Maintaining a small lawn shouldn’t require the noise, fumes, and maintenance of a gas mower. Electric lawn mowers offer a cleaner, quieter, and more user-friendly alternative, making your weekly chore a breeze. Whether you prioritize cordless freedom or the unlimited runtime of a corded model, there’s a perfect electric mower designed for your patch of green.
This roundup focuses on the best electric mowers specifically for smaller yards. We’ve selected models that are lightweight, easy to maneuver, and efficient, ensuring you get a pristine cut without the hassle. From premium self-propelled options to compact and budget-friendly choices, our list will help you find the ideal tool to keep your lawn looking its best all season long.
The Best Electric Lawn Mowers for Small Lawns
- EGO POWER+ Electric Lawn Mower, Self-Propelled Cordless
- Snapper XD 82V MAX Electric Cordless 21″ Push Lawn Mower
- WORX 40V 14″ Cordless Lawn Mower for Small Yards
- RYOBI Lawn Mower 20 in. 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless
- BLACK+DECKER Lawn Mower, Corded, 13-Amp, 20-Inch
- DEWALT 60V FLEXVOLT 20″ Brushless Chainsaw – Bare Tool
- Greenworks 80V 21″ Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower
- Toro 60V MAX 21 in. Stripe Push Lawn Mower
- CRAFTSMAN V20 Lawn Mower, Push Mower, Lightweight
- Sun Joe MJ401E 14-Inch Electric Lawn Mower
EGO POWER+ Electric Lawn Mower, Self-Propelled Cordless
The EGO POWER+ LM2102SP is a top-tier choice for those seeking a gas-like experience without the drawbacks. Its self-propel feature, with an adjustable speed from 0.9 to 3.1 MPH, makes mowing hills and large sections of lawn effortless. You get up to 60 minutes of quiet, powerful cutting on a single charge with the included 56V battery.
This mower is built for a quality cut with six-position height adjustments ranging from 1.5 to 4 inches. The battery includes a fuel gauge, so you always know how much runtime you have left. It’s a comprehensive system designed for performance and convenience.
Snapper XD 82V MAX Electric Cordless 21″ Push Lawn Mower
For those already invested in the Snapper 82V ecosystem or looking for a powerful, bare-tool mower, the Snapper XD is an excellent option. It features a robust 21-inch steel mowing deck and offers a 3-in-1 design, allowing you to mulch, bag, or side-discharge clippings based on your preference.
This mower provides up to 45 minutes of runtime with a compatible 2.0Ah battery (sold separately). Its design focuses on delivering serious cutting power for small to medium lawns, giving you the flexibility to use existing batteries or choose a kit that fits your needs.
WORX 40V 14″ Cordless Lawn Mower for Small Yards
The WORX WG779 is perfectly sized for very small yards and tight spaces. Its compact 14-inch deck is lightweight and easy to maneuver around garden beds and obstacles. This mower comes with two 20V 4.0Ah batteries and a dual charger, providing ample power for up to 1/8 of an acre.
A standout feature is the Intellicut system, which uses sensors to automatically adjust power output based on grass thickness, ensuring a smooth cut and maximizing battery efficiency. As part of the PowerShare platform, the batteries are interchangeable with over 140 other WORX tools.
RYOBI Lawn Mower 20 in. 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless
RYOBI is known for its reliable and extensive 40V outdoor tool lineup, and this 20-inch mower is a solid contender. The brushless motor is a key feature, providing greater efficiency, longer life, and more torque for cutting through tough grass. This results in extended runtime and quieter operation compared to brushed motors.
With a 20-inch cutting deck, it balances a wide cutting path with good maneuverability for small lawns. It’s designed to be part of the broader RYOBI 40V system, allowing you to power multiple tools with the same batteries, making it a smart choice for homeowners looking to build a cordless tool collection.
BLACK+DECKER Lawn Mower, Corded, 13-Amp, 20-Inch
If you want to eliminate battery concerns entirely, the BLACK+DECKER MM2000 corded electric mower is a fantastic value. The 13-amp motor delivers consistent, powerful cutting performance for its entire runtime—which is unlimited as long as you have an outlet. This makes it ideal for small lawns where a cord isn’t a significant limitation.
Convenience is highlighted with its tool-free, single-lever height adjustment, offering seven settings from 1.5 to 4 inches. It’s a simple, straightforward, and powerful mower that starts with the push of a button and requires very little maintenance.
DEWALT 60V FLEXVOLT 20″ Brushless Chainsaw – Bare Tool
Please note: This product appears to be a chainsaw, not a lawn mower. It may have been included in the list in error. The features described, such as quick chain adjustment and a chain brake, are specific to a chainsaw’s function for cutting wood.
As a chainsaw, it is designed for yard tasks like pruning trees, cutting firewood, or clearing small branches. Its 60V FLEXVOLT battery platform offers strong power for demanding cutting jobs, and the tool-less chain adjustment makes maintenance quick and easy.
Greenworks 80V 21″ Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower
The Greenworks 80V mower is built for power and endurance. With the included 4.0Ah battery and rapid charger, it can handle up to half an acre on a single charge, making it more than capable for most small to medium-sized lawns. The brushless motor ensures maximum efficiency, torque, and a longer operational life.
This mower includes practical features like an LED headlight for mowing in low-light conditions and a durable steel deck. It operates at a noise level three times quieter than a gas mower, and the battery is compatible with over 75 other tools in the Greenworks 80V ecosystem.
Toro 60V MAX 21 in. Stripe Push Lawn Mower
Toro is a respected name in lawn care, and this 60V model lives up to the reputation. Its signature feature is the ability to create professional-looking stripes on your lawn, giving it a manicured, ballpark appearance. The mower is also remarkably lightweight, making it easy to push and lift.
This is a bare-tool model, offering the flexibility to choose a battery that fits your lawn’s size. You can select from several 60V MAX battery options (4.0Ah to 7.5Ah) to customize your runtime. The patent-pending design focuses on delivering an exceptional cut quality and grass lay-down.
CRAFTSMAN V20 Lawn Mower, Push Mower, Lightweight
The CRAFTSMAN CMCMW220P2 is an ideal solution for yards with limited storage space. Its unique vertical storage capability allows it to take up 78% less space in your garage or shed. Despite its compact storage, it has a standard 20-inch cutting deck and a brushless motor that provides up to 50 minutes of runtime.
This mower is also designed for excellent maneuverability. Its low-profile deck can be set to a height of just 10 inches, allowing you to easily mow under patio furniture, shrubs, and other obstacles. It’s a smart, space-saving design for the modern homeowner.
Sun Joe MJ401E 14-Inch Electric Lawn Mower
The Sun Joe MJ401E is a compact and economical choice for very small lawns, patios, and confined spaces. Its 14-inch cutting width makes it highly maneuverable and easy to control. As a corded model, it provides unlimited runtime, so you can take as long as you need without worrying about a battery charge.
This mower is designed for simplicity and ease of use, offering a straightforward operation that is perfect for first-time mower owners or those with minimal lawn care needs. It’s a no-fuss tool that gets the job done efficiently in tight quarters.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in the Best Electric Lawn Mower for a Small Lawn
When I started looking for a new mower for my own modest backyard, I realized the options were overwhelming. Choosing the right one isn’t just about picking the cheapest or the one with the most features. For small lawns, your priorities shift. You need something that’s easy to store, simple to use, and gets the job done without a huge fuss. Here’s what I learned to focus on during my search.
First, decide between corded and cordless battery-powered models. A corded electric mower is fantastic if your yard is truly compact and you have an outdoor power outlet handy. You never have to worry about running out of battery mid-mow, and they’re often lighter and less expensive. The main drawback is the cord itself; you have to be mindful of not running it over, and it limits your range to the length of your extension cord. For a battery-powered mower, you get complete freedom of movement. This is a huge plus if you have obstacles like trees or garden beds. The key here is to check the battery’s voltage and Amp-hour (Ah) rating. For a small lawn, a 40V to 60V battery with around 4-5 Ah is usually more than enough for a single cut and often leaves some charge to spare.
Next, consider the cutting width. This determines how many passes you’ll need to make across your grass. For small lawns, a cutting width between 14 and 19 inches is the sweet spot. A narrower mower is easier to maneuver in tight spaces and store in a crowded shed or garage. Don’t feel pressured to get the widest deck you can find; a smaller one is often more practical for a typical city lot.
Another feature I now pay close attention to is the height adjustment. Look for a mower that makes it easy to change the cutting height with a single lever that controls all four wheels simultaneously. This is so much more convenient than adjusting each wheel individually. Think about the type of grass you have and how you like it to look. Most mowers offer a range from about 1.5 to 4 inches, which covers most grass types.
Finally, think about the mower’s weight and how it folds or stores. A lighter mower is easier to carry up and down porch steps or lift into a storage closet. Many modern electric mowers have a folding handle, which is a game-changer for saving space. Also, consider the grass collection bag. A smaller bag is fine for a small lawn, but make sure it’s easy to attach and remove. If you prefer mulching, check that the mower has a quality mulching blade and plug to finely chop the clippings and return nutrients to your soil. By focusing on these key areas, you can find one of the 10 best electric lawn mowers for small lawns this year that fits your specific needs perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a corded or cordless mower better for a small lawn?
This is the big one, and the answer really depends on your yard’s layout. If your lawn is very simple, with few obstacles and a handy outdoor outlet, a corded mower is a great, cost-effective choice. You get consistent power with no battery to charge. However, if you have garden beds, trees, or other features to mow around, managing the cord can be a real hassle. For that kind of yard, the freedom of a cordless model is worth the investment. You just have to remember to charge the battery before you plan to mow.
How long does the battery last on a single charge?
Battery life varies a lot based on the mower’s power and the battery’s capacity. For most modern 40V to 80V mowers designed for small to medium lawns, you can expect about 30 to 60 minutes of runtime. That’s usually plenty for a small lawn, and it often leaves you with some power to trim edges with a compatible string trimmer. Always check the “Ah” (Amp-hour) rating—a higher number generally means a longer runtime. For a typical city lot, a 4.0 Ah or 5.0 Ah battery should be more than sufficient.
Do I need a bag, or is mulching okay?
Both options work well! Mulching is my personal preference for small lawns because it’s less work. The mower chops the grass clippings into tiny pieces and deposits them back onto the lawn, where they decompose and act as a natural fertilizer. This means no stopping to empty a bag. However, if you let your grass get too long between mows, or if you prefer a perfectly clean look with no clippings visible, then using the collection bag is the way to go. Many of the best electric mowers for small lawns this year come with both mulching and bagging capabilities, so you can choose based on your mood or the condition of your grass.
Are electric mowers powerful enough for my grass?
This was a concern of mine too, but modern electric mowers are surprisingly powerful. For most common turf grasses found in residential lawns, a good electric mower has more than enough power to get a clean cut. They struggle less with thick, wet grass than they used to, but it’s still a best practice to mow when the grass is dry for the cleanest result. The instant torque from an electric motor often gives them a strong starting advantage over some gas mowers.
How much should I expect to spend?
You can find a reliable electric mower for a small lawn in a wide price range. Basic corded models can start around $200, while good-quality cordless mowers typically range from $300 to $600. The higher-end models often come with features like metal decks, more powerful batteries, and “tool-only” options if you already own a compatible battery from the same brand. Think of it as an investment that saves you money on gas and oil and eliminates the maintenance headaches of a gas engine.