Battery-powered lawn mowers are low maintenance, easy to start, and emissions-free. They’re a blessing to homeowners who want to cut grass without the hassle of starter cords, spark plugs, or smelly gas fumes. But there’s a lot of low-quality electric mowers. Finding the best battery-powered lawn mower for your yard is essential.
So, we sifted through battery-powered mowers at Home Depot, Lowe’s, Amazon, and Walmart. We compared each model’s power, price, ease of use, and cutting performance. This article reviews our top picks, followed by a battery-powered mower buying guide.
Our top picks
1. Ego Power+ LM2114 – Best push lawn mower
The best battery-powered push mower is the 21-inch Ego Power+ LM2114. Ego is world-known for its cutting-edge battery technology and user-friendly tool features. This 3-in-1 mower has a bagger, mulch plug, and side discharge. It’s ideal for flat lawns up to ½ acre.
Cutting performance: It’s a high-performance push mower with six-foot pounds of cutting torque and blade speed up to 2,800 RPM. It cuts tall and thick grass well for an electric mower, but has its limits. The 21-inch plastic deck has a high-quality mulching blade. Its single-lever mow height adjuster has seven cutting positions that range from 1.25 to 4 inches.
Battery performance: The LM2114 comes with one 56-volt, 6 Ah ARC lithium-ion battery and a 320W charger. It gets up to 55 minutes of runtime on a single charge, and the battery fully recharges in about 80 minutes. Ego’s ARC lithium-ion batteries are top-rated for efficiency and reliability, but they’re also costly.
Ease of use: It’s very user-friendly. The mower has 7-inch front and 9-inch rear wheels that smoothly move over flat lawns. It’s easy to maneuver around landscaping and has a push-button starter. The bright LED headlights make night mowing easy. When you’re done mowing, it folds for compact storage.
Specifications
- Batteries: 56-volt, 6 Ah ARC lithium-ion (1)
- Cutting heights: 1.25 – 4 in.
- Cutting width: 20.5 in.
- Lawn size: Up to ½ acre
- Motor: Brushless
- Warranty: 5-year tool, 3-year battery
- Weight: 60.25 lb.
Cutting features
| Bagger | Yes |
| Mulch plug | Yes |
| Side discharge | Yes |
| Cutting height positions | 7 |
| Number of blades | 1 |
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Easy to operate ✓ Easy to maneuver ✓ Good cutting system ✓ High-performance batteries ✓ Smooth on flat ground ✓ Comes with mulch, bag, and side discharge | ✗ Clogs sometimes ✗ Not good on rugged terrain ✗ Not good on hills ✗ Takes some elbow grease |
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2. Ego Power+ Select Cut LM2135SP – Best self-propelled lawn mower
The best battery-powered self-propelled mower is the 21-inch Ego Power+ Select Cut LM2135S. We recommend it for flat lawns up to ½ acre. It delivers premium performance with precision cutting that exceeds many gas mowers. Grass clippings are mulched, bagged, or expelled out of the side discharge chute.
Cutting performance: The 21-inch plastic deck has a dual-blade cutting system with one upper blade and three interchangeable lower blades (mulching, bagging, extended runtime). It makes clean cuts and fine mulch. But it works best on grass under 6 inches and struggles on thick, overgrown grass. It has seven cutting height positions from 1.5 to 4 inches.
Battery performance: It gets up to 60 minutes of runtime with the included 56-volt, 7.5 Ah ARC lithium-ion, but most homeowners will get 30 to 50 minutes of battery life. The included Rapid Charger fully refuels the battery within an hour.
Ease of use: The TouchDrive system engages using palm pressure. It has a variable speed dial that goes from .9 to 3.1 MPH. Once you get used to the drive system, the mower is easy to maneuver on flat lawns. It has a three-position adjustable handle and bright LED headlights.
Specifications
- Batteries: 56-volt, 7.5 Ah ARC lithium-ion (1)
- Cutting heights: 1.5 – 4 in.
- Cutting width: 21 in.
- Lawn size: ¼ – ½ acre
- Motor: Brushless
- Warranty: 5-year tool, 3-year battery
- Weight: 55.3 lbs.
Cutting features
| Bagger | Yes |
| Mulch plug | Yes |
| Side discharge | Yes |
| Cutting height positions | 7 |
| Number of blades | 2 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Fast ✓ Easy to operate ✓ High-quality multi-blade cutting system ✓ High-performance batteries ✓ Comes with mulch, bag, and side discharge ✓ Comes with a fast charger | ✗ Gets bogged down if the grass is too tall ✗ Can’t mow wet grass ✗ The drive system has a learning curve ✗ Not good for hills |
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3. RYOBI RYRM8070 – Best lawn tractor
The best battery-powered lawn tractor is the 46-inch RYOBI RYRM8070. It’s a mighty mower with four high-efficiency brushless motors and a laundry list of lavish features. We recommend it to homeowners with 1 to 2 acres of flat lawn and wiggle room in their budget. High-performance electric vehicles come with a hefty price tag.
Cutting performance: It has a heavy-duty 10-gauge fabricated steel deck with RYOBI’s multi-blade CROSS CUT system. The system includes six sharp steel blades and variable cut speed. It crisply cuts, leaving lawns healthy and lush. The single-lever adjuster has 13 positions from 1.5 to 4.5 inches.
Battery performance: It runs on three 80-volt, 10 Ah batteries. Although Ryobi says you can mow up to 2.5 acres per charge, expect the battery to die after ½ to 1 acre. The included charger has a 2.5-hour charge time.
Ease of use: It has a comfortably padded seat and easy-grip steering wheel. It’s user-friendly with bright LED headlights, an LCD control panel, and two USB ports. Although the steering’s a little stiff, driving on flat lawns is easy. Consider a gas-powered riding mower if you have a large, rugged yard.
Specifications
- Batteries: 80-volt, 10 Ah lithium-ion (3)
- Cutting heights: 1.5 – 4.5 in.
- Cutting width: 46 in.
- Lawn size: 1 – 2 acres
- Motor: Brushless (4)
- Warranty: 5-year tool, 3-year battery
Drive features
| Max forward speed | 7 |
| Max reverse speed | 1.8 |
| Cruise control | Yes |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Turn radius | 20 inches |
Cutting features
| Bagger | Yes, sold separately |
| Mulch plug | Yes, sold separately |
| Side discharge | Yes |
| Cutting height positions | 13 |
| Number of blades | 6 |
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Fast ✓ Comfortable ✓ Drives well on flat lawns ✓ Fabricated steel deck ✓ High-quality multi-blade cutting system ✓ Bult in the USA | ✗ Expensive ✗ Not good for hills ✗ Doesn’t drive well on rugged terrain |
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4. RYOBI RYRM8034 – Best zero-turn lawn mower
The best zero-turn mower is the 54-inch RYOBI RYRM8034. It’s fast and efficient, with five brushless motors and a drive speed of up to 8 MPH. But, like the lawn tractor, it ain’t cheap. It’s best for 2 to 3-acre flat lawns with many twists and turns.
Cutting performance: The 54-inch, 10-gauge fabricated steel deck has RYOBI’s six-blade CROSS CUT system. As long as your grass isn’t too tall or thick, it makes quick, even cuts. It has 12 mow height positions from 1.5 to 4.5 inches.
Battery performance: It runs on three 80-volt batteries and four 40-volt batteries. Although Ryobi says you can mow up to 4 acres per charge, expect the battery to die by 2 to 3 acres. The batteries recharge in 5 hours with the included Super Charger.
Ease of use: It has a comfortable suspension seat with armrests, cup holders, and USB ports. The LCD control panel makes the mower easy to monitor from the seat. It has a joy-stick-controlled drive system that’s smooth over flat lawns. With a 0-inch turn radius, it’s easy to maneuver around landscaping.
Specifications
- Batteries: 80-volt lithium-ion (3), 40-volt lithium-ion (4)
- Cutting heights: 1.5 – 4.5 in.
- Cutting width: 54 in.
- Lawn size: 2 – 3 acres
- Motor: Brushless (5)
- Warranty: 5-year tool, 3-year battery
Drive features
| Max forward speed | 8 |
| Max reverse speed | 4 |
| Cruise control | No |
| Transmission | Automatic |
| Turn radius | 0 inches |
Cutting features
| Bagger | Yes, sold separately |
| Mulch plug | Yes, sold separately |
| Side discharge | Yes |
| Cutting height positions | 12 |
| Number of blades | 6 |
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Fast ✓ Comfortable ✓ Drives well on flat lawns ✓ Joystick control ✓ Easy to maneuver around landscaping ✓ High-quality multi-blade cutting system ✓ Fabricated steel deck ✓ Includes a fast charger | ✗ Expensive ✗ Not good for thick grass ✗ Not good for overgrown grass ✗ Not good for hills |
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5. Greenworks MO40B411 – Best push mower under $300
The 17-inch Greenworks MO40B411 is the best battery mower under $300. It’s also one of the best lawn mowers for small yards. It comes with a mulch plug and a rare bag and is best for flat lawns under ¼ acre. It mows well but lacks the bells and whistles found in pricer models.
Cutting performance: It has a 17-inch plastic deck that evenly cuts well-kempt grass. The single-lever adjuster has five height positions from 1.25 – 3.375 inches.
Battery performance: The 40-volt G-Max battery can last up to 40 minutes, but most people get 20 to 35 minutes of runtime. You can finish mowing most flat lawns under ¼ on a single charge as long as the grass isn’t too long. The battery recharges in two hours. You can use the same battery in over 75 Greenworks tools, including string trimmers and leaf blowers.
Ease of use: It’s lightweight, compact, and easy to use. It has an ergonomic handle and is easy to maneuver around obstacles.
Specifications
- Batteries: 40-volt, 4 Ah lithium-ion (1)
- Cutting heights: 1.25 – 3.375 in.
- Cutting width: 17 in.
- Lawn size: Up to ¼ acre
- Motor: Brushed
- Warranty: 3 years
- Weight: 40.89 lb.
Cutting features
| Bagger | Yes |
| Mulch plug | Yes |
| Side discharge | No |
| Cutting height positions | 5 |
| Number of blades | 1 |
Pros and Cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Affordable ✓ Lightweight ✓ Good cutting system ✓ Ergonomic ✓ Easy to maneuver | ✗ Brushed motor ✗ Not good for tall grass ✗ Not good for hills ✗ Not good on rugged terrain |
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6. Greenworks LMF414 – Best self-propelled mower under $500
The best battery-powered self-propelled mower under $500 is the 21-inch Greenworks LMF41. It’s an affordable 3-in-1 mower with a mulch plug, rear bag, and side discharge chute. You don’t have to sacrifice quality for cost because it works better than many high-end battery mowers. We recommend it for flat or slightly sloped lawns up to ½ acre.
Cutting performance: It has a 21-inch steel deck with Greenworks’ SmartCut system. The system senses grass to adapt intuitively. It gets good blade speed and does an excellent job if the grass is under 6 inches tall. It has no problem slicing through thick or wet grass. The single lever adjusts to seven cutting height positions from 1.375 to 3.75 inches.
Battery performance: The mower gets up to 45 minutes of runtime with the included 40-volt, 5 Ah battery. The battery fully charges in 2.5 hours with the included charger.
Ease of use: It’s easily maneuverable with an excellent self-propelled system, rear-wheel drive, and good tire traction. It handles slight hills but isn’t suitable for very uneven lawns. After you mow, it folds vertically for compact storage.
Specifications
- Batteries: 40-volt, 5 Ah lithium-ion (1)
- Cutting heights: 1.375 – 3.75 in.
- Cutting width: 21 in.
- Lawn size: ¼ – ½ acre
- Motor: Brushless
- Warranty: 3-year tool, 3-year battery
- Weight: 83 lb.
Cutting features
| Bag grass clippings | Yes |
| Mulch grass clippings | Yes |
| Side discharge | Yes |
| Cutting height positions | 7 |
| Number of blades | 1 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Affordable ✓ Handles well on hills ✓ Cuts thick and wet grass well ✓ Easy to maneuver ✓ Steel deck ✓ Comes with mulch, bag, and side discharge | ✗ Battery takes a long time to charge ✗ The deck clogs sometimes ✗ Doesn’t work on overgrown grass ✗ Does’t work well on uneven terrain |
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7. RYOBI Whisper Series RY401210 – Best with all-wheel drive
If you have a rugged yard, we recommend the 21-inch RYOBI Whisper Series RY401210. It’s the best battery-powered self-propelled mower with 4-wheel drive. It comes with a bagger, mulch plug, and side discharge. And it’s one of the quietest mowers, making about as much noise as a hair dryer. It can quickly care for flat, hilly, or uneven lawns up to ¾ acre.
Cutting performance: It has a durable fabricated composite deck protected by a limited lifetime warranty. The dual-blade cutting system sharply slices blades, giving the grass a pristine cut. It grinds clipping into very fine mulch. The system does well with wet or tall grass but struggles if the grass’s thick and overgrown. It has seven mow height positions from 1 to 4 inches.
Battery performance: The mower gets up to 70 minutes of runtime with its two 40-volt, 6 Ah lithium-ion batteries. RYOBI’s cutting-edge battery monitoring technology makes their batteries safer, more durable, and more efficient than standard power tool batteries. It comes with a Rapid charger that refuels the batteries in under an hour.
It can cut flat lawns up to ¾ acre on a single charge. But if your lawn is large and rugged, you may need extra batteries.
Ease of use: Mowing challenging turf is a breeze. It has RYOBI’s SMART TREK variable-speed system that intuitively adjusts to your walking speed. It handles well on steep hills and uneven ground. The handle adjusts for comfort and the mower has high-intensity LED headlights for night mowing. After you mow, it folds vertically for easy storage.
Specifications
- Batteries: 40-Volt, 6 Ah lithium-ion (2)
- Cutting heights: 1 – 4 in.
- Cutting width: 21 in.
- Lawn size: ¼ – ¾ acre
- Motor: Brushless
- Warranty: 5-year tool, 3-year battery
- Weight: 78 lb.
Cutting features
| Bagger | Yes |
| Mulch plug | Yes |
| Side discharge | Yes |
| Cutting height positions | 7 |
| Number of blades | 2 |
Pros and cons
| What we liked | What we didn’t like |
| ✓ Quiet ✓ Fabricated deck ✓ High-quality multi-blade cutting system ✓ Handels well on steep slopes ✓ Handels well on uneven terrain ✓ Comes with mulch, bag, and side discharge ✓ Comes with a fast charger ✓ Bult in the USA | ✗ Struggles to cut thick, overgrown grass ✗ Not enough runtime for rugged lawns over ½ acre |
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Buyers guide
To buy the best lawn mower for your yard, please consider the following:
Types of lawn mowers
Most cordless electric lawn mowers fall into the following categories:
- Push lawn mowers are walk-behinds that rely on the operator’s strength to move forward. They’re the least expensive but require the most elbow grease.
- Self-propelled lawn mowers have a drive system that moves them forward. All-wheel drive (AWD) models have the best traction, so they’re ideal for steep slopes. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) also works well on slopes and rugged terrain. Front-wheel drive (FWD) isn’t good for hilly or uneven yards, but is the best at making sharp turns.
- Lawn tractors are riding lawn mowers. They tend to tow more weight than zero-turn mowers but are slower and make wider turns. Most models have a 16 to 20-inch turn radius.
- Zero-turn mowers are typically the fastest and most expensive riding mowers. As the name suggests, they have a 0-inch turn radius. However, they can’t handle hills as well as lawn tractors.
Power source
Before you purchase a battery lawn mower, make sure it’s the power source that best suits you:
- Battery-powered lawn mowers are quiet, low maintenance, and easy to start. However, they have the shortest run time and the longest refuel time. Battery mowers are emissions-free, but lithium mining harms the environment. Low-power models are affordable, but high-performance battery mowers cost a pretty penny.
- Corded electric lawn mowers are the most affordable and the least potent. They have unlimited runtime and no emissions, but their extension cord keeps you on a leash.
- Gas-powered lawn mowers emit smelly gas fumes, but give you the best bang for your buck. The best gas mowers pack more power than the best electric lawn mowers. Gas models are loud and high maintenance, but their parts are typically the most affordable.
Cutting deck
Look out for mowers with the following cutting features:
- Mulching plug: The best mulching lawn mowers grind grass into a fine nitrogen-rich fertilizer. You can help your lawn look lush by leaving the mulched clipping on your grass.
- Rear bagger: A rear bag is handy if you want to throw your grass clippings away or add them to a compost pile.
- Side discharge chute: This method expels the grass clippings several several feet away, so it’s ideal for large areas of unobstructed grass. Due to increased cutting speed, it’s also the best way to mow wet grass.
Also pay attention to these cutting specs:
- Mow-height adjustment: Most battery-powered mowers have five to 12 cutting height positions, a minimum height of 1 to 1.5 inches, and a maximum cut height of 3 to 4.5 inches. Make sure you choose a mower that cuts your grass to its ideal mow height.
- Number of blades: Most battery walk-behind mowers have one or two blades, but electric riding mowers can have as many as six. Mowers with more blades are typically better at mulching and cutting thick or wet grass.
- Cutting width: Mowers with broader decks are quicker because they cut a wider area of grass with each pass. But narrow decks are more affordable, lighter, and easier to maneuver around landscaping.
And consider the deck’s material:
- Plastic decks are lightweight, affordable, and often weather-resistant but more prone to damage than metal decks. Many battery models use plastic because lightweight means more runtime.
- Steel decks are more robust and have a longer lifespan than plastic decks. Lower-gauge steel is thicker and more durable. Some steels rust, so they’re often covered with a protective coating. The coating works well until it wears off. However, stainless steel is great at resisting rust without coating.
- Cast aluminum decks are the most durable. They are rust-resistant and lighter than steel decks.
Li-ion batteries
Most cordless electric lawn mowers run on lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. When comparing batteries, it’s essential to consider these characteristics:
- Voltage (Volt): Higher voltage batteries pack a more potent punch. Most battery mowers run on 18 to 40-volt batteries, but some high-power models require multiple batteries.
- Amp-hours (Ah): All else equal, batteries with more Ah have longer runtime. But higher volt batteries require higher Ah to reach the same battery life.
- Cost: Most power tool lithium-ion batteries cost $85 to $330. Some mowers come with batteries, and others don’t. The typical lifespan of a lithium-ion battery is two to five years.
- Charging: Not all chargers are created equal, and not all lawn mowers come with a charger. Keep your eyes peeled for mowers that come with “fast,” “rapid,” or “dual-port” charges if you want to refuel quickly.
Electric motors
Cordless lawn mowers may have a brushed or brushless motor, but most modern models have brushless motors for the following reasons:
- Up 50% more battery life
- Less maintenance
- Longer life span
- Lighter weight
Lawn size
The following table shows the best lawn mowers by lawn size.
| Lawn size | Mower types | Cutting width |
| < ¼ acre | Push mower | 13 – 21 in. |
| ¼ – ½ acre | Push, self-propelled mower | 21 – 30 in. |
| ½ – 1 acre | Self-propelled, lawn tractor | 30 – 36 in. |
| 1 – 2 acres | Lawn tractor, zero-turn mower | 36 – 48 in. |
| 2+ acres | Lawn tractor,zero-turn mower | 48 – 60 in. |
Cost
The average battery-powered lawn mower costs $1,750, but some cost as little as $185, while others cost as much as $7,600.
The table below shows the typical cost of a battery-powered lawn mower by mower type.
| Mower Type | Average | Typical Range |
| Push | $350 | $250 – $445 |
| Self-propelled | $625 | $455 – $800 |
| Lawn tractor | $4,500 | $3,200 – $5,500 |
| Zero-turn | $5,900 | $3,500 – $7,500 |
FAQ about battery-powered lawn mowers
What’s the best battery-powered mower for a 1/2 acre lawn?
If you have a ½-acre flat lawn, the best battery-powered mowers are the Ego Power+ LM2114 (push mower) and Ego Power+ Select Cut LM2135SP (self-propelled). If your property is uneven or hilly, we recommend the RYOBI Whisper Series RY401210. And if you’re on a budget, consider the Greenworks LMF414.
Are robotic lawn mowers any good?
A robotic lawn mower works similarly to a robotic vacuum. The best robotic mowers do an excellent job keeping lawns healthy and manicured.
The benefits to using a robotic lawn mower, include:
- Convenience
- Low-maintenance
- Consistent and efficient cutting
- Quiet operation
- Healthy lawn care
Which battery-powered lawn mower offers the longest runtime?
The RYOBI Whisper Series RY401210 has the longest runtime on our list (up to 70 minutes with the included batteries). However, you can use the Makita CML01Z with Mikita’s ConnectX backpack power supply for up to three hours of runtime.
When to hire a lawn care pro
Good quality battery-powered lawn mowers are costly. Before investing in the new-fangled technology, consider hiring a lawn care pro.
Lawn Love connects you to affordable local pros who are qualified and insured. Our pros do lawn mowing, bush trimming, aeration, and more. It only takes a moment to get a free online quote, and you can manage the service through our user-friendly app.
Sources:
- “What to do with lawn clippings.” University of Minnesota Extension
- Tedesco, Marco. “The Paradox of Lithium.” Columbia Climate School
- “How Are Brushless Gear Motors Serving As Science’s Blessing?.” The Ohio State University
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Main Photo Credit: iStock photo with text overlay
