The best lawn mower for small yards should be compact and maneuverable. So, we searched for mowers 21 inches or smaller available at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and Walmart. We compared each model’s performance, price, and ease of use to find the best lawn mowers for small yards that you can buy right now.
We understand that a “small yard” isn’t a standard size and varies a lot by location. Some of the mowers on our list can handle yards as large as one-half acre, but most are for yards one-quarter acre or less. We list maximum yard size in the reviews and provide recommendations for yards under one-eighth acre.
Our top picks
Top 2 self-propelled lawn mowers for small yards – Reviews
1. Honda HRX217VKA – Best gas-powered
Maintaining a pristine lawn becomes quick and painless with the Honda HRX217VKA 21-inch self-propelled lawn mower. It’s powerful, durable, and maneuverable, making it the best gas-powered self-propelled lawn mower for small yards.
The HRX217VKA has a 200 cc Honda engine and a laundry list of special features, including:
- Select Drive: It has an intuitive variable speed system that goes 0 to 4 miles per hour.
- 4-in-1 Versamow System: It can mulch, bag, discharge, and shred leaves.
- Honda MicroCut: Its dual-blade system mulches better than a standard lawn mower.
- NeXite cutting deck: Made from thermoplastic composite materials, its NeXite deck is highly durable and never rusts.
- Honda Auto Choke: It has a spring-assisted starting system, making it quick and easy to get started.
How does it handle? Overall, the Honda HRX217VKA handles well. Its Select Drive system is smooth and easy to use. It also has ball-bearing on the front and rear wheels, making pushing through flat or sloped terrain easy. The handlebar adjusts to three heights, and you can stop the mower instantly by letting go of the flywheel brake lever.
Specifications
- Engine displacement: 200 cc
- Engine make: Honda
- Cutting width: 21 inches
- Cutting heights: .75 – 4 inches
- Warranty: 5 years
- Fuel tank capacity: .24 gallons
- Weight: 89 pounds
- Max lawn size: ½ acre
Cutting features
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Discharge | Rear |
| Cutting height options | 7 |
| Number of blades | 2 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Versatile ✓ Fuel-efficient ✓ Folds for easy storage ✓ Wide range of cutting heights ✓ Fast ✓ Takes little effort | ✗ Oil changes can be cumbersome ✗ Overkill for very small yards |
Cost comparison: The Honda HRX217VKA is the most expensive mower we looked at for small yards. Compare it to other top gas lawn mowers on the market.
Where to buy
2. Ego Power+ LM2114SP – Best battery-powered
If you want an eco-friendly, high-performance mower, consider the Ego Power+ LM2114SP 21-inch self-propelled mower. It has a high-efficiency brushless motor with six foot-pounds of torque, giving it more power than many competing gas mowers. After just one mow, you’ll see why it’s the best self-propelled cordless electric lawn mower for small yards.
If you’re skeptical about battery-powered outdoor tools, rest assured. Ego Power+ batteries are the most advanced in the industry:
- Runtime: Even with its mighty motor, the LM2114SP gets up to 50 minutes of run time with the included 56-volt, 6 Ah ARC Lithium-ion battery.
- Charge time: The battery fully charges in 80 minutes with the included Power+ standard charger. You can purchase a rapid charger for faster charging.
- Fuel gauge: An easy-to-read fuel gauge lets you know when to refuel.
- Efficiency: Advanced battery cell cooling technology makes Ego batteries more efficient.
- Durability: Ego batteries are built to last and come with a 3-year consumer warranty.
How does it handle? The Ego Power+ LM2114SP is comfortable to use. You can adjust the variable speed dial with either hand, and the handlebar has three height adjustments. It’s easy to maneuver, and the controls are easy to use, even by operators with a small stature.
Specifications
- Battery: 56-volt, 6 Ah ARC Li-ion
- Cutting width: 20.5 inches
- Cutting heights: 1.25 – 4 inches
- Warranty: 5-year mower, 3-year battery
- Max runtime: 50 min.
- Weight: 66 pounds
- Max lawn size: ½ acre
Cutting features
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Discharge | Side |
| Cutting height options | 7 |
| Number of blades | 1 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Bright headlights for mowing in the early morning or evening ✓ Weather-resistant construction ✓ Push-button start ✓ Superb battery performance ✓ Easy to use | ✗ Ego batteries are expensive |
Cost comparison: The Ego Power+ LM2114SP is more expensive than over 90% of the mowers we looked at for small yards. This is usual for a battery-powered mower. Compare its cost to the other best battery-powered mowers of the year.
Where to buy
Top 6 push mowers for small yards – Reviews
1. YARDMAX YG1650 – Best gas-powered
The Yardmax YG1650 3-in-1 mower is our favorite gas-powered push mower for small yards. Its 170 cc OHV engine provides premium performance for fast, clean cuts. It has a sharp 21-inch blade that finely mulches grass clippings, then expels them through side-discharge or rear bagging.
You’ll enjoy its high-quality features, including:
- MAXFlow Deck Technology: A spiral deck design allows for better airflow and mulching.
- Heavy-duty steel deck: It has a one-piece durable 16-gauge stamped steel deck that reduces vibration.
- Single lever height adjustment: A single lever easily adjusts the cutting height from 1.25 to 3.75 inches.
How does it handle? The Yardmax YG1650 has superb maneuverability. The rear and front wheels have 1.5-inch treads and double-ball bearings, making pushing the mower through flat terrain smooth and easy. Additionally, the handlebar has three positions.
Specifications
- Engine displacement: 170 cc
- Cutting width: 21 inches
- Cutting heights: 1.25 – 3.75 inches
- Warranty: 2 years
- Fuel tank capacity: .21 gallons
- Weight: 60 pounds
- Max lawn size: ½ acre
Cutting features
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Discharge | Side |
| Cutting height options | 7 |
| Number of blades | 1 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Easy to maneuver ✓ Folds for easy storage ✓ Adjustable handle ✓ Reduced vibration ✓ Heavy-duty deck | ✗ The air filter cover falls off easily |
Cost comparison: The YARDMAX YG1650 is an average-priced lawn mower for small yards.
Where to buy
2. Worx WG779 – Best battery-powered
If you want a cordless electric lawn mower for your small yard, consider the Worx WG779 Cordless Mulching Lawn Mower. Its electric motor receives power from two 20-volt 4 Ah batteries giving it an unbelievable 240-minute max runtime. You get a quality cut from a lightweight mower, making it the best battery push mower for small yards.
The WG779 proves that great things come in small packages with high-end features such as the following:
- IntelliCut: Worx’s patented technology allows for higher torque when cutting thick grass.
- Dual-port charger: You can fully charge both batteries in about 50 minutes.
- Battery meter: Easily see how much power is left in each battery.
- Full-bag indicator: You will know when it’s time to empty the bag.
- Single-lever height adjustment: The WG779 has six cutting heights that range from 1.5 to 4 inches.
How does it handle? The Worx WG779 is compact, lightweight, and easy to maneuver through flat, sloped, or uneven terrain.
Specifications
- Battery: 40-volt, 4 Ah Li-ion (2)
- Cutting width: 13 inches
- Cutting heights: 1.5 – 4 inches
- Warranty: 3-year mower, 1-year battery
- Max runtime: 240 min.
- Weight: 29 pounds
- Max lawn size: ¼ acre
Cutting features
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Discharge | Rear |
| Cutting height options | 6 |
| Number of blades | 1 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Push-button start ✓ Foldable handle ✓ Long runtime ✓ Lightweight ✓ Compact | ✗ Doesn’t mow low ✗ The handlebar may be too high for shorter users |
Cost comparison: The Worx WG779 costs more than 60% of lawn mowers for small yards.
Where to buy
3. Kobalt KM 211-06 – Best corded electric
Our favorite corded electric lawn mower for small yards is the Kobalt KM 211-06 21-inch corded mower. Its razor-sharp blade crisply cuts grass, then finely mulches the clippings. The clippings are side-discharged or collected in the rear bag. It has a 13-amp motor, supplying the machine with enough power to quickly and efficiently cut grass on small flat yards.
You will enjoy the mower’s convenient features, including the following:
- Cord retention system: It prevents accidental disconnection, improving safety and useability.
- Single lever height adjustment: It’s quick and easy to adjust the mowing height to one of its seven cutting positions that range from 1.18 to 3 inches.
- Ergonomic handle: The padded handle reduces wrist strain.
How does it handle? The Kobalt KM 211-06 is comfortable and easy to maneuver. It has a foam padded handle, and its 10-inch rear wheels move smoothly over flat terrain.
Specifications
- Amps: 13
- Cutting width: 20.5 inches
- Cutting heights: 1.375 – 3.75
- Warranty: 5 years
- Weight: 53 pounds
- Max lawn size: ¼ acre
Cutting features
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Discharge | Rear and side |
| Cutting height options | 7 |
| Number of blades | 1 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Push-button start ✓ Folds for storage ✓ Cord retention system ✓ Easy to use | ✗ Several customers report needing repairs after 1 – 2 years |
Cost comparison: The Kobalt KM 211-06 costs less than 60% of lawn mowers for small yards.
Where to buy
4. Power Smart PSM2521PH – Gas-powered runner-up
One of the best gas push mowers for small yards is the Power Smart PSM2521PH. It has a powerful 209 cc engine and a heavy-duty rotary blade that finely mulches grass clippings for side discharge or rear bag collection. You will quickly achieve a quality cut on flat lawns ¼ acre or smaller.
How does it handle? It has slightly larger rear wheels for smooth maneuverability, and it does well on uneven terrain.
Specifications
- Engine displacement: 209 cc
- Cutting width: 21 inches
- Cutting heights: 1.18 – 3 inches
- Warranty: 3 years
- Fuel tank capacity: .24 gallons
- Weight: 67 pounds
- Max lawn size: 1/2 acre
Cutting features
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Discharge | Side |
| Cutting height options | 5 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Folds for easy storage ✓ Certified repair shops in over 500 U.S. cities ✓ Affordable ✓ Fast | ✗ Cleaning can be cumbersome |
Cost comparison: The Power Smart PSM2521PH is an average-priced lawn mower for small yards.
Where to buy
5. Greenworks MO48L4210 – Battery-powered runner-up
The Greenworks MO48L4210 20-inch push mower is one of the best electric mowers for small yards. It has a brushless motor that is efficient and durable. Its sharp 20-inch blade quickly slices grass blades on flat lawns ¼ acre or less.
Greenworks is known for battery efficiency, and the MO48L4210 gets up to 45 minutes of runtime with the two included 24-volt batteries. And the batteries fully charge within a couple of hours with the included dual-port charger.
How does it handle? It’s easy to maneuver on flat lawns, even around obstacles.
Specifications
- Battery: 48-volt, 4 Ah Li-ion
- Cutting width: 19 inches
- Cutting heights: 1.375 – 4 inches
- Warranty: 3 years
- Max runtime: 45 min.
- Weight: 67 pounds
- Max lawn size: 1/4 acre
Cutting features
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Discharge | Side |
| Cutting height options | 7 |
| Number of blades | 1 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Push-button start ✓ Bright LED headlights ✓ Turbo button ✓ Good battery performance | ✗ Turbo quickly drains the battery |
Cost comparison: The Greenworks MO48L4210 is more expensive than 85% of lawn mowers for small lawns.
Where to buy
6. Sun Joe MJ403E – Corded electric runner-up
Homeowners with small yards don’t have to spend a bundle with the Sun Joe MJ403E, our list’s most affordable rotary mower. This 17-inch mulching lawn mower features a 13-amp electric motor and four all-terrain wheels. You can easily switch between 7 cutting positions that mow the grass as low as .98 inches.
How does it handle? It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver through a variety of terrain.
Specifications
- Amps: 13
- Cutting width: 17 inches
- Cutting heights: .98 – 2.87 inches
- Warranty: 2 years
- Weight: 31.5 pounds
- Max lawn size: ¼ acre
Cutting features
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Discharge | Rear |
| Cutting height options | 7 |
| Number of blades | 1 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Push-button start ✓ Foldable handle ✓ Mows low ✓ Easy to use ✓ Affordable | ✗ Not good for tall grass |
Cost comparison: The Sun Joe MJ403E is more affordable than almost 90% of lawn mowers for small yards.
Where to buy
Top 2 reel lawn mowers for small yards – Reviews
1. Remington RM3100 – Best overall
Our favorite push reel lawn mower is the Remington RM3100 18-inch manual mower. Its five high-quality blades smoothly cut grass on flat lawns ¼ acre or smaller. It can mow grass as short as .75 inches, so it’s excellent for homeowners with low-cut lawns. It’s also a great choice for homeowners on a budget because it’s the lowest-priced mower on our list.
The RM3100 is packed with helpful features, such as:
- Mulcher: Finely mulch grass clippings as you mow.
- Grass catcher: Collect grass with the included bag attachment.
- Adjustable handlebar: The handlebar adjusts, making mowing comfortable for operators of all sizes.
How does it handle? It’s easy to maneuver through flat terrain. It has an ergonomic handle with a foam grip and nine possible positions.
Specifications
- Cutting width: 18 inches
- Power type: Manual
- Cutting heights: .75 – 2.5 inches
- Warranty: 2 years
- Weight: 28.4 pounds
- Max lawn size: ¼ acre
Cutting features
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Cutting height options | 9 |
| Number of blades | 5 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Eco-friendly ✓ Affordable ✓ Clean cuts ✓ Mows low | ✗ The grass catcher bag is small |
Cost comparison: The Remington RM3100 is more affordable than 90% of lawn mowers for small yards. Compare its cost and features to our other top picks for the best reel lawn mowers on the market.
Where to buy
2. Scotts 615-16S – Runner-up
With the Scotts 615-16S, you get quality and convenience. In addition to being one of the best mowers for small lawns, it’s also one of the best reel mowers for sloped lawns and lawns with many obstacles. Because it’s compact, it fits in tight spaces. And it evenly cuts grass blades with its heat-treated alloy steel blades from 1.5 to 2.75 inches.
How does it handle? It is very easy to handle. In addition to being lightweight and compact, it has 10-inch composite wheels that smoothly move through flat or sloped terrain. The handle has a comfortable cushioned grip.
Specifications
- Cutting width: 16 inches
- Power type: Manual
- Cutting heights: 1.5 – 2.75 inches
- Warranty: 3 years
- Weight: 25 pounds
- Max lawn size: ¼ acre
| Mulch grass clippings | No |
| Bag grass clippings | No |
| Cutting height options | 5 |
| Number of blades | 5 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Easy to push on slopes ✓ Clean cuts ✓ Durable build ✓ Lightweight | ✗ Doesn’t mow as low as most reel mowers ✗ Narrow range of cutting heights ✗ Doesn’t mulch or bag clippings, so post-mow cleanup is a hassle |
Cost comparison: The Scotts 615-16S is more affordable than 75% of lawn mowers for small yards.
Where to buy
Buyer’s guide to lawn mowers for small yards
Our buying guide covers everything you need to know to select the best lawn mower for your small yard, including the following:
Lawn mower type
If you have a small yard, you probably want one of these types of lawn mowers:
- Push lawn mower: Standard rotary push mowers have spinning blades powered by gas or electricity, but you must use manpower to push the mower.
- Reel lawn mower: Most reel mowers are manually powered, making them the most eco-friendly option. Reel blades cut grass like scissors, so they cut the grass more evenly than a rotary mower, and most reel mowers cut blades lower than a rotary push mower.
- Self-propelled lawn mower: If you want the job done quickly and easily, a self-propelled lawn mower may be your best choice. They are rotary mowers with a drive system that propels them forward, so mowing takes less effort. Some models have front-wheel drive, and others have four-wheel drive.
Power source
When selecting a lawn mower, you have three primary power source choices:
- Manual: Powered by their operator, manual lawn mowers take the most effort. However, they are also the most eco-friendly, and they give the user a lot of control.
- Electric: Electric lawn mowers come in corded and cordless models. They require less effort than manual mowers but aren’t as eco-friendly. Mowing with an electric model typically releases zero emissions, but electricity has a carbon footprint, and gas-guzzling heavy equipment is used to mine lithium for batteries.
- Gas: Although the most powerful, gas lawn mowers are also the loudest and the least eco-friendly. Most homeowners with large yards prefer gas mowers because they have longer runtimes and do the job quicker, but many with small yards prefer electric or manual mowers.
Cutting width
Consider a lawn mower with a cutting width of 21 inches or less if you have a small yard. The wider a mower’s cutting width, the quicker you can do the job. However, wider mowers are also heavier, more challenging to maneuver, and more costly. Ensure your mower is narrow enough to navigate around flower beds and other obstacles.
Cutting height
You must select a lawn mower capable of cutting your grass to its ideal height. The table below shows ideal mowing heights for popular lawn grasses.
| Grass type | Cutting height (inches) |
| Bahiagrass | 2 – 3 |
| Bermudagrass | 0.5 – 1.5 |
| Buffalograss | 2 – 3 |
| Centipedegrass | 1.5 – 2.5 |
| Fine Fescue | 1.5 – 2.5 |
| Kentucky bluegrass | 1.5 – 2.5 |
| St. Augustinegrass | 2 – 4 |
| Tall Fescue | 2 – 3 |
| Zoysiagrass | 0.5 – 1.5 |
Additional features
Homeowners with small yards often appreciate these additional features:
- Foldable handles are great for homeowners with limited storage space.
- Mulching grass clippings is a great way to improve overall grass health. The nutrient-rich clippings decompose into the soil, fertilizing the lawn. Clippings are also great for garden beds and compost piles.
- Bagging attachments are excellent for homeowners who don’t want to leave clippings on the lawn. If your grass is long, it may produce too many clippings and smother the grass. Also, homeowners may bag clippings to prevent spreading weeds or fungus.
- Long runtime: Gas mowers with larger fuel tanks run longer without refueling, but runtime is more critical for battery mowers. Batteries with more amp hours (Ah) have a longer runtime, but some battery platforms use their resources more efficiently. Expect lithium-ion batteries to cost more when they have longer runtimes. One great thing about reel mowers is they never run out of juice, as long as you have the energy to keep pushing.
Price
The average lawn mower for small yards costs about $270, but lawn mower prices vary depending on the type of lawn mower and its power source. We gathered prices for lawn mowers with a cutting width of 21 inches or less to provide the data below.
| Average cost | $270 |
| Typical price range | $150 – $390 |
| Extreme high | $1,100 |
| Extreme low | $70 |
Next, we priced lawn mowers for small yards by power source.
| Power source | Average cost |
| Manual | $140 |
| Corded electric | $190 |
| Battery | $340 |
| Gas | $425 |
If you’re shopping on a tight budget, check out our list of the best lawn mowers under $300, or, if you’ve got a bit more wiggle room, the best lawn mowers under $500. Both lists include great options for small yards.
FAQ about lawn mowers for small yards
If you have a tiny yard less than ⅛ acre, we recommend one of the following lawn mowers:
● Worx WG779
● Sun Joe MJ403E
● Remington RM3100
● Scotts 615-16S
A self-propelled mower is overkill if your yard is ¼ acre or less. For lawns larger than ¼ acre, it depends on the following:
● Obstacles: Because self-propelled mowers give you less control than push mowers, they are often more trouble than they are worth for lawns with many obstacles, such as flower beds and other landscaping elements.
● Operator’s strength: A self-propelled mower may not be worth it if you’re strong or enjoy physical exercise. However, those who struggle with a standard push mower will appreciate an easier mow.
● Slopes: Because the operator has less control, push mowers are typically better for sloped yards.
● Lawn size: Most homeowners with lawns over half an acre prefer self-propelled mowers.
If you have a small yard, consider these high-quality outdoor tools:
● Leaf blowers: If you are looking for the best battery leaf blower for your small yard, consider the Ryobi RY404180VNM, but if you’re looking for the best gas leaf blower, the Craftsman B215 is an excellent choice.
● Snow blowers: One of the best snow blowers for small yards is the Earthwise SN71022.
● String trimmers: The best battery-powered string trimmer for small yards is the Black+Decker 20V MAX string trimmer and edger, but if you want a gas string trimmer, consider the Remington RM25C.
● Chainsaws: The best gas chainsaw with a small bar is the Echo CS-271T-12, but if you’re looking for a mini-chainsaw, try the Makita XCU06SM1. For thicker branches, we like the medium-bar Husqvarna 455. But, for heavy-duty jobs, it’s worth the cost of professional tree trimming.
When to call a lawn care pro
Even homeowners with small yards can benefit from professional lawn care. Let’s face it, most of us don’t enjoy pushing a lawn mower on a hot summer day. Thankfully, you can call a local lawn care pro to do it for you, and LawnStarter can match you with your dream pro today!
Routine lawn care is affordable, and you typically don’t have to be home when the crew arrives. Like clockwork, the crew keeps your lawn lush and your bushes pruned without interrupting your day.
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