Whether you’re switching from gas-powered to green or buying your first cordless electric mower, battery-powered lawn mowers offer many advantages. In addition to being kinder to the environment, they’re also quieter and easier to start than gas-powered mowers.
These innovative machines use powerful batteries that provide enough juice to mow lawns up to a half acre or larger. They also produce enough torque to cut through tall grass and many are self-propelled, making them easier to operate.
We tested the following battery-powered lawn mowers in different grass-growing environments to find out more about their capability, reliability, and overall user comfort. Read on to learn about the important features to consider, how to select the best battery-powered lawn mower for areas ranging from just a few square feet to a couple of acres, and how each mower performed in our hands-on tests.
- BEST OVERALL: Snapper XD Cordless 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Greenworks Pro 80V 21-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower
- BEST SELF-PROPELLED: Toro Flex Force 60V 21-Inch Super Recycler Mower
- BEST RIDING: Ego Power+ Z6 42-Inch Zero Turn Riding Mower
- BEST FAST-CHARGING: Ego Power+ 21-Inch Select Cut Lawn Mower
- BEST FOR LARGE YARDS: Greenworks 40V 21-Inch Smart Pace Lawn Mower
- BEST FOR SMALL LAWNS: Worx Nitro 80V Power Share 21-Inch Self Propelled Mower
How We Tested the Best Battery-Powered Lawn Mowers
Battery-powered lawn mowers generally offer a quiet, exhaust-free mowing experience. They remove the hassle of buying and hauling gasoline, changing oil, and other maintenance aspects of gas engines. With the notable exceptions of sharpening/replacing blades and charging/replacing batteries, they are virtually maintenance-free. While shoppers are motivated to buy battery-powered lawn mowers for a multitude of reasons, the expectation remains that they will be able to mow their grass whenever they want, without hassle or frustration. To us, as testers, that meant we needed to closely scrutinize runtime, recharge time, and overall mowing capability.
We tested all mowers the same way and captured the results on a testing rubric for comparison. After fully charging the batteries, we used them to mow two different areas, one that had been consistently maintained at the normal mowing height, and one that had been neglected and allowed to grow about 10 inches high. Both areas included a mix of flat and moderately sloped ground. As we mowed, we assessed general operator comfort, self-propelled capabilities, mowing power, and finished mowing quality. We mowed until the batteries ran out, recorded the runtime, and measured the area mowed. Finally, we recorded the time required to recharge the depleted batteries.
Because riding mowers offer many more features and control options, we tested the Ego Power+ Z6 over several days with multiple battery configurations. Battery life plays such an outsized role in overall performance and customer satisfaction that we wanted to collect results on maintained and overgrown grass for groupings of two, four, and six batteries. The testing criteria and observation points for each test run were virtually the same as those for the other mowers. The great news is that all of these mowers delivered excellent mowing power, good-to-excellent cut quality, and plenty of runtime for real-world applications as shown in the individual reviews.
Our Top Picks
We tested the following mowers taking into account the above considerations for large and small yards. Read on to learn how each model performed in testing and why we consider them among the best battery-powered lawn mowers.
Photo: amazon.com
The Snapper XD features a variable-speed transmission and design features that allow for adjustments to meet different grass-cutting demands. The StepSense feature automatically adjusts the speed to match the user’s walking pace. Load-sensing technology in this model automatically adjusts power output based on the thickness of the grass to provide a clean cut while maximizing energy efficiency.
The mower’s impressive 21-inch steel cutting deck is versatile. It boasts seven height adjustments that are easily changed from behind the mower with a single lever. The deck can mulch, side discharge, or bag with a capacity of up to 2.1 cubic feet of grass clippings.
When the yard work is done, this mower folds up conveniently for vertical storage in the garage. The kit includes two 2.0-Ah (amp hour) batteries, which together provide about 60 minutes of runtime and recharge in about 60 minutes.
In our tests, the Snapper XD traversed all types of terrain and left behind a smooth, even cut on a single pass. It easily powered through overgrown grass and weeds up to 10 inches tall, although extended use in tall weeds increased the needed power output and reduced runtime by about half.
We were more impressed by the blade motor’s load responsiveness than by the automated pace-adjustment system. The StepSense feature worked well on relatively flat ground, but on inclines it felt somewhat sticky or uneven. In overall performance for the price, this mower offers excellent power and runtime to mow about ⅓ of an acre, or 15,000 square feet, per charge.
Product Specs
- Runtime/recharge time: 60 minutes/60 minutes
- Deck size: 21 inches
- Mobility: Self-propelled, automatic pace adjustment
Pros
- Automatically adjusts to any individual user’s pace
- Powerful motor doesn’t bog down in dense grass
- Single lever cutting-height adjustment for user-friendliness
- Folds into a compact unit for ease of storage
Cons
- Less runtime per charge than some competitors
- StepSense feature feels somewhat “sticky”
Get the Snapper battery-powered lawn mower at Appliances Connection, Amazon, or Mowers Direct.
Photo: amazon.com
Greenworks is known for its advancements in battery technology, and this model has two 2.0-Ah batteries that allow for up to 70 minutes of runtime from a full charge, with a combined recharge time of just 60 minutes. This push mower features a 21-inch-wide mowing deck. Technology that adjusts the motor speed based on load helps to maximize battery life and maintain excellent cut quality.
Adding to this impressive mowing coverage is a steel deck with seven positions that are easy to adjust with a large handle near the right rear wheel. Its sturdy steel deck gives it the tough feel of gas-powered models.
A large start button and easy-to-maneuver speed control mean it can be manipulated with gloved hands. This push mower does not have motorized wheels, which keeps the price low and maximizes battery life for cutting grass. The 3-in-1 grass clipping capability allows for bagging, mulching, or side discharging, and a foldable handle design facilitates compact storage.
Although this Greenworks push mower required a bit more effort to move around the yard than the self-propelled mowers, its simplified design made it an extremely capable mower. The powerful motor offered the most “gas-like” performance of the group. It had no trouble cutting dense, weedy grass up to 10 inches tall and left possibly the best finish of all the mowers we tested. In all three modes, bagging, mulching, and side discharging, it left the grass perfectly smooth, with no uneven spots or stringy weeds left behind. It had plenty of power to mulch thick grass into virtually invisible clippings.
The only downside of this mower was that hilly ground reduced the amount of area mowed per charge, not because of demand on the mower, but because the operator’s pace slowed. Everything else considered, we felt that this push mower delivered the strongest mowing capability, even though we had to push it. And the price was significantly less than the others.
Product Specs
- Runtime/recharge time: 70 minutes/60 minutes
- Deck size: 21 inches
- Mobility: Push
Pros
- Dual 2-Ah batteries offer up to 70 minutes of runtime; ideal for both small and large yards
- Strong motor delivers powerful cutting performance; ideal for thin and thick grass varieties
- Easy to use controls integrated into the handle
Cons
- Included charger only charges one battery at a time
- Not self-propelled; may cause some strain on the user
Get the Greenworks 80V battery-powered lawn mower at Amazon or Lowe’s.
Photo: homedepot.com
The Toro Flex Force Super Recycler lawn mower is built for powerful mowing performance with superior operator comfort. The three-phase motor automatically increases power output when it detects tougher mowing conditions, then eases off to conserve battery life when the mowing gets easier again.
The 21-inch military-grade cast aluminum deck features a powerful vortex air-intake system that stands the grass blades up straight for a smoother, cleaner cut. The shock-absorbing Personal Pace self-adjusting, self-propelled system operates smoothly regardless of the terrain. Bright LED headlights make it easier to mow later into the evening. It comes with a powerful 60V 7.5-Ah battery that delivers up to 50 minutes of runtime per charge and recharges in 3 hours.
The Toro Super Recycler was the most comfortable battery-powered mower we tested, primarily because of its robust self-propulsion system. Although it was not the only mower with a pressure-sensitive handle, this one functioned the best. It paired the slightly more resistant, but buttery smooth, handle movement with a higher top-end speed for self movement that felt almost effortless on most terrain. Only slight pressure was required to climb the uphill areas, and it didn’t try to run away on the downhills.
Toro’s excellent cut quality was second only to the Greenworks 80V (mainly because the Greenworks mower performed exceptionally well in overgrown areas and Toro needed a second pass for best results there). However, we were underwhelmed by its battery performance at only 45 to 50 minutes of runtime in average conditions and 3 hours to recharge. Still, anyone with less than a half acre who is shopping for smooth operation and a top-quality cut may want to consider the Super Recycler.
Product Specs
- Runtime/recharge time: 50 minutes/180 minutes
- Deck size: 21 inches
- Mobility: Self-propelled, automatic pace adjustment
Pros
- Mows up to 0.4 acre (17,424 square feet) per charge
- Self-propelled rear wheels
- Motor automatically adjusts output to match mowing conditions
- Lightweight, rust- and corrosion-resistant aluminum deck
- LED headlights allow for ample visibility or nighttime mowing
Cons
- Longer recharge time than the competition
- Top mowing speed is too fast for imperfect conditions
Get the Toro battery-powered lawn mower at The Home Depot.
Photo: amazon.com
Those with larger acreage can now have a battery-powered mower that can actually cut all of their grass on a single charge. The Ego Power+ riding mower is capable of mowing up to 2 acres per charge, with easy upgrades that can increase runtime to cut more than 3 acres per charge. Plus, it offers many of the same features found on gas-powered zero-turn mowers, such as adjustable lap bars to independently control the rear drive wheels; heavy-duty front swivel casters; a comfortable high back seat with adjustable suspension; a 42-inch deck with 10 height settings from 1.5 to 4.5 inches; and side discharging, mulching, and bagging capabilities.
The electric motor delivers power equivalent to a 22-horsepower (hp) gasoline engine. The Z6 also boasts high-power LED headlights, a battery level indicator, and independently adjustable modes and blade speeds. This mower comes with four 56V 10-Ah lithium batteries, with six available battery slots onboard, and is compatible with any of Ego Power’s other 56V batteries. It also comes with the fastest battery charger in the industry.
With so many features to test, we spent more time with the Z6 than with any of the other battery-powered mowers in this roundup. For our first run, we charged the four 56V 10-Ah batteries that came with the mower and cut as much grass as possible until the batteries ran out. Then we repeated the process with only two batteries, and again with a full “tank” of six batteries.
The mower requires a minimum of 15-Ah to operate, and the charger plugs into the mower to recharge all six batteries at once. Runtime and charge time were as follows: two batteries charged in 1¼ hours and mowed 3/4 acre, four batteries charged in 2 hours and mowed 1¾ acres, and six batteries charged in 3 hours and mowed almost 3 acres (we mowed the entire available area with about 12 percent charge left in the batteries).
We should also mention that the acreage we were mowing included a 1-acre rectangular field and two 1-acre home lots that, in addition to the homes, are approximately 50 percent and 75 percent lawn. The total grass acreage is more like 2¼, with some significant slopes and obstacles to navigate. Since Ego offers an even bigger battery size at 56V and 12-Ah, we estimate that runtime could possibly be stretched to mow up to 4 acres, depending on the condition of the grass and the lay of the land.
The Ego Power+ Z6’s operation was mostly excellent. Startup was easy, and maneuvering was intuitive. The apparent noise level was extremely quiet and limited to operating the mower deck. The machine travels almost silently when the blades are not running. The lap bars and drive wheels felt somewhat imprecise compared to other zero-turn mowers we’ve used. The machine pulled slightly to the left at full speed on flat ground under an average mowing load. The suspension seat was comfortable, but the relatively small rear tires and light weight of the machine made for a bouncy ride at times. It climbed and maneuvered fairly well on slopes, which is not a strength for most zero-turn mowers.
For most mowing, we kept the machine in “standard” mode and the blades on half power with excellent results. We tested the top blade speed on an area of about 2,000 square feet of overgrown crabgrass that was about 12 inches high, and we had to slow the travel pace significantly to get an acceptable cut in that situation. The Ego Power+ battery-powered zero-turn mower would make a great choice for any large-acreage owner with lots of grass to maintain.
Product Specs
- Runtime/recharge time: 30 minutes/120 minutes (4 batteries)
- Deck size: 42 inches
- Mobility: Zero-turn riding mower
Pros
- Four 56V 10-Ah batteries included, with room for 2 additional batteries
- Onboard rapid battery-charging system
- 10-position, 42-inch deck allows for ample cutting per pass
- Mows at speeds up to 7 mph/2.6 acres per hour
- Bright LED headlights for low-light mowing
Cons
- Batteries will need to be replaced in 5 to 10 years
Get the Ego Power+ Z6 riding lawn mower at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Lowe’s.
Photo: acehardware.com
The advancements Ego has made with its battery-powered mower sets it atop the cordless electric lawn mowers. It boasts 60 minutes of runtime, thanks to its high- efficiency brushless motor and 56V 7.5-Ah battery. With its 21-inch deck and variable-speed self-propelled wheels that give it the capability to mow more than 3 mph, this mower is suitable for yards up to a half acre. The Ego Power+ cordless mower also includes speed controls that the user operates with an intuitive lever, LED headlights, and a rapid charger that powers up the 7.5-Ah battery in just 60 minutes.
We were impressed by this mower’s blend of mowing ability, operator comfort, affordability, and rapid recharging ability. In our tests, it easily mowed down tall weeds and traversed steep slopes, and its battery life appeared to be less affected by the added workload. In tough conditions where we experienced declines in battery life up to 50 percent with some of the other mowers, the Ego mower only lost about 25 percent of its runtime.
We docked points in this mower’s score in two areas: its noise level, specifically its louder-than-average self-propelled wheels, and its finish quality. This mower was more likely than the others to leave behind ragged edges or stringy weeds after mowing overgrown spots. But even with a couple of minor faults, this mower represents a really good value for general use.
Product Specs
- Runtime/recharge time: 60 minutes/60 minutes
- Deck size: 21 inches
- Mobility: Self-propelled, manually adjustable pace
Pros
- Brushless motor provides long-term use and user-friendliness
- LED headlights allow for ample visibility or nighttime mowing
- Intuitive speed controls offer excellent user-friendliness
Cons
- Self-propelled motors make excessive noise; may not suit some users’ needs
Get the Ego Power+ Select Cut battery-powered lawn mower at Ace Hardware or Lowe’s.
Photo: amazon.com
With its 21-inch mowing swath and up to 70 minutes of runtime per charge, this efficient brushless lawn mower from Greenworks tackles larger yards, from ⅓ to ½ acre. Two 40V 4-Ah batteries power it, and it includes a single-port battery charger that recharges each battery in 70 minutes, or a total of 120 minutes for both. The Smart Pace self-propelled feature operates with a pressure-sensitive handle that automatically adjusts the speed of the wheels to the user’s walking pace. The single-lever height adjustment feature quickly sets the mowing deck to cut at any of seven positions from 1⅜ to 3¾ inches. The kit includes a side discharge chute, bagger, and mulch plug to handle clippings in whichever way works best.
In our tests, we were somewhat surprised that this mower performed similarly to others with significantly more battery power. It did have a greater tendency than the others to bog down in dense grass areas while in mulching mode, but otherwise it delivered excellent results. With the discharge chute in place, we had no trouble mowing overgrown weedy areas, but those areas diminished runtime by about half. Overall, the cut quality was quite good. Only the most difficult grass patches required a second pass to get acceptable results.
The Greenworks 40V system runs off one battery at a time, and it automatically switches to the second battery when the first battery is depleted. This allowed us to pull the depleted battery and start charging it while mowing on the second battery, reducing downtime to about 20 minutes after depleting the second battery. On a single battery, we averaged from 20 to 30 minutes of runtime depending on mowing conditions, terrain, and pace.
The self-propel system worked fairly well, but as is the case with most of these pressure-sensitive handle systems, it was not perfect. The sliding-handle mechanism felt a little sticky, so the mower did not accelerate as smoothly as we would have liked, especially going uphill. On downhills and flats, it occasionally felt as if the mower were running away instead of decelerating with the operator. Still, it was much easier to adjust to these minor sensations than to push the mower for an hour at a time. For its extended runtime and the battery-management abilities, this would be a good choice for those with larger lawns.
Product Specs
- Runtime/recharge time: 70 minutes/120 minutes
- Deck size: 21 inches
- Mobility: Self-propelled, automatic pace adjustment
Pros
- Can tackle small to large yards; 70 minutes of runtime per charge
- Self-propelled with automatic pace adjustment; prevents any strain on the user
- Heavy-duty steel deck can handle thin to thick grass varieties
- Large 10-inch rear wheels and 8-inch front wheels
Cons
- Pace adjustment feature is less smooth than competitors
- Less effective at mulching dense grass than comparable options
Get the Greenworks 40V battery-powered lawn mower at Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
The Worx Nitro 80V power-share system packs a serious lawn-mowing punch. This mower uses four 20V 5-Ah batteries to deliver 80V of power for up to 60 minutes of mowing time per charge. It is a moderately priced, highly capable, self-propelled 21-inch mower that offers numerous features to compete with others we’ve tested. For ease of operation, it incorporates a single-lever deck height adjustment; a one-touch fully collapsible handle; charge-level indicator; and choice of side discharging, bagging, or mulching. The built-in mulch/discharge lever eliminates dealing with a mulch plug. The quiet, load-sensing multistage motor automatically increases output for difficult conditions. Plus, LED headlights extend mowing time past sundown.
A standout feature on the Nitro mower is the Base Camp power pack. It combines the power of the four included 20V 5-Ah Worx Power Share Pro batteries to produce 80V 5-Ah of power output. The power pack doubles as a four-way charger, recharging the depleted batteries in just 2 hours. It can be used for both onboard and offboard charging, and it is also compatible with the Worx Nitro 80V leaf blower.
In our tests, the Worx mower performed better than the average of the group in terms of smart power output and finish quality. It did a great job conserving power while providing an excellent cut on previously maintained lawn areas, then increased output almost immediately to power through overgrown weedy lawn areas. The finish quality was good to excellent in both the previously maintained area and in the overgrown area, with no need for a second pass.
Battery runtime decreased by as much as 50 percent under a heavy mowing load, but the difference between sloped areas and flat ground was less pronounced. We awarded this one Best for Small Lawns considering the amount of power that would be needed in reserve to blow off the driveway using the Base Camp–compatible 80V leaf blower. Those with between ¼ and ⅓ of an acre of grass could probably do that without first recharging the batteries.
Product Specs
- Runtime/recharge time: 60 minutes/120 minutes
- Deck size: 21 inches
- Mobility: Self-propelled, manual pace adjustment
Pros
- Four 20V batteries achieve 80V 5-Ah output
- Flexible onboard or removable charging system
- Single-lever deck height adjustment for user-friendliness
- Bag, side discharge, or mulch; no mulch plug required
- LED headlamps for mowing in low light conditions
Cons
- Removing and installing Base Camp is more awkward than a single battery
- Does not include the longer-lasting 20V 6-Ah Worx batteries
Get the Worx battery-powered lawn mower at Amazon, Target, or Walmart.
What to Consider When Choosing a Battery- Powered Lawn Mower
When shopping for a battery-powered lawn mower, it’s crucial to consider the power and runtime, cut quality, weight, ease of use, and safety features.
Power and Runtime
Battery-powered lawn mowers use batteries that range in power from 36 to 120 volts. While it seems logical to go with the biggest battery you can afford, keep in mind that there are trade-offs. A 60- to 80-volt battery is heavier than a 40-volt battery and therefore requires more power to propel it forward. This can decrease runtime and make a cordless electric mower more difficult to maneuver.
However, batteries with higher voltage can generate more power, which is needed for self-propelled wheels, and provide additional torque, which allows for more cutting power through dense grass.
Runtime depends on many factors. Generally, a larger battery will provide more runtime. Thick or tall grass, slopes, and obstacles that can slow the mower down decrease runtime. Most mowers will run from a half hour to an hour on one charge, which will cover about 5,000 to 10,000 square feet before needing a charge.
Cut Quality
Power affects cut quality. The larger the battery, the more power and torque a mower can generate to cut grass. Some mowers allow the user to adjust the torque or revolutions per minute (rpms) of the blade, while others auto-adjust based on the resistance that the blade senses. Altering the torque allows the operator to achieve a quality cut while preserving battery life.
Many electric mowers also offer numerous height adjustments for the deck. They range from 1.5 to 4 inches, allowing the operator to cut the lawn to a desired length.
Weight
The more powerful the mower, the heavier it is. This is primarily because bigger batteries weigh more. Deck size also makes a big difference. A larger mower with a 20-inch deck will weigh more than a smaller mower with a 14-inch deck.
Battery-powered mowers weigh from 35 pounds for smaller 13- and 14-inch decks to more than 70 pounds for a self-propelled mower with a 21-inch deck. A larger mower may cut more grass at a time, but a smaller mower is easier to maneuver.
Ease of Use
One advantage of electric mowers compared to gas mowers is that they’re much easier to start. Electric mowers replace the frustrating pull start with a push-button start. They also feature large handles that make adjusting the deck height easy.
Higher-end battery-powered mowers include self-propelled features, so they are easier to maneuver around the yard. Most battery-powered mowers also fold into a more compact size and can stand vertically for easy storage.
Safety Features
Like their gas-powered forerunners, electric mowers have built-in safety features to prevent accidents. These include safety bars on the handle that must be held closed to keep the motor running. They also are equipped with flaps and guards that prevent the mower from shooting debris at the operator.
FAQs
If you’re still wondering which mower is right for you, then read on for answers to some of the most common questions about battery-powered lawn mowers.
Q. What is the difference between electric lawn mowers and battery-powered lawn mowers?
An electric mower can include battery-operated or corded options, powered by either a rechargeable battery or a power cord plugged into a standard 15-volt outlet. A battery-powered motor is cordless and runs solely off of one or more batteries.
Q. How do you turn on a battery-powered lawn mower?
A battery-powered lawn mower is much easier to start than a gas-powered mower. Simply hold the safety bar in place, then press the start button.
Q. How do you clean a battery-powered lawn mower?
Before cleaning a battery-powered lawn mower, unplug the battery to prevent potential shorts in the wiring. Then remove all attachments. Never hose off a battery-powered mower; water can damage the wiring inside the motor. Use a washcloth instead. Wring out the washcloth over a bucket, then wipe down the mower to remove grass and other debris.
Why Trust Bob Vila
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.
Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists.