The list in brief ↴
1. Best overall: Troy-Bilt XP 21 in. 163 cc Briggs and Stratton ReadyStart Engine 3-in-1 Gas RWD Self Propelled mower
2. Best robot lawn mower: Segway Navimow i105N
3. Best ride-on lawn mower: John Deere Z370R ZTrak 42-in 58-volt Lithium Ion Electric Zero-turn Riding Lawn Mower
4. Best push lawn mower: Black + Decker 15 in. 10 AMP Corded Electric Walk Behind Push Lawn Mower
5. Best cordless lawn mower: Toro Recycler 60-volt Max 22-in Cordless Self-propelled Lawn Mower
6. Buying advice
Owning one of the best lawn mowers will help to save you time and money this spring. They are often quick to start, efficient to use, and relatively easy to store. And there are plenty of types of lawn mowers to choose from, too.
The best robot lawn mowers are a fantastic option for busy homes that simply don't have the time to cut the grass. A robot lawn mower can be automated to cut when and where you want. Have a large lawn? One of the best riding lawn mowers will mean you can cover a lot more ground than, say, a push-along. They're a fantastic upgrade option to a gas lawn mower because many retain the power you're used to, but they're just bigger in stature.
While we have used plenty of lawn mowers, we haven't tested all five featured in this guide. Instead, we've honed in the brands you know and trust, such as John Deere, Black + Decker, and Honda, and used our expertise to decipher the specs to determine the mower's position in this guide. The factors we look out for include the deck size, cutting height, and drive type. We've even looked at user reviews to see what they say about each model featured.
Keep scrolling to see which of the five made it into our shortlist ahead of the year's first cut, and then check out what to look out for when buying a lawn mower.
The best lawn mowers we recommend in 2024
Why you can trust Top Ten Reviews 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.
We're on a mission here at Top Ten Reviews to review everything that we feature in our buyer's guide. All of the machine have been tested in our writer's yard for a minimum of two weeks, assessing the design, performance and value-for-money.
The best lawn mower overall
🔎 The Troy-Bilt XP 21 in. 163 cc 3-in-1 RWD Self-Propelled gas lawn mower is perfect if you want easy starting, mulching, and bagging options and help with slopes. However, it's not eco-friendly and requires significant maintenance. Also, its 21-inch deck may not be suitable for large lawns. Consider a battery-powered mower for less maintenance and a larger deck for big lawns. ★★★★½
The Troy-Bilt XP 21 in. 163 cc 3-in-1 RWD Self-Propelled gas lawn mower is perfect for small-to-medium yards. Its no-choke start-up system and self-propel feature make mowing effortless. While not the most eco-friendly due to its gas power, it offers mulching and bagging options for clippings.
Setup: Setting up the lawn mower was straightforward and took about 5-10 minutes. It arrived mostly assembled, and our reviewer only needed to attach the handle and choose between the side discharge chute or the bag. Adjusting the handle and wheels was challenging, but the setup process was manageable overall.
Design: The Troy-Bilt gas-powered push lawn mower features a 21-inch deck and rear-wheel drive, making it ideal for small-to-medium yards and improving wheel traction on slopes. Its 163cc Briggs & Stratton engine incorporates ReadyStart technology for easy starting without a choke. The cutting height can be easily adjusted with six deck positions ranging from 1.25 to 3.75 inches.
The handle is customizable for user comfort, and the blade control ensures safety and control during operation. The mower also offers self-propel speed management through dual levers and includes an integrated mulch plug, a 2.3-bushel grass bag, and a side discharge chute.
Performance: The mower's easy start-up, comfortable handling, and self-propel feature made mowing our reviewer's large yard a breeze. The self-propel feature was effective on slopes, and the rear wheel drive prevented slipping. Unfortunately, we encountered difficulty lifting the mower, adjusting the deck, and attaching the grass bag. The mower's mulching capabilities and overall performance exceeded our expectations.
The best robot lawn mower
🔎 The Segway Navimow i105N is great if you dislike boundary wires, prefer traditional lawn aesthetics, and have a medium-sized lawn. However, if you're on a tight budget, lack access to a power outlet near your lawn, or have uneven terrain, you may want to explore other options. ★★★★★
The Segway Navimow i105N is the best robot lawn mower our reviewer has used. It provides excellent mowing, a simple setup, and geeky appeal with remote control boundary mapping features. Delivering performance comparable to traditional mowers, the i105N might just mark a milestone for robotic lawn mowers.
Setup: The I Series mower arrives efficiently packed in a small box with clear unboxing instructions. The setup involves downloading the Navimow app and situating the charging station and antenna. Most accessories are easy to install. The generous 10-meter power cable allows for flexible placement, and the robot emits a confirming sound upon setup.
Design: The i105E robotic mower revolves around interacting with the antenna accessory, allowing precise mowing without perimeter wire. This feature saves effort during setup and provides long-term control flexibility. The robot has a sturdy build with a bug-like design, a digital display, and LED status indicators. It is easy to use and offers advanced features like scheduled mowing and an anti-theft alarm.
However, it lacks external handles and clear signposting for the carry handles and cutting blades. The underside reveals three sharp cutting blades, deep-tread drive wheels, and trailing caster wheels. While suitable for most lawns, the two-wheel-drive design may face challenges in poor conditions.
Performance: The mower effectively mowed the grass and flawlessly navigated using wire-free, antenna-assisted navigation. The only issue encountered was during the initial setup when the charging station was placed on an uneven surface, causing the mower's wheels to slide off. However, after relocating the base, the mower worked perfectly. Using the smartphone app to map out the work area and control the mower was fun, although it required some practice.
The mower's precise steering and ability to designate passages and off-limit areas on the lawn were impressive. It also provided an impressively clean cut and proved capable of cutting weeds. It also operated quietly, and its battery life was more than adequate for my small lawn, using only about a quarter of its charge per mow.
Read more: Segway Navimow i105N Robot Lawn Mower review
The best ride on lawn mower
🔎 John Deere's Z370R Electric ZTrak Mower is a top-notch battery-powered riding lawn mower with zero-turn capability, perfect for yards with obstacles. It requires minimal maintenance and offers a quick mow with a seven mph speed. However, it's unsuitable for yards over 2 acres and has a high price tag. ★★★★★
John Deere's Z370R Electric ZTrak Mower is an exceptional battery-powered riding lawn mower with zero-turn capability for easy maneuvering. Its 7-mph speed and 42—or 48-inch decks are ideal for open yards. With minimal maintenance, the battery can last up to two acres on a single charge, although the high price and battery lifespan are drawbacks.
Setup: The John Deere Z370R Electric Ztrak Mower was delivered seamlessly to our reviewer's house. They only had to schedule the delivery, and the fully assembled, charged riding mower arrived, allowing them to start using it immediately.
Design: The John Deere Electric ZTrak Mower is a zero-turn, battery-powered mower with built-in, water and dust-resistant batteries. It features a 42-inch deck, adjustable cutting heights, a comfortable seat with armrests, and a control panel with various functions, including a mode switch, battery status display, and diagnostic alerts. The mower is equipped with motion control levers that also serve as brakes, and it can be used on slopes of up to 13 degrees. Charging is done through a three-pronged outlet on the mower using an extension cord.
Performance: The John Deere Electric ZTrak Mower is easy to start and operate without reading the instructions. It emits minimal noise, and its 42-inch deck and zero-turn capability made mowing a half-acre yard a breeze, especially around obstacles. The sensitive handles allowed precise maneuvering, and the mower performed well on slopes. It cut grass and weeds evenly, and adjusting the deck height was simple.
The battery life was impressive, and we appreciated the convenience of the integrated charging system. Cleaning the muddy wheels without worrying about damaging the mower was a standout feature.
Read more: John Deere Z370R ZTrak 42-in 58-volt Lithium Ion Electric Zero-turn Riding Lawn Mower review
The best push lawn mower
🔎 The Black + Decker BEMW472BH offers efficient mowing with innovative upright handles, ideal for navigating obstacles. It is reasonably priced for medium-sized lawns but unsuitable for large areas due to the corded design. It is not recommended for those who dislike handling cables or have limited storage space. ★★★★
The Black + Decker BEMW472BH provides impressive mowing performance for its price. Its unique upright handles allow for easy maneuvering around tight corners. While the power cable may be a drawback, the mower offers convenient features like quick cutting height adjustment and easy assembly.
Setup: The item arrived well-packaged in recyclable materials, except for a few small pieces. Some assembly is required, but it is manageable without tools. Thanks to clear instructions, setting up took around 20 minutes. The mower is lightweight and can be moved by two people or one strong person, although the box lacks handles.
Design: This mower features durable plastic construction with metallic components in the handle assembly and mowing blade, making it lightweight at 35 lbs. Its sleek design in Black + Decker's signature colors includes an EasySteer handle for effortless maneuvering around obstacles. While the upright handles aid in navigating obstacles, they may hinder movement in tight spaces.
This mower is not meant for outdoor storage but is relatively rust-resistant due to its low metal content. To save space, we recommend folding the handle assembly for indoor storage. The EasySteer feature is useful, especially for those struggling with traditional mower handles.
Performance: The Black + Decker BEMW472BH's 1,600W motor offered ample power to efficiently mow the grass and cut through tough weeds like dandelions. This mower is suitable for lawns up to 1⁄8 acre in size, with a cutting width of 15" (38 cm). Being corded eliminates the fear of running out of power mid-mow, but maneuvering the cable around the lawn posed some inconvenience. However, the mower does offer some help with cable management, featuring a bright orange power cable and handle-mounted cable clips.
The 45-liter grass collection box effectively gathers cuttings, although some were dropped during testing. Adjusting the mowing height was simple, and different settings produced varying cutting results. As a corded electric mower, avoiding using it in wet conditions is important due to the risk of electrocution. Also, it operates at noise levels similar to a noisy restaurant, measuring around 79-81 dB.
Read more: Black + Decker 15 in. 10 AMP Corded Electric Walk Behind Push Lawn Mower review
The best cordless lawn mower
🔎 The Toro 60V Max 22in Recycler Lawn Mower is an impressive battery-powered mower. It starts with a button push, cuts tall and wet grass easily, and operates quietly. It's compact and easy to store. However, it's not suitable for large yards, requires frequent bag emptying, and is pricey compared to gas mowers. ★★★★
This battery-powered lawn mower is a game-changer. Its push-button start makes it incredibly easy to use and effortlessly cuts through tall, dewy grass.
Setup: Our reviewer was impressed by its simple design. Setting it up was easy, requiring only unfolding the handle and installing the blade control bar. After a minor issue with a loose wheel, easily fixed with a socket wrench, the Toro was ready to mow.
Design: Our tester often transported this lawn mower between their house and their dad's thanks to its folding handle, which made it convenient for transport and storage. The mower has two handle positions, with the taller one suitable for those over six feet tall and the second one comfortable for me at 5ft 9in. Despite weighing over 80 pounds, its self-propelled feature makes it easy to push.
Compared to a gas mower, the battery-powered Toro 60V Max 22in Recycler Lawn Mower's starting process is a breeze - just press a button, and it starts. The wheel adjustment is simple but requires some effort, and it comes with a 60V lithium battery, charger, and collection bag.
Performance: The Toro 60V Max 22in Recycler Lawn Mower is easy to start, especially after our reviewer struggled with a gas-powered engine. Although the manufacturer claims a runtime of up to 40 minutes, they got around 50 minutes of use on a single charge, easily mowing their dad's and their own yard. However, the charging time of three hours and 40 minutes was longer than expected, especially compared to other models on the market.
During operation, the mower's motor adjusted its power output based on the grass height, conserving energy when possible. The engine was surprisingly quiet, allowing for early morning mowing without disturbing the neighbors. One downside was that the mower left grass trails, possibly due to reduced suction power when the engine operated at lower power levels.
Read more: Toro Recycler 60-volt Max 22-in Cordless Self-propelled Lawn Mower review
How to choose the best lawn mower for you
What should I look for in a lawn mower? Cobra’s managing director Chaloner says to first consider budget, yard size, terrain, and power source.
He says: “You can choose between gas, electric or cordless battery. Gas is a more traditional option but requires a trip to the gas station to fill it out. Electric mowers are also popular but aren’t ideal for larger lawns where power may not be easily accessible. Cordless mowers are a very convenient solution – you can mow from the charge of a battery, so you don’t have to worry about electric cables or filling up with gas. They are also more environmentally friendly, and the battery could be transferred to various hand tools like strimmers, leaf blowers, and hedge trimmers.
“Another factor should be the cutting finish that you want. Many people strive for a classic striped finish. You want to look for a cylinder or rear roller mower to cut and press the lawn in the right direction to achieve the perfect stripes.”
Nick Grey, CEO of garden appliances firm Gtech, has some advice, too. “When choosing a lawn mower, think about what your lawn is used for. If you have kids and pets, or your lawn gets lots of use, it must be hardwearing.
“Hardwearing lawns generally have thicker-leaved grasses, which you cut no shorter than 50mm. If you mainly like to look at your lawn, close-cut, fine-leaved grass and perfect stripes may be your aim.
“The good news is you don’t have to reseed your lawn; how you care for it will ultimately determine the type of grass that will thrive. Most lawn mowers on sale are rotary – they have a helicopter-type blade that spins horizontally over the lawn. The blade has aerofoil features that make the grass stand up straight for cutting, and then it sweeps it into a bin for collection. These mowers are perfect for hardwearing lawns as they can cut long grass very evenly, tend to be wider, so they cut faster, and are very low maintenance.
“Many rotary mowers are cordless, and these tend to have the added safety of no 240v cable trailing around the blade, no need for gas, and are generally quicker to use. The drawback of cordless is that you will need to cut larger lawns in two attempts while you recharge the battery. Gas and cordless mowers are a bit more expensive, starting at around $165, while corded mowers range from $82. Gas mowers are becoming less popular due to the noise levels and mess.”
