Choosing the right lawn mower is essential for maintaining a pristine yard without the hassle of gas, oil, or a tangled cord. Ryobi has become a leader in the cordless outdoor power equipment space, offering a range of mowers powered by their 40V and 18V ONE+ battery systems. Whether you have a small city lot or a larger suburban lawn, there’s a model designed to meet your specific needs and make lawn care a simpler, quieter, and more enjoyable task.
This roundup focuses on the best Ryobi lawn mowers available, from robust self-propelled models to compact and efficient push mowers. We break down the key features and benefits of each option to help you find the perfect match for your property. By understanding the differences in cutting width, battery platform, and included features, you can invest in a mower that will keep your grass looking great for seasons to come.
The Best Ryobi Lawn Mowers for a Perfect Cut
- RYOBI RY40LM10-Y 21 in. 40-Volt Brushless Smart Trek Self-Propelled Mower
- Ryobi Cordless Push Lawn Mower 20 in. 40-Volt with Whisper-Quiet Design
- RYOBI Lawn Mower 20 in. 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Walk Behind
- Ryobi 40V 20-Inch Brushless Cordless Battery Walk Behind Push Mower (Tool Only)
- Ryobi 40V 20-Inch Brushless Cordless Push Mower with (2) 4.0 Ah Batteries
- Ryobi 18V ONE+ 13-Inch Cordless Battery Walk Behind Push Mower (Tool Only)
- Ryobi 18V ONE+ 13-Inch Cordless Push Mower with (2) 4.0 Ah Batteries
- Ryobi 40V 20-Inch Brushless Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower (Tool Only)
RYOBI RY40LM10-Y 21 in. 40-Volt Brushless Smart Trek Self-Propelled Mower
For those with larger lawns or who prefer an effortless mowing experience, this self-propelled model is a top-tier choice. The Smart Trek variable-speed drive system allows you to set the perfect walking pace for your terrain, reducing fatigue. Its brushless motor provides maximum power and runtime, efficiently cutting a wide 21-inch path with each pass.
This mower comes as a complete kit with a high-capacity 6.0Ah battery and charger, ensuring you have enough power to tackle the job. The ability to mulch, bag, or side-discharge clippings offers great versatility for your lawn’s specific needs. It represents a premium, feature-rich solution for serious lawn care.
Ryobi Cordless Push Lawn Mower 20 in. 40-Volt with Whisper-Quiet Design
If noise is a concern in your neighborhood, this 40V push mower is an excellent option thanks to its whisper-quiet operation. It provides a peaceful mowing experience without sacrificing performance. The 20-inch steel deck is well-suited for small to medium-sized yards, offering a good balance between maneuverability and cutting width.
This model ships as a complete package, ready to use right out of the box. It leverages the powerful and eco-friendly 40V lithium-ion battery system, eliminating the mess and maintenance of a gas engine. For a straightforward, quiet, and effective cutting tool, this mower stands out.
RYOBI Lawn Mower 20 in. 40-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Walk Behind
This 20-inch brushless mower is built for efficiency and durability. The brushless motor technology not only extends the motor’s life but also provides more power and longer runtime from each battery charge compared to brushed motors. This makes it a reliable workhorse for maintaining your lawn.
It features a robust steel deck and a single-lever height adjustment system for quick and easy changes to your cutting height. Designed for users who already own other Ryobi 40V tools, this mower is a powerful addition to an existing battery ecosystem, offering consistent performance across your equipment.
Ryobi 40V 20-Inch Brushless Cordless Battery Walk Behind Push Mower (Tool Only)
This tool-only model is the perfect choice for anyone already invested in the Ryobi 40V battery platform. By purchasing the mower without a battery and charger, you can make a cost-effective addition to your tool collection. Simply use the batteries you already own from other 40V tools to power the mower.
It features a brushless motor for efficient power use and a 20-inch cutting path. This option provides great value and reduces clutter from multiple chargers and batteries. It’s a smart buy for those looking to expand their cordless yard tool lineup without unnecessary extras.
Ryobi 40V 20-Inch Brushless Cordless Push Mower with (2) 4.0 Ah Batteries
For extended runtime that can handle larger lawns in a single charge, this kit that includes two 4.0Ah batteries is an ideal solution. The dual-battery setup means you can complete your mowing without interruption, and having a spare is always convenient. The brushless motor maximizes the energy from these batteries.
This package offers a complete, ready-to-use system for those starting fresh with cordless mowing or needing extra power. The 20-inch deck provides a standard cutting width, making it a versatile and powerful option for a wide range of property sizes.
Ryobi 18V ONE+ 13-Inch Cordless Battery Walk Behind Push Mower (Tool Only)
This compact 13-inch mower is designed for small lawns, tight spaces, and as a trim mower for larger properties. Its greatest strength is its compatibility with the vast Ryobi 18V ONE+ battery system. If you already own any 18V ONE+ tools, you can use the same batteries to power this mower.
As a tool-only product, it is an economical and space-saving choice. The smaller cutting width makes it highly maneuverable around garden beds and obstacles. It’s a fantastic supplemental mower or a primary mower for very small, urban yards.
Ryobi 18V ONE+ 13-Inch Cordless Push Mower with (2) 4.0 Ah Batteries
This kit provides everything you need to start mowing with the convenience of the 18V ONE+ system. It includes two 4.0Ah batteries and a charger, ensuring you have ample power for the task. The 13-inch deck is lightweight and easy to push, making it an excellent option for those with physical limitations or very small, flat lawns.
It’s a complete, entry-level system that is easy to store and operate. The included high-capacity batteries help compensate for the lower voltage, providing a satisfactory runtime for its intended use on small plots of grass.
Ryobi 40V 20-Inch Brushless Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower (Tool Only)
This tool-only self-propelled mower brings the ease of a drive system to users who already own 40V batteries. The self-propelled feature takes the effort out of pushing the mower, which is a significant advantage on hills or for users who find pushing a mower taxing.
Combined with a brushless motor and a 20-inch deck, it offers a powerful and low-effort mowing experience. This model is a cost-effective way to upgrade to a self-propelled mower if you are already committed to the Ryobi 40V ecosystem, providing premium convenience without the cost of a full kit.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right Ryobi Lawn Mower for You
Choosing the right lawn mower can feel overwhelming with all the options out there. I have been through this myself, and I can tell you that focusing on a few key factors makes the decision much easier. When I look at the 8 best Ryobi lawn mowers for your needs, I always start by thinking about my own yard. Your lawn’s specific characteristics are the most important thing to consider.
First, consider the size and terrain of your lawn. If you have a small, flat yard, a basic 18V or 40V push mower will probably be perfect. It is lightweight, easy to store, and has enough power for a quick weekly cut. For larger lawns, maybe a half-acre or more, you will want to look at the mowers with the largest battery capacity, like the 40V HP BRUSHLESS 21 IN. or even a Ryobi riding mower. If your yard has hills or uneven ground, a self-propelled model is a game-changer. It does the hard work of pushing for you, making the job far less tiring.
Next, think about power source. Ryobi excels with its 40V and 18V battery platforms. The 18V system is great if you already own other Ryobi ONE+ tools, as you can share batteries. For most lawn mowing duties, however, the 40V line offers more sustained power and longer runtimes, which is what I prefer for anything beyond a postage-stamp lawn. Battery voltage and Amp-hour (Ah) rating matter. A higher Ah rating means longer run time, so a 40V 6Ah battery will last much longer than a 40V 4Ah battery.
Another major decision is bagging versus mulching. If you like a clean, manicured look and do not want clippings on your lawn, a mower with a good bagging system is essential. Mulching, on the other hand, chops the clippings finely and returns them to the lawn as natural fertilizer. Many Ryobi mowers offer a 3-in-1 feature, letting you bag, mulch, or side-discharge, which gives you the most flexibility. I find mulching to be the most convenient for my routine maintenance.
Finally, do not forget about comfort and convenience features. A mower with a single-lever height adjustment makes changing the cut height a breeze. Look for sturdy wheels, a comfortable handle, and if noise is a concern, remember that all battery mowers are significantly quieter than gas models. By matching these features—lawn size, power, cutting style, and comfort—to your personal situation, you can confidently select one of the best Ryobi lawn mowers for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Ryobi mower battery last on a single charge?
This is the most common question I get, and the answer depends on the battery and the mower. A smaller 18V 4Ah battery might handle a 1/8 acre lawn, while a larger 40V 6Ah battery can often tackle a 1/3 acre or more. The exact runtime is affected by grass thickness, height, and whether you are using the self-propel feature. Ryobi usually provides a rough “max cutting time” estimate for each model, which is a good starting point. It is always a smart idea to buy a model that comes with two batteries, or to have a spare, so you are never left with an unfinished job.
Can I use my existing Ryobi ONE+ 18V batteries in a 40V mower?
No, you cannot. The 18V and 40V battery platforms are not cross-compatible. The physical design and voltage are different, so an 18V battery will not fit or work in a 40V mower slot, and vice-versa. However, if you choose an 18V mower, you can absolutely use any of your existing Ryobi ONE+ 18V batteries, which is a huge advantage if you are already invested in that system.
Are Ryobi mowers powerful enough to replace a gas mower?
In my experience, yes, absolutely for most residential lawns. The newer brushless 40V models, in particular, have power that is comparable to many gas mowers. They start with the push of a button, require zero maintenance like oil changes or spark plug replacements, and are much quieter and cleaner. The only time you might miss a gas mower is if you have an extremely large, multi-acre property where continuous runtime for over an hour is necessary without stopping to swap batteries.
What is the main difference between a brushed and brushless motor?
This is a great technical question. A brushed motor uses physical contacts (brushes) to transfer power, which creates friction, heat, and wear over time. A brushless motor is more advanced; it uses an electronic controller for greater efficiency. For you, this means a brushless mower provides more power from the same battery, longer motor life, and generally a longer runtime. While brushless models are often a bit more expensive, I think the extra performance and durability are worth the investment.
How do I store my Ryobi mower for the winter?
Winter storage is simple compared to a gas mower. I give my mower a good cleaning to remove any grass clippings and debris. The most important step is to remove the battery and store it indoors in a cool, dry place. Do not leave the battery in the mower in a freezing cold shed or garage, as extreme cold can permanently damage it. That is really all there is to it—no need to drain fuel or stabilize the engine. When reviewing the 8 best Ryobi lawn mowers for your needs, you will see that this low maintenance is a major benefit.
What should I do if my mower is not starting?
If the mower will not start, the issue is almost always related to the battery or a safety switch. First, make sure the battery is fully charged and properly clicked into place. Then, check all the safety features: Is the grass bag installed correctly (if it has a bag sensor)? Are you holding down the safety lever on the handle? Is the battery charge indicator showing any error lights? If everything seems correct, try a different battery if you have one to isolate the problem. It is rarely the mower itself.