8 Best Lawn Mowers Under $300 Reviews & Top Rated 2021

We are a few weeks away from the end of the cold season and warmer days are coming. This means that the mowing season is down the curb.

As part of our annual home maintenance, we all need dependable, energy and time-saving mowers that will efficiently do the job. You also need lawnmowers that are durable but comes at a reasonable price. 

If you are looking for the best lawn mowers under $300, here is a list from which you can get a head start.

Best lawn mowers under $300

For this price range, there are a lot of choices to explore but some of the standouts for the past year would be these five lawnmowers that we will give a short review of. We will also feature some of their pros and cons for more comparison. Without further ado, here are some of the best lawn mowers under $300 out there. 

1. Greenworks GV-Max Cordless

Since we are all going down the electric mower route someday, might as well start with this cordless lawn mower from Greenworks. It runs at 40V which is powerful enough for early winter mowing and heavy mowing during summer and spring.

It is also lightweight, has a comfortable grip, and can handle up to medium-sized yards. It also comes with a mulcher so you can count on it for functionality. It also features five adjustable heights, hence, better back support while you mow your lawn. This one is a clear 4.7 out of 5.

2. Greenworks 20-inch 3-in-1

Of all the electric lawn mowers of 2020, this 20-inch electric lawn mower again from Greenworks received the most overwhelming positive reviews at 65% across all leading online stores. Its most celebrated feature would be its 20-inch steel blade which gives more precise cutting and faster mowing time. Its cutting deck is also prized for its resistance to rust. 

It also features three functions in one lawnmower. First is clipping the grass through the rear bag. The second is its side discharge and the third is its mulching ability. It is also very quiet and is perfect for small to medium-sized yards. 

It is lightweight, features seven cutting heights which can be adjusted using a single lever. Its 7inches front wheels and 10inches rear wheels are very capable of moving fast even in uneven and pebbled terrains.

3. Great States 304-14 Push Reel

This one works on a push reel function which only needs manpower to be propelled. It is not powered by gas, electricity, or battery so it is always on the go. It has 14inches blades, flexible wheels for any terrain, and a one-pull lever to adjust the height. It also comes with a T-style, cushioned grip. Its finish is also rust-resistant so you can depend on it for durability. 

It cuts at a precise 14inches cut and expects the blades to stay sharp. It also comes with 10inches alloy wheels and a zinc-finish body. This one deserves a 4.5 out of 5. 

4. Lawn Boy 21-inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

For an under $300 price range, this is one of the best gas-powered lawn mowers out there. It has a special rear-wheel drive function that can be activated to easily maneuver the mower over hilly or rocky terrain. It is powered by the Kohler OHV engine and it is also CARB certified for those who are residing in California. 

It is heavier compared to other gas type lawnmowers, but it is easy on the grip and comfortable to move even at 66 pounds. This makes it one of the best self-propelled gas lawn mowers available. It also comes with a 2-year warranty so do not throw that warranty certificate, ever. Overall, this one is a 4.7 out of 5. 

5. WORX Power Share 40V

There are gas-powered lawnmowers and electric ones but if you want a battery-powered lawn mower with the same efficiency (if not better) as the others, this is the best-rated lawnmower on that criteria. It can mow a medium to large size yard in a single charge at only 30minutes of cut time. A single charge has a battery life of 4.5 hours. 

Aside from this, it is lightweight and has a compact design. It also comes with an adjustable height of up to 3.3. inches through a one-pull lever. Since it works on battery, you can buy another battery pack so that you can change it anytime, anywhere.

Like the other featured mowers here, it also has a 3-in-1 function for bagging, rear discharging, and mulching capability. This one is a 4.7 out of 5. 

6. Black Decker Electric Lawn Mower

This one is another prime electric lawn mower to look out for. It is specifically designed for easy maneuvering and comfortable mowing. It comes with five height adjustments and thick, rugged rear and front wheels for more balance and control. 

While it is electric-powered, you will have to buy an extension cord for it to reach longer lawn areas. It might be worth the shot to buy an extension cord since it is powered enough to do the mowing job for a large size yard. It is not applicable for rough terrains and it does not come with a side bag. Overall, this one is 4.3 out of 5.

6. Sun Joe Cordless Lawn Mower

This battery-powered lawn mower is a fast-rising star when it comes to the best mowers’ list. It is enhanced with brushless technology making it run quietly and will not vibrate during the entire mowing process. It features a discharge shoot on the side, a bag, and six adjustable positions for the height. 

It is a decent mower, but it does not have a mulching capability. And since it does not follow the typical design for mowers, there have been issues when it comes to spilling. But with all things considered, this mower is affordable, easy to store, and very low maintenance. As such, it deserves a 4.3 out of 5. 

7. Husqvarna L221A

This one is a popular all-wheel drive mower. Its main feature is its ability to mow large size yards and difficult terrains. It comes with a 21inches cutting width which is time and effort saving since you can do a precise mowing with just one pass. The deck is made of stainless steel so you can depend on it for its durability too. 

It is also well-loved for its turn radius. Its high wheel traction is to be commended for this feature. It comes with a large rear bag which spares you time to change the bags whenever you are mowing large lawns.

It does not come with a side bag, however, and if you are meticulous, you might find this a downside. Nonetheless, it is still impressive and deserves a 4.7 out of 5.

8. Yard Machines Push Mower

If you are eyeing a powerful push mower, this one is the highest rated on the market right now. It comes with a 140cc valve engine which makes it versatile for various types of terrains. It also features a 21inches cutting width and seven cutting heights which you can adjust anytime.

In terms of function, it comes with a mulching capability accompanied by reading and side discharge bags. 

As for maneuverability, it has a commendable turn radius even for rocky terrains. It is lightweight, powered enough for medium to large lawn size, easy to store, and affordable. It also comes with a 2-year warranty. Overall, it is a 4.7 out of 5.

Verdict

With all things considered, here is our take on the featured best lawn mowers under $300. Since the list is representative of the three types of lawn mowers (gas, electric, and battery-powered), we will hail one winner for each type. 

Lawn Boy is the winner for the gas-type lawnmower but aside from its high-power performance, we also commend it for its CARB compliance. This means that although it works on gas, it is still not harmful to the environment and of course, the mower himself when he/she inhales the gas. It is also easy to maneuver and dependable for different terrains. 

For the electric lawnmowers, we give it to Greenworks 20-inches. Aside from its sleek, modern design, it comes with a 3-in-1 function for discharge, clipping, and mulching. It is also compact, lightweight, easy to store, and easy to maneuver. And although it is electricity-powered, it is still powerful enough to get the job done for a medium-sized yard. 

For the battery-powered lawn mower, we have that from WORX. For a battery-powered mower, it can mow a large size yard in a relatively small cutting time. This is a major upside given the popular belief that battery-powered mowers are for small cutting jobs only.

We cannot limit you with our verdict, however. This is just an objective take on the list that we provided for you. At the end of the day, you still have important factors to consider. Your choice will still be defined by your lawn size, preference, storage, and features that you will find beneficial.

Best lawn mowers under $300 – Buying guide

Buying a lawnmower has its perks down the drain so having one really comes in handy especially if you have a high-maintenance lawn. If you are a newbie in these kinds of essentials, you need to have a thorough buying guide to help you in making the right lawn mower choice. As such, here is a comprehensive buying guide if you are thinking of buying one soon.

Lawn size

The first factor to consider is your lawn size. The size of your lawn dictates what type of lawnmower you should buy. For instance, if you have a large lawn, battery-operated lawn mowers are twice slower than electric mowers and four times slower than gas-powered ones. 

But if you are only working with small to medium yards, battery-operated lawn mowers will do.  If your lawn needs mulching, then you would benefit best from having dual function lawn mowers that are appropriate for your lawn’s size. 

Related: Types of grass

Terrain

The next factor to consider is your lawn’s terrain. Like lawn sizes, hilly, rocky or pebbly terrains may require different types of lawnmowers. Flat terrains need compact and easy to maneuver mowers, so battery-powered ones are the best for them. Aside from this, they can ensure that the mowing job is done in fewer minutes. 

If the grass is thicker and the terrain is more uneven, you will need a more powerful mower to do the job. As such, you will have to consider mowers with higher torque power. For hilly terrains, the best choice would be self-propelled lawnmowers. Mowers with the highest turning radius are commendable for steering around rocky lawns and flower beds. 

Grass clippings

How do you like your grass clippings to be discharged? Would you like it in the side so that the clippings are supplied back to the lawn as organic matter? Are you collecting them for mulch or are you going to put them into the compost pit after? If these considerations matter to you, you must take note of the grass clipping discharge function of the mower that you will choose. 

The best mowers for this feature are those with dual discharge or 3-in-1 discharge capabilities. These features are usually found in electric-powered or gas-powered lawnmowers. But if you are only working on a small yard and do not need future mulching, you can just opt for battery-operated ones. 

Deck size

The width of your blades dictates the deck size of your mower. The average deck size would be between 30-60 inches. An additional rule of thumb is also that, the larger the deck size, the larger the blades too, and the bigger the lawn area, the bigger the deck size needed. You cannot decide on what deck size you should choose based on these rules of thumb alone, however. 

For the deck size, you also have to consider storage and of course, the lawn size too. Mowers with larger deck sizes are harder to maneuver especially in hilly and rocky terrains. But mowers with smaller deck size in a flat terrain pushes for more physical effort because of more passes down the lawn’s stretch

Steering

Another important consideration would be the steering capability of your lawnmower. In buying one, you have to be able to answer the question, how much physical effort will I exert if I buy this certain lawnmower? With this, you have to know that lawnmowers are categorized in terms of steering capacity. 

There is the rear-wheel-drive mower, the push mower, the all-wheel-drive mower, and the manual mowers which require the highest physical effort. Consider your physical situation. If you have injuries or cannot sustain too much effort, never opt for manual and push mowers. The most efficient ones which do not require much effort would be the rear-wheel-drive mower and the all-wheel-drive mower. 

Power supply

The most traditional power supply for lawn mowers would be gas. Some still prefer gas-powered mowers because they have more torque and are more appropriate for large yards. They are also considerably more durable. The only downside of gas-powered mowers would be maintenance and storage space. 

Newer models of lawnmowers are now electric. But since they move with a cord, extension cords might be needed and most often than not, these items are bought separately. Battery-powered lawn mowers are the most compact in terms of storage and they feature rechargeable and removable batteries. 

If you have small yards, opt for battery or electric-powered lawnmowers. If you have small yards but with existing tool sheds, it is still okay to have gas-powered ones. Again, take heed of what you need and consider your lawn size as well as your storage capacity when it comes to choosing the best lawn mower in terms of power supply. 

Storage

You must understand that lawnmowers are bulky garden tools. Compact means another thing when it comes to this item. As such, in buying one, you must consider your available storage area. How much can your tool shed accommodate? Where will it fit in the storage? If you have a limited storage area, it might be best to just opt for compact mowers. These are mostly battery-operated and manual types. 

If you have more space to spare, you may consider having gas or electric type mowers. But also consider your lawn size. Since we have already mentioned that gas-powered mowers are musts in large size yards, you might need to let go of some smaller items in the storage area to make way for a larger mower. This is non-negotiable since your yard size dictates that you get a more powerful lawnmower. 

Budget

There is a reason why we only featured a handful of the best lawn mowers under $300. Budget is the most important factor to consider, notwithstanding lawn size, power supply, storage, and other features. When it comes to budget, you are not just considering the upfront cost of purchasing one. You also must understand that there are maintenance checks that will require additional costs in the long run. 

So, if you need one, think about additional costs too. As per reviews, gas-powered mowers are the hardest to maintain but in terms of repair, electric types are the costliest. Battery-powered ones are okay too but the battery life may not give you the best experience down the road. 

Conclusion 

To conclude, lawnmowers are must-haves if you have turf to maintain and a prized lawn to keep tidy. Flower and vegetable gardens will also benefit much from having one especially those with mulching capabilities. However, there are various types of lawnmowers and you have to understand each if you intend to have one soon. 

To know which lawn mower will fit your needs, there are factors that you must put in mind. Mostly, these factors are in terms of features such as adjustability, power supply, steering capacity, other functions, and of course budget. If you already have a mower type in mind that checks with these factors, we suggest that you go for it.