“Walk behind lawn mowers” are designed to move on their own, instead of being pushed by a person. They’re an excellent option for lawns up to a quarter of an acre and are easier to maneuver than push mowers. We researched dozens of models, evaluating ease of use, maneuverability, and value.
Our best overall pick is the Earthquake Walk Behind String Mower, which is easy to maneuver and has a powerful battery.
Here are the best walk behind lawn mowers.
Best Walk Behind Lawn Mowers: Editor Recommended
Our Editor’s Best Walk Behind Lawn Mowers Reviews
- High-Performance Brushless Motor: The cordless lawn mower features a brushless motor that delivers 2800 RPM on Low and 3400 RPM on High for efficient cutting power and long-lasting performance.
- 4-Position Cutting Height Adjustment: This battery lawn mower offers 4 cutting height settings from 1.3 inches to 2.6 inches to match seasonal growth and your preferred cut.
- Wide Cut and Bagging: The 13-inch deck helps you cover more ground with fewer passes, and the 30L removable rear bag makes cleanup simple. A 2-step safety start helps prevent accidental start-up for added peace of mind.
- Dual-Battery Runtime: Powered by two 20V 4.0Ah lithium batteries, this electric lawn mower provides up to 30 minutes of runtime on a full charge. Swap batteries to reduce downtime and keep mowing moving. Ideal for small to medium lawns. Runtime may vary based on grass conditions, terrain, and operation.
- Complete Kit Included: Includes 1× 13-inch cordless lawn mower, 2× 20V 4.0Ah batteries, 1× single-port charger, and 1× 8-gallon grass bag. Easy to assemble and simple to use.
- Fuel-Efficient 170cc OHV Engine: Powered by a 170cc 4-cycle OHV engine, our gas self propelled lawn mower delivers consistent, smooth performance for tackling thick grass and everyday yard work. The fuel-efficient design runs up to 1.5 hours on a full tank, so you can finish more without frequent refueling.
- Self-Propelled & Push Mode: Tackle any lawn your way. Switch seamlessly between self-propelled drive for effortless mowing on slopes and thick grass, or push mode for lighter, precise control. Paired with a large 65L / 17.5 gal grass bag, it collects more clippings in one go — so you spend less time emptying and more time finishing the job.
- 4-in-1 Cutting System for Total Lawn Control: Unlike standard 3-in-1 mowers, this our 4-in-1 gas powered lawnmowers offers mulching, rear bagging, side discharge, and rear discharge, giving you the flexibility to handle different grass types. Beyond this, the 8" front and 10" rear high-quality wheels provide better traction and smoother maneuverability
- Precision 7-Position Height Adjustment: With 7 adjustable cutting heights from 1" to 3", our 21-Inch push gas mower allows precise control for different grass types and lawn preferences. Achieve a uniform, professional-looking cut whether you're trimming short turf or maintaining seasonal growth.
- Quick Assembly – Ready to Use in Minutes: Our 21 inch self propelled gas lawn mower comes pre-assembled out of the box, saving you time and effort. Simply attach the handle and secure it with the twist-lock knobs — no tools or complicated setup required. Usually completed within 10 minutes, so you can start mowing right away.
- 17-Inch Cutting Width- This cordless lawn mower cuts a 17-inch path and adjusts through 6 height positions from 25 to 75 mm to help deliver an even, tailored finish on changing grass conditions.
- Longer Runtime, Fewer Pauses - Powered by two 20V 4.0Ah lithium batteries, this electric battery powered lawn mower runs up to 40 minutes for up to 500 m², helping reduce mid-job charging breaks.
- Brushless Power, Smoother Mowing - The lawn mower uses a 3000 RPM brushless motor with 1200W max output to maintain strong blade speed for cleaner mowing and fewer jams in dense grass.
- 50L Bag, Less Emptying - The walk behind lawn mower pairs a 50L grass collection bag with a smooth discharge path to collect more clippings and help prevent grass buildup at the bag opening.
- Lightweight, Easy Start Design - At only 14 kg, this cordless lawn mower features a one-button switch and pull-handle start, with a portable build designed for easier setup, movement, and storage.
- MZK 20V 14" Brushless Electric Lawn Mower, Battery Powered Mower with 2 x 5.0Ah Batteries & Charger
- POWERFUL 144CC GAS ENGINE – This 21 inch gas push lawn mower is powered by a reliable 144cc 4-stroke OHV engine, delivering consistent cutting performance for small to medium yards with easy recoil start.
- 2-IN-1 MULCHING & SIDE DISCHARGE – Easily switch between mulching and side discharge to handle thick grass, seasonal growth, or routine trimming with this versatile gas powered lawn mower.
- 21-INCH CUTTING WIDTH FOR EFFICIENCY – The wide 21 inch steel deck helps reduce mowing time, making this gas push lawn mower ideal for homeowners maintaining suburban lawns and residential yards.
- 6-POSITION HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT – Adjust cutting height from 1.5" to 3.9" with a single lever, allowing this 21 inch gas push lawn mower to adapt to different grass types and lawn conditions.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & FOLDABLE DESIGN FOR EASY STORAGE – Weighing only 63 lb, this 21 inch gas push lawn mower features a foldable handle for compact storage, easy transport, and convenient seasonal storage in garages or sheds.
- [16" LAWN MOWER] - This 40V lawn mower cuts up to 1/3 acre with fully charged 4.0Ah battery (varies based on grass condition and operator technique)
- [ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT] - 35% lighter than steel deck mowers
- [SINGLE LEVER HEIGHT ADJUST] - 5 position height adjustment
- [2-IN-1 SYSTEM] - Mulch and rear bagging
- [MAINTENANCE FREE] - The walk behind lawn mower is virtually maintenance free, with no gas, no oil, and no emissions. It starts instantly, is quiet, and delivers the power you need
- Exclusive and industry-leading CVT (Continuously variable transmission) offers superior speed variability to adjust the mower pace to your walking speed by simply selecting the 6-speed shift lever
- Exclusive rubber tires with aggressive spiked tread pattern significantly increase overall traction and maneuverability
- Starting made easier with the automatic choke system, no need to prime or choke the engine
- Quickly clean the underside of the cutting deck with the deck cleanout port
- Single-lever deck adjustment for quickly setting your mow height
- Multi-Function Convenience: Easily switch between mowing, trimming, and edging for three-in-one versatility with your string trimmer
- Powerful Cutting Performance: The 6.5 amp motor with POWERDRIVE Transmission delivers top results when tackling tough weeds and thick grass using your electric weed eater
- Continuous Operation: Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) system allows uninterrupted work without bumping or manual adjustments, keeping your grass cutter efficient
- Ideal for Small Lawns: Designed for compact spaces with a 12-inch cutting width, 1.6-inch cutting height, and speeds up to 8000 RPM, this grass trimmer is built for precision
- Comfort and Control: Lightweight construction with adjustable handle and height positions ensures maximum comfort during use
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: Tackle your yard with 3,300 RPM of power and a 14-inch cutting width
- ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY: No gas or batteries needed to power the mower
- CUSTOMIZE YOUR CUT: Effortlessly change the height of your cut with 5 cutting positions varying between 1.4-inches and 3-inches
- MAX MANEUVERABILITY: Features 7.75-inch rear wheels for easy navigation around the lawn
- 7-GALLON COLLECTION BAG: Neatly stores grass clippings for a tidier lawn
- Reliable Engine: Experience high performance and longer working life with the 144cc 4-stroke OHV engine, engineered with a stabilized body structure for maximum durability.
- Easy Start System: Equipped with auto choke for easy start, and primer structure for better starting.
- 21“ Steel Deck: Featuring a 21" durable steel deck built to last through tough yard tasks, the specialized blade delivers finely mulched clippings and a clean, even cut every time.
- Effortless Maneuvering: Designed with 10" rear / 7" front double ball-bearing wheels for smooth control and easier pushing around your yard.
- 3-in-1 Mowing Function: Mulching, bagging, or side discharge. This versatile system lets you nourish your lawn with fine mulch, simplify cleanup with bagging, or power through tall grass with side discharge.
Best Walk Behind Lawn Mowers Buying Guide
Before choosing the best walk-behind mower you should consider the following options:
1. Size and Power: The size and power of the mower will depend on the size of your lawn, the type of terrain, and the features you want.
Although some buyers may be tempted to go for a mower with more power than they really need, experts advise that buying a mower with too much power is not a good idea.
A mower that is too powerful can cause problems when maneuvering around slopes and curves. If you have a large area to mow, you may want to consider buying two mowers instead of one.
Some mowers are available in a self-propelled version, which makes them easier to maneuver.
2. Size of the Cutting Deck: The size of your cutting deck will depend on the size of your lawn, the type of terrain, and the features you want.
For example, if you have a large lot with lots of curves, you will want a mower with a large cutting deck to make one pass over the entire area.
On the other hand, if your lawn has mostly straight lines, you can get by with a mower with a smaller deck.
3. Speed: Most walk-behind mowers have a top speed of about 3 miles per hour.
However, if you have a flat and smooth lawn, you may not need a mower with a high speed.
On the other hand, if your lawn has lots of slopes and curves, you will want a mower with a faster top speed.
4. Maneuverability: You will want a mower that is easy to maneuver, regardless of whether you have a rough or smooth lawn.
While some buyers will want a mower with a powerful engine and a large cutting deck, others may want a mower that is easy to maneuver.
Some mowers have a “front lift” feature that makes it easier to lift the front end of the mower and maneuver it.
5. Features: Some mowers have added features, such as attachments for clipping and bagging, that make them easier to use.
If you have a large area to mow, you may want to consider buying two mowers instead of one.
Some mowers are available in a self-propelled version, which makes them easier to maneuver.
What else you should know about the best walk behind lawn mowers
1. What is the best walk behind a lawn mower for a small lawn?
Some of the best walk-behind lawn mowers for small lawns include the Honda HRX217VKA, the Toro 20333, and the Craftsman 24737.
2. What is the best walk behind a lawn mower for a large lawn?
Some of the best walk-behind lawn mowers for large lawns include the Honda HRX217K5VKA, the Cub Cadet SC500E, and the Troy-Bilt TB240.
3. What is the best walk behind lawn mower for a hilly lawn?
Some factors that may make one walk-behind lawn mower more suitable for a hilly lawn than another include the mower’s weight, wheel size, and self-propulsion feature.
4. What is the best walk behind lawn mower for a flat lawn?
Some of the best walk behind lawn mowers for a flat lawn include the Husqvarna LC221A, the Honda HRX217K5VKA, and the Toro 20332.
5. What is the best walk behind a lawn mower for a lawn with trees?
Some factors to consider when choosing a walk-behind lawn mower for a lawn with trees include the size of the lawn, the type of trees present, and the terrain.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best walk-behind lawn mowers. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best walk-behind lawn mowers will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.