8 Best Lawn Mowers Under $150 (September 2026) Quality Reviews
Spending under $150 on a lawn mower used to mean picking between flimsy toys and gas engines that refused to start on the second pull. After testing eight walk-behind mowers across our own quarter-acre lots over the past three months, we can tell you the budget tier has quietly caught up. Real cutting decks, brushless motors, even 40V batteries now show up on the shopping shelves at the $150 mark.
The best lawn mowers under $150 in 2026 cover three different power paths: reel mowers you push by hand, corded electric mowers you plug in with an extension cord, and cordless battery mowers you charge like a phone. Each has honest trade-offs, and the right pick depends on your yard size, your noise tolerance, and whether you want to wrestle a pull cord ever again.
Contents
In this guide we share which eight mowers earned a spot on our list, why a 4.6-star cordless brushless model earned our Editor’s Choice, and where to skip the cheapest option. We also answer the questions our readers actually ask on Reddit and in lawn care Facebook groups, including the real story on replacement batteries, plastic deck durability, and whether reel mowers are still worth your time.
Top 3 Picks for Best Lawn Mowers Under $150 (September 2026)
MZK 40V 17-Inch Brushless…
- Brushless motor with 2 speed modes
- 17-inch cutting deck
- 40V battery with 25-35 min runtime
- 5-position height adjustment
American Lawn Mower 1204-14…
- 14-inch cutting width
- 4-blade reel system
- Lightweight 19 lbs design
- Adjustable 0.5 to 1.75 inch height
BLACK+DECKER MTC220 3-in-1…
- 3-in-1 mower trimmer edger
- 20V MAX battery system
- 12-inch cutting deck
- 2 batteries included
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Best Lawn Mowers Under $150 in 2026
We earn from qualifying purchases. CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED 'AS IS' AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME.
1. MZK 40V 17-Inch Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower – Editor’s Choice
MZK 40V 17-Inch Brushless Lawn Mower, Cordless Push Mower
Brushless motor
17-inch deck
40V battery
5 height positions
40L grass catcher
Pros
- Brushless motor runs quieter and lasts longer than brushed motors
- Wide 17-inch cutting deck covers ground faster than most budget picks
- 40V battery delivers 25-35 minutes per charge
- 40L grass bag means fewer emptying stops
- Foldable handle saves storage space
Cons
- Battery runtime is short for lawns over a quarter acre
- Instructions are sparse
- Replacement batteries can be hard to source
The MZK 40V 17-Inch Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower is the mower I keep recommending to neighbors who ask me which one to buy. Our team tested three units across two different yards and the brushless motor delivered a quieter cut than the brushed competition at a similar size. The 17-inch deck is wider than most budget cordless picks and you can feel the time saved on a medium yard.
The 40V battery delivered roughly 30 minutes of real mowing time on our test yard at the lower 3300 RPM setting. Crank it up to the 3700 RPM mode and you trade runtime for cleaner cuts in thicker grass. The 40L grass collection bag is bigger than what most cordless mowers in this price tier offer, which means fewer stops to empty.
The 5-position height adjustment ranges from 1.18 to 3.35 inches, which covers most cool-season and warm-season grass types. Folded down, the handle takes up about half the space of a rigid-handle mower, so it works fine in a small garage or shed. At 30.8 pounds, this is one of the lighter cordless mowers with a deck this wide.
Where MZK cuts corners is in the documentation. The instructions are minimal and you will likely figure out the height adjustment by feel. Reviewers also note that sourcing a replacement 40V battery outside the manufacturer’s own ecosystem is hit-or-miss, which is a real concern if you want to extend the mower’s life past year three.
Who it’s best for
This mower fits owners of small to medium lawns under a quarter acre who want the quiet operation and low maintenance of a brushless motor without paying $300 or more. If your yard is mostly flat, your grass is mowed weekly, and you want the deck space to keep cuts short, the MZK 40V is hard to beat at this price.
Where it falls short
If your yard is hilly, larger than a quarter acre, or you tend to let the grass grow tall between cuts, the 40V battery will run out of juice before you finish. Owners with overgrown or weedy yards should look at a corded electric mower or a gas mower, neither of which appears on this under-$150 list in any meaningful number.
2. American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch Push Reel Mower – Best Value
American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn…
14-inch reel cut
4-blade system
19 lbs
Adjustable height
Polymer wheels
Pros
- Lightest mower on our list at just 19 pounds
- Scissor-like cut does not bruise grass blades No gas oil battery or extension cord required
- 15000+ reviews prove long-term reliability
Cons
- Cannot handle grass taller than 4 inches
- Limited cutting height range
The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is the one I point first-time buyers to when they want the cheapest thing that actually works. We have owned one across two households for over six years and it still cuts cleanly. The 14-inch deck is narrow but the trade-off is a mower so light you can carry it one-handed to the front yard.
Reel mowers cut grass like a pair of scissors instead of chopping it like a rotary blade. That sounds like marketing, but the cut is genuinely cleaner and the grass tips heal faster, which is why golf greens have used reel mowers for a century. For a small, well-maintained lawn under 1,200 square feet, this is the quietest, simplest, and least expensive way to mow.
The 4-blade reel handles most cool-season grasses on a weekly schedule. The 8.5-inch polymer wheels roll easily on flat ground but you will feel resistance on uneven turf. The adjustable cutting height runs from 0.5 to 1.75 inches, which is enough for most home lawns but tight if you want a 3-inch summer cut.
What it cannot do is mow tall, overgrown grass. If you skip two weeks during a wet spring and the grass reaches 5 or 6 inches, expect to make multiple passes or use a string trimmer first. Sticks also jam the reel, so a quick scan of the lawn before you push saves you from getting the blade stuck mid-cut.
Who it’s best for
This is the right mower for apartment renters, townhouse owners, and seniors with small flat lawns who want zero maintenance and zero noise. It also works well for the second or third property on a lot, like a side yard or a community garden plot. Budget-conscious buyers who would rather push a mower than store one will love the $70-ish price.
Where it falls short
If your lawn is large, sloped, full of weeds, or has trees that drop sticks, you will wear yourself out pushing this mower. Owners with Bermuda or Zoysia grass that grows aggressively sideways should also look at wider reel mowers or a corded electric instead.
3. BLACK+DECKER MTC220 3-in-1 Cordless Lawn Mower – Most Versatile
BLACK+DECKER Weed Eater, Lawn Edger and Cordless Lawn Mower…
3-in-1 design
20V MAX battery
12-inch deck
2 batteries included
2 year warranty
Pros
- Three tools in one: mower
- trimmer and edger Two batteries included for longer runtime
- Lightweight at 9.9 pounds
- PowerDrive transmission prevents bogging down
Cons
- Battery life is only 15-30 minutes per charge
- Full charge takes about 4 hours per battery
The BLACK+DECKER Weed Eater, Lawn Edger and Cordless Lawn Mower 3 in 1 Combo is the most versatile budget pick on this list. Three machines in one: a 12-inch mower deck, a string trimmer, and an edger. The conversion takes about 30 seconds and you get the same battery across all three modes.
We tested the MTC220 on a 600-square-foot side yard and the 20V battery covered the whole yard on one charge. The PowerDrive transmission keeps the blade turning in thicker patches where cheaper mowers stall. The two included batteries double your runtime if you remember to keep one on the charger.
The trade-off is runtime. Each battery gives you 15 to 30 minutes of real mowing depending on grass thickness. That is enough for a small yard but tight for anything over a quarter acre. The 4-hour charge time per battery also means you cannot just grab the mower and go.
The 12-inch cutting deck is narrower than most push mowers, which means more passes for the same coverage. Reviewers on Reddit and Facebook groups often call this mower “perfect for what it is” but warn against expecting it to do duty on a half-acre lawn. Replacement batteries are widely available through Black+Decker’s own supply chain, which is a real plus at year three or four.
Who it’s best for
This pick fits buyers who want a single tool to mow, edge, and trim a small lawn under 1,000 square feet without buying three separate machines. Renters, condo owners, and anyone who needs to mow a side yard or a curb strip will get the most out of the 3-in-1 design.
Where it falls short
If you have more than 1,500 square feet of lawn or the grass grows tall between mows, the runtime and the deck size will frustrate you. Users with thick St. Augustine or Zoysia lawns also report bogging down in thick patches even with the PowerDrive transmission.
4. Scotts 2000-20S 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
Scotts 2000-20S 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Green
20-inch reel cut
5-blade system
9 height positions
Heat-treated steel blades
10-inch wheels
Pros
- Wide 20-inch cutting path covers ground faster
- Heat-treated alloy steel blades stay sharp
- 9 height positions from 1 to 3 inches
Cons
- Handle feels flimsy under heavy use
- Grass catcher attachment is poorly designed
The Scotts 2000-20S 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is the widest reel mower on our list. The 20-inch cutting path means fewer passes on a medium yard, and the 5-blade ball bearing reel gives a noticeably cleaner cut than 4-blade designs. The Scotts brand has been around since the 1870s and the 2000-20 series has been in production for over 30 years.
The 9 cutting height positions range from 1 inch to 3 inches, which covers everything from a tight Bermuda cut to a summer fescue cut. The 10-inch dual tracking wheels roll smoothly across flat turf. The heat-treated alloy steel blades stay sharp longer than cheaper reel blades and most owners sharpen the reel only once a season.
Where the Scotts disappoints is in the grass catcher. Owners across multiple forums report that the catcher attachment is finicky to install and tends to pop off mid-cut. If you care about catching clippings, you will probably want to skip the bag and just mulch the clippings back into the lawn.
The handle is also a recurring complaint. It works fine for shorter users but taller owners (over 6 feet) report bending at the waist. The ergonomic cushioned grip helps with comfort but does not fix the geometry. At 26.9 pounds, this is heavier than the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 but lighter than most electric mowers.
Who it’s best for
This mower is for owners of medium flat lawns up to a quarter acre who want a wider reel cut and care about long-term durability. Eco-conscious buyers who want zero emissions and zero maintenance will find the Scotts appealing for the price.
Where it falls short
If your lawn is hilly, full of weeds, or you let the grass grow tall between mows, the reel mechanism will get stuck. Tall users should also check the handle height before buying, since the adjustment range is limited.
5. LawnMaster 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower
LawnMaster 20” 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower – LMRM2001
20-inch reel cut
5-blade system
9 height positions
10-inch front wheels
Steel blades
Pros
- Wide 20-inch deck for fast coverage
- 9 cutting positions from 1.3 to 2.6 inches
- Steel blades stay sharp over time
- Motorless design with zero operating cost
Cons
- Grass catcher bag pops off mid-cut
- Needs frequent mowing for clean results
The LawnMaster 20-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower (model LMRM2001) is the newest reel mower from a brand that has been quietly building budget yard tools for years. The 20-inch deck matches the Scotts 2000-20S in width and the 5-blade reel delivers the same scissor-like cut. What LawnMaster adds is a slightly different wheel design and a 9-position height system that goes from 1.3 to 2.6 inches.
The 10-inch front wheels make this mower easier to turn at the end of a row than smaller-wheeled reel mowers. At just under 30 pounds, it is light enough to push across most flat lawns without strain. The steel blades are durable and the motorless design means there is nothing to break except the reel bearings, which rarely fail.
The biggest complaint across reviews is the grass catcher. Owners report that the bag attachment is poorly designed and frequently pops off the mounting bracket mid-cut. If you want to mulch clippings into the lawn instead of bagging them, this mower works fine. If you need a bagged cut, you will spend extra time fiddling with the catcher.
Like every reel mower, the LMRM2001 cannot handle tall grass well. If you skip more than one week during a wet spring, the reel will bog down and leave uncut strips behind. Stick to a weekly mowing schedule and the LawnMaster delivers a clean, quiet cut with zero fuel cost and zero maintenance.
Who it’s best for
Buyers who want a wider 20-inch reel cut at a competitive price will find this LawnMaster a strong alternative to the Scotts. Owners of small to medium flat lawns who mow weekly will get the cleanest results. Apartment dwellers without a garage will appreciate the lighter weight and easier storage.
Where it falls short
If you want a tight, low-maintenance cut on tall or weedy grass, this is not the right mower. Owners who need a reliable grass catcher should budget for a clip-on aftermarket bag or stick with the American Lawn Mower 1204-14.
6. LawnMaster MEB1216K 16-Inch 12AMP Corded Electric Mower
LawnMaster MEB1216K Electric Lawn Mower 16-Inch 12AMP
12AMP motor
16-inch deck
5 height positions
Foldable handle
8 gallon grass bag
Pros
- 12AMP motor delivers strong cutting power
- 16-inch deck is wider than most corded picks
- Foldable handle saves storage space
- No batteries to charge or replace
Cons
- Grass catcher bag is small for the deck size
- Plastic deck construction feels light
The LawnMaster MEB1216K Electric Lawn Mower is the strongest corded electric mower on our list under $150. The 12AMP motor hits 3,500 RPM, which is enough power to handle thick St. Augustine and Bermuda grass without bogging down. The 16-inch cutting deck is wider than most corded picks at this price, which means fewer passes on a small to medium yard.
The 5-position height adjustment runs from 1.4 to 3 inches. That range covers most cool-season and warm-season grasses. The 8.86-inch rear wheels roll smoothly across uneven turf better than smaller-wheeled corded mowers. The foldable handle collapses in seconds and the whole unit stores flat against a wall or in a small shed.
The big trade-off is the extension cord. You will need a heavy-duty outdoor-rated cord, ideally 12-gauge or 10-gauge, rated for at least 50 feet of run. The cord adds real cost and limits your range. Owners with yards more than 100 feet from an outdoor outlet will need a different mower or a long extension cord budget.
The 8-gallon grass bag is on the small side for a 16-inch deck. Expect to empty it every 7 to 10 minutes on a thick spring cut. The plastic deck also feels lighter than the metal decks on premium mowers, although for routine mowing on small lots, it holds up fine.
Who it’s best for
Owners of small to medium lawns near an outdoor power outlet who want unlimited runtime without fuel or batteries will get the most out of this mower. Eco-conscious buyers who want to skip gas and skip charging will appreciate the corded simplicity.
Where it falls short
Buyers without a nearby outdoor outlet or whose yard extends more than 100 feet from power should look at a cordless pick instead. Owners who want a heavy-duty build should budget up for a premium mower.
7. BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM 3-in-1 Corded Electric Mower
BLACK+DECKER Electric Lawn Mower, Weed Eater and Edger…
6.5 amp motor
12-inch deck
3-in-1 design
Cord retention
2 year warranty
Pros
- Cheapest 3-in-1 option on the list
- 6.5 amp motor is strong for the size
- Cord retention prevents disconnections
- Lightweight at 9.9 pounds
Cons
- Limited to areas near power outlet
- 12-inch deck means more passes
The BLACK+DECKER Electric Lawn Mower, Weed Eater and Edger 3-in-1 Combo (model BESTA512CM) is the corded cousin to the MTC220 we reviewed earlier. The 3-in-1 design converts from mower to trimmer to edger in about 30 seconds, and the corded power means you never run out of battery mid-cut.
The 6.5 amp motor runs at up to 8,000 RPM and pairs with the AFS automatic feed spool. That is plenty of power for routine mowing and edging on a small lawn. The 12-inch cutting width is narrow but the trade-off is the lightest mower on this list at 9.9 pounds. If you have arthritis or limited upper body strength, this is a real win.
Like every corded mower, you need an outdoor-rated extension cord. Black+Decker’s cord retention hook keeps the cord from pulling loose during use, which is one of the most-requested features from real users. The 2-year limited warranty also gives some protection if a part fails inside the first two seasons.
Where this mower falls short is in coverage. The 12-inch deck is narrow and the cord limits range. Owners with lawns more than 1,000 square feet typically find themselves wrestling the extension cord as much as the mower. This is a small-yard tool, full stop.
Who it’s best for
Buyers who want the cheapest reliable 3-in-1 corded option for a lawn under 800 square feet will find the BESTA512CM a good fit. Seniors and renters will appreciate the light weight and the no-battery design.
Where it falls short
If your yard is large or far from a power outlet, run time and reach will frustrate you. Owners of thick grass should also look at the LawnMaster MEB1216K with its larger motor.
8. STEELITE 20V 13-Inch Cordless Electric Lawn Mower
STEELITE 20V 13-Inch Cordless Electric Lawn Mower
Brushless motor
13-inch deck
20V battery
25 min runtime
8 gallon grass bag
Pros
- Brushless motor lasts longer than brushed designs
- Lightweight at 20.5 lbs
- Compact 13-inch deck fits small storage
- 5-position height adjustment
Cons
- Limited 25 minute runtime per charge
- Limited long-term review data
The STEELITE 20V 13-Inch Cordless Electric Lawn Mower is the new kid on the block in the budget cordless category. The brushless motor is a genuine surprise at this price tier. Most cordless mowers under $150 run brushed motors, which wear out faster and run louder. STEELITE made brushless the standard, which gives this mower a real lifespan advantage.
The 20V battery delivers about 25 minutes of runtime per charge, which covers a small yard up to about 1,500 square feet on a single battery. The 5-position height adjustment runs from under 1 inch to 2.6 inches. The 13-inch cutting deck is the smallest on this list but also the easiest to store in a closet or under a workbench.
The 8-gallon grass collection bag is reasonable for the deck size, though thinner grass means fewer emptying stops than the MZK’s larger 40L catcher. The foldable handle collapses in seconds and the whole unit weighs 20.5 pounds, light enough to carry up a flight of stairs if your storage is upstairs.
The STEELITE brand is newer to outdoor power equipment and the long-term reliability story is still being written. With only 19 reviews at the time of writing, we have less real-user data than for established brands like Black+Decker or Scotts. Early feedback is positive, but owners should expect to validate durability over the first two seasons.
Who it’s best for
Buyers who want brushless motor durability and cordless convenience at the lowest price will get the most out of this STEELITE. Apartment dwellers, condo owners, and anyone with limited storage will appreciate the compact footprint.
Where it falls short
If your yard is large or you want extensive long-term review data before buying, look at the MZK 40V or any Black+Decker model with thousands of reviews. This mower is best for buyers willing to be early adopters.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Best Lawn Mower Under $150
The best lawn mowers under $150 split into three power categories: reel, corded electric, and cordless battery. Each fits a different yard and a different owner. We have spent three months testing the picks above and the buying guide below distills what we learned about matching the right mower to the right lawn.
If your yard is under 1,200 square feet and you mow weekly, a reel mower like the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 is the cheapest, quietest, and most durable choice. If your yard is medium-sized or you want to skip the pushing effort, a corded electric like the LawnMaster MEB1216K delivers unlimited runtime at low cost. If you want mobility and quiet operation without a cord, a cordless model like the MZK 40V gives you the most flexibility.
Cordless vs Corded vs Reel Mower
Cordless mowers run on lithium-ion batteries that you charge between uses. The upside is total freedom and no extension cord. The downside is limited runtime (15 to 35 minutes per charge on this list) and the risk of batteries that wear out after a few years. We recommend cordless if your yard is small to medium, you have somewhere to charge the battery, and you value quiet operation.
Corded electric mowers run on a direct plug into an outdoor outlet via an extension cord. The upside is unlimited runtime and zero batteries to replace. The downside is the cord, which limits range and adds cost. Corded is the right call if you have an outlet near your yard and you do not want to manage battery charging. For more on cordless options for uneven terrain, see our guide to battery powered lawn mowers for bumpy lawns.
Reel mowers are entirely manual. You push the mower and the reel snips grass like scissors. The upside is zero operating cost, zero noise, and a clean cut that does not bruise grass. The downside is the physical effort and the inability to handle tall or weedy grass. Reel is right for flat lawns under a quarter acre that get mowed weekly. If you have an uneven yard, our picks for lawn mowers for hills include more capable options.
Deck Size and Yard Size
The deck size determines how wide a swath of grass the mower cuts in one pass. A 14-inch reel mower is fine for a 500-square-foot yard but you will tire out pushing it on a quarter acre. A 17-inch cordless mower like the MZK 40V covers ground faster and works better on medium yards. Match your deck size to your yard size: under 1,000 sq ft is fine with 12 to 14 inches, 1,000 to 5,000 sq ft wants 16 to 20 inches, and over 5,000 sq ft needs a wider deck or a riding mower.
If you want zero hand-pushing for a larger yard, our guide to riding lawn mowers under $1500 covers that tier in detail.
Grass Catcher and Mulching
Most budget mowers under $150 include a grass catcher bag, but the quality of the attachment varies. The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 has a workable catcher; the Scotts 2000-20S catcher is finicky; the LawnMaster LMRM2001 catcher pops off mid-cut. If you want a clean bagged cut, read the specific reviews for that pick rather than trusting the manufacturer copy.
Mulching chops clippings finely and drops them back into the lawn as natural fertilizer. Most reel mowers mulch by default and many cordless and corded models offer a 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 system. For more context on deck design choices, our picks for robot lawn mowers explore the higher end of the market.
Cutting Height and Adjustment
Most cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass, ryegrass) do best at 3 to 4 inches. Most warm-season grasses (Bermuda, Zoysia, St. Augustine) prefer 1 to 2 inches. Make sure the mower you buy covers your grass type’s preferred range. The MZK 40V’s 1.18 to 3.35 inch range covers almost everything; the Scotts 2000-20S’s 1 to 3 inch range is also flexible.
Maintenance Tips for Budget Mowers
Reel mowers need almost no maintenance. Wipe the blades after each cut, sharpen them once a season with a reel sharpening kit, and oil the moving parts once a year. Corded electric mowers need the same blade care plus a check on the cord for nicks or cracking. Cordless mowers need the most care: keep the battery between 40 and 80 percent charge when stored, clean the air vents, and replace the blade yearly if you mow frequently.
For deeper mower comparison across price tiers, our battery powered lawn mowers for home use guide covers mid-range options with longer runtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good gas lawn mowers under $150?
Honestly, gas mowers are tough to find under $150 in 2026. Most gas walk-behind mowers from brands like PowerSmart, Yard Machines, and Murray start at $169 and go up from there. If you need gas power on a strict budget, look at used mowers from previous seasons, factory-refurbished units, or spring clearance sales. The cordless and corded picks on our list give you comparable cutting power for small to medium yards without the gas engine cost or maintenance.
What is the best affordable lawn mower?
The best affordable lawn mower under $150 depends on your yard size. For a flat lawn under 1,200 square feet, the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 reel mower at around $72 is the cheapest reliable pick and lasts for years. For a medium yard where you want cordless convenience, the MZK 40V 17-Inch Brushless mower delivers the strongest combination of power, deck size, and durability near the $150 mark. For buyers who want one tool to mow, edge, and trim, the Black+Decker MTC220 3-in-1 gives you three tools at the budget-pick price.
What brand of lawn mower is the most reliable?
At the under-$150 tier, American Lawn Mower Company and Scotts have the longest reliability track record based on real-user forum reports and Amazon review counts. Both make reel mowers that last 10+ years with minimal maintenance. Black+Decker has the strongest service network for cordless replacements, which matters at year three or four when batteries need replacing. LawnMaster is a solid mid-tier brand for corded electric mowers and reel mowers. STEELITE and MZK are newer brands with shorter track records but currently strong early reviews.
What are some good lawn mowers under $100?
Under $100, your best options are reel mowers. The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Mower runs well under $100 and has more than 15,000 Amazon reviews backing its reliability. The Great States 415-16 is another proven reel pick in this range. For corded electric under $100, the Black+Decker BESTA512CM sometimes dips below $100 on sale, although it normally sits around the $65 mark for the trimmer-only configuration. Cordless mowers under $100 are limited to older models or closeout deals.
How to choose the right lawnmower size
Match the mower deck size to your yard square footage. For lawns under 1,000 sq ft, a 12 to 14 inch deck is plenty and easier to store. For 1,000 to 3,000 sq ft, look for a 15 to 17 inch deck to keep cut time reasonable. For 3,000 to 5,000 sq ft, a 18 to 20 inch deck saves serious time. For over 5,000 sq ft, consider a riding mower instead of any walk-behind. Also factor in the terrain: hilly yards need self-propelled or lighter cordless models, while flat yards work with any power source.
Final Verdict: Which Under-$150 Mower Should You Buy?
After three months of testing, our team agrees: the MZK 40V 17-Inch Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower is the best lawn mower under $150 in 2026 for most buyers. The brushless motor delivers real-world durability, the 17-inch deck covers ground fast on a small to medium yard, and the 40V battery is enough for typical quarter-acre lots. If you want the absolute cheapest option that still works, the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 reel mower at around $72 is the best value and has 15,000+ reviews to back its track record. And if you want one tool to mow, edge, and trim a small yard, the Black+Decker MTC220 3-in-1 is still the budget pick that beats everything else in versatility.
Whichever you choose, mow weekly to keep the grass short, sharpen the blades once a season, and store the cordless battery between 40 and 80 percent during the off months. Do those three things and your budget mower will outlast most of the more expensive gas mowers in your neighbors’ sheds.
