Best cordless lawn mower 2023: top battery-powered trimmers for tackling turf…

Best cordless lawn mower 2023: top battery-powered trimmers for tackling turf

Thank you for signing up to T3. You will receive a verification email shortly.

There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

If you haven’t tried the best cordless lawn mower yet, now’s the time. Aside from the safety aspect of not having a 240-volt cable within splitting distance of a fast-spinning blade, the best thing about cordless lawn mowers is the time saver of not having to unfurl the cable in the first place – and possibly an extension lead if your lawn’s on the large side – along with the constant lassoing around plant pots and garden furniture that mowing with an electric lawn mower invariably entails.

Today’s battery-powered mowers are invariably as powerful as their electric-driven associates while their high-tech Lithium Ion batteries are quick to charge and provide between 25 and 60 minutes of hassle-free mowing – plenty long enough for the average UK garden. Really, nab yourself one of these efficient cutting-edge sward swallowers and you’ll be back in the hot tub faster than a squirrel up a tree.

This buyers’ guide deals specifically with the best cordless lawn mowers on the market, which means every model in the list is battery powered. For smaller gardens that don’t need much work, we can also recommend best small lawnmowers. They may be small but still get the job done well!

And if cordless is not what you want, we also have guides to the best petrol lawn mowers and the best robot lawn mowers.

Best cordless lawnmowers ranking 2023

Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Ego is fast becoming the Rolls Royce of cordless lawn mowers – and most other cordless garden machinery for that matter – and for good reason since not only are the US company’s brushless motors and batteries on another level of power and efficiency, but the superb build quality and attention to design detail they put into their products is so plain to see.

At around 31kgs, the imposingly black and very stylish self-propelled Ego LM2021E-SP is actually lighter than many similar-sized models so it can be easily pushed if necessary. This mower comes equipped with a 50cm steel cutting deck and a gargantuan 56-volt 5Ah ARC Lithium battery system that powers the beast for up to about 35 minutes at a time. Ego states that the supplied 5Ah battery is good for up to 700 square metres on a single charge but if you have an extra large lawn and require even greater range, I would also consider adding the 7.5Ah battery which will power the mower for a substantial 50 minutes or so. Thankfully this particular model also comes with Ego’s amazingly quick Rapid Charger which readies the supplied 5Ah battery for another stint on the sod in an industry-leading 40 minutes.

I am especially enamoured of this mower’s self propulsion system which can be set from a really slow walking pace to a spritely spring in the step simply by adjusting the rocker switch on the handlebar. Also, the self propulsion can be used independently of the main blade motor for safe transport across the lawn. Oh, and unlike most self-propelled mowers that lurch off dragging you along behind, this one starts off nice and gently.

The superbly designed collapsible handlebar system, meanwhile, can be adjusted to three heights, from really low for those of short stature to a height to match a six footer. The whole handlebar assembly also collapses and folds up into a surprisingly small and tidy package that allows you to push the mower around like a trolley cart and store it in a space-saving upright position. And should you ever feel the urge to mow in the dark you may be pleased to know that this model is also fitted with LED headlights so you can avoid decapitating moles and gophers.

In my extensive tests, this mower cut through even the tallest of field-type grass as well any petrol-powered mower I’ve ever used. In fact I’d go so far as to say that Ego mowers are probably the most powerful cordless models on the market right now and arguably the only cordless range capable of matching petrol power for sheer cutting torque. Its specially designed bagging blade scythed through everything with confidence, chucking the cuttings deep into the large 60-litre mesh grass collector. As an extra bonus, the mower also comes with a mulching plug and side chute assembly for those who prefer to have the cuttings blasted back into the lawn. With a choice of six cutting heights (from 25-95mm), you can be sure this mower will deal with all types of grasses.

Granted, the Ego LM2021E-SP is one of the most expensive cordless mowers you can buy right now, but if you’re after a staggeringly well engineered model that has the power to deal with every type of grass known to humankind, then this one does the job brilliantly well. It is, quite possibly, the most thoughtfully designed lawn mower in existence.

Electric Lawn Mowers

The benefits of electric equipment extend far beyond cutting time. flexibility, less time servicing and fewer hassles give you freedom in the rest of your life like never before.

Powerful Performance

Powerful Performance

Our lineup of electric riders is powered by lithium-ion batteries that deliver extended runtimes, a fast 4-hour recharge and no power fade.

Cuts Grass like Gas

Cuts Grass Like Gas

Engineered and tested to deliver the same results as our industry-leading gas models, our lithium-ion powered riding mowers will provide you with premium cut quality you expect from Cub Cadet without power fade.

Low Maintenance

Low Maintenance

Riders with no gas, oil, air filters, spark plugs, pulleys or belts means less maintenance and more barbecues, handstands, and whatever else you love to do.

100% Electric. 0% Compromise.

100% Electric. 0% Compromise.

Our electric lineup meets the same rigorous standards for performance, power and durability you’ll find in any Cub Cadet equipment, and is backed by a strong 4-year battery and 3-year machine warranty.

Quieter Than Gas

Quieter Than Gas

Up to 64% quieter during operation than gas means you can cut at dawn or dusk without disturbing the neighborhood.

Zero Emissions While In Use

No exhaust, carbon monoxide or unburned hydrocarbons from the on-board source of power for a cleaner, zero-emission ride while in use.

Shop Compare Electric Riding Mowers

Filter By

• 56 Volt MAX, 60Ah, 3000Wh lithium-ion battery that can be charged using a standard 110-Volt outlet.
• Mow up to 3.5 acres, or 1.5 hours, on a single charge without power fade. Recharges in about 4 hours
• No need for oil changes, filters to change, spark plugs to change, no more buying gas
• 60 Volt Max, 5.0Ah, 300Wh lithium-ion battery
• Mow up to ½ acre, or 50 minutes on a single charge, without power fade
• Premium ball bearings and 11” rear wheels increase traction and maneuverability
• 56 Volt MAX, 30Ah, 1500Wh lithium-ion battery that can be charged using a standard 110-Volt outlet
• Mow up to one acre, or 1 hour, on a single charge without power fade. Recharges in about 4 hours
• No need for oil changes, filters to change, spark plugs to change, no more buying gas
• 56 Volt Max, 60Ah, 3000Wh lithium-ion battery that can be charged using a standard 110-Volt outlet
• Mow up to 3.5 acres on a single charge without power fade. Recharges in about 4 hours
• No need for oil changes, filters to change, spark plugs to change, no more buying gas

Find A Dealer

We’re sorry, we couldn’t find results for your search. Please change try your search again. If you cannot find a service dealer near you, please contact our Customer Service through Chat with Cub, or toll-free at (877) 428 2349.

We’re sorry, we couldn’t find results for your search. Please change try your search again. If you cannot find a service dealer near you, please contact our Customer Service through Chat with Cub, or toll-free at (877) 428 2349.

Please obtain a google maps api key and put it in Site Preferences!

Learn About Electric Products

Learn more about the 60V Max battery system

Cub Cadet’s 60 Volt Max battery system has many convenient features, including lithium-ion batteries, flexibile charging and an interchangeable battery platform. Read

Lithium-Ion Battery vs. Lead Acid Battery — which is Better?

Lithium-ion batteries have several advantages over their lead acid counterparts, which is why Cub Cadet uses them throughout its suite of battery-powered outdoor power equipment. Read

What is a Brushless Motor?

Brushless motors provide several advantages for Cub Cadet’s lithium-ion battery powered equipment, see how they work. Read

Electric FAQs

• Our ZT1 42E zero-turn mower has a run time of up to 2 acres on a single charge without power fade.
• The Cub Cadet LT42E lawn tractor runs for up to 1.5 hours, or up to 2 acres, on a single charge without power fade.
• The CC30E riding mower runs up to 1 hour, or up to 1 acre, on a single charge without power fade.
• The 60 Volt Max walk behind push mower runs up to 50 minutes or ½ acre on a single charge without power fade.
• The 60 Volt Max leaf blower clears up to 90 minutes on low speed or 11 minutes on high speed.
• The 60 Volt Max string trimmer runs up to 45 minutes on a single charge on low speed without power fade. (Disclaimer: Run time based on using 0.080” line.)
• The 60 Volt Max hedge trimmer runs up to 80 minutes on a single charge without power fade.
• The 60 Volt Max chainsaw provides up to up to 80 minutes of run time on a single charge with no power fade. (Disclaimer: Up to 140 cuts of 4-in. x 4-in. pressure treated pine per charge.)

Operating under normal conditions and care, our lithium-ion batteries will last for the lifetime of the product as defined in the operator’s manual. Cub Cadet offers a 3-year limited warranty that protects your mower and a 4-year battery warranty against manufacturing defects.

The Cub Cadet ZT1 42E zero-turn and LT42E lawn tractor come with two batteries and one charger. The CC30E riding mower comes with one battery and one charger. Our 60 Volt Max walk behind push mower comes with one batter and one charger. The bundled suite of 60 Volt Max handheld products — leaf blower, string trimmer, hedge trimmer, and chainsaw — includes one interchangeable battery and charger. Battery and charger are not included when purchased as a bare tool, however the suite is compatible with the battery included with the 60 Volt Max walk behind push mower, too.

Is the cut quality the same as gas engines?

All of our lithium-ion battery powered lawn mowers are being engineered to the same specifications as their gas counterparts. Our electric mowers have to pass the same cut quality tests, and we apply our experience in gas to ensure that our electric equipment delivers the same premium cut you’ve come to expect from Cub Cadet.

What cost benefits does a lithium-ion battery powered riding lawn mower provide over a gas-powered mower?

One of the biggest benefits of a lithium-ion battery-powered lawn mower is the reduction of regular maintenance. Unlike their gas-powered counterparts, battery-powered mowers do not require belts, filters or oil to be changed. Additional benefits include a reduction of noise and savings seen through the elimination of purchasing gas. You can also use our savings calculator to compare cost savings between gas and battery-powered mowers.

How long does it take the battery to recharge?

• The recharge time of our riding mowers — the ZT1 42E zero-turn, LT42E riding mower, and CC30E riding mower — is about 4 hours.
• The recharge time of the 5 Ah Lithium-ion battery used by our 60 Volt Max walk behind push mower is 2.5 hours.
• The recharge time of the 2.5 Ah Lithium-ion battery used by our 60 Volt Max handheld products — leaf blower, string trimmer, hedge trimmer, and chainsaw — is 2.5 hours.

Our lithium-ion powered mowers have the same restrictions as their gas counterparts when it comes to uneven terrain and hills. Please refer to each unit’s operator’s manual for specific guidelines.

Electric Mower FAQs

Cub Cadet’s lithium-ion battery powered lawn mowers are engineered to perform to the same standards as their gas-powered counterparts. You can expect the same unmatched strength and durability along with the peace of mind that comes with all our Cub Cadet products. Additionally, our lithium-ion lawn mowers will also not experience power fade as the battery depletes, maintaining a superior cut quality throughout operation.

Is the cut quality the same as gas engines?

All of our lithium-ion battery powered lawn mowers are being engineered to the same specifications as their gas counterparts. Our electric mowers have to pass the same cut quality tests, and we apply our experience in gas to ensure that our electric equipment delivers the same premium cut you’ve come to expect from Cub Cadet.

Can Cub Cadet’s lithium-ion battery powered lawn mowers be used in the rain or wet conditions?

Cub Cadet’s lithium-ion powered mowers are engineered to handle cutting in damp or moist grass conditions. Like other outdoor power equipment, the mower should not be operated in the rain, taken through heavily saturated areas or stored outside.

Will the electric riders work on sloped terrain/hills?

Our lithium-ion powered mowers have the same restrictions as their gas counterparts when it comes to uneven terrain and hills. Please refer to each unit’s operator’s manual for specific guidelines.

Can I charge the battery from a regular 110V outlet?

Yes. Cub Cadet’s lithium-ion battery powered equipment can be charged using a standard 110V electrical outlet. The charger uses an electrical input of 720W, 6A at 120V. You should never connect the charger to an AC voltage that differs from 100-240V.

Preserving batteries for electric mowers, power tools over winter

Gas power or electric? It’s a question more consumers are asking themselves in their store’s power tool aisle.- or when buying a snow blower or lawn mower.

WAUKESHA, Wis Gas power or electric? It’s a question more consumers are asking themselves in their store’s power tool aisle.- or when buying a snow blower or lawn mower. Before you lay down hundreds or thousands of dollars, it’s important to understand what you’re getting.

Matteo Daddato in Waukesha never wanted a push lawn mower. But, ever since the batteries died in his riding lawn mower, it’s the only way to get it moving.

“Kind of hard to cut the lawn like this,” said Daddato, using his shoulder to push the lawn mower out of his garage.

Daddato spent more than 4,000 on a Ryobi Electric Zero Turn Riding Mower. He bought it from the Home Depot in 2019.

Daddato says the mower worked great for one year. Then, he says the batteries stopped holding a full charge. One year after that, the batteries were dead.

“I’m just kind of sorry about this unit,” said Daddato. “I could have used that money for something else.”

Daddato says a battery dealer gave him an estimate of more than 450,000 to replace his batteries. He inquired about his warranty but was told it expired after one year, and that he hadn’t purchased extended warranty coverage.

Daddato believes his mower’s lead-acid batteries are poor quality. He also says they’re difficult to maintain over Wisconsin’s subzero winters. His owner’s manual reads, “For best results: Do not charge in an area of extreme heat or cold.”

Daddato says it’s not realistic to remove 250 pounds worth of batteries and carry them indoors to charge every winter.

Contact 6 wrote to the Home Depot and to Techtronic Industries Co. (TTI), which operates Ryobi, on Daddato’s behalf. Soon after, a representative from the Home Depot called Daddato to discuss his concerns.

TTI did not respond to Contact 6 directly, but sent Daddato four replacement lead-acid batteries.

“I called the guy [at TTI] and asked how good the batteries were, and he said they’re better than the ones we had,” Daddato told Contact 6.

It took Daddato a lot of sweat, trial-and error and use of a pallet-jack to swap out his batteries. He sent Contact 6 a cellphone video of his riding lawn mower running on his driveway. He’s hoping to make the new batteries last.

A Home Depot spokesperson told Contact 6, in part:

“… when it comes to outdoor power equipment we are seeing major innovation as suppliers convert products from gas to battery. It’s too soon to say if the market will full transition to cordless battery-powered products, but as consumers adapt to new and innovative products, it’s our job to ensure we have what the customer wants.”

As more consumers demand battery-powered equipment, and retailers amp up their inventory, there are steps Wisconsin consumers should take to preserve their batteries over the winter.

Craig Rigby is the VP of Technology at Clarios, a leading automotive battery supplier. He says it’s important for consumers to review their manufacturer’s advice for battery care.

“With these different battery technologies, we have to treat them differently because they behave in different ways,” said Rigby.

Rigby says treatment should differ based on the kind of battery a consumer is using: lead-acid or lithium-ion.

“They gotta remember: it’s not the same thing and they shouldn’t treat it the same,” said Rigby.

Lead-acid batteries are rechargeable and have been used in cars for decades. Consumers use them in motorcycles, snowmobiles, recreational vehicles and boats. Lead-acid batteries like to be kept at the top of their charge range. Rigby says the best practice is using a battery-maintainer.

“It essentially trickle-charges that battery constantly. Keeps it at top of charge,” said Rigby. “Which is the best thing for preserving battery-life for lead-acid.”

Lithium-ion batteries are also rechargeable and found in many portable electronics and electric vehicles. Lithium-ion batteries are more energy-dense and portable than lead-acid. Consumers find them in cellphones, power tools and push lawn mowers.

Consumers like that lithium-ion batteries are also versatile: the same battery can be swapped into different pieces of equipment, like a lawn mower and a snow blower.

Lithium-ion batteries shouldn’t be kept at a full charge for an extended period of time. It’s better to let the battery-level dwindle a bit and then recharge. In the winter, consumers should do that indoors.

“Typically, if you’re going to store a lithium battery, you want to let it discharge a little bit, maybe to three-quarters,” said Rigby.

At Bill’s Power Center in Brookfield, owner David Rosenberg offers more lithium-ion battery products than lead-acid. He showed Contact 6 some of his lithium-ion powered snow blowers and lawn mowers. He also has some lead acid battery-powered riding mowers.

Best Lightweight

BlackDecker 40V Max 16 inch Cordless Lawn Mower

Why You Should Get It: It’s only 38 pounds and stores away easily. Keep in Mind: It is meant for small yards of up to 0.125 an acre.

We chose the BlackDecker Cordless Lawn Mower because it is affordable, and it is only 38 pounds, which makes it easy to maneuver around your yard. The mower’s technology also makes it simple to use as it determines the height of your grass and adjusts accordingly to increase power and preserve battery life. Because it’s lightweight, it is also a pretty compact model, with handles that fold down to make storage simpler. Additionally, this model has carrying handles that make moving it easy. It’s the best battery-powered lawn mower for people who need a mower that is lightweight and convenient to carry. This battery-powered lawn mower has plenty of practical features as well, and includes six cutting heights that range from 1 inch to 3 inches, and the single lever height adjustment is easy to use. It also has a 9.5 gallon grass bag, which is attached to the back of the mower. The bag is made of soft fabric with a hard top, and it’s simple to check its capacity with a simple tap on the soft fabric. With a 16-inch deck, plus a 30 minute run time, it can mow years up to 0.125 acres big. If you have a yard larger than this, you’ll find yourself either switching out batteries (it does come with two) or stopping to recharge them. Price at time of publish: 330 Product Details: Run Time: 30 minutes | Height Adjustments: Six | Recommended Yard Size: 0.125 acres | Deck Width: 16 inches

Best Self-Propelled

Snapper XD MAX 82-Volt Electric 21 in. Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Kit

Why You Should Get It: It comes with two batteries, so you can get up to 90 minutes of run time. Keep in Mind: This self-propelled mower does not automatically adjust speed.

Self-propelled mowers are easier to use than push mowers because they rely on the motor to propel the wheels forward rather than your own strength. Our pick for the best self-propelled lawn mower is the Snapper XD Self Propelled Mower. It has up to 45 minutes of run time on one fully charged battery, but if you use the second battery (which is included with the mower) you’ll get 90 minutes of run time. This, plus the self-propelled motor and 21-inch deck help to move your mowing along and give you plenty of time to mow a yard up to 0.5 acres in size. It also has load-sensing technology, which adjusts the power level in order to ensure you’re getting the most efficient experience. You have the choice of seven different height adjustments, which you can control with a single lever as you mow. This mower also has three options for what to do with your clippings as you mow. The Snapper has the option of mulching your clippings, using side discharge, or bagging your clippings. When you’re done, this mower has vertical storage capabilities, so you can fold it up and stow it away in your shed or garage until the next time you need it. While some pricier self-propelled mowers are able to automatically adjust to your speed, this model allows you to control the forward mowing speed with a speed control lever. Price at time of publish: 550 Product Details: Run Time: 90 minutes | Height Adjustments: Seven | Recommended Yard Size: 0.5 acres | Deck Width: 21 inches

Best Push

Kobalt 21-Inch 80-Volt Cordless Electric Lawn Mower

Why You Should Get It: It has a larger battery, which offers up to 60 minutes of run time. Keep in Mind: At 66 pounds, it is not a lightweight model.

Push lawn mowers are operated by the user, so you’ll need to put a little more effort into mowing your lawn compared to self-propelled or ride-on mowers. The Kobalt Push Cordless Lawn Mower is our choice for best push mower because it uses a powerful battery for a 60 minute run time and a 21-inch deck to cover more ground. The Kobalt Push Cordless Lawn Mower uses a powerful, 5.0Ah battery (many mowers use 2.0Ah batteries), so it carries more of a charge for a longer amount of time—you can get 60 minutes of run time using this model. This push mower has an on-board indicator which will let you know how much battery power you have. It also uses auto-sensing technology in order to adjust the motor performance based on changing grass conditions, so it can provide you with greater power or more runtime. Additionally, you can choose from seven separate height adjustments. When it comes time to store it away, this model has a collapsible handle, so you can store it vertically and save some space. While it is not the heaviest battery-powered mower, it does weigh 66 pounds, so is not exactly lightweight. If you’re looking for lightweight, our best lightweight pick is only 38 pounds. As mentioned above, push mowers are operated mostly by the user, so consider this while buying. Price at time of publish: 599 Product Details: Run Time: 60 minutes | Height Adjustments: Seven | Recommended Yard Size: 0.5 to 1 acre | Deck Width: 21 inches

Best Ride-On

RYOBI RY48140 48V 54-Inch Electric Zero-Turn Riding Mower

Why You Should Get It: It can mow up to 3.5 acres on a single charge. Keep in Mind: Ride-on mowers tend to be very expensive, this one is no exception.

If you’re looking to do less manual labor while tending to your lawn, a ride-on mower may be the best battery-powered mower for you, like the Ryobi Electric Ride-On Mower. This model can mow a large yard without recharging and has cruise control, so mowing is a breeze. With a 54-inch deck, this model covers a lot of ground: 3.5 acres to be exact. The Ryobi Electric Ride-On Mower uses a 115Ah battery, so one charge allows 2.5 hours of run time. It has a control panel that allows you to monitor the battery power, as well as turn on the headlights, and use cutting options like slow speed, slow blade, and reverse mow. There is also a USB charging port, two cup holders, and a towing hitch for convenience. This ride-on mower offers 12 different deck adjustments ranging from 1.5 inches to 4.5 inches, plus the option to mulch or side discharge your cuttings. We love that, even though it is powered by five high-powered brushless motors, this lawn mower still manages to be quiet. A big bonus for this mower is that, if you are having problems with it, Ryobi will send someone to repair your mower right at your home, and there are 300 plus service centers you can also utilize. As is the case with most ride-on mowers, comfort and convenience comes at a premium. However, if you have a large yard and are looking to keep it looking good while keeping environmentally friendly, it’s a worthy investment. Price at time of publish: 5,999 Product Details: Run Time: 2.5 hours | Height Adjustments: 12 | Recommended Yard Size: 2-4 acres | Deck Width: 54 inches

Best for Small Yards

Makita 36-Volt Lithium-Ion Push Lawn Mower

Why You Should Get It: It comes with four batteries, so you can easily continue mowing with a quick swap. Keep in Mind: The only option for disposal is bag disposal.

Our pick for best battery-powered lawn mower for small yards is the Makita Brushless Lawn Mower. The Makita comes with four batteries, which power the mower for long enough to cut up to 0.33 acres of land in 43 minutes or less. It runs on two of those batteries at a time. Its brushless motor also allows you to cut grass faster at 2,500 to 3,300 rotations per minute. The batteries are equipped with battery overload, overheat, and over-discharge protection, which help to extend the battery life by shutting it down before damage can occur. Not looking to disturb your neighbors when you get up early to mow the lawn? The Makita Brushless Lawn Mower has a quiet mode that reduces noise by providing constant speed control. With a single-lever, you can adjust the height of the mower to 10 different heights. The deck width of this mower is 19 inches, so it can cut up to 19 inches across of grass per pass of the lawn mower. When it comes to your grass clippings, this lawn mower has a disposal bag that has a 16-gallon capacity—this means there isn’t the option for mulching or side-disposal. Price at time of publish: 399 Product Details: Run Time: 43 minutes | Height Adjustments: 10 | Recommended Yard Size: 0.33 acres | Deck Width: 19 inches

Best for Large Yards

Weibang WB76E E-Rider 30in. 72V Electric Riding Mower

Why You Should Get It: It has a long run time of two hours. Keep in Mind: This mower only offers mulching or side discharge for disposal.

run time and work more efficiently—that’s why we picked the Weibang E-Rider. A ride-on mower makes mowing feel less difficult for those with larger yards because you don’t have to push or pull a heavy machine. It also has an adjustable seat for a more comfortable ride. With a full charge of its 72-volt lithium ion battery, the Weibang E-Rider can last for up to two hours, which is double the run time of most mowers on this list. It has a maximum forward speed of 3.7 miles per hour and a reverse speed of 3.1 miles per hour, making it simple to get your mowing done in a clip. On top of being easy to maneuver around a large yard with its forward, neutral, and reverse mowing options, it also has LED lights mounted on the front bumper, should you want to mow when there isn’t much light. It also has 10 cutting positions from 1 inch to 4 inches, giving you the power to customize your mowing preferences. This mower only has options for mulching or side discharge so if you want to collect your clippings in a bag, this mower isn’t for you. However, if you are new to lawn care, you may not know that grass clippings are beneficial for your lawn. Additionally, this mower has a hefty price tag, which is the cost of not having to push a cumbersome mower around a large yard. Price at time of publish: 6500,999 Product Details: Run Time: 2 hours | Height Adjustments: 10 | Recommended Yard Size: Up to 1 acre | Deck Width: 30 inches

The research

Over the past nine mowing seasons, we’ve spent more than 120 hours researching nearly 250 mowers, interviewing experts, and extensively testing some of our top picks.

An invaluable source has been Roy Berendsohn, a Popular Mechanics lawn mower guru who has more than 20 years of experience testing and writing about mowers. If Berendsohn isn’t writing about mowers, he’s often being interviewed about them (see here and here).

We’ve interviewed landscapers, including Chad Crosby of West Michigan Lawn Services and Paul Koehler of Koehler Landscape Construction Services. We’ve called people at lawn mower retail/service outlets, like Nick Ortiz at Kellam Lawn Mower in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, and Boston Lawnmower Company’s David (who asked that his last name be withheld). We’ve talked to product managers at Honda, Toro, Troy-Bilt, Ego, Cub Cadet, and other manufacturers.

Personally, I maintain a rural property in New Hampshire that is far too large for a push mower to cover but that does provide ample room to test our recommendations. This guide’s editor, Harry Sawyers, assists with testing mowers on his LA property and draws from his previous experience as a professional landscaper.

Who this is for

If you want to be able to stand the sight of your yard this summer, you’re going to need a lawn mower. Anything larger than a half-acre gets into riding-mower territory, but a self-propelled push mower is perfect for a half-acre or less. Going at a pace of about 3 mph (roughly average walking speed), it will take about an hour to cut this amount of grass. (If you have a particularly small lawn, a reel mower is an option—but it’s quite hard work.)

If you already own a gas mower that’s less than a decade old, you will probably not notice a tremendous difference by upgrading to a newer gas mower. Upgrading to a cordless model is a more noticeable change you could immediately appreciate.

The Best Reel Mower for Your (Small) Lawn

After 30 hours researching and testing reel mowers, we think the Scotts 2000-20 20-Inch Classic Push Reel Lawn Mower is the best pick for manual lawncare.

How we picked and tested

As a result of our years of lawn mower evaluation, we’re sure that most people will be happiest with a self-propelled, electric cordless option. Honestly, it all comes down to convenience. Every single element of a gas mower that is considered a nuisance—from the fiddly start-up to the annual maintenance schedule—is gone. Cordless mowers start with the push of a button, are easier to maneuver, and don’t need oil changes, gas, spark plugs, or air filters. They’re much quieter, they don’t smell, they don’t produce emissions, and they’re easier to store in the off-season. The run time has limitations, and charge times can be slow, but the latest models close the performance gaps between cordless and gas.

All that said, there are many capable—and several excellent—gas mowers available. Whatever type of mower you need, here are the criteria we feel matter most in making a selection:

Rear-Wheel Self-propulsion: Self-propelled mowers make life easier. With the mower moving itself across the lawn, all you have to do is throttle and steer, rather than forcing the mower’s full weight up every incline and over every bump. Self-propelled cordless mowers are all rear-wheel drive (RWD), which is preferred over front-wheel drive (FWD), because the mower’s traction improves as the grass bag fills and adds weight over the rear wheels. A self-propulsion feature adds to a mower’s price, but it’s a feature we feel is well worth it, and this requirement doesn’t narrow the field by a whole lot. It does, however, weed out the most bare-bones machines.

Performance as a mower: We researched which mowers could perform the best from a lawn-care perspective—which could make cleaner cuts in grass or promote turf health. We’ve measured this performance firsthand over years of long-term testing and in tests of new contenders against our established recommendations.

User interface and features: In years of tests, we’ve found most midrange mowers perform at a comparable level; most can cut the grass just fine. That led us to place an emphasis on user interface features—how difficult is it to adjust the push-bar height, or to raise and lower the mowing deck? Can you intuitively control and adjust the self-propulsion? Is the bag a pain to put on and take off? Are there other design details that make startup smoother, reduce engine maintenance, or make storage easier?

Cost: We looked at cost in terms of long-term value. Gas mowers are cheaper up-front, generally, but they carry long-term costs that cordless mowers avoid. Those include supplies (like gas, oil, stabilizers, air filters, and spark plugs) and the time and labor of caring for one: getting gas, changing the oil, and emptying the tank at the end of the season. With cordless mowers, a large percentage of the price tag is the battery. Most companies offer a series of outdoor tools (leaf blowers, string trimmers, hedge trimmers, etc.), all compatible with the same battery. And they cost less if you buy them without a battery. So for a high cost up-front, a cordless investment may open the door for an affordable expansion into that manufacturer’s other tools.

Charge time and run time: For cordless candidates, we looked at these two primary factors, which determine whether a battery will be adequate or frustrating. Because these two elements are so important, we looked only at mowers that used at least a 40-volt battery.

and reputation: The best mowers out there have proved satisfying for the most number of people for the longest amount of time. That led us to closely consider the differences among a smaller group of about 50 established, well-regarded models from major brands, often covered by comparable warranties of about three to five years.

Best overall lawn mower

The best lawn mower

The self-propelled Ego LM2135SP’s battery runs for an hour and easily mows down overgrown grass—and it spares you the noise, emissions, and maintenance of a typical gas mower.

Buying Options

With Ace Rewards membership (free to join)

For the best in convenience, battery run time, cut quality, and value, we recommend the Ego Power Select Cut Mower LM2135SP. Compared with a gas mower, it’s quieter, doesn’t create exhaust, and requires almost no maintenance. Among other cordless models, the Ego LM2135SP has among the longest run time and shortest charge time. This Ego has a redesigned control interface that allows you to control the propulsion with either hand. It also cuts with two blades, making for a finer cut and better mulching. Rounding out the features are two forward-facing LED lights, an easy-to-use cutting-height adjustment, and a battery port that faces the battery gauge toward the operator. The battery, which is good for a solid hour of mowing, is compatible with Ego’s other lawn tools, such as the company’s leaf blower, chainsaw, and string trimmer.

Most people report getting roughly 60 minutes of run time from a full charge of the Ego’s 56-volt, 7.5 Ah battery, which is included with the purchase. We confirmed the run-time figures in tests of this pick and our runner-up in March 2019 and in 2020. In several hour-long sessions of strenuous cutting on tough grass in Los Angeles, running this mower across hills (some of which were steeper than its recommended 15-degree max), the battery never died before we expected it to. If anything, it exceeded the hour-long window by about 10 to 15 minutes. An added bonus: Once the battery was too low to power the mower blades, it still had enough juice to operate the self-propulsion function, letting us drive the mower back to the charger. Compared to older Ego batteries, this one has a ring of lights that give you an approximate gauge of the remaining charge (the previous generation communicated with a red light only when the battery got critically low). The battery regularly recharges in 60 minutes or less. (Recharge time is another advantage for Ego, as competitors’ charge times range from an hour and a half up to almost five and a half hours.)

In the mowing tests, the two-bladed Ego showed a superior cut-quality compared with our runner-up, and this is the primary reason we’d choose this model over the older version. We’ve put the mowers on some rough tufts of knotty crabgrass, knee-height rye grass, and thick purple stalks of weeds, and although the runner-up never bogged down, the LM2135SP did a better job of lifting overgrown grasses as it cut, mincing up fine mulch and effectively cutting through tall growth without pushing the grass flat. This second blade elevates the Ego into some territory that was formerly exclusive to mowers like the highly regarded Honda HRX series, making the case for cordless that much stronger.

A new-for-2020 speed-control system can be operated with your thumbs on either hand—a more versatile setup than the single, oversize, right-handed trigger on the 2019 version. Photo: Rozette Rago

With its onboard indicators displaying battery life and other troubleshooting diagnostics, the Ego is quite intuitive for anyone new to cordless mowers. Photo: Rozette Rago

A new-for-2020 speed-control system can be operated with your thumbs on either hand—a more versatile setup than the single, oversize, right-handed trigger on the 2019 version. Photo: Rozette Rago

Controlling the Ego is easy and intuitive. As with many mowers, the Ego has a metal bar (called a bail) that’s held against the handle to activate the blades. To activate the RWD self-propulsion, you press one of two buttons in the upper corners of the handle, and a central dial controls the mower’s speed. A couple of subtle changes set this mower apart from other models: The speed-control system can be operated with your thumbs on either hand—a more versatile setup than the single, oversize, right-handed trigger on the runner-up. Second, although the mower can move at a brisk pace if you want it to, the slowest speed setting available is unusually slow. This is quite handy if you’re backing in and out under a tree or in another tricky area, if you’re mowing across a hill and taking care not to let the mower slide or roll away, or if you just need to take it slow to make sure you’re not about to mow over an obstruction.

Random aside: Without the stink of gas engine exhaust in your face, the smell of mowing the grass while using Ego is entirely different and much more pleasant; unfortunately, the allergens are exactly the same.

The Ego has a number of other convenience features. The headlight, something not found on gas mowers, gives some illumination as the day starts to end. The single-adjust height control, a rarity on gas mowers, allows you to set the cutting height with a single lever. On most gas mowers, cutting height has to be adjusted at each individual wheel. The Ego has seven cutting heights, between 1½ to 4 inches—a wider range than on most cordless mowers, which top out at around 3½ to 3¾ inches.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Although the two-handed self-propulsion control is a more convenient setup than the one-handed paddle design seen on competitors, it does make accidentally engaging the self-propulsion a little too easy. Usually this isn’t an issue, but often the moments when you’re grasping to get a better grip on the handle are the times you least want to engage the self-propulsion. For example, if you are mowing across a hill, there’s a brief moment during a turnaround when the mower is pointing up or down the hill. When adjusting your grip to make those turns, you may inadvertently tap the throttle, destabilizing your stance or your grip on the mower. If anyone from Ego’s reading this, they’ll probably say we’re mowing on too steep a hill, but hey, sometimes life throws a steep hill at you.

We think that the hour or so of run time is going to be enough for anyone keeping to about a half-acre, but if that’s not enough, additional batteries are available to extend run time infinitely. But batteries are costly. Depending on the Ah, they currently range in price from about 140 (2.5 Ah) to about 250 (5.0 Ah), and up to about 450 for a 7.5 Ah battery. They all fit, and with a second one on the charger while one is on the mower, you can really minimize or eliminate downtime.

Because the Ego is cordless and loaded with electrical components, the company does not recommend using a hose to wash out the underside of the mowing dome. Instead, the mower needs to be put on its side and the dome wiped off or scraped clean, using a plastic scraper. Because there is no gas or oil to leak out, this process is much easier than with a gas mower.

Finally, Wirecutter writer Kit Dillon, who loves his Ego mower, uncovered an issue with an older version of our pick, where the wires for the self-propulsion function run up the handle to the operating switch. “The wiring is super thin and where the arm bends over itself over time this wire breaks,” he explained. “The annoying thing is the wire is so thin it will sometimes break inside the sheath, which makes it difficult to diagnose or even find what section to repair.” Because of the large number of YouTube videos devoted to the problem, it’s clear that this isn’t an isolated incident. We’re not sure if this problem happens with this current version of the mower, but looking through the customer feedback at Lowe’s, we found a number of people saying that their mower won’t start, which makes us think the issue persists in newer models.