Best Walk Behind Lawn Mowers of 2023
If you're looking for the best walk-behind mowers, you've come to the right place! Here at Mowers Direct, lawn mowers are in our DNA. For my part, after spending 30 years in the small engine and power equipment industry, I can tell you a thing or two about mower deck sizes and wheel bearings.
Spend some time reading through each of our categories, selections, and criteria for picking the best mower in its class. Don't forget to click on the mowers to view the product page filled with more features, specs, reviews, and other great resources.
The Best Walk Behind Mowers
| Best Walk Behind Mower | Best Push Mower | Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower | Best Battery Powered Lawn Mower | Best Walk Behind Mower for Hills | Best Mulching Lawn Mower | Best Brush Mower |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
How We Picked the Best Walk Behind Mowers
When recommending walk-behind lawn mowers, we take five features into account.
Power
Forget weak mowers. You want a mower with the power to get through that overgrown lawn you haven't mowed in three weeks due to heavy rain or being on vacation. While horsepower was the standard, direct measure of power in the past, today many walk-behind mower manufacturers list engine displacement in CCs. The higher an engine's CC, the more power it has the potential to create. That's why, all things being equal, we'll typically recommend mowers with a higher CC engine.
Durability
We like mowers that stand the test of time, so we look at things like deck material and how resistant it is to rust. For example, aluminum or Honda's NeXite® material is more corrosion-resistant than steel. We also consider whether the wheels are designed with ball bearings, which promote longer wheel and axle life, plus smoother movement. Plus, we look at how these factors and others impact engine life, so you can maximize your time between mowers.
Usability
The best mowers need to be user-friendly. We look at comfort features, ease of maneuverability, and other added touches that make mowing your lawn as simple and enjoyable as possible.
Versatility
Mower versatility poses the question: to what extent is this mower just a mower? We look primarily at how the mower handles grass clippings and the ease of switching between bagging, mulching, and discharge.
Overall Value
We prioritize performance over price, so you won't necessarily find the cheapest mowers on our list. That's why, instead of evaluating a mower on price alone, we look at what you're getting for the price to arrive at an overall value rating.
Best Walk Behind Mower: Husqvarna W520
Taking the top spot is the commercial-grade Husqvarna W520 lawn mower. Boasting a 179cc Kawasaki engine, aluminum-cased transmission, cast aluminum frame, and double-sealed wheel bearings, the W520 delivers the utmost in power and durability for years of reliable mowing.
Blade-brake control stops the blade from turning without shutting off the engine, letting you clear that branch without having to restart the mower. Once you're mowing, a self-propelled drive system lets you simply squeeze the ergonomic handlebar trigger to mow at your own pace. Meanwhile, the W520 will bag, mulch, or rear-discharge the clippings, depending on your preference. You can set the handle to two different heights depening on who's mowing and fold it for more compact storage.
Overall, this mower checks all the boxes. Although you'll pay a commercial-grade price for it, if you're serious about lawncare, it'll be well worth your money.
| Spec | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 179cc commercial-grade Kawasaki engine | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Durability | Aluminum-cased transmission; Cast aluminum frame; Double-sealed wheel bearings | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Usability | Mows at your pace; Ergonomic handlebar; Foldable for easy storage | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Versatility | Bag, mulch, or rear-discharge capability | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Overall Value | Premium pricing but has many more features than slightly less expensive models. | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
Who It's For:
- Homeowners obsessed with lawn perfection who own less than 1/2 acre of grass
- Lawncare professionals
Who It's Not For:
- Homeowners who just want the basics
Best Push Mower: EGO POWER+ LM2101
The EGO Power+ cordless push mower is perfect for those with average-sized lots who want a quiet, emissions-free mower that can still do the job. Powered by a 56-Volt Lithium-Ion battery, the EGO POWER+ can run for 45 minutes on a single charge. It recharges in 50 minutes using a rapid charger and in 100 minutes with a standard charger. The battery is also compatible with all other EGO POWER+ tools, so you can streamline your equipment.
The mower's polymer 21-inch deck provides rust resistance, while its foldable design allows for easier storage. A high efficiency motor cuts down on vibration, thereby extending both runtime and lifetime.
The EGO POWER+ is easy to use with push-button start, bright LED headlights, and one-handed handle height adjustment. Meanwhile, battery power means it's quiet, so you can mow later without interrupting neighbors. Bagging, mulching, or rear-discharge capabilities provide maximum flexibility when deciding how to handle those grass clippings. As far as push mowers go, you can't top the EGO POWER+.
| Specs | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 56-Volt Lithium-Ion battery; 45 minute runtime on a single charge | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Durability | High efficiency motor extends life; Rust resistant polymer deck | ☆☆☆☆ |
| Usability | Push-button start; One-handed handle height adjustment; Bright LED headlights; Foldable for easy storage | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Versatility | Battery compatible with ALL EGO POWER+ tools and chargers; Bag, mulch, or rear-discharge capability | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Overall Value | Significant features and capabilities for a low-to-mid price range | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
Who It's For:
- Homeowners with limited storage space in their garage
- Those on a budget
- Owners of other EGO+ tools and prefer battery-powered equipment to gas
Who It's Not For:
- Those preferring the power of a gas mower
- Homeowners who don't like pushing their mower
Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower: Husqvarna W520
When it comes to self-propelled lawn mowers, we couldn't in good conscience recommend anything besides, once again, the Husqvarna W520. All the features that make this the best overall walk behind mower-commercial-grade engine, aluminum construction, and blade-brake control-apply here.
Plus, the AutoWalk self-propelled drive system will adapt the mower to your walking pace with a squeeze of the handlebar trigger. Once again, the power and ease-of-use provided by the W520 sets this self-propelled walk behind mower apart from the rest.
| Specs | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 179cc commercial-grade Kawasaki engine | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Durability | Aluminum-cased transmission; Cast aluminum frame; Double-sealed wheel bearings | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Usability | Mows at your pace; Ergonomic handlebar; Foldable for easy storage | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Versatility | Bag, mulch, or rear-discharge capability | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Overall Value | Premium pricing but has many more features than slightly less expensive models. | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
Who It's For:
- Homeowners obsessed with lawn perfection who own less than 1/2 acre of grass
- Lawncare professionals
Who It's Not For:
- Homeowners who just want the basics
Best Battery Powered Lawn Mower: Toro Recycler SmartStow 21466
Battery powered lawn mowers are the future, and the lightweight Toro Recycler rises above the rest with its 60-Volt, 6Ah Lithium-Ion battery and brushless motor which together provide more power, runtime, and a longer lifespan. In fact, it can cut 1/3 of an acre in 40 minutes or less on a full charge. A 22-inch deck helps you mow more ground faster and vortex technology boosts airflow, so you get the most out of the battery life.
The Recycler's Personal Pace® self-propel drive system automatically senses and adapts to your walking speed (although I found it to be a little imprecise), while its SmartStow® foldable handlebar reduces its storage footprint by up to 70%. All these features are backed by a rare 5-year limited warranty on the mower and a 3-year limited warranty on the battery and charger. If you're going the battery route, there's no beating the Toro Recycler.
| Specs | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 6Ah L324 battery; 40-minute runtime on a single charge | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Durability | Premium brushless DC motor increases lifetime | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Usability | Lightweight; Foldable handlebar for vertical storage; Automatically senses and adapts to your walking speed albeit imperfectly; Push button start | ☆☆☆☆ |
| Versatility | Large 10" high rear tires provide additional traction; Bag, mulch, or side-discharge capability; Easy to handle on both flat and unlevel, rough terrain | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Overall Value | Great value for the price, plus the 5-year limited warranty is hard to find elsewhere | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
Who It's For:
- Homeowners wanting to switch to electric mowers without worrying about power
- Homeowners with limited storage space in their garage
Who It's Not For:
- Homeowners who prefer the power of a gas mower
Best Walk Behind Mower for Hills: Honda HRX217VKA
When mowing hills, you want a self-propelled mower that doesn't buckle under the strain of rising elevation. The Honda HRX217VKA can confidently tackle hills with its rear wheel drive and 200cc engine, which is larger than most in its class. It also has 9-inch ball-bearing supported wheels that allow for smoother movement in uneven terrain.
The Select Drive™ variable speed drive system lets you control your speed while you mow, while a comfortable, one-piece handlebar reduces tension on your palms. Plus, a 21-inch Nexite® cutting deck with lifetime warranty provides uncompromising durability. With the HRX217VKA, you'll never worry about mowing those backyard hills again.
| Specs | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Power | Honda GCV200 200cc 4-Cycle Engine | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Durability | Nexite® deck that doesn't dent, rust, or corrode; 9-Inch Ball-Bearing Supported Wheels | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Usability | Variable Speed Drive System lets you control speed while mowing; Comfortable, one-piece handlebar; Foldable, 3-position handle for easy storage | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Versatility | Unique, 4-in-1 ability to mulch, bag, rear discharge or shred | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Overall Value | Higher price range, but you'll get long life out of its durable construction | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
Who It's For:
- Hilly and uneven property
Who It's Not For:
- Homeowners with flatter terrain that allows for a less expensive mower
Best Mulching Lawn Mower: Honda HRX217VKA
Besides being the best for hills, the Honda HRX217VKA is also the best mulching lawn mower you can buy. And not just mulching. It includes the patented 4-In-1 Versamow System™, which allows the mower to easily switch between mulching, bagging, rear discharging, or shredding grass clippings. That's right, it adds a fourth function, called shredding, that is specially designed to mulch leaves into fine pieces, in addition to grass. You can even activate an "in-between" setting where the mower partially bags grass and partially mulches it.
If that's not enough, its MicroCut™ Twin Blade System includes four cutting surfaces to cut grass into tiny pieces, thereby maximizing the number of clippings you can fit into the bag. These capabilities plus its powerful engine and durable Nexite® construction make it a no-brainer.
| Specs | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Power | Honda GCV200 200cc 4-Cycle Engine | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Durability | Nexite® deck that doesn't dent, rust, or corrode; 9-Inch Ball-Bearing Supported Wheels | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Usability | Variable Speed Drive System lets you control speed while mowing; Comfortable, one-piece handlebar; Foldable, 3-position handle for easy storage | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Versatility | Unique, 4-in-1 ability to mulch, bag, rear discharge or shred | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Overall Value | Higher price range, but you'll get long life out of its durable construction | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
Who It's For:
- Soil-conscious homeowners who prefer mulching grass clippings
- Homeowners with a lot of fallen leaves during autumn
Who It's Not For:
- Homeowners with flat, mostly clear property
- Homeowners who don't care about mulching
Best Brush Mower: Billy Goat Outback BC2600-ICM
Tired of looking at all the overgrown weeds and saplings on your property? The Billy Goat BC2600-ICM rough-cut mower can help you reclaim your meadows, fields, and trails. Its 26-inch-wide heavy-duty deck and reinforced blade assemblies will cut growth up to six feet tall and saplings up to two inches in diameter.
The Billy Goat is self-propelled with three forward speeds as well as powered reverse, and can cut just under an acre of brush an hour. The heavy-duty blade spindle can handle brush, berries, bramble, vines, tall grass, and even small trees. With a Briggs and Stratton 344cc motor, this mower has plenty of power to get you through the densest brush and weeds.
| Specs | Details | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 344cc Briggs & Stratton Engine, Heavy-duty blade allows for cutting of 6-ft brush and 2-inch round saplings | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Durability | Heavy-Duty Mechanical Transaxle | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Usability | Intuitive Drive Controls & Handles with Padded Grips; Cuts just under an acre of brush per hour | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Versatility | Cuts down brush, berries, bramble, vines, tall grass, and small trees | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
| Overall Value | Commercial-grade pricing but worth the initial investment for professionals and those who work the land. | ☆☆☆☆☆ |
Who It's For:
- Farm & ranch owners with thick brush
- Lawncare professionals
Who It's Not For:
- The average suburban homeowner
Walk-Behind Mower FAQs
Is a Walk-Behind Lawn Mower Right for Me?
Walk behind lawn mowers are great for small and medium-sized suburban lawns up to about 1/2 acres. They are the most budget-friendly and environmentally geared lawn mowers you'll find, and are among the most compact and easy to store. You'll not only get a nice, tidy lawn, but some walking exercise along with it! Learn more in our walk-behind mower buyer's guide.
When is the Best Time to Buy a Lawn Mower?
Getting a head start on the spring season is always a good idea when shopping for lawn mowers. From February until April, you'll get the widest selection of the latest and greatest mower models available. Read our guide on the best time to buy a mower for more information.
What are the Best Lawn Mower Brands?
When it comes to walk-behind lawn mowers, our customers tend to like Husqvarna, Honda, Toro, and Cub Cadet, which are all highly respected in the industry. You can view and compare all the lawn mower brands we carry on our brand page.
Who Makes the Best Lawn Mower Engine?
Briggs & Stratton, Kawasaki, and Kohler engines are all high-quality and chosen for different reasons by different lawn mower manufacturers. Each manufacturer selects the engine that will maximize its mower's performance. As a result, there is no need for you to worry about the "best" engine brand when choosing a lawn mower, since there is a team of engineers who already do that for you.
About Dale
Dale has been involved with gasoline powered engines, especially small engines, since he bolted the first one onto his Schwinn bike at 12 years old. After high school, he spent 19 years in the automotive parts industry, working for retailers, distributors, and manufacturers.In 1994, Dale entered the small engine and power equipment industry, offering product and technical assistance to power equipment dealers and their customers. Since 2016, he has been a full-time sales and product expert at Power Equipment Direct, where he largely focuses on helping customers select the best lawn and garden equipment for their needs.
In his off time, Dale enjoys working on his own cars and power equipment. He is a go-to resource for friends, family, and coworkers who need a hand diagnosing or repairing their broken lawn mowers or string trimmers. When not around engines, he is a drummer in a local Chicago-area band. Hockey dominates his TV time during the NHL season, and he enjoys relaxing on his pontoon boat during the summer months.
