The 6 Best Small Lawn Mowers That Are Powerful — But Easy to Store

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Whether you're transitioning from a gas mower to an electric one or your current mower is outdated and just isn't cutting it anymore, you've maybe become overwhelmed with the number of choices available when it comes to a new lawn mower.

Fortunately, there are several small lawn mowers that are reliable, easy to maintain, and much more affordable than they were in years past. If you have a small yard (roughly 5,000 to 8,000 square feet), fortunately you won't have to spend an arm and a leg to keep your lawn looking great. And, as you know, the job won't take you that long either.

The Best Small Lawn Mowers of 2023

What to Consider

Our test team has spent countless hours researching and testing lawn mowers — both big and small — to help you make an informed buying decision. But not every mower is perfect for every yard, so it's important to consider your specific needs before making a purchase.

Size

It shouldn't come as a surprise that small lawn mowers have a shorter deck size than other electric lawn mowers, but because of this they're lighter, easier to maneuver, and can fit in tight spaces. Although you can buy a small lawn mower with a deck size as small as 16 inches wide, we don't recommend buying one that small unless you are only cutting a tiny strip of grass. The wider the deck, the more ground you can cover in less time.

Also, if you are short on storage space, pay attention to whether the lawn mower you're considering has a handle that folds down, so it doesn't take up as much space.

Power

Although there are a number of gas mowers with 20 or 21-inch cutting widths, for this guide, we only highlighted electric lawn mowers since they're lighter, more affordable, and easier to maintain.

We recommend paying attention to drive type and battery life, as well. Rear-wheel self-propelled mowers are better than front-wheel drive mowers, but they are typically more expensive. We only recommend electric mowers that use a 40-volt or higher battery. Lawn mowers with higher voltage batteries tend to have longer run times and more power.

Battery Ecosystem

Since electric mowers rely on batteries, you may be able to use the battery with a string trimmer, leaf blower, or even to power your TV and router during a power outage. If you already have invested in large batteries for your outdoor equipment, it may be best to purchase a lawn mower that matches the brand of batteries you already own.

How We Selected

Rigorous Evaluation Process and Diverse Mowing Needs

The product recommendations in this guide are derived from our Test Team's extensive knowledge of the lawn mower market and our meticulous evaluation routine. Not only did our Easton, Pennsylvania-based lawn care experts put more than a dozen mowers to the test, but we also took into consideration the diverse mowing needs of different people, including those with large lawns, uneven terrain, and varying grass types.

Additionally, our evaluation criteria included factors such as ease of use, the mower's performance in bagging, discharging, and mulching grass clippings, and overall value for the price. For mowers we didn't test, we relied on in-depth research and analysis of customer reviews and ratings to factor in handle comfort, ease of deck adjustment, and the convenience of mounting and removing the grass bag.

Comprehensive Testing Approach

Our lawn and tools experts' tests encompass an array of grass varieties, from soft and dense bluegrass to wiry perennial ryes. Our senior home editor mowed on different surfaces, such as flats, washboard areas, inclines, and side slopes. Our evaluation extends to cutting tall grass and weeds — which you likely won't even have to worry about if you're shopping for a small lawn mower.

During our month's-long evaluation period, we walked 10 miles testing mowers. We meticulously examine every feature and accessory on each mower, assessing functions like mulching, bagging, and side discharge. Furthermore, we evaluate the ease of raising and lowering decks and the comfort of controls.

With our comprehensive testing approach and vast market knowledge, we are confident that you will be able to find the right small lawn mower for your needs. So, shop one of our expert-approved picks below, so you can get your yard looking its absolute best.

LM2130SP 21-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower

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This outstanding mid-range cordless lawn mower has a 21-inch deck so you can get your lawn manicured in less than an hour. It’s one of the most affordable models that’s equipped with a dual-blade cutting system — a feature that was once reserved for pricy gas-powered machines. We like that the Ego can be folded up for storage, it’s quiet, easy to maintain, and offers users seven height adjustments for tackling even the tallest of grass.

The Ego also has received significant praise from lawn care experts at Wirecutter and Pro Tools Reviews for its impressive torque, hour-long run time, and fast charging speeds.

2516302 20-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower

If you only need to cut a small section of grass, we totally understand the appeal of not spending an arm and a leg on something you’ll only use for 20 minutes or so. This mower from Greenworks typically costs under $275 and offers plenty of long-term value.

Although our test team didn’t test this exact model, we’ve tested a similar 19-inch variant that features the same 10-inch rear wheels which helped it roll easily over washboard surfaces and other rough terrain. Our lawncare expert Roy Berendsohn said that Greenworks’ mowers are nicely designed and equipped with features you hardly ever see in the class and price.

It’s worth mentioning that this option is not self-propelled. If you want to make life a little easier when mowing hills, we also recommend this similar 21-inch Greenworks mower which is one of the most affordable self-propelled brushless mowers you can buy.

XML03CM1 Brushless 18-Inch Lawn Mower

This brushless lawn mower from Makita is an excellent choice for those with sensitive ears or for folks who don’t want to disturb their neighbors. With their low noise output of just 70 dBa, the spinning blade and motor produce some of the lowest sound levels you’ll find in a lawn mower but without compromising on cutting performance. For context, this mower is about as loud as a vacuum cleaner.

In addition to its quiet operation, this small lower offers users an ample run time since it comes with four batteries — which should give you enough juice to cut one-third of an acre of grass need be. We appreciate the inclusion of a battery charge meter that’s located on the handlebar so you know when it’s time to power up.

Our lawncare expert Roy Berendsohn tested the larger 21-inch deck configuration of this mower and said the Makita delivers a superb cut surface and remarked that Makita mowers are one of the few electric mowers that come with full-size bags like you’d find on a good quality gas engine machine. So, if you want a small, quiet mower that can mulch, bag, or discharge grass on the side, you found your match!

LMF413 21-Inch Brushless Push Lawn Mower

The Greenworks LMF413 is a ruggedly built steel deck mower that rivals the power of gas mowers thanks to its brushless motor. With its solid stainless-steel deck, the mower is highly resistant to damage from acorns, rocks, sticks, and other debris you may run into while mowing your lawn.

Although this option is a bit heavier than other mowers we’ve tested and evaluated (it weighs about 60 pounds) the steel deck helps it provides excellent stability. It also has Greenwork’s smart pace system on board to make it easier to tackle hills. The mower comes with two batteries.

We considered the LMF413 mower against the $100-more expensive Greenworks Pro brushless mower which comes with a useful 30-minute rapid charger, a feature the LMF413 lacks. However, we think as long as your yard is around one-third of an acre you’re better off with the LMF413 mower since it is self-propelled and easier to push. Hands down, it’s one of the most affordable and durable mowers money can buy.

HLPM032VNM Cordless 20-Inch Push Mower

We were quite surprised at the cut quality, performance, and battery life of this mower from Hart given its reasonable price. Given its lack of a self-propel function, it offers users a generous battery life of 30 minutes which should be enough juice to cut a half acre of grass if needed.

If your yard is bigger than that, the mower’s battery compartment is equipped with two bays, so you can double its runtime. The mower also features a single-lever deck adjustment, a simple push-button start, and it folds up for easy storage.

It’s worth mentioning that the included charger is a rapid charger, so it’s twice as fast to charge as other electric mowers we’ve tested. Overall, it’s an excellent, affordable mower that’ll come in handy for folks with a small lawn. But, if your yard has hills consider the slightly more expensive self-propelled model instead, which is one of the least expensive mowers equipped with a brushless motor and a self-propelled drive system.

Recycler Self-Propelled Electric Lawn Mower

We've yet to meet a Toro mower we don't love. Toro’s lawn mowers have outstanding build quality and cut grass extremely well. This steel-deck mower is comfortable to mow with and is equipped with nine cutting positions. Thanks to its wide, 21-inch deck, you can finish your job in less time. You can expect to cut one-third of an acre of grass in just 40 minutes before needing to recharge its battery.

The Toro folds up easy for storage, provides excellent handling, easy operation, and plenty of power to get your yard looking its best. Toro backs the mower with a 2-year full warranty, and its included battery gets an additional year of coverage. If you have a more flexible budget, we also recommend the Toro 21466 mower, which is a self-propelled model with a three-phase brushless motor.

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