Maintaining a beautiful lawn doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune on expensive equipment. For many homeowners with small to medium-sized yards, a reliable, budget-friendly mower is all that’s needed to keep the grass looking neat and tidy. The good news is that the market is full of excellent options that deliver great performance without draining your wallet. If you’re looking for quality and value, you can absolutely find one of the 6 Best Lawn Mowers Under $250 that perfectly suits your needs.
Whether you prefer the quiet, eco-friendly operation of an electric model or the traditional, fuel-free simplicity of a reel mower, there’s a perfect machine waiting for you. This guide will walk you through some of the top-rated mowers in this price range, highlighting their key features and the types of lawns they work best on. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision so you can spend less time worrying about your equipment and more time enjoying your green space.
What to Look for in a Budget-Friendly Mower
Before we look at specific models, it’s helpful to know what features matter most when you’re shopping with a budget in mind. The first decision you’ll likely make is choosing a power type. Battery-electric mowers are incredibly popular for their quiet operation, zero emissions, and low maintenance. You simply charge the battery and you’re ready to go. Corded electric mowers are often the most affordable option and provide consistent power, but you do need to manage the cord carefully. For the utmost simplicity and a great workout, a manual reel mower is a timeless choice for very flat, small lawns.
Next, consider the mower’s cutting width. A wider deck means you can cover more ground with each pass, reducing your mowing time. For small yards, a narrower deck offers better maneuverability around tight corners and garden beds. Also, look at the cutting height adjustments. Easy-to-change settings allow you to adapt your grass length to the season, promoting a healthier lawn. Finally, check what grass collection options are available—bagging, mulching, or side-discharge—as this affects your clean-up process.
6 Best Lawn Mowers Under $250
Now, let’s get into the specifics. The following mowers have been selected based on their performance, features, and consistent positive feedback from users, all while staying firmly within a $250 budget.
Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower
This is a fantastic choice for those who want the freedom of cordless operation without a hefty price tag. It comes with a 40V 2.0Ah battery and charger, so you have everything you need to start mowing right out of the box. The 16-inch steel deck is ideal for smaller lawns, and it’s surprisingly lightweight, making it easy to push and store. It offers a single-lever height adjustment and a 2-in-1 feature that allows you to bag clippings for a clean finish or mulch them back into the lawn for natural nutrients.
American Lawn Mower Company 14-Inch Push Reel Mower
For the ultimate in simplicity and eco-friendliness, you can’t beat a classic reel mower. This model from American Lawn Mower Company is a bestseller for a reason. It requires no gas, oil, or electricity, operating solely on your push power. It provides a clean, scissor-like cut that is excellent for lawn health. It’s best suited for flat, small lawns where the grass is kept relatively short. It’s incredibly quiet, emissions-free, and provides a bit of exercise—a perfect, low-cost solution for a well-manicured look.
Sun Joe MJ401E 14-Inch Electric Lawn Mower
If your top priority is keeping costs down and you have a smaller yard with an outdoor power outlet, a corded electric mower is a brilliant option. The Sun Joe MJ401E is remarkably affordable and delivers consistent power as long as it’s plugged in. Its 14-inch cutting width is easy to maneuver, and it folds down for compact storage—a key feature for those with limited shed or garage space. It’s also very lightweight, which is great for older users or anyone who finds heavier mowers difficult to handle.
Black+Decker 3-in-1 20V Max String Trimmer and Edger
While not a traditional walk-behind mower, this versatile tool deserves a spot on this list for those with very small or tricky lawns. For lawns that are mostly maintained with a string trimmer or for spaces with many obstacles, this 3-in-1 tool can handle the job. It easily converts from a trimmer to an edger to a mini mower, making it an incredibly versatile and space-saving choice. It’s powered by a 20V MAX lithium-ion battery, which is often interchangeable with other Black+Decker tools you might own.
Snapper XD 82V MAX Cordless Mower
While sometimes priced just at the $250 mark, the Snapper XD is worth looking for during sales. It offers the power and runtime typically found in more expensive models. The 82V battery system provides ample power to get through thicker grass, and the 21-inch steel deck allows you to cover a medium-sized lawn efficiently. It features a push-button start, seven height adjustments, and a 3-in-1 system for mulching, bagging, or rear-discharging. This mower is a workhorse that feels like a premium product.
Craftsman M105 140cc Gas Push Mower
For those who prefer the raw power and runtime of gas and have a slightly larger lawn, the Craftsman M105 is a reliable contender. While gas mowers require more maintenance (like oil changes and spark plug replacements), they offer unlimited runtime, which is a significant advantage. This model features a 140cc engine, a 21-inch deck, and a single-point height adjustment system for quickly changing the cutting height across all four wheels. It’s a durable, no-frills mower built to last.
Making the Right Choice for Your Yard
Choosing between these great options comes down to your specific situation. Think about the size and terrain of your lawn. A small, flat yard is a perfect candidate for a reel or corded electric mower. If you have a medium-sized lawn with some obstacles, a cordless electric model will offer the best balance of power and convenience. For larger plots where a single battery charge might not be enough, a gas mower provides the endurance you need.
Also, consider your personal preferences regarding maintenance and noise. Electric mowers are famously low-maintenance and quiet, while gas mowers require more upkeep but deliver more power. Reel mowers are the clear winners for zero maintenance and noise, but they do require more physical effort.
Finding a high-quality lawn mower on a budget is entirely possible. The key is to match the mower’s capabilities to the needs of your yard and your own preferences for operation and upkeep. By considering factors like power source, cutting width, and storage needs, you can select a machine from this list of top-rated options that will keep your lawn looking its best for years to come, all while keeping your finances firmly in the green.