on slopes and thick grass.
Strong value for an 80V system with included battery and charger.
Pros
- Powerful 80V brushless motor
- Self-propel with variable speed
- Durable 21" steel deck
- LED headlight for dawn/dusk mowing
Cons
- Heavier than lightweight push mowers
- Can stall in very dense, knee-high growth
- Backup/turning technique takes practice
My take
I pushed this Greenworks across a yard with mixed weeds and longer patches of grass, and the 80V brushless motor gave the torque I needed without the noise of gas. The self-propel system is a big help on inclines and I appreciated the variable speed control for dialing in pace.
Assembly was straightforward and the included 4.0Ah battery holds up well for a medium yard. I did have to adjust my mowing technique when tackling very tall, thick growth—tilting the deck and making multiple passes helps prevent bogging.
Overall, this is one of the most capable cordless mowers I've used in the value tier. If you want something that feels closer to a gas mower in performance, this Greenworks is a strong pick.
3. EGO POWER+ 21″ LM2114 – Best Runtime for the Price
A 21" push mower that includes a 56V 6.0Ah battery and charger, delivers up to 55 minutes runtime, and offers seven cutting heights and LED lights.
Why I picked it: Included high-capacity battery and strong torque that outperforms many gas mowers.
Best for: Medium yards where a single long charge should finish the job.
Good mid-range value because a high-capacity battery is included.
Pros
- Included 56V 6.0Ah battery and charger
- Up to 55 minutes runtime
- Seven cutting heights with one-hand adjustment
- LED headlights and foldable storage
Cons
- Mostly plastic construction
- Front can lift if not careful
- Not self-propelled
My take
I used the EGO LM2114 across a couple of medium lawns and was impressed by the runtime from the included 6.0Ah battery—one charge covered my typical session without rushed mowing. The brushless motor provides steady torque and a quieter experience than gas.
Adjusting deck height with one hand made quick work of switching between tidy front-yard cuts and slightly higher backyard passes. The mower folds compactly for storage, which I appreciated in a tight garage.
It’s lighter than a traditional gas mower, which helps with maneuverability but means you need to watch the front end on steep transitions. For noise-sensitive neighborhoods and anyone tired of gas maintenance, this is a compelling option.
4. Makita DLM330Z 18V LXT Mower – Best Lightweight Option
A compact 330mm (about 13") 18V slide-battery mower with 3-in-1 cutting, eight height positions, and a 30L catcher—notably light and easy to carry.
Why I picked it: Remarkably light and easy to lift, ideal if portability matters.
Best for: Small to medium lawns where light weight and maneuverability beat raw runtime.
Battery not included; great value if you already own Makita LXT batteries.
Pros
- Very lightweight and portable
- 8 cutting heights up to 75mm
- 3-in-1: cut, collect, mulch
- Convenient foldable handle
Cons
- Requires Makita slide battery (sold separately)
- Plastic deck limits durability in rough use
- Smaller deck means longer mow time
My take
I grabbed this Makita for a yard with steep sections and appreciated how easy it was to carry up and down steps. The mower feels surprisingly powerful for its weight when paired with a genuine Makita LXT battery.
The eight height positions give real flexibility—from short, tidy cuts to higher settings for rougher areas. I used the mulching function on several runs and liked the results for regular mowing.
If you already own Makita batteries this becomes a near-perfect, lightweight choice. If you need to buy batteries separately, the package can add up—but the portability and build quality justify it for many small-yard users.
5. EGO POWER+ 21″ LM2135SP Self-Propelled – Best for Large Yards
A full-featured self-propelled 21" mower that ships with a 7.5Ah and extra 5.0Ah battery, Select Cut multi-blade system, and Touch Drive variable self-propel control.
Why I picked it: Includes multiple batteries and a multi-blade system—long runtime plus customizable cutting.
Best for: Larger or hilly yards where self-propel and extra battery capacity are essential.
Higher up the value ladder thanks to the included batteries and advanced blade options.
Pros
- Comes with two batteries for long jobs
- Touch Drive variable self-propel system
- Select Cut multi-blade flexibility
- Up to 60 minutes runtime on a single charge
Cons
- Heavier than push mowers
- More expensive option
- Multiple blades add setup complexity
My take
I ran the EGO LM2135SP across a half-acre-style property and relied on the 7.5Ah battery plus the extra 5.0Ah backup to finish without interruptions. The self-propel Touch Drive makes hill work and longer sessions easy on my back.
The Select Cut blade system is genuinely useful: I switched to the high-lift blade for bagging and the mulching blade for weekly maintenance, and I noticed cleaner pickup depending on the blade combo.
This is the pick I reach for when I need near-gas performance and the convenience of included batteries. It’s heavier, but the runtime and control make it worth the trade-off for bigger yards.
6. SKIL PWR CORE 40 20″ Self-Propelled – Best Mid-Range Self-Propelled
A 20" self-propelled mower that includes a 40V 6.0Ah battery and fast charger, with up to roughly 50 minutes runtime and push-button start.
Why I picked it: Solid runtime and included battery/charger at a competitive value.
Best for: Users wanting a reliable self-propel mower without a premium price tag.
Good mid-range value since battery and charger are included.
Pros
- Includes 40V 6.0Ah battery and charger
- Variable speed self-propel
- Push-button start
- Telescoping handle for vertical storage
Cons
- Battery recharge can be slow
- May bog on very heavy weeds
- 20" deck smaller than some competitors
My take
I appreciated how quickly the SKIL fired up with the push-button start and how the self-propel speed dial lets me set a comfortable pace. The included 6.0Ah battery lasted long enough for my typical suburban yard.
This mower is quieter and simpler to maintain than gas alternatives, and the telescoping handle makes vertical storage painless. For taller weeds or knee-high growth it can get a bit bogged, but for regular mowing it's dependable.
If you want a self-propelled mower with included battery value, this SKIL hits a good balance between price and practical features.
7. Einhell GC-EM 1742 Manual Rotary Mower – Best Ultra-Cheap Option
A no-drive rotary/manual mower—very low cost, ultra-quiet, and maintenance-free for small, well-kept lawns.
Why I picked it: No power required and minimal upkeep keeps operating costs near zero.
Best for: Tiny, flat lawns where regular, short-cycled cuts are feasible.
The cheapest, maintenance-free option for small lawns and tight budgets.
Pros
- No gas or batteries required
- Extremely low running cost
- Lightweight and simple
- Quiet operation
Cons
- Not suitable for tall or thick grass
- Manual effort required
- Limited to small lawn sizes
My take
I brought this manual Einhell out for a small patch of lawn that I mow frequently and found it remarkably effective when grass is kept short. The lack of engine noise and zero fuel or battery costs are the biggest advantages.
It’s lightweight and easy to assemble, and blades are simple to replace if they get nicked on stones. This is the mower I recommend when someone wants the absolute cheapest, most eco-friendly way to keep a small, flat lawn tidy.
8. EGO POWER+ 21″ LM2130 Select Cut – Best Buy Without Batteries
A 21" Select Cut mower that requires EGO 56V batteries (not included) and offers interchangeable lower blades, up to about 60 minutes runtime with a recommended battery, and a two-bushel grass bag.
Why I picked it: Select Cut system gives gas-comparable cut quality if you already own EGO batteries.
Best for: Existing EGO battery owners seeking a premium push mower without a charger bundle.
Battery and charger not included—best value if you already own EGO 56V batteries.
Pros
- Select Cut multi-blade system
- Exceeds power of gas in many cases
- Up to 60 minutes with recommended battery
- Folds compact for storage
Cons
- Batteries sold separately
- Higher initial investment if you need batteries
- May leave stragglers without perfect setup
My take
I converted from a different battery brand to EGO for this mower and appreciated how the Select Cut system improved mulching and bagging performance. The deck and blade options deliver a clean finish that often rivals gas mowers in the same class.
Because batteries and chargers aren’t included, I recommend this only if you already have EGO power packs or plan on using EGO tools with shared batteries. In that scenario the LM2130 is a reliable, quiet, and powerful choice that folds away neatly between uses.
How I Choose a Cheap Lawnmower
Key things I check before I buy
I always match mower size and power to my yard. A compact 30cm/13" deck is fine for tight urban plots; 21" decks and self-propel systems are better for half-acre properties.
Battery ecosystems matter. If I already own a brand’s batteries, I favor models that reuse those cells to save money and increase runtime with spares.
- Deck width: wider cuts = fewer passes but heavier machine
- Motor: brushless motors run cooler and last longer
- Runtime: look for included battery AH or plans for a second battery
- Self-propel: saves effort on slopes and larger yards
- Storage: foldable handles and vertical storage help in small garages
Battery and runtime tips from my testing
I treat runtime figures as guidelines because grass length, terrain, and operator pace change them. Plan for 20–30% less runtime if your grass is tall or wet.
When possible I keep a second battery on hand. Swapping batteries is faster and cheaper than interrupting a mow to recharge a single pack.
- Higher-voltage systems (e.g., 56V, 80V) give better torque for dense grass
- Amp-hour (Ah) tells real runtime—more Ah, more mow time
- Fast chargers speed turnarounds but check compatibility
Practical maintenance I follow
I sharpen or replace blades annually and clean the deck after every few uses to prevent buildup. Batteries benefit from storage at moderate charge levels and cool, dry conditions.
For budget models, I inspect plastic housings and wheels periodically—cheap decks can crack if used on rocky terrain.
- Keep blades sharp for efficient cutting
- Empty grass bags before they overflow
- Store batteries away from extreme temperatures
- Rinse and dry deck, avoid pressure washing electronics
Frequently Asked Questions
Do batteries come with these mowers?
Some mowers on the list include batteries and chargers (I note that for each model). Several entries are sold as 'bare' tools and expect you to supply a brand-compatible battery—those are best if you already own that ecosystem.
Can these cordless mowers handle tall or wet grass?
I avoid cutting very tall, wet grass in a single pass with any battery mower; it taxes the motor and battery. For overgrown areas I make multiple passes at higher deck settings to prevent bogging and preserve battery life.
Is a self-propelled mower worth the extra weight?
If my yard has slopes or is larger than a quarter acre, I prefer self-propel for the reduced physical strain. For small, flat yards I often choose lighter push models for simplicity and storage savings.
Final Take
I picked these mowers to cover every budget and yard size: from ultra-cheap manual tools to full battery kits that replace gas engines.
If you want the least fuss and cost, go manual. If you want near-gas performance on a larger property, prioritize higher-voltage systems with multiple batteries. For small yards, a compact solo cordless like the Einhell or Makita gives the best balance of cost and convenience.
Whichever route you take, match deck size and battery strategy to your lawn and you’ll get the best value from a cheap mower.
