A perfectly manicured lawn starts with the right tool for the job. For 2025, the 21-inch mower remains the gold standard for residential lawns, offering an ideal balance of cutting width and maneuverability. Whether you’re upgrading an old gas-guzzler or buying your first mower, the latest models are more powerful, efficient, and user-friendly than ever.
This roundup cuts through the noise to bring you the top contenders. We’ve evaluated a range of options, from robust gas-powered workhorses to innovative cordless electric models, to help you find the perfect match for your yard’s size and your personal preferences. Get ready to achieve a pristine cut with less effort.
The Best 21-Inch Lawn Mowers for a Perfect Cut
- Greenworks 40V 21″ Brushless Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
- PowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower with B&S Engine
- EGO POWER+ Electric Lawn Mower, Cordless
- WORX Nitro 40V 21″ Cordless Lawn Mower w/Aerodeck
- MightyMow 40V 21 inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Cordless
- Greenworks 80V 21″ Brushless Cordless Push Lawn Mower
- American Lawn Mower Company 14″ 11-Amp Corded Mower
- CRAFTSMAN Self-Propelled Gas Powered Lawn Mower
- Earthwise 16-Inch 11-Amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower
- EGO Power+ LM2135SP 21-Inch 56V Cordless Lawn Mower
Greenworks 40V 21″ Brushless Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
For those seeking a cordless experience without sacrificing power, the Greenworks 40V is a top contender. Its self-propelled feature takes the physical effort out of mowing, allowing you to guide the mower effortlessly across your lawn. The brushless motor is a key benefit, providing more torque for tough grass while operating quietly and extending the motor’s lifespan.
You can expect up to 45 minutes of runtime with the included 5.0Ah battery, making it suitable for many medium-sized yards. The 3-in-1 design gives you the flexibility to bag, mulch, or side-discharge clippings, and the single-lever height adjustment lets you quickly change cutting heights across seven positions.
PowerSmart 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower with B&S Engine
If you prefer the traditional power and unlimited runtime of gas, the PowerSmart mower is a reliable choice. It’s powered by a reputable 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine, known for its durability and consistent performance in demanding mowing conditions. The self-propelled, rear-wheel drive system provides excellent traction and control, especially on inclines.
The 21-inch steel deck efficiently cuts a wide path, reducing the time needed to maintain your lawn. With its 3-in-1 functionality, you can easily switch between using the 1.4-bushel collection bag, mulching to feed your lawn, or rear-discharging for a faster cut.
EGO POWER+ Electric Lawn Mower, Cordless
The EGO POWER+ LM2101 stands out for its user-friendly design and robust performance. It features a quick and easy push-button start, eliminating the pull-cord hassle associated with gas mowers. With the included 56V 5.0Ah ARC Lithium battery, you can achieve up to 45 minutes of quiet, emission-free mowing.
This mower offers six different cutting height settings, adjustable with just one hand. It comes ready to mulch, side-discharge, or bag clippings with the included two-bushel grass bag. Added conveniences like bright LED headlights allow for mowing in low-light conditions.
WORX Nitro 40V 21″ Cordless Lawn Mower w/Aerodeck
The WORX Nitro incorporates smart technology to make mowing more efficient. Its patented Aerodeck technology uses a vented design to increase air volume under the deck, which helps prevent clogging and clumping for a cleaner cut and a fuller collection bag. This is paired with a powerful Brushless Motor 2.0 for extended runtime and more power.
Perhaps its most innovative feature is IntelliCut technology. Sensors automatically adjust the mower’s cutting speed based on grass thickness, providing extra power for dense patches while conserving battery in thinner areas. It’s an intelligent solution for maintaining a consistent cut across a varied lawn.
MightyMow 40V 21 inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Cordless
For owners of larger lawns, the MightyMow offers an impressive runtime. With its two included 8.0Ah batteries, this mower can run for up to 60 minutes with the self-propelled function engaged. The powerful brushless motor spins at up to 3500 RPM, ensuring a clean and efficient cut every time.
The self-propelled system is designed for comfort and ease, with a variable speed control that lets you set your perfect walking pace between 2.0 and 4.3 feet per second. This makes navigating hills and large, flat areas equally manageable with minimal physical exertion.
Greenworks 80V 21″ Brushless Cordless Push Lawn Mower
This Greenworks 80V model delivers extra power for more demanding mowing tasks. The higher voltage system is designed to handle up to half an acre on a single charge of the included 4.0Ah battery. Like its 40V sibling, it features a durable steel deck and a long-life brushless motor.
A standout feature is the integrated LED headlight, which provides high visibility for early morning or late evening mowing sessions. This mower operates at a noise level three times quieter than a typical gas mower, making it a considerate choice for suburban neighborhoods.
American Lawn Mower Company 14″ 11-Amp Corded Electric Mower
For smaller lawns where a cord is not a major inconvenience, this model offers a simple and effective solution. The powerful 11-amp motor provides consistent, gas-like power without the maintenance associated with gasoline engines. You get instant start-up with the push of a button and consistent power as long as it’s plugged in.
Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to maneuver and store. This is a straightforward, no-frills mower that gets the job done with reliability and ease, perfect for flat, smaller yards.
CRAFTSMAN Self-Propelled Gas Powered Lawn Mower
The CRAFTSMAN M215 is a robust gas-powered option built for reliability. Its 159cc OHV engine is designed for strong performance and includes auto-choke for easier starting. The self-propelled system allows you to select your speed, making it easy to navigate your property without pushing.
This mower offers the versatility of 3-in-1 capabilities, letting you choose between mulching, rear-bagging, or side-discharging your grass clippings. With six adjustable cutting heights, you can easily customize the length of your grass to your preferred look.
Earthwise 16-Inch 11-Amp Corded Electric Lawn Mower
The Earthwise mower is an excellent choice for small, flat lawns where its compact 16-inch cutting width is an advantage. It’s powered by a capable 12-amp motor that provides plenty of power for most grasses. The included removable mulching plug allows you to nourish your lawn by finely chopping clippings.
User comfort is a priority, with a five-position, single-point height adjustment and multiple handle height positions. This ensures you can find a comfortable pushing posture, making your mowing session more pleasant.
EGO Power+ LM2135SP 21-Inch 56V Cordless Lawn Mower
The EGO Power+ LM2135SP combines the convenience of cordless operation with the advanced features of a premium mower. As part of the esteemed EGO lineup, it is known for its powerful performance and innovative design. It typically includes a self-propelled drive system for effortless operation across various terrains.
You can expect the quiet, emission-free performance that the EGO brand is known for, along with the flexibility of 3-in-1 functionality. This model is engineered for homeowners who want a top-tier cordless mowing experience that can compete with gas mowers in terms of power and runtime.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best 21″ Lawn Mower for You
Choosing the right 21″ lawn mower can feel like a big decision. I’ve been through it myself, staring at a wall of options at the local home center. The key is to match the mower to your specific yard and your personal preferences. Let’s break down the main things I consider when helping a friend pick one out.
First, you need to decide on power. Gas mowers are the traditional workhorses. They offer unlimited runtime, which is fantastic for larger properties, and they pack a lot of power for tough, overgrown grass. The downside is the maintenance; you have to deal with oil changes, spark plugs, and storing gasoline. They’re also louder and produce emissions. On the other hand, battery-powered mowers have become incredibly capable. They’re quiet, start with the push of a button, and require almost no regular maintenance beyond keeping the blade sharp. The limitation is battery life. You need to make sure the mower’s runtime matches the size of your lawn. For most average-sized yards, a modern lithium-ion battery system is more than sufficient.
Next, think about the cutting deck. A 21-inch deck is the sweet spot for many homeowners—it’s wide enough to cover ground efficiently but still narrow enough to maneuver through tight gates and around garden beds. The material matters, too. A steel deck is very durable but can rust over time, while a polymer deck is rust-proof and lighter, making the mower easier to push and lift.
Then there’s the drive system. If you have a relatively flat yard, a simple push mower might be all you need. If your property has hills or you just want to make the job easier, a self-propelled mower is a game-changer. It does the work of moving forward for you; you just guide it. Look for models with variable speed controls so you can set the pace that feels right for you.
Finally, don’t overlook the extra features. A good height adjustment system that’s easy to change on all four wheels is a huge plus. Mulching capabilities are great for feeding your lawn, while a side-discharge chute is handy for cutting very long grass. A bagging system is essential if you prefer a clean, clippings-free lawn. Many of the best cutting 21″ lawn mowers for 2025 offer all three functions in one machine, giving you the flexibility to adapt to any mowing condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 21-inch mower a good size for my yard?
In my experience, a 21-inch mower is the perfect balance for most residential lawns. It’s efficient enough that you aren’t spending all day mowing a half-acre lot, but it’s also not so wide that it becomes difficult to store or maneuver around trees and flower beds. If your yard is under an acre, this size is typically ideal. For very small, postage-stamp-sized lawns, you might consider an even smaller, more compact model, but for the vast majority of us, 21 inches is the gold standard.
How much should I expect to spend on a quality 21″ mower?
The price range is quite broad, which is why a buying guide is so helpful. You can find basic push mowers for a few hundred dollars. When you step up to a reliable self-propelled gas model or a high-end battery mower with a long-lasting battery, you’re looking at a higher investment. I always tell people to view it as a long-term purchase. Spending a bit more upfront on a durable machine from a reputable brand often saves you money and frustration down the road.
What is the main difference between a push and self-propelled mower?
This is one of the most important distinctions. A push mower requires your physical effort to move it across the lawn. It’s a good workout and is usually less expensive. A self-propelled mower has a drive system that turns the wheels for you. You simply walk behind it and guide it. This is a massive advantage if you have any slopes in your yard or if you simply want to make mowing less physically demanding. For larger or hilly lawns, I almost always recommend a self-propelled model.
Can a battery-powered mower really handle a thick lawn?
This was a valid concern years ago, but technology has improved dramatically. Modern battery mowers, especially those that are part of a robust ecosystem with high-voltage batteries, have plenty of power for most tasks. They can handle thick grass without stalling, much like a gas mower. The key is to not let the grass get too outrageously long between mowings, which is a good practice with any type of mower. For the average homeowner, a top-tier battery model is more than capable.
How often do I need to sharpen the mower blade?
I recommend sharpening the blade at least once per mowing season, and twice if you use your mower frequently or hit a lot of twigs and debris. A dull blade doesn’t cut the grass—it tears it. This leads to a brown, ragged-looking lawn that is more susceptible to disease. You can learn to do it yourself with a file and a vise, or many local hardware stores and small engine shops offer sharpening services for a reasonable fee. It’s one of the simplest ways to keep your lawn looking healthy.