Best Lawn Mower Under $700: Top 5 Picks for 2026

Your old mower finally gave up mid-July, or maybe you’re staring at a new yard that’s too big for a string trimmer. Shopping for a mower under $700 feels like walking into a maze. You’ve got gas, cordless, and corded options staring back at you, each with its own set of promises about power and runtime. It’s easy to get stuck comparing spec sheets instead of figuring out what actually works on your lawn.

The sweet spot in this price range is real. You don’t need to spend a fortune to get a dependable machine that starts instantly, cuts evenly, and doesn’t require a trip to the mechanic every spring. The key is matching the mower’s strengths to your yard’s size, terrain, and your tolerance for maintenance. A cordless model makes sense for a quarter-acre lot, while a gas mower might be the smarter call if you’ve got thick grass or a larger property.

I’ve spent time digging into the details on five strong contenders, from lightweight battery-powered options to a traditional gas workhorse. This guide breaks down who each mower suits best, where they fall short, and what you should prioritize before you click buy. If you’re also weighing more budget-friendly choices, our guide to the best lawn mower under 350 covers that territory well.

Here is a quick look at how the top models compare on the specs that actually matter.

Features	Casince 17-Inch	Casince 13-Inch	Litheli 14-Inch	Greenworks 40V	PowerSmart 18-Inch
Power Source	Cordless (2x 20V)	Cordless (2x 20V)	Cordless (1x 20V)	Cordless (40V)	Gas (144cc)
Deck Width	17 inches	13 inches	14 inches	16 inches	18 inches
Max Runtime	Up to 40 min	Up to 40 min	Up to 30 min	Up to 1/3 acre	Gas dependent
Cutting Heights	6 positions (1-3 in)	5 positions (1-2.6 in)	5 positions (1-2.5 in)	5 positions	5 positions (1.5-3.9 in)
Grass Bag Capacity	50L (13.2 gal)	30L (7.9 gal)	9 gallons	Rear bag	Side discharge
Best For	Medium yards	Small, tight spaces	Small to mid yards	Versatile cordless	Thick, tall grass

Casince 17-Inch Cordless Mower

This one is the biggest of the Casince pair, and it’s aimed squarely at homeowners with a medium-sized lot who want to ditch gas without giving up cutting width. If your yard is around a quarter-acre with some open stretches, the 17-inch deck means fewer passes and less time pushing. It’s a walk-behind, so you’ll be doing the work, but the 14 kg (about 31 lbs) weight keeps it manageable for most people.

The dual 20V 4.0Ah batteries are the real story here. Two batteries working together give you up to 40 minutes of run time, which the company says covers up to 5,380 square feet on a charge. That’s a solid claim for a mower in this class. The brushless motor spins at 3000 RPM, and that translates to consistent cutting power through normal grass without bogging down. The 50L collection bag is genuinely large, meaning fewer trips to the compost pile.

Honestly, the runtime estimate is under ideal conditions. If your grass is thick, damp, or you’re fighting through early spring growth, you’ll see less than the advertised 40 minutes. Also, with two batteries to manage, you’ll need to keep both charged and stored properly to get the full lifespan from the pair. The height adjustment tops out at 3 inches, which is fine for most lawns but might be too short for someone who likes to let their grass grow long in the summer heat.

• 17-inch steel cutting deck for a wider cut on medium lawns
• Dual 20V 4.0Ah batteries provide up to 40 minutes of runtime
• 50L rear grass bag reduces emptying frequency
• 6-position height adjustment from 1 to 3 inches
• One-button start with pull-bar safety activation

Best for: The homeowner with a flat, quarter-acre yard who wants a lightweight, cordless mower with a wide cutting path and long runtime.

Casince 13-Inch Cordless Mower

Small yards, narrow gates, and awkward corners are this mower’s home turf. The 13-inch deck is noticeably smaller, which is a drawback on open grass but a lifesaver when you’re navigating around flower beds, trees, and tight fence lines. It’s the lightest option here at just 10 kg (about 22 lbs), so it’s easy to lift into a shed or carry over a patch of gravel. This is a great pick for a smaller yard or for someone who finds heavier equipment tiring to handle.

It shares the same dual-battery system as its bigger sibling, giving it up to 40 minutes of runtime. However, because the deck is narrower, it covers less ground per charge, around 3,230 square feet. The 3000 RPM brushless motor is identical, so it has the same cutting power, just in a more compact package. The 30L bag is proportional to the deck size and works fine for a small lawn, though you will be emptying it more often than with the 50L version.

The trade-off is clear: you sacrifice efficiency on open grass for maneuverability in tight spots. If you have a postage-stamp lawn in the city, this is a brilliant fit. If you have a wide-open suburban yard, you’ll be making many more passes and wishing for the wider deck. The cutting height range also tops out lower, at 2.6 inches, which limits its use for taller, meadow-style grass.

• Ultra-lightweight 10 kg body for easy carrying and maneuvering
• 13-inch deck fits through narrow gates and around tight landscaping
• Dual 20V batteries offer up to 40 minutes of runtime
• 5-position height adjustment from 1 to 2.6 inches
• 30L grass bag included for clipping collection

Best for: City dwellers and homeowners with small, intricate lawns who need a featherlight mower that’s easy to store and maneuver.

Litheli 14-Inch Cordless Mower

Litheli brings a different approach with a single, larger 5.0Ah battery. This mower is designed for the weekend warrior with a small to mid-sized yard, up to roughly 2,800 square feet on a single charge. The 14-inch deck is a good middle ground, more manageable than a 17-inch but more efficient than a 13-inch. It’s a straightforward push mower with a focus on user comfort, featuring an adjustable handle that makes it easier for people of different heights to find a good posture.

The standout feature is the battery’s dual purpose. It’s not just a power source for the mower; it also functions as a portable power bank. You can plug your phone or tablet into it for a charge during a power outage or while you’re out in the yard. That’s a unique touch you don’t see every day. The brushless motor is quiet, making it a good neighbor for early Saturday morning cuts, and it requires zero maintenance, no oil changes or spark plugs to worry about.

Here’s the catch: with a single battery, you get up to 30 minutes of run time. That’s less than the Casince models with their dual-battery setups. If your lawn is on the larger end of its range or your grass is dense, you might run out of juice before you finish. Also, while the power bank feature is clever, it adds complexity to a battery that is also your mower’s lifeline.

• Single 5.0Ah battery powers up to 30 minutes of cutting
• 14-inch deck suited for small to mid-sized yards
• Battery doubles as a power bank for charging mobile devices
• Quick-fold design for compact storage in tight spaces
• 5-position, single-lever height adjustment from 1 to 2.5 inches

Best for: Tech-savvy homeowners with a compact yard who want a quiet, low-maintenance mower with a unique backup power source.

Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Mower

Greenworks is a major name in cordless outdoor power, and this 40V model shows why. The 16-inch deck is a versatile size for many yards, and the 4.0Ah battery is rated to handle up to a third of an acre. It’s a 2-in-1 system, letting you switch between mulching and rear bagging, which is a feature the other cordless options here don’t offer. That gives you flexibility based on the season and the condition of your grass.

The mower’s construction is a big selling point. It’s built with a deck that is 35% lighter than traditional steel, making it easy to push and maneuver. The single-lever height adjustment is a nice touch, letting you change the cut height in seconds without fiddling with individual wheels. The real advantage, though, is the ecosystem. This mower uses the same 40V battery as over 75 other Greenworks tools, including trimmers, blowers, and chainsaws. If you already own Greenworks gear, this is a no-brainer.

While it’s lighter than steel, it’s not necessarily lighter than the Casince or Litheli models. The runtime is also dependent on conditions; a third of an acre is a best-case scenario with dry, thin grass. The 4.0Ah battery is smaller than the combined 8.0Ah in the Casince dual-battery models, so you’ll likely need a second battery for larger properties. It’s a solid, dependable machine, but it doesn’t have the sheer runtime of its dual-battery rivals.

• 40V 4.0Ah battery system rated for up to 1/3 acre
• 16-inch deck with 2-in-1 mulching and rear bagging options
• Lightweight deck design, 35% lighter than steel models
• Single-lever, 5-position height adjustment for quick changes
• Battery compatible with 75+ Greenworks 40V tools

Best for: Homeowners who want a dependable cordless mower from a trusted brand and plan to expand into a full line of 40V yard tools.

PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas Mower

If you’ve got a yard full of thick, fast-growing grass, or you simply prefer the independence of gas, the PowerSmart EasyCut is the odd one out here for a reason. It’s the only gas-powered mower on this list, and it brings the raw torque that battery mowers often lack. The 144cc 4-stroke OHV engine is built for easy starts, with an auto choke system that removes the guesswork. It’s a push mower, but the larger 18-inch steel deck helps you cover ground quickly.

The side discharge mechanism is a key feature for this mower. Instead of collecting clippings in a bag, it throws them out to the side. This is a huge advantage when you’re dealing with tall, dense, or wet grass that would quickly clog a bagger. It prevents clumping and keeps you moving. The 5-position height adjustment, controlled by dual levers, lets you go from a low 1.5 inches for a golf-course finish up to a high 3.9 inches for tough summer conditions.

Let’s be clear: this is a gas mower, and that comes with baggage. You have to buy fuel, change the oil, and replace the spark plug and air filter. It’s also louder than the electric models and produces emissions. The steel deck is durable but makes it heavier than its cordless counterparts. It’s not the right tool for someone who wants a quiet, clean, and low-maintenance experience. It’s for someone who prioritizes cutting power and endurance above all else.

• 144cc 4-stroke OHV gas engine with auto choke for easy starting
• 18-inch durable steel deck for long-lasting use
• Side discharge handles tall, thick, and wet grass effectively
• 5-position dual-lever height adjustment from 1.5 to 3.9 inches
• 8-inch rear and 7-inch front wheels for smooth rolling

Best for: Owners of larger properties with heavy grass who want a powerful, no-nonsense gas mower that can handle tough conditions without worrying about battery life.

How We Chose These Products

I focused on value and real-world usability, not just spec sheets. Each mower was evaluated on how well it performs for its intended yard size and buyer profile. That means looking at the practical implications of deck width, battery capacity, and power source. A 13-inch mower isn’t bad because it’s narrow; it’s only bad if you try to use it on a lawn that needs an 18-inch deck. The selection process was about finding the right tool for the right job under that $700 ceiling.

I also weighed long-term ownership costs, which go beyond the sticker price. For cordless mowers, that means considering battery longevity and replacement costs. For gas, it’s the ongoing expense of oil, fuel, and filters. I factored in the noise level and maintenance requirements, as those impact how pleasant the mower is to use week after week. A cheap mower that constantly needs repairs is no bargain, so build quality and brand reputation played a role in the final rankings.

Buying Guide: What Really Matters

Before you pick a mower, measure your yard. Not just the total square footage, but the shape and obstacles. A wide, open lawn rewards a larger deck. A yard with lots of trees, gardens, and tight corners will be easier to manage with a smaller, more maneuverable machine. Also, consider the terrain. If your property has a slope, a self-propelled mower is worth the extra money, but under $700, your choices are mostly push mowers, so you’ll need to be prepared for the physical effort.

Power and torque are the next big considerations. For gas mowers, engine displacement (cc) is a decent indicator of power. For cordless mowers, look for a brushless motor, which is more efficient and durable than a brushed one. Battery voltage and amp-hours (Ah) tell you about the potential runtime, but the motor’s efficiency matters just as much. A 40V mower with a 4.0Ah battery can sometimes outlast a 20V mower with two 4.0Ah batteries, depending on the load.

Don’t overlook the cutting deck material. Steel is durable but heavy and prone to rust. Some cordless models use composite or aluminum decks to save weight. Think about how you’ll store the mower. Does it fold up? How much space does it take? And finally, check the grass bag. A larger bag means fewer trips to empty it, but it also adds weight and bulk. For a detailed comparison of other price points, you can check out our best lawn mower under 600 guide.

Our Top Recommendation

For most people, the Casince 17-Inch Cordless Mower is the best overall choice. It strikes the best balance of cutting width, runtime, and ease of use for a typical medium-sized yard. The dual-battery system gives you the staying power to finish the job, and the large collection bag means fewer interruptions. It’s quiet, clean, and starts with the push of a button, which is a huge quality-of-life upgrade over pulling a starter cord.

If you have a smaller yard or tight spaces, the Casince 13-Inch is the better fit due to its lighter weight and maneuverability. For those who want to join the Greenworks ecosystem or need mulching capability, the Greenworks 40V is a strong alternative. And if your property is large or your grass is consistently thick, the PowerSmart gas mower is the most powerful option on the list, even with its higher maintenance demands. The Litheli is a good pick for those who value the extra utility of a power bank battery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do cordless mower batteries really last?

Advertised runtimes are typically based on ideal conditions with dry, thin grass. In practice, you can expect 70-80% of that number. Thick, tall, or slightly damp grass forces the motor to work harder, draining the battery faster. The age of the battery also matters. A lithium-ion battery loses capacity over time, so a two-year-old battery won’t hold a charge as long as a new one.

Is a gas mower under $700 worth the maintenance hassle?

That depends on your priorities. Gas mowers offer unmatched power and unlimited runtime as long as you have fuel. They are better for very large yards, thick grass, or areas where you might not be able to recharge. The downside is the maintenance: oil changes, air filters, spark plugs, and fuel stabilizer for winter storage. If you’re not handy or don’t want the hassle, a cordless mower is a much simpler ownership experience.

Can I use a cordless mower on wet grass?

It’s not recommended. Mowing wet grass is tough on any mower, but especially a battery-powered one. Wet clippings clump together, clogging the deck and the grass bag. This forces the motor to work harder, draining the battery faster and potentially leaving an uneven cut. It’s best to wait until the grass is dry, even if it means mowing a day later than planned.

What is the real cost difference between gas and electric over three years?

Electric mowers have a higher upfront cost but lower running costs. You’ll spend a little on electricity to charge the batteries, and you may need to replace a battery after 3-5 years. Gas mowers are often cheaper to buy but cost more to operate. You’re buying gasoline, oil, and replacement filters and spark plugs. Over three years, the total cost of ownership is often comparable, but electric is far less hassle.

The Bottom Line: Which Should You Buy?

Your choice comes down to your lawn and your lifestyle. The Casince 17-inch is the best all-around cordless mower for a typical suburban yard. It offers the best combination of power, runtime, and features for the price. For those with a smaller property or a need for maximum maneuverability, the Casince 13-inch is a fantastic, lightweight option. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive look at what’s available at different price points, our guide to the best lawn mower under 2026 might also be helpful.

Gas remains a solid choice for big, demanding properties, and the PowerSmart is a dependable workhorse that won’t break the bank. Ultimately, the best mower is the one that fits your yard’s specific needs and that you’ll actually enjoy using. Consider the trade-offs we’ve outlined here, and you’ll make a choice you can live with for years to come.