9 Best Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mowers Under $400 (2025 Guide)

Punchy and precise, the YARDMAX 22-inch RWD stands out with a 201cc engine, a 6-speed CVT Select PACE drive, and MaxFlow volute-spiral deck that boosts mulching airflow. The high-wheel setup (8′ front/11′ rear) and rubber tires with spike tread bite into slopes and ruts, solving traction issues that stall smaller mowers. A 16-gauge stamped, one-piece steel deck cuts vibration while the deck cleanout port makes washdown quick after wet clippings.

In testing across flat, sloped, and uneven yards, the rear-wheel drive and CVT let you dial speed to match your stride—handy when shifting from trimmed fescue to thick patches. The 22-inch deck clears more in fewer passes, and 7 height settings (1.38–3.55 in.) accommodate seasonal shifts without scalping. It mulches cleanly and bags effectively; only very tall, damp grass can slow the blade until you step down a gear.

Compared with the PowerSmart 22-inch 170cc RWD model, the YARDMAX’s CVT offers finer speed control and its spike-tread tires deliver superior grip on hills. Versus the SENIX LSSG-H2, the YARDMAX’s more robust drivetrain and deck feel built for tougher terrain. Ideal for homeowners who want best overall control and cut quality under the budget cap, it delivers a feature set that feels a tier above the PowerSmart budget pick while maintaining better traction and refinement.

Compact yet capable, the PowerSmart 21-inch pairs a 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine with rear-wheel drive and 10-inch rear wheels for reliable traction at a wallet-friendly tier. The 3-in-1 system transitions easily from bagging to mulching to rear discharge, and the single-lever height adjust (1.5–3.9 in.) streamlines seasonal changes. It’s a straightforward, best budget friendly pick that solves the ‘stalls on thicker grass’ problem common to cheaper mowers.

In real use on medium yards, the 21-inch steel deck reduces passes while staying nimble around trees and beds. The B&S engine starts consistently and keeps blade RPM stable on typical suburban turf; on soggy or overgrown sections, expect to slow your pace. RWD propulsion helps on mild slopes, though it’s not as planted as high-wheel designs when cross-cutting uneven ground.

Against the YARDMAX 22-inch, this PowerSmart trades finer speed control and heavier-duty build for lighter handling and simpler operation. The SENIX LSSG-M9 has similar power but adds front-wheel drive; the PowerSmart’s RWD gives better uphill traction. Ideal for value seekers mowing weekly on small to medium lawns, it brings more capability than many entry options while staying leaner on features than the YARDMAX.

The SENIX LSSG-H2 leans into efficiency with a 22-inch deck and a 163cc Briggs & Stratton EXi675 engine that’s eager off the line. Its variable-speed self-propel and RWD design provide steady pacing across uneven yards, while a 19-gallon bagger and 3-in-1 deck expand clipping management. The single-lever 6-position height adjust (1.25–4 in.) gives more headroom for longer spring growth.

On mixed yards with rough patches, the 8′ front/11′ rear wheels stabilize turns and maintain traction, and the washout port simplifies cleanup. It mulches cleanly and bags efficiently; the large bag reduces dump runs but adds weight when full. In wet, tall grass, the EXi675 holds RPM well, though you may need to notch down speed to maintain cut quality.

Compared with the PowerSmart 22-inch 170cc model, the SENIX offers competitive cut width with a slightly smoother, name-brand engine feel. Against the YARDMAX, it lacks the CVT Select PACE precision and aggressive tire tread but counters with a taller max cut height and large-capacity bagger. It’s the best wide cut value for homeowners who want a 22-inch deck and reliable B&S power without overspending; feature-for-feature, it sits between the budget PowerSmart and the more premium-feeling YARDMAX.

This PowerSmart 22-inch blends a 150cc Briggs & Stratton EX625 with rear-wheel drive and a wide deck to cover ground quickly without losing finesse. The heavy-duty blade leaves ultra-fine clippings that boost mulching, and the 6-position height range (1.5–3.9 in.) fits most cool- and warm-season grasses. Tool-free assembly and an easy-empty 1.4-bushel bag reduce setup and maintenance friction.

In field use, it performs evenly on thick turf, delivering a clean cut in a single pass more often than peers in this range. RWD improves control on inclines and uneven sections, though very steep slopes still require effort. Wet, tall grass benefits from mulching off to rear discharge to maintain momentum.

Compared with the budget 21-inch PowerSmart, this model brings more deck width and stronger mulching while retaining simple controls. Against the YARDMAX, it skips a CVT drive and aggressive tires but stays lighter and easier to wrangle in tight spaces. For buyers wanting a mid-range performer under the cap, it hits a sweet spot of power, deck size, and usability superior to the budget 21-inch PowerSmart.

The SENIX LSSG-M9 strikes a nimble balance with a 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine and front-wheel drive that’s light on turns and pivots. A 21-inch steel deck supports 3-in-1 cutting, and the dual-lever 6-position height adjust (1.25–3.75 in.) helps dial in tidy turf. It’s designed for small to medium yards, delivering easy starts and comfortable ergonomics.

On flat and gently sloped lawns, FWD propulsion keeps things moving, especially when bagging; lift the handle slightly and it rotates around landscaping with precision. Traction is adequate on modest inclines, though FWD can slip if the front wheels unweight on hills. The included 16-gallon bagger is lighter to carry but fills faster than larger options.

Against the PowerSmart 21-inch RWD, the SENIX is more maneuverable in tight spaces but less planted uphill. Compared with the YARDMAX, it’s simpler and lighter but doesn’t match CVT control or high-traction tires. It’s a great pick for homeowners who prioritize agility and easy handling over hill-climbing muscle, offering a friendlier experience than the heavier 22-inch class.

Built to chew through tall turf, this PowerSmart 22-inch packs a 170cc OHV engine with auto choke and recoil start for consistent power. The single-speed RWD holds pace at roughly 3.5–4.1 km/h, ideal for half-acre coverage with fewer passes. Its fine-cut steel deck and heavy-duty blade produce small clippings that mulch cleanly or bag efficiently with the 1.4-bushel catcher.

On thicker, damp grass, it maintains blade speed better than most 140–150cc competitors, reducing the need for follow-up passes. The 6-position height range (1.5–3.9 in.) covers common turf types, and the foldable design eases storage. Limitations include less control on slopes due to single-speed drive and standard tires that can spin on wet inclines.

Compared with the YARDMAX’s CVT, this unit trades adjustable pacing for brute power and a simplified drive. Versus the SENIX LSSG-H2, it offers similar deck width but a stronger engine feel in heavy growth. Best for users tackling thick grass where motor torque matters, it brings more cutting authority than the budget PowerSmart while costing less in features than the YARDMAX.

This 21-inch PowerSmart leans on a 140cc B&S engine and rear-wheel drive with 10-inch wheels to deliver dependable traction on uneven terrain. The heavy-duty steel deck and 3-in-1 cutting cover the basics well, while the single-lever height control (1.5–3.9 in.) keeps adjustments fast. It’s a straightforward choice for slopes & traction without extra frills.

In use on rolling yards, the RWD keeps the nose tracking even when bagging, and cut lines stay consistent with fewer clumps when conditions are dry. On wet spring mornings, it performs best with rear discharge to maintain stride. Maneuverability is solid for a 21-inch frame, though not as nimble as FWD models around tight beds.

Compared with the SENIX LSSG-M9, this PowerSmart climbs better thanks to RWD and larger rear wheels; the SENIX turns more sharply. Against the YARDMAX, it lacks CVT finesse and high-traction tires but is lighter and simpler to handle. For homeowners prioritizing traction on slopes at the budget end, it’s more confidence-inspiring than many front-drive alternatives in this class.

Surprisingly spry, this 20-inch self-propelled mower brings a 141cc engine, RWD variable speed (6-step, 0.5–4 mph), and a compact deck that slips where 21–22 inch units can’t. The 16-gauge stamped steel deck with a cleanout port and volute-spiral airflow boosts mulching in a smaller chassis. 7-level height adjust and 8’/11′ spike-tread rubber tires deliver control across flat, sloped, and uneven turf.

In tight urban yards or gated side strips, the 20-inch deck trims close and reduces snagging on beds and edging. Traction from the deep-tread tires is excellent on wet grass, and the low-profile housing resists scalping on bumps. It’s lightweight and easy to store (folds to roughly 39 x 22), though the narrower deck increases passes on larger lawns.

Versus the PowerSmart 21-inch budget model, this mower wins on traction, variable speed, and storage, but gives up cutting width. Against the YARDMAX, it lacks a 201cc engine and heavy-duty heft yet remains more maneuverable for small plots. It’s the best lightweight pick for users who want controlled pace and confident grip in tight spaces under the spending cap.

The AMERISUN 21-inch feels purpose-built for convenience, pairing a 170cc OHV engine with forced-air cooling for sustained output in heavy grass. A durable 21-inch steel deck, 3-in-1 clipping management, and 6-position height adjust (1.5–3.9 in.) cover core needs, while foldable, ergonomic handles make storage and setup painless. It’s a tidy solution for owners who want fast assembly and minimal fuss.

On real lawns, the 170cc engine holds RPM when mulching thick spring growth, and the 1.4-bushel bagger empties quickly without clogging. The 7′ front/10′ rear wheels track smoothly over uneven patches; switching to side discharge helps when grass is wet or overgrown. It’s stable and predictable, though the tires aren’t as aggressive as high-traction designs on steep slopes.

Compared with the PowerSmart 21-inch RWD, AMERISUN matches engine muscle and ups the ease-of-use factor with cooling and user-friendly design. Against the YARDMAX, it’s simpler and more compact, but lacks CVT precision and heavy-duty deck feel. For buyers prioritizing easy storage & setup while still needing strong cutting performance, it offers a compelling balance below premium-feature models.