9 Best Lawn Mowers Under $200 [Reviews]

Best Overall

Sun Joe MJ401C 14-Inch 28-Volt Cordless Push Lawn Mower

Runner-Up

Fiskars StaySharp 17-inch Push Reel Lawn Mower

Best for Small Yards

Black+Decker MTE912 12-inch Electric 3-in-1 Trimmer/Edger/Mower

Budget Pick

Great States 415-16 Manual Reel Mower

If you’re new to the landscaping game, it can seem like spending hundreds of dollars on a high-end lawn mower is the only way to go. But take the size of your lawn and storage space into consideration, and a more affordable mower may actually be the best choice for you. 

From self-propelled to 3-in-1 battery-powered models, there’s a wide variety of low-cost and capable options. We’ve rounded them up to show you the 9 best lawn mowers under $200. 

*Note: Battery and charger may not be included in the original price.

1. Sun Joe MJ401C 14-Inch 28-Volt Cordless Push Lawn Mower

Best Overall Sun Joe MJ401C 14-Inch 28-Volt Cordless Push Lawn Mower, w/10.6-Gallon Collection Bag, 3-Position Height Adjustment, Safety Key, 14 inches, Green

Sun Joe MJ401C 14-Inch 28-Volt Cordless Push Lawn Mower

A single charge of this lawnmower’s 28-volt, 4-ah lithium-ion battery allows it to cut around a quarter of an acre of lawn.

The Sun Joe MJ401C is an electric mower with a 28-volt 4 Ah lithium-ion battery that can mow about a quarter of an acre on a single charge. It has a 14-inch cutting deck with steel blades that cut grass cleanly and evenly. 

Is it heavy? This mower is made of plastic and weighs 23.1 pounds, making it lightweight and easy to maneuver.

What types of lawns does this mower work best on? This mower’s cutting height is adjustable, with three height positions so you can mow all types of grass between 1.18 and 2.52 inches high. Its wheels and construction make it best suited for small to medium flat lawns. 

Disposing of grass clippings with this mower is easy because of the detachable 10.6-gallon bag for catching grass as you mow. Plus, this mower’s collapsible handle makes it even more compact for easy storage. 

Even better: This mower also uses a brushless motor, making it quiet and eco-friendly — and it still costs less than $200. 

Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 61.5 x 21 x 16.5 inches
  • Weight: 23.1 pounds
  • Power source: 28V 4.0Ah lithium-ion battery
  • Cutting height range: 1.18 – 2.52 inches
  • Deck size: 14 inches

Pros:

✓ Warranty for up to two years
✓ Brushless motor 
✓ Lightweight 

Cons:

✗ Batteries can be expensive to replace

2. Fiskars StaySharp 17-inch Push Reel Lawn Mower

Runner-Up Fiskars 17 Inch Staysharp Push Reel Lawn Mower (6208), Orange

Fiskars StaySharp 17-inch Push Reel Lawn Mower

The advanced design of our reel mower makes it 30% easier to push and offers an easy way to mow your lawn.

The Fiskars StaySharp Push Reel Lawn Mower has the power to cut your lawn as quick as you push it across your grass. As you mow, it shoots grass clippings away from your feet, so you won’t end up with legs caked in green.

Bonus points: As a reel mower, this model is cordless, motorless, gas-free, and easy to assemble. 

Beware of weight: This Fiskars mower is unusually heavy for a manual push reel mower. At 41 pounds, it’s heavier than many of the mowers on this list. 

What types of lawns can a reel mower handle? This model’s 10-inch wheels tackle both flat and uneven lawns. Its smallish 17-inch cutting deck is great for small to medium-sized yards. The single lever cutting height adjustment can cut the grass between 1.5 and 3.5 inches tall, so it works for several different grass types. Compare this model to the other best reel lawn mowers of the year.

Are you looking for a long-term commitment from your mower? Good news: The Fiskars company provides a lifetime warranty on its mowers.  

Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 23.50 x 18.00 x 13.80 inches
  • Weight: 41 pounds
  • Power source: Manual push
  • Cutting height range: 1.5 – 3.5 inches 
  • Deck size: 17 inches

Pros:

✓ Lifetime warranty
✓ Cordless and motorless 
✓ Low-maintenance
✓ Easy to assemble

Cons:

✗ Heavy compared to other reel mowers 
✗ Users cite some issues with maneuverability

3. Black+Decker MTE912 12-inch Electric 3-in-1 Trimmer/Edger/Mower

Best for Small Yards BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 String Trimmer/Edger & Lawn Mower, 6.5-Amp, 12-Inch, Corded (MTE912) (Power cord not included)

Black+Decker MTE912 12-inch Electric 3-in-1 Trimmer/Edger/Mower

This 3-in-1 lawnmower provides an innovative way to keep small yards and gardens looking beautiful.

The Black + Decker MTE912 3-in-1 mower is perfect for property sizes of 1,200 square feet and smaller. You can choose between a corded or cordless model depending on your needs. The cordless version (model number MTC220) comes with two 20-volt batteries for extended run time.   

Both versions feature an adjustable mowing deck with two height positions of 1.6 or 2.4 inches. Use the different height settings for different times of year or various grass types.

The power of a 3-in-1 tool: This mower can handle all your lawn care needs. It converts from a mower to an edger to a string trimmer. All you have to do to switch between the different modes is rotate a single piece on the cutting head.  

Best for small properties: The deck size is 12 inches, which is on the smaller end. Because it’s so small, mowing the lawn will take longer. The plus side? You hardly need any space to store it. The size and plastic construction also make this mower extremely lightweight, weighing in at just 13.1 pounds. 

Specifications:

  • Dimensions:15.31 x 36.56 x 7.38 inches
  • Weight: 13.1 pounds
  • Power source: 6.5-amp motor (both versions) and 20-volt battery (cordless only)
  • Cutting height range: 1.6 – 2.4 inches
  • Deck size: 12 inches

Pros:

✓ Lightweight
✓ 3-in-1 mowing, edging, and string trimming 
✓ Two-year limited warranty 

Cons:

✗ With the corded version, you can go only as far as the cord allows
✗ Small mowing deck means more passes to finish the lawn

4. American Lawn Mower Company 14-inch 11-amp Corded Electric Walk-Behind Push Mower

American Lawn Mower Company 50514 14-Inch 11-Amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower, Black

American Lawn Mower Company 14-inch 11-amp Corded Electric Walk-Behind Push Mower

This lawnmower is easy to use, planet-friendly, and cost-effective all at once.

With an 11-amp motor, this American Lawn Mower Company corded electric mower has the power of a gas engine without the price tag or the emissions.  

Great feature: You can choose to mulch or discharge grass clippings as you mow with this 2-in-1 model. The rear discharge chute deposits the clippings into an attached 16-gallon hardtop bag, which includes an indicator to let you know when the bag is full and needs emptying. 

This mower is lightweight and easy to maneuver, which makes it perfect for seniors and other homeowners who don’t have the upper body strength to push around a huge machine for hours. The whole thing weighs just 26.5 pounds, and the small 14-inch cutting deck can fit into tight corners. 

Easy to use: Like most electric mowers, this American Lawn Mower Company model has a push button for quick starts. You can easily adjust the deck’s cutting height between 1 and 2.5 inches with a single lever. 

Worried about waking the neighbors when you mow the lawn on Saturday morning? Don’t be: This mower features a brushless motor for quiet, efficient, and powerful mows. Because it has a cord, it’s best for small suburban yards.

Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 46 x 18.5 x 38 inches
  • Weight: 26.5 pounds
  • Power source: 11-amp motor
  • Cutting height range: 1 – 2.5 inches
  • Deck size: 14 inches

Pros:

✓ 5 cutting height positions
✓ Lightweight
✓ Brushless motor
✓ Two-year warranty

Cons:

✗ Can only operate within reach of an extension cord 

5. Great States 415-16 Manual Reel Mower

Budget Pick Great States 415-16 16-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, 16-Inch, 5-Blade, Silver

Great States 415-16 Manual Reel Mower

This reel mower is perfect for those needing an inexpensive, lightweight, and maintenance-free mower.

The Great States 415-16 manual reel mower is perfect for those needing an inexpensive, lightweight, and maintenance-free mower.

This mower’s blades are made with heat-treated alloy steel, so they’re difficult to damage and last for a long time. The mower’s durable, sturdy frame includes a T-shaped handle and 10-inch composite wheels for rugged terrain. 

Making things easy: Because its construction is simple and it uses no gas or electricity, the Great States 415-16 model is easy to assemble and virtually maintenance-free.

The mower has a deck size of 16 inches, which strikes a good balance between maneuverability and the amount of time it will take you to mow the lawn. With a single lever height adjustment system, you can easily raise or lower the mowing deck between a half-inch and 2.5 inches. 

Important to note: Because there is no motor, you’ll have to push this mower entirely with your own strength. The plus side is that it’s one of the most affordable options out of all our top picks.  

Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 23.1 x 10.6 x 13.8 inches
  • Weight: 23 pounds 
  • Power source: Manual push
  • Cutting height range: 0.5 – 2.5 inches
  • Deck size: 16 inches

Pros:

✓ Maintenance-free
✓ Quiet
✓ Easy to assemble 
✓ Lightweight

Cons:

✗ Can be difficult to push through thick grass

6. Black+Decker A512CM Electric Lawn Mower

BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Corded Lawn Mower, String Trimmer & Edger, 12-Inch (BESTA512CM)

Black+Decker A512CM Electric Lawn Mower

BLACK+DECKER 12-inch 3-in-1 Compact Electric Lawnmower is a corded mower, trimmer, and wheeled edger all in one machine.

This may look like a child’s toy lawn mower, but the Black+Decker A512CM is a corded electric 3-in-1 mower, trimmer, and edger perfect for your small or medium-sized property.

Although you can go only as far as the cord extends, the benefit is that you’ll have enough power with 6.5 amps to cut down tough grass and weeds.

Bonus points: For your convenience, the A512CM features a cord retention attachment, so you won’t have to worry about the cord getting tangled or disconnecting as you mow. 

Also, with a single lever, you can adjust the mowing deck’s height between 1.6 and 2.4 inches. 

Possible disadvantage: This mower has a smaller deck size of 12 inches, which means mowing the entire lawn will take several passes. But that smaller size also means it can easily maneuver around corners and it’s ultra-lightweight at 13 pounds. 

Super affordable: The Black+Decker A512CM is one of the most cost-effective 3-in-1 mowers on this list. 

Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 15 x 7 x 37 inches
  • Weight: 13 pounds 
  • Power source: 6.5-amp motor
  • Cutting height range: 1.6 – 2.4 inches
  • Deck size: 12 inches 

Pros:

✓ 3-in-1 mower, trimmer, and edger
✓ Highly affordable
✓ Lightweight

Cons:

✗ Small deck size

7. Mow Joe MJ500M 16-inch Manual Reel Mower W/Grass Catcher

Sun Joe MJ500M 16-Inch Manual Reel Mower w/Adjustable Cutting Height, 6.6-Gallon Removable Grass Catcher, 5 Steel Blades, 2-Wheels

Mow Joe MJ500M 16-inch Manual Reel Mower W/Grass Catcher

Easy to push and ideal for yards between a quarter and a half acre in size, the Mow Joe MJ500M manual reel mower.

The Mow Joe MJ500M manual reel mower is easy to push and great for yards between a quarter- and a half-acre in size. 

This mower has a 16-inch rust-resistant cutting deck with five steel blades. Its 8.8-inch rear wheels can handle both flat and uneven yards. You also can adjust the deck between 0.88 and 1.81 inches for varying terrain and different grass types.  

Coming in under $100, this mower is a solid budget option. It’s also almost entirely maintenance-free. 

Great addition: This mower includes a detachable grass catcher that holds up to 6.6 gallons of debris for easy disposal of grass clippings. 

Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 29.5 x 22 x 9.9 inches
  • Weight: 22 pounds
  • Power source: Manual push
  • Cutting height range: 0.88 – 1.81 inches
  • Deck size: 16 inches

Pros:

✓ Two-year warranty
✓ Lightweight
✓ Low-maintenance 

Cons:

✗ Hard to maneuver on rocky or sloped landscapes 

8. Greenworks 16-inch Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher 25052

Greenworks 16-Inch Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher 25052,Black/Green

Greenworks 16-inch Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher 25052

This lawn mower has 10-inch front wheels and 2-inch rear wheels to overcome especially bumpy yards.

The Greenworks 16-inch reel lawn mower 2502 has 10-inch front wheels and 2-inch rear wheels to overcome especially bumpy yards. It’s made of steel but still weighs only 26 pounds, so you should be able to push it across your yard with little hassle.  

This reel mower is quiet, simple to use, and eco-friendly with no fumes. It also has foldable handles for  easy storage. 

Versatile for different needs: Have multiple grass types in your yard or areas that need to be cut to different heights? This mower could be perfect for you since you can adjust the mower deck to 4 different heights between 1.125 and 2.25 inches.

You also can change how you dispose of grass clippings depending on your needs with 2-in-1 mulching or discharging capabilities. 

Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 22 x 47 x 29.75 inches
  • Weight: 26 pounds
  • Power source: Manual push
  • Cutting height range: 1.125 – 2.25 inches
  • Deck size: 16 inches

Pros:

✓ Easy to store
✓ Good deck size for small and medium yards
✓ 2-in-1 discharge chute and mulcher
✓ Lightweight

Cons:

✗ Not suitable for large yards 

9. PowerSmart Push 21-inch 170cc Gas Mower

PowerSmart Lawn Mower, 21-inch & 144CC, Gas Powered Push Lawn Mower with 4-Stroke Engine, 2-in-1 Mower Without Bag, 5 Adjustable Heights (1.18''-3.0''), Oil Not Included

PowerSmart Push 21-inch 170cc Gas Mower

The only gas-powered device under $200 that was selected as one of our top options is the PowerSmart push mower.

The PowerSmart push mower is the only gas-powered machine under $200 that made the cut as one of our top picks. It has an OHV single-cylinder, 4-stroke, 170cc gas engine capable of tackling thick grass on lawns between a quarter- and half-acre in size. This model also features easy-pull starting. 

With a 21-inch steel deck, this is one of the largest mowers on our list. That means you’ll spend less time on the lawn, but you might have a hard time with storage. The deck’s height is adjustable between 1.5 and 3 inches. 

This mower can mulch, discharge, or collect grass clippings as you mow. The grass collection bag, should you choose to use that option, holds up to 1.4 bushels of debris at a time. 

The good and the bad: The mower is large, which also means it’s heavy at about 60 pounds. To counteract the inconvenient size, the handles fold for easier storage. 

Specifications:

  • Dimensions: 33 x 23 x 18 inches
  • Weight: 60 pounds
  • Power source: 170 cc gas engine
  • Cutting height range: 1.5 – 3 inches
  • Deck size: 21 inches

Pros:

✓ 2-in-1 mulcher and side discharge chute for grass clippings
✓ Power of the gas engine far exceeds the electric mowers on our list

Cons:

✗ Heavy
✗ Not environmentally-friendly 

Buyers Guide

The best lawn mowers under $200 span all the power methods — gas, electric, and your own muscle. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each lawn mower power source:

Gas Lawn Mowers vs. Electric Lawn Mowers

It can be hard to decide whether an electric or gas-powered lawn mower is right for your needs, so we’ve broken down the differences. 

With gas lawn mowers, you get:

  • Power
  • Increased run time
  • Ability to tackle tough grass conditions with ease 

Gas mowers are best for larger lawns and properties with sloped terrain. The downside of that power and durability is constant maintenance, difficult starts, heavy engines, and fumes that are harmful to the environment. 

Electric mowers, however, are:

  • Eco-friendly
  • Low maintenance
  • Quiet

With the corded electric mowers, you get an unlimited amount of run time, and you can add an extension cord to increase your mowing distance.

Cordless electric mowers have unlimited range, but their batteries only run for about 30 minutes at a time on a good day, and they’re far more expensive than corded models. 

How We Chose Our Top Picks:

To rank the best lawn mowers under $200 we compared price, weight, power, cutting height, and deck size. Here’s a closer look at those ranking factors:

Price: Lawn mowers prices can run into the thousands, but that isn’t realistic for most homeowners. We narrowed our top picks down to lawn more affordable mowers — those that cost less than $200 — without sacrificing quality. 

Editor’s Note: This list originally had 10 lawn mowers under $200, but the 10th entry was cut because its price had climbed above $200. What this means: Prices are rising for many items, including lawn mowers. All nine of our best lawn mowers under $200 were actually selling for under that mark at the time of publication.

Weight: If you don’t have much storage space, having a large, heavy lawn mower can cause issues. The mowers on this list all weigh under 80 pounds, and most can be folded up and put away in the back of a garage or shed. 

Power: An electric mower‘s power is measured in amps. Most mowers range between 6 – 12 amps. Lower amperage (number of amps) can mean the motor may overheat faster and may not have enough power to get through tough grass.

Power for gas mowers is measured in cc (cubic centimeters), which indicates the size of the engine. Engines with 160 cc to 190 cc are best for heavy-duty lawns, but they consume more fuel. Lower cc engines are more cost-effective but are better for smaller spaces. 

Power for push lawn mowers (aka reel lawn mowers)? Well, fast or slow is all up to you. It’s your arm muscles that are driving your lawn mower.

Cutting Height: Cutting height refers to how high (or low) your mower will cut your grass. Some housing associations require a certain height for each lawn, and the best height for your grass type will vary depending on the season. That’s why it’s smart to choose a mower with adjustable cutting height settings.

Deck Size: Deck size refers to how wide your mower’s cutting deck is. The bigger the deck, the longer the blades, and the larger the mower’s cutting width.

Mowers with wider decks will be able to mow the lawn with fewer passes, but smaller decks are better for maneuvering in tight spaces on smaller properties. Mowers with smaller decks are also easier to use on any lawn that isn’t wide and flat. 

FAQ About Low-Priced Lawn Mowers

1. What’s the best lawn mower under $200? 

Our top pick for under $200 is the Greenworks 16-inch Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher 25052

This affordable reel mower is perfect for homeowners with small spaces and has everything you need to tackle your lawn care. 

2. What is a rear bag?

A rear bag is an attachment used to collect grass clippings that are ejected when mowing. A rear bag needs to be emptied and cleaned often. A full rear bag can make your mower heavier and harder to maneuver. 

3. Is it worth it to buy a mower for under $200? 

For small and medium-sized lawns, mowers under $200 should have sufficient power and maneuverability to cut your grass.

For larger lawns or yards with difficult terrain, you might be better off spending more money on a larger and more powerful lawn mower than the ones in this list.

Conclusion

For many homeowners, it can be a struggle to find the right mower for your yard and your budget. We have tried to make it easy for you if your budget is the chief factor — all of the top lawn mowers on our list cost less than $200. 

The electric and push options on this list are environmentally-friendly, low maintenance, and quiet. In contrast, the one gas mower we chose has the power to handle lawns of all sizes and terrains.

If you have a strict budget, one of the affordable mowers on this list could be perfect for your needs. Anything left over in your budget could be used for landscaping — a flower bed or walkway lights, for example.

And if the thought of finding time to care for your lawn makes your head hurt — no matter how affordable the mower is — one of our pros in your area can mow your lawn instead.

Main Photo Credit: Ryan Nicholl / Unsplash

* Editorial Note: LawnStarter may receive a commission if you purchase certain products mentioned in this article.

Leanna Doolittle

Leanna Doolittle

Leanna Doolittle is a freelance writer and photographer with a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida-Saint Petersburg. She enjoys spending time with her cat Oscar and tending to her many indoor plants and succulents.