Primea Reviews is reader-supported. When you buy through our Amazon links we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. Rankings are set by our editors and never sold. Learn more

Ranked & Reviewed by Primea Reviews

The 6 Best Lightweight Lawn Mowers of 2026, Ranked & Reviewed

By the Primea Editorial TeamUpdated November 1, 202610 min read6 products ranked

The short answer

The EGO POWER+ 21 inch is the best lightweight lawn mower for a standard lawn: a full-width cordless push mower with its battery and charger. The Greenworks 40V 16 inch suits smaller lawns, and the Litheli is the cheap brushless cordless option. The reel and corded models fit small yards.

The Primea Scoreboard

Ranked & Reviewed

01
Best Overall
EGO POWER+ 21-Inch Cordless Electric Lawn Mower with Battery and Charger (LM2114)
A full 21-inch cut from the lightest cordless full-width mower ranked here.
Outstanding
Check price
02
Best Balanced
Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Push Mower with 4.0Ah Battery and Charger
A sensible 16-inch cordless push mower for small to mid-size lawns.
Excellent
Check price
03
Best Budget Cordless
Litheli Cordless Lawn Mower 14-Inch, Brushless Motor with 5.0Ah Battery and Charger
The cheapest way into a cordless brushless mower for a small yard.
Excellent
Check price
04
Best Corded
LawnMaster MEB1114K Electric Corded Lawn Mower, 15-Inch, 11 Amp
An 11 amp corded push mower with more width than a reel mower.
Excellent
Check price
05
Lightest Overall
American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Mower
No battery, no cord, no fuel: the lightest way to cut a small lawn.
Very Good
Check price
06
Best 3-in-1
BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Corded Lawn Mower, Weed Eater, and Edger (BESTA512CM)
A small 12-inch corded tool that doubles as a trimmer and edger.
Very Good
Check price

Shoppers hunting for a light mower tend to compare the weight printed on the box and skip the power source, which is the thing that actually changes how the machine feels in the hand. A corded mower makes you drag a cable, a battery mower carries its cell on board, and a reel mower carries nothing but blades. The right choice depends on how much grass you have and where the outlet sits.

We reviewed six mowers on paper, covering a manual reel, corded electrics and cordless models from 12 to 21 inches. They were ranked on cutting width against manageability, power-source convenience, adjustability and the type of lawn each suits, using spec sheets and owner feedback. Most listings omit weight, so we judged lightness from design rather than from invented figures.

Before you buy

What Actually Matters

Cutting width

Cutting width is the deck size in inches, and it sets how many passes a lawn needs. A 21-inch deck covers a stripe 50 percent wider than a 14-inch one. Check the number in the product title, not a marketing phrase on the box, and compare it with the size of your lawn so you know how many extra passes a narrow deck adds.

Power source

Power source means manual reel, corded electric or battery. Corded mowers need an outlet and a cable, and battery mowers need charging. Look for the amp or volt figure in the title to tell which type you are buying. The LawnMaster lists 11 amp, the EGO 56V and the Greenworks 40V, and the reel lists nothing.

Battery and charger included

Some cordless listings sell the bare tool only. A battery and charger can cost a large share of the total. Confirm the listing says battery and charger included and note the Ah rating, since higher Ah means longer runtime. The EGO, Greenworks and Litheli here include both, which is a point in their favor.

Height adjustment

Height adjustment sets how tall the grass stays after cutting. More positions let you adapt to season and lawn type. Look for a stated number of positions, like five, on the spec sheet. The Litheli lists five, and the others give no figure, so check the manual for the range before you buy.

Drive type

Drive type is push or self-propelled. Self-propelled adds a motor and weight, while push keeps the machine light. Every pick here is push or manual, so check the listing if you want more assistance, and remember that a light mower trades some help on slopes for easier handling, which suits flat yards best.

In-depth reviews

Our Ranked Picks, Reviewed

Best Overall

EGO POWER+ 21-Inch Cordless Electric Lawn Mower with Battery and Charger (LM2114)

Outstanding

Check price on Amazon

Our verdict: A full 21-inch cut from the lightest cordless full-width mower ranked here.

EGO's POWER+ LM2114 cuts a 21 inch swath on the 56V battery platform, pushes by hand, and ships with its battery and charger. A push drive keeps the weight down compared with self-propelled mowers, and a cordless design means no cable to drag around the trees.

It ranks first because a full-width deck and a complete kit come from a mower that stays manageable. The Greenworks is lighter to handle but narrower, and the corded models limit your range.

Buy it for a standard lawn where fewer passes matter. The caveats are storage space for the wider deck and a price above small-yard models. Skip it if your yard is a garden strip that a 14 inch mower handles easily.

Cutting width: 21 inches
Power: 56V battery platform
Drive: Push
Included: Battery and charger

What we like

+Full 21-inch cutting width
+Battery and charger included
+Push drive keeps weight down
+56V platform for more power

Watch out for

−Wider deck needs more storage
−Priced above small-yard models

Buy it if: Standard-size lawns where you want fewer passes without a heavy self-propelled mower.

Skip it if: Your yard is a small patio or garden strip that a 14-inch mower handles easily.

Best Balanced

Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Push Mower with 4.0Ah Battery and Charger

Excellent

Check price on Amazon

Our verdict: A sensible 16-inch cordless push mower for small to mid-size lawns.

Greenworks packs a 4.0Ah battery and charger with this 16 inch, 40V push mower. The compact deck is easy to turn around beds and corners, and being cordless means no cable catches on shrubs.

It ranks second because the narrower deck needs more passes than the EGO, and runtime limits a larger lawn. It beats the Litheli on battery size and brand support.

Buy it for a small to mid-size lawn where you want cordless power without a heavy deck. Skip it if you mow a large lawn and want the fewest passes. Charge the battery before each mow, and expect to finish a medium lawn on one pack.

Cutting width: 16 inches
Battery: 40V 4.0Ah
Drive: Push
Included: Battery and charger

What we like

+Compact 16-inch deck
+Battery and charger included
+No cord to manage
+Push drive stays light

Watch out for

−Narrower than full-size mowers
−Runtime limits larger lawns

Buy it if: Small to mid-size lawns where you want cordless power without a heavy deck.

Skip it if: You mow a large lawn and want the fewest possible passes.

Best Budget Cordless

Litheli Cordless Lawn Mower 14-Inch, Brushless Motor with 5.0Ah Battery and Charger

Excellent

Check price on Amazon

Our verdict: The cheapest way into a cordless brushless mower for a small yard.

Litheli's 14 inch cordless mower runs a brushless motor from a 5.0Ah battery that comes with a charger, offers five cutting heights and costs between $50 and $100. A brushless motor wastes less energy as heat, which stretches the runtime of a battery that size.

It ranks third because the 14 inch deck is narrow and the brand is less known. It is the cheapest way into a cordless brushless mower.

Buy it for a small yard under about 3,000 square feet on a tight budget. Skip it if you have a standard-size lawn and want a wide deck. Five height positions give you flexibility through the season.

Cutting width: 14 inches
Motor: Brushless
Battery: 5.0Ah with charger
Height settings: 5 positions

What we like

+Brushless motor
+5.0Ah battery included
+Five cutting heights
+Very affordable

Watch out for

−Narrow 14-inch deck
−Lesser-known brand

Buy it if: Small yards under about 3,000 square feet on a tight budget.

Skip it if: You have a standard-size lawn and want a wide deck.

Best Corded

LawnMaster MEB1114K Electric Corded Lawn Mower, 15-Inch, 11 Amp

Excellent

Check price on Amazon

Our verdict: An 11 amp corded push mower with more width than a reel mower.

LawnMaster's MEB1114K pairs an 11 amp motor with a 15 inch deck and a power cord, pushed by hand. With no battery to replace, it offers steady power as long as the cable reaches. It is wider than the reel mowers below.

It ranks fourth because the cord limits your range and snags on obstacles. It works best on open ground close to an outlet.

Buy it for a small, open yard near an outlet. Skip it if your lawn has trees, beds or corners that would snag a cord. Work away from the outlet in rows so you never run over the cable, and use a cord that is rated for outdoor use.

Cutting width: 15 inches
Motor: 11 amp corded
Drive: Push
Battery: None required

What we like

+No battery to replace
+Wider than reel mowers
+11 amp motor
+Push drive stays light

Watch out for

−Cord limits your range
−Awkward around obstacles

Buy it if: Small open yards near an outlet.

Skip it if: Your lawn has trees, beds or corners that would snag a cord.

Lightest Overall

American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Mower

Very Good

Check price on Amazon

Our verdict: No battery, no cord, no fuel: the lightest way to cut a small lawn.

American Lawn Mower's 1204-14 is a four-blade, 14 inch reel that you push by hand, with no battery, cord or fuel to manage. A reel mower is the lightest option here because there is no motor to carry, and the blades make a clean scissor cut on short grass.

It ranks fifth because it needs regular mowing and struggles in tall grass. It beats the corded models on weight and quiet.

Buy it for a small, flat lawn that gets mowed often. Skip it if you let the grass grow tall between cuts. Low running cost is its quiet appeal, and there is almost nothing to maintain beyond blade contact.

Cutting width: 14 inches
Blades: 4-blade reel
Power: Manual push
Needs: No battery, cord or fuel

What we like

+Lightest option here
+No charging or fuel
+Very quiet operation
+Low running cost

Watch out for

−Needs regular mowing
−Struggles in tall grass

Buy it if: Small, flat, regularly mowed lawns.

Skip it if: You let the grass grow tall between cuts.

Best 3-in-1

BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Corded Lawn Mower, Weed Eater, and Edger (BESTA512CM)

Very Good

Check price on Amazon

Our verdict: A small 12-inch corded tool that doubles as a trimmer and edger.

BLACK+DECKER's BESTA512CM is a 6.5 amp corded 12 inch tool that switches between mowing, trimming and edging. It is the smallest and easiest to store, and a single tool covers three jobs on a small plot.

It ranks last because the 12 inch deck is too small for a main mower and the cord limits range. The price is low.

Buy it for small patches and edging around a patio. Skip it if you need a main mower for a whole lawn. Treat it as a supplement, not a replacement, and keep the cord clear of the blade. The price is low, but the small deck means long sessions.

Cutting width: 12 inches
Motor: 6.5 amp corded
Functions: Mower, trimmer, edger
Battery: None required

What we like

+Three tools in one
+No battery needed
+Smallest, easiest to store
+Low price

Watch out for

−Only 12-inch deck
−Corded range limit

Buy it if: Small patches and edging around a patio.

Skip it if: You need a main mower for a whole lawn.

Methodology

How We Ranked These

Weight vs coverage

We weighed how much deck each mower gives against how manageable it is to push and store.

Power source

Reel, corded and cordless each carry different convenience costs, so we scored each on its real trade-off.

Adjustability

Cutting height positions and handle features count when lawns vary.

What is included

Batteries and chargers in the box change the true cost of cordless picks.

Lawn fit

Every pick is matched to the lawn size and type its spec sheet supports.

Every Primea Score uses the same weights: Performance 30% · Build & Materials 20% · Everyday Usability 20% · Value 20% · Owner Satisfaction 10%. Full scoring rules

Buyer's guide

How to Pick the Right One for You

By Lawn Size

Match deck width to the area you actually mow.

Lawn	Our pick
Patio or edging only	BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM
Small flat lawn	American Lawn Mower 1204-14
Small yard near an outlet	LawnMaster MEB1114K
Small to mid-size lawn	Greenworks 40V 16-Inch
Standard-size lawn	EGO POWER+ 21-Inch LM2114

By Budget

Spend	Our pick
Under $50	None in this ranking
$50-100	Litheli 14-Inch Brushless or American Lawn Mower 1204-14
$100-200	LawnMaster MEB1114K
$200-500	Greenworks 40V 16-Inch or EGO POWER+ 21-Inch

Corded vs Cordless

Corded

No battery to replace, but the cable limits range. The LawnMaster MEB1114K and BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM fit here.

Cordless

No cable, but you manage charging. The EGO LM2114, Greenworks 40V and Litheli 14-Inch fit here.

Most buyers should choose cordless unless the yard is tiny and next to an outlet.

By Convenience Priority

Priority	Our pick
Zero charging or fuel	American Lawn Mower 1204-14
Cheapest cordless	Litheli 14-Inch Brushless
Fewest passes	EGO POWER+ 21-Inch LM2114
Mower plus trimmer	BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM

For Small Flat Yards Specifically

Look for

A deck of 14 to 16 inches, a low weight and a power source that fits your yard.

In this ranking

The Litheli 14-Inch is the best cordless pick, and the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 is the lightest.

When to Spend More

Spend more if

You have a standard lawn and want fewer passes. The EGO POWER+ 21-Inch justifies its price.

Save if

Your yard is small. The Litheli 14-Inch or American Lawn Mower 1204-14 does the job for less.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a corded or cordless mower lighter?+

The spec sheets here do not list weights, so check each listing. Corded mowers carry no battery, but you drag a cable. A reel mower carries no motor at all, so it is the lightest in practice, though you provide all the power.

What mistake do buyers make with light mowers?+

They buy by weight alone and end up with a deck too narrow for their lawn. A 14-inch deck on a standard lawn means many extra passes, so match the width to the yard first, then think about weight.

Is the EGO worth it over the Greenworks?+

If your lawn is standard size, the 21-inch deck saves real time. For a small lawn, the 16-inch Greenworks is easier to handle and stays in the same bracket.

Does a reel mower need setup?+

The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 uses a manual 4-blade reel with no battery or fuel. Set your height, then push. Mow often so the grass stays short, because a reel stalls in tall stems.

How do I maintain a cordless mower?+

Store the battery indoors, charge it with the supplied charger and clear grass from the deck after use. Check the listing for each brand's care guidance, especially for the EGO and Greenworks batteries, and keep them out of freezing garages.

Can I use a corded mower on a large lawn?+

You can, but cable management becomes tedious. The LawnMaster is best for small, open yards near an outlet, and a long extension cord adds trip hazards and voltage loss.

Final take

The EGO POWER+ 21 inch is the right lightweight mower for a standard lawn, since it pairs a full deck with a complete cordless kit. Choose the Greenworks 40V for smaller yards and a reel mower only for tiny, flat ones. Pick the deck width before the weight.

More Ranked & Reviewed Guides

The 7 Best 18-Inch Lawn Mowers of 2026, Ranked & Reviewed The 6 Best 21-Inch Lawn Mowers of 2026, Ranked & Reviewed The 5 Best 22-Inch-Class Lawn Mowers for Medium Yards, Gas and Cordless, Ranked & Reviewed