Best Overall
Agri-Fab 48-Inch Tow Plug Aerator
- It features a simple design but is highly effective and able to cover a wide portion of your lawn at once.
It features a simple design but is highly effective and able to cover a wide portion of your lawn at once.
- It doesn’t include the weights and you will also need a tractor to use it properly.
It doesn’t include the weights and you will also need a tractor to use it properly.
For its overall effectiveness and simple design, our pick for the best lawn aerator overall is the Agri-Fab 48 Inch Plug Lawn Aerator. The plug design is made with heavy-gauge steel to ensure it’s durable.
This lawn aerator uses 32 self-sharpening galvanized knives that are specifically designed to penetrate the soil easily, while being able to reach a depth and pull plugs up to three inches deep. It also has four independently rotating tine sections to ensure that every spot you are covering receives proper aeration.
Additionally, this choice has flat free tires which helps promote a smooth ride. Plus, it’s also important because of the added weight that they will have to support and they require less maintenance than other tires. And when it comes time to move this aerator around, you can easily pull the knives up and down with the transport handle.
Do note that this product can handle up to 140 pounds of weight being placed on it for added penetration, however it doesn’t come with the weights necessary to do this. Additionally, it will require a trailer to effectively use it, but the good news is that it has a universal hitch.
Product Details: Type: Plug | Method: Tow | Power Source: Tractor | Spike or Plug Size: 3 inches
Best Budget
Corona Yardbreather Manual Core Lawn Aerator
- It can pull plugs that are deeper than what other similar options can offer.
It can pull plugs that are deeper than what other similar options can offer.
- It is manual, so it will require physical labor to aerate your lawn.
It is manual, so it will require physical labor to aerate your lawn.
Our pick for the best lawn aerator on a budget, Corona’s Yardbreather Manual Core Lawn Aerator, proves that you don’t need to break the bank to keep your lawn looking great. The simply designed product is able to pull deeper plugs than devices that are more expensive.
This manual aerator features two prongs that aerate by using your own weight through your foot. While simple in design, both the footplate and the spikes are heat treated to ensure durability. Additionally, the footplate includes traction grooves designed to limit slipping and the grips are designed to be comfortable to use.
When it comes to the Yardbreather, it’s worth noting that there are no frills with it. However, it is still able to eject plugs that are three and a half inches deep, which is deeper than much more pricey choices.
Of course, this option is manual. As a result, it will require a lot more work, more time, and it will be more physically taxing than alternative options. With this in mind, people who aren’t looking for a workout may want to find another option.
Product Details: Type: Plug | Method: Manual | Power Source: None | Spike or Plug Size: 3.5 inches
Best Splurge
Husqvarna AR19 Aerator Briggs 9.0 GT Engine
- It is able to work around corners and get the job done much faster than other options
It is able to work around corners and get the job done much faster than other options
- It is gasoline powered and may not be allowed in certain cities and neighborhoods.
It is gasoline powered and may not be allowed in certain cities and neighborhoods.
With a high amount of power and effectiveness, Husqvarna’s AR19 has a higher price tag, but is worth splurging on. In terms of aeration, it has a width of 19 inches and can go as deep as 3 inches.
The AR19 has free-wheeling outer tines that spin freely to promote maneuverability, allowing you to work with tighter corners without worrying about damaging your lawn.
The welded steel body is durably made while also providing additional weight to aid in effective aeration. Plus, it comes with two 36-pound detachable weights that can be added for better penetration and removed when you need to go up inclines or store the device.
This option also features rear wheel control to change the working depth and a compact design with a folding operator’s handle so that it won’t take up too much space in your garage, and a semi-pneumatic front tire also helps make storage easier.
Do note that this option is powered by gasoline, which is an added expense, and it also means that it may not be allowed to be used in some towns and cities.
Product Details: Product Details: Type: Plug | Method: Push | Power Source: Gasoline | Spike or Plug Size: 3 inches
Best Shoe
Envy Green Lawn Aerator Shoes
- It works with any size shoe and can simply be attached to footwear you already own.
It works with any size shoe and can simply be attached to footwear you already own.
- They can collect mud and may require cleaning during and after use.
They can collect mud and may require cleaning during and after use.
Envy Green’s Lawn Aerator Shoes takes convenience to a new level. With these shoes, you can aerate your lawn by simply strapping them over a pair of your existing shoes and walking across your grass.
These aerator shoes don’t require any sort of assembly and are easier to store than some other options. They have a strap that goes over the toes as well as another that goes over the back of your shoe. The strap is configured into an X shape to ensure that the aerator shoes don’t slip and slide all over the place.
We appreciate that they are also able to hold up to 220 pounds and have a one size fits all design, as the adjustable straps are able to be moved to accommodate varying foot sizes.
In terms of aeration, these shoes have 2-inch spikes, which are shorter than other options on our list. However, they are densely concentrated on the bottom of your shoes so you won’t have to walk over the same area multiple times.
They are also specifically designed to be able to work on any sort of soil as well. Do note, though, that they can tend to collect mud and may require some level of cleaning mid-usage.
Product Details: Product Details: Type: Spike | Method: Shoe | Power Source: None | Spike or Plug Size: 2 inches
Best Push
S AFSTAR Rolling Lawn Aerator
- Rolling spikes help to cover a lot of area in one pass.
Rolling spikes help to cover a lot of area in one pass.
- It has shorter spikes than other options.
It has shorter spikes than other options.
For a manual lawn aerator that you can push, we recommend Safstar’s Rolling Lawn Aerator. This option is a viable choice for all different kinds of soils such as clay, dirt, or sand.
At 50 inches long, users don’t have to bend over to use it. Plus, that length, coupled with a protective fender on the back, will help to ensure that you don’t end up covered in dirt when using it. It also features an anti-slip handle and it can be assembled in just a few minutes.
This option works by using a 17-inch wide roller with spikes that rotate as you push it to ensure that you are adequately aerating the most space possible. The spikes do have a depth of just over 1 inch, which is substantially shorter than other options on our list.
It is worth being aware that pushing this as you roll it won’t be effective enough to properly aerate. You will also most likely need to apply pressure downward to properly penetrate the soil, meaning that this option, like other manual ones, will be a bit of a workout.
Product Details: Product Details: Type: Spike | Method: Push | Power Source: None | Spike or Plug Size: 1.2 inches
Best Tow
Brinly-Hardy Tow Behind Plug Aerator
- Durably made 16-gauge steel plugging spoons work great on even and uneven terrain.
Durably made 16-gauge steel plugging spoons work great on even and uneven terrain.
- It doesn’t come with any weights, which will be an added expense.
It doesn’t come with any weights, which will be an added expense.
If you're looking for a lawn aerator you can tow, look no further than Brinly’s 40 Inch Tow-Behind Plug Aerator, with its quality materials and ability to work on uneven terrains.
The 40-inch tow option features 24 plugging spoons made of 16-gauge steel that's been heat-treated for durability and can remove 3-inch plugs from the soil.
The weight tray can hold up to 150 pounds, enabling it to be able to puncture even the firmest of soils and it also comes with 10-inch semi-pneumatic tire treads that work great for driveways and rooted areas alike.
The tines on this option are also separated into three independently rotating sections to prevent damaging your lawn while also ensuring that they evenly puncture even when on uneven ground. Additionally, all of the plugging spoons are individually serviceable and replaceable, so you won’t have to invest in a whole new section or set if something should go wrong.
This choice also features a universal hitch which enables users to attach it to most lawn tractors and ATVs. However, you should be aware that it does not include the weights, so if you want to get the most out of it, you will have to invest in some sort of weight option to promote proper aeration.
Product Details: Product Details: Type: Plug | Method: Tow | Power Source: Tractor | Spike or Plug Size: 3 inches
Best Handheld
Hermsche Lawn Aerator Coring Tool
- It features both spikes and plugs for a multi-pronged approach to aeration.
It features both spikes and plugs for a multi-pronged approach to aeration.
- It is going to require physical labor and more time to complete your lawn in comparison to other options.
It is going to require physical labor and more time to complete your lawn in comparison to other options.
For a manual lawn aerator that can compete with machine powered ones, our pick is Hermsche’s Lawn Aerator Coring Tool. Handlebars and footbars allow users to apply their body weight to force the spikes and coring features underground to easily break into the soil underneath.
This option has two spikes in the middle and two coring features lining the outside, making it a hybrid of both spike and plug aeration. The result is a product that is able to promote airflow through the spike option while the thicker option that will stay open for weeks.
Both of the aeration methods reach a depth of 4 inches. The coring section features a semi-opened slope top which lowers the chance of clogging and makes it easier to press the soil out.
This aerator also comes with a cleaning stick that you can use should the coring option become clogged, and a cushioned T-bar handle provides added comfort during usage. It can also withstand 205 pounds of pressure. Of course, like other handheld options, this one will require physical labor and take longer to complete your lawn than other options.
Product Details: Product Details: Type: Plug and spike | Method: Manual | Power Source: None | Spike or Plug Size: 4 inches
Best Liquid
Covington Liquid Aerator
- It is a lower effort alternative to having to use a machine to aerate.
It is a lower effort alternative to having to use a machine to aerate.
- It does not come with a hose and you’ll need to purchase more when you run out.
It does not come with a hose and you’ll need to purchase more when you run out.
Another viable option to use instead of traditional aeration is liquid aeration. When it comes to this method, we particularly like Covington’s Liquid Aerator because it provides a great alternative without all of the physical labor of other aerating methods.
Covington Liquid Aerator’s formula consists of over 100 billion live microbes per gallon in addition to minerals, essential nutrients, humic acid and seaweed extract which all work to loosen and break up soil and increase the uptake of nutrients.
The loosening of the soil works to promote water movement and drainage. Additionally, this formula contains carbohydrates which are intended to fuel the microbes and provide plants with an energy boost.
An added benefit of using this product is that you won’t have any lawn plugs after usage. Additionally, it is safe for use around children and pets, as opposed to other products that are filled with chemicals. Plus, Covington provides a 90-day money back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.
Do be aware that you will need a hose or sprayer to apply this product. Also, while it is not overly expensive, you will need to purchase it once you run out, as opposed to manual options that are built to last for years after one purchase.
Product Details: Product Details: Type: Liquid | Method: Liquid | Power Source: None | Spike or Plug Size: None
Best Electric
Greenworks Corded Electric Dethatcher
- The electric operation requires less manual effort to aerate.
The electric operation requires less manual effort to aerate.
- It doesn’t aerate nearly as deep as other options.
It doesn’t aerate nearly as deep as other options.
Our pick for the best lawn aerator that runs on electricity is Greenworks’ Corded Electric Dethatcher. While the name refers to it as a dethatcher, it features stainless steel tines that are able to puncture the ground.
This option features a 13-Amp motor and three tine depth options that are controlled through an adjustment lever. It works through rotating the tines you push the machine. It also has a 14-inch path to allow you to cover more area with less passes while seven inch wheels help make maneuverability easier. Plus, the machine comes with replacement tines should anything go wrong with the ones that are provided or if they wear out over time.
Do note that this electric option does need to be plugged into a power source as it is corded. This can be a bit frustrating as you will most likely need an extension cord, especially if you are working on a larger lawn. However, it does feature a cord lock which is helpful to ensure that it doesn’t unplug when in use. Plus, it also comes with a three year warranty.
Product Details: Product Details: Type: Spike | Method: Push | Power Source: Electric | Spike or Plug Size: Not listed