A beautiful, well-manicured lawn starts with the right equipment. But with so many types of lawn mowers available—from powerful gas models to quiet, eco-friendly electric options—choosing the best one for your specific yard can feel overwhelming. The perfect mower for a small, flat city lawn is vastly different from the ideal machine for a sprawling, hilly acreage.
This guide simplifies your search by highlighting eight of the best lawn mowers on the market. We have considered a variety of yard sizes, power sources, and user preferences to help you find a mower that will keep your grass looking its best with minimal fuss, season after season.
Our Top Lawn Mower Picks
- Greenworks 80V 21″ Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower
- EGO Power+ LM2135SP 21-Inch 56-Volt Cordless Mower
- Honda HRN216VKA 21-Inch Walk Behind Mower
- Sun Joe MJ401E 14-Inch Electric Lawn Mower
- American Lawn Mower Company 14-Inch Push Reel Mower
- Snapper XD 82V MAX 21-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower
- Toro Recycler 22-Inch SmartStow Gas Mower
- DeWALT 20-Inch 56V MAX Cordless Lawn Mower
Greenworks 80V 21″ Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower
For those seeking gas-like power without the noise and maintenance, the Greenworks 80V is a top contender. Its robust brushless motor delivers high torque for a consistent cut and a longer operational life. The 21-inch steel deck is built to last, and with the ability to mow up to half an acre on a single charge, it handles larger yards with ease.
Convenience is a key feature, highlighted by the integrated LED headlight that extends your mowing window into the early morning or evening. This mower is also part of the Greenworks 80V ecosystem, meaning the included 4.0Ah battery and rapid charger are compatible with over 75 other tools. Best of all, it operates at a noise level three times quieter than a typical gas mower.
EGO Power+ LM2135SP 21-Inch 56-Volt Cordless Mower
The EGO Power+ LM2135SP is a leader in the cordless electric category, known for its innovative features and strong performance. It offers a versatile 3-in-1 design, allowing you to mulch, bag, or side-discharge clippings based on your preference. The weather-resistant construction means you don’t have to worry about leaving it in the shed.
This model includes EGO’s Peak Power technology, which automatically increases power to the blade when tackling thick or dense grass. With a long runtime from its 56V ARC Lithium battery, it can handle up to 45 minutes of mowing on a single charge. The one-touch height adjustment makes it simple to change cutting settings across all four wheels at once.
Honda HRN216VKA 21-Inch Walk Behind Mower
Honda is synonymous with reliability in the small engine world, and the HRN216VKA gas mower lives up to that reputation. Powered by a durable and fuel-efficient Honda GCV170 engine, it starts reliably and provides consistent power for a clean cut every time. The MicroCut twin blades are designed to slice grass clippings into finer pieces for a superior mulching performance.
This mower is built for ease of use with the versatile 4-in-1 Versamow System, giving you full control over bagging, mulching, discharging, and shredding leaves. Its Nexite deck is strong yet lightweight, resisting rust and corrosion. For anyone who prefers the proven power of gas and values a long-lasting machine, this Honda is an excellent choice.
Sun Joe MJ401E 14-Inch Electric Lawn Mower
Ideal for small lawns, courtyards, and tight spaces, the Sun Joe MJ401E is a lightweight and affordable corded electric mower. Since it’s powered by an outlet, you never have to worry about battery life or running out of fuel. Its compact 14-inch cutting deck makes it easy to maneuver around garden beds and other obstacles.
Weighing just under 25 pounds, this mower is exceptionally easy to push and store. It features a 3-position height adjustment and a grass collection bag to keep your lawn tidy. For those with a smaller, flat yard who want a simple, eco-friendly mowing solution without any maintenance, this Sun Joe model delivers straightforward performance.
American Lawn Mower Company 14-Inch Push Reel Mower
Experience a quiet, emission-free cut with the American Lawn Mower Company Push Reel Mower. This manual mower is perfect for eco-conscious homeowners with small, flat lawns. It provides a clean, scissor-like cut that is healthier for your grass, promoting lush growth without the burning effect that power mowers can sometimes cause.
This mower requires no gas, oil, or electricity, making it incredibly inexpensive to operate and maintain. Its lightweight, rust-resistant design makes it easy to push and store vertically to save space. Using a reel mower is a peaceful, satisfying way to care for your lawn while getting some light exercise.
Snapper XD 82V MAX 21-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower
The Snapper XD 82V MAX offers serious battery power for demanding mowing conditions. With one of the highest voltage platforms available, it delivers the performance needed to power through tall, thick grass without hesitation. The 21-inch deck and brushless motor are designed for efficiency and durability.
This mower includes a high-capacity battery that provides ample runtime for medium to large yards. It features a 3-in-1 function for mulching, bagging, or rear discharge, giving you flexibility in how you manage your clippings. For those who need robust, cordless power and trust the Snapper name, this model is a reliable workhorse.
Toro Recycler 22-Inch SmartStow Gas Mower
The Toro Recycler combines the power of gas with innovative storage solutions. Its standout feature is the SmartStow design, which allows you to fold the handle and store the mower vertically, taking up significantly less space in your garage or shed. The personal pace self-propel system automatically adjusts the mower’s speed to your walking pace for effortless control.
This mower is equipped with a reliable Toro engine and a 22-inch cutting deck. The advanced recycler cutting system is highly effective at mulching grass clippings into tiny particles that decompose quickly to nourish your lawn. It’s an intelligent choice for anyone who wants gas power but also values compact, easy storage.
DeWALT 20-Inch 56V MAX Cordless Lawn Mower
Built with the durability and performance that professionals expect, the DeWALT 20-Inch Cordless Mower is a fantastic option for homeowners who already invest in the DeWALT tool ecosystem. Its brushless motor is engineered for high efficiency and long life, while the steel deck provides rugged durability.
This mower features a compact 20-inch cut, making it highly maneuverable. It uses DeWALT’s 56V MAX FLEXVOLT battery system, which is compatible with a wide range of other tools. With single-lever height adjustment and a robust construction, this mower is designed for a precise cut and years of dependable service.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in the 8 Best Lawn Mower for Your Yard
Choosing the right lawn mower can feel like a big decision. I’ve been through it myself, staring at a wall of options at the local hardware store. It’s not just about picking the shiniest one; it’s about finding the perfect partner for your yard work. The best choice for you depends entirely on the specific needs of your property. Let’s walk through the main things I consider before making a purchase.
First, think about your yard’s size and terrain. For a small, flat yard, a simple push reel mower or a basic electric model might be all you need. They’re quiet, easy to store, and get the job done without much fuss. If your yard is larger, maybe a half-acre or more, a self-propelled gas mower will save your energy, especially on hills. For really expansive properties, a riding mower or even a zero-turn model is a game-changer, turning a multi-hour chore into a quick ride.
Next, consider the power source. Gas mowers offer the most power and complete freedom from cords, which is great for big or complex yards. The trade-off is they require more maintenance, like oil changes and spark plug replacements, and they’re louder and produce emissions. Electric mowers are much quieter and easier to maintain—you just plug in a battery or an outlet. Corded electric mowers are limited by the length of your extension cord, while battery-powered ones offer cordless convenience. The runtime of a battery mower is key; make sure the battery can handle your entire lawn on a single charge.
Finally, don’t overlook the features that make the job easier. A mower with adjustable cutting heights lets you keep your grass at the perfect length for the season. Mulching capabilities are fantastic for feeding your lawn with its own clippings. If you prefer a clean look, a side-discharge chute is standard, but for larger lawns, a bagging system might be necessary to collect clippings. Also, look at the deck material—steel is durable but can rust, while polymer is rust-proof and lighter. By matching these factors to your yard, you’ll be well on your way to finding one of the 8 best lawn mowers for your yard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a mulching mower and a bagging mower?
A mulching mower is designed to cut grass clippings into very fine pieces and then blow them down into the lawn. These tiny clippings decompose quickly, returning valuable nutrients and moisture back to the soil, which acts as a natural fertilizer. A bagging mower, on the other hand, collects all the clippings into an attached bag. This gives your lawn a very neat and clean appearance and is helpful if your grass is too long or wet to mulch effectively. Many modern mowers offer a 3-in-1 feature, allowing you to mulch, bag, or side-discharge based on your needs.
How often should I sharpen my mower blade?
I make it a point to check my mower blade for sharpness at least once a season. A good rule of thumb is to sharpen it after every 20-25 hours of use. You’ll know it’s time when you see the tips of your grass turning brown and ragged a day or two after mowing. A dull blade tears the grass instead of cutting it cleanly, which stresses the plant and makes it more susceptible to disease. A sharp blade ensures a clean cut, which helps your lawn stay healthy and look its best.
Are battery-powered mowers as powerful as gas mowers?
This was my biggest concern when I switched to battery power. For most average-sized residential lawns, modern battery-powered mowers are absolutely powerful enough. The technology has improved dramatically. They provide plenty of torque for a clean cut, even in thicker grass. While the most powerful commercial-grade gas mowers might still have an edge for extremely tough, overgrown conditions, for the typical homeowner, a high-quality battery mower from a reputable brand will handle the job without any issue and with much less noise and maintenance.
What is the ideal height to cut my grass?
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, as it depends on your grass type. However, a general best practice is to never cut more than one-third of the grass blade at a time. For most common cool-season grasses, like Kentucky bluegrass, I keep it between 2.5 and 3.5 inches tall. Taller grass shades the soil, which helps prevent weed seeds from germinating and encourages deeper root growth. Cutting too short can scalp your lawn, leaving it weak and vulnerable to pests, diseases, and drought. Checking a quick guide for your specific grass type is the best way to find the perfect height for your yard.
Is it worth paying more for a self-propelled mower?
If you have a yard with any kind of slope or a lawn that is simply large, then yes, a self-propelled mower is absolutely worth the extra cost. I found it makes a huge difference in reducing fatigue. Instead of you pushing the mower, the mower pulls itself forward, and you just guide it. It turns a physically demanding task into a much more manageable walk. For small, flat yards, a push mower is perfectly fine and will save you money. But for anything more challenging, the investment in a self-propelled model will make the weekly chore much less daunting.