Best Lightweight Lawn Mowers (2026): 3 Top Rated Picks Worth Buying
Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
The best lightweight lawn mower picks from WORX, American Lawn Mower and Greenworks, with no gas, oil or pull cord to deal with.
Wrestling a heavy gas mower out of the shed, up a slope or around flower beds turns a simple chore into a workout nobody asked for. Weight matters even more if you have a small lawn, a hilly yard, stairs between the garage and the grass, or simply less strength than you used to. The best lightweight lawn mower trims that burden with a lighter frame, a battery or manual drive instead of a heavy engine, and simple controls that make each mow quicker and easier on your back.
We compared maker specs, verified owner feedback on Amazon, expert reviews and price against value to pick three mowers. The WORX WG760 40V is our top choice for its full 21 inch cut, self propelled drive and shared PowerShare batteries, the American Lawn Mower 1204-14 reel mower is the best value at just 19 pounds with no fuel or battery at all, and the Greenworks 80V 21 inch self propelled mower is the premium pick for bigger lawns that still want cordless convenience.
Our Top 3 Picks at a Glance
None of these mowers needs gas, oil or a pull cord, which removes the heaviest and messiest parts of mowing.
- Best Overall: WORX WG760 40V 21 Inch Cordless Mower (around $460). Self propelled with variable speed, 3 in 1 mulch, bag or side discharge, and a fully collapsible handle for vertical storage.
- Best Value: American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14 Inch Reel Mower (around $80). Only 19 pounds, nearly silent and almost maintenance free.
- Best Premium Pick: Greenworks 80V 21 Inch Self Propelled Mower (around $480). A brushless motor, steel deck and rear wheel drive for lawns up to half an acre.
The product table above adds more light mowers from Greenworks, CRAFTSMAN, LawnMaster, BLACK+DECKER, SENIX and others, including small corded and compact battery models.
How We Chose the Best Lightweight Lawn Mower
We focused on mowers that are easy to move, start and store: battery, corded and manual reel models, plus a couple of compact gas mowers for comparison. Then we looked at cutting width, height range, mulching and bagging options, and whether self propel was available to reduce effort. Owner feedback and review volume helped us judge reliability, and we compared price against runtime, warranty and battery platform. Every pick is a current model in stock on amazon.com.
Lightweight Lawn Mower Reviews
1. WORX WG760 40V 21 Inch Cordless 3 in 1 Mower: Best Overall
- Power: two 20V 5.0Ah PowerShare Pro batteries (40V total), Brushless Motor 2.0
- Deck: 21 inch with AeroDeck vented design, rated for lawns up to 1/2 acre
- Drive: self propelled with variable speed up to 3.7 mph
- Modes: mulch, bag or rear side discharge
- Height: 1.5 to 4 inches with a single 7 position lever
- Smart cutting: IntelliCut sensors raise blade speed in thick grass and lower it in light grass
- Storage: fully collapsible handle for vertical storage, onboard charge indicator
Why We Picked It
The WG760 delivers a full size 21 inch cut without the bulk and fuss of a gas engine. It runs on two 20V PowerShare Pro batteries, and the Brushless Motor 2.0 is rated for more power and longer runtime than WORX's first generation brushless design. That combination covers lawns up to about half an acre on the included batteries.
Self propel is the feature that makes it feel lighter than it is. Set your preferred speed, up to 3.7 mph, and the mower pulls itself forward while you steer. That is a big help on gentle slopes and for anyone who tires pushing a mower. IntelliCut sensors raise blade speed when the grass gets thick and dial it back in thin patches, which saves runtime.
Storage is easy too. The handle folds completely so the mower can stand on end in a garage corner, and a single lever sets one of seven cutting heights. Because the batteries also run more than 140 WORX tools, you can share them with a trimmer, blower or the WORX chainsaw.
Pros
- Full 21 inch cut at a mid price
- Self propelled with variable speed
- Folds flat for vertical storage
- Shared PowerShare battery platform
Cons
- Heavier than small 14 to 17 inch mowers
- Runtime limited on lawns larger than half an acre
Who Should Buy It
Choose the WG760 if you have a small to medium lawn and want a simple cordless mower that does most of the pushing for you. It costs around $460 with both batteries and is a strong fit for beginners.
2. American Lawn Mower 1204-14 14 Inch Reel Push Mower: Best Value
- Blades: 4 blade reel
- Cutting width: 14 inches
- Cutting height: 0.5 to 1.75 inches, handles grass up to about 4 inches tall
- Weight: 19 pounds
- Wheels: 8.5 inch polymer wheels
- Power: manual, no gas, cord or battery
Why We Picked It
At 19 pounds, the 1204-14 is the lightest mower in our top three and one of the lightest you can buy. You can carry it with one hand, hang it on a wall and push it across a small lawn without much effort, as long as you mow regularly.
A reel mower cuts with a scissor action rather than tearing the grass, which leaves cleaner tips that heal faster and look neater. It makes almost no noise, produces no emissions and needs very little upkeep beyond occasional sharpening and adjustment. There are no batteries to charge and no fuel to store.
The tradeoff is that reel mowers like short, frequent cuts. The maker recommends removing no more than a third of the grass blade at a time, and the mower becomes less effective once grass passes about 4 inches. Twigs and pine cones can jam the reel, so a quick pass with a rake first helps.
If your lawn is small and flat and you mow every week in the growing season, those limits rarely matter. Many owners find the routine relaxing, and the money saved on fuel, batteries and repairs adds up over the years. For a tiny yard, this may be the best lightweight lawn mower you will ever own.
Pros
- Very light and easy to store
- Silent and emission free
- Almost no maintenance
- Very low price
Cons
- Struggles with tall grass, twigs and weeds
- Low maximum cutting height
- Narrow 14 inch path
Who Should Buy It
The 1204-14 is ideal for tiny lawns and townhouse yards that are mowed often, and for anyone who enjoys quiet exercise while mowing. It costs around $80.
3. Greenworks 80V 21 Inch Brushless Self Propelled Mower: Best Premium Pick
- Power: 80V platform with a 4.0Ah battery and charger
- Coverage: up to 1/2 acre on a full charge, depending on grass and technique
- Motor: brushless for more torque, quiet operation and longer life
- Deck: durable 21 inch steel deck
- Drive: rear wheel drive self propel with variable speed
- Extras: LED headlights for early morning and evening mowing
- Warranty: 4 year limited tool and battery warranty
Why We Picked It
The Greenworks 80V mower is for buyers who want cordless convenience on a bigger lawn. The 80V battery and brushless motor deliver strong torque for thick grass, and Greenworks rates the mower for up to half an acre on a full charge. Rear wheel drive gives good traction, and variable speed lets you match the self propel to your walking pace.
It is far lighter to live with than a gas mower of the same width. There is no engine oil, no spark plug and no fuel to store, and Greenworks says it is about three times quieter than gas. LED headlights help on early mornings or summer evenings when it is cooler outside.
The battery also powers more than 75 Greenworks 80V tools, including trimmers, blowers and chainsaws, so it can anchor a full cordless yard kit. The 4 year limited warranty covers both the tool and the battery.
It is the heaviest mower in our top three, so it is not the right choice if you need to lift a mower into a car or carry it up steps. For anyone who mainly pushes a mower across a larger lawn, though, the self propel drive makes it feel lighter in use than many push mowers.
Pros
- Strong 80V brushless platform
- Self propel helps on slopes
- Durable steel deck
- Long warranty and large tool lineup
Cons
- One battery may not finish larger lawns
- Bag fills quickly in thick grass
Who Should Buy It
Pick the Greenworks 80V if your lawn is closer to half an acre or you want a mower that can share batteries with heavier yard tools. It costs around $480.
Why Weight Matters More Than You Think
A lighter mower is easier to push, turn, lift and store, and that changes how often you actually mow. If you want to compare every mower type, see our main best lawn mower guide.
Weight vs power trade off
Light mowers usually have narrower decks or smaller batteries. That is fine for small and medium lawns but means more passes or a battery swap on large ones. Self propelled battery mowers balance this well: they carry more weight but do the pushing for you.
Balance and ergonomics
Handle height, grip comfort and where the battery sits all affect how heavy a mower feels. Large rear wheels roll more easily over bumpy ground, and a folding handle makes lifting and storage simpler. Try to test the handle height in a store if you are tall or short, since a handle that is too low forces you to stoop and quickly makes even a light mower tiring.
Who benefits most
Older homeowners, smaller adults, people with back or joint issues, and anyone who has to carry a mower up steps or into a shed benefit most. Small lot owners also gain, since a light mower turns easily around beds and trees. Our guide to the best lawn mower for small yards covers more compact options.
How to Choose the Best Lightweight Lawn Mower
Match the mower to your lawn size, terrain and storage space first, then compare features.
Cutting Width and Deck Material
Decks of 13 to 17 inches are the lightest and suit small lawns. Twenty to 21 inch decks cut faster but add weight. Poly decks are light and rust free, while steel decks are tougher and common on premium mowers.
Power Source: Battery, Corded or Gas
Battery mowers are the most popular light choice: push button start, low noise and little maintenance. Corded mowers are cheaper and lighter but tie you to an outlet. Manual reel mowers are the lightest of all. Small gas mowers have improved, but they still need fuel and oil and weigh more.
Self Propelled vs Push
Push mowers are lighter and cheaper. Self propelled mowers weigh more but take the effort out of slopes and longer lawns. If you struggle to push, the drive is worth more than a few pounds saved.
Battery Voltage and Runtime
Higher voltage generally means more power for thick grass. Runtime depends on battery capacity, grass height and whether you use self propel. A second battery or a mower that takes two packs helps on lawns larger than a quarter acre. For big properties, see our best lawn mower for large yards picks.
Height Adjustment Range
Most lawns look best between 2.5 and 3.5 inches. Check that the mower reaches the height your grass type needs, and prefer a single lever adjustment over separate wheel settings. Cutting too short stresses the lawn and invites weeds, so a mower with a generous top height is useful during hot, dry spells.
Mulch, Bag and Side Discharge
Mulching returns nutrients to the lawn, bagging gives a tidy finish and collects leaves, and side discharge handles tall grass. A 3 in 1 mower covers all three, while many compact models skip side discharge.
Weight, Folding and Storage
Look for folding handles and vertical storage if space is tight. Check the listed weight with the battery installed. A mower that fits on a hook or stands on end in a corner is far more convenient than one that needs a full parking spot.
To sum up, the best lightweight lawn mower for you is the lightest model that comfortably handles your lawn size and terrain. A reel mower suits tiny, flat lawns, a compact battery push mower suits most small yards, and a self propelled battery mower suits larger or sloped lots.
FAQs About Lightweight Lawn Mowers
How long does a lawn mower last?
Many battery mowers last eight to ten years with care, though batteries may need replacing after several seasons. Reel mowers can last decades with occasional sharpening. Storing the mower dry, cleaning the deck and keeping the blade sharp extend its life.
Is a lawn mower worth the money?
Yes, for nearly any home with a lawn. A good mower costs less than a single season of hiring a lawn service in many areas, and a light battery or reel mower adds little in running costs. Regular mowing also keeps grass healthier and weeds in check.
How much should I spend on a lawn mower?
Reel mowers start around $80 to $150, and small corded or battery mowers run $120 to $300. Self propelled 21 inch battery mowers cost about $400 to $600. For a full breakdown, read how much does a lawn mower cost.
How do I maintain a lawn mower?
Clean grass from under the deck after each mow, sharpen or replace the blade once a season, and store batteries indoors at moderate temperatures. For reel mowers, keep the reel adjusted and lightly oiled. Check wheels and handles for loose bolts each spring.
Final Verdict
The WORX WG760 is the best lightweight lawn mower for most small to medium yards, combining a 21 inch cut, self propel and easy vertical storage. The American Lawn Mower 1204-14 is the value pick for tiny lawns, and the Greenworks 80V suits larger lawns that need more power. Not sure where to shop? See where to buy a lawn mower, then check today's price.
