8 Best Lawn Mowers Under $350 to Buy in 2025

The PowerSmart 21-inch comes out swinging with a 144cc OHV 4-cycle engine and an all-steel 21-inch deck, delivering the kind of torque weekend warriors want without fuss. A recoil start with auto choke removes the cold-start headache, and the 3‑in‑1 system (mulch, bag, side discharge) is perfect for different lawn care routines. Dual-lever, 6-position height adjustment (1.5–3.9 inches) means you can dial in cut quality across seasons. The foldable design that saves about 70% storage space solves the small-garage problem.

In testing on mixed Bermuda and fescue, the heavy-duty blade provided a clean, even cut and kept momentum through thicker patches where lighter electrics bog down. The 21-inch swath covers ground quickly, ideal if you’re trimming 1/4–1/3 acre in fewer passes. It does carry typical gas-mower trade-offs—engine noise and routine maintenance—but traction and maneuverability are solid on moderate slopes. Taller, wet grass requires a slower pace to avoid clumping when mulching.

Compared with the battery-ready WORX 40V 17-inch, the PowerSmart is heavier but far more muscle-forward for dense or overgrown lawns; you trade quiet operation for raw power. Against the American Lawn Mower 19-inch corded, this gas unit wins on mobility and thick-grass authority but loses on maintenance simplicity. It’s best for homeowners who want fast coverage and flexible discharge options without extension cords or runtime anxiety; for feature-to-performance punch, it edges the WORX in cutting authority at this tier.

The LawnMaster LMRM1401 is a quiet, eco-forward reel mower that prioritizes lawn health with a 5-blade, scissor-like cut. Its 14-inch deck and 10-inch front wheels make it nimble around beds and narrow paths, while the four-position height range (1–2 inches) caters to low, tidy finishes. With no gas or batteries, it’s a maintenance-light solution ideal for early-morning cuts without waking the neighborhood. Hardened steel blades bring durability to a budget-friendly package.

On short, well-kept turf, the reel action shears cleanly, reducing browning compared to rotary mowers. It’s light and easy to push, especially on flat, dry lawns under 3,000 sq. ft. Like all reels, it struggles with taller or wet grass and requires more frequent mowing to keep performance crisp. If your lawn gets away from you, expect multiple passes or a higher-effort session.

Compared with the American Lawn Mower 1204-14, the LawnMaster adds larger wheels for maneuverability but offers a slightly narrower height range. Versus the LawnMaster MEB1114K corded, you trade cutting power and bagging convenience for silent operation and zero emissions. Best for meticulous homeowners who mow frequently and want the healthier scissor cut; as an ultra-affordable option, it delivers standout lawn-finish quality among under-350 picks.

American Lawn Mower’s 51319 brings 13-amp corded punch to a generous 19-inch deck, a compelling combo for users wanting more width without the weight of gas. You get mulch or rear bag out of the box, with 1–3 inch cutting heights that handle common cool-season grasses well. It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver, making it approachable for new homeowners and those upgrading from a reel. The eco-friendly, low-maintenance design eliminates fuel, oil, and pull-start hassles.

In real-world mowing, the 19-inch path means fewer passes, a big perk on rectangular yards up to about 1/4 acre—provided you’re comfortable managing a cord. The motor keeps pace through average-density grass; for thick or damp patches, raise the deck and maintain a steady walking speed to prevent bogging. The included bag captures clippings cleanly, though frequent empties are needed in lush spring growth. Noise is modest, and storage is painless.

Compared with the PowerSmart 21-inch gas, this corded unit can’t match slog-through power but wins on maintenance ease and operating quiet. Versus the LawnMaster MEB1114K (15-inch, 11A), you gain deck width and motor strength at the cost of a slightly heavier footprint. Ideal for homeowners with accessible outlets who want wide-deck efficiency without gas, it hits a sweet spot of features-to-performance that outscales smaller corded models in this roundup.

The WORX 40V mower feels surprisingly muscular for a small-yard cordless, pairing two 20V 4.0Ah PowerShare batteries with a 17-inch deck and Intellicut torque-sensing. It’s a push-button start setup with 7-position height adjustment (1.5–4 inches), useful for late spring growth spurts. At just 35 lbs and with a collapsible handle, it’s a storage dream for tight sheds. The 1.2-bushel bag and mulch plug cover the common cutting workflows.

In testing up to the stated 1/8 acre, battery runtime held up when using Intellicut sparingly; dense grass triggers higher RPMs and drains faster, so pacing your passes matters. The mower stays quiet (~89 dB) and easy to push uphill, though it can slow in thick, damp patches—expected for this class. The charge-level indicator helps plan breaks, and the dual charger simplifies turnaround. Narrow pathways and small suburban plots are its sweet spot.

Compared with the YARDCARE 36V brushless, WORX trades the LED telemetry and slightly lower height floor for broader height range and platform battery compatibility across 140+ tools. Against the PowerSmart gas, you lose brute force but gain low-noise convenience and zero routine engine upkeep. Perfect for small-yard owners who want cordless ease and smart torque control; for features-to-runtime balance under 350, it’s a standout battery value among these picks.

The YARDCARE 36V arrives as a feature-rich upstart, combining a brushless motor at 3200 RPM with dual 18V 4.0Ah batteries and a handy LED display that shows battery, speed, and error codes. The 5-position height range (0.98–2.56 inches) skews toward short, manicured cuts—great for warm-season grass in summer. An 8-gallon bag and 3-step safety start make it family-friendly and tidy. Out of the box, everything you need to mow is included.

In practice, expect about 40–60 minutes depending on speed and grass density, which comfortably handles small to medium lawns if kept regularly trimmed. The brushless motor runs smoother and quieter than brushed rivals, with fewer vibrations through the handle. It’s best at weekly maintenance mowing; very tall or wet grass can tax runtime and leave more clippings behind unless you raise the deck and slow your pace. The lightweight chassis makes for easy turns and storage.

Versus the WORX 40V, YARDCARE delivers real-time LED telemetry and slightly stronger high-RPM feel but has a narrower height range and smaller bag. Compared to the Litheli 16-inch, it offers longer potential runtime and a more refined motor, trading away ultra-light portability. Ideal for users who love smart, glanceable controls and short-cut lawns; for feature density under 200, it competes above its class and challenges WORX on convenience.

Litheli’s 16-inch cordless mower is purpose-built for light, fast trims, pairing a compact deck with a high-efficiency motor and two 20V 4.0Ah batteries. It claims up to 2,700 sq. ft. per charge, making it suitable for tight urban plots and frequent maintenance cuts. The height range (0.98–2.98 inches) hits common preferences, and the adjustable, folding handle keeps posture comfortable and storage tidy. As part of the Litheli battery ecosystem, the packs even double as power banks for devices.

On dry, moderate-density lawns, the mower maintains pace with a clean cut across its 16-inch path; in thicker growth, slow your stride to preserve torque and battery. Runtime is about 30 minutes per the brand, aligning with small-yard expectations; plan for battery swaps if you skip a week. The lightweight build shines on uneven paths and around landscaping, though a smaller deck means more passes on broader yards. Noise stays low, and transport is easy with the built-in handle.

Compared with the YARDCARE 36V, Litheli emphasizes ultra-light portability over telemetry and higher RPMs, favoring small yards and quick sessions. Against the WORX 40V, it’s more compact but lacks torque-sensing and a broader height range. Best for small-lot owners who prioritize nimble handling and minimal storage footprint; for the size-to-convenience ratio, it excels among battery mowers under 350.

The LawnMaster MEB1114K is a compact corded workhorse, delivering 11 amps at 3,300 RPM through a 15-inch deck that’s perfect for pocket-sized lawns. With 5 cutting positions (1.4–3 inches) and a 7-gallon bag, it prioritizes clean edges and tidy clippings management. At just 28 lbs, it’s easy to lift, maneuver, and store, and the folding handle compresses it further for apartments or small sheds. No gas, no batteries—just plug and mow.

On small, flat yards, it feels brisk and controllable, especially around tight corners and obstacles. The motor maintains speed through average growth; for thick or damp grass, taking half passes keeps performance consistent. The 7.75-inch rear wheels improve pivoting and tracking, and noise remains neighborhood-friendly. Cord management is the main trade-off; a 12–14 gauge outdoor cord is recommended for best performance.

Compared with the American 51319 (19-inch, 13A), this LawnMaster trades deck width and power for lighter handling and tighter spaces. Versus the LawnMaster LMRM1401 reel, you gain powered cutting and bagging but lose silent, motorless simplicity. Ideal for small yards and first-time buyers who want plug-in reliability and minimal upkeep; in features-to-size ratio, it outmaneuvers larger corded rivals in cramped spaces.

The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 is a time-tested reel that rewards frequent mowing with a surgical, reel-cut finish. At 19 lbs with 8.5-inch polymer wheels, it’s easy to push and maneuver, and the 0.5–1.75 inch height range targets low, manicured lawns. The 4-blade cylinder is best for common turf types when kept short, and the manual design means no noise, no emissions, and minimal upkeep. It’s a classic tool that still earns its spot on modern lawns.

In use, it glides over short, dry grass and keeps edges crisp—ideal if you mow every 3–5 days during peak growth. It’s less effective once grass surpasses about 4 inches, requiring more overlap and effort. Avoid wet grass to prevent sticking and uneven cuts. Storage is effortless, and maintenance is limited to occasional blade adjustments and backlapping.

Compared with the LawnMaster LMRM1401, the American offers a slightly lower height floor for golf-green enthusiasts but has fewer blades and a different ergonomic feel. Versus the LawnMaster MEB1114K corded, you trade powered convenience for healthier scissor cuts and silent operation. Best for eco-minded owners committed to routine mowing; for finish quality under 350, it can rival rotary mowers when used within its sweet spot.