Finding a quality lawn mower is challenging when you’re on a budget. So we did the leg work for you, researching the most affordable lawn mowers at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and Walmart. We compared each mower’s strength, maneuverability, and capabilities to bring you a list of the best lawn mowers under $300.
Our top picks
| 4 Best Cordless Lawnmowers |
| — 1. Worx WG779 |
| — 2. Greenworks 2532302 |
| — 3. Yard Force YF21-SD |
| — 4. Yardmax YG1650 |
| 3 Best Corded Lawn Mowers |
| — 1. Sun Joe MJ403E |
| — 2. Ryobi RYAC200 |
| — 3. Greenworks 25022 |
| 2 Best Reel Mowers |
| — 1. Remington RM3100 |
| — 2. Scotts 615-16S |
Top 4 cordless lawn mowers under $300 – Reviews
1. Yardmax YG1650 – Best gas-powered lawn mower
The best gas mower under $300 is the Yardmax YG1650 21-inch mower. Its power and performance are unheard of at this price point. With a 170 cc OHV engine and a heavy-duty stamped steel deck, homeowners with yards one-half acre or less get a quality cut in no time at all.
Its features include:
- MAXFlow Deck Technology: The cutting deck has excellent airflow for finer cuts.
- Single lever height adjustment: It’s quick and easy to adjust the mowing height.
- High rear wheels: It has 7-inch front wheels and 11-inch rear wheels. All four wheels have 1.5-inch treads and double-ball bearings, making the mower easy to push.
- Adjustable handle: Operators of all heights can comfortably mow with its 3-position handle adjustment.
Specifications
- Engine displacement: 170 cc
- Cutting width: 21 inches
- Cutting heights: 1.25 – 3.75 inches
- Warranty: 2 years
- Fuel tank capacity: 0.21 gallons
- Weight: 60 pounds
- Max lawn size: ½ acre
Cutting features
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Discharge | Side discharge |
| Cutting height options | 7 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Deck reduces vibration ✓ Foldable ✓ Easy to push ✓ Heavy-duty deck ✓ High performance | ✗ The filter cover falls off sometimes |
Where to buy
2. Worx WG779 – Best battery-powered lawn mower
The best battery-powered push lawn mower under $300 is the Worx WG779, which is also the best battery push mower for small yards, regardless of price. It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver, even on sloped or uneven terrain, so you can effortlessly mow up to one-quarter acre on a single charge.
Its features include:
- IntelliCut: Increases cutting torque in tough conditions and decreases it on easy terrain to conserve battery power.
- Single lever height adjustment: So it’s simple to adjust the mowing height.
- Dual-port charger: The two included batteries fully charge in under an hour.
- Full-bag indicator: It lets you know when to empty the bag.
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 minutes
- Weight: 29 pounds
- Max lawn size: ¼ acre
Cutting features
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Discharge | Rear discharge |
| Cutting height options | 6 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Easy to maneuver ✓ Lightweight ✓ Push-button start ✓ CARB Compliant | ✗ Not good for thick, tall grass |
Where to buy
3. Yard Force YF21-SD – Gas-powered runner-up
If you’re on a super tight budget, consider the Yard Force YF21-SD. It can’t compete with the capabilities of the Yardmax YG1650, but it’s a solid machine that sells at a lower price. It has a 125 cc Briggs & Stratton engine and a 21-inch steel cutting deck with smooth dual-blade action.
Its features include:
- Prime ‘N Pull: So you can quickly start the mower.
- High rear wheels: The mower smoothly glides over flat or sloped terrain.
- Foldable handle: It easily fits into storage.
Specifications
- Engine displacement: 125 cc
- Engine make: Briggs and Stratton Engine
- Cutting width: 20 inches
- Cutting heights: 1.25 – 3.75 inches
- Warranty: 2 years
- Fuel tank capacity: 0.25 gallons
- Weight: 47 pounds
- Max lawn size: 1/2 acre
Cutting features
| Mulch grass clippings | No |
| Bag grass clippings | No |
| Discharge | Side discharge |
| Cutting height options | 5 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Easy to start ✓ Fold for easy storage ✓ Easy to push | ✗ Doesn’t mulch ✗ No bagging attachment |
Where to buy
4. Greenworks 2532302 – Battery-powered runner up
Our second favorite battery-powered mower under $300 is the Greenworks 2532302. Greenworks uses advanced battery technology to make its lawn mowers more efficient than a standard electric mower. That means you get more power with a longer runtime. Like the Worx WG779, this mower is recommended for lawns under a one-quarter acre, but its 20-inch blade cuts more grass with each pass.
Its features include:
- Turbo button: Turbo is perfect for leaf cleanup.
- Dual port charger: You can charge both batteries at the same time.
- USB ports: Its batteries have USB ports to charge a phone or tablet.
Specifications
- Battery: 24-volt, 4 Ah Li-ion (2)
- Cutting width: 20 inches
- Cutting heights: 1.375 – 3.25 inches
- Warranty: 3 years
- Max runtime: 45 minutes
- Weight: 54.5 pounds
- Max lawn size: 1/4 acre
Cutting features
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Discharge | Side discharge |
| Cutting height options | 7 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Push button start ✓ Brushless motor ✓ Turbo mode ✓ High-quality batteries | ✗ The bag attachment is small |
Where to buy
Top 3 corded lawn mowers under $300 – Reviews
1. Sun Joe MJ403E – Best overall
The Sun Joe MJ403E is the best corded electric mower under $300 and our list’s most affordable rotary mower. Its potent 13-amp motor fuels its 17-inch steel blade for superior cutting performance. It’s also lightweight and easy to maneuver around landscaping.
Its features include:
- All-terrain wheels: It’s easy to push, even over rugged terrain.
- Spacious rear bagging: It comes with a 12-gallon rear bag, so you won’t have to stop to empty the bag as often.
- Easy mulching conversion: Switching from bagging to mulching takes just minutes.
- Single lever height adjustment: It’s easy to see and change the mowing height.
Specifications
- Amps: 13
- Cutting width: 17 inches
- Cutting heights: 0.98 – 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 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Easy to use ✓ Ergonomic ✓ Big bag for collecting grass clippings ✓ Easy to maneuver ✓ Foldable | ✗ Not good for tall grass ✗ Narrow range of cutting heights |
Where to buy
2. Ryobi RYAC200 – Best for medium yards
The best budget corded electric mower for medium yards is the Ryobi RYAC200. It has a 20-inch fabricated cutting deck combined with unlimited runtime, so homeowners with yards up to half an acre can quickly cut grass. Remember that you must be within 50 to 150 feet of a power outlet, depending on your extension cord’s length.
Its features include:
- Foldable handle: It fits easily into storage.
- Single-point height adjustment: You can quickly switch the mowing height.
- High rear wheels: It is easy to push on flat terrain.
Specifications
- Amps: 13
- Cutting width: 20 inches
- Cutting heights: 1.5 – 4 inches
- Warranty: 3 years
- Weight: 39.4 pounds
- Max lawn size: ½ acre
Cutting features
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Discharge | Rear |
| Cutting height options | 7 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Easy to push ✓ CARB Compliant ✓ Foldable ✓ Mows dense grass | ✗ Small grass collection bag |
Where to buy
3. Greenworks 25022 – Honorable mention
Another excellent option for homeowners with small yards is the Greenworks 25022 12-amp corded lawn mower. It has a 20-inch steel deck that quickly cuts yards up to one-quarter acre. It’s easy to maneuver and can be used with up to a 100-foot extension cord.
Its features include:
- 10-inch rear wheels: It’s easy to push, even on rugged terrain.
- Cord restraint system: It will stay plugged in while you mow.
- Single lever height adjustment: It’s easy to adjust the mowing height.
Specifications
- Amps: 12
- Cutting width: 20 inches
- Cutting heights: 1.5 – 3.75 inches
- Warranty: 3 years
- Weight: 56 pounds
- Max lawn size: ¼ acre
Cutting features
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Discharge | Side |
| Cutting height options | 7 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Easy to use ✓ Durable deck ✓ Stays plugged in ✓ Easy to maneuver | ✗ Takes longer to mow in mulch mode ✗ The bag is challenging to attach |
Where to buy
Top 2 reel lawn mowers under $300 – Reviews
1. Remington RM3100 – Best overall
The best reel lawn mower is the Remington RM3100 mulching push mower. Its reel has five high-quality alloy steel blades to give your grass a super crisp cut. Although manually powered, pushing on flat lawns is easy with an ergonomic foam grip handle and large, durable wheels. Best of all, it’s our list’s lowest-priced lawn mower.
Its features include:
- Grass catcher: Cleanup is simple because grass clippings collect in a rear bag.
- Mulcher: Mulched grass clippings are a great fertilizer for lawns and gardens.
- Adjustable handle: Operators of all sizes can comfortably mow with several handle height options.
Specifications
- Cutting width: 18 inches
- Power type: Manual
- Cutting heights: 0.75 – 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 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ High-quality cut ✓ Mows low ✓ Ergonomic ✓ Eco-friendly ✓ Durable | ✗ Small grass catcher bag |
Where to buy
2. Scotts 615-16S – Best for sloped yards
The best reel mower for mowing sloped yards is the Scotts 615-16S because it’s compact and easy to push, even when going uphill. It has a 16-inch cutting width and a 5-blade ball-bearing reel that cuts through grass like butter.
Its features include:
- 10-inch composite wheels: Its wheels move easily on sloped properties.
- Ergonomic handle: Its 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
Cutting features
| Mulch grass clippings | No |
| Bag grass clippings | No |
| Cutting height options | 5 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Easy to push uphill ✓ Durable ✓ High-quality cut ✓ Eco-friendly | ✗ Doesn’t mow as low as most reel mowers ✗ Narrow range of cutting heights ✗ Doesn’t mulch grass clippings ✗ No grass catcher |
Where to buy
Buyer’s guide to shopping for lawn mowers on a budget
Lawn mowers with a lot of bells and whistles are pricey, so budget-wise buyers focus on the essentials, including:
Power
When purchasing a lawn mower, you can choose from the following power types:
- Gas lawn mowers: Gas engines are more powerful than electric motors but are also louder and higher maintenance. Additionally, gas mowers emit toxic gas fumes that pollute the air. However, you get more bang for your buck with power, so gas mowers are best for homeowners with large yards who are on a tight budget.
- Battery lawn mowers: Battery-powered mowers are quiet, low-maintenance, and don’t release harmful emissions. However, they have limited runtime, and long-lasting lithium-ion batteries are pricey. Battery mowers for small yards tend to cost less than gas mowers but more than corded electric lawn mowers.
- Corded electric mowers: Like their cordless counterparts, corded electric mowers are quiet, low-maintenance, and don’t emit gas fumes. However, they have the added perk of unlimited runtime and the added drawback of needing to be plugged in. They are often the most affordable rotary mowers for homeowners with small lawns.
- Manual reel mowers: Reel mowers cut grass like scissors, giving a cleaner, crisper cut than most rotary mowers. They also cut lower than rotary blades and are the most eco-friendly type of mower. It takes more energy and strength to mow the lawn with a reel mower, so they are best for smaller yards. Reel mowers are usually the most affordable option.
Functionality
Everyone wants a lawn mower capable of fulfilling their lawn care needs, so consider one with these functions:
- Mulching capability: Several lawn mowers under $300 can mulch grass clippings. Some mowers mulch out of the box, and others require an additional blade or mulching kit.
- Grass collection bag: Many affordable mowers have a rear bag to collect grass clippings.
- Height settings: Purchasing a lawn mower that can cut your grass to its perfect height is essential.
- Cutting deck: A deck’s shape and design affect its airflow, and mowers with better airflow make cleaner cuts.
Speed
No one wants lawn care to take longer than it has to, so consider the following when evaluating a mower’s speed:
- Power source: Budget gas lawn mowers tend to do the job quicker than budget electric mowers.
- Cutting width: The wider a mower’s cutting width, the more it mows in a single pass.
- Wheels: High-quality wheels are easier to push.
- Ergonomics: The more comfortable you are, the more efficient you’ll be.
Maneuverability
Compact, lightweight mowers are easy to handle, and high-rear wheels are best for rugged terrain. Although a wider deck mows quicker, it provides less maneuverability. Get a mower narrow enough to fit around landscaping.
Price
Most lawn mowers cost $115 to $3,000, depending on the size of your lawn and the mower type. The table below shows average prices by mower type.
| Average reel mower cost | $115 |
| Average walk-behind mower cost | $475 |
| Average riding mower cost | $3,070 |
| Average robotic mower cost | $1,320 |
FAQ about budget lawn mowers
Reel mowers are typically the cheapest to maintain. They require only blade sharpening, lubrication, and cleaning.
The best lawn mowers under $500 include self-propelled models. The best self-propelled gas lawn mower under $500 is the Toro 21462, and the best battery-powered self-propelled mower is the Greenworks MO48L4422.
Unfortunately, no mowers under $300 include self-propulsion.
Homeowners with large yards often need help finding affordable lawn mowers. The most affordable lawn mower we found for yards over an acre is the Henix A40GC16B01. However, homeowners looking for a riding mower may want to try the Craftsman R110. You can also check out our list of the best lawn mowers for big yards.
When to call a lawn care pro
Before purchasing a lawn mower, consider whether you want to mow your own lawn at all. Most lawns take a lot of time and effort to maintain with a budget mower. So, if you’re busy, hiring a lawn care pro is best. Lawn care companies invest in top-of-the-line equipment to better care for your grass, and routine lawn service is surprisingly affordable.
Lawn Love can connect you with a lawn care pro near you so you can get a quote and book service in minutes.
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