If you have a small yard, then there’s little merit in getting the most powerful lawn mower. Thankfully, the best lawn mowers for small yards aren’t too hard to find, and there are many great options available on the market. If you’re wondering how to keep your lawn in better condition, getting one of these mowers would be a perfect solution.
In our research, we’ve come across 43 different models and have picked the 11 best lawn mowers for small yards for this article. The one that impressed us the most was the Greenworks 25022 Electric Corded Lawn Mower. It has a lot of power and capability while also being easy to use and reliable. While we loved it, we also found 10 other models that passed our strict criteria on what makes a great lawn mower for small yards.
A part of that criteria was looking at type, power characteristics, cutting width, grass discharge, weight, and warranty to make it easier to find the perfect model. We spent countless hours on our detailed reviews of each product while also consulting several expert sources for our buying guide. To make all this info easy to process, we’ve created a comparison table and have answered some FAQs along with those reviews and guide. Let’s get started!
More features: push-button start, 7-position height adjustment for various types of grass, foldable handles, 10” rear wheels
If you’re looking for the best electric lawn mower for a small yard, then it’s hard to look past this excellent model from Greenworks. While it may have a compact size that makes it great for small yards, it still has an impressive level of power.
A lot of smaller mowers will struggle when they face tall or thick grass, but this model copes with it quite well. The 20” cutting width is a great compromise between having a more compact mower and still minimizing the number of passes you’ll have to do.
One of the best parts about having a corded lawn mower is just how easy they are to start, and this can be done with a simple push of a button. The obvious negative with any corded model is that the cord can get in the way at times, with you needing to move it away.
If you only have a limited amount of storage space, then you’ll appreciate how this lawn mower can fold up. While being great for small yards, it still has brilliant features. There are seven different cutting heights that allow you to get the exact results you want.
It all adds up to immense value for money, so, in our opinion, this is the best lawn mower for small yards. It has all of the features and power that you’d want to have from a larger mower but also a size that is perfect for small yards. We were very impressed with it, and we think that you’ll love it too if you’re looking for a corded type.
More features: 8.5″ composite wheels, adjustable cutting height, heat-treated alloy steel blade, 4-blade reel
For those that have a very small yard, there is little point in having a powered lawn mower at all. This push reel model allows you to cut your grass quickly without worrying about having to check the petrol level, add oil, or plug it in.
If you’re wondering about whether it is effective or not, then you’ll be in for a pleasant surprise. This mower isn’t very hard to use, and it will be able to cut the grass efficiently with its sharp blades. Push reel mowers can be a bit of a work out for larger yards, but in smaller spaces, they work perfectly.
One great aspect of push reel mowers is that they are a lot cheaper than other types of models, which help to make this one of the best inexpensive lawn mowers for small yards. It is also quite small, and that makes it very easy to store.
There are a few disadvantages that are worth noting with a push reel mower. First one is that it only has the ability to mulch, which means that you may have to remove the grass yourself. Secondly, it can struggle with tall grass. With its size and weight, however, it makes it very easy to mow your lawn regularly.
Not all push reel lawn mowers are the same as this model is particularly well made. The build quality is very good, and the materials used are durable and hard-wearing. The assembly is also simple, and you’ll be able to mow your lawn in no time at all. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a manual mower.
More features: built-in theft protection, three-blade cutting system, weatherproof design
The Husqvarna Automower 315X is a sleek machine with a two-tone plastic shroud and slim headlights that make it look like a race car rather than a lawn mower. With a weight of 22.2 pounds and height, width, and depth of 9.8 inches by 20 inches by 24.8 inches, it can handle lawns of up to 0.4 acres with ease. The 315X also has a weatherproof rating of IPX4, which means it is durable enough to be left out in the elements. However, it does lack a rain sensor that would initiate the mower automatically returning to the charging base if it detects rainfall. This model can work in the rain, but be aware that the cutting deck will need to be free of wet grass clippings or you could run into operating issues.
Where the 315X differs from many mowers is that it has a floating deck design. This allows it to follow the contours of your lawn without causing cutting issues if it encounters any high spots. The cutting mechanism uses a three blade spinning disc that mulches the clippings, so you don’t need to mess around with bags. However, unlike many robotic models, the 315X does not have a remote. There is GPS, Bluetooth and cellular technology and you can use the onboard panel to control the unit, but if you’re old school, you may miss the remote option. However, the Automower Connect mobile app is excellent and you can use maps to get a satellite view of the cutting activity cycle and track your mower.
More features: T-style handle with cushioned grips, 5-blade ball bearing reel, heat-treated alloy steel, 10″ composite wheels
Great States is another company that has been able to make a high-quality small lawn mower. This small push mower is a manual model with a cutting width of 16″ that will allow you to cut the grass of a small yard easily.
One drawback of this mini lawn mower is that it can get stuck easily on any obstacles and also struggle with tall or thick grass. While that is true, it makes for a brilliant solution if you’re looking for a product for quick tasks.
The blades used are quite sharp, and they will be able to give you great results. Although it can only mulch, it does that very well. Some push reel mowers can be quite exhausting to use, but that’s not going to be an issue here.
Another aspect of what makes this such an easy mower to use is the wide T-handle and the accompanying cushioned grips. Maintenance is also very simple as the blades will be cleaned in a matter of seconds and ready for storage.
It features a 1-year warranty, but it’s one that you’re unlikely to need due to the high build quality. Along with all of the qualities that we’ve looked at, you also have the benefit of it being light and quiet. There are a lot of benefits of a push reel mower, and this is another great option on our list.
More features: 3 tools in 1, easily converts from mower to trimmer to edger, automatic feed system, Power Drive Transmission, adjustable height, includes two batteries, pivoting handle
If you’re only interested in mulching your grass, then this lawn mower is going to be perfect. It’s a highly capable mower that is going to deliver the results you’re looking for with well-mulched grass.
The only negative that we can see here is that the cutting width is only 12″. While that isn’t going to be much of an issue for smaller yards, it does mean that you may have to do quite a few passes.
It is battery-powered with two batteries included, which will give you minimal downtime. If you already have cordless Black+Decker tools, then you’ll be pleased to know that this is going to be compatible with them too.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of this lawn mower is its 3-in-1 capability. You can detach it from the main body and use it as either a trimmer or an edger. It allows you to cut the grass completely in your garden without needing to use multiple tools.
The adjustability allows it to be the perfect height for anyone, and the handle is ergonomically designed for maximum comfort. At just 14.4lbs, it is lightweight and easy to push around your garden. Once you have finished, you’ll also find cleaning and maintenance to be easy too.
More features: folds for compact storage, push-button start, weather-resistant design, LED headlight
When it comes to battery-powered lawn mowers for small yards, it’s hard to get any better than this. It’s one of the best lawn mowers for small yards due to the high level of usability it has and how easy it is to store.
While the 5-year warranty may look brilliant at the outset, it’s important to note that it doesn’t include the battery, which is often going to be the first part that fails on you. The warranty is great for the rest of the lawn mower, but it’s something to consider.
Despite being one of the heaviest models that we have looked at here, the lawn mower is easy to push with large wheels that will move effortlessly over the ground. When you are moving it, you’ll enjoy the 20” cutting width that minimizes the number of passes you’ll have to make.
A unique feature of this lawn mower is that it has an LED headlight. While it’s innovative, we’re not sure how useful that is unless you live in an area with minimal sunlight. A better feature is the push-button start that allows you to get mowing in no time at all.
Another impressive aspect of this lawn mower is that it folds up to be compact, making it easy to store. While running out of battery can also be an issue on any cordless tool, the battery here recharges very quickly, giving you minimal downtime.
More features: height adjustment, lift handle, easy to fold, push-button start, winged blade
We’ve already looked at a Black+Decker model before, and that was perfect for mulching, but this has a large bag that is able to collect any clippings. If you don’t want that, however, you also have the option of side discharge and mulching.
It’s a corded model, and as with a lot of lawn mowers, it has a safety bar that will cut the power once it has been released. The safety bar used here is highly sensitive, which can be a little annoying at times, but the lawn mower is very easy to start again.
The power that you get here is great, and the results you get are impressive. This is aided by the height adjust, which is very simple to use. Just because you have a small yard, it doesn’t mean that you can’t make your lawn look great, and this will allow you to do that.
It’s backed by a 2-yer warranty, which should give you some peace of mind about the build quality, but with the Black+Decker name, you expect that anyway. You can assume reliability here, and you’ll be using the lawn mower for years to come.
We’ve all left our grass to grow a little too long, and some lawn mowers can struggle with that. It’s an area where this model excels as it will go through with no problems at all. It may be smaller than your average lawn mower, but it’s still able to pack a punch.
More features: detachable 10.6-gal grass catcher, 3-position manual height adjustment, LED battery level indicator
If you want a powerful lawn mower that is able to move around your small yard easily, then this is going to be a great option. At only 29lbs, it is highly maneuverable, and you’ll have no issues in getting into some tighter areas.
One of the reasons it has that low weight is because it is quite narrow at just 14”. This won’t be much of an issue for smaller yards, but worth bearing in mind for those that want the job done as quickly as possible.
It doesn’t quite have the adjustability of other models that we have seen, but it still has 3 height settings, which are more than enough for most people. It’s also easy to adjust those manual settings to get the results that you’re looking for.
While it does have good power for its size, it can struggle with tall grass, so you do need to keep on top of your grass cutting. It’s a battery-powered type with a long-lasting battery that has an indicator to let you know when it’s running low.
You have the option to either mulch the grass or bag it up. If you choose the latter, then you’ll be happy with the 10.6-gallon capacity, which will prevent you from needing to constantly empty it. It all adds up to the best lawn mower for those looking for something small and nimble.
More features: 11-inch rear wheel size, dual-lever height adjustment
This compact lawn mower is another great option for those who are interested in mulching the grass. It’s gas-powered, and therefore, you’ll get all those advantages of having a high level of power without needing to worry about the cord.
There is a large rear wheel on the lawn mower, and that makes it easy to move around the garden. It also handles any bumps easily. At 65 lbs., it’s not the lightest lawn mower that we’ve seen, but those features make it quite nimble.
If you’re looking for a mulching lawn lower, then it’s hard to find drawbacks at all with this model. The only downside is that there have been some delivery issues with users either receiving a damaged mower or ones that had parts missing.
They are only rare examples as most people were more than happy with the mower that they’ve got. This is especially true as it comes ready to use. You can get it out of the box and start mowing your lawn in no time at all, which is helped by it being easy to start.
Gas-powered models have a great advantage in terms of power, and you can see that here. It makes light work of thick grass to leave you with a perfect finish. The results you get here are awesome, and you’ll love this mower once you start it.
More features: height adjustment, push-button start, easy to use, large bag capacity
We started with a Greenworks lawn mower, and we end with one too. This is a cordless model and one that is quite thin. The 14″ cutting width is going to be good enough for most people, but some may struggle with medium-sized lawns.
One advantage of its compact size is the low weight. At 33.3lbs, it’s easy to move around, which is great for those with tight spaces. The carry handle on top of it also allows you to pick it up easily and makes storage simple.
There have been some durability issues noted with the lawn mower, which is unfortunate, but it’s worth noting that most of the user reviews have been positive. We found no issues when it came to using it.
While it may not have the elite power level of a gas-powered models, we did find it to pack a punch for its size. As long as you have a little bit of patience, you’ll be able to get through any thick or tall grass.
If you want the quietest lawn mower for small yards, then this is going to be the one for you. It’s very easy to use and also gives you excellent results. If you have your eyes on a cordless model, you won’t go wrong if you get this.
More features: front-wheel drive, cutting height adjustment, high real wheels, soft-grip handle
Husqvarna is a company that has produced a wide range of brilliant lawn mowers, including this one, which appears to be the best gas lawn mower for small yard. It’s perfect for those that want to get the job done quickly and efficiently.
What makes this lawn mower even more special is that it is self-propelled, and you can walk behind it as it cuts. It’s perfect for those who can struggle to push a regular mower. It can move a little quickly for some, but a lot of people love it.
One issue that some people have experienced is that the drive belt can slip off, which is a little annoying. You also have the other drawbacks that are the case with every gas-powered model such as the noise generated and needing to add petrol.
One common downside to gas-powered lawn mowers is that they can be hard to start. This bucks that trend with a quick start and high usability. It has all the quality that you can expect from a Husqvarna product.
The cutting width of 21″ makes it a good option for medium-sized yards as well as smaller ones. It’s also ideal for those who don’t want to bother with a corded model. If you want a gas-powered lawn mower for small yards, then this is the one for you.
There are many different models out there on the market, and it can be hard to find the best lawn mower for small yards. That’s why in this buying guide, we want to give you all the information that you need to make the right choice. After that, we’ll go through all of the key features, look at why they are important and how they relate to you. Once you’ve finished reading, you should have a clear idea of exactly what you need.
If you have a small yard, then it can be hard to keep it looking at its best. It can quickly look unkempt, and that’s where you need a lawn mower. A lot of people see it as too much effort, especially when trying to maneuver a large mower around a small yard.
Getting a high-quality lawn mower will make your life easier and allow you to get the job done quickly and efficiently. It will save you time to let you to focus on other areas of improving the look of your yard. It will also save you a lot of money in not paying anyone else to do the job for you.
It’s also clear that using an old and tired mower can make your life harder, as it will require more effort, and the results won’t be very good. Getting one of the best lawn mowers for small yards will cut down on the effort you need to put in and will make your life easier.
Everyone is different, and every yard is different. If you only have a small patch of grass, then it may be the best idea to get a push reel mower. Or do you have a long and narrow yard? Then a cordless model could be easiest. It’s important to know what your needs are. As we go through these key features, it’s a good idea to take a note of how each one relates to you. This way, you’ll end up with a clear picture of what you need.
There are a few different types available, and here we have a quick overview of them.
Corded – A corded models like the BLACK+DECKER BEMW213 Lawn Mower have that constant source of power. They don’t make much noise, but having to constantly move a cord can be a little annoying.
Cordless – Cordless models, such as the Greenworks MO40B410, have the advantages of a corded model with the added bonus of not having to worry about anything getting in the way. However, you do have to worry about your batteries running out.
Gas-powered – For the highest power, a gas-powered model like the Craftsman 140cc 21 Inch 2-in-1 Gas Push Lawn Mower is the best bet. They are a little harder to use and are also noisier but offer great mobility and performance.
Push reel – For very small spaces, a push reel mower, such as the Great States 415-16, allows you to cut your grass quickly, but it doesn’t come close to the same power that you have with electric or gas models.
As we’ve seen above, there is plenty to think about when it comes to your power options. It can be quite hard to compare gas and electric models.
As a general rule of thumb, gas-powered models are going to give you the highest level of power and allow you to get through tall and thick grass easily.
Corded models can still be quite powerful but are often limited by the maximum output of a home outlet. If you find an electric model with 600W or more of power, then that should be perfect for most yards. Cordless models have improved a lot in recent years and often compete quite well with corded models.
The only power source for push reel motors is you. It can take quite a bit of effort to get through taller grass, but if you’re keeping on top of your small yard, they are an excellent choice.
The cutting width determines how much grass your lawn mower can cut at any given time. Having a wider cutting width will mean that you can cut your grass without needing to complete a high number of passes.
The Husqvarna L121FH Lawn Mower has a great cutting width at 21” and allows you to cut any lawn quickly and easily. While that’s great, a large cutting width often means a heavier lawn mower and one that is a little harder to move.
If you have an awkwardly shaped yard, then it may be a better idea to get a lawn mower with a smaller cutting width, such as the Greenworks MO40B410 Cordless Lawn Mower, which is 14”. This will be a more nimble and lighter solution.
There are two key features that you want for your blades. The first one is for them to stay sharp, and the second to have a high level of durability. A heat-treated alloy steel blade is an example of one that will be able to give you repeated excellent performance.
Most of them have a very similar design and great quality. A lot of them can be touched quite safely for cleaning when the mower is switched off and are able to cut the grass fast thanks to the speed they spin at.
If you know that your lawn mower is going to get through a lot of work, then it’s a good idea to check that replacement blades are easy to buy and install.
There are generally three methods when it comes to grass discharge. You can either mulch it, blow it out to the side or into a bag.
Mulching – The BLACK+DECKER MTC220 3-in-1 Lawn Mower is brilliant at mulching grass. Many people like mulching as it’s a lot quicker to do, you don’t have to worry about getting rid of the cuttings, and also it provides natural fertilizer for your grass.
Side discharge – This method can be good for tall or moist grass as it will prevent your lawn mower from getting clogged.
Bag – Most people like to discharge their cuttings into a bag. The Greenworks 25022 Electric Corded Lawn Mower has a large bag that will minimize the number of times it’ll need emptying. While having a large bag capacity can be great, it’s not a huge issue if you have a small yard.
The weight of the lawn mower can determine its ease of use, too. A heavier machine is often more powerful and can cover a wide area. Also, a well-designed lawn mower can be easy to move, even if it’s heavy. The Husqvarna L121FH Lawn Mower is a heavier machine, but it is self-propelled, which makes it effortless to push.
A low size and weight can make a mower much easier to store. If you need a high level of portability, then the Sun Joe MJ401C Lawn Mower can be fantastic at just 29lbs. For many people, a high weight is more of an issue when trying to store it rather than when using it.
Having a good warranty can be great for any product. That being said, you always need to look at the fine print to see exactly what it’s covered. The EGO Power+ LM2000-S Lawn Mower has a great 5-year warranty that will give you peace of mind should anything go wrong with it. While that is great, that warranty doesn’t cover the battery.
Some warranties are a lot better than others. Half of them will give you full coverage on their items whereas others will just cover you for any defects on delivery. It’s always a good idea to look beyond the headline figure and know exactly what is being covered.
Unless you love taking care of your grass, then you probably don’t worry too much about the lawn mower’s adjustability. If that sounds like you, then you’re probably happy to keep your machine in one position and cut your grass quite short.
There are a few reasons why you may want different grass heights depending on the health of your grass and the time of year. If you want to have more adjustability, then the BLACK+DECKER BEMW213 Lawn Mower will be a great option with the six different cutting height levels it features.
The grass is getting long, and you know that it’s time that you give it a cut. If you have a lawn mower that’s hard to use, then it probably fills you with dread.
You want that lawn mower to be easy to use, and some features will help you with that. The EGO Power+ LM2000-S Lawn Mower is easily foldable, which makes getting it out very simple. It’s also lightweight, making it easy to move.
Other features, such as a soft-grip handle, can make your life easier. Always find it a struggle to push your lawn mower? If so, getting a self-propelled mower is going to make your life a lot easier.
If you only have a small yard, then you may not want to spend a huge amount of money on a mower. Push reel mowers, such as the American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 Push Reel Lawn Mower and the Great States 415-16 Push Reel Lawn Mower, are going to be the cheapest options as they are well under $100.
If you need more power, then the BLACK+DECKER BEMW213 Lawn Mower and the Greenworks 25022 Electric Corded Lawn Mower both have impressive capability at under $200. They can give you great results and are ideal for small yards.
Husqvarna is a highly respected brand name, and their L121FH Lawn Mower will make light work of any small yard, but it is a little more expensive at a little over $400. While it is a respected brand name, it’s on this list because of multiple merits.
While a brand name can give you buying confidence, you always want to back that up with great reviews.
These are rough guides as there are many different types of batteries out there, and you should look into it further if you want to learn more about a specific model. The Greenworks MO40B410 Cordless Lawn Mower, for example, has a runtime of up to 45 minutes, and you can recharge it in about 2 hours. It’s worth noting that this model does come with an extra battery.
Here we’ve looked at 10 of the best lawn mowers for small yards, and we’ve found the Greenworks 25022 Electric Corded Lawn Mower to be exceptional for its compromise between power and usability. It’s a high-quality model with 20” cutting with and 7-position height adjustment for convenience.
If you are looking for an affordable push reel mower, then the American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 can be ideal for you. It is lightweight and incredibly easy to assemble.
The Husqvarna Automower 315X is an excellent robotic lawn mower. The floating platform design ensures even cutting even if your lawn has high spots. Although the unit does not have a rain sensor, the machine itself can handle adverse weather.
