2024’s Best Lawn Mowers for Small Yards, Tested
Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about 2024’s Best Lawn Mowers for Small Yards, Tested and hope the blog can help you.
No matter what you consider “small,” this list has you covered.
What, exactly, is a small yard? If you come from a farm community, then an acre may seem small; but to a suburbanite, “small” might mean a 10,000-square-foot urban lot. No matter the definition of “small,” the best lawn mower for small yards is one that is reliable, durable, and easy to use. Of the dozens of lawn mowers we test every year, half of them offer the combination of agility, clean cutting ability, and convenience features best suited to smaller yards. In this guide we will share some of our favorites.
Finding the best mower can be tricky. First, shoppers can choose among a gas-powered mower, an electric mower, or a manual mower. Next, they will want to look for the perfect size, price, and style (riding mower or push mower). To help keep the search short, here’s a helpful guide to finding the best lawn mower for small yards.
- BEST OVERALL: Toro 60V MAX 22″ Recycler Personal Pace Lawn Mower
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Wild Badger Power 40V 18″ Cordless Lawn Mower
↓ Jump to Review - BEST ELECTRIC: American Lawn Mower 120V 14″ Corded Mower
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BATTERY-POWERED: DeWalt 2x20V MAX XR Cordless Self-Propelled Mower Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST GAS-POWERED: Toro 22″ Recycler Personal Pace Gas Lawn Mower
↓ Jump to Review - BEST MANUAL: American Lawn Mower Company 14″ Manual Reel Mower
↓ Jump to Review - BEST ROBOTIC: Worx Landroid M 20V Robotic Lawn Mower
↓ Jump to Review - BEST PUSH: Greenworks Pro 80V 21″ Brushless Push Lawn Mower
↓ Jump to Review - BEST SELF-PROPELLED: Ego Power+ 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
↓ Jump to Review - BEST RIDING: Troy-Bilt Super Bronco 42E XP Battery Riding Mower
↓ Jump to Review
How We Tested the Best Lawn Mowers for Small Yards
For small yards, in addition to a high-quality cut, we were looking for lawn mowers that fit the space, maneuver comfortably around obstacles, and store easily. Recognizing that “small” is a subjective word that is interpreted differently depending on perspective, we tested several mower types, including some that can comfortably maintain areas up to an acre or more.
We tested these mowers on a quarter-acre lawn area featuring a gentle slope, a tree ring in the middle, and a narrow grassy corridor that helped us gauge maneuverability. We used each of the mowers to cut the grass and recorded our observations on a scoring rubric. Finally, we rated each mower in the areas of cut quality, maneuverability, operator comfort, noise, and storability.
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Testing Stats |
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Products tested |
27 |
| Time spent testing | 49 hours |
| Tests performed | 6 |
| Price range | $150 to $4,800 |
Our Top Picks
Not every mower we tested for this guide made the cut. The models included here left the lawn looking great and made the chore more pleasant with easy operation, low noise, and convenient storage.
Best Overall
Toro 60V MAX 22" Recycler Personal Pace Lawn Mower
Photo: toro.com
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Cut Quality 5/5; Noise 5/5; Grass Disposal 5/5; Value 4.7/5
Product Specs
- Type: Self-propelled
- Power: Cordless electric
- Deck size: 22 inches
What We Like
- Vortex cutting deck creates powerful airflow, enabling superior mowing quality
- Personal Pace adjustable drive system automatically matches the operator’s pace
- Fold-flat handle and vertical storage configuration conserve storage space
- RunSmart system adjusts output in real time to deliver the required power while maximizing battery life
What We Don’t Like
- 40-minute average runtime per charge is less than top competitors
Quiet, convenient battery-powered lawn mowers make a lot of sense for small yards. Our top choice, the Toro 60V MAX 22-inch Recycler self-propelled lawn mower, features an efficient 3-phase brushless motor, a high airflow mowing deck, and a self-adjusting drive system that produced the best overall mowing experience in our test group.
On a full charge, the 60-volt 6-amp-hour battery powered about 40 minutes of mowing time. That was enough to mow a half acre of grass while bagging the clippings.
The first standout feature was the self-driving system, which automatically adjusted to the operator’s pace by means of a pressure-sensitive handle. The system was very well executed, with smooth motion in the handlebar and gradual acceleration in the wheel motor. It handled slopes and rough ground effortlessly.
We also noted the mower’s proficiency with grass of different textures, lengths, and densities. The deep, well-ventilated mowing deck uplifted tall grass blades for a crisp level cut, while the motor automatically boosted output for heavier cutting conditions with no lag time. The result was a perfect lawn at a faster walking pace with no need to double cut.
For most small lawns, we really see no reason to continue shopping. This mower was excellent by any measure. Slightly larger lawns may require a bit more runtime (see the Lowe’s link below with an upgraded 8-amp-hour battery), and budget shoppers might balk at the price.
Get the Toro 60V MAX lawn mower for small yards at Lowe’s (with 8-amp-hour battery) or Tractor Supply and Co..
Best Bang for the Buck
Wild Badger Power 40V 18" Cordless Lawn Mower
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Cut Quality 4/5; Noise 5/5; Grass Disposal 4/5; Value 4.7/5
Product Specs
- Type: Push
- Power: Cordless electric
- Deck size: 18 inches
What We Like
- Good-quality cordless electric small lawn mower at a budget-friendly price
- Compact, lightweight model is easy to store and easy to use
- Manage clippings by mulching to feed the lawn or bagging for disposal
- Handle folds down flat over the motor for compact storage
What We Don’t Like
- Deck, wheels, and handlebar feel a bit flimsy but fine for light duty
No need to overspend if you have a tiny yard. The Wild Badger 40-volt cordless lawn mower won’t break the bank. It features an 18-inch mowing deck and a runtime of 30 minutes per charge. That’s enough to mow between 5,000 and 7,000 square feet, whether you bag or mulch the clippings.
For a cheap lawn mower, the Wild Badger cordless mower did a pretty good job. Because it was so lightweight, and we only used it for about 30 minutes at a time, there was no problem with operator fatigue. Although the small deck produced very little uplift, the finish was decent after a single pass in most areas, but we did touch up a few of the faster-growing spots with a second pass.
We recommend this mower for a courtyard or small urban lot. It was easy to pick up when needed, maneuvered well over most terrain, and stowed away in a nice neat package. The plastic wheels and deck are not susceptible to corrosion, so with basic care and maintenance, it should last many seasons.
Get the Wild Badger lawn mower for small yards at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Walmart.
Best Electric
American Lawn Mower 120V 14" Corded Mower
Photo: amazon.com
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Cut Quality 4/5; Noise 5/5; Grass Disposal 4/5; Value 4.3/5
Product Specs
- Type: Push
- Power: Corded electric
- Deck size: 14 inches
What We Like
- Compact size that is easy to store, even in small spaces
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver; great for extended use
- Budget-friendly price compared to similar models
- No expensive batteries, and no downtime for recharging
What We Don’t Like
- When bagger is nearly full, front wheels may lift off the ground
- Much narrower cutting swath than the battery-powered mowers we tested
The corded electric lawn mower from American Lawn Mower offers convenient features at an attractive price point. It features a strong 11-amp motor and cuts a 14-inch swath width. The cutting height adjusts from 1 inch up to 2.5 inches, making it most suitable for low-growing and warm-season grass types.
This mower is a good choice for those with small yards and limited storage space. We liked the padded nonslip grip handle for comfortable control. The large 7-inch rear wheels and narrow, lightweight, compact body made it easy to pivot and navigate tight spaces. Plus it had no problem mowing thick, weedy grass. It did struggle with tall grass since the tallest setting is 2.5 inches, compared to 3-plus inches on the other mowers.
The mower also features a safety switch to shut off the motor if the user releases the handle, and it folds down to aid in storage. You can set the mower for clippings to discharge into a 16-gallon grass bag or to fall back on the lawn for use as natural mulch. Users will need a 12- or 14-gauge exterior extension cord (not included) and a nearby electrical outlet to run the mower.
Get the American Lawn Mower electric lawn mower for small yards at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Battery-Powered
DeWalt 2x20V MAX XR Cordless Self-Propelled Mower Kit
Photo: tractorsupply.com
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Cut Quality 5/5; Noise 4/5; Grass Disposal 5/5; Value 4.3/5
Product Specs
- Type: Self-propelled
- Power: Cordless electric
- Deck size: 21.5 inches
What We Like
- Longest runtime per charge of all battery-powered walk-behind mowers tested
- Simplified deck height and handle adjustments for convenience and easy operation
- Rugged steel deck, dual sharp blades, and powerful brushless motor tackles tough conditions
- Folds flat and stands vertically for space-saving storage
What We Don’t Like
- Shallow cutting deck produces weak uplift in overgrown grass
- One of the most expensive walk-behind lawn mowers of the group
Our top battery-powered lawn mower is one of the newest additions to the wide-ranging DeWalt 20-volt XR platform. The DeWalt 2x20V MAX XR cordless self-propelled mower runs on a pair of 10-amp-hour batteries that give it 80 minutes of runtime per charge. That runtime leads all cordless walk-behind mowers we have tested to date.
This 21-inch self-propelled mower also features a 3-phase brushless motor, an adjustable-speed self-propel system, a single-point deck-height adjustment, and three-way grass clippings management. Like many of our other favorites in the small yard category, it also folds flat and stands upright for space saving in storage.
We were truly impressed by the amount of grass we were able to cover with this mower. Our test yard included about three-quarter acres of grass, and we mowed the whole thing. The finish was not as refined as some of the other mowers in this group, mainly due to the lack of uplift beneath the shallow mowing deck. For best results, it may take a second pass when the yard is overgrown.
Get the DeWalt lawn mower for small yards at Tractor Supply Co. or The Home Depot.
Best Gas-Powered
Toro 22" Recycler Personal Pace Gas Lawn Mower
Photo: tractorsupply.com
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Cut Quality 5/5; Noise 4/5; Grass Disposal 5/5; Value 4.7/5
Product Specs
- Type: Self-propelled
- Power: Gas
- Deck size: 22 inches
What We Like
- Low maintenance and easy to start 163 cubic centimeter (cc) gas powerful engine provides ample cutting power
- Rugged steel Vortex cutting deck boosts airflow and uplift for superior cut quality
- Smooth and responsive automatically adjustable drive system for user comfort
- Fold-flat handle and vertical storage compatibility saves space in storage
What We Don’t Like
- Wheels must be individually adjusted for deck height changes
We performed a side-by-side comparison between our top pick, the Toro 60V Recycler, and this 163cc gas-powered Toro Recycler, and were surprised to see nearly identical results. Both use the same 22-inch Vortex mowing deck and Personal Pace adjustable drive system. The mowing results were notably similar as well, which is to say outstanding.
Those who prefer a gas-powered lawn mower will appreciate several aspects of this machine. First, it started for us on the first pull every time—no need to choke it or mess around with a fuel lever. It ran smoothly and noticeably quietly for a gas mower. Another notable detail is that it has been engineered to never require an oil change. Just check the oil level and top off when needed.
The best part is the quality of the cut. It didn’t matter how fast we walked or how thick the grass was or whether we mulched or bagged the clippings. We experienced no stalls or slowdowns, and the finish quality was consistently excellent. The only minor criticism we offer is the need to adjust levers on every wheel to change the mowing height, but most users will set it and forget it.
Get the Toro gas-powered lawn mower for small yards at Tractor Supply Co. or Ace Hardware.