Did you know that Americans spend over $1,200 a year on lawn care? Yeah, that’s right—$1,200! Now, I don’t know about you, but that kind of spending just doesn’t sit right with me. If you’re anything like me and want a well-manicured lawn without burning through your savings, then you’re in for a treat. Finding a reliable lawn mower under $200 might seem like hunting for a needle in a haystack, but guess what? It’s totally doable. In fact, I’ve already done the legwork for you. So grab a cold drink and settle in as we go through the top five best budget lawn mowers that’ll keep your lawn looking sharp and your wallet happy.

I get it—lawn mowers aren’t the most exciting topic to talk about. But trust me, there’s something satisfying about finding the perfect one for your lawn, especially when it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.

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What Should You Look for in a Lawn Mower Under $200?

Before we dive into my top picks, let’s go over a few things you need to keep in mind. Look, I’m not saying these budget mowers are going to rival high-end machines, but you can absolutely get a solid, reliable mower for less than $200. Here’s what you need to focus on:

Lawn Size: Are we talking about a little patch of grass, or are you working with something closer to a football field? A smaller lawn can get away with a lighter, less powerful mower, but bigger yards may need something with a bit more oomph.

Cutting Width: This one’s simple—the wider the cutting deck, the fewer passes you’ll need to make. But keep in mind, wider mowers can be a bit harder to squeeze around tight corners.

Cutting Height: Look for adjustable height settings. Trust me, being able to tweak how much grass you cut makes a big difference, especially when you’re going for that neat, professional look.

Power Source: Do you want a gas mower, an electric one, or even a manual push mower? Each has its pros and cons. Gas gives you more power but needs more maintenance. Electric is quieter but may not have the same cutting power. And manual… well, that’s for the fitness buffs out there.

Durability: Even when you’re shopping on a budget, you still want something that lasts. Steel decks, sturdy wheels, and sharp blades should be on your radar.

Alright, let’s get into the fun part—the top five best lawn mowers under $200. Here’s where your lawn gets a makeover.

1. Greenworks 25012 18-Inch 12 Amp Corded Lawn Mower

I’m not kidding when I say the Greenworks 25012 is a game-changer for small to medium yards. If you’re after something eco-friendly and quiet, this is your guy. You might even start to enjoy mowing the lawn… okay, maybe not, but it’s a close second.

Why I Love It:

18-inch cutting deck: Big enough to handle a decent-sized yard without being too heavy to push around.

Durable steel deck: This thing is built to last. No cheap plastic here!

7 height adjustments: Whether you’re going for a golf-course look or just trimming things down, this mower has you covered.

Drawbacks:

The cord. Yep, if you’ve ever had to wrestle with a corded mower, you know it’s a bit of a hassle, especially for larger yards. But hey, for the price, it’s a solid trade-off.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—five great lawn mowers under $200 that won’t let you down. My personal favorite? The Greenworks 25012. It’s got the right balance of power, eco-friendliness, and ease of use. But honestly, any of these options will give you a neat, polished lawn without busting your budget.