Best Lawn Mower Under 500 - Top Picks & Guide

Is your lawn looking more like a wild jungle than a neat carpet? You need a great mower, but opening your wallet and seeing the price tag for top-of-the-line models can make your eyes water. Finding a powerful, reliable lawn mower without spending a fortune feels almost impossible these days. Many people worry that cheaper mowers will quit after one season or simply won’t handle their yard’s tougher spots.

The struggle is real: you want quality that lasts, but your budget has a firm limit of $500. Settling for a subpar machine means more sweat, more frustration, and a lawn you are less proud of. We understand that pain point completely! That is why we dove deep into the market to find the hidden gems.

This guide cuts through the noise. We will show you exactly which lawn mowers under $500 offer the best performance, durability, and features for your hard-earned money. Get ready to discover the best deals available right now. Keep reading to find the perfect machine that will transform your weekend chore into a satisfying task!

Top Lawn Mower Under 500 Recommendations

SaleBestseller No. 1

LawnMaster OcuMow™ Perimeter Wire Free Robot Lawn Mower Cuts Small Lawns 1000-2000 Square Feet with Optical Navigation, Obstacle Avoidance, Low Noise and No Go Function

OPTICAL NAVIGATION TECHNOLOGY: Take the guess work out of yard work. Our robot mower uses sensors and a wide angle, high dynamic range camera to identify grass even under extreme contrast lighting situations to allow the robot to navigate around your lawn efficiently.
DESIGNED FOR SMALL LAWNS: Mow for up to 3 hours covering 2000 square feet while dropping small clippings on the lawn to feed the grass. For a larger yard, extra batteries can be purchased separately.
OBSTACLE AVOIDANCE: Two ultrasonic sensors detect obstacles and automatically re-direct the robot mower to avoid obstacles as small as 6-inches
NO GO FUNCTION: Use the included 33-feet of magnetic wires to create a virtual fence within your yard. Set up is easy with no power source or digging required and prevents the robot mower from entering any forbidden areas.
CLIMB UP TO 35%(19°) SLOPE: Deep tread wheels and powerful drive system grips slopes to handle complex lawns

Bestseller No. 2

MoJack HDL 500 NO 45501-OP Hydraulic Cylinder Lift Jack for Zero Turn Radius Riding Lawn Mower Maintenance and Repair, 500lb Lifting Capacity with Locking Bar for Added Safety

Hydraulic lift system made from highly durable steel offers a front load capacity of up to 500 lbs. for ZTR lawn mower and small equipment maintenance and repair. Safe and secure with multi-level braking system.
Lift utilizes a hydraulic cylinder to make raising and lowering zero turn lawn mowers, garden tractors, rototillers, thatchers faster, safer and easier. Use the HDL-500 to clean under the ZTR mower cutting deck, sharpen or change blades without having to remove the mower deck. Three built in safety stops at 12, 18 and 24 inches.
Lifting Height: Minimum 17.5" - Maximum 24", Wheel Span: 18.5" - 47.5", Weight: 68 lbs.
Adjustable wheel pads and 24 in. lift offer maximum flexibility. Includes Safety Strap for added security.
Great for any maintenance -Most blades can be changed in minutes with a large savings versus taking it to a dealer for service. Ideal for repairs, blade sharpening, blade replacement, belt replacement and debris removalNo assembly required. Manual power.

Bestseller No. 3

VEVOR Lawn Mower Lift with Hydraulic Jack, 500 Lbs Weight Capacity, Solid Carbon Steel Lawn Mower Lift, Adjustable Movable Lawn Lifter for Riding Tractors and Zero Turn Lawn Mowers, Orange

500 lbs Load Capacity: The lawn mower lift jack boasts a powerful lifting capacity of 500 lbs, providing reliable support for heavy vehicles such as lawn mowers, tillers, brush cutters, and ATVs, allowing for blade sharpening or replacement without disassembling the mower platform, saving significant maintenance costs.
Hydraulic Lifting: The lawn mower lift with hydraulic jack can be raised to a maximum height of 25.9" (0.66 m). Utilizing hydraulic principles, it allows for faster, safer, and easier lifting. The handle can be operated from either end.
Adjustable: The carbon steel lawn mower lift features adjustable tire frame arms with 4 settings on each end, making it compatible with any lawn tractor or ZTR mower on the market, accommodating front wheel tire outer edges from 40.4"to 48.2".
Safety and Stability: With a stable base and a secure locking mechanism, the lawn tractor lift ensures safe lifting. Constructed from high-quality carbon steel and a sturdy design, the base features 3 slots to secure the vehicle at 3 different heights. Non-slip rubber covers on both sides of the base prevent shifting, while tire retainers keep the tires in place.
Easy to Move and Store: The non-slip casters allow for easy mobility. The two tire frames can be removed, and the main support can be folded for compact storage in your garage or shed.

Bestseller No. 4

3 in 1 Gas Lawn Mower Self Propelled Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower, 131cc Engine with Air Cooling, 50L Grass Tank, Foldable Design Red, Big Wheels & Easy Start

🍃【Self-Propelled Functionality】Equipped 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.
🍃【Efficient Mowing】The 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.
🍃【3-In-1 Versatility】With 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.
🍃【User-Friendly Design】With 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.
🍃【Efficient Mowing】The 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.

Bestseller No. 5

Heavy-Duty Hitch Mount Wheelchair Carrier with Folding Mobility Ramp - 500lb Capacity for Scooters, Lawn Mowers, and Snow Blowers - Basket-Style Design for Easy Loading

Versatile Loading & Transportation: Streamline your mobility with our wheelchair carrier, designed for effortless loading and transport of wheelchairs, scooters, lawn mowers, and more. Simply attach it to your hitch for both carrier and ramp functionalities!
Durable & Lightweight Design: Constructed from premium lightweight aluminum, our cargo hitch carrier boasts a robust 500 lbs carrying capacity while remaining corrosion-resistant. Enjoy year-round reliability without the worry of rust, and experience hassle-free cleaning and maintenance.
Heavy-Duty Support System: Equipped with a reinforced steel under-frame support and finished with a rugged powder coat, this carrier features a 36-5/8" length receiver bar and a 2" x 2" hitch shaft. Easily assemble by connecting the under support frame to the basket for instant readiness!
Universal Compatibility: Designed to fit all 2" receivers on Class III or IV hitches. The 4-3/4 inch safety rail provides optimal security, preventing cargo from falling while multiple tie-down points ensure your load is safely secured throughout the journey.
Ideal for Various Transportation Needs: This deluxe steel cargo carrier with ramp is perfect for transporting a wide range of items, including scooters, wheelchairs, mowers, tools, and equipment. Compatible with most vehicles, including trucks, SUVs, and vans for versatile usage.

SaleBestseller No. 6

PowerSmart 21" 2-in-1 Push Lawn Mower, 144cc Engine, 3-in-1 with Bagging, High Wheels, Lightweight and Easy Assembly,Adjustable Cutting Height, Lightweight,for Garden Yard

Powerful & Efficient OHV 144cc Engine‌: 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 System‌: 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 Maneuverability‌: 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 Results‌: 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 Lever‌: 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.

Bestseller No. 7

AMERISUN 21-Inch 3-in-1 Gas Lawn Mower, Self Propelled with 170cc 4-Stroke Engine, 6-Position Adjustable Cutting Height, Side Discharge, Mulching & Rear Bag, High-Wheel Push Mower for Yard & Garden

POWERFUL 170CC 4-STROKE OHV GAS ENGINE - This self propelled gas lawn mower is built for strength and efficiency, providing reliable starting and consistent power to cut through tall, thick grass in medium and large yards.
21-INCH CUTTING DECK WITH 3-IN-1 FUNCTION – Versatile lawn mower design supports side discharge, mulching, and rear bag collection, making it the perfect push mower for yard, garden, and landscaping maintenance.
SELF PROPELLED DRIVE WITH HIGH-WHEEL DESIGN – Large 10-inch rear wheels and 7-inch front wheels make this gas powered lawn mower self propelled easy to maneuver across uneven terrain, hills, and slopes.
6-POSITION ADJUSTABLE CUTTING HEIGHT (1.5”-3.9”) – Customize your cut with this 21-inch gas lawn mower by quickly switching between 6 height settings, ensuring a clean and professional finish for every season.
DURABLE, FOLDABLE & EASY ASSEMBLY – Built with a heavy-duty steel deck for long-lasting performance; includes a 1.4-bushel grass catcher to reduce emptying trips; the foldable handle design allows compact storage, while the quick and simple assembly makes this self propelled push mower with bag ready to use in minutes.

Bestseller No. 8

Greenworks 60V 17" Brushless Cordless Push Lawn Mower, 2-in-1 Mulching/Bagging, 4.0Ah Battery and 3A Charger(40min Runtime)

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 mower’s 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...)—expand your cordless toolkit.

The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding Your Best Lawn Mower Under $500

Buying a lawn mower doesn’t have to empty your wallet. Many great, reliable mowers fit under the $500 price tag. This guide helps you choose the right one for your yard.

Key Features to Look For

When you shop for an affordable mower, focus on features that matter most for your lawn care routine.

Power Source Matters

Electric (Corded or Battery): These are usually lighter and quieter. Battery-powered mowers offer freedom but check the battery run time. Corded models need an outlet nearby.
Gas Powered: These offer more power for thick or large yards. They require more maintenance, like oil changes.

Cutting Width and Height Adjustment

Cutting Width: Wider decks (like 20-21 inches) cut more grass in fewer passes. Good for medium to large lawns. Smaller decks (14-18 inches) work well for small city yards.
Height Adjustment: Look for easy-to-use levers. Single-lever adjustment is much faster than adjusting each wheel separately.

Bagging, Mulching, and Side Discharge

Most mowers in this range offer at least two options. Mulching cuts grass clippings finely and returns them to the lawn as natural fertilizer. Bagging keeps your lawn tidy. Check which accessories are included.

Important Materials and Durability

The materials used directly affect how long your mower lasts.

Deck Material

Steel Decks: These are common and strong. They resist damage well.
Plastic/Composite Decks: Often found on lighter electric models. They resist rust but might crack under heavy impact from sticks or rocks.

Wheels

Look for wheels made of durable plastic or rubber. Larger rear wheels make pushing easier, especially on uneven ground.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Small details separate a good mower from a great one, even on a budget.

Quality Boosters

Folding Handle: This feature makes storage much easier in a small garage or shed.
Self-Propelled (Rare under $500, but check sales): If you have hills or a very large yard, self-propel saves you a lot of pushing effort.
Brushless Motors (Electric): These motors last longer and use battery power more efficiently.

Quality Reducers (Things to watch out for)

Flimsy Plastic Parts: If the height adjustment levers feel weak, they might break quickly.
Very Small Gas Engines: Underpowered gas engines struggle in thick grass, leading to stalling and poor cuts.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about how you actually use your yard. This defines the best type of mower for you.

Small Yards (Under 1/4 acre)

A lightweight, corded electric or a smaller battery mower works perfectly. They are easy to maneuver around flower beds.

Medium Yards (1/4 to 1/2 acre)

A standard 19-inch or 20-inch battery mower with a decent runtime (40 minutes plus) handles this size well. Gas mowers are also a reliable option here.

Uneven Terrain or Thick Grass

You need power. A reliable gas mower or a high-voltage (56V or higher) battery mower provides the necessary torque to avoid bogging down in tough spots.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Mowers Under $500

Q: Can a mower under $500 handle thick St. Augustine grass?

A: Yes, a gas-powered model or a high-quality, powerful battery model can handle it, but you must keep the blade sharp.

Q: How long do battery mowers in this price range usually run?

A: Most run between 30 to 45 minutes on a single charge, depending on the grass height.

Q: Is a push mower always better than a self-propelled one under $500?

A: Usually, yes. The money saved often means you get a higher quality engine or better battery life in a push model rather than a low-quality self-propel system.

Q: What maintenance does a budget gas mower need?

A: You must change the oil yearly, check the spark plug, and clean or replace the air filter regularly.

Q: Are electric mowers truly maintenance-free?

A: They need very little maintenance. You only need to keep the deck clean and sharpen the blade occasionally.

Q: What is the standard warranty for mowers under $500?

A: Most manufacturers offer a 2-year limited warranty for parts and labor.

Q: Should I worry about assembly if I buy online?

A: Assembly is usually simple, involving unfolding the handle and attaching the grass bag. Read the instructions carefully.

Q: What size yard is too big for a corded electric mower?

A: A corded mower is difficult for yards larger than 1/3 acre because you constantly move the cord.

Q: What causes a cheap mower blade to dull quickly?

A: Cutting very dry, tough grass or hitting dirt and small stones dulls the blade rapidly.

Q: What is the best way to store a gas mower for winter?

A: Run the fuel tank nearly empty or add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the gas from going bad inside the engine.

Best Lawn Mower Under 500 – Top Picks & Guide