We just wrapped up our latest testing to help us determine the best battery-powered lawn mowers. One thing can be said for sure—mowing with an electric lawn mower today is so much better than it was when we first started reviewing them back in 2013.
Still, some designs are better than others, and I’ll share which ones stand out among the eight brands we tested. I’ll also show you what our crew prioritizes when we’re evaluating to help you better know what to look for when you’re shopping along with some other mowers we’ve reviewed and recommend.
Best Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers
- Best Performance: EGO 56V 22-inch Aluminum Select Cut Self-Propelled
↓ Jump to this Mower - Best All-Around: ECHO 56V 21-inch Self-Propelled
↓ Jump to this Mower - Best for the Money: Greenworks 60V 21-inch Self-Propelled RazorCut
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Looking for the best riding lawn mower that runs on a battery?
Searching for Something Specific? Jump to These Sections!
- Top Recommendations
- Other Mowers from This Test
- Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers From More Brands
- How We Made Our Choices
- What to Look For When You’re Shopping
- Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews
Best Battery-Powered Lawn Mower Recommendations
Best Battery-Powered Lawn Mower Performance
EGO 21-inch Aluminum Select Cut Self-Propelled LM2200SP
- Gas Equivalent: 200+cc
- Blade Tip Speed: 18,400 FPM
- Torque: 11.1 ft-lbs
- Max Lawn Size: 0.62 acre/27,000 sq ft
- Typical Lawn Size: 0.49 acre/21,350 sq ft
- Kit Price: $1169 w/a 10.0Ah battery
- Warranty: 5 years
Pros
- Most powerful walk-behind mower we’ve tested
- Feels more like a commercial-grade build than residential
- Handles thick overgrowth better than other mowers
- Intuitive thumb wheel speed control
- Eco mode for lighter cutting
- Three handle positions
- Handle folds for vertical storage
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
No one else comes close to the cutting power EGO offers in its LM2206SP. Even Milwaukee’s impressive 10 ft-lbs of torque falls short of EGO’s 11.1 ft-lbs. Compared to gas, this mower can outperform a 200cc gas mower, and its Select Cut blade system lets you prioritize bagging, mulching, or runtime.
Even though EGO is primarily a residential-focused brand, this model feels and drives much more like a commercial model. Plus, its three handle levels dial in a better fit and its thumb wheel drive speed control is easy to adjust on the fly.
One downside is that the weight and larger deck size take a little more effort to maneuver on turns. Its incredible build also puts it at a price point that is out of reach for some homeowners.
That said, if you want the best battery-powered lawn mower that can handle what any lawn throws at it, there’s no question EGO’s LM2206SP is it.
Deck Size/Material | 22-inch aluminum |
Blade | 2 x 21-inch stacked |
Maximum Blade Speed | 3,350 RPM |
Maximum Runtime | 70 minutes (10.0Ah battery) |
Battery Ports | 1 |
Cutting Height | 1 – 4 inches (8 positions) |
Height Adjustment | 1-point |
Drive Speed | 0.9 – 3.1 MPH |
Cutting Options | Mulch, bag, rear discharge |
Bag Capacity | 2.5 bushels |
Weight | 83.8 lbs without battery |
Best All-Around Battery-Powered Lawn Mower
ECHO 56V 21-Inch Self-Propelled DLM-2100SP
- Gas Equivalent: 160cc
- Blade Tip Speed: 16,850 FPM
- Torque: Not listed
- Tested Noise Level: 84 dB(A)
- Max Lawn Size: 0.59 acre/25,700 sq ft
- Typical Lawn Size: 0.47 acre/20,450 sq ft
- Kit Price: $549 w/5.0Ah battery
- Warranty: 5 years consumer, 2 years commercial
Pros
- Selectable turbo mode
- Easy control interface
- Lightweight
- Easy to maneuver
- Handle folds for vertical storage
Cons
- No significant drawbacks
Some people might be surprised to find ECHO as my pick for the best all-around battery-powered lawn mower, especially since this model has been out for a few years. However, I was focused on not only performance, but rather the complete mowing experience, and the DLM-2100SP is a pleasure to use.
With power around a 160cc gas equivalent, it balances cutting confidence and runtime well. At the same time, its lighter weight was easy for me to maneuver, the handle design was comfortable, and I found all the controls easy to access and adjust on the fly.
It doesn’t use its battery quite as efficiently as some models, though. Unless you’re mowing less than a 1/4-acre lot, I highly recommend you get an extra battery. That will give you the runtime you need to cover close to 2/3 of an acre of light cutting or about 1/2 an acre during peak mowing season.
*Note: The Echo DLM-2100SPR2-2 kit has identical performance but with updated graphics and an additional 5Ah battery.
Deck Size/Material | 21-inch steel |
Blade | 20.1-inch |
Maximum Blade Speed | 3,200 RPM |
Maximum Runtime | 70 minutes (2 x 5.0Ah battery) |
Battery Ports | 2 active w/auto switch |
Cutting Height | 1 – 4 inches (7 positions) |
Height Adjustment | 2-point |
Drive Speed | 1.4 – 3.0 MPH |
Cutting Options | Mulch, bag, side discharge |
Bag Capacity | Not listed |
Weight | 65.5 lbs without battery |
Best Battery-Powered Lawn Mower for the Money
Greenworks 21-inch Dual-Blade Self-Propelled MO60L810
- Gas Equivalent: 160cc
- Blade Tip Speed: 16,950 FPM
- Torque: Not listed
- Max Lawn Size: 0.51 acre/22,500 sq ft
- Typical Lawn Size: 0.41 acre/17,850 sq ft
- Kit Price: $424.00 w/two 5.0Ah batteries
- Warranty: 4 years
Pros
- RazorCut stacked blade system
- Controls are easy to access on the fly
- Selectable Turbo mode
- Lightweight
- Easy to maneuver
- Handle folds for vertical storage
- Deck height range goes lower than most
Cons
- Finding it in stock has been hit or miss
When it comes to getting the most for your money, I was really impressed with what Greenworks put together in its latest 21-inch self-propelled lawn mower. Its brushless motor delivers power in the 160cc gas equivalent class, its blade tip speed closes in on 17,000 FPM, and its RazorCut stacked blade system offers higher cut quality. There’s even a Turbo mode for thick grass or leaf collection.
It’s lightweight enough to easily maneuver for a mower in this power class, though not as light as models with smaller poly decks. It has all the right features, including a handle that’s easier to fold than most and a good control layout.
But what sets it apart is the price. For $424, you get a solid battery-powered mower that’s easy to use and can handle lawns up to 1/2 an acre with the batteries that come in the kit. Most of the competition is going to be $600+ for a similar setup, making this by far the best value among battery-powered mowers this season.
Deck Size/Material | 21-inch steel |
Blade | 2 x 20.3-inch stacked |
Maximum Blade Speed | 3200 RPM |
Maximum Runtime | 60 minutes (1 x 8.0Ah battery) |
Battery Ports | 1 |
Cutting Height | 0.75 – 4.0 inches (8 positions) |
Height Adjustment | 1-point |
Drive Speed | 1.6 – 3.4 MPH |
Cutting Options | Mulch, bag, side discharge |
Bag Capacity | Not listed |
Weight | Not listed |
More Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers We Tested
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 21-inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower 2823
- Gas Equivalent: 200cc
- Blade Tip Speed: 18,150 FPM
- Torque: 10.0 ft-lbs
- Max Lawn Size: 0.53 acre/23,100 sq ft
- Typical Lawn Size: 0.42 acre/18,300 sq ft
- Kit Price: $1099 w/two 12.0Ah batteries
- Warranty: 3 years
Pros
- Powerful cutting performance
- Variable speed thumb controls
- Separate max speed dial
- Easy to see the battery levels
- Commercial-grade build
- Better LED light coverage than most
- Handle folds for vertical storage
Cons
- Speed adjustment angle needs to shift down
- Expensive
Boasting a build that targets professional needs, Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel self-propelled lawn mower is a powerful mower with a commercial-grade build. With 10.0 ft-lbs of torque, it has the power to compete against gas mowers in the 200cc class.
Using a pair of 12.0Ah High Output batteries, you can expect to cut between 1/3 and 1/2 an acre, depending on the conditions.
Our only real complaint is the angle of the thumb bar. We love having the combination of a max speed setting and the thumb bar for an effective on-the-fly variable speed experience. However, we’d like to rotate the thumb bar down more so it’s not as fatiguing on our thumbs.
If you’re on the hunt for a true commercial-grade mower, there are larger options available such as Greenworks Commercial’s’ 82V 30-inch model. However, Milwaukee’s price tag is much easier on your budget.
Deck Size/Material | 21-inch steel |
Blade | 21-inch |
Maximum Blade Speed | 3300 RPM |
Maximum Runtime | 60 minutes (2 x 12.0Ah battery) |
Battery Ports | 2 active (2 batteries required) |
Cutting Height | 1.0 – 4.0 inches (7 positions) |
Height Adjustment | 1-point |
Drive Speed | Up to 4.0 MPH |
Cutting Options | Mulch, bag, side discharge |
Bag Capacity | Not listed |
Weight | 85 lbs with batteries |
Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Self-Propelled Multi-Blade Lawn Mower RY40HPLM02
- Gas Equivalent: 170cc
- Blade Tip Speed: Not listed
- Torque: 9.7 ft-lbs
- Max Lawn Size: 0.66 acre/28,750 sq ft
- Typical Lawn Size: 0.53 acre/23,100 sq ft
- Kit Price: $649 w/two 6.0Ah batteries
- Warranty: 5 years
Pros
- Cross-Cut stacked blade system
- Turbo mode
- Outstanding side discharging
- Variable speed thumb controls
- Separate max speed control
- Integrated mulch plug
- Blade life indicator
- Handle folds for vertical storage
Cons
- Thumb drive could be more robust
Ryobi’s line of multi-blade Cross-Cut mowers was a revelation from the very beginning. With significantly better power and improved performance around several key areas of the design, it vaulted the brand into serious contention among the best residential battery-powered mowers.
The latest iteration continues the trend. Its 170cc gas equivalent power boasts a whopping 9.7 ft-lbs of torque—almost as much as Milwaukee’s commercial model! Plus, the two 6.0Ah batteries that come in the kit can cut up to 2/3 of an acre on one charge.
Upgraded features such as an integrated mulching plug, turbo mode, new variable speed thumb controls, and blade life indicator build on the solid foundation of the original CrossCut mower, making this one of the most feature-rich models on the market.
Deck Size/Material | 21-inch poly |
Blade | 2 x 21-inch stacked |
Maximum Blade Speed | Not listed |
Maximum Runtime | 75 minutes (2 x 6.0Ah batteries) |
Battery Ports | 2 active |
Cutting Height | 1.0 – 4.0 inches (10 positions) |
Height Adjustment | 1-point |
Drive Speed | Not listed |
Cutting Options | Mulch, bag, side discharge |
Bag Capacity | 2.0 bushels |
Weight | 79 lbs without battery |
Stihl 36V 21-inch Self-Propelled Mower RMA 510 V
- Gas Equivalent: 140cc
- Blade Tip Speed: 16,650 FPM
- Torque: Not listed
- Tested Noise Level: 80 dB(A)
- Max Lawn Size: 0.30 acre/ 13,050 sq ft
- Typical Lawn Size: 0.25 acre/ 11,500 sq ft
- Kit Price: $799 w/a 7.8Ah battery
- Warranty: 3 years
Pros
- Quietest mower we tested
- Lightweight
- Handle folds for vertical storage
Cons
- Presence bar is uncomfortable
- Not very strong compared to others
Stihl’s RMA 510V has been out for a while, and that showed against more recent mowers in our testing. As a 140cc gas replacement, it’s effective and is the quietest mower we tested. However, it also lags behind in performance and its presence bar design causes noticeable discomfort during prolonged use.
While that might seem disappointing, Stihl’s new generation of uniquely-designed battery-powered lawn mowers is now available, and we expect great things from them. As soon as we get the chance to test them out, we’ll be sure to let you know how we like the design and performance.
Deck Size/Material | 21-inch steel |
Blade | 19.9-inch |
Maximum Blade Speed | 3,200 RPM |
Maximum Runtime | 37 minutes (1 x 7.8Ah battery) |
Battery Ports | 1 |
Cutting Height | 1.0 – 3.9 inches (8 positions) |
Height Adjustment | 1-point |
Drive Speed | 0.6 –2.8 MPH |
Cutting Options | Mulch, bag, side discharge |
Bag Capacity | 2.1 bushels |
Weight | 68 lbs with battery |
Toro 60V Max 22-inch Recycler w/ Personal Pace Lawn Mower 21469
- Gas Equivalent: 160cc
- Blade Tip Speed: 15,000 FPM
- Torque: Not listed
- Tested Noise Level: 83 dB(A)
- Max Lawn Size: 0.44 acre/19,150 sq ft
- Typical Lawn Size: 0.36 acre/15,650 sq ft
- Kit Price: $679 w/an 8.0Ah battery
- Warranty: 2 years
Pros
- Personal Pace drive system works well
- Design feels like a gas mower
- More user-friendly than other designs
- Easiest switch from bagging to mulching
- Handle folds for vertical storage
Cons
- Only one blade speed
- Can’t drive the mower without the blade engaged
- Heavy
Toro has been steadily building up its reputation in the battery-powered lawn mower sector and the 22-inch Recycler is the best we’ve tested from them so far. One of the big differences between Toro and other brands is how much this feels like a gas mower, making it an easier transition to battery power.
A big part of that is the handle design and controls. While there are different control buttons and switches for the electronic components, the handle shape and presence bar design feel right, just like Toro’s gas mowers.
With performance similar to a 160cc gas engine, runtime to cover nearly 1/2 an acre, the mulching quality you expect from a Recycler deck design, and a user-friendly feature set, it’s a solid choice.
Deck Size/Material | 22-inch steel |
Blade | 21.1-inch |
Maximum Blade Speed | 2,700 RPM |
Maximum Runtime | 50 minutes (8.0Ah battery) |
Battery Ports | 1 |
Cutting Height | 1 – 4 inches (5 positions) |
Height Adjustment | 4-point |
Drive Speed | Up to 4.0 MPH |
Cutting Options | Mulch, bag, side discharge |
Bag Capacity | 1.8 bushels |
Weight | 87 lbs with battery |
Worx Nitro 80V 21-inch Self-Propelled Mower WG761
- Gas Equivalent: 160cc
- Blade Tip Speed: 14,850 FPM
- Torque: Not listed
- Tested Noise Level: 81 dB(A)
- Max Lawn Size: 0.43 acre/18,750 sq ft
- Typical Lawn Size: 0.34 acre/14,800 sq ft
- Kit Price: $799 w/four 5.0Ah batteries
- Warranty: 3 years
Pros
- Integrated mulch plug
- Handle folds for vertical storage
- Easier handle folding than most
- Batteries work on other Worx 20V and 2 x 20V tools
- Batteries stay on the BaseCamp for charging
Cons
- Requires four batteries
- Only one other tool that uses the same 80V interface
When Worx announced its 4 x 20V battery-powered lawn mower, our reactions were mixed. On one hand, it keeps you on the 20V battery system with other OPE and power tools. But would have the performance required to earn a recommendation from us?
As a matter of fact, it does. Matching up in the 160cc gas equivalent class, it cuts well and has the runtime to cut more than 1/3 of an acre.
Its BaseCamp system is interesting, acting as both the battery interface with the mower and the charging station. If you’re going to have to use four batteries at a time, it does make things more convenient. The BaseCamp is also compatible with a backpack blower, but those are the only two tools that use it so far.
What you need to weigh is the price. At $799 for the kit, you’re getting into the premium range and you might find other battery systems better suited for your needs. But then again, with Worx’ broadest selection of cordless products all using the same batteries, it might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Deck Size/Material | 21-inch steel |
Blade | 20.5-inch |
Maximum Blade Speed | 2,800 RPM |
Maximum Runtime | 50 minutes (4 x 5.0Ah batteries) |
Battery Ports | 4 active (4 batteries required) |
Cutting Height | 1.5 – 4.0 inches (7 positions) |
Height Adjustment | 1-point |
Drive Speed | Not listed |
Cutting Options | Mulch, bag, side discharge |
Bag Capacity | 2.0 bushels |
Weight | 77 lbs with battery |
More Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers We Recommend
Greenworks 82V Optimus 30-inch Self-Propelled 82LM30S-83DP
- Gas Equivalent: 230cc
- Blade Tip Speed: 16,150 FPM
- Max Power: 4.3 kW
- Max Lawn Size: 1.35 acres/59,000 sq ft
- Typical Lawn Size: 1.08 acres/47,000 sq ft
- Kit Price: $3499.99 w/three 8.0Ah batteries
- Warranty: 2 years
Pros
- Outstanding cutting power
- 3 blade speeds
- 6 drive modes
- Long runtime
- Pro-focused smart features
- Handles slopes up to 25°
- Reverse drive mode
- Independent drive wheels make turning easier
- Commercial-grade build
- IPX5 waterproof rating
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
- No side discharge option
As the first in the 30-inch class for the commercial market, the Greenworks Commercial 30-inch lawn mower is a revelation for Pros who have been skeptical of battery power.
As we saw from the 25-inch version, the mower uses two side-by-side blades to achieve its cutting width. Thanks to brushless technology, it cuts with a blade tip speed of just over 16,000 FPM, making for clean cuts and efficient bagging/mulching and exceeding the power of a 230cc gas engine.
It’s smart, too, as it takes advantage of 4G coverage to provide GPS tracking. On the “why didn’t they do that sooner?” list, it has a reverse function for its independent hub wheel motors.
After using it, there’s no doubt the performance is solid, and the features are helpful for commercial crews. The final piece of the puzzle is how the design team beefed up the components to ensure it has the durability Pros need for their primary walk-behind mower.
Deck Size/Material | 30-inch 12-ga steel |
Blade | 2 x 15-inch side-by-side |
Maximum Blade Speed | 4,000 RPM |
Maximum Runtime | 110 minutes (3 x 8.0Ah batteries) |
Battery Ports | 3 active, auto-switching |
Cutting Height | 1.5 – 5 inches (8 positions) |
Height Adjustment | 1-point |
Drive Speed | 1.0 – 4.0 MPH |
Cutting Options | Mulch, bag |
Bag Capacity | 2.4 bushels |
Weight | 141 lbs without batteries |
Makita 40V max XGT 21-inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower GML01
- Gas Equivalent: Not listed
- Blade Tip Speed: 17,600 FPM
- Torque: Not listed
- Max Lawn Size: 0.95 acre/41,350 sq ft
- Typical Lawn Size: 0.76 acre/33,100 sq ft
- Kit Price: $1299w/two 8.0Ah batteries
- Warranty: 3 years
Pros
- Quiet mode
- Long runtime potential
- Commercial-grade build
- Handle folds for vertical storage
- Lighter than most steel deck mowers
Cons
- Expensive
Makita has had several battery-powered lawn mowers that impressed our crew over the years, and the latest is the 40V max XGT 21-inch self-propelled GML01. In practice, it’s not much different from the ConnectX mower, but uses Makita’s 40V max XGT packs instead of the ConnectX backpack power supply, and it’s more than 20 pounds lighter.
Its build is geared toward professional needs and its battery capacity backs that up with enough runtime to cover nearly an acre on one charge when you use two 8.0Ah batteries. You can get even more if you want to bump up to Makita’s 12.0Ah packs.
As we expect from Makita, the overall design is well-refined and user-friendly with an eye on features that improve your overall experience. While this is an expensive mower compared to residential models, it’s in line with what Pros were paying for premium Honda gas walk-behinds.
Deck Size/Material | 22-inch steel |
Blade | 21-inch |
Maximum Blade Speed | 2800 RPM |
Maximum Runtime | 108 minutes (2 x 8.0Ah batteries) |
Battery Ports | 2 active |
Cutting Height | 1.3 – 4.0 inches (8 positions) |
Height Adjustment | 1-point |
Drive Speed | 1.0 – 3.0 MPH |
Cutting Options | Mulch, bag, side discharge |
Bag Capacity | 2 bushels |
Weight | 76.5 lbs with batteries |
Skil PWRCore 40 20-inch Self-Propelled SM4910-10
- Gas Equivalent: 140cc
- Blade Tip Speed: 13,250 FPM
- Max Power: 3.5 kW
- Max Lawn Size: 0.43 acre/18,600 sq ft
- Typical Lawn Size: 0.34 acre/14,900 sq ft
- Kit Price: $349 w/a 6.0Ah battery
- Warranty: 5 years
Pros
- Excellent value
- Self-propelled
- Lightweight
- Easy to maneuver
- Easy on-the-fly drive speed adjustments
- Handle folds for vertical storage
Cons
- Some people might want better cutting power
Here’s the challenge: find a brushless self-propelled lawn mower with a battery and charger for under $400. When it comes to the brands we trust, there aren’t many options.
However, Skil saves the day and offers plenty of value with its 20-inch self-propelled lawn mower. Running on the stronger PWRCore 40 line, this brushless mower has excellent all-around performance and cut-quality characteristics compared to others in the same price range. I pushed it through overgrowth that stalled lesser options from SunJoe and others. The Skil pushed through it.
If you’re trying to switch to battery power on a budget, Skil’s 40V solution offers the best value self-propelled lawn mower available.
Deck Size/Material | 20-inch poly |
Blade | 1 x 19.5-inch |
Maximum Blade Speed | 2600 RPM |
Maximum Runtime | 52 minutes (1 x 6.0Ah battery) |
Battery Ports | 1 |
Cutting Height | 1.5 – 4.0 inches (7 positions) |
Height Adjustment | 1-point |
Drive Speed | Not listed |
Cutting Options | Mulch, bag |
Bag Capacity | 1.7 bushels |
Weight | 66 lbs without battery |
How We Made Our Choices
Most people on the hunt for a battery-powered lawn mower are homeowners. While we do recommend professional models, this article primarily considers residential needs and budgets.
Best Battery-Powered Lawn Mower Performance
When performance is the top priority, we’re looking the best combination of cutting power and cut quality while maintaining excellent runtime. Helpful features are a nice bonus. Price is the lowest priority.
Best All-Around Battery-Powered Lawn Mower
To be the best all-around battery-powered lawn mower, we were looking for the right balance of everything: high performance, solid runtime, top features, high maneuverability, and the best user experience homeowners could hope for.
Best Battery-Powered Lawn Mower for the Money
Earning our top value pick meant we wanted the best balance of performance, runtime, features, and build quality, all at a price that makes us want to grab it before the retailer realizes they could be charging more.
Recommended Lawn Sizes
Our recommended Max Lawn Sizes are based on the area you can mow given the blade size, runtime, and a 2.5 MPH walking speed under ideal conditions using the battery(ies) that comes in the kit.
The Typical Lawn Size calculation is 80% of the max to account for overlap and higher grass growth that’s normal for the peak growing season.
Battery-Powered Lawn Mower Buying Guide
How Much Does a Battery-Powered Lawn Mower Cost?
Setting your budget is a great place to start your shopping. Residential battery-powered lawn mowers we recommend start around $350 (including battery and charger) and are as high as $1100. On sale, we’ve seen quality options as low as $300. Here’s a quick breakdown of where the market currently stands:
- Entry-level: $300 – $499
- Mid-range: $500 – $699
- Premium: $700+
If you’re looking at Pro options, that price range starts around $1000 and can be as high as $3500.
Lawn Characteristics
Once you know your budget, your lawn will shape the requirements of the mower you need.
Grass Species
How fast, thick, and tall your lawn grows directly affects how much power and deck height range you need.
For example, the St. Augustine we have in Florida needs more power because it grows thick and likes to be cut at 3.0 – 3.5 inches. On the other hand, Bermuda is another thick species that needs solid power for a quality cut but can thrive when it’s cut well below an inch—a length most mowers don’t have the range for.
Lawn Size
How much area are you cutting? The answer to this question determines the runtime, the number of batteries, and the deck size you need. Here are some general guidelines:
Lot Size | Recommended Walk-Behind Cutting Width |
< 1/8 acre | 16 – 20 inches |
1/8 – 1/4 acre | 18 – 21 inches |
1/4 – 1/2 acre | 20 – 22 inches |
1/2 – 1 acre | 22 – 30 inches |
1+ acre | Not recommended |
Elevation Changes
Whether you have to mow slopes and how steep those slopes are can narrow down the choice between push, front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive, and all-wheel-drive options.
In general, rear-wheel and all-wheel drive self-propelled mowers are the best choice for lawns with slopes.
Mowing Behavior
One thing many people don’t think about when they consider their lawns is their personal mowing behavior. Do you consistently mow every week during the growing season? Or are you the type of person who goes a few extra days or more between cuts?
If cutting overgrowth is a normal part of your mowing routine, you need more power and battery capacity to get through it. Here’s what I recommend:
- Regular maintenance cut: 140cc – 160cc gas equivalent
- Light overgrowth: 140cc – 160cc gas equivalent
- Moderate overgrowth: 160cc gas equivalent
- Heavy overgrowth: 180+cc gas equivalent
Residential vs Commercial Build
Unless you’re mowing professionally as part of a lawn care or property maintenance crew, it’s unlikely you really need a commercial-grade build. Battery-powered lawn mowers built for professionals are designed for high-hour, everyday use with upgraded components and a more robust construction.
If you’re a homeowner, you should expect to get a minimum of 3 – 5 years of reliable use from a quality residential-grade mower. Pay attention to the warranty period to get an idea of how confident the manufacturer is in the build and be sure to fill out the registration in case you need warranty service.
Battery System
Before anything else, start by considering each mower’s battery system. Generally, systems at 36V/40V max or higher are where true gas replacement mowers operate. 18V/20V max systems can work for light cutting but tend to be underpowered unless they combine multiple batteries to operate at a higher voltage level.
Also, make sure the system you’re buying into has the other tools you want. It’s far more convenient and less expensive to manage one set of batteries and charges for your mower, string trimmer, leaf blower, hedge trimmer, and any other tools than to have everything running on different systems.
Push Mower vs Self-Propelled
If you can afford a self-propelled mower, go for it, even if you have a small lawn. The convenience is worth it, and it only costs you ~10% runtime compared to the same mower and battery in a push version. If you’re not already sold one way or the other, here are a few things to consider:
Reasons to Buy a Push Mower
- Less expensive
- Usually lighter weight
- Marginally longer runtime
Reasons to Buy a Self-Propelled Mower
- Less effort
- Usually has other feature upgrades
- Often comes with a higher capacity battery
Mower Power
More manufacturers are reporting the gas equivalent power of their battery-powered lawn mowers, and it’s super-helpful. Here’s a quick reference:
- 140cc: Entry-level power
- 160cc: Mid-range power
- 180cc and up: High-end power
If the manufacturer doesn’t list gas equivalent power, it’s hard to gauge without using the mower or reading reviews. However, you can get a decent idea based on the price when you’re shopping quality brands. Entry-level models will be on the lower end of the power range and premium models will be on the higher end.
Runtime
When you calculate the runtime you need, start with the amount of area you need to cut. There’s a big difference between a 1/4-acre of grass and a 1/4-acre lot with a house, driveway, and landscaping around taking up a big chunk of it.
As you’re considering different mowers and see runtime estimates, check what battery(ies) they’re based on. If you can mow for 45 minutes using a 5.0Ah battery, you can mow for an hour and a half with two. Just like you can refill your fuel tank on a gas mower, you can cut longer by using multiple batteries.
Here are some tips to get the most runtime out of your batteries:
- Try to cut no more than 2 inches off the top at a time
- Cut when the grass is dry
- Avoid the hottest temperatures to keep batteries cooler
- Use a standard/efficiency blade rather than high lift or mulching
Cut Quality
Having a perfectly even cut is what every lawn that earns a “well-manicured” designation is going for. Achieving it is a combination of lift to pull the grass up straight and a sharp blade with high blade speed to slice it off clean.
Most battery-powered lawn mowers in the 160cc class and up can achieve high cut quality. Pair your mower with a high-lift blade, and be sure to mow at least weekly to keep your cut quality high. Going with one of the stacked blade systems can improve your chances of having that perfect cut, especially when you’re mulching or bagging.
Mulch, Bag, and Side Discharge
Most battery-powered lawn mowers are capable of mulching and bagging. Side or rear discharge is the one that is sometimes left out. Personally, I prefer to have it. Our central Florida grass grows fast in the summer and if we’re a few days late on our mowing schedule because of weather or vacation, side discharge is the most efficient way to get the grass back in check since it’s too tall for effective mulching and I’d be emptying the bag frequently.
Here are some pros and cons you might want to consider about each discharge method.
Mulching Pros
- Returns nutrients to your lawn
- No bag emptying or waste to manage
Mulching Cons
- Can be easier to bog down the mower
- Grass that’s too tall doesn’t mulch effectively
Bagging Pros
- Leaves the cleanest look
- Can be used to collect fall leaves
Bagging Cons
- You have to empty the bag
- Overgrowth can fill the bag very quickly
- You have to dispose of clippings
Side Discharge Pros
- Better for cutting overgrowth
- Can help keep blade RPMs higher
- No bag emptying or waste to manage
Side Discharge Cons
- Leaves larger clippings on your lawn
Steel vs Aluminum vs Poly Deck
Each deck material has its advantages and disadvantages, but I wouldn’t rule an otherwise great mower out just because of the deck.
A steel deck is the most durable but it’s the heaviest. If you ram into something hard, it’s more likely to dent than crack.
An aluminum deck is lighter than steel yet still highly durable. If it takes a hard hit, it’s more likely to crack than dent.
A poly deck is the lightest and can be custom-designed by the manufacturer to have the best airflow for mulching and bagging. While it’s technically the weakest of the three primary materials, we have yet to break one in more than a decade of testing.
Features that Can Improve Your Battery-Powered Lawn Mower Experience
Brushless Motor: Like I said earlier, a brushless motor significantly improves power, runtime, and service life. It’s a must-have feature for today’s battery-powered lawn mowers.
Single-Point Deck Height Adjustment: A single-point height adjustment lets you raise or lower the deck with one lever instead of having to adjust each wheel individually. It’s convenient, but heavier, more robust mowers often stick with 4-point adjustments for higher durability.
Integrated Mulching Plug: Some manufacturers are starting to include integrated mulch plugs, and I love it! Instead of interesting and removing a plug or figuring out where to store, you just flip a lever to slide in place when you want to mulch or out of the way for bagging and side discharging.
Auto-Switching Battery Ports: Many mowers have room for a spare battery. It’s great that you don’t have to walk back to the garage for a spare, but it’s even better when the ports are both active and automatically switch so you don’t have to stop mowing when one runs out.
Control Placement: Don’t overlook the layout of the controls. Some are easier to reach and adjust on the fly than others, and some are so inconveniently placed that they can be pretty frustrating to use.
Presence and Blade Bars: Pay attention to the design of the presence and blade engagement bars. Some bars settle into recesses on the handle or have shapes that don’t create pressure points and discomfort while you’re mowing. We’ve used some in the past that were horribly uncomfortable the entire time we were mowing.
Separate Max Speed and Variable Speed Controls: Most self-propelled battery-powered lawn mowers have some sort of drive speed adjustment. But if you can combine setting a maximum speed with having a variable speed you can feather on the fly, it’s much more convenient for turning and adjusting for thick areas of grass.
Multiple Blade Speed Modes: Today’s brushless motors automatically adjust to deliver more power when the load increases and less when it decreases to help preserve your runtime. Some mowers offer an Eco or Quiet Mode that keeps the blades at a lower RPM to reduce noise and improve runtime when your lawn needs a lighter cut.
Folding Handle/Vertical Storage: One of the big advantages battery-powered mowers have over gas is that you can fold the handle and stand it up to create a smaller storage footprint in your garage or shop.
Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews
The are a whole lot of publications and authors out there trying to convince you that they know what the best battery-powered electric lawn mower is for your home or business. Let’s give credit where credit is due—they use good SEO writers and may have even used a few popular mowers in the process.
But do they have more than a decade of experience using lawn mowers with an eye on comparative evaluation, understand the key features to look for, and have they experienced the differences in the quality of components in the field? Have they been around to see advances in performance, the development of innovative new features, and how battery power is finally getting the attention of professionals?
We have. We’ve been testing and reviewing lawnmowers since the first lithium-ion models hit the mainstream in 2013. They’re a necessary tool for every property owner with a lawn to maintain.
You can trust Pro Tool Reviews because tools are what we do. When I recommend a lawn mower for you, it’s because it’s the one I would buy. My primary motivation is to recommend what I genuinely believe is the best in each category based on more than a decade of experience and being involved in the power tool and outdoor power equipment industries every day. And if you choose to buy something I recommend, I hope that it works exactly the way you expected when the time comes.