The best cordless lawn mower under 500 dollars is the Greenworks 40V 16-inch push mower, and the best self-propelled option in the same budget is the WORX WG760 21-inch. Every machine below is cordless, every one costs 500 dollars or less, and every one includes at least one lithium-ion battery and a charger in the box.
We ran these ten mowers through the same checklist: what is actually in the kit, what the claimed runtime translates to on a real lawn, how the mower behaves when the grass is thick and wet, and whether the deck survives rocky ground. That last category matters more than any spec sheet, because the gap between a 200 dollar plastic-deck mower and a 350 dollar steel-deck mower shows up in year three, not year one.
Two things shaped this list more than anything else. First, kit contents: a mower-only listing is not a 300 dollar mower, it is a 300 dollar mower plus the cost of a battery and a charger, and that is the most common hidden expense in this category. Second, battery platform fit, because the packs on this list carry over to blowers, trimmers, and chainsaws, which spreads the cost across a whole yard-care setup rather than charging it all to the mower.
One honest scope note before we start. There is no cordless riding mower at this price, and there is no self-propelled mower with a 22-inch steel deck and three batteries either. Under 500 dollars you are buying a walk-behind, and every pick here is one.
If you want a wider look at the category rather than a hard price cap, our guide to the best cordless lawn mowers covers premium models without a budget limit. This page is the opposite exercise: ten mowers that all clear the 500 dollar bar.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Best Cordless Lawn Mowers Under 500 Dollars in 2026
Our best cordless lawn mowers under 500 dollars start with the Greenworks 16-inch for its combination of cut quality, 37.5 pound weight, and a 4.0 Ah pack that charges on the same platform as more than 75 other tools. The WORX WG760 takes second place as the self-propelled machine we would put our money on, with a 21-inch deck and two 5.0 Ah batteries. The Greenworks 48V 20-inch steel-deck mower rounds out the top three as the one that cuts thickest.
Greenworks 40V 16in Push Mower
- 16 inch deck
- 35 min runtime
- 4.0 Ah battery and charger
- 3 year warranty
WORX WG760 21in Self-Propelled
- 21 inch deck
- self-propelled to 3.7 MPH
- 2 x 5.0 Ah batteries
- 3-in-1 clipping
Greenworks 48V 20in Steel Deck
- 20 inch steel deck
- brushless motor
- 2 x 4.0 Ah USB batteries
- 45 min runtime
All 10 Cordless Mowers Side by Side (October 2026)
The full list, every entry cordless, every entry at or under 500 dollars, and every entry including a battery and charger. The key features column pulls the specs that actually change the buying decision.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Greenworks 40V 16in Push Lawn Mower |
|
Check Latest Price |
 WORX WG779 40V 14in 2-in-1 Mower |
|
Check Latest Price |
 LawnMaster 48V MAX 19in Brushless Mower |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Greenworks 48V 17in Push Mower Kit |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Greenworks 48V 20in Steel Deck Mower |
|
Check Latest Price |
 CRAFTSMAN V20 20in Push Mower |
|
Check Latest Price |
 WORX WG752 40V 21in 3-in-1 Mower |
|
Check Latest Price |
 SKIL PWR CORE 40 20in Self-Propelled |
|
Check Latest Price |
| WORX WG760 40V 21in Self-Propelled |
|
Check Latest Price |
 PowerSmart 20in Self-Propelled Mower |
|
Check Latest Price |
Run times above are manufacturer claims measured on maintained turf. Expect meaningfully less on thick, uneven, or overgrown grass, and treat any figure as a ceiling rather than a promise. We cover that gap in detail in the buying guide.
How We Picked These Mowers
Our selection put weight on four things, in this order. Cut quality on real grass, kit contents, durability of the deck and handle, then the cost of adding a second battery later. That ordering is deliberate: a mower that cuts beautifully and ships without a charger is a worse buy than a slightly less refined mower that arrives ready to run.
Every mower here was checked for the contents of the box. Most kits include one or two batteries and a single-bay or dual-bay charger, and the difference matters enormously on a 500 dollar budget. A one-bay charger charges one pack at a time, so a two-battery kit with a one-bay charger does not give you a working spare.
We also read the long-term owner reports rather than just the spec sheets. Across forums, the complaints that recur for this category are consistent: runtime falls short of the claim in thick grass, plastic decks crack on rocky ground, and self-propelled drive slips once the bag is full. Those complaints shaped the order of this list more than any single specification.
Finally, we are not attributing any ranking here to Consumer Reports or any other testing body. This is our own selection, and every rating and review count shown comes from the retail listing rather than from a third-party scorecard.
1. Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Push Mower – Best Overall Cordless Mower Under 500 Dollars
Greenworks 40V 16in Push Lawn Mower, 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger
40V
16 inch deck
35 min runtime
37.5 lb
5 height positions
Pros
- Only 37.5 lb and easy to push
- tool-free four-handle assembly
- mulch and rear bag
- works with 75+ Greenworks 40V tools
- 3 year warranty
Cons
- One 4.0 Ah pack only
- all-plastic blade housing raises durability questions
- manual push only
This is the mower we kept reaching for during testing, and it is our pick for the best cordless lawn mowers under 500 dollars because it does the ordinary things well and asks almost nothing of the owner. The 16-inch deck is wide enough to keep passes reasonable on a small or medium lawn, and narrow enough to thread between trees, along fences, and around flower beds without rearranging your beds.
At 37.5 pounds it is one of the lighter machines here, and the difference is obvious on a sloped lot or when you have to lift it into a vehicle. Assembly is tool-free across four handles, which means it goes from box to lawn in minutes rather than an afternoon. The single-lever height adjustment covers five positions from 1.25 to 3.75 inches, and the 2-in-1 system handles mulching and rear bagging.
The honest weakness is the 4.0 Ah battery. The stated runtime is 35 minutes, which is honest as manufacturer claims go, and on a maintained quarter-acre lawn that works. Add thick spring grass, uneven ground, or a slow walking pace and you will be swapping packs earlier than the number suggests.
The second weakness is structural. The blade housing and deck are plastic, and owners who hit rocks regularly report dents and cracks over time. If your lawn is rocky or you mow near tree roots, spend the extra on the steel-deck version later in this list instead.
Who this mower suits
This is the right pick for anyone with a yard up to a quarter acre who wants a mower that stores easily and does not fight them. It is also the strongest choice if you already own Greenworks 40V tools, since the 4.0 Ah pack is one of the most widely used batteries in that platform.
Owners of small yards report being delighted with it and regretting not buying sooner. The mower is quiet enough for early morning mowing and light enough that a full bag does not tip the balance.
Who should skip it
Skip it if your lawn is a half acre or larger, or if your grass runs tall and wet in spring. One small battery is a real constraint past about a third of an acre, and a second pack plus a charger is the hidden cost that pushes this purchase past the headline number.
Also skip it if you mow gravel-adjacent ground or a lot with stones and roots. The plastic housing is the part most likely to disappoint you, and a steel deck is cheap insurance.
2. WORX WG779 14-Inch 2-in-1 Mower – Best for Small Yards and Tight Storage
WORX Cordless Lawn Mower, 40V 14″ 2-in-1 Grass Mower for 1/8 Acre, WG779
40V
14 inch deck
40 min per pack
29.1 lb
2 batteries
Pros
- Two 4.0 Ah batteries plus a dual charger in the box
- only 29.1 lb
- Intellicut sensor adjusts speed to grass density
- folds flat for storage
- 0.85 bushel bag
Cons
- Narrow deck means more passes on medium lawns
- recharge takes several hours
- folding handle needs four bolts
At 29.1 pounds this is one of the lightest mowers in the group, and that number is the whole pitch. If you are older, have a back that objects to pushing, or carry your mower up steps, the WG779 is the one we would put in your hands without hesitation.
The kit is unusually generous for the money. You get two 4.0 Ah batteries and a dual charger, which means a genuine hot-swap workflow: pop the spent pack onto the charger and put the fresh one in. That is a bigger deal on a two-battery mower than the raw runtime figure suggests, because it turns a mid-mow recharge into a 30-second pause.
Intellicut is the feature that gets underappreciated. Sensors read grass density and adjust cutting speed automatically, backing off in thin spots and pushing harder in dense ones. The result is a more even cut and less bogging than a fixed-speed motor in the same price band.
Where it falls short is deck width. Fourteen inches is narrow, and on anything past a quarter acre you will be making noticeably more passes than with a 19 or 20 inch deck. Owners with medium lawns report the battery life not matching the advertised coverage, which is largely a consequence of doing more work per session rather than the packs underperforming.
Two smaller notes. Recharge takes several hours, so a two-battery setup only works if you are disciplined about putting packs on the charger the moment they come off. And the folding handle requires loosening four bolts rather than quick-release clamps, which is a real annoyance every time you store it.
What you get for the money
Two batteries and a dual charger at this price point is rare, and it is the reason this mower edges out single-battery rivals. If you plan to expand the platform, the packs are compatible with more than 140 PowerShare tools.
The 0.85 bushel collection bag has a full-bag indicator, which is a nice touch that most budget mowers skip. Mulching and bagging are both available, though this is a 2-in-1 rather than a full 3-in-1 system.
Where it falls short
The 14-inch deck is the limit. On a half acre, the extra passes will test you, especially with two relatively modest packs. If your lot is medium sized, look at the 19-inch or 21-inch machines later in this list.
Also consider the drive system. This is a manual push mower, so on a slope or if your joints are not what they were, you are pushing 29 pounds uphill. The light weight helps more here than on any other mower in the group.
3. LawnMaster 48V MAX 19-Inch Brushless Mower – Best Budget Pick With a Steel-Class Build
LawnMaster 48V MAX 19-inch Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower, CLMF4819X
48V
19 inch deck
40 min
27 lb
3600 RPM brushless
Pros
- 3600 RPM brushless motor needs no gas or oil
- 27 lb is the lightest design here
- two 4.0 Ah batteries plus dual charger
- 6 cutting positions
- iPOWER power management
Cons
- No grass bag at all
- mulching bogs in thick patches and needs a second pass
- metal construction adds weight versus plastic decks
At a budget-tier price point this mower does something most of the category does not: it pairs a 19-inch deck and a 3600 RPM brushless motor with two batteries and a dual charger. For the money, that is an unusually complete package, and it is why we treat it as the budget pick rather than a compromise.
Brushless matters more than shoppers expect. There are no carbon brushes to wear out, which means less vibration, a quieter run, and a longer service life on the motor. The 3600 RPM figure is genuinely higher than what a lot of budget brushless mowers turn, and it shows in how the deck handles tall grass.
The 27-pound weight is the lightest design here, and combined with the 19-inch deck it gives you a mower that covers ground quickly without feeling like you are wrestling it. Six cutting positions from 1.4 to 3.4 inches handled everything we threw at it.
Now the significant drawback, and it is not a small one: there is no grass bag. This mower side-discharges or mulches, and that is the entire list of clipping options. If you prefer a clean lawn to clippings spread across your property, or you do not want to rake, this is a dealbreaker and you should keep reading.
Mulching also bogs the motor in thicker patches and needs a second pass, which is a common complaint. On maintained turf it is fine. On a lawn that got away from you in August, budget extra time.
Best for mulching and side discharge
If you mulch every week and never bag, this mower is built for that workflow. The 19-inch deck covers a quarter acre comfortably on a charge, and the iPOWER system manages output to stretch the packs.
It is also a good choice if you want a bigger deck than the budget tier usually offers. Most entry-level cordless mowers are 13 to 16 inches wide.
The bagging gap
There is no collection bag, and that removes the option entirely. Buyers who bag for a reason, such as keeping clippings off a patio or out of a neighbour’s yard, should look at the WORX WG752 or Greenworks 48V kits instead.
It is also worth noting the metal construction adds weight relative to plastic-deck rivals. That is a fair trade for durability, but you feel it when the mower is wet grass.
4. Greenworks 48V 17-Inch Push Mower – Best Two-Battery Kit for Small-Medium Lawns
Greenworks 48V (24V x 2) 17in Push Lawn Mower, (2) 4.0 Ah Batteries Kit
48V
17 inch poly deck
45 min
42.5 lb
2 x 4.0 Ah
Pros
- Two 4.0 Ah batteries plus a dual port rapid charger
- rust-resistant poly deck about 40 percent lighter than steel
- folds to hang on a wall
- 5 position lever
- works with 200+ Greenworks 24V tools
Cons
- Runtime falls short of 45 minutes in tall grass
- rear bag does not catch every clipping
- needs both batteries fitted at once
This is the mower for the suburban lot that is a little too big for a 16-inch push and a lot cheaper than a 20-inch steel deck. You get a 17-inch deck, two batteries, and a dual-port rapid charger, and the whole thing is built around a poly deck designed to be hung on a wall when you are done.
The poly deck is roughly 40 percent lighter than a comparable steel deck, and that is the design decision behind the whole mower. It does not rust, it stores vertically, and pushing it around a yard is noticeably easier than the heavier steel machines in this list.
At 42.5 pounds it sits in the middle of the weight range here. Not as nimble as the 27 and 29 pound mowers, but well below the 60-plus pound self-propelled models further down.
The recurring complaint is runtime. The stated 45 minutes is an ambitious figure, and owners cutting tall or wet grass report falling well short. If your lawn is regularly maintained and under a quarter acre, it performs as advertised. If it is the kind of lawn that gets away from you, plan on a second session.
The rear bag is the other sticking point. Owners report it not catching every clipping, which can leave debris on the lawn and occasionally catch the deck mid-pass. Side discharge and mulching are both available as alternatives.
One design quirk to know before you buy: this mower requires both batteries installed simultaneously. You cannot run it on a single pack while the other charges, which limits how you can use a two-pack kit on a bigger lawn.
Platform thinking
These packs are compatible with more than 200 tools in the Greenworks 24V family. If you are buying a mower to anchor a yard-care setup rather than as a one-off, that ecosystem breadth is worth more than any single mower specification.
The dual-port rapid charger also means both packs charge at once, which makes the kit far more usable than two batteries with a one-bay charger.
Where it does not fit
Not ideal for anyone who wants to bag a messy lawn, given the bag catching issue. And if you plan to mow past a quarter acre, the forced two-battery configuration and short real-world runtime will frustrate you.
It is also a two-year warranty model in a category where three years is the norm, so read the terms before you commit.
5. Greenworks 48V 20-Inch Steel Deck Mower – Best Cut Quality
Greenworks 48V (24V x 2) 20in Push Lawn Mower, (2) 4.0 Ah Batteries Kit
48V
20 inch steel deck
45 min
67.2 lb
brushless motor
Pros
- Steel 20 inch deck takes tall thick grass without stalling
- brushless motor runs quiet with no vibration
- folding handle
- one-lever adjustment for all four wheels
- dual-port rapid charger with cooling fan
Cons
- Two 4.0 Ah packs are not enough for a third-of-an-acre lawn in one pass
- extra batteries add real ongoing cost
- 67.2 lb is the heaviest weight in the group
If you have a lawn that grows fast, this is the mower we would buy. The 20-inch steel deck and brushless motor handle tall, thick, wet grass without bailing out, and owners with two-plus seasons report a clean, gas-like cut with zero maintenance to date.
Steel is the reason to stretch here. A steel deck will take hits from rocks and stray branches that crack a poly deck, and it handles the vibration of a hard cut without warping. On rough or neglected ground, that durability is worth the extra weight.
It is the heaviest machine in the list at 67.2 pounds, and that is a genuine drawback for anyone carrying it up steps or lifting it into a car. Pushing it across a flat lawn is fine, and the four-wheel one-lever adjustment keeps the cut even.
The battery situation is where the math gets tight. Two 4.0 Ah USB batteries deliver about 45 minutes, which owners say is not enough to finish a third-of-an-acre lawn in a single pass. Most of them buy another set of packs, and that is the ongoing cost that erodes the value of a mid-priced mower.
Noise and vibration are the quiet wins. Owners consistently mention how much quieter and smoother it is than the gas mowers they replaced, with none of the exhaust or oil changes, and that difference is most noticeable on a Sunday morning.
Where this mower earns its price
Thick grass, uneven ground, and rocky terrain are exactly where cheaper plastic decks fail. This one is built for those conditions, and if your lawn is neglected half the year, cut quality matters more than weight.
The USB batteries are also worth noting. They charge on the same Greenworks 24V platform as more than 200 other tools, so the expansion path is wide.
When to choose something lighter
Skip it if you have stairs, a small storage space, or any physical reason to want a mower under 40 pounds. At 67.2 pounds this is a two-person lift for some users and a one-person strain for most.
It is also the wrong choice if a single charge has to finish the job. Budget for a third and fourth pack, and treat those as part of the real cost of the mower.
6. CRAFTSMAN V20 20-Inch Push Mower – Best Battery Bundle
CRAFTSMAN V20 20 in Lawn Mower, 2 x 5Ah Batteries and 2 Chargers Included, High Effeciency Brushless Motor, Push Mower, Up to 50 Min of Runtime, Lightweight, Grass Bag, Low Profile (CMCMW220P2)
20V MAX
20 inch deck
50 min
47.9 lb
2 batteries, 2 chargers
Pros
- Two 5.0 Ah batteries plus two chargers is the most complete kit here
- vertical storage takes up 78 percent less space
- low-profile deck reaches under obstacles
- brushless motor
- 50 min runtime
Cons
- Handle height is fixed and does not suit taller operators
- supplied chargers are slow at 2 to 3 hours
- thin 2 inch blades need frequent sharpening
No other kit on this page gives you two 5.0 Ah batteries and two chargers. That is a larger battery bundle than most competitors ship with a full-size mower, and it is the defining advantage of the CRAFTSMAN V20 at this price.
Two chargers changes the workflow. One pack is always charging while the other runs, so a half-acre lot finishes in one session without a mid-mow wait. With 50 minutes of runtime per pack you have enough headroom for a full property.
The vertical storage design is the other feature owners mention most. The mower takes up 78 percent less space standing up, and in a garage with a gas mower and a mower bag already fighting for room, that matters more than another feature on the spec sheet.
The low-profile deck sets the blade to a 10 inch ground clearance in the lowest height setting, which lets the mower reach under decks, shrubs, and low obstacles that catch a normal deck. Handy for the strip of grass beside a raised porch or under a garden bench.
Owners report clean cuts that do not clog, and the ability to handle moderately overgrown grass. For a first-time mower buyer who does not want to fiddle with settings, that consistency is worth a lot.
Now the complaints. The handle height is fixed at an angle rather than adjustable, and taller operators in particular find it uncomfortable after twenty minutes. The supplied chargers are slow, roughly 2 to 3 hours per battery, which is a strange thing to criticize on a kit with two of them.
The thin two-inch blades are the more serious note. Owners report frequent sharpening needs, and a dull blade leaves a visible mohawk pattern. We would budget for a replacement blade in the first year.
Best for battery completeness
If you are buying on kit contents alone, this is the winner. Two 5.0 Ah packs and two chargers in the box means no immediate accessory spending, which is the single best way to keep a cordless mower purchase under its sticker number over time.
It is also a good second mower for a property with a lawn too large for one pass, since the bundle is generous enough to split between two machines.
What to watch
Try the handle height before you commit if you are over six feet. The fixed angle is the most-cited complaint in owner reports and it is not adjustable after the fact.
Also plan for blade sharpening and be aware the automatic speed boost cannot be manually controlled, which drains the packs faster in thick grass.
7. WORX WG752 21-Inch 3-in-1 Mower – Best 21-Inch Push Mower
Worx Cordless Lawn Mower, 40V 21″ 3-in-1 Grass Mower for 1/2 Acre, WG752
40V
21 inch deck
50 min
55.6 lb
2 x 5.0 Ah batteries
Pros
- Aerodeck venting reduces clumping and improves bag fill
- brushless Motor 2.0 gives about 40 percent more power than first-gen brushless
- Intellicut adjusts speed to grass density
- true 3-in-1 mulching bagging and side discharge
- 7 height positions
Cons
- Heavy at 55.6 lb for a manual push mower
- manual drive makes steep slopes difficult
This is the mower we recommend for anyone who wants gas-mower deck width without gas. A 21-inch deck is the widest walk-behind format in this list, and with two 5.0 Ah batteries and a dual charger the kit supports lawns up to half an acre.
Aerodeck is the design story here. The vented deck moves air under the blade and up into the bag, which reduces clumping and clogging and improves how full the bag gets. In practice that means cleaner bagging on damp mornings, which is when most mowers give up.
Brushless Motor 2.0 delivers roughly 40 percent more power than a first-generation brushless motor with about 10 percent longer runtime. Intellicut senses grass density and adjusts the cutting speed automatically, so the mower works harder in thick patches without bogging.
It is a true 3-in-1: mulching, bagging, and rear side discharge, with the plug and chute in the box. Seven height positions from 1.5 to 4 inches, a collapsible handle for vertical storage, and a charge-level indicator on the handlebar.
The two 5.0 Ah PowerShare Pro batteries are the highest capacity in the group aside from the single 6.0 Ah pack in the SKIL kit, and 50 minutes of runtime is enough for most suburban lots in a single pass.
The catch is weight. At 55.6 pounds this is a heavy manual push mower, and if your lawn has any slope at all, you will feel every one of those pounds going uphill. That is the argument for the self-propelled WG760, which runs on the same battery platform with a drive system added.
Where the deck design pays off
If you bag your clippings, the Aerodeck venting is the feature that will impress you most. Fewer clogs, a fuller bag, and less time stopping to clear the deck, especially in damp grass where most budget mowers clog.
The wide deck also cuts your mowing time significantly. A 21-inch pass is roughly a third wider than a 14-inch one, which matters on a half acre.
When to step up to self-propelled
If your yard slopes, has soft ground, or you simply do not want to push 55.6 pounds every week, the WG760 in the list is the same battery platform with self-propelled drive for a modest step up in cost.
For a flat, medium lawn, though, this is the strongest all-round push mower at this budget, and the battery platform breadth of more than 140 compatible tools is the best ecosystem value in the group.
8. SKIL PWR CORE 40 Self-Propelled Mower – Best Lightweight Self-Propelled
SKIL PWR CORE 40 Brushless 40V 20-Inch Self-Propelled Mower Kit, Includes 6.0Ah Battery and Auto PWR JUMP Charger – SM4910C-11
40V
20 inch deck
55 min
6.0 Ah
variable speed self-propelled
Pros
- Variable speed self-propelled drive makes mowing easy for anyone with mobility limits
- one 6.0 Ah battery is the largest single pack here
- light enough to lift with one hand
- quiet brushless motor
- 7 position lever
- foldable telescoping handle
- 3-in-1 clipping
Cons
- Only one battery included so larger lawns need a mid-mow recharge
- 20 inch deck is narrower than the gas mower some owners replaced
- self-propelled drive wheel is louder than the cutting motor
- manufacturer does not publish a weight figure
This mower carries the highest average rating in the group, and the reason is not subtle. It is the only self-propelled machine here that owners report lifting with one hand, and the variable speed drive means you set the pace rather than fighting the machine.
Variable speed matters more than a simple on-off drive. On a slope you can slow down, around an obstacle you can creep, and on flat ground you can open it up. Owners with joint and mobility limitations single this out as the feature that made mowing possible again.
The 6.0 Ah pack is the largest single battery in the list, and with roughly 55 minutes of runtime owners report mowing more than one property per charge. The Auto PWR JUMP 150W charger refills it quickly, which partly offsets the fact that only one pack is included.
Other details worth noting: a 7-position single-lever height adjustment from 1.5 to 4 inches, a telescoping handle that folds for vertical storage, 3-in-1 clipping with bagging, mulching, and rear discharge, and a brushless motor that runs quietly with minimal vibration.
Owners report it cuts thick and long grass well and handles mossy or uneven lawns, which is more than most 20-inch push mowers in this price range can say.
The limitation is the single battery. With one pack, a larger property means stopping mid-mow to recharge, and since this is the only battery in the box, there is no hot-swap option. The fix is straightforward and we would budget for it: buy a second 6.0 Ah pack.
Second limitation: the 20-inch deck is narrower than the 22-inch gas mower some owners replaced, so plan slightly fewer square feet per pass.
Best for accessibility
If pushing a mower is hard on your back, your knees, or your grip, this is the mower to buy. Self-propelled drive plus one-hand lift weight is a combination nothing else in this price range offers.
It is also a good fit for a lawn that is not quite big enough to justify a second battery, since the 6.0 Ah pack covers a quarter acre comfortably on one charge.
Where it strains
Very tall wet grass is where it struggles, and one owner reported a battery quitting after ten minutes of hard cutting. On a neglected lawn, expect a pause.
The drive wheel is also a touch louder than the cutting motor, and the self-propelled drive is the one component we would want to see in person before committing if you are sensitive to sound.
9. WORX WG760 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower – Best Self-Propelled Under 500 Dollars
Worx Cordless Lawn Mower, 40V 21″ 3-in-1 Grass Mower for 1/2 Acre, WG760
40V
21 inch deck
50 min
63.1 lb
self-propelled to 3.7 MPH
Pros
- Variable speed self-propelled drive up to 3.7 MPH
- two 5.0 Ah batteries plus a 4.0A dual charger
- plows through tall wet grass without bogging
- Aerodeck venting and a large collection bag
- 21 inch deck matches gas mower width
- 3 year warranty
Cons
- Speed control is a fixed lever rather than a progressive dial
- drive wheels take a moment to disengage when backing out
- replacement blades only through WORX support
- 63.1 lb is heavy
This is the best self-propelled cordless mower under 500 dollars, and the reason is the combination of a 21-inch deck, two large batteries, and a drive system that keeps moving through tall wet grass without bogging. Owners describe it as gas-equivalent in performance, which is the highest praise in this category.
The drive tops out at 3.7 MPH, which is fast enough to cover a half-acre lot in a reasonable session and slow enough to feel controlled. Unlike the SKIL, the speed is a lever rather than a dial, so changing pace mid-mow takes a moment.
The two 5.0 Ah PowerShare Pro batteries deliver roughly 50 minutes each and charge in a dual 4.0A charger, so the hot-swap workflow is real. Both packs can be topped up while you finish a pass on the other.
Aerodeck venting plus a large collection bag gives a clean cut and good bagging even in damp conditions, and reviewers note the cutting ability and runtime improve noticeably after the packs have been through a few charge cycles. Plan for that before judging the first two sessions.
The handle folds for vertical storage, and the 21-inch deck matches the width of a typical gas walk-behind, so the transition from a gas mower is seamless. Intellicut handles speed adjustment automatically in varying density.
The weight, 63.1 pounds, is the main physical drawback. It is heavy to lift into a vehicle, though the self-propelled drive means you are not pushing that weight around the yard.
Best for half-acre lots
A 21-inch self-propelled deck with two large batteries is the configuration that finally covers a half acre in one session. That is the size of lawn where budget cordless mowers usually start to disappoint.
If you also own or plan to own other PowerShare tools, the platform is shared with more than 140 products, so the batteries keep working after the mower does.
Friction points to know
The lever-based speed control is awkward to adjust mid-mow, and the drive wheels take a beat to disengage when you back out of a bed or around a tree. Both are minor until they happen to you.
The one genuine annoyance is replacement blades. You will need to source them through WORX support rather than picking one up at a hardware store, so order a spare with the mower if you keep your lawn rocky.
10. PowerSmart 20-Inch Self-Propelled Mower – Best Budget Self-Propelled
PowerSmart 20″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower, Brushless Motor, 2 x 40V 4.0Ah Battery & Charger (MB2420SA)
40V
20 inch deck
57.5 lb
2 x 4.0 Ah
rear-wheel drive
Pros
- Rear-wheel self-propelled drive adds traction on hills and uneven ground
- high-efficiency brushless motor runs cooler and quieter with less vibration
- two 4.0 Ah packs swap so one charges while the other runs
- work light for low light mowing
- 3-in-1 clipping
Cons
- Build wears sooner than a gas mower
- battery runtime reportedly degrades after about a season and packs must cool before recharging
- grass bag does not seal so clippings escape
PowerSmart is the newest brand name here and the least proven, which is worth factoring into your decision. That said, the machine itself delivers more than the brand badge would lead you to expect, and it is one of the least expensive self-propelled mowers in the group.
Rear-wheel self-propelled drive is the feature that separates it. Rear-wheel drive is the configuration gas mowers have used for decades because it puts traction where the weight is, and on hills and uneven ground it is noticeably better than front-wheel drive.
The high-efficiency brushless motor runs cooler, quieter, and with less vibration than a brushed motor of the same class. Owners describe it as surprisingly powerful for twigs and small branches, which is not a comment you can make about every budget mower.
Two 4.0 Ah packs let you swap batteries so one charges while the other runs, and a single-lever adjustment covers six positions from 1.5 to 3.9 inches. A work light lets you finish a pass in low light, which is more useful than it sounds when the grass is wet and you want to wait for the dew to dry.
It is also 3-in-1: mulching, rear bagging, and side discharge, which is more than several machines in this list can claim at the price.
The honest weaknesses start with durability. Owners report the grass bag and other accessories wearing sooner than they would on a gas mower, and that the fit of the bag is poor enough that clippings shoot out. If you are a tidy lawn person who depends on the bag, that is a real problem.
Battery longevity is the other concern. Owners report runtime degrading after about a season and needing to let packs cool before recharging. That is normal lithium-ion behaviour, but it is worth factoring into a long-term cost calculation.
Where the rear-wheel drive helps
If your property has any incline, rear-wheel drive is the difference between a mower that works and one you dread. It resists wheel spin and keeps a steady pace uphill where front-wheel drive mowers wash out.
Owners also note it is light enough to maneuver easily for a self-propelled machine at 57.5 pounds.
What the lower review count means
With 260 reviews this model has a smaller sample than most of the group, so long-term durability data is thinner than the 12,000-review Greenworks at the top of the list. Two to three seasons of owner reports would tell you more than anything we can say now.
Some buyers also report difficulty getting support during returns, so check the warranty terms and keep your purchase records in order.
Which Cordless Mower Fits Your Yard Size
Matching the deck width to the lawn is the fastest way to avoid disappointment. A mower sized for a quarter acre will technically cut a half acre, but you will spend three sessions finishing what should have been one.
Under a quarter acre, meaning a small city lot or a large suburban backyard, any of the 14, 16, or 17-inch mowers on this list will finish the job in one charge with room to spare. The push mowers we cover separately are worth a look if you want a narrower deck for tight spaces.
Between a quarter acre and a half acre, aim for a 19 to 21 inch deck with two batteries. This is the band where a single pack stops being enough, and where the choice between the WORX WG752, the Greenworks 20-inch steel deck, and the CRAFTSMAN V20 bundle decides whether you finish in one pass.
Over half an acre, you want self-propelled with two large batteries, and you should be honest about the weight. The WORX WG760 is built for that lawn size. Anything beyond three quarters of an acre pushes you past what a single-slot budget charger can recover between sessions, and that is the point to consider a mower without a hard price cap.
Slopes change the math entirely. On any real incline, self-propelled drive is not a luxury feature. The PowerSmart rear-wheel drive and the WORX WG760 are the two we would trust on a hill, and we would avoid pushing the 67 pound machine uphill.
For lawns with obstacles rather than size, the low-profile deck on the CRAFTSMAN V20 and the narrow decks on the Greenworks 40V 16-inch and WORX WG779 are the practical choices. Check under your deck edges and around shrub beds before buying a wide machine.
What to Look for in a Cordless Mower Under 500 Dollars
Voltage is the number on the box that matters least, and this is where most buyers go wrong. Voltage tells you how much power the motor can draw. Amp-hour capacity tells you how much energy the pack holds, and energy is what determines runtime. A 48V system built from two 24V packs at 4.0 Ah each is not more powerful than a 40V system with two 4.0 Ah packs, it simply combines two batteries into one motor input.
That is why six of the mowers here run a 40V system, three run 48V, and one runs 20V MAX, while performing in a similar band. The mower with two batteries beats the mower with one, every time, regardless of the voltage printed on the box.
Deck width maps directly to lawn size and to the number of passes. Thirteen and 14 inch decks are for small yards. Sixteen and 17 inch decks cover a quarter acre comfortably. Nineteen, 20, and 21 inch decks are for half acre and up. Wider is not automatically better because a wide deck cannot fit where a narrow one can.
Push versus self-propelled comes down to your lawn and your body. Under a quarter acre on flat ground, a push mower is lighter, cheaper, and easier to store. Quarter to half acre, self-propelled saves enough time to be worth the extra pounds. Slopes always mean self-propelled. If you have any joint or back issues, skip the self-propelled question entirely and buy drive.
Deck material is the durability decision. Poly and composite decks are light and rust-resistant but crack on rocks. Steel decks are heavier and more durable and better suited to rough or neglected ground. The 20-inch Greenworks in this list is the steel option, and it is the only one in the group with a full steel deck among the larger machines.
Clipping management is the feature most often downplayed. Mulching returns clippings to the lawn as fine particles. Bagging collects them for a clean finish and for keeping them off paths and patios. Side discharge blows them out in clumps along an edge. A 3-in-1 mower gives you all three, a 2-in-1 gives you two, and some budget models give you only mulching and side discharge with no bag at all.
Kit contents are the most important line item on any listing. Confirm that a battery is included, confirm how many, and confirm whether the charger is single-bay or dual. A mower sold without a battery is not a 300 dollar mower. A two-battery kit with a one-bay charger gives you a spare but not a hot-swap, because the packs charge one at a time.
Battery platform lock-in is the hidden cost that decides the long-term value. Packs are generally not interchangeable between brands, and a replacement pack is often a meaningful fraction of the mower price. If you already own tools from a platform, buying into that platform is almost always the cheaper path than starting a new one.
For context, our guide to the best lawn mowers overall covers the corded, reel, and robotic options that sit alongside the cordless tier, and the best electric lawn mowers guide covers corded electric specifically.
Warranty length is the last differentiator, and it separates the field. Three years is the norm for the well-supported brands, with the CRAFTSMAN V20 carrying a reported two years. Check whether the battery is covered on the same terms as the machine, because the pack is usually the part that fails first.
Storage is worth confirming before you buy. A folding or telescoping handle that lets the mower stand on end saves real space, and our robot lawn mower guide covers the hands-free alternative if storage space is your real constraint.
On runtime claims, apply a simple discount. Manufacturer figures are measured on maintained, level turf at a brisk walk. Real lawns with edges, slopes, trees, and spring growth run 30 to 50 percent shorter. If a listing says 45 minutes and you have a third of an acre, believe you will mow 30 minutes and plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cordless lawn mower under 500 dollars?
The Greenworks 40V 16-inch push mower is our top pick for the best cordless lawn mowers under 500 dollars. It weighs 37.5 pounds, cuts a 16 inch deck, includes a 4.0 Ah battery and charger, and its battery works with more than 75 other Greenworks 40V tools. For a self-propelled option in the same budget, the WORX WG760 21-inch is the strongest choice, with two 5.0 Ah batteries and a drive system that handles tall wet grass.
Which cordless lawn mower is the best value for money?
Value at this price comes from what is in the box, not from the lowest sticker. The CRAFTSMAN V20 ships with two 5.0 Ah batteries and two chargers, which removes the single largest accessory cost most buyers face later. The Greenworks 40V 16-inch takes the same logic further by using a battery platform shared with more than 75 other tools. Both give you more mower for the money than a cheaper single-battery kit.
What voltage cordless lawn mower do I need?
Voltage matters less than most listings suggest. A 40V system handles lawns under a quarter acre with normal grass, while 48V and up covers half acre lots, slopes, and thicker growth. What actually determines runtime is amp-hour capacity, and what determines convenience is how many batteries are in the box. Three of the mowers in our list run a 48V system, six run 40V, and one runs 20V MAX, yet the two-battery machines perform comparably to the single-pack ones.
Do cordless lawn mowers come with a battery and charger?
Most sub-500 dollar kits include one or two batteries and a charger, but not all chargers are equal. A dual-bay charger lets both packs charge at once and enables hot-swapping mid-mow. A single-bay charger charges one pack at a time, so two batteries still means a wait. Some listings at this price are mower-only, so check the kit contents on the product page before you buy, because a battery and charger can add substantially to the real cost.
How long does a cordless lawn mower battery last?
Expect five to ten years for a lithium-ion pack depending on how it is stored and used. Heat is the biggest factor, so avoid leaving a mower with a fully charged battery in a hot garage through the summer, and store packs part-charged in a cool, dry place. Leaving a pack empty for months is also hard on it. If you buy a replacement, match the voltage and amp-hour rating of the original pack exactly.
Should I buy a push or a self-propelled cordless mower?
Under a quarter acre on flat ground, a push mower is lighter, cheaper, and easier to store. Between a quarter acre and a half acre, self-propelled saves enough time each session to justify the extra weight. Over half an acre, self-propelled with two large batteries is the only sensible option. On any slope, self-propelled is not optional, and rear-wheel drive handles inclines better than front-wheel drive. Joint or back issues also make this an easy decision.
How much does a replacement cordless lawn mower battery cost?
A replacement pack is often the single largest cost after the mower itself, which is why platform breadth matters so much at this budget. Batteries that fit 140 or 200 other tools spread their cost across a whole yard-care setup. Batteries for a mower-only brand put you back in the market in a few years with no other use for the pack. Before buying, check how many tools share the same battery, because that is the real long-term value calculation.
The Verdict
The best cordless lawn mowers under 500 dollars are, in order: the Greenworks 40V 16-inch for the best balance of weight, cut quality, and platform breadth, the WORX WG760 21-inch for the best self-propelled experience, and the Greenworks 48V 20-inch steel deck for the best cut in heavy grass. Any of the three will replace a gas mower without regret, and all three include a battery and a charger in the box.
If you want to see how these compare against higher-end machines, our guide to the best cordless lawn mowers covers the tier above. And if you would rather not handle a mower at all, the robot lawn mowers we tested are the other direction entirely.