Does the thought of buying a new lawn mower leave you feeling overwhelmed? You dream of a perfectly manicured lawn, but your wallet makes you pause. Finding a great mower that doesn’t cost a fortune feels like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Many powerful and reliable lawn mowers carry hefty price tags. You want quality cutting, easy starting, and the right power for your yard, but sticking to a budget under $400 seems tough. Cheap mowers often break quickly or just don’t handle thick grass well. This leaves you frustrated and spending more in the long run.
This guide cuts through the noise. We have researched the best budget-friendly mowers available right now. You will learn exactly which models offer the best performance for less than four hundred dollars. Stop wasting time comparing confusing specs!
Ready to find the perfect, affordable machine to tame your turf? Keep reading to discover your ideal lawn mower match today.
Top Lawn Mower Under 400 Recommendations
- đăSelf-Propelled FunctionalityăEquipped with rear-wheel drive and a single-speed self-propelled feature, this mower moves smoothly and effortlessly, making it ideal for large cutting areas. The comfortable, foam-wrapped, angled handle reduces hand fatigue, making lawn maintenance a breeze.
- đăEfficient MowingăThe brush cutter attachment has a heavy-duty 20" blade for a large cutting area, which is ideal for cutting thick brambles, shrubs, weeds, brush, nettles and thick overgrowth. High durability to convert from rear-bagging to mulching to side discharge easily.
- đă3-In-1 VersatilityăWith mulch, side discharge and rear bag cutting options for taking care of your lawn clippings. And grass bag with wide mouth opening for maximum collection and quick emptying.
- đăUser-Friendly DesignăWith 50L grass tank, the self-propelled lawn mower can collect a large amount of green grass. Big wheel design is convenient to transport. Large collection bag with widened mouth opening for maximum collection and quick emptying, providing maximum yard work convenience.
- đăEfficient MowingăThe brush cutter attachment has a heavy-duty blade for a large cutting area, which is ideal for cutting thick bramble, shrubs, weeds, brush, nettles and thick overgrowth. High durability to convert from rear-bagging to mulching to side discharge easily.
- SCISSOR-LIKE CUT: No ripping or tearing of grass blades for a better and healthier lawn
- DESIGNED FOR SMALL LAWNS: CUSTOMIZE YOUR CUT: Effortlessly change the height of your cut with 9 cutting positions varying between 1.1-inches - 2.5-inches
- MAX MANEUVERABILITY: Features an 18-inch deck and 10-inch front wheels for easy navigation around the lawn
- MOTORLESS DESIGN: Environmentally friendly with no gas or batteries needed
- QUALITY MATERIALS: Designed with durable steel blades built to last
- 4-blade reel mower with a cutting width of 14â and durable 8.5â polymer wheels for maximum maneuverability. Lightweight at only 19 pounds. Reel Lawn Mowers are great for small lawns..Deluxe hand-reel mower ideal for most turf grasses.
- This push lawn mower has an adjustable blade height of 0.5â-1.75â. Capable of cutting grass up to 4 inches tall and is less effective on taller grass.
- Manual grass cutter is environment-friendly alternative to other lawn mowers. This push mower is pollution-free, noise-free, low maintenance, lightweight and easy to use.
- A reel mower uses a cutting action that does not bruise or damage the blades of grass. For best results using a reel push mower, mow no more than 1/3 of the grass blade, so that the roots stay intact.
- Increase the amount of overlap while using your push mower if your lawn reaches a height of 4 inches or more. Itâs better to mow smaller amounts more frequently than it is to let the grass get long. Try not reel mower when the grass is wet.
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: Tackle your yard with 3,300 RPM of power and a 14-inch cutting width
- ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY: No gas or batteries needed to power the mower
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR CUT: Effortlessly change the height of your cut with 5 cutting positions varying between 1.4-inches and 3-inches
- MAX MANEUVERABILITY: Features 7.75-inch rear wheels for easy navigation around the lawn
- 7-GALLON COLLECTION BAG: Neatly stores grass clippings for a tidier lawn
- Powerful Electric Lawn Mowers - Experience the freedom of cordless mowing with this 60V battery powered lawn mower, delivering up to 40 minutes of runtime on a fully charged 4.0Ah battery. Recharge quickly with a full charge time of just 80 minutes.
- Advanced Brushless Motor - The high-efficiency brushless motor provides superior power and extends the mowerâs longevity. It ensures consistent performance, allowing you to tackle even the toughest mowing tasks with ease and reliability.
- Versatile Cutting Options- 6-position height adjustment ranges from 1.5" to 3.15". The 2-in-1 feature enhances versatility, allowing for both mulching and rear bagging, adapting to your lawn care needs in various environments.
- Lightweight and Durable Design- The 17" rust-resistant deck is designed for easy maneuverability and long-lasting use. Its lightweight construction ensures effortless handling, making it perfect for navigating tight spaces and uneven terrain.
- Complete Ecosystem Value- Battery-powered lawn mower includes battery, fast charger, grass bag & 4 year tool + 4 year battery warranty Works with 75+ Greenworks 60V tools(trimmers, blowers, chainsaws...)âexpand your cordless toolkit.
- Powerful & Efficient OHV 144cc Engineâ: Equipped with a robust 4-stroke OHV 144cc engine, this lawn mower delivers unmatched performance and reliability, ensuring a clean and efficient cut every time.
- Versatile 3-in-1 Cutting Systemâ: Choose between mulching and side discharge options to suit your lawn care needs. Mulching finely chops grass clippings to enrich your soil, while side discharge allows for quick and easy cleanup of larger areas.
- Lightweight & Easy Maneuverabilityâ: Weighing just 62 lbs, this lawn mower is a breeze to push and maneuver around your garden. Its compact design makes it perfect for tight spaces and small yards, ensuring no corner is left uncut.
- Customizable Cutting Height for Perfect Resultsâ: With 6-position height adjustment, you can easily customize the cutting height from 1.5 to 3.9 inches to achieve the perfect lawn finish. Whether you prefer a short, neat look or a lush, green carpet, this mower has you covered.
- Safety First with Start/Stop Control Leverâ: Designed with your safety in mind, the start/stop control lever allows for easy and immediate stopping of the mower in case of emergencies. This feature prevents accidents and injuries, giving you peace of mind while you work on your lawn.
- Wider 18-Inch Cutting Path â Cover more ground with each pass, reducing mowing time while delivering a precise, scissor-like cut with the 5-blade reel.
- Adjustable Cutting Height â Easily switch between ½ inch to 2 ž inches for the perfect lawn height, tailored to different grass types and seasons.
- Ergonomic U-Style Handle â Designed for comfort and control, the cushion-grip U-handle provides a secure, comfortable grip to reduce hand and wrist strain.
- Eco-Friendly & Low Maintenance â just a smooth, quiet mowing experience thatâs better for your lawn and the environment.
- Convenient Grass Catcher â Keep your yard tidy with the included grass catcher, which efficiently collects clippings for easy disposal.
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: Tackle your yard with 3,700 RPM mower power and 9,200 RPM of power with the trimmer
- 12-INCH CUTTING WIDTH: Effortlessly change the height of your cut with 5 cutting positions varying between 1-inch and 2.55-inches
- CORDLESS FREEDOM: Mower is powered by a 24V MAX* 4.0Ah lithium-ion battery for up to 22 minutes of battery runtime and collects 6.5-gallons of lawn clippings
- USER-FRIENDLY DESIGN: Trimmer weighs less than 6 lbs and features a convenient pivot assist handle and auto-single line feed
- TRIMMER CONVERTS TO EDGER: Features a 10-inch cutting width and 7-position pivoting head to manicure edges, tight areas or uneven landscapes precisely
The Smart Shopper’s Guide to Lawn Mowers Under $400
Finding a great lawn mower without breaking the bank is totally possible. If your budget is capped at $400, you need to know exactly what features matter most. This guide helps you pick a reliable machine for a neat, healthy lawn.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a mower under $400, focus on these must-have features:
- Power Source: Most mowers in this price range are electric (corded or battery-powered). Corded models offer continuous power but limit your range. Battery models give freedom but require charging.
- Cutting Width (Deck Size): This tells you how wide a strip of grass the mower cuts in one pass. Look for 14 to 16 inches. Smaller yards benefit from smaller decks; bigger yards need wider decks to save time.
- Adjustable Cutting Height: You need to change how high or low the blades cut. Good mowers offer at least three height settings, usually between 1 and 3 inches.
- Mowing Options: Does it just cut (side discharge), or can it mulch (chop clippings finely so they feed your lawn)? Most budget mowers offer at least one or two options.
Important Materials and Durability
The materials determine how long your mower lasts.
The deck is the main body that holds the engine and blade. In this price range, you mostly find plastic (polymer) decks or lighter steel decks. Polymer decks are lighter, which makes pushing easier, and they never rust. Steel decks are often stronger but heavier.
Check the wheels. Plastic wheels are common and fine for flat lawns. However, if your yard has bumps or slopes, look for mowers with slightly larger wheels or even some ball bearings. These roll much smoother.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one $350 mower better than another?
Quality Boosters:
- Good Battery Life (for cordless): If you choose battery power, look for 40V or higher voltage batteries, as they usually last longer per charge.
- Easy Assembly: Mowers that require very little assembly right out of the box offer a better initial experience.
- Ergonomic Handle: A handle that adjusts to your height prevents back strain.
Quality Reducers (Watch Outs):
- Thin Plastic Housing: If the plastic feels very flimsy when you touch it, it might crack easily if you hit a rock or root.
- Low Wattage (for corded): Avoid very low wattage motors (under 10 amps) if you have thick or damp grass. They might struggle to spin the blade fast enough.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about your yard size and how you plan to use the mower.
Small Yards (Under 1/8 Acre): A lightweight, corded electric mower is perfect. You get constant power, and the cord won’t be a huge hassle since you stay close to the outlet. Maneuverability is key here.
Medium Yards (1/8 to 1/4 Acre): A good quality battery-powered model shines here. Make sure the battery lasts long enough to finish the job in one session. You trade a bit of power for the convenience of no cord.
Tougher Grass: If you let your grass grow long between cuts, you need a mower that handles power dips well. Stick to corded electrics or look for models specifically advertised as having strong torque, even if the deck size is small.
Top 10 FAQs for Lawn Mowers Under $400
Q: Can I really get a good mower for under $400?
A: Yes, you absolutely can! This price point offers great entry-level and mid-range electric mowers perfect for small to medium-sized lawns.
Q: Should I choose a corded or battery-powered mower?
A: Corded offers endless runtime but tethers you. Battery models offer freedom but limit you by the battery charge time. Choose based on your yard size and outlet access.
Q: Are these mowers too heavy to push?
A: Most electric mowers under $400 are quite light, often weighing 30 to 40 pounds. They are much lighter than gas models, making them easy to push around.
Q: What is “mulching,” and do I need it?
A: Mulching chops the grass clippings into tiny pieces. These tiny pieces fall back onto the lawn and act like natural fertilizer. It is a great feature to have for a healthier lawn.
Q: How wide should the cutting deck be?
A: For most suburban yards, a 14-inch or 16-inch deck is ideal. Wider decks cut faster but are harder to maneuver around trees and flowerbeds.
Q: Are these mowers good for tall grass?
A: Electric mowers struggle more with very tall or wet grass than gas mowers do. For best results, try to mow before the grass gets too high.
Q: How long does a battery usually last on these models?
A: Runtime varies widely, but expect 20 to 40 minutes of continuous mowing time on a single charge for a standard battery in this price range.
Q: What maintenance do I need to do?
A: Maintenance is very simple! You mainly need to keep the blade clean and sharpened once or twice a year. No oil changes or spark plugs!
Q: Can I mow wet grass with these electric mowers?
A: You should avoid mowing wet grass with any mower, especially electric ones. Water makes the clippings stick and puts extra strain on the motor.
Q: What should I do if the blade stops spinning?
A: First, unplug the cord or remove the battery immediately! Then, check if grass or debris is jammed underneath the deck. Clear the jam carefully before restarting.