The type of lawn mower you’ll need is highly dependent on the size of your garden. We researched and found the best lawn mower models on the market for all different types of gardens based on their power, durability, and cutting deck width and height options. Overall, we think most people will find the Ego-LM2102SP Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower to be the best lawn mower. It’s an electric mower with plenty of power and many of the modern features that make mowing your lawn less of a hassle. Here are the best lawn mowers available.
What We Recommend
Best Overall: Ego-LM2102SP Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Best Electric Mower: Black+Decker 20-in. 13-Amp Corded Electric Walk-Behind Mower Best Gas Mower: Honda 21-in. 3-in-1 Gas Walk-Behind Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Best Self-Propelled Mower: Greenworks PRO 60V 21-in. Cordless Self-Propelled Mower Best Reel Mower: American Lawn Mower Company 1204-14 Push Reel Mower Best Robot Mower: Worx Landroid S 20V 2.0Ah Robotic Lawn Mower Best Riding Mower: Cub Cadet Enduro Series XT1 LT42 Ride-on Mower Best Budget: Sun Joe MJ401E 14-in. Electric Corded Push-Behind Lawn Mower
Keep in Mind: It does run on batteries, so if you’re not fully charged and don’t have a spare backup battery handy, you could find yourself out of juice mid-mow. This machine from Ego serves as proof that when it comes to lawn mowers, gas is not always the best option. Providing just as much power as some professional-grade mowers double its price (sans the maintenance, fumes, and noise), this machine enables users to mow easily and safely thanks to a plethora of user-friendly features such as an easy height adjustment, a simple push-button startup, and a detachable bag to catch all the lawn clippings. When fully charged, its battery will last up to an hour of cutting time, which could very likely mean that you will get tired before the machine does. However, if the battery does die, it only takes 60 minutes to fully charge up again—or you can invest in a second battery and swap it out mid-job. The machine is durable and weather-resistant and is built to last. It also has bright LED lights if you want to get some early morning mowing in before the sun comes up (don’t tell the neighbors we suggested it). As an extra perk, it folds up super compactly, too. Price at time of publish: $648 Power: Cordless 7.5Ah 56-volt battery | Ideal lawn size: 0.25–0.5 acres | Deck width: 12 inches | Deck height: 1.5–4 inches (adjustable, 6 settings) | Mower weight: 93.61 pounds Keep in Mind: With the limitation of a cord, you might have to stop to change the outlet or spring for a good outdoor extension cord to give yourself more flexibility to roam. Mulching is the process of adding a nutrient-rich top layer to the surface soil for reasons such as moisture, fertilization, and to reduce weeds—many often hire professionals to do this. Capable of turning lawn trimmings into mulch and spreading it all around the garden as you mow, this BLACK+DECKER electric walk-behind mower is a great pick for anyone after a low-maintenance machine that can not only trim your lawn but also take care of its health. When it’s not mulching season, you can collect clippings in the provided 13-gallon nylon bag, but there’s a side-discharge chute, too. Its precision deck is great for mowing around your delicate flower beds without worrying about accidentally chopping up your hydrangea blooms. Another convenient feature is the carry handles that allow for easy storage without grabbing onto the mucky deck or wheels after mowing. Price at time of publish: $299 Power: Corded electric, 13-amp motor | Ideal lawn size: 0.25–0.5 acres | Deck width: 20 inches | Deck height: 1.5–4 inches (adjustable, 7 settings) | Mower weight: 46.85 pounds Keep in Mind: If you’re not comfortable handling gas or being around fumes (remember to always wear a mask and gloves if you do), gas mowers might not be the best option for you. If you’re looking for a push mower that can handle a yard up to 1 acre in size, you might want a gas model like this one. An intuitive mower with rear-wheel drive, this machine has an automatic variable speed that adjusts along with the user’s stride and propels you forward as you walk, for smooth, easy mowing, on even sloped and uneven terrain. Thanks to its micro-cut and offset blade design, this model is optimal for those who want to use their mower as a mulcher too. Great for cutting grass of all types, as well as wispy weeds, you can bag, mulch, or discharge the clippings, and there are 7 cutting heights to choose from. The desk is made from durable steel which is built to last (though the wheels may feel a little plasticky), but the mower also comes with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty for extra peace of mind. Price at time of publish: $599 Power: Gas-powered, 4-cycle 170cc engine | Ideal lawn size: 0.5–1 acre | Deck width: 21 inches | Deck height: 1.8–4 inches (adjustable, 7 settings) | Mower weight: 77.8 pounds Keep in Mind: It’s suggested for smaller yards of 1/4-acre and under. At 60 pounds, the Greenworks PRO 60V cordless mower can already be classed as one of the more lightweight lawnmowers around, but throw in its self-propelling technology, and you’ve got a lawnmower that is virtually effortless to push. It speeds up and slows down according to your pace for an enjoyable mowing experience and has 7 deck height adjustments so you can get your lawn looking exactly as you want it. The mower comes with a rapid charger and two extra batteries (compatible with the whole range of 60V Greenworks tools) that allow for an automatic switchover; when one battery dies, simply insert the other and keep mowing for up to 60 minutes, although since this model is ideal for smaller yards, you shouldn’t need to swap batteries too often. Vibration is minimal when mowing along with this machine, which is a nice change from some other teeth-clattering lawn mower models, and it also has a 4-year limited warranty. Price at time of publish: $600 Power: Cordless 4.0Ah 60-volt battery | Ideal lawn size: Under 0.24 acres | Deck width: 21 inches | Deck height: 1.38–3.75 inches (adjustable, 7 settings) | Mower weight: 60 pounds Keep in Mind: Since there is no powering mechanism behind it, it does take a little more oomph to push one of these, so they’re better for smaller areas. No need to fill up the tank, charge the batteries, or even find an electrical outlet for this one; the 1204 push reel mower from the American Lawn Mower Company is as user-friendly as they get—so much so that even kids can use it (might be time to amend the chores’ list). Easy to use, easy to store, and easy to clean, this is a worthy contender for the best lawnmower for anyone with a smallish garden. With a 14-inch, 4-blade reel that rolls over grass, hacking away as it goes, completely noise- and fume-free, this budget mower is an eco-friendly alternative to a gas or electric unit. The blades in the reel can cut grass that’s up to 4 inches tall, and they are designed to stay sharp even after years of use. Price at time of publish: $90 Power: Manual | Ideal lawn size: Under 0.25 acres | Deck width: 14 inches | Deck height: 0.5–1.75 inches (adjustable) | Mower weight: 20 pounds Keep in Mind: Despite being thought of as a hands-off option for mowing, the Landroid might need “rescuing” occasionally, and it’s only really good for very small yards If you loathe mowing the lawn and have a garden of up to 1/8th of an acre in size, there is a clear solution for you, and it doesn’t involve hiring a professional. The Worx Landroid robotic mower mows the lawn on its own and you simply oversee it from your window or via your Bluetooth or Wi-Fi-enabled smart device—while all warm and cozy indoors. This mower can navigate narrow paths and uneven terrain, it knows when to stop so as not to mow all over your flower beds, and it also knows when its battery is running low and will promptly return itself to its charging station. Once you’ve had the first test run and set the parameters and the route that the robot mower learns, you can then set it to a timer so it can mow even when you’re away. While it might get stuck and need human assistance on occasion, it tends to learn and does keep within its parameters if they’re set correctly. If it’s stolen or taken away from its mowing area, you’ll be notified immediately on your smart device, but an optional “Find My Landroid” accessory is also available for extra security. Price at time of publish: $1,000 Power: Cordless 2.0Ah 20-volt battery | Ideal lawn size: Up to 1/8 acre | Deck width: 8 inches | Deck height: 1.5–3 inches (adjustable) | Mower weight: 49.9 pounds Keep in Mind: You’ll need adequate storage space for it, whether in a shed, garage, or other preferably covered and protected area. There’s just no way around it; if you have a large property of around an acre or more, a lawn tractor like the Cub Cadet XT1 is a no-brainer. With its 15-inch high-back cushioned seat that inclines to 10 degrees, this ride-on mower allows you to mow your lawn while sitting comfortably. The hydrostatic transmission makes driving it practically effortless, and though it’s not a zero-turn mower, it has an impressively tight turning radius with easy and smooth steering. This machine will start in cold weather without any issues and is just what you need to go over almost any type of terrain and cut through all kinds of weeds and grass. You can simply hose it down and drive it straight into its storage space when you’re done. Though it is more of an investment buy, it will end up paying for itself in saved professional lawn services costs in no time. Power: Gas 19.5 HP, 541cc Kohler engine | Ideal lawn size: Up to 1.5 acres | Deck width: 42 inches | Deck height: 1–4 inches (adjustable, 12 positions) | Mower weight: 532 pounds Keep in Mind: It’s not as powerful as other models (hence its price), so you might not want to roll it over those thick, unruly grasses or uneven terrain. An affordable mower doesn’t necessarily have to mean “cheap” or useless, as evidenced by this Sun Joe MJ401E corded electric model which comes with a 2-year warranty. The plastics on it aren’t as durable as some of the other models on our list, but the deck is rust-resistant, and when it comes to cutting the grass, the tough steel blade gets the job done in just one pass. Though it’s best suited for flat or sloped yards (as opposed to hilly or uneven), it does well in getting over obstacles thanks to its rugged, all-terrain tires. It has a 10.6-gallon rear hard-top bag that collects all the clippings, which is easy to unclip and empty. When it’s time to store the mower away, the handle collapses down easily, and, at just 29 pounds, you can grab it with one hand and tuck it away in the corner of the garage or storage space. Price at time of publish: $108 Power: Corded electric, 12-Amp motor | Ideal lawn size: 0.25–0.5 acre | Deck width: 14 inches | Deck height: 1.18–2.52 inches (adjustable, 3 positions) | Mower weight: 29 pounds
What to Know About Lawn Mowers Before Shopping
Here are a few basic considerations to factor in while shopping for the best lawn mower for your needs. Cutting deck: A mower’s cutting deck width, also known as the swath or mowing width, relates to how much ground can be covered by the mower in one pass. The deck height, or the cutting height, depicts how short the grass will be cut, and many lawn mowers feature adjustable height settings so you can give your lawn a fresh buzz cut or leave a little bit of length for that just-grown-out look. Weight and size: For those who do not have ample storage space, the weight and size of a lawn mower will likely be a deciding purchasing factor, and a lawn mower that is light enough to be carried and can easily and compactly fold away for storage would be ideal. A large lawnmower, perhaps even a ride-on mower, will be a better choice if you have garage space aplenty and many acres of lawn to tend to (and obviously are willing to make the investment). Additional features: Extra perks you might want to spring for in your lawn mower range from 3-in-1 capabilities such as mulching, bagging, and back/side discharge chute options, and bright lights for mowing from dusk till dawn. Some lawn mowers have additional extras that are available to purchase separately, such as snowblower, shovel, and vacuum accessories. An extra battery is always a good idea for a cordless model as you can have a spare readily available so you’ll never be left stranded with only half the lawn done. Another thing to think about would be a long warranty in case something goes wrong, and perhaps opting for the extended warranty if the retailer offers it.
Your Questions, Answered
We answer some of the most common questions readers have when researching the best lawn mowers to buy.
Which is best—a gas or electric lawn mower?
Gas lawnmowers are often regarded as the most professional mowers available due to their ability to work non-stop and their high-powered motors that make quick work of chopping through tall and thick grass. This is also why you’ll find that gas lawn mowers are some of the most expensive mowers on the market. But they’re not only more expensive to buy; they’re also costlier to run. New technology in electric and cordless models has made it so that many non-gas mowers are as durable, reliable, hard-wearing, and efficient as gas models. For the average residence, an electric or cordless battery option is ideal since there are fewer fumes, less noise (the engines on gas mowers tend to make them noisier), and generally much less maintenance.
What maintenance does a lawn mower need?
While a gas lawn mower would need regular fuel, oil, and engine checks, as well as the odd spark plug change here and there, maintenance on a manual, electric, or cordless battery-powered mower could be as simple as charging the battery, storing it in a cool, dry place, and hosing it off once you’ve finished mowing the lawn. You may have to change or replace a broken part once in a while, but hopefully, the warranty will cover it.
How long do lawn mowers last?
Though they don’t come with an expiration date, a lawn mower’s life span depends on its usage. A heavy season of weekly use on a cheap mower might be its first and only season, whereas many mid-range mowers are built to last years and years of regular use. A good indicator of how long you can expect a lawn mower to last is to check the company warranty; some brands offer five years and over—a good indicator of the company’s faith in its product.
Who We Are
This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over 10 years of commerce-writing experience. Kat is also the Commerce Editor-at-Large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading US online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. For this article, Kat reviewed and tested multiple mowers, spoke to experts at Greenworks Tools, and researched and considered factors such as each lawn mower’s power, cutting deck width, deck height, durability, as well as value for money.
