We Tested Over Two Dozen Popular Lawn Mowers and Found the 9 Best Models For Any Yard

A good lawn mower is crucial for maintaining a lush, well-manicured lawn. However, with hundreds of gas and electric lawn mowers to choose from, selecting the right one can be challenging. To simplify the process, we tested more than two dozen top-rated mowers to see how they’d fit into our lawn care routine, evaluating their cutting ability, finish quality, and operator comfort. We also reached out to a landscaping expert to ensure we considered key factors like deck size and useful extra features.  

Based on our research and tests, the Toro 21″ 60V MAX Super Recycler Battery Lawn Mower emerged as our top pick. It delivers crisp cutting performance, uses convenient self-propelled electric operation, and features a 21-inch cutting deck suitable for most yards. Read on to learn more about our selection criteria, how each machine fared in our hands-on tests, and what to consider when shopping for the best lawn mower for your property.

1. BEST OVERALL: Toro 21″ 60V MAX Super Recycler Battery Lawn Mower
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2. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Craftsman M220 21″ 150cc Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
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3. BEST RIDING: John Deere S130 42″ Lawn Tractor
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4. BEST ELECTRIC RIDING: Craftsman 42″ 56V MAX Battery-Powered Riding Mower
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5. BEST ROBOTIC: Worx WR147 20V Landroid M ¼-Acre Robotic Lawn Mower
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6. BEST BATTERY-POWERED: Ego Power+ 21″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
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7. BEST ELECTRIC: American Lawn Mower 14″ 11-Amp 120V Corded Mower
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8. BEST PUSH: Fiskars StaySharp Max 18″ Reel Mower 
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9. BEST FOR SMALL YARDS: DeWalt 2X20V MAX 21.5-I” Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
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Lawn Mowers Comparison Chart 

Our Top Picks

We mowed with everything from corded lawn mowers for small yards to powerful riding mowers that can handle 3 acres or more. Here’s how they performed in our hands-on tests and why we think they are some of the best lawn mowers available today.

Best Overall

Toro 21" 60V Max Super Recycler Battery Lawn Mower

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What We Like

• Up to 50 minutes of runtime for ½ acre or more
• Ample blade speed and deck airflow deliver high-quality finish
• Automatically paces according to walking speed
• Rear-wheel drive improves traction

What We Don’t Like

• Price indicative of excellent performance

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Specs

• Power source 60V 7.5Ah battery
• Deck size 21 inches
• Type Self-propelled walk-behind

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.

The Toro Super Recycler is a premium battery-powered walk-behind mower designed for enhanced mowing performance and operator comfort. It runs on a 60-volt (V) 7.5-amp-hour (Ah) lithium-ion rechargeable battery that provides up to 50 minutes of runtime per charge. Its intelligent three-phase brushless motor optimizes power usage, conserving battery life when possible and ramping up for tougher mowing conditions. It has a rustproof cast-aluminum deck that maximizes airflow, lifting the grass blade for a crisp cut and clean finish. Even with all that, perhaps our favorite thing about it is its Personal Pace Auto Drive system that automatically adjusts to your walking speed for smooth operation on any terrain.

In our tests, we tried the Toro Super Recycler on a slightly weedy, significantly sloped front yard that was about a week overdue for mowing, and it was totally up to the task. With the deck set on a higher setting, we mowed up and down the slope, and then on a lower setting, we mowed perpendicularly. It climbed the slope without hesitation—even when the bagger was close to full—and didn’t feel like it was running away on the downhills. Both cuts looked great, leaving a uniform finish with no stray weeds. 

What our tester says: “This is our favorite lawn mower because using it is such a pleasant experience. It’s powerful, comfortable, and quiet, and its battery lasts a full hour, which is even longer than Toro’s stated runtime.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Get the Toro lawn mower at Ace Hardware or Toro.

Best Bang for the Buck

Craftsman M220 21" 150cc Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

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What We Like

• Front-wheel drive prevents user strain
• No priming or choke required to start
• Side discharge, mulch, or bag for easy cleanup

What We Don’t Like

• Self-propelled feature isn’t adjustable
• Grip isn’t padded, which isn’t ideal during extended use

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Specs

• Power source 150cc Briggs & Stratton gas engine
• Deck size 21 inches
• Type Self-propelled walk-behind

Craftsman is a well-established, well-respected brand in the world of lawn mowers, and this gas-powered model is no exception. With a powerful 150-cubic-centimeter (cc) engine and an ample 21-inch mowing deck, it’s a good choice for yards up to three-quarters acre. It features 8-inch rear wheels with heavy tread for easy maneuvering, six cutting heights, and three disposal settings: mulch, side discharge, and bag.

It only took us about 20 minutes to assemble this affordable and simple pick, and after adding oil and gas, it started easily on the first pull. It had good power for cutting average lawn grass and pulling uphill, but it bogged down slightly in tall, overgrown grass. The front-wheel-drive feature made turning easy, but a full bag could weigh down the rear and cause it to lose traction—though we did not experience this. The completed handle configuration looks a bit unrefined since it’s unpadded metal, and the blade and drive control cables are retained on the handle by heavy-duty cable ties. Still, we think this is an excellent value pick for a budget-minded shopper looking for a durable self-propelled mower.

Get the Craftsman gas lawn mower at Ace Hardware or Blain’s Farm & Fleet.

Best Riding

John Deere S130 42" Lawn Tractor

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What We Like

• High vantage point provides safe viewing while mowing
• Tight turning radius enables clean cutting paths
• Comfortable seat and controls
• All-in-one oil and filter canister simplifies maintenance

What We Don’t Like

• Limited performance on steep hills

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Specs

• Power source 22 hp V-twin gas engine
• Deck size 42 inches
• Type Lawn tractor

For larger yards between ½ to 2 acres, a bigger grass cutting machine is essential. The John Deere S130—with its 22 horsepower (hp) V-twin engine, 42-inch deck, and wide 20 by 10-8 rear tires—offers excellent mowing ability plus performance and comfort features that extend its range of use. It features hydrostatic operation, a single-lever throttle with spring-return choke, an ergonomic deck-height adjustment lever, a dash-mounted digital fuel gauge, and John Deere’s Easy Change 30-second oil change system. The included drop-pin towing hitch and power take-off (PTO) make it compatible with a wide range of John Deere branded and non-branded yard implements such as utility carts, spreaders, sweepers, snow blowers, and more.

During testing, we found the high open-back seat nicely cushioned and supportive while allowing excellent ventilation. We thought the deck height, blade engagement, and throttle controls were well positioned for convenience and safe operation. If you can handle its slightly elevated price tag, this mower offers tons of value, making it an excellent choice for most larger yards.

What our tester says: “We like the S130 lawn tractor because it’s more comfortable, capable, and maneuverable than many comparable options. It does well on grassy slopes up to 13 degrees, has a tighter real-life turning radius thanks to superior weight balance, and its seat base is several inches higher than others for a better operator vantage point.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer

Read our full review: John Deere S130 42″ Lawn Tractor

Get the John Deere lawn mower at Lowe’s or a local John Deere dealer.

Best Electric Riding

Craftsman 42" 56V MAX Battery-Powered Riding Mower

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What We Like

• Extremely tight turning radius
• 1.75 hours of runtime for up to 3.5 acres
• Operates similarly to gas-powered models
• Mulching, bagging, and side discharge capable (accessories sold separately)

What We Don’t Like

• Costs nearly two times as much as a gas version
• Doesn’t create much vacuum to pull grass upright
• Not powerful enough for overgrown, weedy areas

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Specs

• Power source 56V 60Ah battery
• Deck Size 42 inches
• Type Lawn tractor

As the trend toward electric lawn equipment continues, those with larger properties continually have more options. One of them is this Craftsman 56V MAX riding mower, our favorite electric riding mower thanks to its excellent battery life, easy maneuverability, increased user comfort, and wide-ranging versatility. It features three brushless motors powered by a 56V 60Ah lithium-ion battery that charges in 4.5 hours and provides about 1.75 hours (3.5 acres) of runtime. Its controls feel very similar to a comparably sized gas-powered hydrostatic lawn tractor—no gears to shift—with simple forward and reverse pedals for travel and mowing speed up to 6 miles per hour. It has a 42-inch cutting deck, LED headlights, a towing hitch, an electronic PTO for blade engagement, and an electronic mowing-in-reverse override switch. The cutting deck is manually adjustable with a lever, with 12 settings from 1.5 to 4.5 inches high.

As with other battery mowers, mowing with the Craftsman battery-powered lawn tractor was significantly quieter than gas and nearly silent when traveling with the mower blades disengaged. Unfortunately, it was underpowered for tall grass or weedy spots where the shallow deck didn’t provide adequate airflow to pull the grass blades upright. Thus, it will be better for weekly lawn maintenance than inconsistent or occasional mowing. 

What our tester says: “The TurnTight steering system on this model is fantastic. It allows the mower to carve incredibly tight turns—a 5-inch turning radius, according to Craftsman—making it easy to edge tree mulch rings. We also thought the seat was comfortable, the ride was smooth, and the controls were responsive.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer  

Read our full review: Craftsman 42″ 56V MAX Battery-Powered Riding Mower

Get the Craftsman 56V MAX lawn mower at Lowe’s or Ace Hardware. 

Best Robotic

Worx WR147 20V Landroid M ¼-Acre Robotic Lawn Mower

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What We Like

• Works via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for hands-off mowing
• Brushless motor extends battery life
• Onboard rain sensor protects from potential damage

What We Don’t Like

• Setup procedure is quite detailed
• Docking station must be perfectly level

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Specs

• Power source 20V 4Ah battery
• Deck Size 8 inches
• Type Robotic

This robotic lawn mower from Worx functions much like a robot vacuum cleaner, automatically mowing a preset area determined by wire barriers. It uses a laser eye to avoid obstacles and has two large rear-drive wheels that allow it to turn on a dime while carrying it through a yard as large as a quarter acre. It can also connect to a smart device, enabling users to run daily schedules or direct the mower to stop or start remotely. 

Setting up the robotic mini lawn mower took about 2.5 hours, including installing the Landroid mobile app, pairing the mower and base station to our Wi-Fi, and setting the boundary wire. Fortunately, the process was straightforward, thanks to easy-to-follow instructions and tutorial videos. Once we set a mowing area with a sloped section, a narrow corridor, a broad contiguous area, and an off-limits landscape bed, the Landroid mowed on time every time and stayed inbounds without a problem. On an evening when rain moved in, the rain sensor picked it up and sent the unit back to its base station to wait it out. The only challenge we encountered was that the mower initially did not dock properly after mowing because the base station was not sitting level. 

What our tester says: “A week after we installed the Landroid, the grass it cut still looked freshly mowed—except the edges. Those looking to infuse robotics’s time-, fuel-, and labor-saving benefits into their lawn-care routine may want to consider Landroid.”—Mark Wolfe, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Read our full review: Worx WR147 Landroid M ¼-Acre Robotic Lawn Mower

Get the Worx lawn mower at Amazon, Lowe’s, Tractor Supply Co., Walmart, Target, or Worx.

Best Battery-Powered

Ego Power+ 21" Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

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What We Like

• 56V battery provides 60 minutes of runtime
• 2-stage motor increases power output as needed
• Self-propel pace adjusts easily with handle-mounted control

What We Don’t Like

• Drive system emits a whiny sound
• Self-propelled feature cuts runtime in half

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Specs

• Power source 56V 4Ah, 5Ah, 7.5Ah or 10Ah battery
• Deck size 21 inches
• Type Self-propelled walk-behind

The Ego Power+ 21-inch mower offers a feature-rich design with a load-sensing motor that automatically boosts power in tough cutting conditions. Its variable-speed self-propelled wheels reach up to 3.1 mph, and it has an easy-to-adjust handle-mounted lever for smooth control. Additional user-friendly features include LED headlights, a single-lever deck-height adjustment, a fold-down handle, and three grass disposal options.

We tested this mower with a 7.5Ah battery, which lasted about 60 minutes on a single charge—enough to mow a half-acre yard without stopping. (Ego Power+ also offers 4Ah, 5Ah, and 10Ah batteries.) Impressively, the battery recharged in just 60 minutes, making it one of the fastest-charging battery-powered mowers we tested. It handled varied terrain well, leaving a clean, even cut without needing a second pass—except when we deliberately let the grass overgrow for testing.

The main downside was battery drain when using the self-propel feature, which cut runtime in half. Additionally, the self-propelled wheels were noisier than expected. Still, with strong mowing performance, quick recharging, and comfortable handling, this mower proved to be a top-tier choice for battery-powered lawn care.

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

Get the Ego Power+ lawn mower at Amazon (with 5Ah battery) or Lowe’s (tool only).

Best Electric

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

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What We Don’t Like

• Doesn’t require battery charging or fuel refills
• Lightweight for excellent maneuverability
• Offers bagging and mulching options

What We Like

• Cord limits use in large spaces
• No side-discharge and not self-propelled

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Specs

• Power source 11-amp corded motor
• Deck size 14 inches
• Type Walk-behind

The American Lawn Mower 14-inch corded electric mower offers an affordable and eco-friendly solution that eliminates the hassle and expense of gas or batteries. Its 14-inch deck suits smaller yards and storage areas, and since it only weighs about 20 pounds, it’s also very easy to maneuver. While it’s odd that it doesn’t have a side-discharge option, you can still bag or mulch clippings. It also has a convenient single lever for height control, eliminating the need to adjust each wheel individually. 

In our tests, this model delivered a rock-solid performance. Installing the handle and cord retainers only took about 10 minutes, and it mowed and bagged well, even in dense, weedy grass. To prevent cord damage or entanglement, we started mowing close to our electrical outlet and moved progressively farther away. This technique worked like a charm, and we ended up really appreciating this unit’s minimal environmental impact alongside its quiet and capable performance. 

Get the American Lawn Mower lawn mower at Amazon or American Lawn Mower.

Best Push

Fiskars StaySharp Max 18" Reel Mower

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What We Like

• Manual operation for emission-free lawn care
• Self-sharpening blade system minimizes maintenance
• Mowing height adjusts easily between 1 and 4 inches
• Has front- and rear-discharge options
• Ergonomic handle and inertia drive system make operation easy

What We Don’t Like

• Heavier and bulkier than other manual reel mowers
• Grass catcher is sold separately
• Small wheels struggle a bit in rougher terrain

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• Power source Manual
• Deck size 18 inches
• Type Reel

Manual reel mowers are the best choice for truly clean lawn care with grab-and-go convenience. While battery mowers earn praise for their low emissions, electricity still produces emissions, and battery disposal can be problematic. However, traditional reel mowers often struggle on anything other than flat, pristine lawns and require frequent sharpening and blade adjustments. The Fiskars StaySharp Max reel mower solves these issues with its InertiaDrive system and StaySharp blades.

At 52 pounds, this manual mower is bulkier than traditional models. Nevertheless, its gear-assisted drive and ergonomic handle make it significantly easier to maneuver than other reel mowers we tested. It easily sliced through coarse weeds and small sticks, allowing it to handle a wide variety of terrain and grass types. Additionally, it cuts closer to the edges, providing a more precise finish. The only downside we found was the 8-inch wheels, which felt slightly undersized when tackling taller grass or bumpy ground. However, we appreciated the lever-controlled height adjustment and the adjustable clipping chute, which lets you direct clippings either in front or behind the mower.

Read our full review: Fiskars StaySharp Max 18″ Reel Mower

Get the Fiskars lawn mower at Amazon or Walmart.

Best For Small Yards

DeWalt 2X20V MAX 21.5" Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

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What We Like

• Heavy-duty steel deck and ergonomic cushioned grip
• Front-wheel drive for safe operation and smooth turns
• 2-stage brushless motor accommodates tough conditions

What We Don’t Like

• Too heavy to use without self-propel
• Recharging is slow
• Battery compartment has an awkward design

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Specs

• Power source Two 20V 10Ah batteries
• Deck size 21.5 inches
• Type Self-propelled walk-behind

With mulching, bagging, and side-discharge capabilities, the DeWalt 2X20V MAX self-propelled lawn mower has a better-than-average build quality and thoughtful design. Its heavy-duty 21.5-inch 15-gauge stamped-steel deck adjusts to six different cutting heights from 1.5 to 4 inches, and it comes with two batteries that offer up to 60 minutes of runtime each. This pick also features an adjustable front-wheel-drive self-propulsion system that makes operation easy on virtually any terrain, and its motor uses auto-sensing technology to increase torque in tough conditions.

We tested the DeWalt on a 10,000-square-foot area in our yard with steep slopes, weedy spots, and dense grass. When adjusted to 2.5 inches high with the grass catcher in place, it covered about 5,000 square feet per charge. At 3.5 inches, that extended to about 8,000 square feet and 40 minutes of runtime—20 minutes less than DeWalt’s claim of 60 minutes. Recharging was a time-consuming 8 hours with the included chargers. Still, the controls were conveniently laid out, and the cushioned handle was comfortable. It was also easier to turn than rear-wheel drive mowers, although it was a bit cumbersome to push without self-propel on. As a bonus, it only needs about 2.5 square feet of storage space thanks to its fold-flat handle and vertical storage capability.

Read our full review: DeWalt 2X20V MAX 21.5″ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Get the DeWalt lawn mower at The Home Depot.

Jump to Our Top Picks

How We Tested the Best Lawn Mowers

After sourcing mowers according to the shopping considerations below, we assembled and tested them in an average yard with mixed grass types, a few weeds, and rolling terrain. We evaluated them based on general quality and durability, mowing power and cut quality, and operator comfort and convenience.

We also tested each according to its claimed abilities. We used the riding mowers in larger and sometimes rougher areas, assessing them for power, speed, and comfort. We tested push and walk-behind lawn mowers mostly on well-established and well-maintained lawn spaces, evaluating their cut quality and user convenience. For the robotic mower, we actually premowed the grass ahead of testing, as the mower is intended to maintain rather than reduce grass height.

What to Consider When Choosing a Lawn Mower

When shopping for one of the best lawn mowers, it’s vital to consider factors like deck size and fuel requirements in addition to mower type. 

Types of Lawn Mowers

The first step in selecting the right mower is to decide which of the three main types best suits your yard.

Walk-Behind 

Walk-behind mowers come in two types: push and self-propelled. A push lawn mower requires manual power to propel it forward and does not have power-assisted wheels. Push models include gas-powered, electric (corded), battery-powered, and reel mowers. Self-propelled mowers have power-assisted wheels that pull the mower forward. Some also have an adjustment feature to increase or decrease the travel speed for improved operator comfort and convenience. 

Riding

Riding mowers include zero-turn mowers, lawn tractors, and rear-engine riding mowers. Zero-turn mowers, the most expensive lawn mowers on the market, have a motor that sits behind the operator and are controlled using two levers. The mowers get their name from their ability to pivot 360 degrees in place. Zero-turn mowers also have very broad mowing decks. Their size and maneuverability make them ideal for cutting large lawns with obstacles the user must drive around. 

A lawn tractor looks similar to a farm tractor since its motor is in the front. Using a steering wheel, the user operates the tractor from a driver’s seat. Lawn tractors have broad mowing decks but do not have the small turning radius of a zero-turn tractor. Because of their balance and traction, lawn tractors are well suited for mowing hilly terrain and may be used for other property management tasks like towing a utility cart or plowing snow.

Rear-engine lawn mowers are similar to lawn tractors but have their engines in the rear. Rear-engine lawn tractors typically have smaller decks, though they allow for greater operator visibility and nimbler handling. 

Robotic

Robotic mowers are the newest type of lawn mower. They look similar to robotic vacuum cleaners, only they are larger and have bigger wheels that enable them to move through grass. Robotic lawn mowers can mow a yard automatically while being controlled via a smart device. 

These lawn mowers are powered by a rechargeable battery and can be programmed to mow the lawn at scheduled times. Robotic mowers require you to set up wires in the yard that create boundaries for the mower so it doesn’t wander away. They also use laser-eye technology that spots obstacles in the yard so the mower can evade them. 

Drive

Self-propelled mowers come in different drive wheel options, including front-wheel, rear-wheel, and all-wheel drive. 

• Front-wheel drive mowers are easy to turn since they allow the operator to raise the front wheels and use the back wheels to pivot. 
• Rear-wheel drive mowers place the bulk of the mower’s weight over the drive wheels, creating better traction for climbing inclines and slopes. 
• All-wheel drive mowers are well suited to yards with more extreme slopes and rougher terrain. 

Cutting Width and Yard Size

A mower’s deck size determines the width of the swath of grass it can cut with each pass and, hence, how quickly it can mow the lawn. A wider deck makes a mower less nimble, making it awkward in small lawns with flower beds, trees, and gardens. 

A walk-behind mower with a deck up to 22 inches is usually a good size for a smaller yard of up to about half an acre. Kody Ketterling, founder of lawn maintenance company K-IT Products, says this size mower is “easier to move around, fits in those smaller yards, and produces a good clean cut.” 

Riding mowers with decks that range between 30 and 46 inches are a good choice for lawns up to one acre. Zero-turn mowers and lawn tractors with 48- to 60-inch decks can be efficient choices for larger properties.

Fuel Type

Good lawn mowers can use one of three fuels: corded electricity, gas, or rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. 

Electric mowers supply a constant source of power. However, they are limited by a cord that connects to a standard wall outlet, making them somewhat awkward to use. Still, they are extremely durable, have no batteries to recharge or replace, and are almost entirely maintenance free.

Gas-powered lawn mowers provide the greatest amount of power, run a long time on a single tank, and have no recharge time to worry about. However, gas lawn mowers are loud, require more maintenance than electric mowers, and produce exhaust fumes. 

Battery-powered mowers run on lithium-ion batteries. They are easier to start than gas-powered lawn mowers and do not create exhaust fumes. However, they are less powerful and generally limited to about 45 minutes of runtime per charge, with terrain, grass conditions, and battery-using features (such as self-propel or certain grass-disposal options) taken into account. A battery-powered mower may cost more than a gas mower, and the batteries typically need to be replaced every 5 years. 

Blade Type

Mowers have either of two blade types: rotary or cylinder. Most residential lawn mowers have rotary blades that spin horizontally, crosscutting the tops of grass blades to trim them to the desired height. 

Cylinder blades cut the grass using a shearing action that creates a clean cut, even at a low height.  Motorized models are generally confined to sports fields and golf courses, while manual models, or reel mowers, are used on residential lawns. Manual models can cut generally in a range of 0.5 to 3 inches—with the Fiskars model above being a bit of an outlier, cutting up to 4 inches. Since they’re push-powered, reel mowers excel when cutting fine, straight-growing grasses but can bog down in coarse, wiry grass.

Grass Disposal Options 

Mowers offer different methods for grass disposal, including side discharge, mulching, and bagging. Side discharge ejects the grass clippings out of the side of the mower onto the lawn. Mulching keeps the grass clippings under the deck, allowing the blade to cut them multiple times to produce a fine mulch that quickly incorporates into the soil. A bagger lawn mower collects the clippings in a bag at the rear of the mower. 

Additional Features 

Mowers generally have additional features that make them easier to operate and maintain. Deck-height adjustment allows you to increase or decrease the mowing height for optimal lawn health. Ketterling advises shoppers to “make sure that adjusting the deck is easy and doesn’t take a lot of time to do.“ 

Other useful features include mowing decks with built-in wash-out ports that make them easier to clean, switches that make it easy to change between cutting options, and easy-to-operate variable-speed controls for self-propelled mowers.

Many riding mowers have LED headlights for nighttime mowing, drink holders, adjustable plush ergonomic seating, and many other convenient features.

Brand

Walking into the lawn and garden section of The Home Depot, Lowe’s, or any big box store can seem daunting, especially when there are dozens of mower models to choose from. Narrowing your search to the best lawn mower brands is a good way to start shopping. The following brands have proven themselves to offer the most durable, feature-driven lawn mowers on the market. 

• Troy-Bilt: Despite its solid reputation for building well-designed and reliable mowers, Troy-Bilt still manages to keep its prices comparatively lower than other leading brands.
• Greenworks: Greenworks innovations include its SmartCut technology, which increases or decreases the mower blades’ speed based on the lawn’s thickness to maximize battery life.
• Craftsman: Durably made, reliable, and priced at a fraction of the cost of other brands, Craftsman lawn tractors remain one of the best values among riding lawn mowers.
• Honda: Honda lawn mowers start quickly, require little maintenance, and last for a long, long time. One reason for this is Honda’s patented two-blade cutting system, which reduces the wear and tear on the engine and blades.
• Worx: A company renowned for its innovation of lawn and power tools, Worx has become one of the leaders of the robotic lawn mower movement. Its line of Landroid mowers is reliable and consistently makes our lists of lawn mower picks. 
• DeWalt: It may be known for its power tools, but DeWalt’s battery-powered lawn mowers can compete for the best. Their heavy-duty steel decks paired with a front-wheel drive self-propelled system are ideal for yards of any size and elevation.  
• Toro: Toro entered the push mower market all the way back in 1948 and has been innovating and tweaking its line of push mowers ever since. They start easily and last longer than many other mower types.
• American Lawn Mower Company: Specializing in environmentally friendly lawn and garden tools, the American Lawn Mower Company features high-efficiency models with low-maintenance, noise-free motors that emit no emissions.
• Fiskars: Fiskars is known for its eco-friendly, self-propelled reel mowers that utilize the most current engineering to efficiently mow just about any yard. Its StaySharp Cutting System cuts through twigs and weeds, and these mowers can handle even the toughest terrain.
• John Deere: John Deere has leveraged over 100 years of experience building tractors to produce riding mowers renowned for being powerful, high performing, and durable. The company is also well regarded for its customer service,
• Ego: Ego has gained a reputation for being one of the top innovators in battery-powered lawn mowers. Select Cut is among its most impressive innovations, allowing the user to switch between three blade types.
• Husqvarna: Husqvarna’s product line is among the most durable and reliable brands on the market. The brand often includes higher-end features, such as pedal-operated speed and direction control as well as ergonomic seating. 
• Cub Cadet: Cub Cadet riding mowers have a solid reputation for being well built, reliable, and producing a beautiful cut. They also have features rarely found on other mowers, such as cruise control and pedal-speed control.

FAQs

If you have concerns about maintaining a lawn mower or are wondering how big an engine the mower needs, answers to these and other common questions appear below. 

Q. How long should a lawn mower last? 

Most mowers can last about 10 years, depending on how often they are used and how well they are maintained.

Q. How powerful of a lawn mower do I need?

“Power makes the lawn mower work more efficiently,” explains Ketterling. This makes choosing the appropriate amount of power essential. Engine sizes for walk-behind mowers range from 140cc to 190cc. For tough terrain with thick grass, a larger engine is usually a better choice.

Q. Can I replace the pull cord on a lawn mower? 

Yes. In fact, replacing the pull cord on a mower is a fairly simple repair, requiring just a screwdriver and wrench.

Q. How long does a lawn mower’s battery last?  

As a general rule of thumb, a riding lawn mower’s battery can last about 4 years. The rechargeable battery on an electric mower can last about 5 years. 

Q. How do I clean my lawn mower?

To clean a mower, tip the mower over to access the deck. Remove any grass clippings or debris that may be wrapped around the blade or stuck to the bottom of the deck. Wet the deck with a garden hose, then spray the underside with an all-purpose cleaner. Scrub the deck with a brush, then rinse thoroughly. Turn the mower back upright and use a damp rag or paper towel to wipe down the housing. 

Q. How often do I need to change spark plugs in my lawn mower?

Change the spark plugs in the spring at the beginning of the mowing season or after 100 hours of use. 

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 Tony Carrick.

 

This Is the Year for a Kitchen Renovation

Whether you’re selling or staying, everyone can get something out of a kitchen update. Learn why we consider this renovation the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to stay on budget.

Where to Start