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The 5 Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

These lawn mowers make it easier to keep your grass looking good

Person mowing with the RYOBI 40-Volt Brushless Self-Propelled Mower
The Spruce / Linnea Covington

If you dream of a lush, green lawn but dread the maintenance involved in keeping it that way, then a self-propelled lawn mower is a great solution. These mowers not only power the blades but also power the wheels to make your pushing requirements little more than guiding the machine across the grass.

We tested six self-propelled mowers, both gas and cordless electric, in our own yards across the country for six months, covering a range of weather and grass conditions. We found that self-propelled mowers sometimes take a little getting used to compared to traditional push mowers, but once you understand the controls and set the right speed to match your pace, they are relatively simple and even fun to use.

Aside from saving you effort in pushing a mower over uneven terrain and around obstacles, they can make your lawn look better. "Self-propelled mowers can also provide a more consistent cut since the speed is controlled by the mower rather than the operator, says Brock Ingham, gardener, landscaper, and founder of the website Bigger Garden.

For this list, we included the best self-propelled mowers we tested that held up over six months of testing. We also researched and added top-performing models based on what we learned. Each mower was evaluated on its design, performance, usability, safety, and value.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

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
  • Variable-speed self-propel

  • Generous battery runtime

  • Fast recharging

  • Folds for compact storage

What We Don't Like
  • Tricky to attach the clippings bag

  • Some struggles with mowing wet or tall grass

Earning the top spot in our list is a battery lawn mower we tested that rivals the power of a gas mower but without the smelly fumes, the oil changes, or the frustrating pull cord. Instead, this self-propelled mower from Ego has a 56-volt, 7.5-Ah battery that provides up to 60 minutes of runtime on a single charge; that's enough to mow most lawns up to half of an acre.

We put the mower to the test in early spring, mowing a lawn just out of winter dormancy that was patchy, wet, and ferny. Other than attaching the bag, assembling the mower was easy. And a mere press of the button brought it roaring to life. This mower has a 21-inch cutting deck and a one-hand lever that adjusts the cutting heights through six different settings for grass heights of 1.5 to 4 inches. We found it very easy to adjust. We also liked the adjustable handle, which made it more comfortable to mow. 

The speed of the mower is variable, so you can set it to match your stride from a leisurely 0.9 mph up to a brisk 3.1 mph. As this was our first time using a self-propelled mower, there was a bit of a learning curve. At first, it felt like the mower was pulling us along. However, we soon got the hang of it and enjoyed the ease of adjusting the mower’s speed. We then found that the mower was easy to maneuver, even around obstacles or sharp turns. As the self-propelled function does most of the heavy work, this is also a great mower for yards with slopes.

At nine inches in diameter, the mower’s wheels are fairly large, and it is rear-wheel drive, which also helps when mowing over rough terrain or hilly areas. You can dispose of the grass clippings in the included 2-bushel bag, discharge them to the side, or mulch them into fine clippings to quickly decompose them into healthful lawn nutrients. This mower even has an LED headlight, so you can mow early in the morning or at dusk to take advantage of mild temperatures.

The lawn mower easily handles all common types of lawn grass, including tougher warm-season varieties like Bermudagrass, zoysia, and St. Augustine. While testing, we found that it struggled a bit in the wet grass, becoming stuck at one point in a ferny patch. Aside from that, it delivers a precise and crisp cut that is sure to impress.

Most of the mower's construction is heavy-duty plastic for weather and rust resistance, but that might not be as durable as steel, although we felt it seemed quite sturdy. Once you finish mowing, the handle folds all the way down for easy storage. We loved this feature, as the mower doesn’t take up as much room in the garage. This mower comes with a 56-volt battery that is compatible with other tools in Ego's Power+ system (like battery chainsaws and snow blowers, and a fast charger that has the battery ready to go in just an hour.

How It Performed Long-Term

We are extremely satisfied with the performance of the lawn mower, particularly with how long the battery lasts. It can easily handle mowing the lawn three times without requiring a recharge. Even when it does need to be recharged, it only takes around 20 minutes. The mower is also highly effective when dealing with thick, tall grass and can even tackle 10 days of uncut grass without issue.

Additionally, it can handle damp grass and leaves with ease. Initially, it took some time to become familiar with turning it on and utilizing the self-propel feature, but once we did, mowing the lawn became a breeze.

Cutting Width: 21 inches | Power Source: Battery | Weight: 62.6 pounds | Grass Discard Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge

Best Electric

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
  • Includes two batteries for up to 70 minutes runtime

  • Handles tall grass well

  • LED headlights

  • Folds down for storage

What We Don't Like
  • Some leaking of grass clippings from the bag

  • Didn't pick up fallen leaves well

This powerful cordless mower from Ryobi impressed us during testing with its power, self-propelled feature, and long runtime (up to 70 minutes, the longest batter-operated option on our list) thanks to the two 40-volt, 6-Ah batteries. The mower has dual ports, so you can keep both batteries plugged in at the same time, switching from one to the other as the first battery loses charge. We think it's a great choice for lawns up to 1 acre in size.

We really enjoyed how effortless it was to operate the self-propelled feature. All we had to do was slide the lever with our thumbs to adjust the speed accordingly. We kept the mower at a slow pace, just bumping it up a bit when going up hills. We did give the highest speed setting a brief try and had to jog to keep up with it. 

The mower has a 21-inch deck and a seven-position height adjustment for cutting grass to lengths between 1.5 and 4 inches. It was very easy to adjust the cutting height so we could figure out the best level for cutting our lawn, especially over the uneven terrain where the mower had a bit more trouble creating a smooth cut. It easily handled the tall, thick grass but didn’t do as good a job of picking up the fallen leaves.

This mower features Ryobi’s Cross Cut Multi-Blade Cutting System, which is claimed to provide superior performance in cutting the lawn and disposing of the clippings, which can be bagged, mulched, or side-discharged. We found that clippings tended to leak out around the edges of the bag a bit, and we did have to scrape away some clotted grass when emptying the bag, but other than that, it was easy to set the clippings disposal options and the mower did a good job on all settings. 

Thanks to the rear-wheel drive and 11-inch rear wheels, the mower easily handles slopes up to a 15-degree incline. There's an LED headlight if you are mowing at dawn or dusk. And since the handle folds down flat for vertical storage, your lawn mower won't take up too much room in your garage or shed. Along with the two batteries, the mower comes with a rapid charger to recharge the batteries as quickly as possible. However, it's part of Ryobi's 40-volt system so if you have compatible tools (like cordless leaf blowers and trimmers), you can share batteries between them.

How It Performed Long-Term

Over the past three months, we have extensively tested this lawn mower and have not experienced any technical difficulties or issues. It operates quietly, and we love its self-propelled feature, which makes it easy to navigate hills and uneven terrain on our lawn. We found that a single charge can power the mower for up to four uses depending on how often (and how fast) we use the self-propelled function.

While the mower does an excellent job of cutting grass and collecting clippings, it struggles to collect heavier weeds. We also had no trouble with damp grass, but the grass bag did become heavy with clippings.

Cutting Width: 21 inches | Power Source: Battery | Weight: 75 pounds | Grass Discard Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge

Best Budget

Greenworks 40-Volt 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Greenworks 40-Volt 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Amazon

What We Like
  • Reasonable price

  • Automatically adjusts to grass thickness

  • Handle folds for storage

What We Don't Like
  • Battery life is short

You don't have to give up on performance to save money with this model from Greenworks; it still does a good job mowing smaller lawns less than 0.5 acres in size. While we were not able to test this model, we feel it's a great choice if your lawn is small and you are watching your budget.

The mower runs on an included 40-volt, 5.0-Ah battery, which has a runtime of up to 45 minutes under ideal conditions. However, keep in mind you may get considerably less than that when mowing tall grass or using the mulching setting. The mower has a 21-inch deck and seven cutting settings ranging from 1-3/8-inch to 3-3/4-inch. The brushless motor starts up at the push of a button and is fairly quiet. Once running, Greenworks' SmartCut Technology senses the thickness of the grass and adjusts the power accordingly to handle it.

When switched into the self-propel mode, the mower takes a few seconds to kick in but then lets you adjust the speed by squeezing the levers. While the manufacturer doesn't give an exact speed range for the mower, like the self-propelled mowers we tested, it may seem too fast at first until you find your pace. Still, for the price, this is a sturdy lawn mower that won't emit smelly fumes like a gas mower, does a good job at cutting grass evenly, and lets you side-discharge, mulch, or collect grass clippings in the included bag.

We also like that the handle folds down for easy storage (a feature we loved on mowers we tested), and the mower comes with a rapid charger. It's part of Greenwork's 40-volt system, so if you have compatible tools in their brand (like weed eaters), you can easily swap in other batteries and continue mowing.

Cutting Width: 21 inches | Power Source: Battery | Weight: 83 pounds | Grass Discard Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge

Best for Hills

Makita 36-Volt Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Makita XML08PT1 36-Volt Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Makita

What We Like
  • Rugged construction

  • Includes four batteries

  • Long runtime

What We Don't Like
  • Heavy

This commercial-grade mower from Makita handles hills and slopes with ease. It has a powerful, low-maintenance brushless motor that runs off two 18-volt batteries for a total of 36 volts of power. However, the machine comes with four batteries, all of which can be placed into the lawn mower at one time, allowing you to switch over to the other set once the first set loses its charge. With both fully charged sets in place, you can cut up to more than half an acre in 60 minutes or less.

Once in self-propel mode, you can pull or release the levers to adjust the mower's "walking speed" from 1.5 mph to 3 mph. There's even a quiet mode to reduce the already reasonable noise levels, a feature your neighbors will appreciate. The mower is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions and resist overheating, overloading, or over-discharging. The 21-inch steel deck has a single-lever height adjustment with 10 settings ranging from 1-1/4 to 4 inches.

Thanks to the rear-wheel drive and good-sized wheels, the mower handles well on both flat and inclined terrain. But as with any lawn mower, do not mow up and down a slope but rather mow from side to side to avoid losing control of the mower or having it tip over. Also, note that this is the heavy mower—with the batteries in place, it weighs 94 pounds (for comparison, our best overall is just 62 pounds).

You can discharge the clippings to the side, bag them in the included 2-bushel bag, or mulch them. The mower comes with a rapid-charge two-port charger along with four batteries. While somewhat expensive, this is a great choice if you need a heavy-duty lawn mower to handle a large yard. Although we were unable to personally test this mower, we still recommend it thanks to its excellent performance reviews, features, and design.

Cutting Width: 21 inches | Power Source: Battery | Weight: 94 pounds | Grass Discard Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge

Best Gas

Yard Force 21-Inch Electric-Start Gas Lawn Mower

Yard Force YF22ESSPV 21-Inch Electric-Start Gas Lawn Mower

Homedepot

What We Like
  • Electric push-start option

  • Large rear wheel and rear-wheel drive for hills

  • Easy-lift clippings bag

What We Don't Like
  • Heavy

If you're looking for a value-priced gas self-propelled mower, then the Yard Force Electric Start Mower is our recommendation, although we were unable to test it personally. Like most gas mowers, this one gives you the option of using the typical pull cord for starting the engine, but it also has a battery-powered electric start that powers up the mower at the push of a button. The included 20-volt battery can provide up to 75 starts before needing a recharge.

The mower has a 4-stroke Briggs and Stratton 163 cc engine that doesn't require oil changes, just periodic top-offs of the oil reservoir. Nor do you need to mix the fuel with oil. The mower has a 22-inch steel deck with a 21-inch blade. There are seven cutting-height adjustments from 1-1/4 to 3-3/4 inches.

With 12-inch rear wheels and rear-wheel drive, this is a great mower for use on slopes or over rougher terrain on lawns up to 1 acre in size. As this is a heavy mower—95 pounds, the heaviest on our list—the self-propelled function is very helpful. By squeezing the lever, you can adjust the walking speed of the mower from 1.3 mph to 3.1 mph, keeping it within your pace.

You can let the clippings side-discharge, mulch them, or collect them in the included bag that's designed for easy lifting and dumping.

Cutting Width: 21 inches | Power Source: Gas | Weight: 95 pounds | Grass Discard Options: Bag, mulch, side-discharge

Final Verdict

Based on our testing, our best overall pick is the Ego POWER+ Self-Propelled Mower, which is a cordless lawn mower that can run up to an hour on its 56-volt battery. You get plenty of power without smelly fumes, and the mower is easy to use and effective on all types of grass. We also tested and love the Ryobi 21-Inch Dual-Blade Self-Propelled Mower, our best electric pick. This mower has even more runtime, up to 70 minutes. Each mower has a battery that is compatible with other tools in the brand.

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

The Spruce / Megan Wood

How We Tested the Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers

We tested over a dozen lawn mowers over the past few years (gas and electric, riding and walk-behind), including six self-propelled mowers from various brands. The mowers were tested in our own yards, on lawns that ranged from tall and thick to short and patchy. We also made sure to try the mowers over a variety of terrains, including flat, bumpy, sloped, and studded with tree roots or other obstacles. Each mower was evaluated on its design, performance, usability, safety, and value.

Upon receiving the mowers, we unpacked and assembled them while noting how long it took to do so and how difficult it was to get the mowers up and running. We then used the mower on three separate occasions to mow our lawns. We noted the weather conditions, grass height, whether the grass was dry or wet, and the time required to mow the entire lawn for each mowing session, as well as how easy or difficult it was to dump the clippings bag.

We also noted how easy it was to start the mower; this is especially important for gas mowers with pull cords.  And once out on their lawns, we noted how easy it was to set the mowing height and adjust the speed of the mower. While cutting the grass, we observed how well the mower handled a variety of grass types and the smoothness of the cut. We also checked to see how well the clippings were handled, noting any clogs or spewed bits of grass. We noted the overall performance of the mower, including how easy it was to maneuver around tree roots or other obstacles, how well the self-propelled function worked, the intuitiveness of the controls, and the comfort (or discomfort) of the mowing experience.

At the end of each testing session, we checked to see how much battery life remained on cordless mowers. We then indicated how manageable it was to store the mower, including the ease of folding down the handle on models that include this feature. We continued testing these mowers for six months and reported on their long-term durability and performance during different weather and grass conditions.

Person mowing grass with the Greenworks Electric Corded Mower

The Spruce / Abby Mercer

What to Look for in a Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Power Source

There are two main categories of self-propelled lawn mowers: Those that are powered by gasoline and those that are powered by electricity

Gas mowers, such as our best gas pick, the Yard Force 21-Inch Electric-Start Gas Lawn Mower, are the winners when it comes to power. If you have a very large yard with rugged terrain or tall grass, or simply need a mower that is powerful enough to tackle whatever you throw its way, then a gas mower is your best option. However, the downsides of gas mowers are that they are noisier than electric options, they emit smelly fumes, they can be difficult to start, and they generally require oil changes or topping off an oil reservoir, as well as keeping gasoline on hand.

Battery mowers have come a long way, and battery technology keeps on improving, so today, you’ll find battery self-propelled lawn mowers that are powerful enough to mow through tall grass with ease. However, most simply do not match the power of a gas mower. Plus, most battery mowers have only 20 to 40 minutes of runtime per charge, so you need to keep an eye on the battery gauge to be sure you don’t run out of juice before you finish mowing. There are some battery mowers, though, including the Ryobi RY401150 40-Volt Dual-Blade Cordless Lawn Mower, our best electric pick, that have dual ports so you can have two batteries installed at the same time, thus allowing you to simply switch over to the second battery once the first one is depleted. That can double your runtime. 

For most homeowners, though, a battery mower, such as the Greenworks 40-Volt 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower, our best budget pick, is the best option for an average-size lawn. There are no fumes, the mower starts at the push of a button, there is less maintenance required, and these mowers are generally not as noisy as gas mowers.

Corded electric lawn mowers are not nearly as popular as they once were, but generally, they are the least-expensive option. While these mowers are fairly powerful and don’t require you to monitor a battery’s runtime, they do keep you tethered to an extension cord, which is inconvenient, and if you aren’t careful, it’s easy to mow right over the extension cord and cut it through.

Deck Size

The deck of a lawn mower is the base that holds the blade. The deck size determines the width of the mower’s cutting swath. All the self-propelled mowers on our list have a 21-inch deck, which is a good size for the average lawn.

However, if you have a very large lawn, you’ll be happier with a mower that has a larger deck. There are mowers with 24- or 25-inch decks and even commercial mowers with decks as large as 30 inches. Keep in mind, though, that the larger the mower, the harder it is to maneuver. For very small lawns, or lawns that have a lot of obstacles, such as trees planted close together, a mower with a 16- or 18-inch deck might be a better option than the standard 21-inch.

Bravo advises, “Most self-propelled mowers come with a set of useful features. Look for a mower that has an easy-to-access storage compartment for small tools and accessories, a large grass collection bag, and a start/stop button for added convenience.”

Motor Power and Type

The best electric lawn mowers have a brushless motor. While the details of brushed versus brushless motors are quite technical, the most important aspects as far as a homeowner is concerned are that brushless motors last longer, are more energy-efficient, and have fewer maintenance requirements. They cost more, however.

Henry Bravo, founder and editor-in-chief of SmartGardenHome.com says, "When looking for a self-propelled lawnmower, of course, you want a reliable engine. The engine should be powerful and long-lasting, so it can run the mower for years to come and cut through even the toughest grass and weeds."

The engines of gas lawn mowers measure power in cubic centimeters (cc). This is a measurement of the amount of air and fuel that can push through the engine cylinders. Most gas lawn mowers have engines ranging from 140 to 190 cc. The higher the number, the more powerful the mower.

Battery mowers measure their power in volts. The least powerful cordless lawn mowers have 20-volt batteries, while the most powerful run on 80-volt batteries. The most common voltage for residential mowers is 40 volts, which is more than sufficient for the average lawn. 

Another very important number to consider when buying a battery mower is the ampere-hours (Ah) of the battery. This is a measurement of how long it takes for the battery to completely discharge, and so gives you an idea of the battery’s runtime. Generally, batteries for residential lawn mowers range from a low of 2.5 Ah to a high of 7.5 Ah. The higher the Ah, the more runtime the battery will have, regardless of voltage. For example, a 40-volt, 5.0-Ah battery might run twice as long as a 40-volt, 2.5-Ah battery. Our best overall pick, the Ego POWER+ Self-Propelled Mower, comes with a 56-volt, 7.5-Ah battery.

Yard Size

When choosing your self-propelled lawn mower, consider the overall size of your yard as well as the size of your lawn. Most self-propelled mowers, especially electric models, are designed to handle an average-sized suburban lawn of 1/4 acre or so, and many can mow up to 1/2 acre before running out of power. Our best for hills pick, the Makita 36-Volt Self-Propelled Lawn Mower can mow lawns up to 2/3 an acre in under 60 minutes. If your yard is much larger than that, you’ll need to look for either a gas mower or an electric mower with enough battery power to handle the larger space. 

If you have a small yard, then battery runtime might not be as much of an issue. However, you might want a mower with a smaller deck, as that can be easier to maneuver through tight curves or obstacles.

Bravo adds, "Another thing to look for in a self-propelled lawn mower is a purposeful design. The mower should be ergonomic and easy to push and maneuver, and there should be handles and wheels that provide comfort and control to the user. Depending on the size of your lawn, you might want to look for one with adjustable speed options and a reverse gear. This way, you can efficiently mow your lawn in any direction."

FAQ
  • What is a self-propelled lawn mower?

    With a traditional push mower, the engine or motor provides the power to spin the blades, but you have to provide the pushing power to move the mower across the lawn. In a self-propelled mower, however, the engine or motor not only powers the blades but also provides power to turn the wheels, meaning that you basically only have to guide the lawn mower, not actually push it. That greatly reduces the effort required to mow, especially when working on slopes.

    "The main advantage of a self-propelled mower is that it requires less effort to operate than a push mower. This can be beneficial for people with large lawns or those who have difficulty pushing a mower due to physical limitations," says Bravo. The downside is that you’ll typically pay a lot more for a self-propelled mower than for a push mower, and there can be a bit of a learning curve when it comes to handling the self-propelled feature.

  • What is the difference between rotary and reel lawn mowers?

    Reel lawn mowers, also called "manual mowers," do not have a motor or engine. While there are commercial reel mowers that tow behind a tractor for mowing golf courses or similar stretches of grass used for sports, the common reel mower is a residential tool that relies entirely on the pushing power of the user to propel it across the lawn. Reel mowers have multiple blades that spin vertically. These mowers give a very clean, precise cut, much like a pair of scissors trimming the grass. Reel mowers also can cut grass very short, often less than an inch in height. However, pushing a reel mower is tiring, and these mowers are not good for grass that’s taller than a couple of inches. 

    Rotary mowers have either a gas or electric engine or motor. Most have a single blade, although some have two. The blade in a rotary mower spins very rapidly on a horizontal plane. The spinning blade creates a slight updraft that lifts the grass, which is then whacked off by the edge of the blade. This creates more of a chopped cut than the clean cut created by a reel mower, but the physical effort required by the person pushing the lawn mower is much less. 

    When it comes to deciding between a reel and a rotary lawn mower, neither is necessarily better. The best option for you depends on the size of your lawn, your own level of physical fitness, the time you have to devote to lawn maintenance, and perhaps environmental concerns, as reel lawn mowers are the most environmentally friendly type of lawn mower.

  • What is better: front-wheel, rear-wheel, or all-wheel drive?

    The “drive” of a self-propelled lawn mower refers to which wheels are directly powered by the mower’s motor or engine. There are three options: front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive.

    • Front-wheel drive (FWD) is the least-expensive option. These mowers are best on flat lawns, as uneven terrain tends to cause the front wheels to lift slightly, thus interfering with the self-propelled function of the mower. 
    • Rear-wheel drive (RWD) costs a little more than FWD, but is worth the price if you have a lawn with slopes or uneven terrain. These mowers tend to have good traction on uneven ground, and if you need to lift the mower’s front wheels slightly to maneuver around an obstacle, you won’t lose the self-propel function.
    • All-wheel drive (AWD) is not a common feature on residential mowers, but it is a useful feature if you need to mow steeper inclines or work across rough terrain. You’ll pay considerably more for a mower with AWD.

Why Trust The Spruce?

Michelle Ullman is a freelance writer for The Spruce, focusing on home improvement and gardening topics since 2020. She has extensive experience not only in writing about all things related to the home but also in carrying out various DIY projects, including landscaping, painting, flooring, wallpapering, furniture makeovers, and simple repairs around the house and yard.

For this list, she analyzed results from self-propelled lawn mowers we tested in our own yards. She also considered dozens of other self-propelled lawn mowers of various types. Feedback from customers, both positive and negative, as well as reviews and information on landscaping and lawn-care websites was also taken into account.

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