Maintaining a pristine lawn no longer requires the exhausting push-and-pull of a traditional mower. Self-propelled models are the modern solution, offering a power-assisted walk that makes mowing feel effortless. Whether you’re navigating gentle slopes, thick grass, or a simple flat yard, these machines do the heavy pushing for you, allowing you to focus on achieving a clean, even cut every single time.
The market for residential mowers has exploded with options, from powerful gas models to quiet, eco-friendly cordless electric ones. Choosing the right self-propelled mower depends on your yard’s size, terrain, and your personal preference for power source and features. This roundup highlights the top contenders for 2025, showcasing a variety of models to help you find the perfect match for your lawn care needs.
The Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers for Your Home
- Greenworks 80V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower
- MightyMow 40V 21 inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Cordless
- YARDMAX 22 in. 201cc Select PACE 6 Speed CVT Lawn Mower
- Greenworks 40V 21″ Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower
- EGO POWER+ Electric Lawn Mower, Self-Propelled Cordless
- SENIX LSSG-H2 22-Inch Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower
- Greenworks 60V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower
- PowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower with B&S Engine
- Toro 60V MAX 22 in. Recycler Lawn Mower
- Greenworks PRO 21-Inch 80V Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
Greenworks 80V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower
For those with up to a half-acre of land, the Greenworks 80V mower offers robust, gas-like power without the fumes or noise. Its high-efficiency brushless motor is built for longevity and provides substantial torque for challenging mowing conditions. The rear-wheel drive and variable speed control give you maximum traction and the ability to set a comfortable walking pace, making it easy to maneuver across your property.
This mower is part of the extensive Greenworks 80V ecosystem, which includes over 75 compatible tools. This means the included 4.0Ah battery and rapid charger are an investment in a full suite of cordless outdoor equipment. The durable steel deck ensures this mower will stand up to regular use season after season.
MightyMow 40V 21 inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Cordless
If extended runtime is your priority, the MightyMow mower delivers with its twin 8.0Ah batteries. This setup can provide up to 60 minutes of operation even with the self-propelled function engaged, making it a strong candidate for larger lawns. The brushless motor spins at a high 3500 RPM, ensuring a clean, efficient cut and effective clipping collection.
Mowing becomes a simple task of steering with this model. The self-propel system offers a speed range from 2.0 to 4.3 feet per second, which you can customize to your natural stride. This feature is particularly helpful for navigating inclines, as the mower provides consistent power to assist with hill climbing.
YARDMAX 22 in. 201cc Select PACE 6 Speed CVT Lawn Mower
For those who prefer the traditional power of gas, the YARDMAX model stands out with its industry-leading CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). This system allows you to seamlessly match the mower’s pace to your exact walking speed using a simple 6-speed shift lever. It provides superior speed variability compared to standard self-propelled systems.
This mower is built for challenging terrain with its high, aggressive rubber tires that offer significant traction on slopes and uneven ground. The 22-inch cutting deck allows you to cover more area with each pass. A convenient deck cleanout port is also included, making maintenance quick and easy after each use.
Greenworks 40V 21″ Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower
This Greenworks 40V model is an excellent entry into the world of self-propelled cordless mowing. It balances performance and value, offering up to 45 minutes of runtime from its included 5.0Ah battery. The brushless motor guarantees quiet operation, more torque, and a longer motor life, all while requiring zero maintenance.
User-friendly features include a single-lever system that adjusts the cutting height across seven positions, allowing you to quickly adapt to different grass conditions. The 3-in-1 design provides the flexibility to bag clippings for a clean finish, discharge to the side, or mulch to naturally nourish your lawn.
EGO POWER+ Electric Lawn Mower, Self-Propelled Cordless
The EGO POWER+ LM2134SP-2 is packed with innovative technology for a premium mowing experience. Its Select Cut multi-blade system is engineered to deliver a superior, customizable cut, while the Touch Drive self-propelled technology puts intuitive speed control right in the palm of your hand for effortless operation.
With two high-capacity 56V 6.0Ah batteries included, this mower can achieve up to 100 minutes of runtime on a single charge. This makes it one of the most capable cordless mowers on the market for very large lawns. The combination of power, smart features, and extended operation defines this as a top-tier choice.
SENIX LSSG-H2 22-Inch Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower
The SENIX gas mower combines a wide 22-inch cutting path with the reliable power of a Briggs & Stratton engine. This 163cc 4-cycle engine is known for its dependable performance and easy starting, making it a trustworthy workhorse for small to medium-sized yards. The self-propel feature uses a front-wheel drive system to make mowing less physically demanding.
This mower is designed with practicality in mind. It features a 3-in-1 steel deck for mulching, side-discharging, or collecting clippings in the included 19-gallon bagger. For compact storage, the handle folds down, and the mower can be stored vertically to save space in your garage or shed.
Greenworks 60V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower
This model from Greenworks strikes a great balance between power and runtime. It comes with two 4.0Ah batteries and a rapid dual-port charger, providing up to 45 minutes of cordless operation. The rear-wheel drive offers excellent traction for tackling slopes and thick grass, with on-the-go speed adjustment for precise control.
Operating three times quieter than a gas mower, this is a considerate choice for suburban neighborhoods. It also includes LED headlights for mowing in low-light conditions and offers 4-in-1 versatility: mulching, bagging, side discharge, and a turbo leaf pickup function for seasonal cleanup.
PowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower with B&S Engine
The PowerSmart mower is a reliable and efficient gas-powered option for medium to large yards. It’s equipped with a 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine, renowned for its smooth startups and durable performance over many seasons. The 21-inch steel deck is robust and designed to cut your mowing time by covering a wide path.
This mower offers the essential 3-in-1 functionality, allowing you to choose between bagging clippings with the 1.4-bushel bag, mulching them back into the lawn, or using the rear-discharge for a fast mow. With six cutting height adjustments and a self-propelled rear-wheel drive system, it provides a solid, user-friendly mowing experience.
Toro 60V MAX 22 in. Recycler Lawn Mower
The Toro Recycler is a standout for its innovative Personal Pace Auto-Drive system. This intuitive self-propel technology automatically adjusts the mower’s speed to your walking pace—no levers or knobs to adjust. You simply walk, and the mower follows, providing a truly effortless mowing experience.
This mower offers flexibility, as it is sold as a tool-only product. This allows you to select the 60V battery and charger that best fits your runtime needs and budget. It also features a reliable push-button start, dual LED headlights for visibility, and the legendary Recycler cutting system that finely mulches clippings for a healthy lawn.
Greenworks PRO 21-Inch 80V Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
For the user who demands professional-grade performance, the Greenworks PRO 80V mower is designed to deliver. As part of the PRO series, it is built with durability and power in mind, capable of handling demanding mowing conditions with ease. The 80V platform ensures consistent power output, similar to gas, but with the quiet, zero-emission benefits of battery.
This mower is ideal for larger properties where reliability and cutting performance are paramount. While specific details for the exact model may vary, the Greenworks PRO line typically includes advanced features like brushless motors, steel decks, and compatibility with the brand’s high-capacity batteries for extended runtime.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
Choosing the right self-propelled lawn mower can feel like a big decision. I know I spent a lot of time researching before I bought my last one. The key is to match the mower’s features to your specific yard and your personal preferences. Let’s break down the main things I consider when looking at the best self-propelled residential lawn mowers for 2025.
First, think about your yard’s terrain. If you have a relatively flat lawn, a single-speed or variable-speed model will probably do just fine. But if you have hills or uneven ground, you’ll want to look for a mower with a robust drive system. Front-wheel drive is common and works well on flat to gently sloping yards. Rear-wheel drive offers better traction and control on hills, as the drive wheels are also the primary weight-bearing wheels. For the ultimate in maneuverability, especially on complex landscapes, some models offer all-wheel drive.
Next, you have the power source decision: gas, electric corded, or battery-powered. Gas mowers are powerful and offer unlimited runtime, but they require more maintenance (oil changes, spark plugs, air filters) and you have to deal with fuel and emissions. Battery-powered mowers are quiet, require almost no maintenance, and start with the push of a button. The trade-off is runtime; you need to ensure the battery life matches your lawn’s size. Corded electric mowers are lightweight and have unlimited runtime, but you are constantly managing the cord, which can be a hassle in larger yards.
Cutting deck size is another major factor. A wider deck means you can cut more grass with each pass, reducing your mowing time. Common sizes are 21 inches, which is a great all-around choice for most residential properties. If you have a very large, open yard, you might consider a 22-inch or even a 30-inch model. Remember, a larger deck can be harder to maneuver around tight corners and garden beds.
Finally, don’t overlook the cutting features. Look for a mower with easy height adjustment, preferably a single lever that adjusts all wheels at once. Mulching capabilities are great for returning nutrients to your soil, while side-discharge is useful for cutting very tall grass. A bagging option is essential if you prefer a clean, clippings-free lawn. Some modern mowers even offer all three functions in one without needing to swap parts.
FAQ
What is the main advantage of a self-propelled mower?
The biggest advantage is that the mower does the work of moving itself forward. You just guide it. This makes mowing large yards, hills, or thick grass much less physically demanding compared to a push mower. It turns a strenuous chore into a simple walking task.
How long do self-propelled lawn mowers typically last?
With proper maintenance, a good quality self-propelled mower can last over ten years. Gas models might need more part replacements over time (like carburetors or drive belts), while battery-electric models have fewer mechanical parts but their battery packs will eventually need replacing after several years.
Are battery-powered self-propelled mowers as powerful as gas models?
For most residential lawns, modern battery-powered mowers are plenty powerful. They can handle thick grass effectively. The gap in raw power has narrowed significantly. The main consideration is now runtime versus your lawn’s size, not necessarily power. You’ll find many excellent options when you look at the best self-propelled residential lawn mowers for 2025.
What type of self-propelled drive system is best for a hilly yard?
For hilly terrain, rear-wheel drive (RWD) is generally the best choice. The driven wheels are under the engine, which provides superior traction and prevents the mower from slipping or losing grip on an incline. Some high-end models now offer all-wheel drive (AWD), which provides maximum traction and pushing power on all types of uneven ground.
How much should I expect to spend on a good self-propelled mower?
You can find a reliable self-propelled mower starting around $300 for a basic gas model. Mid-range models with more features like easy-fold handles, better engines, and larger batteries typically run between $500 and $700. High-end models with commercial-grade engines, all-wheel drive, or advanced battery systems can cost $800 or more.