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The 7 Best Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Cordless options for easy lawn maintenance

Person mowing grass with an EGO 56-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Mower

The Spruce / Lindsay Boyers

Cordless and environmentally friendly, a battery-powered lawn mower is generally easier to maintain and operate than a gas-powered model, and it is especially suited for small to medium-sized lawns.

We researched and tested a variety of lawn mowers in our own yards for over six months, including corded, cordless, gas, electric, push, riding, and self-propelled options. For this list of the best battery-powered lawn mowers, we evaluated products based on their setup, design, performance, usability, safety, and value and included the best options we've tested.

Throughout our testing process, we carefully observed the mowers' ability to navigate around obstacles, inclines, and tall grass with ease. Additionally, we conducted a thorough evaluation of the lawn's appearance to ensure a consistently trimmed finish. As we compiled this list, we also considered the mowers' runtime (battery life), cutting options, charging time, and cutting width.

We found that battery-powered lawn mowers can be as powerful as gas mowers, but it's important to find one that has the right amount of power and runtime for the size and terrain—whether it's sloped, flat, or filled with trees, shrubs, or other obstacles–of your yard.

“The best battery-powered lawn mower for your yard is one that suits your specific needs,” says Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI). He suggests asking yourself the following before selecting a mower: “What is the size of the property and job? What features are needed for the job? What is your ability to handle the machine?” 

Ready to find the right one for your yard? Here are the best options we tested—plus additional options we researched based on what we learned while testing—for different lawn sizes and needs.

Editors note: This story was updated in March 2024 after testing several models for over six months

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Ryobi 21-Inch Dual-Blade Self-Propelled Mower

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
What We Like
  • Powerful performance

  • Long run time and fast charging

  • Lightweight, foldable, and compact

  • Quiet operation

What We Don't Like
  • Bag can fill up quickly

The Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21 Inch Cordless Self-Propelled Mower is the best battery-powered lawn mower we tested because it is just as powerful as some gas models, lasts for up to 70 minutes on a single charge, and is very easy to operate and maintain. We were surprised by how quiet this mower was (almost like white noise), lightweight, and easy to start (push-button compared to pulling a cord) compared to gas mowers we've used in the past.

Once we got it started and found the right height for an uneven lawn, thanks to the self-propelled technology, it was very powerful and easy to maneuver around, even over hills. By moving a slider from high to low, we could easily adjust the mower's speed that we needed, depending on the terrain. Finding the right speed takes a bit of getting used to at first, especially on straight, flat rows where the mower was going almost too fast. But overall, we appreciated the power and found it made mowing much easier, especially on hilly terrain.

Ideal for lawns up to 3/4 of an acre, this mower has an impressive 70-minute run time and comes with two 40V batteries. Only one battery is needed at a time, and you can charge the other one with the included rapid charger and switch it out when needed. We mowed for 45 minutes to an hour each time and had no issues with the mower running out of batteries.

Person mowing a lawn with the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21-Inch Dual-Blade Self-Propelled Mower

The Spruce / Jennifer May

This mower allows you to mulch, bag, or side discharge. We found that if the lawn is a bit overgrown, the bag fills up fast: The first time we used the mower for the season, the grass was pretty high, and the bag filled up very quickly (after mowing about 25-30 feet with taller grass). However, the next few times we used it when the grass wasn't as overgrown, we did not have that issue.

Removing the bag to empty is simple, but when it was full, we did find that it spilled easily. Also, we did notice occasionally that grass would come out of the bag when it was full (just a few blades at a time). While in the mulching mode, we also noted that it did not seem to break up older leaves very well, but we did appreciate overall how well it cut the grass, and we appreciated the seven adjustable cutting heights (1.5 to 4 inches).

We loved how compact and easy this mower is to store. We had no issues pulling the lever to fold the mower for vertical, space-saving storage. The safety features are also a big plus. The mower has a key, so even though it's easy to start with just a press of a button, the key does need to be inserted in the mower behind a flap, so you can remove the key when you don't want someone else using it. You also need to grip the lever when you start or use the mower, or it will not work. The LED headlights also provide extra light should you need it.

How It Performed Long-Term

After six months of use, we've found the self-propelled feature to be especially helpful when mowing on hills and uneven terrain. We were able to use it up to four times on a single charge, which is quite remarkable. Although it may struggle with heavier weeds, it does an excellent job of cutting grass and collecting clippings.

Cutting Width: 21 inches | Weight: 75 pounds | Run Time: 70 minutes | Charge Time: 1 hour | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge

Best Self-Propelled

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
What We Like
  • Self-propelled feature is easy to use

  • Lightweight and easy to maneuver

  • Foldable and compact for vertical storage

  • 60-minute runtime

What We Don't Like
  • The self-propelled feature may seem too powerful at first use

A self-propelled lawn mower can make mowing your lawn an easier task because the mower does most of the work for you—you simply guide it over your terrain while you walk at a comfortable pace that you set on your mower. After testing the Ego POWER+ Self-Propelled Mower, we selected it as our best self-propelled pick because it was easy to turn the feature on and off when you needed it, and it made mowing the lawn feel less of a pain (especially on our backs!) compared to using a heavy gas mower.

If you are new to self-propelled mowers, this will take a little getting used to (including this mower), but we think it will be well worth the initial time spent. In fact, when we first started using this mower, we thought the mower might run away (even on the lowest setting) because we were only used to a gas push mower. Once we figured out how to run the mower without the self-propelled feature, it allowed us to get used to the mower itself and all of its features. We found that the lowest setting was all we needed for parts of our lawn, even small hills, and when we felt like that feature wasn't necessary (navigating around obstacles), it was easy to switch it off at the top of the handle.

Aside from the self-propelled option, this mower offers many great features, making it a great choice for your lawn. We found it easy to adjust both the handle's height (two options) and angle (three options) with just one hand. Adjusting the cutting height was also a simple and easy task with six settings available, ranging from 1.5 to 4 inches.

This mower comes with one Ego 56V ARC Lithium battery that has a 60-minute runtime and takes about the same amount of time to charge. It took us 50 minutes to mow our lawn, and we did not run out of batteries. We also like that you can choose from the bag, mulching, and side-discharge options for your grass clippings and use the LED headlights when mowing early in the morning or later at dusk.

The handle can easily be folded, and the mower can be stored vertically in your garage or shed. And like most battery-powered mowers, you'll get the advantage of a quick, push-button start with no cord and no fumes.

Person pulling the EGO Power+ Select Cut 56-Volt 21-Inch Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower in a yard

The Spruce / Megan Wood

The only downside we reported was the learning curve with using a self-propelled mower. But once we figured out how to navigate the feature and the power it provides, we found it to make mowing the lawn an easier task. If you have a small, flat lawn with a lot of obstacles, this might not be the best option for you. Also, note that we found this lawn worked great on dry and damp grass, but we did experience one time where the mower would not start (the light blinked orange to indicate an issue), but when we moved it to a less wet area, it worked fine.

While this mower has many of the same features as our best overall, it has slightly less of a runtime, is heavier, and only comes with one battery. However, it is a bit more budget-friendly, so if you don't need as much power or as long of a runtime, this could be the better option, especially if you have other Ego tools with compatible batteries.

How It Performed Long-Term

We've been using our lawn mower for over six months now, and we're very pleased with its performance. One of the standout features is the battery life—we can mow the lawn three times before needing to recharge. What's more, it handles thick and tall grass like a champ—we even let the lawn go for ten days once, and it had no trouble at all. It's also very effective at dealing with damp grass and leaves.

Cutting Width: 21 inches | Weight: 93.61 pounds | Run Time: 60 minutes | Charge Time: 1 hour | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge

EGO Power+ Select Cut 56-Volt 21-Inch Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower displayed in a yard

The Spruce / Megan Wood

Best for Large Yards

Ryobi Brushless 42-Inch Electric Cordless Riding Lawn Tractor

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
What We Like
  • Powerful performance

  • Easy to maintain

  • LCD Screen and app for tracking battery life

What We Don't Like
  • Bagging and mulching kit sold separately

Battery-powered riding mowers offer all of the benefits of their push, and self-propelled counterparts, but allow you to sit down and let the mower do most of the work. After testing the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-inch Battery Riding Lawn Tractor on our lawn, we were thoroughly impressed with its outstanding performance and fantastic features. 

It offers an impressive 13 different cutting height positions ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 inches for a very precise cut. We adjusted the blade height to 2 inches during our test and were amazed at how uniform the grass looked. Even some fairly large sticks were no match for the mower, as it easily chopped them up. We had some leaves in our garden beds, which we raked out, and the mower was able to chop them into fine debris. We also tested the mower after a rainy morning, and it effortlessly cut our lawn and discharged grass clippings with no issue.

Thanks to the three 80V 10Ah batteries and wide, 42-inch cutting width, you can cut up to 2 acres on a single charge. One thing to keep in mind is that the batteries don't arrive fully charged. Our mower's battery level was only at 23 percent when we received it, and it took us about an hour to fully charge. For added convenience, you can use the RYOBI Riding Mower app to keep tabs on the battery status, so you'll know when they are ready to go. The LCD screen on the mower itself allows you to check the charging status and battery level, so you have all of the data right there as well.

Besides the long-lasting battery, we were also impressed by how quietly the mower operated. The noise level was remarkably low when the blades were spinning, in contrast to that of traditional gas mowers. There are three options for your grass clippings: bag, side discharge, or mulch. Keep in mind, though, that the bagger and mulching kit have to be purchased separately (which does add to the cost).

The onboard LCD screen is a great feature that allows you to control the LED headlights, drive, and blade speeds. Although a physical speed control lever would have been our preference, we were able to manage switching while driving. The mower also features an accelerator pedal that enables slow and precise maneuvering around obstacles. However, it is a bit jerky. Turning the mower was a bit more difficult than we imagined. When taking slow turns, we found ourselves having to exert excessive force to turn the wheel.

Person mowing around a tree with the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-Inch Electric Cordless Riding Lawn Tractor

The Spruce / Joseph Wanek

When purchasing a riding lawn mower, it's important to keep in mind the delivery. Upon arrival, the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-inch Battery Riding Lawn Tractor was securely packaged in a large, partially-enclosed pallet. However, getting the mower off the pallet was a bit of a struggle. We had to manually push the mower off the pallet due to a broken board on the bottom, instead of following the instructions to drive it off. But once unpacked and charged, we had no other issues with performance.

How It Performed Long-Term

We've been testing out this lawn mower for over six months, and we're happy to say it continues to exceed our expectations. Even the thickest grass is no match for its trimming power. We even decided to put it to the test by using it to chop up some weeds, and it did so with ease. While we did notice a few clumps of grass in some areas, a quick run-over with the mower took care of it. We love how convenient it is to use, especially without dealing with gas.

The only minor issues we've encountered are that the steering wheel can be tough to maneuver at slower speeds, and the accelerator can be a bit jerky. Also, we wish that the deck stood out a bit further on the side, so we could mow closer to the fence or around obstacles. But overall, it continues to keep our lawn in great shape.

Cutting Width: 42 inches | Weight: 557 pounds | Run Time: 60 minutes | Charge Time: 2.5 hours | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge

Hyper charger plugged into the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-Inch Electric Cordless Riding Lawn Tractor

The Spruce / Joseph Wanek

Best Budget

Greenworks 16-Inch Electric Push Lawn Mower

Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Electric Push Lawn Mower

Amazon

What We Like
  • Generous runtime

  • Lightweight and easy to maneuver

  • Single lever cutting-height adjustment

What We Don't Like
  • Battery shouldn’t be left on charger

  • No side discharge

If you have a small yard, the Greenworks 16-inch Electric Push Lawn Mower delivers an impressive performance at an affordable price. At just 37.5 pounds (the lightest on our list), this electric lawn mower is incredibly easy to handle. The 16-inch cutting deck has five adjustments that can be easily adjusted with a single lever.

The 40-volt battery delivers up to 45 minutes of runtime and takes about two hours to recharge. The only hassle is that you need to remove the battery from the charger once it’s powered up—otherwise, it could shorten the lifespan of the power unit.  

The Greenworks Push Lawn Mower has a two-in-one feature that allows you to mulch or bag your grass clippings. Just keep in mind that it doesn’t have side discharge capability. Other convenient features include a push-button start and a foldable handle for easy storage. 

Note that we haven't yet had a chance to test this model, and it's smaller and less powerful than other options on this list: It may struggle in dense grass, and it’s not an ideal choice for larger yards with significant obstacles. However, we think it's an excellent lightweight and affordable option if you only have a smaller yard to maintain.

Cutting Width: 16 inches | Weight: 37.8 pounds | Run Time: 45 minutes | Charge Time: 2 hours | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch

Best Zero-Turn

Ryobi Brushless 42-Inch Electric Zero Turn Riding Mower

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
What We Like
  • Extremely long runtime

  • 12 cutting heights

  • Quiet operation

What We Don't Like
  • Bagging accessory sold separately

The Ryobi 42-Inch Electric Zero-Turn Mower comes with a steep price, but if you have a large lawn with a lot of obstacles to maneuver around, you can’t beat its power and convenience. After trying out the mower on our lawn, which is less than half an acre in size, we noticed a substantial decrease in our mowing time. In fact, we estimate that it reduced our time spent mowing by approximately 40 percent. Thanks to the extra-wide 42-inch cutting deck, we were able to cover a lot of ground in one pass.

There are 12 cutting heights, ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 inches. Setting the cutting height was a breeze. You can choose the cutting heights with the conveniently located lever to ensure a precise cut. As we came across thick grass areas on the lawn, we reduced the speed, and the mower seamlessly cut through it. Overall, we did not notice any areas of uncut grass.

The lawnmower features a unique control system called iDrive, which operates with a single joystick. With the joystick, we were able to easily control the speed, both forward and reverse, ranging from a complete stop to full speed. Its zero-turn radius made it incredibly easy to maneuver around obstacles. While mowing uphill, we did not experience any tipping of the mower. However, the tires spun when attempting to back up on a slope. It should be noted that this issue only occurred during testing after a rainy day.

This riding mower also boasts an unmatched battery life of two and a half hours, allowing you to mow up to two and a half acres on a single charge. It comes with two 80-volt, 10-amp hour and two 40-volt, 12-amp hour batteries, which can be charged simultaneously by plugging the charging cord into the rear of the mower. Charging took us anywhere from an hour to 2.5 hours, depending on how low the batteries were.

Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-Inch Battery Electric Cordless Zero Turn Riding Mower displayed on a lawn

The Spruce / Patrick McGowan

For faster charging, you can also charge the 80V batteries separately by plugging the charging cord directly into the battery. It took approximately 35 minutes to fully charge an 80V battery from 12 percent. However, although it takes longer if you have the time, we found it to be more convenient to charge everything at once.

It is quieter than the Troy-Built Pony 17 HP 42-inch Deck Rider we previously used, and we also didn't have to worry about oil changes or smelly fumes. It's worth mentioning that we initially received a faulty mower with an electrical problem. However, thanks to the exceptional customer service provided by Techtronic Industries Company Limited (Ryobi's parent company), we were able to obtain a replacement mower in no time and it worked flawlessly. Overall, we found the mower to be an exceptional zero-turn option that can effectively and efficiently enhance the appearance of your lawn.

How It Performed Long-Term

This zero-turn lawn mower has truly been a game-changer for us. Over the past six months, it has proven to be an incredibly reliable and efficient tool for tackling our .473-acre yard. In fact, we've since sold our gas mower. Thanks to its exceptional performance, we've dramatically reduced mowing time, and the battery life has been outstanding thus far (mowing our property uses about 50 percent of the battery life each time).

On top of that, it operates so quietly that we hardly even notice it's running. We do want to note that over the six months, we've noticed that the mower uses a lot of torque when it starts up. Make sure the mower's front wheels are not pointed towards the house or other obstacles, as it can lunge in that direction quickly.

Cutting Width: 42 inches | Weight: 700 pounds | Run Time: Not listed | Charge Time: Not listed | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge

Best for Bagging

Toro 60V MAX* Electric Battery High Wheel Mower

What We Like
  • Quick-connect bagging system

  • Adjusts to your walking speed

  • Folds for compact storage

  • Tackles rough and hilly terrain

What We Don't Like
  • No cutting height adjustment markings

  • Shorter runtime than other some other options

If you are looking for a mower with bagging and mulching capabilities, the Toro Recycler Walk Behind Mower particularly stands out. Thanks to its quick-connect bagging system, you can easily switch between mulching and bagging when you need it. Plus, with its self-propelled transmission, this mower is easy to maneuver, even on rough and hilly terrain. For even smoother operation, it can also sense how fast you walk and automatically adjust to your pace. This mower has a durable 22-inch deck with nine cutting positions, ranging from 1 to 4 inches for a precise cut.

This self-propelled mower can run for up to 40 minutes per charge, allowing you to cut up to a third of an acre in one pass.  The 10-inch rear wheels provide optimal traction, and they have a unique tread pattern that won’t damage your lawn. To top it all off, the Toro Recycler folds up compactly when not in use, reducing its storage footprint by up to 70 percent. Although pricier than walk-behind models. We think this mower's array of convenient features makes the task a lot easier and worthy of the splurge.

Cutting Width: 22 inches | Weight: 95 pounds | Run Time: 40 minutes | Charge Time: 2.5 hours | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge 

Best Push

EGO Power+ 20-Inch 56-Volt Push Lawn Mower

EGO Power+ LM2021 20-Inch 56-Volt Push Lawn Mower

 Amazon

What We Like
  • 60-minute run time

  • Fast recharging

  • Rear or side discharge

  • Folds easily for compact storage

What We Don't Like
  • Lacks suction while bagging

  • Some reports of early breakdowns

If you have a flat lawn and don't need the power that a self-propelled mower provides, the Ego 20-inch 56-Volt Push Lawn Mower is an excellent choice. The 56-volt battery gets up to an hour of runtime on a single charge and recharges in as little as 40 minutes. When it comes to battery-powered mowers, Ego Power+ offers one of the longest runtimes and shortest charging times.

This push mower has a 20-inch deck with six cutting height adjustments to suit your lawn needs and preference. We've tested an older model, the Ego 56-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Mower with a 21-inch deck, and were very impressed with its performance.

The Ego Power+ can mulch, bag, and discharge grass clippings from the side or rear. However, we have read some reports that say the suction isn’t powerful enough for adequate bagging. Other convenient features include a push-button start and LED headlights. This mower folds flat for easy storage and it can be stored upright to save space. We also have read a few reports that said the mower stopped working within several months. However, it is backed by a five-year warranty to ensure customer satisfaction. 

Cutting Width: 20 inches | Weight: 55.2 pounds | Run Time: 60 minutes | Charge Time: 40 minutes | Cutting Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge

Final Verdict

After testing battery-powered lawn mowers across the country, the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21 Inch Cordless Self-Propelled Mower is our best overall pick due to its powerful performance, long runtime, and ease of operation. If you’re looking for a battery-powered riding mower, the Ryobi Brushless 42-Inch Electric Cordless Riding Lawn Tractor is our best for large yards pick. While testing, we found it to be powerful, quiet, and loaded with great features, including app capabilities (so you can keep track of it's battery life on your phone).

How We Tested the Battery-Powered Lawn Mower

For this list, we tested eight walk-behind lawn mowers and six riding mowers at our own homes across the country for over six months. This included spring, summer, and fall conditions, and lawns of different sizes and terrains. We included battery-powered, corded electric (for walk-behind mowers), gas, zero-turn (for riding mowers), and self-propelled models (for walk-behind mowers). We evaluated each mower on setup, design, performance, usability, safety, and value.

  • Setup: We noted how the lawn mowers were delivered and timed and observed the setup process, including any necessary assembly, and evaluated the clarity of the instructions.
  • Design and performance: For our initial testing process, we used the mowers on three separate occasions and recorded the length of the grass cut, the area of the yard mowed, and the time taken to complete the task. We took note of how well the mowers navigated around obstacles, slopes, and tall grass. We also assessed the overall appearance of the lawn to ensure it was evenly cut.
  • Usability: We paid attention to how easy it was to start the mower, adjust the handle, change the speed (if it's self-propelled), and modify the cutting heights. Additionally, we evaluated the different features, such as bagging, mulching, and side-discharge options (if available) for the grass clippings, LED headlights, foldable handles, and cord management systems.
  • Safety: We noted all of the safety features and any issues we experienced while using the mower.
  • Long-term testing: We continued testing the top-performing models for six months at more, recorded our observations and any issues with durability or performance, and updated the list accordingly. We continue to research and test new models.
Person mowing grass with Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42 in. Battery Electric Cordless Zero Turn Riding Mower

The Spruce / Patrick McGowan

What to Look for in a Battery-Powered Lawn Mower

Battery System

Battery-powered lawn mowers are cordless and contain one or more batteries that power the motor. The battery system typically delivers anywhere from 36 to 120 volts of power—a battery system with a higher voltage will likely provide more runtime. Our best overall pick, the Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21-Inch Cordless Self-Propelled Mower, delivers up to 70 minutes of runtime. Just keep in mind that a high-voltage mower is heavier than a lower-voltage model, which could make it more difficult to maneuver.

Mower Type

As the name implies, a push mower requires you to propel it forward manually. Push mowers are smaller and lighter than self-propelled models, which makes them easier to maneuver–though they still require a good amount of manual labor. On a positive note, they are usually less expensive than other types of mowers, generally falling in the $100 to $400 range. Our best push mower pick, the Ego Power+ 20-Inch 56-Volt Push Lawn Mower, offers a long, 60-minute runtime and a relatively short 40-minute battery charging time.

Self-propelled mowers rely on power from the motor to propel the wheels forward. All you need to do is guide them from behind as they do the heavy work for you. Most self-propelled lawn mowers provide enough torque to power through thicker grass and navigate sloped terrain with ease. You will pay a bit more for the convenience; self-propelled mowers typically cost between $300 and $900. Our best self-propelled lawn mower, the Ego LM2102SP POWER+ 21-inch Cordless Self-Propelled Mower, is easy to use and maintain and has a long runtime with a short recharging time.

Riding lawn mowers are ideal for homeowners with large yards. Featuring an extra-wide cutting deck, riding mowers allow you to cut large swaths of grass in one pass. Since users typically sit on top of the machine and steer it, a riding mower requires significantly less labor than a push and self-propelled mower. However, all of that power comes at a premium, with riding mowers starting at well over $1,000.  Although it is a bit of a splurge, we love the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42 in. Battery Electric Cordless Riding Lawn Tractor, our best for large lawns pick, because it has 12 cutting height positions and many other useful features.

Deck Size

The deck size of a lawn mower determines the width of its cutting. The wider the deck, the more ground you can cover in each pass. If you have a small yard that’s under 0.5 acre, a mower with a cutting deck under 30 inches will be sufficient. To tackle a large yard, however, you should opt for a mower with a wider deck.

Lawn Size

Most battery-powered lawn mowers can run for up to 60 minutes on a single charge. That should be adequate if you have a small lawn with relatively flat terrain. Note that tall or dense grass, slopes, and other obstacles can slow a mower down and reduce runtime. If you have a larger yard that’s more than an acre, it might be a good idea to invest in a lawn mower with long-lasting batteries. Another option is to purchase a second battery for your mower, so you swap them out mid-task and extend the runtime.

Close-up of mowed grass

The Spruce / Patrick McGowan

Standout Features

Grass catcher

A grass catcher is a bag that can be attached to the side or rear of a lawn mower to collect clippings and prevent them from spreading all over your lawn. This is a particularly handy feature, because bagging up the clippings yourself can be a hassle. A grass catcher bag will also keep your lawn looking neat and tidy after mowing. Many of the mowers on this list come with a grass catcher bag, including our best budget pick, the Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Electric Push Lawn Mower.

Mulcher

Leaving grass clippings on your lawn isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, as the clippings decompose, they release vital nutrients into the soil, improving the health and appearance of your lawn. A mulching lawn mower tears grass clippings into tiny pieces and releases them back onto the surface of the lawn, nourishing it naturally. The Ego LM2102SP POWER+ 21-inch Cordless Self-Propelled Mower, our best self-propelled pick, is one of several options on this list that have a mulching feature.

Adjustable cutting height

To tackle a variety of grass types and conditions, most lawn mowers have decks with an adjustable cutting height. This typically ranges between 1 and 4 inches, allowing you to cut your lawn to an ideal length, which may vary depending on the season. Features like a single lever or large handles can make it easier to adjust the deck height. 

Person plugging in the Ryobi 80V HP Brushless 42-Inch Battery Electric Cordless Zero Turn Riding Mower

The Spruce / Patrick McGowan

FAQ
  • How many years will a battery lawn mower last?

    With proper maintenance, a battery-powered lawn mower can last up to 10 years. “The lifespan of a battery lawn mower varies, based on make, model and consumer care practices,” says Kiser. “Like other outdoor equipment, with proper maintenance, charging, and battery storage practices, the battery lawn mower can easily meet the user’s expectations.” To maximize your lawn mower’s longevity, Kiser suggests that you follow the manufacturer’s care instructions to the letter and perform required maintenance and repairs as needed.

  • How long will lithium batteries last in a lawn mower?

    The average lifespan for a lithium battery is two to three years. As these lithium batteries get older, their runtime can decrease by as much as 6 percent per year. Since a battery's charge capacity decreases over time, you’ll likely need to replace the battery after five years or possibly sooner. 

  • What is the best voltage for a battery lawn mower?

    Battery-operated lawn mowers provide anywhere from 36 to 120 volts of power. A mower with a higher voltage will have a longer runtime, allowing you to mow more grass on a single charge. While your first instinct might be to choose the mower with the biggest battery, you should also consider the fact that higher-voltage batteries are heavier. A bulkier battery could make your lawn mower more difficult to maneuver, especially if it’s a push model. Note that a heavier battery can also decrease runtime. 

  • What is the difference between brushed and brushless motors?

    “Benefits between the two options usually result in brushless motors offering increased motor efficiency and overall less weight, while brushed motors typically lack additional electronic controllers that may add cost to the overall motor, Kiser says. “However, both motors use electromagnetism to provide mechanical rotations,” he adds. Brushless motors are a more efficient option because they don’t lose much energy through friction and heat–two components that could potentially damage the motor. As the name implies, another advantage to a brushless motor is that you don’t have to replace brushes when they wear out. All of these factors translate to a more reliable performance and lower maintenance costs. 

    Brushed motors may appeal to consumers, because they cost less upfront, but you might end up paying more to maintain them over time. Because brushed motors generate more heat than brushless models, they are more likely to stall and overheat. You’ll also need to replace the brushes when they wear out, which is an additional expense.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was updated by Jenica Currie, an editor for The Spruce who has been with the team since 2020. Currie tests and writes about home improvement and gardening products, including garden hoses, humidifiers, garden tools, and outdoor solar lights. For this article, Currie analyzed testing insights from walk-behind and riding lawn mowers that we tested in our yards for six months or more. We also researched and added new models based on what we've learned while testing, and continue to test new models from top brands.

Our Experts:

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Lithium-Ion Battery Maintenance Guidelines. Tektronix.