Best Lawn Mowers Under $500
Best Lawn Mowers Under $500 compared by power source, deck width, propulsion, complete ownership cost, and real buyer ratings so you can shop by budget.
At a Glance
A $500 ceiling still spans push electric mowers under $250, self-propelled electric mowers near $450, and gas self-propelled mowers in between, so the format you get for the money varies far more than the price alone suggests. Instead of ranking by price, we grouped these six current models by what a buyer actually gives up or gains as the price climbs from around $250 toward the $500 line.
We compared deck width, propulsion, power source, and the complete price of what ships in the box (battery and charger included, or gas engine ready to start) against buyer ratings and review volume, so you can see where the extra spending actually buys capability rather than just a bigger number on the listing.
5 Criteria to Look For Before Buying a Lawn Mowers Under $500
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Compare the complete, ready-to-mow price
A battery mower's listed price should already include a battery and charger, and a gas mower's listed price should include the engine ready to start. Check the listing carefully so the number you compare against $500 reflects a mower you can actually use on day one, not a bare deck. Getting this wrong is one of the more common reasons a lawn mowers purchase disappoints once it actually arrives, since compare the complete, ready-to-mow price affects real day-to-day use in a way marketing photos and bullet points don't always make obvious. Before buying, check the specific listing's stated details on compare the complete, ready-to-mow price rather than assuming every lawn mowers in this comparison handles it the same way, since this is exactly the kind of detail that varies more than buyers expect within the same price range.
Exclude temporary sale-only qualification
A mower that only clears $500 during a limited-time markdown is not reliably a sub-$500 mower. Check the current, non-promotional price before counting it toward this budget tier. This is the kind of detail that looks minor in a spec list but shapes how satisfied you actually are with a lawn mowers weeks after buying, since exclude temporary sale-only qualification plays out differently in daily use than it does on paper. Read the product listing and recent reviews specifically for mentions of exclude temporary sale-only qualification, since this detail is often understated in the bullet points but shows up clearly once real buyers have used the lawn mowers for a while.
Set a minimum bar for cut quality, safety, and warranty
Even at a lower price, look for a stated cutting height range, a blade-stop or bail safety switch, and a manufacturer warranty of at least two years before considering a mower a real candidate. Buyers who skip past set a minimum bar for cut quality, safety, and warranty tend to be the ones leaving disappointed reviews later, not because the lawn mowers was defective, but because this specific detail didn't match what they actually needed. Compare how each lawn mowers in this roundup actually handles set a minimum bar for cut quality, safety, and warranty rather than assuming they're interchangeable on this point, since the listings here differ on it more than the headline specs suggest.
Separate power sources at this price point
Under $500, gas mowers tend to offer wider decks and self-propel at a lower upfront price, while electric mowers avoid fuel and engine maintenance but add battery cost and charging time. Decide which tradeoff fits before comparing specific models. Separate power sources at this price point is easy to overlook next to flashier specs, but it's frequently the difference between a lawn mowers that fits your routine and one that quietly becomes a hassle. Confirm the exact detail on separate power sources at this price point directly from the current listing before ordering, since this is one of the more common places where two similarly priced lawn mowers options genuinely diverge.
Know what meaningfully improves above $500
Moving past $500 typically buys a larger battery platform, dual-battery power, or a wider commercial-style deck. If none of those upgrades matter for the lawn size in question, staying under $500 usually is not a compromise. Getting this wrong is one of the more common reasons a lawn mowers purchase disappoints once it actually arrives, since know what meaningfully improves above $500 affects real day-to-day use in a way marketing photos and bullet points don't always make obvious. Before buying, check the specific listing's stated details on know what meaningfully improves above $500 rather than assuming every lawn mowers in this comparison handles it the same way, since this is exactly the kind of detail that varies more than buyers expect within the same price range.
Best Lawn Mowers Under $500
EGO Power+ LM2114 21-Inch Cordless Mower
About this pick
The EGO Power+ LM2114 pairs a full 21-inch deck with a battery and charger included in the box, so there is no separate pack to buy before the first mow. Amazon shoppers rate it 4.5 out of 5 across roughly 2,160 reviews, one of the strongest ratings among the mowers here, though it sits well above the cheapest push electrics in this guide.
Because it has no self-propel drive, pushing effort on flat lawns is light but rises noticeably on slopes or thick grass compared to the self-propelled options below. It is the mower to choose when a full-width electric deck and a genuinely complete included battery kit matter more than drive assistance.
Best for: standard-size flat lawns where a full-width electric deck and complete included battery kit matter more than self-propel
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Size: 21-inch deck
- Battery: Battery and charger included
- Feature 3: Push drive
- Feature 4: No gas or cords
Pros
- +21-inch deck covers ground faster than the 16-inch models here
- +Battery and charger included, no separate pack purchase
- +Rated 4.5 out of 5 across roughly 2,160 reviews
Cons
- −No self-propel drive, so pushing effort rises on slopes or thick grass
- −Costs more upfront than the push electric and several gas options in this guide
Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Push Mower
About this pick
On pricing, the Greenworks 40V 16-Inch is the least expensive complete, ready-to-mow option in this comparison, and it is also the most reviewed, with roughly 12,116 ratings averaging 4.2 out of 5. The included 4.0Ah battery and charger mean there is nothing else to add before the first cut.
The narrower 16-inch deck means more passes on a medium or large lawn compared to the 21-inch electric and gas mowers ranked above and below it, and there is no self-propel assistance. It fits buyers with a small, flat lawn or anyone already using Greenworks 40V tools who wants to share a battery platform.
Best for: small flat lawns and buyers already invested in the Greenworks 40V battery platform
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Size: 16-inch deck
- Battery: 4.0Ah battery and charger included
- Drive Type: Push drive
- Lighting: Lightest mower in this guide
Pros
- +Lowest complete price in this guide at $249.99
- +Most-reviewed mower here, roughly 12,116 ratings at 4.2 out of 5
- +Battery and charger included, nothing else to buy
Cons
- −16-inch deck means more passes on medium or large lawns
- −No self-propel drive
Greenworks 80V 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower
About this pick
The Greenworks 80V 21-Inch is the most expensive mower in this guide that still stays under the $500 line, and it is the only self-propelled electric mower here. It shares the 4.5 out of 5 rating of the top-ranked EGO, though with a smaller review base of roughly 586 ratings.
Self-propel reduces pushing effort on slopes and larger flat lawns, but the drive motor draws from the same 80V pack that powers the blade, so runtime on a single charge is worth checking against the size of the lawn before buying. This is the mower for buyers who want electric power and self-propel together without moving into gas.
Best for: medium to larger lawns where self-propel assistance matters and gas is not wanted
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Size: 21-inch deck
- Power Source: 80V 4.0Ah battery and charger included
- Lighting: Self-propelled
- Feature 4: Highest price in this guide under $500
Pros
- +Only self-propelled electric mower in this guide
- +21-inch deck with battery and charger included
- +Rated 4.5 out of 5 across roughly 586 reviews
Cons
- −Highest price in this guide, close to the $500 ceiling
- −Self-propel drive shares battery capacity with the blade, so runtime should be checked against lawn size
PowerSmart 22-Inch 170cc Self-Propelled Gas Mower
About this pick
The PowerSmart 22-Inch is a gas self-propelled mower, priced below every electric self-propelled mower in this guide while offering the widest deck here at 22 inches. It carries a 4.2 out of 5 rating across roughly 936 reviews.
Gas power avoids battery cost and charging time entirely, but it adds fuel, oil changes, spark plug and air filter service, and seasonal starting maintenance that electric mowers do not need. It suits buyers who want self-propel and a wide deck at a lower upfront price and are comfortable with routine small-engine maintenance.
Best for: buyers wanting self-propel and the widest deck in this guide at a lower price than electric self-propelled options
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Size: 22-inch deck
- Feature 2: 170cc gas engine
- Lighting: Self-propelled
- Battery: No battery or charging needed
Pros
- +Widest deck in this guide at 22 inches
- +Self-propelled at a lower price than the electric self-propelled option here
- +No battery to buy or charge
Cons
- −Gas engine adds fuel, oil, and filter maintenance electric mowers avoid
- −Seasonal starting and winterizing steps required
PowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Mower for Hills and Medium Yards
About this pick
This PowerSmart 21-Inch is built around rear-wheel drive, which generally holds traction better on slopes and uneven terrain than front-wheel drive self-propelled mowers. It undercuts the wider 22-inch PowerSmart above it, and it holds a 4.1 out of 5 rating across roughly 1,046 reviews, the second-most-reviewed mower in this guide.
The 6-position height adjustment and 3-in-1 mulching, bagging, and discharge capability add flexibility that the push electric mowers in this guide do not offer. As with any gas mower, fuel and routine small-engine service are ongoing costs the electric options avoid.
Best for: hilly or uneven medium-size yards where rear-wheel drive traction matters
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Size: 21-inch deck
- Feature 2: 170cc OHV gas engine
- Wheels: Rear-wheel drive self-propelled
- Adjustability: 6-position cutting height
Pros
- +Rear-wheel drive suited to slopes and uneven terrain
- +6-position height and 3-in-1 mulching, bagging, discharge
- +Rated 4.1 out of 5 across roughly 1,046 reviews
Cons
- −Gas engine requires fuel, oil, and filter maintenance
- −Lower rating than the electric options in this guide
PowerSmart 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Mower, Steel Deck
About this pick
This PowerSmart 21-Inch shares the 170cc OHV engine and rear-wheel drive layout of the hills-focused model above it, but.99 it costs more while carrying the lowest rating in this guide, 4.0 out of 5 across roughly 449 reviews, the smallest review base here as well.
The steel deck is durable but adds weight compared to the alloy deck used on the hills-focused PowerSmart, and the feature set otherwise overlaps closely with that mower. It is worth considering mainly if the steel deck construction or a specific retailer price makes it the better deal at the time of purchase.
Best for: buyers who specifically want a steel deck gas self-propelled mower and have compared it against the similarly equipped alloy-deck PowerSmart above
Check price on AmazonSpecs
- Size: 21-inch steel deck
- Feature 2: 170cc OHV gas engine
- Wheels: Rear-wheel drive self-propelled
- Collection: 3-in-1 mulching, bagging, discharge
Pros
- +Steel deck construction
- +3-in-1 mulching, bagging, and discharge capability
- +Rear-wheel drive self-propelled
Cons
- −Lowest rating and smallest review base in this guide, 4.0 out of 5 across roughly 449 reviews
- −Costs more than the closely comparable hills-focused PowerSmart model above
How We Evaluated These Lawn Mowers Under $500
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
Complete price under the $500 line
We only included mowers whose current, non-promotional listing price for a ready-to-mow unit stays under that including any battery and charger bundled with the electric models.
Power source and propulsion
We compared push versus self-propelled drive and gas versus battery power, since both change daily effort and ongoing cost far more than price alone at this tier.
Deck width and yard fit
We matched deck width against realistic lawn sizes, since a narrower deck can still be the right choice on a small or obstacle-heavy yard even at a similar price.
Buyer ratings and review volume
We weighed each mower's current Amazon rating alongside how many buyers left that rating, since a strong average from a small review base carries less weight than one from thousands of buyers.
How to Choose the Right Lawn Mowers Under $500
Match the Scenario to a Named Pick
| Buyer situation | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| Small flat lawn on a tight budget | Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Push Mower |
| Standard-size flat lawn, no self-propel needed | EGO Power+ LM2114 21-Inch Cordless Mower |
| Medium to larger lawn wanting self-propel without gas | Greenworks 80V 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower |
| Wide deck and self-propel at the lowest gas price here | PowerSmart 22-Inch 170cc Self-Propelled Gas Mower |
| Hilly or uneven medium yard | PowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Mower for Hills and Medium Yards |
Weigh Gas Against Electric at This Price
Electric under $500
Avoids fuel, oil changes, and engine service, and starts with the push of a button, but battery capacity and charge time limit how much can be mowed in one session.
Gas under $500
Tends to offer wider decks and self-propel at a lower upfront price, but adds fuel costs, oil changes, filter service, and seasonal starting or winterizing steps.
Real Ownership Checklist
| Cost or task | Verify before buying |
|---|---|
| Power | Included battery watt-hours and charger, or engine displacement and fuel type |
| Wear parts | Blades, drive belts, air filters, and spark plugs for gas models |
| Logistics | Delivered deck width against gate, shed, and storage space |
| Support | Length of manufacturer warranty and nearest authorized service |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a genuinely good mower for under $500?
Yes. Every mower in this guide is a complete, ready-to-mow unit, either with a battery and charger included or a gas engine ready to start, and several carry ratings of 4.2 or higher from over a thousand buyers.
Is gas or electric better under $500?
Neither is universally better. Gas mowers in this price range tend to offer wider decks and self-propel at a lower upfront cost, while electric mowers avoid fuel and engine maintenance but come with less deck width or self-propel for the same money.
Does a higher price under $500 always mean a better mower?
Not necessarily. The lowest-rated mower in this guide, the PowerSmart 21-Inch steel deck model, costs more than a closely comparable PowerSmart model with a stronger rating, so price alone does not track quality within this tier.
What do I give up compared to mowers priced above $500?
Above $500, mowers typically add larger battery platforms, dual-battery power for longer runtime, or wider commercial-style decks. If the lawn is small to medium and those upgrades are not needed, a sub-$500 mower usually is not a real compromise.
Should I prioritize deck width or self-propel at this price?
For small, flat lawns, deck width and a lighter push mower usually matter more. For medium to larger or sloped lawns, self-propel reduces fatigue more than a few extra inches of deck width.
Bottom Line
best overall: EGO Power+ LM2114 21-Inch Cordless Mower - best overall pick in this roundup.
See the full rankings above for all picks with pros, cons, and best-for summaries.
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