Best Manual Lawn Mowers of 2025

Bryan Hicks Avatar
Bryan Hicks
Last Updated: Jan 6, 2025

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Manual lawn mowers are an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to maintain a small to medium-sized lawn. These mowers are powered by human energy and do not require gasoline, electricity, or any other fuel. They are lightweight, easy to maneuver, and produce minimal noise pollution. Manual mowers are also low maintenance, with no need for oil changes, spark plug replacements, or air filter cleanings. They are ideal for those who enjoy the physical activity of mowing their lawn and want to reduce their carbon footprint. Overall, manual lawn mowers are a great option for anyone looking for a simple and sustainable way to maintain their lawn.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch Push Reel Lawn Mower Cover #TOP 1
American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch Push Reel Lawn Mower
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Sun Joe MJ500M 16-Inch Manual Reel Mower Cover #TOP 2
Sun Joe MJ500M 16-Inch Manual Reel Mower
ftb score rating icon 9.7
TMEOSK 16-Inch Manual Lawn Mower Cover #TOP 3
TMEOSK 16-Inch Manual Lawn Mower
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Manual Lawn Mowers

American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch Push Reel Lawn Mower

1204-14
14-Inch, 4-Blade
American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch Push Reel Lawn Mower Cover
American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Red

The American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 14-Inch Push Reel Lawn Mower is a green alternative to gas-powered lawnmowers. This reel mower has a low maintenance, hassle-free design that only requires to be sharpened at least once every 3-5 years. It is perfect for youths over the age of 13 and compact yards.

What We Like
Environment-friendly
No fuel, maintenance, or repairs needed
Easy to use and maneuver
Low noise and pollution-free
Precise scissor-like cutting motion
#TOP 2

Sun Joe MJ500M 16-Inch Manual Reel Mower

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

The Sun Joe MJ500M Reel Mower with Grass Catcher handles tough turf with ease and provides a quiet solution for any lawn. The MJ500M comes with a handy rear collection bag to help keep your yard nice and tidy. Powered by you, the Mow Joe MJ500M has a 16-inch wide cutting path with a 4 position height adjustment lever.

What We Like
Easy to push and maneuver on small lawns
4 position manual height adjustment
Grass catcher holds up to 6.6-gallon and detaches easily
Maintenance free
Two large 8.8-inch wheels. Rust resistant deck
#TOP 3

TMEOSK 16-Inch Manual Lawn Mower

TMEOSK
Lawn Mower-TME712
Blue
TMEOSK 16-Inch Manual Lawn Mower Cover
16-Inch 5-Blades Manual Lawn Mower, Push Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher with Grass Catcher and Adjustable Cutting Heigh (Blue)

The TMEOSK Reel Mower is designed for precision and ease of use. With its five blades and 16-inch cutting width, you can achieve a beautifully manicured lawn effortlessly. You will appreciate the adjustable blade height feature, allowing you to customize grass length between 0.6" to 1.8". The durable alloy steel blades stay sharp for years, ensuring reliable performance with minimal maintenance. Plus, as an eco-friendly option, this mower operates quietly and without pollution, making it a convenient choice for your lawn care routine.

What We Like
Precision cutting capabilities
Adjustable cutting height
Durable, long-lasting blades
Eco-friendly operation
Lightweight and easy to use
#TOP 4

Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

Great States
815-18
Gray
18-Inch, 5-Blade
Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower Cover
Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, 18-Inch, 5-Blade, Grey

The Great States 815-18 18-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is a motor-less lawnmower that offers an adjustable cutting height of 0.5"-2.75" for a clean, even cut. The 18" cutting width 5-blade manual push mower has blades made of high-quality alloy steel that stay sharp longer. It features a loop-style lawnmower handle with cushioned grips for comfort and maneuverability, and is easy to assemble without special tools. This planet-friendly and quiet motorless lawn mower design is also low-maintenance.

What We Like
Adjustable cutting height for a clean, even cut
High-quality alloy steel blades that stay sharp longer
Cushioned handle for comfort and maneuverability
Planet-friendly and quiet motorless design
Low-maintenance
#TOP 5

Amazon Basics 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

Amazon Basics
JC550
Amazon Basics 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower Cover
Amazon Basics 14-Inch 4-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower, Blue

The Amazon Basics Push Reel Lawn Mower is a precise and easy-to-use manual mower that offers a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to gas-powered mowers. With its 4-blade design and 14-inch cutting width, this mower provides a scissor-action cut for a neat and even lawn. The adjustable blade height of 0.5-1.75 inches allows you to customize the cutting height according to your preference. The durable 8.5 inch rubber wheels ensure maximum maneuverability, making it effortless to push and navigate around your yard. Made of heat-treated alloy steel, the blades stay sharp for a long service life, reducing the need for frequent blade sharpening. Say goodbye to the hassle of oil and gas, and enjoy the low maintenance and lightweight design of the Amazon Basics Push Reel Lawn Mower.

What We Like
Precise cutting
Environmentally friendly
Low maintenance
#TOP 6

American Lawn Mower Company 1725-16GC Reel Mower

1725-16GC
Green
American Lawn Mower Company 1725-16GC Reel Mower Cover
American Lawn Mower Company 1725-16GC 16-inch 7-Blade Reel Mower with Grass Catcher, Specialty Grass Mower, Green

The American Lawn Mower Company 1725-16GC 16-inch 7-Blade Reel Mower is a green alternative to gas-powered lawnmowers. It is easy to use and does not emit fumes. This reel lawn mower has a low maintenance hassle-free design that only requires sharpening once every 3-5 years. It is perfect for youths over the age of 13 and compact yards. The 7-blade reel mower is designed for the active lawn enthusiast who enjoys maintaining their short thick grass types. It has a cutting width of 16" and a newly designed durable 10" wheel for maximum maneuverability. The manual grass cutter blades are made of heat-treated alloy steel that stays sharp for years. The T-style handle with a comfortable cushioned grip provides better comfort.

What We Like
Green alternative to gas-powered lawnmowers
Low maintenance hassle-free design
Manual grass cutter blades made of heat-treated alloy steel that stays sharp for years
Designed for the active lawn enthusiast who enjoys maintaining their short thick grass types
Newly designed durable 10" wheel for maximum maneuverability

Scotts 20-Inch 5-Blade Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower

2000-20S
Green
20-Inch
Scotts 20-Inch 5-Blade Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower Cover
Scotts Outdoor Power Tools 2000-20S 20-Inch 5-Blade Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower, Green

The Scotts 20-Inch 5-Blade Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower is a manual, engine-free lawn mower with a 20" cutting width, 5-blade ball bearing reel, and 10" dual tracking wheels. It has quick-snap 1"-3" cutting height adjustment and blades made of quality, heat-treated alloy steel. The ergonomic handle with cushioned grip provides comfort, and it is lightweight and easy to operate. Assembly is tool-less, and it requires no gas or oil.

What We Like
Quick-snap cutting height adjustment for a clean, even cut every time
Blades made of quality, heat-treated alloy steel for staying sharp longer
Ergonomic handle with cushioned grip for comfort during use
Lightweight and easy to operate
No gas or oil required, making it environmentally friendly
#TOP 8

American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 14-Inch Push Reel Lawn Mower

1304-14
14-Inch, 5-Blade
American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 14-Inch Push Reel Lawn Mower Cover
American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower

The American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14 14-Inch Push Reel Lawn Mower is a planet-friendly alternative to gas-powered mowers that is pollution-free and noise-free. It features a 5-blade reel with a cutting width of 14” and durable 10” polymer wheels for maximum maneuverability. The mechanical lawn mower has an adjustable blade height of 1”-2.25” with scissor action cut and blades made of heat-treated alloy steel that stays sharp for years. It is low maintenance, lightweight and easy to use, and is capable of cutting grass up to 4 inches tall.

What We Like
Planet-friendly and low maintenance
Adjustable blade height with scissor action cut
Durable and sharp blades made of heat-treated alloy steel
#TOP 9

Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Push Lawn Mower

362050-1001
Black
Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Push Lawn Mower Cover
Fiskars Push Mower - 18" Cut Width Manual Reel Mower with No Motor - Grass Cutter with Steel Blades that Stay Sharp - Eco-Friendly Lawn Care

The Fiskars StaySharp Max Reel Push Lawn Mower is an eco-friendly mower with advanced technology and smart features that make it easier and more enjoyable to transform your outdoor space. The InertiaDrive Reel with twice the cutting power and StaySharp Cutting System eliminates the cost and inconvenience of manual blade sharpening. The reversible grass chute and one-touch handle height adjustment enhance your comfort and control. It can cut all grass types, including tough southern varieties, without gas, oil, charging, or cords. The mower has an 18" cutting width and cut height settings from 1"-4".

What We Like
Eco-friendly, no gas, oil, charging, or cords required
InertiaDrive Reel with twice the cutting power
StaySharp Cutting System eliminates the cost and inconvenience of manual blade sharpening
Reversible grass chute and one-touch handle height adjustment enhance comfort and control
Can cut all grass types, including tough southern varieties
#TOP 10

American Lawn Mower Company Push Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher

American Lawn Mower Company Push Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher Cover
American Lawn Mower Company 1304-14GC 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower with Grass Catcher, Mint

The American Lawn Mower Company 14-Inch 5-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower is a planet-friendly alternative to gas-powered lawn mowers. It features a 5-blade reel with a cutting width of 14” and durable 10” polymer wheels for maximum maneuverability. The manual grass cutter blades are made of heat-treated alloy steel that stays sharp for years. This lawn mower has an adjustable blade height of 1-2.25" with scissor action cut and a low maintenance, hassle-free design. The T-style handle with a comfortable cushioned grip provides better maneuverability, and the grass catcher/grass bag is included.

What We Like
Planet-friendly alternative to gas-powered lawn mowers
Low maintenance, hassle-free design
Adjustable blade height with scissor action cut
Durable 10” polymer wheels for maximum maneuverability
Grass catcher/grass bag included
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is a manual lawn mower better?

Push reel mowers are better for your grass' health. Torn and shredded grass leaves your lawn vulnerable to disease and insect attacks; grass that is cleanly cut with a reel mower heals faster and is less vulnerable to those maladies.

2. Do reel mowers actually work?

Reel mowers are preferred for lower mowing heights (under an inch) whereas rotary mowers perform better at higher mowing heights. Reel mowers are more effective when the grass is not too long, wet, or undulating. Reel mowers also have a hard time chopping up twigs and going over rocks.

3. Are manual lawn mowers hard to use?

Don't be afraid, though, today's reel mowers are designed so that they take very little effort to push, perhaps less so than a heavy gas or electric mover. If that wasn't enough, a reel mower gives your lawn a better cut by cleanly slicing the tops of the blades as opposed to chopping and tearing them.

4. What are manual lawn mowers called?

A reel mower is a push mower that does not use fuel, electricity, or oil and is powered by the person pushing it. Most have two primary wheels and several sharp blades in a cylinder that spin around cutting the grass.

Editor's Notes

During our manual lawn mower research, we found 24 manual lawn mower products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 159,724 customer reviews through our big data system to write the manual lawn mowers list. We found that most customers choose manual lawn mowers with an average price of $112.58.

The manual lawn mowers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of manual lawn mowers, including American Lawn Mower Company, Sun Joe, TMEOSK, Great States, Scotts. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Bryan Hicks Avatar

Bryan Hicks is a professional gardener and a writer who lives in North Texas with his family and his dog. Bryan has spent more than half of his life surrounded by garden products. He has extensive experience in garden makeovers and maintenance and lawn care. His areas of expertise include outdoor decoration, gardening and garden design.