6 Best Beginner Lawn Mowers to Buy in 2025

The Litheli U20 Handy+ bursts onto the beginner lawn care scene with surprising muscle for its size, delivering gas-like cutting confidence without the noise or fumes. With a 13-inch cutting deck and 3400RPM motor, this lightweight champion slices through medium-thick grass with ease—perfect for tackling small yards up to 1,300 sq. ft. Its standout feature? The 5-height adjustment system lets users dial in precision cuts from 1 to 2.5 inches, ensuring healthier turf and eliminating that ragged, uneven look new mowers often leave behind. For first-time owners wary of complexity, this model answers the call with simplicity, reliability, and a design that prioritizes user comfort.

In real-world testing, the 4.0Ah Litheli battery consistently powered through suburban front lawns on a single charge, though dense or overgrown grass trimmed runtime by nearly 25%. The mower handles flat, even terrain with confidence, but struggles slightly on inclines over 10 degrees where traction and motor strain become noticeable. At just 24 pounds, it’s easy to push and folds down compactly, making storage in tight garages or sheds a breeze. The 8-gallon grass bag fills quickly in lush conditions, requiring mid-mow emptying—something beginners may not anticipate—but overall, its low vibration and quiet operation make it ideal for weekend warriors who value peace as much as power.

When stacked against the pricier Greenworks 24V or dual-battery YARDCARE models, the Litheli U20 shines as a no-frills entry point with smart engineering. It doesn’t offer mulching or side discharge, limiting versatility, but for new homeowners focused purely on clean, efficient bagging, it hits the sweet spot. The universal battery compatibility across Litheli tools is a hidden gem—turn this mower into a hub for future yard gadgets. While it lacks the torque and deck width of larger models, it delivers better value and user-friendliness than budget corded options, making it a top pick for beginners who want cordless freedom without complexity.

Step into the future of beginner-friendly lawn care with the 2025 YARDCARE 36V brushless mower, a machine engineered to eliminate guesswork and maximize uptime. What sets it apart is the dual 4.0Ah battery system, delivering up to 60 minutes of runtime on low settings—a game-changer for small to medium yards that demand extended cutting without recharging anxiety. The LED digital display is a revelation for novices, showing real-time battery life, speed, and error alerts so you’re never caught off guard mid-mow. Combined with a 3200 RPM brushless motor, this mower runs quietly, efficiently, and with minimal vibration, making it one of the most user-intuitive machines in its class.

On the ground, the YARDCARE proves its mettle across varied terrain. It breezes through standard suburban lawns, handles light dampness well, and transitions smoothly over slight bumps thanks to its robust wheelbase. The 8-gallon grass bag stays effective for up to half an acre under ideal conditions, but taller or wet grass demands frequent dumping. While the 5-position height adjustment (0.98″–2.56″) offers solid flexibility, the deck can clog when mowing wet clippings—requiring a quick pause to clear. Still, the 3-step safety start system ensures kids or pets won’t accidentally fire it up, a thoughtful touch for family-focused households.

Compared to the Greenworks 24V, the YARDCARE trades a bit of raw power for longer runtime and smarter feedback, making it better suited for those who mow weekly and value consistency. It’s heavier than ultra-light models like the RB 9″, but that added weight improves traction and cut quality. For beginners who want a feature-rich, all-in-one cordless system that grows with their yard care ambitions, this mower delivers more intelligence and endurance than similarly priced rivals—especially with both batteries and charger included out of the box.

The Greenworks 24V 13” brushless mower is a masterclass in lightweight efficiency, built for beginners who want gas-level performance without the maintenance nightmare. Its 3550 RPM brushless motor delivers smooth, quiet power that effortlessly cuts through medium-density grass, while the rust-resistant poly deck ensures longevity even in damp climates. What truly elevates this model is its 2-in-1 versatility: switch between rear bagging and mulching modes with simple adjustments, giving new users the freedom to nourish their lawn or keep it pristine. For those just learning lawn care, this flexibility is invaluable—no need to buy a second tool for different seasons.

In real-world use, the 4.0Ah battery reliably powers through up to 30 minutes of continuous mowing, ideal for yards under 1,000 sq. ft. The mower excels on flat, well-maintained lawns and is incredibly easy to push, thanks to its ultra-light chassis and ergonomic handle. However, when grass exceeds 4 inches or is wet, the motor slows and the bag clogs faster than sturdier models. The single-lever 5-position height adjustment is intuitive and fast—perfect for beginners who want to adapt on the fly—but lacks the fine-tuned range of premium competitors. Still, its instant start and zero emissions make it a joy for eco-conscious new homeowners.

Against the Litheli U20, the Greenworks offers superior motor efficiency and mulching capability, though with slightly shorter runtime and higher price. It’s lighter than the YARDCARE but lacks dual batteries, making it better for quick, frequent mows rather than weekend overhauls. For first-time buyers who prioritize low maintenance, clean operation, and long-term durability, this mower sets a high bar. It doesn’t have flashy tech like an LED screen, but it delivers better cutting versatility and smoother performance than most entry-level models.

The BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM redefines budget-friendly lawn care with a 3-in-1 wonder tool that packs mower, trimmer, and edger into one ultra-light 9.9-pound body—a dream for beginners with limited storage and small yards. Its 8000 RPM motor delivers sharp, precise cuts for edging sidewalks and cleaning tight corners, outperforming many standalone trimmers in its class. The automatic feed spool means no bumping to extend the line, saving time and frustration for novice users still mastering their rhythm. And with unlimited runtime from corded power, it never quits mid-job—a major advantage over battery-limited models when tackling overgrown patches.

In practice, the 12-inch cutting width limits coverage, making it best for tiny yards under 500 sq. ft—pushing it beyond that feels tedious. It handles short, dry grass well but bogs down in thick or tall growth, where the plastic blade guard can flex and reduce efficiency. The 1.6-inch cutting height is fixed, so you can’t customize lawn length, which may frustrate users wanting seasonal control. Still, the adjustable handle improves comfort, and the cord retention system prevents accidental unplugs—small touches that matter for beginners still learning proper technique.

Compared to cordless rivals like the Litheli or Greenworks, this BLACK+DECKER sacrifices deck size and height adjustability for affordability and multi-functionality. It’s not a full-time mower replacement, but an excellent starter combo for renters or condo owners who need occasional tidy-ups. While it can’t match the clean finish of a dedicated mower, it offers unbeatable versatility at the lowest price point, letting beginners build confidence before investing in larger equipment.

The Litheli 16-inch coreless mower is a game-changer for small-yard beginners, combining wide-deck efficiency with serious runtime in a surprisingly portable package. With a 16-inch cutting width, it covers up to 2,700 sq. ft. per charge—more than double the range of most entry-level mowers—making weekly mows faster and less taxing. The 6-position height adjustment (0.98″–2.98″) gives unmatched control for seasonal changes, letting users promote root health with taller cuts in summer or keep things tight in spring. Paired with a durable 16-inch deck and high-efficiency coreless motor, this mower slices through grass with minimal resistance and noise, offering a premium feel at a mid-tier price.

Field testing reveals strong performance on flat to gently rolling lawns, with the dual 4.0Ah batteries providing 30 minutes of continuous runtime each—swap one in while the other charges for near-uninterrupted mowing. The mower handles moderate grass density well, though extremely wet or tangled grass can cause minor clogging, requiring a quick deck cleanout. At 28 pounds, it’s still manageable for most users, and the folding handle with carry grip makes storage in apartments or sheds effortless. The universal Litheli battery ecosystem adds long-term value, letting users expand into blowers or trimmers later.

When compared to the YARDCARE 36V, the Litheli offers wider cutting and similar battery tech at a lower price, though without the smart LED display. Against the Greenworks, it delivers greater coverage and longer runtime, but lacks mulching functionality. For beginners with larger small yards (up to 1/4 acre), this mower strikes a rare balance: wide enough to be efficient, light enough to be friendly, and smart enough to grow with you. It’s the best pick for those who want more power and range without stepping into pro-level complexity.

The RB 9-inch cordless mower reimagines compact lawn care with a space-saving powerhouse built for ultra-small yards, patios, and tight urban spaces. Its 6000RPM brushless motor delivers razor-sharp cutting precision, mulching grass so finely it acts like natural fertilizer—ideal for maintaining a lush, healthy lawn without bagging. Weighing just 11.5 pounds (without battery), it’s the lightest in the lineup, and its one-hand steering and pivoting front wheel make maneuvering around flower beds, trees, and garden furniture effortless. For beginners intimidated by bulky machines, this mower feels more like a precision tool than a chore.

In real-world use, it excels in yards under 540 sq. ft., such as townhouse lawns or backyard nooks, where its 30+ minute runtime easily covers the area. The 3 cutting heights (1.2″–2″) are preset and adequate for standard turf, though not as adjustable as models with 5–6 settings. The auto-shutoff tilt safety feature prevents operation at dangerous angles, enhancing safety on uneven ground. Its detachable aluminum handle and upright storage save up to 70% space, perfect for closets or balconies—something larger mowers can’t match.

Against the BLACK+DECKER 3-in-1, the RB trades multi-functionality for superior mowing precision and modern safety tech. It’s not meant to replace a full-size mower, but for beginners with tiny lawns who value minimalist design and effortless storage, it’s unmatched. While it lacks the deck width of 13”+ models, it delivers the quietest, most agile, and safest mowing experience in the entry-level segment—making it the ultimate starter mower for compact living.