Does the thought of wrestling with a sputtering, unreliable lawn mower make you sigh? You know the feeling—the grass is growing fast, but your machine just won’t cooperate. Finding a great lawn mower shouldn’t feel like a chore itself, especially when you are trying to stick to a budget. Many homeowners need reliable power without spending a fortune, and the sub-$500 market is packed with choices that can confuse even the savviest shopper.
It is frustrating to buy a mower only to find out later it cannot handle your yard size or lacks the power you need. You worry about durability, features, and whether you are truly getting value for your hard-earned money. We understand these concerns completely.
This guide cuts through the noise. We have researched the best lawn mowers you can buy for under $500 right now. You will learn which models offer the best balance of power, ease of use, and long-lasting quality. Stick with us, and you will walk away knowing exactly which machine deserves a spot in your garage. Let’s dive in and find the perfect, budget-friendly mower for your lawn care needs.
Top Lawn Mower Under $500 Recommendations
- Effortless Power for ½ Acre Yards- Experience gas-like performance without the hassle—35 minutes of continuous runtime from a single 4.0Ah battery (full charge in 2 hours). Perfect for small to medium lawns up to ½ acre.
- Ultra-Lightweight Design (35% Lighter)- 16" cutting deck with ergonomic handles and push-button start makes maneuvering effortless—ideal for users prioritizing comfort and ease of storage.
- Smart Cut Adjustment System- Single-lever 5-position height control (1.25"-3.375") adapts to any grass type. 2-in-1 mulching/rear-bagging system maximizes clippings management.
- Zero Maintenance, Maximum Savings- No gas/oil costs, emissions, or engine tune-ups. Save $200+ annually vs gas mowers with whisper-quiet operation (<75dB).
- Complete Ecosystem Value- Includes battery, fast charger, grass bag & 3year tool + 3year battery warranty Works with 75+ Greenworks 40V tools(trimmers, blowers, chainsaws...)—expand your cordless toolkit.
- THE LAWN MOWER 5.0 ULTRA: Includes two Interchangeable SkinSafe Blade Heads: A Trimmer Blade & Foil Blade. One fixed-length comb at 1.4mm and two adjustable combs ranging from 2-12mm, power adapter, USB-C cable, and a travel pouch. Our trimmer is USB-C and wireless charging compatible.
- SMOOTH OPTIONAL: The interchangeable dual-head system is specifically designed to give you a skin-close shave. Use our SkinSafe Trimmer Blade to take a little off the top, then go in with the SkinSafe Foil Blade for a smooth finish. *SkinSafe technology does not guarantee cut protection.
- LIGHT YOUR SPOT: Grooming below the waist shouldn’t be a guessing game. Dual-temp LEDs better illuminate multiple skin tones so everyone can feel confident trimming down there. Spend more time trimming, less time charging with a 700mAh Li-ion battery that holds a charge for up to 60 minutes. A travel lock helps reduce accidental powering on of the device, so your trimmer is fully juiced when you arrive at your destination. Press and hold the lock button for 5 seconds to engage / disengage.
- TAKE IT TO THE SHOWER: This waterproof* trimmer doesn’t mind getting a little wet. Whether you’re touching up or going into detail, both blades can be used wet or dry, saving time and cleanup. *IPX7 rated to protect against immersion in up to one meter of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.
- GROIN, BODY & BACK: Haven’t you ever wondered what your pubes would look like shaved into a mohawk? A high fade? No? Fine, us neither. No matter what you’re sporting, The Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra and its SkinSafe dual-head system makes manicuring your manliness easy. If you want to switch it up and trim other parts of your body like your chest, armpits, back, arms, or legs, The Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra has you covered.
- 4-blade reel mower with a cutting width of 14” and durable 8.5” 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 0.5”-1.75”. 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. It’s 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 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.
- 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
- THE LAWN MOWER 3.0 PLUS: Let this be your introduction to life on the trimmed side. If you’ve ever wanted to tidy up your body or groin shaving routine, then The Lawn Mower 3.0 Plus is the ball shaver for you.
- SKINSAFE TECHNOLOGY: Our updated SkinSafe* ceramic blade is rounded for comfort with a built-in guard designed to help reduce nicks and cuts. Included are two adjustable comb attachments that allow you to trim from 2-12 mm. *SkinSafe technology does not guarantee cut protection.
- SMOOTH & STEADY: After fully charging your ball trimmer, gently place the flat side of the blade flush against your skin and shave against the direction of growth. Constant RPMs help prevent the blade from slowing down as the battery dies, creating a consistent shave with up to 60 minutes of runtime.
- TRIM WET OR DRY: The waterproof* design allows you to shave wet or dry with easy cleanup. Illuminate your grooming area with the built-in LED light, ensuring you never miss a spot. The bright, focused light makes it easy to navigate those hard-to-reach areas and achieve a consistently clean trim every time. *IPX7 rated to protect against immersion in up to one meter of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.
- GROIN, BODY & BACK: Our trimmers were designed for below-the-waist grooming but work great on your not so private parts too! With our SkinSafe replaceable blade, you can have multiple blades ready for all body areas with hair. Feel more confident and comfortable with a total grooming experience.
- THE LAWN MOWER 5.0 ULTRA: Includes two Interchangeable SkinSafe Blade Heads: A Trimmer Blade & Foil Blade. One fixed-length comb at 1.4mm and two adjustable combs ranging from 2-12mm, power adapter, USB-C cable, and a travel pouch. Our trimmer is USB-C and wireless charging compatible.
- SMOOTH OPTIONAL: The interchangeable dual-head system is specifically designed to give you a skin-close shave. Use our SkinSafe Trimmer Blade to take a little off the top, then go in with the SkinSafe Foil Blade for a smooth finish. *SkinSafe technology does not guarantee cut protection.
- LIGHT YOUR SPOT: Grooming below the waist shouldn’t be a guessing game. Dual-temp LEDs better illuminate multiple skin tones so everyone can feel confident trimming down there. Spend more time trimming, less time charging with a 700mAh Li-ion battery that holds a charge for up to 60 minutes. A travel lock helps reduce accidental powering on of the device, so your trimmer is fully juiced when you arrive at your destination. Press and hold the lock button for 5 seconds to engage / disengage.
- TAKE IT TO THE SHOWER: This waterproof* trimmer doesn’t mind getting a little wet. Whether you’re touching up or going into detail, both blades can be used wet or dry, saving time and cleanup. *IPX7 rated to protect against immersion in up to one meter of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.
- GROIN, BODY & BIKINI: Ever wondered how your grooming style would look with a bold new twist? Whether you're sculpting a precise trim or maintaining your natural look, The Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra with its SkinSafe dual-head system makes personal grooming effortless for everyone. From below-the-waist grooming to other parts of the body like your bikini area, chest, armpits, back, arms, or legs, The Lawn Mower 5.0 Ultra has you covered for a smooth, customized experience no matter your style.
- 3-IN-1 ELECTRIC LAWN MOWER - Corded mower, trimmer and edger combined in one compact machine.Battery Included: no
- LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN - 9.9lbs with adjustable handle and height positions for comfort and control
- AUTOMATIC FEED SPOOL - Feed more cable without stopping or bumping.
- COMPACT MOWING - Built for smaller yards with a 12-inch cutting width and 1.6 inch cutting height. RPM: 8000 rpm
- UNLIMITED RUNTIME - Gasless corded power with built-in cord retention system to prevent accidental disconnection. Extension cord not included.
The Smart Shopper’s Guide to Lawn Mowers Under $500
Finding a great lawn mower without breaking the bank is totally possible. This guide helps you pick the best machine for your yard while sticking to that $500 budget.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a budget mower, certain features make a big difference in how easy the job is.
- Power Source: Most mowers under $500 are either gasoline-powered or electric (corded or battery). Gas offers more power for thick grass. Electric models are lighter and quieter.
- Cutting Width (Deck Size): This is how wide the mower cuts in one pass. A 20-inch deck is good for small to medium lawns (up to a quarter acre). Smaller decks mean more passes, which takes longer.
- Height Adjustment: You need to change how high or low the blades cut. Look for a mower with a single-lever adjustment. This is much faster than adjusting each wheel separately.
- Bagging/Mulching Options: Does the mower collect the clippings in a bag, or does it chop them finely and drop them back onto the lawn (mulching)? Mulching feeds your grass. Check if the mower does both.
2. Important Materials That Matter
The materials used affect how long your mower lasts and how much it weighs.
The deck material is very important. Steel decks are tough and durable. Plastic or composite decks are lighter, which makes the mower easier to push, but they might not last as long if you hit tough sticks or rocks.
For the engine (on gas models), look for reputable brands. A quality engine starts easier and needs less frequent repair. For electric mowers, check the battery voltage (if cordless); higher voltage usually means more power.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality in this price range often means balancing power with weight.
What Improves Quality:
- Self-Propelled Drive: If your lawn is hilly or large, a self-propelled mower moves itself forward. This feature is rare under $500 but is a huge quality boost if you find one!
- Durable Wheels: Plastic wheels can crack. Look for mowers with high-quality plastic or, even better, wheels with some metal reinforcement.
What Reduces Quality (Be Cautious Of):
- Very Low Weight: If a mower feels too light, it likely uses thin plastic parts that break easily.
- Hard-to-Start Engines: Budget gas engines sometimes struggle to start after a few months of use. Read reviews specifically about starting reliability.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Think about your yard when you buy.
For Small, Flat Yards: A lightweight, corded electric mower is perfect. You get great power without the hassle of gas or batteries, and they are usually the cheapest option.
For Medium or Slightly Sloped Yards: A basic gas push mower works well. It has enough power to handle slightly thicker grass without needing the expense of self-propel.
Noise and Maintenance: Electric mowers are quiet. You can mow early in the morning without bothering neighbors. Gas mowers require oil changes and spark plug checks. Electric mowers only need blade sharpening.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Mowers Under $500
Q: Can I really get a good mower for under $500?
A: Yes, you can get a very functional mower. You will usually find reliable corded electric, basic battery-powered, or simple gas push mowers in this range.
Q: Should I choose gas or electric power?
A: Choose gas if you have a large, thick yard and need maximum power. Choose electric if you have a small or medium yard and prefer quiet, low-maintenance operation.
Q: What is the typical cutting width for mowers in this price range?
A: Most quality options will have a cutting width between 18 and 21 inches. This is great for most standard suburban lawns.
Q: Are battery-powered (cordless) mowers available under $500?
A: Yes, often the entry-level 20V or 40V battery mowers fit this budget. They usually come with one battery and a charger.
Q: What is mulching and why is it good?
A: Mulching chops the grass clippings very small. These tiny bits fall back onto the lawn and act as natural fertilizer, keeping your grass healthy.
Q: How much assembly is usually required?
A: Most mowers require you to attach the handle and sometimes insert the collection bag. It usually takes less than 30 minutes.
Q: Do these mowers handle tall grass well?
A: Basic gas models handle moderately tall grass okay. Electric models perform best when you mow regularly and do not let the grass get too high.
Q: What should I check before I buy a used mower under $500?
A: Check the condition of the blade, ensure the engine starts easily (if gas), and verify that the height adjustment levers move freely.
Q: Is a “push” mower okay if I have hills?
A: If your hills are steep, a push mower can be tiring. If you find a budget self-propelled model, grab it! Otherwise, be prepared for more effort on inclines.
Q: How long should a budget mower last?
A: With regular care (keeping the blade sharp and cleaning the deck), a quality budget mower should last you 5 to 8 years.