Gas mowers are loud, smelly, and require constant maintenance. Corded mowers tether you to an outlet. The modern battery-powered lawn mower delivers gas-like cutting power, push-button starts, near-silent operation, and zero direct emissions — and has quietly become the smartest choice for most homeowners.

We tested 8 of the best electric lawn mowers to help you find the right one.

How We Evaluated

We scored every mower on the criteria that matter to real homeowners:

  • Cutting width & coverage — wider decks mean fewer passes
  • Battery life & runtime (cordless models) — real-world mowing minutes
  • Cutting height adjustments — range and ease of adjustment
  • Mulching capability — how well it shreds clippings without clumping
  • Grass collection bag capacity — fewer trips to the compost pile
  • Weight & maneuverability — can you push it comfortably for 45 minutes?
  • Noise level vs. gas — measured decibel readings at operator ear level

Why Go Electric?

No Gas, No Oil, No Pull-Cord

Gas mowers need fuel stabilizer, oil changes, and spark plug replacements. An electric mower? Charge the battery, push a button, and mow.

Quiet Enough for Early Mornings

Gas mowers hit 95–100 dB. Our electric mowers ran at 65–75 dB — dishwasher volume. Your neighbors won’t complain.

Lower Lifetime Cost

No gas, no oil, no tune-ups. Over 5 years, a battery mower saves $200–$400 in fuel and maintenance.


Top 8 Electric Lawn Mowers of 2025

1. EGO Power+ LM2156SP — Best Overall Cordless

EGO continues to set the standard for battery outdoor equipment. The LM2156SP is their flagship self-propelled mower — 21-inch deck, mulching/bagging/side-discharge, and an efficient brushless motor.

Power Source: 56V battery (7.5Ah included)
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Runtime: Up to 80 minutes per charge
Cutting Height: 1.5–4 inches (7 positions)
Mulching: Yes
Bag Capacity: 2.1 bushels
Weight: 62 lbs
Self-Propelled: Yes (variable speed)

Pros:

  • Exceptional runtime — half an acre on a single charge
  • Variable-speed self-propelled with TouchDrive
  • Weather-resistant (IPX4) and folds vertically for storage
  • 5-year tool / 3-year battery warranty

Cons:

  • Premium price
  • Heavy at 62 lbs — lifting into a truck bed takes effort
  • Battery charge time is ~2 hours

Verdict: The undisputed king of battery mowers. If you want gas-like power without a drop of fuel, this is it.


2. Greenworks Pro 80V 21" Brushless — Best Runtime & Power

Greenworks’ 80V platform delivers serious torque. Dual battery ports let you run two 4.0Ah batteries for extended runtime, and the steel deck adds durability.

Power Source: 80V battery (2 × 4.0Ah included)
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Runtime: Up to 90 minutes (dual batteries)
Cutting Height: 1.5–3.75 inches (7 positions)
Mulching: Yes
Bag Capacity: 2.0 bushels
Weight: 75 lbs
Self-Propelled: Yes

Pros:

  • Dual battery slots — swap on the fly, zero downtime
  • Steel deck for long-term durability
  • Brushless motor with Turbo mode for thick grass
  • 4-year tool and battery warranty

Cons:

  • Heaviest mower we tested — 75 lbs
  • Steel deck can rust if stored wet
  • 80V ecosystem is less common than 40V/56V

Verdict: Best for larger lawns where runtime matters most. Dual batteries mean you never run out of juice mid-mow.


3. Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21" RY401150 — Best Value

Ryobi’s 40V HP line is one of the best values in outdoor power. This brushless 21-inch self-propelled mower delivers 80% of the EGO experience at 60% of the price — and works with every Ryobi 40V tool.

Power Source: 40V battery (2 × 6.0Ah included)
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Runtime: Up to 70 minutes
Cutting Height: 1.5–4 inches (7 positions)
Mulching: Yes
Bag Capacity: 2.0 bushels
Weight: 55 lbs
Self-Propelled: Yes (rear-wheel drive)

Pros:

  • Excellent value — strong features at a mid-range price
  • Two 6.0Ah batteries included — ready for large lawns
  • Rear-wheel drive self-propelled — great on slopes
  • 5-year tool warranty

Cons:

  • Plastic deck feels less premium than steel
  • Self-propelled speed uses a lever, not variable control
  • Battery charge time is slow (~3 hours each)

Verdict: The sweet spot for most homeowners. Great features, solid runtime, and a price that doesn’t sting.


4. DeWalt DCMWP233U2 20V MAX — Best Dual-Battery System

DeWalt’s mower runs on two standard 20V MAX batteries instead of a dedicated high-voltage pack. If you own DeWalt tools, you probably have compatible batteries ready. The brushless motor and 21.5-inch steel deck punch above their weight class.

Power Source: 20V MAX (2 × 10.0Ah included)
Cutting Width: 21.5 inches
Runtime: Up to 60 minutes
Cutting Height: 1.5–3.5 inches (6 positions)
Mulching: Yes
Bag Capacity: 2.0 bushels
Weight: 68 lbs
Self-Propelled: Yes (rear-wheel drive)

Pros:

  • Uses standard DeWalt 20V batteries — huge ecosystem
  • Steel deck for durability
  • Self-propelled with variable speed
  • 3-year limited warranty

Cons:

  • Runtime shorter than dedicated high-voltage mowers
  • Premium price if you don’t already own DeWalt batteries
  • 10.0Ah batteries are expensive if bought separately

Verdict: A no-brainer if you’re deep in the DeWalt ecosystem. If starting fresh, the value is weaker.


5. Makita XML08PT1 36V (18V X2) — Best Build Quality

Makita uses two 18V LXT batteries in series to deliver 36V. The standout is legendary build quality — tight tolerances, smooth adjustments, and a whisper-quiet brushless motor.

Power Source: 36V (2 × 18V LXT 5.0Ah included)
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Runtime: Up to 55 minutes
Cutting Height: 1.25–4 inches (10 positions)
Mulching: Yes
Bag Capacity: 1.9 bushels
Weight: 58 lbs
Self-Propelled: Yes

Pros:

  • Whisper-quiet — measured just 63 dB at operator ear
  • Finest build quality of any electric mower
  • 10 cutting height positions — most adjustable we tested
  • Works with the massive Makita 18V LXT ecosystem

Cons:

  • Runtime on the lower end — plan for ~55 minutes
  • Expensive — priced like the EGO
  • Spare batteries are costly

Verdict: The quietest, most refined mower we tested. Ideal for Makita loyalists and anyone who values peace and quiet.


6. Greenworks 12 Amp 20" Corded — Best Corded for Large Lawns

If your lawn has accessible outdoor outlets, a corded mower delivers unlimited runtime and consistent power at a fraction of the battery price. The Greenworks 12 Amp 20" is the category leader — a powerful motor that never bogs down.

Power Source: 12 Amp corded (100-ft cord recommended)
Cutting Width: 20 inches
Runtime: Unlimited
Cutting Height: 1.5–3.75 inches (7 positions)
Mulching: Yes
Bag Capacity: 1.8 bushels
Weight: 56 lbs
Self-Propelled: No

Pros:

  • Unlimited runtime — mow all day
  • Consistent power — no voltage sag as batteries drain
  • Very affordable — roughly half the cost of comparable battery models
  • Zero battery degradation concerns
  • 4-year warranty

Cons:

  • Cord management takes practice — you’ll trip once or twice
  • 100-foot radius from an outlet limits coverage
  • Not self-propelled — push-only

Verdict: The ultimate budget choice for medium lawns with good outlet access. Unlimited runtime, no battery anxiety.


7. WORX WG779 40V — Best Budget Cordless

Not everyone needs self-propelled or a 21-inch deck. The WORX WG779 is a compact push-only 40V mower that nails the basics — decent power, respectable runtime, and mulching/bagging — at a genuinely affordable price.

Power Source: 40V battery (2 × 4.0Ah included)
Cutting Width: 14 inches
Runtime: Up to 45 minutes
Cutting Height: 1.5–3.5 inches (6 positions)
Mulching: Yes
Bag Capacity: 0.85 bushels
Weight: 32 lbs
Self-Propelled: No

Pros:

  • The cheapest credible cordless mower
  • Two batteries included — always have a spare
  • Ultra-lightweight at 32 pounds — anyone can push it
  • Compact — hangs on a wall hook
  • 3-year warranty

Cons:

  • Small 14-inch deck means more passes
  • Not self-propelled
  • Small bag fills quickly
  • Struggles with thick, overgrown grass

Verdict: The perfect starter cordless mower for small lawns under 2,500 square feet. Light, affordable, and capable.


8. Snapper XD 82V MAX 21" — Best for Thick Grass

Snapper’s 82V platform delivers some of the highest torque in the cordless category. The load-sensing technology automatically increases power when it detects resistance — no turbo button needed.

Power Source: 82V battery (2.0Ah included)
Cutting Width: 21 inches
Runtime: Up to 65 minutes
Cutting Height: 1.5–4 inches (7 positions)
Mulching: Yes (Ninja blade system)
Bag Capacity: 2.0 bushels
Weight: 65 lbs
Self-Propelled: Yes (variable speed)

Pros:

  • Load-sensing auto-boost powers through thick grass
  • Ninja mulching blade — finely shredded clippings
  • Vertical storage capability
  • 5-year tool / 2-year battery warranty

Cons:

  • 82V platform has a limited tool ecosystem
  • Only one 2.0Ah battery included — spare is pricey
  • Less well-known than EGO or Greenworks

Verdict: The specialist’s choice for lawns with thick, challenging grass. The auto-boost is genuinely useful when your lawn gets ahead of you.


Comparison Table

MowerPower SourceCutting WidthRuntime/CordedMulchingBag CapacityWeightPrice Range
EGO LM2156SP56V Battery21"80 minYes2.1 bu62 lbs$$$$$
Greenworks Pro 80V80V Battery21"90 minYes2.0 bu75 lbs$$$$
Ryobi 40V HP40V Battery21"70 minYes2.0 bu55 lbs$$$
DeWalt DCMWP233U220V MAX ×221.5"60 minYes2.0 bu68 lbs$$$$
Makita XML08PT136V (18V×2)21"55 minYes1.9 bu58 lbs$$$$
Greenworks Corded12 Amp Corded20"UnlimitedYes1.8 bu56 lbs$
WORX WG77940V Battery14"45 minYes0.85 bu32 lbs$$
Snapper XD 82V82V Battery21"65 minYes2.0 bu65 lbs$$$$

FAQ

How long do electric mower batteries actually last per charge?

On a dry, moderately-tall lawn, expect: EGO ~80 min, Greenworks 80V ~90 min (dual batteries), Ryobi ~70 min, DeWalt ~60 min, Makita ~55 min, WORX ~45 min, and Snapper ~65 min. Wet or overgrown grass reduces runtime by 25–40%. For lawns over half an acre, consider a mower with dual battery slots or buy a spare.

Are electric mowers powerful enough to replace gas?

For the vast majority of homeowners — yes. The EGO, Greenworks 80V, and Snapper 82V all cut through thick, damp grass without stalling. They won’t match a commercial gas mower running 8 hours daily, but for residential lawns up to half an acre, they’re more than adequate. Bonus: no bogging from old gas or gummed-up carburetors.

What’s better — mulching, bagging, or side discharge?

Mulching shreds clippings back into the lawn, returning nitrogen to your soil. Best for regularly mowed lawns. Bagging collects clippings for a pristine look or composting. Best for overgrown lawns. Side discharge ejects clippings out the side — best for tall, thick grass that would clog the deck. All our picks support at least mulching and bagging; most do all three.

Do I need a self-propelled electric mower?

For flat lawns under 5,000 square feet, a push mower saves weight, cost, and battery drain. For larger lawns, slopes, or physical limitations, self-propelled is worth it. Rear-wheel drive handles hills better; front-wheel drive is nimbler around flower beds.

How long do electric mower batteries last before needing replacement?

Lithium-ion batteries are rated for 500–1,000 charge cycles before dropping below 80% capacity. For a homeowner mowing 30 times per year, that’s 15–30 years. Most upgrade the mower first. Store batteries indoors during winter. Warranties typically cover 3–4 years.


The Bottom Line

  • Best overall cordless: EGO Power+ LM2156SP — unmatched runtime, power, and refinement.
  • Best corded for large lawns: Greenworks 12 Amp 20" Corded — unlimited runtime, no battery anxiety.
  • Best value: Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 21" — self-propelled and solid runtime at a mid-range price.
  • Best self-propelled: Greenworks Pro 80V 21" — dual batteries, steel deck, longest runtime.
  • Best budget: WORX WG779 40V — light, affordable, perfect for small lawns.
  • Best for thick grass: Snapper XD 82V MAX — load-sensing auto-boost powers through overgrowth.

Electric lawn mowers have crossed the threshold. For the vast majority of homeowners, there’s an electric mower that fits your lawn, your budget, and your values. Quiet, clean, maintenance-free mowing isn’t the future — it’s the present.

Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you purchase through links on this page — at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our recommendations.