The Best Push Lawn Mowers Tested in 2023

Greenworks is known for its advancements in battery technology, and this model comes with two 80-volt (V) 2-amp-hour (Ah) batteries that allow for up to 60 minutes of runtime from a full charge. Better yet, the combined recharge time for two batteries is just 60 minutes using the rapid charger. It runs on one battery at a time and will power through up to a half acre of lawn during the 60 minutes of runtime provided by two fully charged batteries.

This push mower features a 21-inch-wide steel deck and Greenworks’ SmartCut technology. This technology adjusts the motor speed based on load, which makes for more efficient battery usage and better cut quality. In addition to impressive mowing coverage, this model has seven cutting-height positions, three grass-disposal options, and large 10-inch rear wheels to make it easy to mow and maneuver.

Not surprisingly, this Greenworks push mower required a bit more effort to move around the yard than the self-propelled mowers, but it was an extremely capable mower. The powerful motor offered the most “gaslike” performance among the electric mowers. It easily cut through dense, weedy grass up to 10 inches tall and left possibly the best finish of all the mowers we tested. In all grass-disposal modes—bagging, mulching, and side discharging—it left the grass perfectly smooth with no uneven spots or stringy weeds left behind. Plus, it mulched thick grass into virtually invisible clippings.

The only downside of this mower was that hilly ground reduced the amount of area we could mow per charge—not because of demand on the mower, but because our pace slowed. Also, we noticed that the side-discharge chute fit loosely, making it very easy to knock off when in use.

All things considered, we found 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 

• Power source: One 80V 2Ah battery
• Deck size: 21 inches
• Cutting heights: 1.38 to 3.75 inches in 7 positions

Pros

• Two 2Ah batteries offer up to 60 minutes of runtime
• Strong motor delivers clean cuts and adjusts blade speed for thick grass
• Easy-to-use controls integrated into the handle
• Rapid charger replenishes battery power for 1 battery in 30 minutes

Cons

• Not self-propelled, so it may not be as easy to use for some
• Side-discharge chute fits loosely and could be knocked off

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

With Ego’s advanced battery power and feature upgrades typical of more expensive models, this mower is one of the best on the market. It boasts 60 minutes of runtime thanks to its high-efficiency brushless motor and 56V 7.5Ah battery, which is what we used in testing. (Ego also offers 4Ah, 5Ah, and 10Ah batteries.) Plus, the 7.5Ah battery takes just 60 minutes to recharge with the rapid charger.

An intuitive lever controls the variable-speed self-propel system, which is capable of mowing more than 3 miles per hour. A load-sensing cutting system automatically increases when conditions get tougher, such as in dense, weedy areas or tall grass. Adjustable handle height, fold-down storage, three grass-disposal options, and LED headlights round out some of the impressive features of this mower.

In testing, we appreciated this mower’s blend of mowing ability, operator comfort, and rapid recharging ability. 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 of up to 50 percent with some of the other mowers, the Ego mower only lost about 25 percent of its runtime.

The self-propel feature, on the other hand, cut battery time by about half, compared to using the manual mode. A second charged battery could alleviate that issue, however. The self-propel system also seemed to make the mower a bit noisier than it was otherwise.

That said, the Ego Power+ mower was comfortable and easy to use in all conditions and would be a good choice for lawns up to about a half acre.

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

Product Specs 

• Power source: One 56V 4Ah, 5Ah, 7.5Ah or 10Ah battery
• Deck size: 21 inches
• Cutting heights: 1.5 to 4 inches in 6 positions

Pros

• 60 minutes of runtime works for lawns up to 0.5 acre
• Battery charges in an hour making it suitable for multiple uses
• Battery works with many other Ego Power+ tools
• Exhibits mowing power similar to a gasoline lawn mowers

Cons

• Using the self-propel feature decreases battery runtime by up to half, depending on terrain
• Drive system emits a whiny sound that some users may not like

Get the Ego Power+ push lawn mower at Amazon (with two 4Ah batteries), Lowe’s (tool only), or Acme Tools (tool only).

American Lawn Mower Company’s corded mower allows you to mow lawns as far as your extension cords can reach and at an attractive price. It also has offset oversize rear wheels to help users navigate hilly and uneven terrain. It features an 11-amp motor and cuts a 14-inch swath, so it’ll take a few more passes to cut the lawn, but its compact size and adjustable fold-down handle also make it very easy to store. The cutting height adjusts to five settings, from 1 inch up to 2.5 inches, making it most suitable for low-growing and warm-season grass types.

In testing, we liked the nonslip grip handle for comfortable control. The large 7-inch rear wheels and narrow, lightweight body also made it easy to pivot and navigate tight spaces. Plus, it had no problem mowing thick, weedy grass. It did struggle with tall grass since the tallest setting is 2.5 inches, compared to 3-plus inches on other mowers.

The mower also features a safety shutoff if you release the handle while mowing, and it has mulching and side-discharge grass disposal options. It does require a 12- or 14-gauge exterior extension cord (not included) to run the mower. Overall, this mower is a good choice for those with small yards and limited storage space.

Product Specs 

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

Pros

• Has rear-discharge port and bagger attachment
• Offset oversize wheels for easier navigation on challenging terrain
• Adjustable handle height for improved user comfort
• Doesn’t require gas or charged batteries to operate, saving users time

Cons

• Narrow 14-inch cutting deck, so users have to make more passes to finish cutting

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

Part of the AK series of battery-powered tools, the RMA 460 is Stihl’s first mower in the brand’s lawn-care lineup. It’s available with an AK 30 battery and charger or as a tool only, for those who already own Stihl AK batteries.

At just 58 pounds with a 19-inch steel deck, it’s an easily maneuverable mower for those who have plenty of landscaping to move around or narrow passes to squeeze through. It also offers three grass-discharge options: bagging, mulching, and side discharge. With an AK 30 battery, the RMA 460 can mow 2,852 square feet on a single charge, according to the Stihl site. It also features two battery slots for backup power. Comfort features include a cushioned handle that adjusts to three positions.

In testing, the mower’s battery power lived up to Stihl’s claim: We mowed a little over 3,000 square feet on a single charge in standard mode with the mulch plug installed. A switch in the battery compartment allowed us to choose between standard mode or eco mode. Standard mode produces consistent high power. Eco mode defaults to lower output until it senses resistance—then it kicks into higher power until the resistance level dissipates. Eco mode allowed us to mow just under 4,000 square feet.

The mower deck was lightweight and easy to push but could also be used in self-propelled mode with a manual speed adjuster to match our pace. We were impressed with its cut quality too—no stringy weeds left behind.

Product Specs

• Power source: One 36V 5.2Ah battery
• Deck size: 19 inches
• Cutting heights: 1.4 to 3.9 inches in 7 positions

Pros

• Competitively priced for a premium-brand lawn mower
• Handles fold flat and mower can stand vertically for more convenient storage
• Lightweight build made it easy to push on slopes and to maneuver for storage
• Eco mode saves battery life but still cleanly cuts dense grass

Cons

• Narrow cutting deck requires more passes to complete mowing
• 3-hour charge time was not as fast as some of the competition

Get the Stihl push lawn mower at Ace Hardware or a Stihl dealer.

With up to 70 minutes of runtime per charge and a 21-inch mowing swath, this efficient, brushless lawn mower from Greenworks tackles larger yards up to half an acre (or even more for flat, manicured yards). It includes two 40V 4Ah batteries and a single-port battery charger that recharges each battery in 120 minutes.

Its convenient self-propelled feature operates with a pressure-sensitive handle that automatically adjusts wheel speed to the user’s walking pace. This mower also offers single-lever height adjustment so you can quickly set the mowing deck to cut from 1.38 to 3.75 inches in seven positions. 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, though it did tend to bog down dense grass in mulching mode a bit more. Otherwise, it delivered excellent results. With the discharge chute in place, we easily mowed overgrown, weedy areas, but those areas cut down runtime by about half. Overall, the cut quality was quite good. Only the most difficult grass patches required a second pass to achieve decent results.

The Greenworks 40V mower uses one battery at a time and automatically switches to the second battery when the first is depleted. This enabled us to start charging the depleted battery while mowing on the second battery, reducing downtime to just 20 minutes after depleting the second battery. On a single battery, we averaged from 20 to 30 minutes of runtime depending on our pace, terrain, and overall mowing conditions. Based on our testing experience with this model and other mowers, getting a full 70 minutes of runtime with two batteries is likely without using the self-propel feature and cutting one-third of regular grass (not weedy or overgrown).

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 was not as smooth as we would have liked, resulting in uneven acceleration, particularly going uphill. Decreasing speed proved challenging for the system as well. On downhills and flats, it occasionally felt as if the mower were running away instead of slowing down with the operator.

Still, it was much easier to adjust to these glitches than to push the mower for an hour at a time. For its excellent runtime and battery-management capabilities, this could make a good choice for those with larger lawns.

Product Specs 

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

Pros

• Can tackle small to large yards; 70 minutes of runtime per charge with 2 batteries
• Self-propelled with automatic pace adjustment to alleviate strain on user
• Heavy-duty steel deck can handle thin to thick grass varieties
• Large 10-inch rear wheels and 8-inch front wheels to traverse tricky terrain

Cons

• Pace-adjustment feature is less smooth than competitors
• Less effective at mulching dense grass than comparable options

Get the Greenworks 40V push lawn mower at Amazon.

The Toro Super Recycler lawn mower boasts design features that improve both performance and operator comfort. The three-phase motor automatically increases power output when it detects tougher mowing conditions, then 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, for greater ease of use, this mower has a self-adjusting self-propelled drive system, and the handle includes springs and shocks to absorb bumps on uneven terrain. Bright LED headlights also make it easier to mow as the sun goes down. Its included 60V 7.5Ah battery delivers up to 50 minutes of runtime per charge and recharges in 3 hours.

The Toro Super Recycler was one of the most comfortable mowers 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. 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. It averaged 45 to 50 minutes of runtime in normal conditions and 3 hours to recharge. Still, it’s a great choice for anyone who would like a mower that offers smooth operation and a top-quality cut on a lawn under a half acre.

Product Specs 

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

Pros

• Mows up to 0.4 acre (17,424 square feet) per charge
• Self-propelled system operates smoothly and improves ease of use
• Motor automatically adjusts output to match mowing conditions
• Rust- and corrosion-resistant aluminum deck stands up to the elements
• LED headlights allow for ample visibility in darker areas or nighttime mowing

Cons

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

Get the Toro push lawn mower at The Home Depot.

Craftsman is a well-established, well-respected brand in the world of lawn mowers, and this gas-powered model lives up to the Craftsman reputation. With a 21-inch mowing deck, it boasts a powerful 150cc engine ideal for yards up to a half acre. Large 8-inch rear wheels with heavy tread help this mower move through tougher 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 the Craftsman. It only required about 20 minutes of easy assembly. Once we finished putting it together, we noticed that the completed handle configuration was a bit less refined in appearance than we would have liked as the blade and drive control cables are retained on the handle by heavy-duty cable ties. More noticeably, however, the grip area is unpadded metal, which is not nearly as comfortable to hold as other mowers.

On the good side, after we added oil and gas, the mower started easily on the first pull. It had good 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 with this configuration, a fully loaded bagger could weigh down the rear and cause it to lose traction, though we did not experience this.

The fuel tank size is adequate to mow about a half acre per fill-up. This could be an excellent pick for a budget-minded shopper looking for a durable self-propelled mower.

Product Specs 

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

Pros

• Self-propelled front-wheel drive assists the user while mowing to prevent strain
• Easy to start; no priming or choke required
• 3-in-1 grass disposal options: side discharge, mulch, or bag

Cons

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

Get the Craftsman push lawn mower at Lowe’s or Ace Hardware.

Despite their sought-after power, gas mowers emit carbon dioxide into the air; and although cordless electric mowers limit emissions, battery disposal is not perfect. For the “greenest” lawn care, a reel mower can’t be beat, and the Fiskars StaySharp reel mower is one of our favorites.

It features high-quality StaySharp blades that reduce the need for resharpening and an InertiaDrive reel that enables the mower to power through thicker grasses. This mower also has two small front rollers to help balance and stabilize the mower.

Though this solidly built mower weighs in at a hefty 52 pounds, it works smoothly and efficiently. In testing, we found that the ergonomic handle was extremely comfortable, and the machine moved almost effortlessly over all but the roughest ground. Not only did the InertiaDrive system make it easy to push, but it also allowed the blades to slice through coarse weeds and small sticks that brought other reel mowers to an immediate halt.

This mower worked on a wider variety of terrain and grass types than any other reel mowers that we’ve tested and cut closest to the edges as well. Unlike other reel mowers, the offset wheels don’t flatten the grass before it is mowed and allow the mower to cut within an inch of the edge rather than 3.5 inches from the edge like other reel mowers.

The only criticism we had was that the 8.5-inch drive wheels felt somewhat undersized on taller grass and bumpy ground. Overall though, it was a pleasure to mow with this tool, and the completed cut was clean and even. The Fiskars mower cuts a generous 18-inch swath, making it well suited to mowing small- and medium-size yards. An optional grass catcher can be purchased separately.

Product Specs 

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

Pros

• Heavy-duty construction can last for several years
• Ergonomic design feels comfortable to use
• Easy to adjust and maneuver thanks to the InertiaDrive system
• Cuts closest to the edges so you can make fewer passes

Cons

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

Get the Fiskars push lawn mower at The Home Depot.