The 10 Best Walk Behind Mowers
This wiki has been updated 20 times since it was first published in February of 2019. Whether you’ve got a sprawling lawn or a postage stamp-sized plot of grass, maintaining it can be a chore. A reliable walk-behind mower can keep your turf trimmed evenly, so your home’s landscaping stays picture perfect and inviting. They are available with a wide range of features suitable for both the budget-minded and those willing to pay a bit more for extra bells and whistles. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Husqvarna LE221R Self-Propelled
2. Snapper XD
3. Ego LM2101
Editor's Notes
September 14, 2020:
It would seem that the overall trend in this category is toward battery power and away from gas power, with companies like Husqvarna, who are best known for some of their epic gas powered tools — particularly chainsaws — here offering one of the most capable electric mowers on the market in the Husqvarna LE221R Self-Propelled. Its batteries allow the company to boast up to a half-acre of coverage per charge, but with its 21-inch blade compared to similar models claiming the same coverage from 16 inches, there's a good chance you could get a little more out of it, or at least that it will do a better job cutting through especially thick grass and weeds. We also saw a minor upgrade to one of our previously included Honda models in the Honda 4-In-1 Versamow, with a slight increase in engine power, and little else to differentiate it from its predecessor.
Newcomers to the list include the PowerSmart PSM2322SR and the Poulan Pro PRLM21I, both of which offer users large back wheels capable of cutting to greater heights than many others, and making these some of the best choices for lawns with steep grades and knobby areas that could snag another mower. And with the Poulan offering electric power and the PowerSmart offering gas, there's an option for every preference.
February 28, 2019:
Both Honda models featured here are touted by many a user for durability and high power, and while the 4-in-1 costs a pretty penny, it very well may be the only mower you’ll ever need. Both of these choices, along with the Troy-Bilt on our list are self-propelled. While this adds to the price significantly, many people highly prefer their ease of use. We were sure to add some alternatives to gas-powered selections, like the electric GreenWorks 16-Inch and the eco-friendly, battery-operated Sun Joe 16-Inch, VonHaus 40V, and Ego LM2101. (Just know that you won’t necessarily see the same kind of power with these choices, but they’re well suited for smaller lawns, nevertheless.) If you prefer American-made, look to the Troy-Bilt or Husqvarna models on our list.
4. Honda 4-In-1 Versamow
5. Poulan Pro PRLM21I
6. PowerSmart PSM2322SR
7. Remington RM130 3-In-1 Push
8. Troy-Bilt MR766
9. Sun Joe Ion16LM
10. GreenWorks 16-Inch Corded
Daniel Imperiale holds a bachelor’s degree in writing, and proudly fled his graduate program in poetry to pursue a quiet life at a remote Alaskan fishery. After returning to the contiguous states, he took up a position as an editor and photographer of the prestigious geek culture magazine “Unwinnable” before turning his attention to the field of health and wellness. In recent years, he has worked extensively in film and music production, making him something of a know-it-all when it comes to camera equipment, musical instruments, recording devices, and other audio-visual hardware. Daniel’s recent obsessions include horology (making him a pro when it comes to all things timekeeping) and Uranium mining and enrichment (which hasn’t proven useful just yet).