Maintaining a small lawn requires a mower that’s as nimble and efficient as the space it’s designed for. You don’t need a massive, industrial-grade machine; you need something that offers easy storage, simple operation, and a clean cut without the hassle of gas and excessive maintenance. The right mower can turn a chore into a quick and satisfying task, leaving you more time to enjoy your neatly trimmed yard.
Whether you prioritize cordless freedom, the constant power of a corded model, or the quiet simplicity of a reel mower, there is a perfect option for your needs. This roundup features ten of the best lawn mowers specifically selected for small lawns, highlighting their key features and benefits to help you make an informed decision for your outdoor space.
The Best Lawn Mowers for Small Lawns
- Greenworks 40V 21″ Brushless Cordless (Self-Propelled) Lawn Mower
- Greenworks 24V 13″ Brushless Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower
- Litheli Cordless Lawn Mower 13 Inch, U20 Handy+ 20V Electric Lawn Mower
- MZK 40V(2 x 20V) 13”Cordless Electric Lawn Mower
- American Lawn Mower Company 50514 14″ 11-Amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower
- BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Corded Lawn Mower, String Trimmer & Edger
- Sun Joe MJ401E 14-Inch 12-Amp Electric Lawn Mower
- Earthwise 16-Inch 11-Amp Corded Electric Walk-Behind Lawn Mower
- Scotts Outdoor 20-Inch 5-Blade Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower
- EGO Power+ LM2102SP 21-Inch 56-Volt Cordless Lawn Mower
Greenworks 40V 21″ Brushless Cordless (Self-Propelled) Lawn Mower
For those with a small lawn that includes some slopes or who simply want an easier mowing experience, this self-propelled model from Greenworks is an excellent choice. The 40V brushless motor provides substantial power and a longer operational life, all while running quietly. With a 21-inch steel deck, it covers more ground per pass, and the self-propelled feature does the work of pushing for you.
This mower offers great versatility with its 3-in-1 design, allowing you to bag clippings for a clean look, mulch to nourish your lawn, or use the side discharge for longer grass. The single-lever height adjustment lets you quickly change between seven cutting positions to suit your grass type and seasonal needs. A fully charged 5.0Ah battery provides ample run-time for most small to medium-sized yards.
Greenworks 24V 13″ Brushless Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower
This compact and lightweight mower is perfectly suited for very small, flat lawns. The 13-inch rust-resistant poly deck is easy to maneuver around tight corners, garden beds, and other obstacles. The brushless motor ensures efficient power use and a long lifespan for the tool, providing a reliable cut every time.
As a push mower, it offers a simple, straightforward mowing experience without the complexity of a self-propelled system. The 2-in-1 function gives you the option to mulch or bag your grass clippings. With a 5-position single-lever height adjustment and up to 30 minutes of run-time on the included 4.0Ah battery, this mower handles the basics with ease and efficiency.
Litheli Cordless Lawn Mower 13 Inch, U20 Handy+ 20V Electric Lawn Mower
The Litheli U20 Handy+ stands out for its portability and user-friendly design. Weighing very little, it is easy to lift for storage and simple to push across your lawn. Its 13-inch cutting width is ideal for navigating smaller spaces, and the high-performance motor spins at 3400 RPM for a clean cut on medium-length grass.
This mower includes five different cutting height settings, allowing you to customize your lawn’s look from 1 inch to 2.5 inches. The 8-gallon collection bag is generously sized for its class, reducing the frequency of stops to empty it. It’s a solid, no-fuss option for maintaining a well-kept small yard.
MZK 40V(2 x 20V) 13”Cordless Electric Lawn Mower
The MZK mower offers a unique power solution with its twin 20V batteries that combine to deliver 40V of power. This system often allows you to use batteries from other compatible tools. The advanced brushless motor is built for efficiency and longevity, providing reliable power that extends the tool’s life and reduces maintenance needs.
With a 13-inch cutting path and a large 25-liter grass catcher, this mower is designed to make quick work of small lawns. The four-position height adjustment, ranging from 1.2 to 1.5 inches, gives you control over the final appearance of your grass. It’s a compact and powerful package for the discerning homeowner.
American Lawn Mower Company 50514 14″ 11-Amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower
If you prefer the consistent, unlimited run-time of a corded electric mower, this model is a classic and reliable choice. The powerful 11-amp motor provides more than enough power to cut through all types of grass in a small yard. You never have to worry about a battery running out mid-task.
This mower is straightforward and efficient, focusing on the essential job of cutting grass without extra frills. Its simple design often translates to a lower cost and less maintenance than more complex models. For small, defined lawns where a power cord isn’t a major inconvenience, this mower delivers dependable performance year after year.
BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1 Corded Lawn Mower, String Trimmer & Edger
This innovative 3-in-1 tool is the ultimate space-saver for small lawn care. It functions as a lawn mower, a string trimmer, and an edger, all in one lightweight unit. This eliminates the need for multiple tools, saving on storage space and cost.
Weighing under 10 pounds, it is exceptionally easy to handle and maneuver. The adjustable handle and height positions ensure comfortable use for a variety of users. For those with very small patches of grass who also need to manage lawn edges and trim around obstacles, this versatile tool is an incredibly efficient solution.
Sun Joe MJ401E 14-Inch 12-Amp Electric Lawn Mower
The Sun Joe MJ401E is a robust corded mower that packs a 12-amp motor, giving it plenty of power for a clean cut. The 14-inch cutting width strikes a good balance between maneuverability and coverage, making it well-suited for small lawns.
A key feature is its collapsible handle, which makes storage in a shed or garage significantly easier. The 3-position height control lets you adapt to grass conditions, and the durable 14-inch steel blade is built for precision and longevity. The included 10.6-gallon bag helps keep your lawn tidy.
Earthwise 16-Inch 11-Amp Corded Electric Walk-Behind Lawn Mower
The Earthwise mower offers a wider 16-inch cutting deck, which means you can finish mowing a small lawn even faster. The 12-amp motor provides reliable, gas-like power without the fumes or maintenance associated with gasoline engines.
It includes a removable mulching plug, allowing you to nourish your lawn by returning fine clippings back to the soil. The single-point lever offers five different height adjustments, making it simple to find the perfect cutting height. Multiple handle height positions also contribute to a more comfortable mowing experience.
Scotts Outdoor 20-Inch 5-Blade Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower
For the most environmentally conscious and quietest mowing experience, a reel mower is the way to go. The Scotts Classic requires no gas, no electricity, and produces zero emissions. It provides a clean, scissor-like cut that is often healthier for your grass.
This mower features a 20-inch cutting width and a 5-blade ball bearing reel that ensures a smooth operation. The quick-snap height adjustment allows you to easily set the cut between 1 and 3 inches. The heat-treated alloy steel blades are designed to stay sharp for a long time, providing a reliable, maintenance-light mowing solution.
EGO Power+ LM2102SP 21-Inch 56-Volt Cordless Lawn Mower
EGO Power+ is renowned for its high-performance battery-powered outdoor tools, and this 21-inch mower is a top-tier option. The 56-Volt ARC Lithium battery platform delivers exceptional power and run-time, rivaling many gas mowers. This makes it suitable for small lawns that may have thicker or more demanding grass.
This model often includes features like a robust steel deck, one-touch height adjustment, and a 3-in-1 functionality for mulching, bagging, or side discharge. The power and quality of EGO tools provide a premium mowing experience with all the benefits of cordless freedom and quiet operation.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Lawn Mower for a Small Lawn
When I’m picking out a mower for a smaller yard, my priorities are completely different than if I had a huge, sprawling estate. It’s less about raw power and more about convenience, storage, and ease of use. The last thing I want is a massive, hard-to-store machine for a postage-stamp-sized lawn. So, what do I look for? Here are the key factors I consider.
First up is the mower type. For truly small lawns, a simple push reel mower is a fantastic, eco-friendly option. It’s quiet, gives a clean cut, and provides a bit of a workout. If you prefer power, an electric mower is my top recommendation. Corded electric mowers are lightweight, start with the push of a button, and are very low maintenance. The only catch is managing the cord. Cordless electric mowers, powered by batteries, offer total freedom of movement and are just as easy to maintain. For small lawns, a single battery charge is almost always more than enough. Gas mowers are powerful but can be overkill for a small area; they require more maintenance with oil and gas and are heavier and louder.
Next, I think about the cutting width. This determines how many passes I’ll need to make. For a small lawn, a narrower deck around 16 to 19 inches is perfect. It makes the mower more maneuverable around tight corners and garden beds, and it’s easier to store in a shed or garage. A wider deck might get the job done slightly faster, but the trade-off in bulkiness isn’t usually worth it for a compact space.
I also pay close attention to features that enhance convenience. A height adjustment that’s easy to use on all four wheels is a must for me. I like to change my grass height with the seasons. Another feature I love is mulching. A good mulching mower chops the clippings finely and returns them to the lawn as natural fertilizer, which means I don’t have to stop to empty a bag. If I do need to bag for a super-clean look, I check that the bag is easy to attach and detach. Finally, for storage, I always look at how the mower folds. A handle that folds down flat can easily cut the mower’s storage footprint in half, which is a huge win for anyone with limited space. By focusing on these aspects, finding the right machine from a list of the 10 best lawn mowers for small lawns becomes a much simpler task.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a gas or electric mower better for a small lawn?
For most small lawns, I firmly believe an electric mower is the better choice. They are significantly lighter, quieter, and start with the simple push of a button—no more pulling a stubborn cord. You also avoid the ongoing hassle and cost of buying and storing gasoline and oil. Cordless battery-powered models have become so powerful that they can easily handle a typical small yard on a single charge. A gas mower is really only necessary if your small lawn is exceptionally thick or you have very steep hills.
What is a good cutting width for a small lawn mower?
I find that a cutting width between 16 and 20 inches is the sweet spot. A 16- or 17-inch deck is highly maneuverable, allowing you to weave easily around trees and flower beds. A 20-inch deck will get the job done a little faster. Anything wider than that starts to become cumbersome to store and turn in a confined space. The goal is efficiency without sacrificing the agility needed for a smaller property.
How important is the battery life on a cordless mower?
Battery life is critical, but the good news is that for a small lawn, you don’t need an industrial-grade battery. Most modern cordless mowers from reputable brands offer enough runtime to cut a typical city lot. When you’re looking at the specs, I check the voltage and Amp-hour (Ah) rating; a higher number in both generally means longer runtime. It’s also a great idea to choose a mower that uses a battery ecosystem, so you can use the same battery for your string trimmer or blower.
Should I get a mower with a bag or a mulcher?
This is a matter of personal preference, but I strongly prefer a mower that can mulch. Mulching chops the grass clippings into tiny pieces and deposits them back onto the lawn, where they decompose and act as a natural fertilizer. This saves you the work of stopping to empty a bag and is better for your grass health. Most modern mowers offer a 3-in-1 feature: mulch, bag, or side-discharge. For the majority of my cuts on a small lawn, I use the mulching function.
Can I use a push reel mower on my small lawn?
Absolutely! A push reel mower is a brilliant, quiet, and emission-free option for a small, flat lawn. It provides an incredibly clean, scissor-like cut that is great for grass health. The key considerations are that your lawn needs to be relatively flat and you need to be committed to mowing more frequently, as reel mowers struggle with overgrown grass. If you don’t mind the exercise and have a flat yard, it’s one of the best choices you can make. When researching the 10 best lawn mowers for small lawns, you will often find a few quality reel mowers included for this very reason.
What safety features should I look for?
The most important safety feature is a simple one: the dead man’s switch or operator presence control. This is a lever you must hold down for the mower to run; the moment you let go, the blade stops. This prevents the mower from operating unattended if you need to step away briefly. I also make sure the mower has a sturdy, enclosed design that prevents my feet from easily slipping underneath. Always wear closed-toe shoes and safety glasses while mowing, no matter how small the job seems.