A perfectly manicured carpet of mown grass is almost every homeowner's dream. Maintaining your yard, on the other hand, can be an unruly chore. The best lawn mowers turn the dreaded task into a more comfortable experience, but picking one can be tricky — even for a professional gardener with 30 years of experience like myself. After recently relocating from the East Coast to California, I bought a house with an acre and a half of land. At the time, I didn’t own a lawn mower, so I found myself in the market.
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Somewhat recent legislation prohibits anyone from buying gas lawn mowers in California (likely a sign of things to come). According to a 2024 study by the market research company NielsenIQ, battery-powered lawn equipment is expected to outpace gas . Fortunately, plenty of major and even minor brands make battery-powered electric lawn mowers for homeowner use. Electric mowers cut grass as well as (and sometimes better than) gas-powered mowers, are much quieter, require less general maintenance, and help reduce CO2 emissions.
So when I was asked to put nine of the best electric lawn mowers to the test, I jumped at the chance. I focused on push and self-propelled models because they're the most popular and affordable options, rather than robot mowers or riding lawn mowers (though we'll be testing them in the future). Some of the machines I tried performed so well that I'm convinced making the switch from a gas- to a battery-powered mower is a smart move, no matter where you live.
Best lawn mowers of 2026
Daryl Beyers/Yahoo
Power source:6.0 Ah batteries (runs on one or two) | Charging time:60 minutes per battery | Run time:75 minutes | Cutting deck width:21 inches | Self-propelled:Yes, 7 speed settings | Watt hours:240 per battery | Noise level:Low, even in higher power modes | Warranty:5 years for mower, 3 years for batteries and chargers
This Ryobi was the best electric lawn mower, hands down. It has a lot going for it: helpful self-propel, smart-sensing power modes, a long run time and a quality cut at every mowing height, whether you're mulching, bagging or discharging the clippings. The machine is sturdy on its feet with a wide wheelbase providing confidence along slopes, while its lightweight construction makes it easy to maneuver in tight spots. Add to that a class-leading five-year warranty, and it's no surprise that it came out on top.
I had it out of the box and ready in 15 minutes. The trickiest part was partially assembling the amply sized clippings bag. The machine looks space-age, built strong and solid with a deck made of super-sturdy composite material. The power mode and speed setting controls are intuitive, easy to read and adjust. To start the blade, you press the large button in the center of the console and pull back the “bail,” or blade engage bar, and the machine whirs to life. It’s surprising how hushed electric mowers sound compared to gas, and the Ryobi is one of the quietest I tested, even when it kicks into high power mode.
Self-propelled mowers are a treat (they move themselves, so all you have to do is steer), and Ryobi’s self-propel works extremely well. The lowest setting is very slow but translates to a perfectly manicured cut. Top speed provides an aerobic workout, if that’s something you want. (For what it's worth, I enjoyed strolling along at middle settings, which provided a comfortable pace and perfect cut.)
If you do like to mow fast, especially on steep slopes, it’s good to know the Ryobi is equipped with a tilt sensor that kills the power if the deck tips past 45 degrees. That and the safety key inserted in the battery compartment make this the smart and safe choice if you are entering the electric lawn mower market.
- Option to use two batteries means a longer run time than most
- Can run at full power on a single battery if necessary
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Automatically increases the blade speed based on mowing conditions
- Bright headlights
- Total charging time for both batteries is long compared to other brands
Daryl Beyers/Yahoo
Power source:One 6.0 Ah battery | Charging time:130 minutes | Run time:50 minutes | Cutting deck width:22 inches | Self-propelled:Yes | Watt hours:360 | Noise level:Low in all power modes | Warranty:2 years for mower, 90 days for battery parts and labor
It was no surprise that Toro came out on top for best self-propelled mower: The brand has been making some of the best self-propelled gas mowers for years. This model is a cinch to use. The self-propel bar kicks in when you push it forward and senses the pressure, adjusting the speed to your personal pace. No buttons, dials or levers. Just push and go.
The machine is heavy out of the box and took about 20 minutes to set up, most spent on assembling the handle, which comes in two sections. There is one big battery that takes a couple of hours to charge, but the power delivered to the single blade is strong and provides a quality cut. If you have tall grass, keep in mind that the bagger works better than the “recycler” mode, which had clipping trailing out the side of the deck — not ideal.
This mower has no power settings. It ran in low power mostly, which is very quiet, and occasionally kicked into high when the grass got thick or when going uphill. This extra power made it perfect for tall grass and weeds, knocking them down with ease.
The self-propel function lets you easily go up and down slopes; even crossing hillsides is not a concern. Unlike some of the other lawn mowers we tested, Toro’s self-propel makes it easier to maneuver and turn. Because there is no bar, paddle or buttons to disengage, it senses what you’re doing and responds.
- Exceptional self-propel system
- Easily mows down tall grass and weeds
- Automatically adjusts power
- No buttons or dials — just push and go
- Single-blade mowers are generally less effective at mulching
- To adjust the cutting height, all four wheels must be adjusted separately
Daryl Beyers/Yahoo
Power source:Two 5.0 Ah batteries | Charging time:20 minutes per battery | Run time:60 minutes | Cutting deck width:19 inches | Self-propelled:Yes, 1-3 mph | Watt hours:180 | Noise level:Low in low power, medium in high power | Warranty:3 years
Known for its gas-powered chainsaws, string trimmers and backpack blowers, Stihl entered the electric age full force when the laws changed in California. To the brand's credit, it has figured out the battery technology, using two smaller 36-volt batteries that charge in almost no time to power this capable machine. These batteries can also be used for a suite of outdoor electric power tools, making this a sound investment for an expanding toolshed.
What I liked most about this lawn mower was its simplicity. A button and push of the lever start it up. A pull of the propel bar moves it forward. There aren’t any fancy warning lights or meters on the control handle, just a simple dial to pick up the pace of the self-propel. All the adjustments are equally easy to make, like a single-lever height adjuster from 1 to 4 inches, or switching from mulching to bagging the clippings. There is no side chute.
The power adjusts as needed, kicking in when the grass gets tough or you're moving up steep slopes. The 19-inch deck is perfect for smaller yards, providing easy maneuverability.
- Smart power modes automatically adjust to mowing conditions
- Precise cutting
- Has an "eco mode" switch to extend battery life
- Self-propel function works even if the battery can't power the blades, so you can easily get the machine back to a charger
- Control bars take time to get used to
Daryl Beyers/Yahoo
Power source:One 5.0 Ah battery | Charging time:32 minutes | Run time:55 minutes | Cutting deck width:21 inches | Self-propelled:No | Watt hours:336 | Noise level:Low in regular power, medium in high power | Warranty:5 years for mower, 3 years for battery and charger
After testing many convenient self-propelled lawn mowers, I was skeptical of models without that feature. However, the other attributes of this Ego machine more than made up the difference. It was easy to use and had the most comfortable handle of all the mowers tested. With no fancy power or propel modes to worry over, I found myself forgetting it was electric and believing I was pushing an ordinary, but very quiet, lawn mower.
Ten minutes after opening the box, it was set up and ready to roll. Thirty minutes later, the 56-volt battery was fully charged and I was in the yard cutting grass. Ego uses cross-cut blades, which means two blades are spinning under the deck, providing an excellent cut and great mulching. The balance between the blades and the power was well matched, so it ran on low power most of the time, unless the grass was extra tall or wet. It’s easy to push or pull and cut across slopes. It’s a little top-heavy, but it never felt like it would tip.
Unexpectedly, I preferred this model to the fancier, self-propelled Ego Power+ 800 series mower I also tested. That model felt overcomplicated, and the only real difference was the self-propel function. This push model did everything it needed to do, but at a lower price, and buying one gets you into the Ego family of outdoor tools, which all run on an excellent, fast-charging battery.
- Easy to set-up
- Great value
- Excellent handlebar ergonomics
- Super-short charging time
- Exceptionally quiet
- Bright LED headlights
- Chute clogs in tall or wet grass if mowing too fast
- No safety key to avoid inadvertent start-ups
Factors to consider when choosing a lawn mower
An electric lawn mower is an investment, so you want to make sure you're spending your money on a machine that lasts and is right for your yard. Before buying, here's what to keep in mind, including some tips from DIY and tool expert Chip Wade :
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Lawn size:Electric push mowers are perfect for small to medium lawns. But if you have a property that's more than an acre, you'll probably want a riding lawn mower, so you don't need to worry about batteries dying before you finish the task. Wade recommends a zero-turn mower if you buy a riding mower: "It’s faster, more maneuverable around landscaping, and gives a polished finish with fewer passes," he says.
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Watt hours:This is the calculation that determines the power capabilities and the potential run time of your mower before the batteries need recharging. The higher the watt hour, the more work the mower can do on a single charge.
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Self-propelled:Self-propelled mowers require a little more power and charge, but the benefits outweigh any limitations (and cost) because they move on their own without you having to use force to push them. Spinning blade(s) use most of the battery power. Both self-propelled and push models are a smart pick if storage is tight, says Wade, because many come with collapsible handles or even vertical storage options, so they take up less space.
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Cutting width:Decks range in size, usually maxing out at 22 inches for a self-propelled or push mower. Larger decks have larger blades that cut more grass per pass. "Just keep in mind bigger isn’t always better," says Wade. "If your yard has tight gates, narrow pathways, or landscaping features, a smaller deck may be easier to maneuver."
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Cutting height:You'll also want to look for adjustable cutting heights. A mower that adjusts from 1 to 4 inches gives you the most flexibility across seasons, grass types, and lawn conditions.
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Blade type:Cross-cut mowers with two blades cut and mulch better than single-blade models. Look for high-quality hardened steel blades, especially if you tend to mow over roots or branches. "Multiple blades are a plus, because it means finer mulching and less need to bag," Wade says. He recommends sharpening blades at least once a season to avoid ragged cuts and wasted effort.
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Power modes:Most mowers self-adjust the power mode based on what is needed for the height and type of grass, or if mulching, bagging or discharging the clippings. Speaking of, don't forget to look for add-ons like mulching kits or side discharge chutes. Think about how you want to manage grass clippings, and choose the right features that'll make mowing easier.
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Weight:Lighter is generally better, especially for battery longevity. If ease of maneuverability is your priority, avoid heavier mowers that will likely be more tiring to move around your yard.
How we tested lawn mowers
We researched nearly 100 lawn mowers, focusing on major brands and models with high customer ratings. We also looked at other publishers to see what has been covered and reached out to power-equipment companies to learn about their newest launches. We then narrowed down the testing pool to mid-priced electric lawn mowers designed for homeowners.
As a professional garden designer for 30 years, I have plenty of experience mowing lawns, so I eagerly jumped into testing. I unboxed and assembled each machine, recording the time it took to fully charge the required battery or batteries. While the batteries were charging, I read the owner’s manual and explored the machine's controls, adjustments, and options. With the battery/batteries installed, I put each mower through its paces in several real-world lawn-cutting situations in the back two acres of my and my next-door neighbor’s yard. To rank, the mowers had to excel in the following tests:
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“Fast and tall” test:In taller, uncut grass, I set the cutting height at 3 inches and self-propelled or walked briskly to find out how well the lawn mower maneuvered on different terrains, such as up and downhill, across hills, tight turns, and back and forth. I swapped between bagging, mulching and discharging the clippings out the side (when equipped with a chute). This is also when I experimented with the adjustable power modes and self-propel speeds, if applicable.
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“Low and slow” test:In the medium-height lawn produced by the first test, I set the cutting height at 1.5 inches and self-propelled or pushed the mower at a leisurely pace, once again swapping between three treatments of the clippings. This helped determine the quality of the cut and the machine's ability to handle clippings. This test helped me focus on the comfort of the handle and controls, as well as sound and dust levels.
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“ Where the wild things grow” test:This took the mower into very tall grass and weeds set at its tallest cutting height (generally 4 inches) to see how it would hold up to the rigors of working through several inches of tough stalks and fallen twigs while contending with bumps and ruts. I skipped the bagger for this test (because it would fill too fast) and focused on how each machine either mulched or discharged the clippings as well as the overall power of the machine. I continued with this test until the batteries ran out of charge and the machine stopped.
Other lawn mowers we tested
Greenworks 16 in. Cordless Battery Push Lawn Mower : The Greenworks is a fun little machine that couldn’t compete with the stronger, more adaptable lawn mowers tested. However, anyone with a very small lawn and a limited budget might find it the perfect fit. It’s ultra-light, super simple to use and gets the job done.
Husqvarna Lawn Xpert 21 in. Self-Propelled Mower : This mower puts Husqvarna (a pioneer in robot mowers) in the electric lawn mower game, and it held its own in terms of power, quality of cut and self-propel. But its performance did not warrant the $950 price tag, though, and it wasn't quieter than gas.
Ego Power+ 800 Series 21 in. Self-Propelled Mower : While almost identical in power and performance to the runner-up Best Push Mower of the same brand, the Ego self-propelled model felt overly complex with too many lights and settings that don’t mean much when all you want is a well-mowed lawn. At a price point of well over $800 (before any sales trickle in), there are better options if self-propel matters.
DeWalt 2X20V Max 21 in. Cordless Battery Powered Push Lawn Mower : This is a solid machine from a reliable brand, but the frustratingly long wait to charge the batteries (three hours) kept it from our top picks. Price-wise, it competes with, but does not beat, similarly priced mowers, and the very low deck hurts its performance in tall grass and weeds.
Craftsman 2x20V Max 21 in. Self-Propelled Battery Walk Mower : The Craftsman mower is a clone of the DeWalt (both companies are owned by Stanley Black & Decker), but with self-propel. It suffers from slow battery charge time and clogs in tall grass and weeds.
Lawn mower FAQs
What’s the most reliable lawn mower brand?
When it comes to choosing an electric lawn mower, this can be difficult to answer. Newer companies like Ego and Greenworks have a limited track record, but their specialization in electric tools makes them industry leaders. Battery technology is new territory for long-trusted brands like Toro, Craftsman, and Husqvarna, so you have to decide whether to rely on the old hats or bank on the new guns.
What lawn mowers do landscapers use?
As of 2026, landscapers, even in California, use gas-powered lawn mowers, like Scag, Honda, Toro and Stihl. These machines typically have wider cutting widths up to 30 inches and are self-propelled. All this power and size come with a price, as most commercial walk-behind mowers cost from $1,500 to over $2,000.
How often should you replace a lawn mower?
The simple answer is “when the old one doesn’t work anymore and can’t be repaired.” Cutting blades are designed to be replaced, as are wheels, cables and lever bars. One good reason to replace a working lawn mower is to swap your gas-powered machine for electric power. If you do go electric, this review should help you decide which one to choose.
When is the best time to buy a lawn mower?
A best-rated lawn mower is going to set you back a couple of hundred dollars, or up to a few thousand for a riding lawn mower. If you're looking for a deal, Yahoo shopping editors recommend buying a lawn mower during major sales events, such as Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday. You can also expect to find the steepest discounts toward the end of grass-cutting season, i.e., late summer and early fall.
Best lawn mowers comparison chart
| * | Power source |
Charging time |
Run time |
Cutting deck width |
Self-propelled |
| * | 6.0 Ah batteries(runs on one or two) |
60 minutesper battery |
75 minutes |
21 inches |
Yes, 7 speed settings |
| One 6.0 Ah battery |
130 minutes |
50 minutes |
22 inches |
Yes |
|
| Stihl RMA 460 V 19 in.
|
Two 5.0 Ah batteries |
20 minutesper battery |
60 minutes |
19 inches |
Yes, 1-3 mph |
| One 5.0 Ah battery |
32 minutes |
55 minutes |
21 inches |
No |
Meet our expert
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Chip Wade , founder, Wade Works
Update, March 13, 2026: We checked pricing and availability for all products. Our No. 1 pick remains unchanged, but we added shopping advice for when to purchase a lawn mower and a specs comparison chart.
We received complimentary samples of some products and purchased others ourselves, but we reviewed all products using the same objective criteria.
