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The 6 Best Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers of 2024, According To Testing

We put these battery-powered lawn mowers to the test to see which left our lawns looking fresh.

The Ryobi Battery Electric Cordless Zero Turn Riding Mower displayed in a large lawn

Better Homes & Gardens / Patrick McGowan

Whether you’re looking to save money on fuel or trying to make sustainable landscaping choices, battery-powered lawn mowers are an easy way to do so without sacrificing function. Battery-powered mowers are cordless, don’t use gasoline, and are typically best for small to medium-sized yards. 

There are a few important factors to consider when looking for the best battery-powered lawn mower, according to Nicole Durden, senior merchant of outdoor power at The Home Depot.

“Be mindful of the size of your yard,” she advises, since over half an acre will require more battery power. “Consider the terrain and the drive system on the mower. Customers with steep or hilly yards should consider a self-propelled mower.”

What We Tested

The first four battery-powered lawn mowers on our list have been tested by our team. We evaluated each lawn mower on their set up/assembly, design, performance, and usability. For our initial testing, we used each mower three times to mow a lawn, and then we continued to test them for six months in the real world. For more information on how we tested battery-powered lawn mowers, check out our testing process below.

Best Self-Propelled Push Mower

EGO Power+ 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower

EGO Power+ Select Cut 56-Volt 21-Inch Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower

Walmart

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4.8/5
  • Performance
    4.5/5
  • Usability
    4/5
  • Safety
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Why You Should Get It
  • It can fold when not in use, and so it can be easily stored away.

Keep in Mind
  • When using the bag disposal, we found that it was difficult to put on by ourselves.

We’ve chosen the Ego Power+ LM2101SP Cordless Lawn Mower as the best self-propelled push lawn mower because it is easy to use, thanks to a powerful self-propel feature that makes it perfect for small- to medium-sized yards.

Self-propelled mowers use the motor to propel the mower forward, which means it takes less of an effort on the user’s part to cut the grass. During our testing, we noted that it may be ideal for those with limited strength or mobility since it doesn’t require as much muscle use as other push mowers. 

It has six different height settings for lawn mower blades, which range from 1.5 inches to 4 inches. While testing, we found that it was simple to adjust the cutting height, the propelling speed, and the height of the handle with just one hand. It comes with LED lights, so if you are looking to beat the heat and mow your lawn before the sun rises or as it is setting, you will still be able to see what you’re cutting. 

This lawn mower offers 60 minutes of run time on a single charge with a 56-volt 7.5Ah ARC lithium battery. This means that it is best suited for a small to medium-sized yard of 0.5 acres. 

This unit made our list not only for its cutting capabilities, but also its disposal option. It offers three options for use: mulching, side discharge, or bagging. Although we loved having options for disposal, we found that attaching the bag for disposal was not an easy task on our own as it would sometimes pop off on one side as we pulled it tight to attach to the other—we think having an extra set of hands could be beneficial. 

One feature we loved was this mower’s storage capability. Whereas some mowers can take up quite a bit of space in your garage or outdoor shed, the Ego Power+ Mower can fold in order to be stored away. 

How It Performed After Six Months

After using the Ego Power+ LM2101SP Cordless Lawn Mower for six months, we found that it still performs the same as it did on the first day we tested it, and the battery works well, too. Initially, there was a bit of a learning curve as we figured out how all of the features work, but after getting used to how it operated we looked forward to using it.

“I have had my family try it out when they come down to visit, and they really enjoyed how smooth it runs and were shocked with the speed of self propelled on the fastest setting. I also think it's a great mower if you have multiple people that use it, since it is very easy to adjust to the correct height and position for the handle.” -Better Homes & Gardens Tester

Even when we went 10 days without mowing the grass, we didn’t have any difficulties with the mower cutting the thick lawn. When we emptied the clipping bag into our compost, all of the debris emptied easily and didn’t get stuck inside the bag. We have also occasionally mowed over sticks and small rocks, and this didn’t seem to hinder the mower’s performance at all. 

Product Details: Run Time: 60 minutes | Height Adjustments: Six | Recommended Yard Size: 0.5 acres | Deck Width: 21 inches

Key Terms to Know
  • Amp Hours (Ah): Amp hours (Ah) are a unit of measurement that quantify how much current a battery can provide per hour. For example, a battery with a 5Ah can provide 5 amps for one hour.
  • Voltage: Voltage refers to the speed at which electrons pass a point in a circuit.
  • Deck Size: On lawn mowers, there is a chamber that houses the blades, which is called the deck. The wider the deck, the more grass it can cut in a single pass.
Ryobi RY401150 40-Volt HP 21-Inch Dual-Blade Self-Propelled Mower

The Home Depot

Our Ratings
  • Design
    5/5
  • Performance
    4.3/5
  • Usability
    4.8/5
  • Safety
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
Why You Should Get It
  • It has a larger battery, which offers up to 70 minutes of run time.

Keep in Mind
  • We found that this mower can be tricky to navigate over uneven terrain.

The Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21-Inch Mower is our choice for best battery-powered push mower because it is intuitive to use with self-propelled technology that makes it possible to intuitively adjust the speed, plus it has options for clipping disposal. 

We found that it took a bit to get used to maneuvering this lawn mower over uneven ground, as we needed to change the blade height in order to keep it from getting stuck.

Otherwise, it was extremely easy to use, even on grass that was 6 inches high. The yard tested typically takes 45 minutes to mow, and this battery-powered lawn mower managed to get it done in 20 minutes. 

We were able to use the mower three times, each round ranging from 10 to 15 minutes, without having to charge the battery, which holds a charge for up to 70 minutes. The lawn mower uses two 6.0Ah batteries, which are powerful and carry a longer charge than your average lawn mower battery, which can range from 45 to 60 minutes of run time. 

This lawn mower has the option of disposing of clippings via mulching, bagging, or side-discharging, which we loved while testing because it’s possible to decide which type of disposal based on each user’s personal needs.

When we mowed the test lawn for the first time, we found that we had to empty the bag quite a bit, due to the height of the grass, even though it was only 0.05 acres. 

We appreciated that this mower was quiet compared to other lawn mowers we tested. During testing, we noticed that it didn’t sound much louder than a noise machine. We also loved that this mower folds up so that it can be stored vertically, leaving floor space free in a garage or shed. 

How It Performed After Six Months

After six months of use, the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21-Inch Mower continues to perform well. We were really impressed with the battery life on this mower—most of the time, one charge allowed us to mow two to three times, but occasionally it would even last for a fourth mow on a single charge. 

We used this mower on both dry and sunny days as well as damp and humid days. Regardless of the weather or moisture on the grass, the mower performed the same—it cut and collected grass with ease. We also appreciated the self-propelling feature, we made mowing up hills a less labor-intensive process. 

The only downside to this mower that we noticed was it had some trouble collecting larger weeds in the bag. While the mower would cut them down, we found that the weeds were strewn across the lawn instead of in the bag with the rest of the grass.

Product Details: Run Time: 70 minutes | Height Adjustments: Seven | Recommended Yard Size: 0.5 to 1 acre | Deck Width: 22 inches

Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-Inch Battery Electric Cordless Zero Turn Riding Mower

The Home Depot

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    5/5
  • Design
    5/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Usability
    4.8/5
  • Safety
    4.8/5
Why You Should Get It
  • It can mow up to 3 acres on a single charge.

Keep in Mind
  • Riding 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 riding lawn 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 needing to be recharged, and it has cruise control. 

During testing, we found that this battery-powered ride-on lawn mower was intuitive to use and easy to operate with the use of a single joystick. This mower has three travel speeds and three blade speeds, which are able to be changed with push button controls. It also has an LCD screen that displays battery life and run time (so that you’re never surprised that it’s time to recharge).

This mower comes with two 80V and two 40V batteries that make it possible to mow 3 acres per charge, and the batteries can recharge fully in two and a half hours.

If this mower is getting low on battery while in use, there's no need to worry: When the battery drops below 35%, the mower automatically begins to preserve battery so that it can be driven back to wherever the extra batteries are being stored or charged.

We love that this ride-on mower is powerful, with the equivalent power of 31 horsepower, and 12 different cutting settings, ranging from 1.5 inches to 4.5 inches.

Even with all those settings, there is also comfort in mind: the seat has premium seat suspension, which minimizes the feel of rough terrain. It also has cup holders, USB ports, and storage compartments. The option to mulch or side discharge clippings was also a plus.

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.  

How It Performed After Six Months

Over a period of six months, we mowed a half-acre lawn with this mower twice a week in both dewey and dry conditions, and it performed consistently well the entire time. We were also impressed by its power, and we had more than half of the battery life remaining after mowing. 

Because this mower is battery-operated, we also found it to be incredibly convenient to use since we didn’t have to worry about filling it with gas or changing the oil.  

As we became more comfortable with its settings and features, we enjoyed using it more. The power of the mower took some getting used to, so be wary of obstacles when using this mower—it can move forward quickly.

Product Details: Run Time: 2.5 hours | Height Adjustments: 12 | Recommended Yard Size: 2 to 4 acres | Deck Width: 42 inches

Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-Inch Electric Cordless Riding Lawn Tractor

The Home Depot

Our Ratings
  • Setup
    3/5
  • Design
    4/5
  • Performance
    5/5
  • Usability
    4.3/5
  • Safety
    4.8/5
Why You Should Get It
  • It has storage in both the front and the back, and there are 13 height adjustments.

Keep in Mind
  • We found that, because it does not have power steering, it takes some muscle to turn while going slowly.

After testing, we determined that the best battery-powered lawn mower with storage is the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42 in. Riding Lawn Tractor because it has two separate compartments.

It’s great for someone who loves to landscape, as you can get more done than just mowing. We loved the large back storage area in particular, noting that it would make it easy to load up some bags of mulch to tote around your property. 

When it came to actually mowing the lawn, we found that this lawn mower was easy to maneuver, and we liked that it is able to change speeds easily to maneuver around obstacles, but can instantly speed up once past them.

It handled the lawn with ease, mowing over sticks, leaves, and more. We even took the lawn mower out in wet conditions, and it managed to mow grass without a problem. When the blades are on, it is still less noisy than a gas mower. 

This mower has 13 height adjustments ranging from 1.5 inches to 4.5 inches, and we found that adjusting the height was simple with the use of a large lever on the side of the mower. We liked that we could get a close cut, even in wet conditions.

This riding lawn mower is able to side-discharge and mulch clippings, and is also capable of bagging. We only tested the side discharge and mulching capabilities, as the bagger is sold separately. 

This mower also comes with a few safety features. It beeps while in reverse, as well as if the user hops off the seat while the mower is turned on. It also turns off the mowing deck while in reverse. While it does have headlights, we found that they are very small, and that we wouldn’t use them to mow in the dark. 

Keep in mind that there is no power steering, and we found that we needed to use quite a bit of force when turning at a slow speed. 

How It Performed After Six Months

We used the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42 in. Riding Lawn Tractor for six months, and it continued to perform well after frequent use. It had no issues cutting thicker grass and weeds, and we appreciate that it is battery-operated so we didn’t have to deal with gas. We appreciated this even more as the weather got warmer because we didn’t feel any hot exhaust coming from the mower. 

However, we noticed a couple of quirks with this mower over time. When driving the mower at a slower speed, we found that it was more difficult to turn the wheel, and the accelerator was also a bit jerky at times. Despite this, the mower was still powerful and mowed grass neatly and evenly, and it made mowing feel more fun and less of a chore.

Product Details: Run Time: 2.5 hours | Height Adjustments: 13 | Recommended Yard Size: 3 acres | Deck Width: 42 inches

Why You Should Get It
  • This push mower weighs 37.5 pounds, so it's easy to maneuver. 

Keep in Mind
  • It only has 45 minutes of run time.

The Greenworks Cordless Lawn Mower is our pick for the best battery-powered lawn mower for those on a budget. It has five height settings, mulching, and rear bagging capabilities. 

For a push mower, it’s lightweight at 37.5 pounds—as light as our pick for best lightweight mower. Some lawn mowers on this list weigh as much as 66 pounds.

With this mower, even though you have to do the work of pushing it around the yard, it makes the task much less difficult. It also has five height adjustments to choose from, this lawn mower can cut from 1.25 inches to 3.375 inches. 

When it comes to mowing, it’s important to have a plan when it comes to handling your clippings, and this lawn mower offers options for both mulching and rear bagging. It even comes with a collection bag, should you choose to use it. 

Keep in mind that this battery-powered lawn mower only has 45 minutes of run time on a full charge. Its 16-inch deck width also means that you clip less grass per pass, so it could take longer to mow your yard.

If you don’t have a small yard, this could present a problem, as you’ll have to pause to recharge. The good news is, the battery reaches full power after two hours. 

Product Details: Run Time: 45 minutes | Height Adjustments: Five | Recommended Yard Size: Up to 0.33 acres | Deck Width: 16 inches

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 Black+Decker 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 in your shed or garage. 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 yards 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. 

Product Details: Run Time: 30 minutes | Height Adjustments: Six | Recommended Yard Size: 0.125 acres | Deck Width: 16 inches

The Bottom Line

After testing, we chose the Ryobi Electric Ride-On Mower as the best ride-on mower because it is easy to use and can mow up to 3 acres in a single charge, making it a great choice for a large yard. Our pick for best push mower was from the same brand: the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21 in. Self-Propelled Mower because it has an impressive 70 minutes of runtime on a single charge plus multiple options for clipping disposal.

Our Testing Process

In order to find the best battery-powered lawn mowers, we tested 15 mowers, narrowing down our results to determine which of these battery-powered favorites made our list. First, we recorded how long it took to assemble each mower straight out of the box.

Then, we mowed our lawns with each mower three times, noting the date, weather conditions, how much we cut off the grass in inches, how much surface area we were mowing in acres, and how long it took for us to mow that area. 

As we used each mower, we considered many factors. We began with the ease of starting and powering the mower, plus the ease of adjusting the seat (if a ride-on mower) or heights for comfort, and whether or not the controls were user friendly.

With the riding mowers, we also took note of how easy it was to adjust our speed, as well as how easy it was to switch between cutting heights and how many options there were. We also evaluated how each mower compared to those that we previously owned or tried. 

One of the most important aspects of a battery-powered lawn mower is its power source. We determined how many batteries came with the mower, how long they took to charge, and how long that battery lasted before we had to swap it or recharge it.

We also tested each mower’s ease of movement, observing how they performed when maneuvering around obstacles like trees, flowerbeds, and tough terrain like hills or inclines. When it came to how well the mowers discharged the clippings, we noted if they discharged, collected debris in a bag, or mulched them.

Some models performed more than one function, and if that was the case, we tested each type of discharge method, and how easy it was to insert or remove collection bags (if applicable). We also observed how much storage each model had and how they would eventually be stored away. 

Finally, we tried each mower’s features. On the riding mowers, we tested their ignition cut-off switches, wheel weights, and headlights, or reflective surfaces. For push mowers, we tested the handle lever, back flap, and blade brake control.

We also evaluated the cutting height options, plus various speeds of each mower. If possible, we even tested these lawn mowers on other lawns, to see how the experience differed depending on type of grass and terrain.

Person mowing a lawn with the Ryobi 40V HP Self-Propelled Mower

Better Homes & Gardens / Jennifer May

What to Know About Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers Before Shopping

Lawn Size

When shopping for the best battery-powered lawn mower for your home, it’s important to take into consideration the size of your lawn. Typically, the batteries in your mower will last 50 to 60 minutes on one charge, so you’ll want to make sure you can cover the distance of your lawn in that time.

Otherwise, you’ll have to either change out the battery for a fully charged back-up, or charge your battery. If you have a yard that is more than an acre, it’s not ideal to have a battery-powered mower unless you have one that is made with large yards in mind.

Type

There are a few different types of battery-powered lawn mower to choose from: self-propelled mowers, push mowers, and riding mowers. 

Self-propelled mowers, like the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21-Inch Mower, are less work to operate than push mowers, with a design that uses the motor to propel the wheels, which makes it easy for you to simply guide the mower across your lawn. 

In order to operate a push mower, you have to push it forward manually. The bad news: You’re the one doing the pushing. The good news: most models are compact and lighter weight (especially when compared to a gas model) so it isn’t too difficult.

Riding lawn mowers, like the the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42 in. Riding Lawn Tractor, require the least amount of work, but are also the most expensive models. They are a great choice for people with larger lawns, and you can simply sit up top and steer it where you want it to go. 

Charge Time 

Battery-powered mowers need to be charged before use, and those times will vary. We found that the time it takes to recharge varies anywhere from one to two and a half hours.

For example, our best riding mower pick, the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42 in. Zero Turn Riding Mower, takes 2.5 hours to reach full charge. If you don’t have the time to pause your mowing to recharge, consider choosing a mower with an extra battery so you can change them out and continue on.

Power

Battery-powered lawn mowers do not require chords to function. Instead, they work using rechargeable batteries that have an output of anywhere from 36 to 120 volts.

Run time is largely dependent on the voltage of your battery. The higher the battery, the longer your mower will run. The higher the voltage, the larger the battery, so it may affect your mower’s deck size.

The deck is the part of the lawn mower that covers the engine and blades of the mower. It is measured in square inches, and is determined by multiplying the width of the bottom part of your mower (between the wheels) by the length. They are also usually made with durable material so they stand up against debris and the elements.

The size of the deck determines how much grass the machine will cut in one pass, as it is generally large enough to cover the blade. Smaller mowers may only have one blade, while larger models have two or three for more efficient cutting.

Mowers with larger decks offer less mobility, so it’s beneficial to use a mower with a smaller deck and voltage for a yard with less acreage. The larger your yard, the bigger the deck you’ll require because you’ll need to cover more ground in the same amount of time. The Ryobi Electric Ride-On Mower has the largest deck on our list at 42 inches.

Features

The best battery-powered lawn mowers come with plenty of features to make your lawn-cutting experiences as enjoyable as possible.

For example, some come with mulchers that take the grass, chop it up, and leave them behind on the lawn. Others have a grass bag catcher that attaches to the mower on either the side or rear where the lawn clippings drop straight into the bag.

Another feature that is important is the ability to adjust the blade height so that you can tailor your mower to your preferences. They usually range from 1 to 4 inches, and keep in mind that you should only remove the top third of the grass blades.

Adjustable handles are also important because they allow you to change the height in order to make them easier to mow. 

Other Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers We Tested

Greenworks Pro 80V Max, 21-Inch Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower

We loved that the Greenworks Pro 80V Max, 21-Inch Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower lawn mower had a space-saving storage design that allowed it to be stowed away vertically. We also appreciated how long the battery lasted—about 50 minutes total.

While testing, we found that this lawn mower had difficulty maneuvering in tight spots, and its weight made it difficult to turn. When we switched it to the self-propel mode, we found that even the fastest setting did not measure up to others on this list.

Your Questions, Answered

How long do batteries last in a battery-powered mower? 

This answer depends on the mower, but typically the batteries in a battery-powered mower last around fifty minutes to an hour if fully charged.

This is why battery-powered mowers are recommended for small to medium-sized yards—if you can’t get your mowing done within an hour, you’ll need to hit pause, plug it in to charge (or replace it with another fully charged battery if you’ve got a spare), and wait to mow. 

What is the best voltage for a battery-powered mower? 

The batteries in battery-powered lawn mowers provide anywhere from 36 to 120 volts of power. The higher the voltage, the longer the run time. The longer the run time, the more time you have to cover some distance in your yard before that battery runs out.

Getting a battery with a high voltage may sound smart because it allows for a longer run time. However, it also makes the machine heavier which can slow you down and can decrease the run time. 

Which mower is better: battery-powered, electric, or gas?

Battery-powered, electric, and gas lawn mowers each have their own pros and cons. Gas powered mowers have the advantage when it comes to being able to fuel them right away. When an electric or battery-powered mower runs out of juice, it needs to be plugged in and charged. 

“Battery-powered lawn mowers provide the power of traditional lawn mowers without the harmful emissions, which make them perfect for customers that value efficiency and sustainability,” Durden says.

Gas mowers also tend to require more maintenance in order to run smoothly, and you need to take care to store the fuel properly and even winterize your mower

Battery-powered lawn mowers have the advantage of being “lightweight and quieter than gas-powered mowers, too,” says Durden. You just need to remember to keep the battery charged.

Additionally, whereas gas-powered mowers need to be pulled or cranked, and cared for to ensure they’re winterized, you just need to push to start a battery-powered or electric mower and go. 

One downside to an electric mower is the range of motion—you may be limited by the cord. Battery powered and electric mowers are more equipped to handle small to medium-sized yards.

Who We Are

Andrea Wurzburger is a freelance writer for Better Homes & Gardens. She has written about outdoor topics such as electric pressure washers, rain barrels, and pool alarms. For this story, she spent several hours analyzing our testing insights researching the best battery-powered lawn mowers. She also spoke with Nicole Durden, who is the senior merchant of outdoor power at The Home Depot.

What is BHG Recommends?

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.

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