Best lawn mowers under $500 (2026)

Here is your comprehensive buying guide for the best lawn mowers under $500. I’ve tested or thoroughly researched every single one of these machines. Let’s cut through the noise and find the right mower for your yard.

Our Top Picks at a Glance

• Greenworks 40V 16" (Push): Best budget-friendly cordless for tiny, flat yards under 1/4 acre.
• WORX 14" Cordless: Best for ultra-small, tight spaces and urban patios; incredibly light.
• EGO Power+ LM2112: The premium pick for serious homeowners wanting near-gas power on a tight budget.
• Fiskars 17" Reel Mower: Best for small, flat lawns where you want zero emissions, exercise, and a perfect stripe.
• LawnMaster 48V 19": Best value for a standard-size battery mower with a wide cutting deck.
• Greenworks 48V (24V x2) 17": Best for tool compatibility if you already own Greenworks 48V/24V tools.
• Greenworks 40V 21" Self-Propelled: Best self-propelled option for slightly sloped or larger lawns.
• PowerSmart 21" Gas: Best for those who refuse to go cordless and want raw power on a budget.

How We Chose These Mowers

I evaluated every mower based on four hard criteria:

1. Runtime & Battery System: A mower is useless if it can’t finish your lawn. I looked at battery amp-hours (Ah) and voltage. 40V is the minimum for decent cutting; 48V or 56V is better. I also considered if the battery works with other tools (increases value).
2. Cutting Width & Deck Quality: Wider decks (19"-21") mean fewer passes. But they also require more power. I balanced width against the motor’s ability to not bog down in thick grass. Steel decks are preferred over plastic for durability.
3. Build Quality & Ease of Use: I looked at handle comfort, foldability for storage, height adjustment ease (single-lever is king), and overall sturdiness. A wobbly mower is a nightmare.
4. Value vs. Price: Under $500 is a competitive bracket. I asked: “Does this mower deliver performance that punches above its price, or is it just cheap?” The EGO, for example, is expensive for this list but offers premium performance. The WORX is cheap but perfect for its niche.

Detailed Reviews

Greenworks 40V 16" (Push) Cordless Lawn Mower

Best for: Budget-conscious owners of very small, flat lawns (under 1/4 acre). Price: $249.99

Key Strengths: This is the entry-level champion. The push-button start is genuinely satisfying. It’s light (around 30 lbs), folds flat for storage, and the 4.0Ah battery is enough to do a standard 1/3-acre lot if you don’t let the grass get too tall. The 40V platform is massive—you can use the battery in their blowers, trimmers, and chainsaws. Notable Weakness: The 16" cutting deck is narrow. You’ll make more passes than with a 20" mower. Also, it struggles in thick, wet grass. Verdict: If you have a postage-stamp lawn and a tight budget, this is the smartest buy. It’s not powerful, but it’s reliable and cheap.

WORX 14" Cordless Lawn Mower (WG779)

Best for: People with tiny, awkward yards, or those who need to store a mower in a closet. Price: $229.47

Key Strengths: The WORX is absurdly light (under 25 lbs) and compact. It’s the only mower on this list that truly feels like a large toy—in a good way. It comes with two 20V batteries, which is great for runtime. The 2-in-1 feature (mulch or bag) works fine for light trimming. Notable Weakness: A 14" cut is tiny. You will be walking back and forth forever on any lawn over 1,500 sq ft. It also has a plastic deck that feels less durable than steel. Verdict: Don’t buy this for a standard lawn. Buy it for a tiny city yard, a steep hill where you need to carry the mower, or for a cabin. It’s a niche tool that excels in its niche.

EGO Power+ Electric Lawn Mower (LM2112)

Best for: Homeowners who want premium, gas-like power without the gas, and have a lawn up to 1/3 acre. Price: $479.00

Key Strengths: This is the best mower on this list, period. The 56V 4.0Ah battery is a beast. It cuts thick, damp grass that would stall the Greenworks 40V. The build quality is excellent—the handle is solid, the deck is tough, and the single-lever height adjustment is smooth. It feels like a $700 mower. Notable Weakness: It’s the most expensive option here, and it’s a push mower, not self-propelled. It’s also heavy for a push mower (around 50 lbs). Verdict: If you can stretch your budget to $479, this is the only mower you need for the next 5-7 years. It’s the gold standard for cordless push mowers under $500.

Fiskars 17" Manual Reel Mower

Best for: Eco-conscious homeowners with small, flat, well-maintained lawns who want a workout and perfect stripes. Price: $214.83

Key Strengths: This is the quietest, cleanest, and most satisfying mower on the list. The 17" cutting width is wide for a reel mower. Fiskars’ “Inertia Drive” system makes it easier to push than most reel mowers. It gives a scissor-like cut that is healthier for the grass and creates beautiful stripes. Zero emissions, zero noise, zero maintenance. Notable Weakness: It cannot handle tall, wet, or weedy grass. You must mow frequently. It also struggles with leaves. Verdict: This is not a mower for everyone. It’s a tool for the lawn enthusiast who enjoys the process. If you want a quiet Saturday morning and a perfect lawn, this is it.

LawnMaster 48V MAX 19" Cordless Lawn Mower (CLMF4819A)

Best for: Value hunters wanting a wide deck and decent power without spending EGO money. Price: $249.43

Key Strengths: For the price, you get a 19" steel deck and a 48V system (using two 24V 4.0Ah batteries). This gives it noticeably more cutting power than the 40V Greenworks. The 19" deck is a sweet spot—wider than the 16" mowers, but not as heavy as a 21". The dual-port charger is a nice touch. Notable Weakness: The build quality is a step down from EGO. The handle can feel a bit flexy, and the bagger isn’t the largest. Verdict: This is the “Goldilocks” mower for the price. It’s not premium, but it’s a solid, capable machine for a standard 1/4-acre lot. The best bang-for-your-buck in the lineup.

Greenworks 48V (24V x 2) 17" Cordless Push Lawn Mower

Best for: Homeowners already invested in the Greenworks 24V/48V tool ecosystem. Price: $239.99

Key Strengths: This mower uses two 24V 4.0Ah batteries (included) to create a 48V system. This gives it more torque than the single 40V model. It’s also very quiet. The big selling point: if you already own Greenworks 24V tools (trimmers, blowers), you have spare batteries. Notable Weakness: The 17" deck is still narrow. The two-battery system can be annoying (you have to charge two batteries). The build feels slightly less refined than the single 40V model. Verdict: Only buy this if you are already in the Greenworks 24V/48V ecosystem. If you’re starting fresh, get the 40V model or the LawnMaster.

Greenworks 40V 21" Brushless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Best for: Owners of slightly sloped or larger lawns (up to 1/2 acre) who need help pushing. Price: $399.99

Key Strengths: This is the only self-propelled mower on the list. The variable-speed self-propulsion is genuinely useful for hills. The 21" brushless motor is powerful and efficient. The single-lever height adjustment is standard Greenworks quality. Notable Weakness: It’s heavy (around 55 lbs). The self-propulsion is not as refined as a Honda gas mower—it can be jerky. The battery is a 5.0Ah, which is good, but you might need a second for a full 1/2 acre. Verdict: If you absolutely need self-propulsion and want to stay cordless under $500, this is your only real choice. It works well, but don’t expect gas-level smoothness.

PowerSmart EasyGlide 21" Gas Lawn Mower

Best for: Traditionalists who want gas power, simplicity, and don’t mind the maintenance. Price: $279.99

Key Strengths: This is the cheapest gas mower that’s actually worth buying. The 144cc OHV engine starts reliably (after a few pulls) and has plenty of torque. The 21" steel deck is tough. The 3-in-1 capability (mulch, bag, side discharge) works well. It’s simple, powerful, and cheap. Notable Weakness: It’s loud,