Looking to clean up your yard without spending a fortune? A quality wood chipper under $500 can make your yard work faster, cleaner, and more efficient—without blowing your budget. While budget chippers aren’t built for massive logs or heavy-duty commercial work, they’re perfect for homeowners who want to handle branches, twigs, and garden waste with ease. In this guide, we’ll show you the best wood chippers under $500 in 2025 that actually get the job done.
What Is the Best Wood Chipper Under $500?
The best wood chipper under $500 is the Sun Joe CJ603E. It’s electric, compact, and can chip branches up to 1.7 inches thick. For small to mid-sized yards, it’s one of the most reliable and user-friendly machines on the market in this price range. If you prefer gas-powered chippers or need more portability, models like the GreatCircleUSA Mini Chipper and Earthwise GS70015 are also great choices under $500.
Top 5 Wood Chippers Under $500 (2025)
Here are five dependable wood chippers under $500 that are perfect for residential use:
| Model | Power Type | Chipping Capacity | Motor/Engine | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun Joe CJ603E | Electric | 1.73 inches | 15 Amp Motor | Quiet, efficient yard cleanup |
| Earthwise GS70015 | Electric | 1.75 inches | 15 Amp Motor | Light garden waste and leaves |
| GreatCircleUSA Mini Wood Chipper | Gas | 3 inches | 7 HP Engine | Rural or off-grid use |
| WEN 41121 | Electric | 1.5 inches | 15 Amp Motor | Budget-friendly residential tasks |
| PowerSmart PS10 | Electric | 1.6 inches | 15 Amp Motor | Small yards and light brush |
1. Sun Joe CJ603E: Best Overall Electric Chipper Under $500
The Sun Joe CJ603E is one of the most trusted electric chippers on the market. It’s lightweight, simple to use, and perfect for turning small branches and twigs into mulch. With a 15-amp motor, it handles limbs up to 1.7 inches thick with ease.
- Compact design with built-in wheels for mobility
- Safety hopper with locking knob
- Ideal for residential yards and occasional pruning
If you’re looking for a quiet, clean, and affordable way to reduce yard waste, this machine delivers real value.
2. Earthwise GS70015: Best for Leaf and Garden Waste
The Earthwise GS70015 is another electric chipper with a powerful 15-amp motor. It’s slightly quieter than most and works great for garden trimmings, dry leaves, and light woody material.
- 1.75-inch chipping capacity
- Includes 1.2-bushel collection bin
- No gas, no fumes—plug and go
This is a solid choice for small yards and eco-conscious homeowners who want easy cleanup without maintenance headaches.
3. GreatCircleUSA Mini Wood Chipper: Best Gas-Powered Option Under $500
The GreatCircleUSA Mini Wood Chipper packs more punch than electric models. Though pricing fluctuates, it’s often found under $500 and can handle branches up to 3 inches—far more than electric units. It’s a gas-powered beast suited for users who need flexibility in more remote areas.
- 7 HP engine, no cords or power source needed
- Chips thick branches and brush with ease
- Best for users without easy electrical access
This chipper is a great solution if you’re clearing overgrown areas or working on a rural property.
4. WEN 41121: Best Budget Chipper for Small Tasks
The WEN 41121 offers a lightweight, ultra-affordable chipper with basic functionality. It works best for smaller twigs, pruning clippings, and yard trimmings under 1.5 inches.
- Compact frame and easy storage
- Ideal for light-duty residential tasks
- Includes collection bag for easy mulch handling
If you just need something basic for occasional work, this chipper offers solid performance without breaking your wallet.
5. PowerSmart PS10: Best for Tiny Yards
The PowerSmart PS10 is perfect for users with small lots, patio gardens, or HOA-restricted properties. With a 1.6-inch cutting capacity and easy mobility, it takes care of sticks, small branches, and trimmings quickly.
- Lightweight at under 40 lbs
- Built-in wheels and compact design
- Minimal noise for neighborhood use
It’s quiet, affordable, and gets the job done in a pinch.
What to Expect from a Chipper Under $500
While you won’t get industrial-level performance from a sub-$500 chipper, there’s still plenty of value. Here’s what you can expect:
- Branch size: Most models handle branches between 1.5 and 2 inches
- Electric motors: Easy to start and maintain, but less powerful than gas
- Gas models: Offer more cutting power, especially for thicker brush
- Portability: Lightweight and designed for easy storage and use
How to Get the Most Out of Your Budget Chipper
- Pre-cut long branches: Feed branches straight and clean to avoid jams
- Use dry materials: Wet leaves and green wood can clog or strain motors
- Clean regularly: Remove debris and keep blades sharp for best performance
- Don’t force material: Let the chipper feed at its own pace
Why a Budget Chipper Is a Smart Investment
If you do seasonal yard work or have trees on your property, owning a wood chipper under $500 can save you time, trips to the dump, and long hours of manual labor. Benefits include:
- Make your own mulch for gardens and flowerbeds
- Reduce yard waste volume by 75% or more
- Clean your property faster with less physical strain
Need Help Financing Your Equipment?
If you’re thinking of upgrading to a higher-capacity chipper or even a tractor-mounted unit in the future, be sure to check your financing eligibility using the tractor loan calculator.
Click here to calculate your tractor loan eligibility—easy, quick, and designed to help you plan smartly for equipment upgrades.
Conclusion
You don’t have to spend thousands to take control of your yard. With options like the Sun Joe CJ603E or the GreatCircleUSA Mini Chipper, you can find a high-performing wood chipper under $500 that meets your needs. Whether you’re dealing with small branches, garden clippings, or seasonal yard waste, there’s a machine here that can help.
Explore your financing options with the tractor loan calculator and start clearing your yard the easy way—affordably and efficiently.