We Tested More Than 30 Lawn Mowers to Find the 7 Best Push Models

Over the last couple of years, we’ve tested more than 30 lawn mowers, trimming rows and rows of a 2-acre plot to find the best mowers of every type, including these seven push mowers. Traditionally, push mowers were considered a specific category of walk-behind mowers that required you to push them manually. Today, though, most people also use the term for self-propelled walk-behind models, which assist with forward motion.

This guide breaks down the key features to look for in these lawn care tools and reviews the seven models that rated best in our tests. Our top pick is the Greenworks 80V 21″ Brushless 3-in-1 Push Lawn Mower for its efficient battery power, excellent cut quality, virtually noise-free operation, and great overall value. No matter how you define them, one of the best push mowers from the following list is sure to meet your needs. 

1. BEST OVERALL: Greenworks 80V 21″ Brushless 3-in-1 Push Lawn Mower
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2. RUNNER-UP: Ego Power+ 21″ Self-Propelled Mower
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3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: American Lawn Mower 14″ 11-Amp 120V Corded Mower
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4. BEST FOR LARGE YARDS: Greenworks 40V 21″ Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
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5. BEST SELF-PROPELLED: Toro 60V MAX 21″ Super Recycler w/Personal Pace Mower
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6. BEST GAS: Craftsman 21″ 150cc Gas Self-Propelled Mower
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7. BEST REEL: Fiskars StaySharp Max 18″ Reel Mower
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Push Mowers Comparison

Our Top Picks

​​With the best push mower, keeping a lawn neat and orderly isn’t difficult. Here’s how our tested models stack up.

Best Overall

Greenworks 80V 21" Brushless 3-in-1 Push Lawn Mower

Buy at Amazon Buy at Lowe's Buy at Walmart

What We Like

• Up to 40 minutes of runtime
• Adjustable blade speed delivers clean cuts
• Easy-to-use controls integrated into handle
• Rapid charger replenishes battery power in 1 hour

What We Don’t Like

• Not self-propelled
• Side-discharge chute fits loosely

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Product Specs

• Power source: One 80-volt (V) 4-amp-hour (Ah) battery
• Deck size: 21 inches
• Cutting heights: 1.38 to 3.75 inches in 7 positions

This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.

Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Cut Quality 4/5; Noise 5/5; Grass Disposal 5/5; Value 4.7/5 

This Greenworks 80V 21″ battery-powered lawn mower comes equipped with a 4.0 Ah battery that provides up to 40 minutes of runtime, with a quick 60-minute recharge using the included rapid charger. Built for power and efficiency, it has a 21-inch-wide steel deck and Greenworks’ SmartCut technology, which automatically adjusts its motor speed based on cutting load. That means more efficient battery use and better cut quality across varying grass conditions. It also offers seven cutting-height positions, three grass-disposal options (bagging, mulching, and side discharge), and large 10-inch rear wheels for better traction and maneuverability. 

During testing, this Greenworks bagging push mower required a bit more physical effort to move than the self-propelled mowers, especially on slopes. Still, its powerful motor offered the most “gas-like” performance of any of the electric push mowers we tested. It cut easily through dense, weedy grass up to 10 inches tall and left one of the cleanest finishes in our lineup. No matter which disposal mode we used, it produced smooth results with no uneven spots or stringy weeds left behind. Plus, it mulched thick grass into virtually invisible clippings.

The only drawbacks we noticed were reduced runtime on hilly terrain (because we had to slow down, not because of motor strain) and the fact that the side-discharge chute fit loosely and was easy to knock off during use.

What our tester says: “This push mower delivers the strongest mowing capability of all the mowers we tested. It leaves our grass perfectly smooth, and we don’t mind manually pushing it. Plus, the price is quite a bit lower than most others.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Greenworks 80V push lawn mower at Amazon, Lowe’s, Walmart, or Greenworks.

Runner-Up

Ego Power+ 21" Self-Propelled Mower

Buy at Amazon Buy at Lowe's

What We Like

• Up to 65 minutes of runtime
• Perfect for lawns up to 0.5 acre
• Also works with 5.0, 6.0, 7.5, and 10.0 Ah batteries
• Mowing power similar to gas models

What We Don’t Like

• Self-propel feature can cut runtime by half on hills
• Drive system sometimes emits a whiny sound

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Product Specs

• Power source: Two 56V 4.0 Ah batteries
• Deck size: 21 inches
• Cutting heights: 1.5 to 4 inches in 6 positions

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Cut Quality 4/5; Noise 4/5; Grass Disposal 5/5; Value 4.7/5 

With Ego Power+’s advanced battery power and feature upgrades typical of more expensive models, this is one of the best mowers on the market. Its high-efficiency brushless motor offers up to 65 minutes of runtime using the two included 56-volt 4.0 Ah batteries, and it’s also compatible with 5.0, 6.0, 7.5, and 10.0 Ah batteries. In terms of features, it has intuitive lever controls built right into the handle, a variable-speed self-propel system that can mow more than 3 miles per hour, and a load-sensing system that automatically adapts to the conditions. The handle height is adjustable, and this pick folds down for storage, features three grass-disposal options, and even has two bright LED headlights.

We really appreciated this machine’s blend of mowing ability, operator comfort, and rapid recharging ability (it returned our battery to full in under an hour). It easily mowed down tall weeds and traversed steep slopes, and its battery life appeared less affected by the added workload than other mowers. In tough conditions where we experienced declines in battery life of up to 50 percent with some other models, the Ego Power+ mower only lost about 25 percent of its runtime.

On the other hand, the self-propel feature cut battery time by about half compared to manual mode, though having a second charged battery meant that was much less of an issue. In addition to a slightly higher price than our top pick, this model also made a bit of a whiny noise when we engaged the self-propel system. Still, it’s always nice not to have to manually push a mower, especially on hills or slightly larger lots. 

Read our full review: Ego Power+ 21″ Self-Propelled Mower

Get the Ego Power+ push lawn mower at Amazon or Lowe’s.

Best Bang for the Buck

American Lawn Mower 14" 11-Amp 120V Corded Mower

Buy at Amazon

What We Like

• Rear-discharge port and bagger attachment
• Offset oversized wheels for better maneuverability
• Adjustable handle height for improved user comfort
• Budget push mower that doesn’t require gas or batteries

What We Don’t Like

• Narrow cutting deck means more passes per mow

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Product Specs

• Power source: 11-amp corded motor
• Deck size: 14 inches
• Cutting heights: 1.5 to 2.5 inches in 5 positions

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Cut Quality 4/5; Noise 5/5; Grass Disposal 4/5; Value 4.3/5 

American Lawn Mower Company’s corded electric lawn mower is a compact, budget-friendly mower for small yards. It features an 11-amp motor and a 14-inch cutting swath, which means it may take a few extra passes to cover your lawn, but it’s also highly maneuverable and easy to store. Its lightweight body, adjustable fold-down handle, and oversized 7-inch rear wheels add to its ease of use. The cutting height adjusts to five settings, from 1 inch up to 2.5 inches, making it best suited to low-growing and warm-season grass types.

In testing, we liked the nonslip grip handle for comfortable control as well as the large wheels and lightweight design for navigating tight spaces. We also liked that this push lawn mower with bagger has mulching and side-discharge grass disposal options and that it features a safety shutoff if you release the handle while mowing. Performance-wise, it had no problem mowing thick, weedy grass, but it struggled with tall grass since the tallest setting is just 2.5 inches. Since it’s corded, you’ll also need a long enough 12- or 14-gauge exterior extension cord (not included) to cover your entire lawn. Overall, though, this is a good low-priced push mower for those with small yards and limited storage space.

Get the American Lawn Mower Company push lawn mower at Amazon.

Best for Large Yards

Greenworks 40V 21" Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Buy at Amazon Buy at Walmart Buy at Greenworks

What We Like

• 60 minutes of runtime with 2 batteries
• Self-propelled with automatic pace adjustment
• Heavy-duty steel deck can tackle all grass varieties
• Large 10-inch rear wheels and 8-inch front wheels

What We Don’t Like

• Pace-adjustment feature isn’t the smoothest
• Less effective at mulching dense grass than others

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Product Specs

• Power source: Two 40V 4 Ah batteries
• Deck size: 21 inches
• Cutting heights: 1.38 to 3.75 inches in 7 positions

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.7/5; Cut Quality 4.5/5; Noise 5/5; Grass Disposal 4/5; Value 5/5 

With up to 60 minutes of runtime per charge and a 21-inch mowing swath, this cordless lawn mower from Greenworks is built for efficiency on yards up to half an acre (or even larger if your lawn is flat and well maintained). It runs on two 40-volt 4.0 Ah batteries and includes a single-port charger that recharges each in about 2 hours. It only uses one battery at a time, though, and automatically switches over as needed. It also has a pressure-sensitive handle that adjusts to your walking pace, a single-lever height adjustment that lets you choose from seven deck positions between 1.38 and 3.75 inches, and a bagger, side-discharge chute, and mulch plug for flexible grass disposal. 

During our tests, this pick performed surprisingly well, delivering similar power and cut quality to options with significantly more battery power. It did bog down a little in mulching mode on dense grass, but with the discharge chute in place, we easily mowed overgrown, weedy areas. Only the most difficult grass patches required a second pass, and our average runtime was 20 to 30 minutes per battery, depending on our pace, terrain, and overall mowing conditions. 

If you need a bit more time to finish your lawn, switching off the self-propel feature can help stretch out battery life. Overall, though, the self-propel system is worth using. As with most pressure-sensitive handle systems, it’s not perfect, and the sliding-handle mechanism wasn’t totally smooth, which led to some uneven acceleration going uphill. It also sometimes felt like the mower was running away a little bit on downhills rather than decreasing speed to match our pace. Still, it was much easier to adjust to those quirks than manually pushing the mower for an hour at a time. 

What our tester says: “We love this mower for its excellent runtime and battery-management capabilities. It’s great when we need to do the entire 2 acres, and it consistently delivers excellent cuts.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Greenworks 40V push lawn mower at Amazon, Walmart, or Greenworks.

Best Self-Propelled

Toro 60V MAX 21" Super Recycler w/Personal Pace Mower

Buy at Toro

What We Like

• Mows up to ⅓ acre per charge
• Self-propelled system is smooth and easy to use
• Rust- and corrosion-resistant aluminum deck
• LED headlights increase visibility for early and late mowing

What We Don’t Like

• Longer recharge time than the competition
• Top mowing speed is too fast for imperfect conditions

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Product Specs

• Power source: One 60V 7.5 Ah battery
• Deck size: 21 inches
• Cutting heights: 1 to 4 inches in 9 positions

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Cut Quality 5/5; Noise 5/5; Grass Disposal 5/5; Value 4.7/5 

The Toro Super Recycler lawn mower boasts design features that improve both performance and operator comfort. The three-phase motor increases power output when it detects tougher mowing conditions and eases off on less challenging terrain to conserve battery life. The 21-inch rustproof cast-aluminum deck features a powerful vortex air-intake system that stands grass blades up so the mower can evenly slice through them, delivering a clean cut. Plus, it has a self-adjusting self-propelled drive system, a handle with springs and shocks to absorb bumps, and bright LED headlights. 

The Toro Super Recycler was one of the most comfortable mowers we tested, primarily because of its robust Personal Pace 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 resistance with a higher top-end speed for self-pacing that felt almost effortless on most terrain. We only had to apply slight pressure to climb uphill, and it didn’t try to run away when we walked downhill.

Toro’s excellent cut quality was second only to the Greenworks 80V push lawn mower. The Greenworks mower performed exceptionally well in overgrown areas, while the Toro needed a second pass for best results. We were also a bit underwhelmed by its battery performance, which averaged 45 to 50 minutes in normal conditions and took 3 hours to recharge. Still, the Toro’s a great choice for anyone who would like a mower that offers smooth operation and a top-quality cut on a lawn under one-third acre.

Get the Toro push lawn mower at Toro.

Best Gas

Craftsman 21" 150cc Gas Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Buy at Ace Hardware

What We Like

• Self-propelled front-wheel drive
• Easy to start; no priming or choke required
• 3-in-1 grass disposal options

What We Don’t Like

• Self-propelled feature is a single speed
• Nonpadded grip could lead to hand fatigue

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Product Specs

• Power source: 150 cubic centimeter (cc) Briggs & Stratton gas engine
• Deck size: 21 inches
• Cutting heights: 1.25 to 3.75 inches in 6 positions

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Cut Quality 4/5; Noise 4/5; Grass Disposal 5/5; Value 5/5

Craftsman is a well-established, well-respected brand in the world of lawn mowers, and this gas lawn mower lives up to that reputation. With a 21-inch mowing deck, this pick boasts a powerful 150cc engine ideal for yards up to a half acre. Large 8-inch rear wheels with heavy tread help it move through tough terrain, while six cutting heights offer versatility. It also has three disposal settings: mulch, side discharge, and bag.

In testing, we appreciated the affordability and simplicity of this gas push mower, which only required about 20 minutes of easy assembly. The handle configuration is less refined in appearance than we would have liked, though, since the blade and drive control cables are retained on it by heavy-duty cable ties. More noticeably, the grip area is unpadded metal, which felt less comfortable than other mowers.

On the good side, after we added oil and gas, the mower started easily on the first pull. It had impressive power for cutting average lawn grass and moving uphill, but it slowed down ever so slightly in tall, overgrown grass. The front-wheel drive made turning easy, but it’s important to note that a fully loaded bagger could weigh down the rear and cause it to lose traction, though we didn’t have that happen. The fuel tank size is adequate to mow about a half-acre per fill, making this an excellent option for a budget-minded shopper with a small- to medium-sized yard.

Get the Craftsman push lawn mower at Ace Hardware.

Best Reel

Fiskars StaySharp Max 18" Reel Mower

Buy at Amazon Buy at Walmart

What We Like

• Heavy-duty construction should last for many years
• Ergonomic design feels comfortable to use
• InertiaDrive system makes it easy to adjust and maneuver
• Cuts close to the edges of the lawn so you can make fewer passes

What We Don’t Like

• More than twice the weight of other reel mowers
• Larger footprint takes up slightly more storage space

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Product Specs

• Power source: Manual
• Cutting swath: 18 inches
• Cutting heights: 1 to 4 inches in 4 positions

Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Cut Quality 5/5; Noise 5/5; Grass Disposal N/A; Value 4.7/5 

Despite their sought-after power, gas push lawn mowers emit carbon dioxide into the air, and although cordless electric lawn mowers limit emissions, battery disposal is not perfect. A reel mower can’t be beat for the “greenest” lawn care, and the Fiskars StaySharp reel mower is one of our favorites. It features high-quality StaySharp blades that reduce the need for resharpening, an InertiaDrive reel that helps it power through thicker grasses easily, and two small front rollers that increase its balance and stability.

Despite weighing a hefty 51.7 pounds, this solidly built mower works smoothly and efficiently. In testing, we found the ergonomic handle extremely comfortable and were impressed by how effortlessly the machine moved over all but the roughest ground. The InertiaDrive system made it incredibly easy to push and allowed the blades to slice through coarse weeds and small sticks that brought other reel mowers to an immediate halt. This meant it worked better on a wider variety of terrain and grass types than any other reel mowers we’ve tested. It also has offset wheels that let it cut within an inch of the edge (rather than 3.5 inches from the edge like others), and they also don’t flatten the grass before you mow it, which delivers a much cleaner cut.

Our only criticism of this mower is that its 8.5-inch drive wheels felt somewhat undersized on taller grass and bumpy ground. Overall, though, its generous 18-inch swath is ideal for small- to medium-sized yards, and with the optional grass catcher (sold separately), it’s even easier to keep your lawn looking neat and tidy.

Get the Fiskars push lawn mower at Amazon or Walmart.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Push Lawn Mowers

Before testing top push mowers for our list, we narrowed down the dozens of popular options that looked like they’d offer exceptional performance based on features, consumer reviews, and our own experience to just nine. We considered push mower brands and made sure the products we chose had a variety of user needs in mind by including mowers of various sizes and power outputs.

We then put these mowers to the test, evaluating ease of use, cut quality, noise, grass disposal, value, and any special features. We mowed our test area over several weeks before handing out awards to the best push mowers based on their strengths or ideal uses.

What to Consider When Choosing a Push Lawn Mower

Choosing the best push mower takes a bit of research. The following tips can help you decide which lawn mower may work best for your yard.

Type 

The best lawn mowers come in several varieties, each with pros and cons:

• Gas-powered push mowers are loud and require a bit of maintenance. The exhaust can be stinky, but they are powerful, and you can refill a gas tank faster than a battery recharges.
• Corded electric push mowers require an extension cord, but they’re quiet and require little maintenance. On the downside, because they’re tethered to an outlet, they tend to work best only for smaller yards.
• Battery-powered mowers can go anywhere, and some battery-powered mower kits include extra batteries, extending the runtime. Batteries don’t last forever, though, and some may be difficult to replace over time.
• Reel mowers use old-school technology—gears and drive wheels—that spin a set of cylindrical blades when the mower is pushed. These mowers require more manual effort but need less maintenance and downtime. 

Runtime 

Runtime refers to how long a mower can operate before it needs fresh batteries or gasoline. Gas-powered models can go for a few hours before refueling. Some battery-powered lawn mowers come with two batteries in the kit to provide an hour or more of total runtime.

Engine Size

Gasoline-powered engines come in varying sizes. In push mowers, power is usually relative to engine size. For the mower to have enough power to avoid bogging down in thick patches of grass, it needs an appropriately sized engine.

Most basic gas-powered mowers do well with a roughly 140cc engine, though self-propelled models benefit from more power (150cc and up). The larger the mower, the more fuel it will use, and more fuel means greater emissions.

Electric mowers have motors instead of engines. Look for a battery model that runs off a 36-volt or greater battery system or a corded model with a rating of 11 amps or more.

Yard Size and Terrain 

Some yards slope or are generally uneven, so push mowers are built to handle dips, depressions, ruts, and other types of rough terrain. To handle this terrain, some push mowers have oversized wheels, typically in the back, which prevent the mower from getting stuck in a rut or hung up on a walkway. Some even have oversized wheels on all four corners to provide an easier rollover.

Cutting Deck Width and Height

When choosing a push mower, consider the mower’s cutting deck—the part of the mower that houses the blades. A small push mower, such as one with a 16-inch deck, may fit through small garden gates and flower beds, but it’ll require more passes to mow a yard. A larger mower, such as one with a 21-inch deck, can make short work of a larger yard but might be harder to maneuver in tight spaces.

Push mowers, like all mowers, have adjustable cutting heights. Users can adjust the mower deck height to the desired grass height with the levers attached to the wheels. Shorter grass requires less frequent mowing, but the sun’s intense heat during the summer can burn a lawn cut too short.

Push vs. Self-Propelled

Push and self-propelled lawn mowers used to be defined differently, with push mower wheels powered only by the user and self-propelled mower wheels powered by the engine or motor. Today, however, it’s common for both types of walk-behind mowers to be considered push mowers, meaning it’s fair to say you can find a good push mower that’s also self-propelled.

No matter how a mower is categorized, for some folks, pushing lawn mowers across the lawn can put stress on their arms, hands, and lower back. That’s particularly true if they’re mowing large or hilly yards. 

For overall ease of use, the best option for many may be a self-propelled mower, which helps reduce the physical stress of mowing. You simply need to walk while lightly pushing the mower and manipulating it around turns and corners, releasing the throttle to stop it. Some self-propelled models have adjustable speeds that allow you to move at whatever pace is comfortable behind the machine.

Grass Disposal Options

There are three ways to dispose of grass clippings as you mow: mulching, bagging, or discharging through a side chute. Mulching lawn mowers keep the grass clippings under the deck, allowing the blade to cut them multiple times to produce a fine mulch that quickly incorporates nutrients back into the soil. 

To bag grass clippings, some mowers include a bag that connects at the rear of the mower, and the mower shoots the clippings into the bag. This prevents unsightly clumps of clippings on the yard and helps prevent thatch buildup on a lawn. 

Finally, some mowers include a chute that connects to the side of the mower. In side-discharge mode, the mower shoots the grass clippings through the chute, providing an even dispersal of grass clippings. Mowers may include one, two, or all three of these options.

Safety

Any push mower, whether corded, battery-powered, or gas, can be dangerous. All mowers have some sort of fail-safe lever to hold down that allows the motor to operate. Releasing the lever causes the mower to stop.

Since many electric and battery-powered options start very easily, manufacturers include removable safety keys that act like kill switches when removed. These keys prevent a small child from accidentally starting the mower.

FAQs 

Even with all this background on how to find the best push mower for you, you might still have a couple of questions. Here are answers to the most frequently asked queries about push mowers.

Q. What should I look for in a push mower?

Not everyone is looking to hire a company to care for their lawn, as the average lawn mowing cost can be quite high. Although preferences vary, most people who want to mow their own lawn choose a model with plenty of power, a bagger attachment, large wheels (if the yard has some rougher terrain), and adjustable cutting heights.

Q. What is a good horsepower for a lawn mower?

Manufacturers are moving away from horsepower ratings; instead, look for a gas-powered push mower with a 140cc or larger engine, a battery-operated push mower with 36-volt or more battery and motor, and an 11-amp or greater corded electric motor.

Q. How do I maintain my push mower?

Clean the underside of any mower’s deck with a hose and sharpen its blades from time to time. If it’s a gasoline-powered mower, change the spark plug and air filter once a year. Also, remember to winterize the fuel system before cold weather hits by adding a fuel treatment.

Q. How long will my push mower last?

The average push mower can last for 8 to 10 years. Electric push mowers probably last the longest, as they have the simplest motors and mechanisms. Batteries could fail on cordless models, and replacing the battery if it’s no longer available may be difficult.

Q. Should I buy a push mower or a riding mower?

Choosing between a push and a riding mower depends on a number of factors. Push mowers are best for smaller, relatively flat yards, while riding mowers are indispensable when it comes to mowing large yards, especially if they have a few gentle hills. Push mowers are easier to control in tight areas. Riding mowers, however, are better for areas with high weeds or brush. Also take cost into account: Riding mowers are generally much more expensive than push mowers.

Q. How much should I pay for a good push lawn mower?

Push lawn mowers can range in price anywhere from under $200 to over $1,000. The average push mower in 2024 cost about $380. For a list of excellent budget-friendly mowers, check out our guide on the best cheap lawn mowers. 

Q. What is the difference between rotary and reel mowers?

Rotary mowers have between one and three blades that spin extremely quickly (about 3,000 rotations per minute) to cut grass. A reel mower, on the other hand, is built with between four and 11 blades on a single reel. Reel mowers can provide a tighter cut with sharper stripes.

Meet the Tester

Mark Wolfe is a writer and product tester with a background in the nursery and landscaping industries. For more than 20 years, he mowed, edged, planted, pruned, cultivated, irrigated, and renovated beautiful landscapes. Now he tests and writes reviews about the latest outdoor power equipment, hand tools, lawn care products, and other outdoor-living goods.

Additional research provided by Tom Scalisi. 

 

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