15 Lawn Tools That Mowed, Mulched, and Edged Their Way to the Top of Our Tests

Whether you’re maintaining a sprawling suburban lot or a compact urban yard, choosing the right lawn and landscaping tools is the first step toward maintaining a manicured outdoor space. But with thousands of products on the market at prices that may make you think twice, finding the right options sometimes takes a bit of effort. 

To help you decide, we tested over 100 products—including chainsaws, leaf blowers, and pressure washers—to see which ones are worth the money. After mowing lawns across several seasons, mulching mountains of leaves down to a handful of bags, and edging long driveways to create crisp lines, we compiled this list of the best lawn and landscaping tools available in 2026. 

The MySoil test kit provides professional-grade analysis for those wanting an in-depth look at their soil’s health. The testing process was straightforward: we registered online, gathered samples from across our test property, and mailed them in using the provided cup. The breakdown arrived via email in just 6 days, showing the soil’s levels of nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, sulfur, calcium, and iron next to a chart of optimal ranges. When we compared MySoil’s results to those from a university lab, they were nearly identical.

The Simpson Clean Machine quickly impressed us with its user-friendly design and strong performance. In our tests, its 210cc engine started on the first pull every time, and we appreciated how its 10-inch pneumatic tires easily rolled over uneven terrain. We also found it easy to store just below a workbench, thanks to its horizontal design.  The Simpson’s  maintenance-free axial cam pump produces 3400 PSI at 2.5 GPM and comes with four pressure washer nozzles, a 25-foot hose, and a 15-inch surface cleaner attachment. This pressure washer proved powerful enough for professional-level cleaning, but it only weighs 64 pounds. 

Spruce’s plant-based formula proves that weed killers don’t have to rely on harsh chemicals. During testing, the essential oil and surfactant blend dehydrated dandelions and moss within hours, leaving behind a pleasant lemony-mint scent rather than the typical vinegar or chemical odor. The battery-powered wand sprayer made it easy to apply the product right where we wanted it, and the results were undeniable: the weeds we treated were totally dead by the next day. In addition to being effective, Spruce is also safe for use around people, pets, and bees. 

After experiencing its lightweight maneuverability, smooth cutting action, and overall ease of operation, we found the Stihl MS 182 C-BE to be the best gas chainsaw we’ve tested. It comes equipped with a 2.2 hp powerhead, 16-inch guide bar and PM3 chain; and it weighs just 10 pounds. The spring-assisted starting system completely eliminated jerky pull starts. We also liked Stihl’s master control lever, with off/on/choke all on one handle. One or two slow steady pulls was all it took to fire it up, and the low profile chain made clean, efficient cuts. The saw had ample power for big hardwood logs, yet was easily maneuverable for light tree pruning.

After receiving near-perfect scores for ease of use, performance, noise, and value, this Worx turbine model earned the top spot in our best leaf blowers guide. Its 40-volt (V) motor produced airspeeds up to 90 mph, yet its 7.3-pound frame was light enough for one-handed operation. We particularly liked the variable-speed dial, which let us toggle between a gentle flow for delicate areas and a heavy 430 cubic feet per minute (CFM) blast for stubborn debris. Like all battery-operated tools, this leaf blower’s runtime lessened quicker the longer we ran it on high, but the cordless design offered excellent maneuverability.

The Worx electric leaf mulcher is a powerhouse for anyone looking to turn a mountain of leaves into a pile of compost. In our tests, its 13-amp motor and trimmer-line shredding system filled a 30-gallon bag in under 5 minutes—almost faster than we could fill the hopper. And since it’s a corded electric tool, there’s no fuel to fill, oil to change, or battery to charge. When your work is done, the 20-pound unit nests into itself compact storage. 

Stihl’s FSA 80 R battery string trimmer is a beefy residential model that easily tore through coarse vegetation and woody stems in our tests. The 36V motor and bump-advance head ran smoothly with very little vibration and produced incredibly crisp, clean edges. The tool-free adjustable loop handle was convenient for switching between different operators, and the throttle trigger interlock added a reassuring layer of safety. With a 25-minute runtime, this pick provides plenty of power for standard suburban yard maintenance.

With its generously padded shoulder straps and hip belt, the Field King Max was the most comfortable backpack sprayer in our lineup. This motorized sprayer provided plenty of power for spraying everything from a fine mist to a coarse shower of heavy droplets. Other features we appreciated include the lockable wand shutoff that prevents hand fatigue and drips, the 20V lithium-ion battery that’s lighter than traditional lead-acid versions, and the built-in carry handle that increases portability. 

After testing a lineup of 14 battery-powered lawn mowers, Ego’s Power+ 800 Series came out on top. Not only does its dual-blade system let you swap between the preinstalled mulching blade and the included high-lift bagging or extended-runtime blades (all deliver outstanding cut quality), but it also offers a convenient height-setting lever for its 21-inch deck, easy drive-speed control to adjust to your pace, and nearly silent operation for nuisance-free early or late mowing. The bag may be on the small side for those with large properties, but after testing several generations of Ego Power+ lawn mowers, we don’t think you’ll find a better model.

Thanks to its high 5.6:1 brush-to-wheel ratio and 25-cubic foot hopper, the Agri-Fab 44-inch lawn sweeper showed itself to be an absolute workhorse in our tests. Its high-speed brushes gobbled up everything from pine needles to damp grass clippings, the offset hitch was incredibly useful for mowing and sweeping simultaneously, and the steel dump lever allowed us to empty the load without leaving the mower’s seat. The reliability offered by the durable steel frame and upgraded semi-pneumatic tires make this Agri-Fab an excellent choice.

John Deere’s S130 bridges the gap between entry-level and premium tractors, built to include a 22 hp Briggs & Stratton 44 V-twin engine, a TLT 200 hydrostatic transaxle, and 20×10-8 rear tires. Its frame is full-length welded steel, the front axle is cast iron, and the engine uses the brand’s Easy Change 30-second oil-change system. With a high-back, two-piece seat, tight 25-inch turning radius, and easy-to-use control layout, operator experience is excellent. While this pick is an investment, this riding mower also never bogged down during heavy spring cleanups and was definitely the most comfortable model we tested.

For anyone looking to take manual mowing off their chore list, the Segway Navimow i110N offers a high-tech, hands-off solution. In our tests, setup took about 2 hours, including using the companion app like a remote control to map our yard’s borders and exclusion zones. Once we had it programmed, the onboard AI camera successfully detected obstacles, and the whisper-quiet, 58-decibel operation meant we could schedule it for any time of day. The Segway was also one of the only robot mowers we tested that produced perfect parallel lawn stripes rather than a random pattern, even on slopes up to 17 degrees. 

With its 5-out-of-5 scores for ease of use, performance, durability, and value, Echo’s PE-225 got the best overall award in our lawn edgers test. The curved-shaft design and 13-pound frame made it incredibly comfortable and easy to maneuver along driveways and curbs, and the 21.2cc 2-stroke engine’s spring-assisted starting system noticeably reduced pull-start effort. Its high blade speed delivered the cleanest, most professional-looking edges in our tests.

The Ames thatch rake is a budget-friendly, manual lawn dethatcher that marries effective performance with reduced damage risk. With its curved, sharp tines and adjustable head,  we were able to remove impressive amounts of yellowed thatch while leaving healthy green turf in place. The cushioned grip on the hardwood handle kept the rake comfortable during extended use, and its affordable price makes it an excellent value for a well-built tool.

With two hose outlets you can program separately, the Melnor AquaTimer is perfect for managing different zones’ watering needs. After testing it for 3 weeks, we found the performance reliable and the interface intuitive; there’s one button for scrolling through functions and two toggles for setting durations. The AquaTimer is compatible with both standard garden hoses and drip-type watering systems to offer increased control. For those looking fo an easy-to-use and customizable hose timer to manage their watering needs effectively, the Melnor deserves a closer look.

 

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