The best cordless lawn mowers can save you time and energy. They are easy to use and can speed up your mowing time, that's for sure. But how can you get your hands on the best of the best?
My team and I have tried out all of the battery-powered lawn mowers in this guide so that we can share real-life, honest opinion about the mowers with you. The same testing criteria has been followed, from set-up to charge time through to performance. Other factors such as the noise level (dB) have also been recorded.
I can tell you now that the cordless lawn mower which has received the highest praise from us is the Husqvarna Lawn Xpert LE322R. It's perfect for small to medium lawns, and it has self propel technology to help take out any struggles on an incline or uneven grounds. To add to this it has 3-in-1 bagging, and the grass catcher can hold 2.3 cubic feet. If you're after something larger then I can personally recommend the EGO POWER+ LM2135SP. When I tried it out in my backyard I found that it was just too big and heavy for a yard any smaller than 200sq.m.
If you're after a more in-depth analysis of each of these options or, indeed, you want more choice, then read on to find out what is the best lawn mower for you.
Jennifer is the Editor of Top Ten Reviews, overseeing all content on the site. For the purpose of this guide, she has tested the EGO Power+ LM2135SP 21-inch Select Cut Lawn Mower and Worx 40V 17in Cordless Lawn Mower in her backyard. Both required setting up, a performance run through and some maintenance to a certain extent. They were reviewed for four weeks (when it wasn't raining).
The quick list
Want to get straight to the best cordless lawn mowers? You'll find a quick roundup of our top choices here. You can then jump to a more in-depth write-up for each product, and see the latest deals on them.
Best overall
The best cordless lawn mower overall
The Husqvarna Lawn Expert LE-322 is an eco-friendly, durable mower for small to medium yards. It easily cuts thick and tall grass thanks to its effort-free self-propel system that can go up to 4mph.
Best push mower
The best cordless push mower
The DeWalt 60V MAX Brushless Push Mower is compact, efficient, and easy to use, making it ideal for small storage spaces and 6,800 square foot yards.
Best for mulching
The best cordless lawn mower for mulching
With its self-propelled technology, the Toro Flex-Force Power System is easy to use and store. It is efficient at cutting through tall grass—over a foot tall—without any issues. It's also quiet, but the battery takes a long time to charge.
Best for smaller yards
The best cordless lawn mower for small to medium yards
The Worx 20-inch Cordless Lawn Mower suits small to medium lawns with efficient battery operation but struggles with longer grass.
Best for larger yards
The best cordless lawn mower for large yards
Powerful and well-designed, the EGO Power+ LM2135SP is a high-performing machine well suited to larger yards. But it's quite heavy, and the self-propel technology takes a bit of getting used to.
The best cordless lawn mowers we recommend in 2024
Why you can trust Top Ten Reviews
Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best lawn mowers in our list. Each one has been extensively tested by either myself or a team member, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.
The best cordless lawn mower overall
✅ You like a low-maintenance mower: The Husqvarna Lawn Xpert LE-322 is battery-powered, so maintenance is minimal. You only need to replace the filter and check the blade for sharpening/replacement once a year.
✅ You like self-propel technology: This mower has a self-propel system (4mph max. speed), which reduces the effort required to cut grass, especially when navigating slopes and obstacles.
✅ You want multiple cutting options: This mower has 3-in-1 bagging, and the grass catcher can hold 2.3 cubic feet of grass, which is a decent size. It comes with three modes: sensing, mulching, and max power.
❌ You are on a budget: The Husqvarna LE-322 is quite expensive at $849.99, which might be down to the rear-wheel drive (which makes it easier to mow), but for this price, you might expect a higher voltage battery (it's 40V).
❌ You want a faster cutting speed: The self-propel system on the Xpert has a cutting speed of 4mph, which is pretty average but not the fastest on the market.
❌ Your yard is bigger than half an acre: If you have a yard bigger than half an acre, you must charge the battery before you mow. It claims to last 75 minutes on a single charge, but we didn't find this true.
🔎 The Husqvarna Lawn Xpert LE-322 self-propelled lawn mower is cordless, battery-powered, durable, and eco-friendly. The self-propel tech takes much effort out of mowing, but the price is quite high, and the battery could be stronger and last longer. ★★★★½
Our reviewer, Alex Temblador, was impressed with the Husqvarna Lawn Xpert LE-322's battery life and runtime. The self-propelled system, rear-wheel drive, and large cutting deck made mowing easy, and the adjustable handle and control panel allowed for a customized cutting experience. Charging the batteries took time, but the long battery life compensated for it.
Battery Life and Runtime: Alex was impressed with the Husqvarna Lawn Xpert LE-322's battery life and runtime. The two batteries last about 75 minutes in total, but they last about an hour. Grass thickness or height, mulching, and catching grass can affect battery life, but she mowed two-thirds of her half-acre yard before one battery died. After charging one battery for about an hour, she finished the rest of the yard in about 20 minutes.
Power and Performance: Alex enjoyed the self-propelled system because it was easy to maneuver, especially on slopes. With rear-wheel drive, it was easier to mow straight lines and around trees. She liked the different cutting modes, especially the sensing mode, which saved battery power by adjusting how much power it needed to cut.
Cutting Deck Size: The Husqvarna Lawn Xpert LE-322 had a much larger cutting deck than Alex expected, cutting her small yard well. Even though the machine felt substantial, its size made mowing easier. This deck allowed for even mowing and maneuvering around obstacles, making the process easier. In addition to the adjustable handle and control panel, this device makes it easy to customize cutting experiences.
Ease of Use: The self-propelled system made maneuvering around Alex's yard easy, and the adjustable handle made things comfortable. The handle had an intuitive control panel, and she could switch between cutting modes at her fingertips. Changing the grass catcher, rear discharge chute, and mulch plugs were also straightforward, and the manual explains how to set up the mower properly.
Battery Charging Time: Recharging the Husqvarna Lawn Xpert LE-322 batteries took a long time, but it was straightforward. Alex had to plan to ensure both batteries were charged before mowing because the charger port could only hold one battery at a time. After charging, the batteries slid into place easily on the mower. The lawn mower's long battery life and performance compensated for the lengthy charging time.
Read our full Husqvarna Lawn Xpert LE-322 review
"The Husqvarna Lawn Xpert LE-322 with battery and charger does a great job cutting small-to-medium yards in different modes, making the process easier with a self-propel system."
Attribute | Notes | Score |
---|---|---|
Battery Life and Runtime | lasted about an hour per battery | 9/10 |
Power and Performance | self-propelled system with rear-wheel drive; different cutting modes, including the sensing mode | 9/10 |
Cutting Deck Size | well-suited for the reviewer's small yard; adjustable handle and control panel | 9/10 |
Ease of Use | self-propelled system, adjustable handle, and intuitive control panel; straightforward changing the grass catcher, rear discharge chute, and mulch plugs | 9/10 |
Battery Charging Time | charging time for the batteries was lengthy | 7/10 |
The best cordless push mower
✅ You want a compact, lightweight mower: The DeWalt 60V MAX Brushless Push Mower is impressively light. I had no trouble pushing it around the yard and didn’t have to sacrifice cutting power.
✅ You want good battery life: We never ran out of power before finishing my 6,800-square-foot yard. Using only one battery at a time gives you more than enough juice to get the job done.
✅ You don't have much storage space: The DeWalt 60V MAX Brushless Push Mower already doesn’t take up much space, but the folding handle and vertical storage capabilities make saving room in a crowded garage even easier.
❌ You have a sizeable yard: While cordless lawnmowers have many advantages, a gas mower might still be more economical for those with larger yards.
❌ You're on a budget: The DeWalt 60V MAX Brushless Push Mower isn’t the most expensive cordless mower we’ve tested, but there are certainly less expensive options.
🔎 The DeWalt 60V MAX Brushless Push Mower impresses with its compact design, easy maneuverability, and efficient battery life. The 21-inch cutting deck, unique wheel design, and adjustable cutting height make it stand out. Simple maintenance and storage add to its appeal, offering value for money despite limited availability. ★★★★
Another reviewer, Jason Cockerham, tried out the DeWalt 60V MAX Brushless Push Mower on his 6,800-square-foot lawn. It impressed him with its exceptional battery life and cutting performance, and it performed well on just one single battery. Despite a longer-than-expected charging time, its power, ease of use, and compact design made it a standout choice for efficient lawn care.
Battery Life and Runtime: The DeWalt 60V MAX Brushless Push Mower surprised Jason with its battery life. He mowed both his front and back yards (about 6,800 square feet) using just one battery for about 80 minutes. Especially considering that his previous mower couldn't last as long, he told me that this was a game changer for him. There was only a couple of occasions that he needed both batteries, even if using the bag or tackling taller grass, which is testament to the DeWalt battery system.
Power and Performance: Despite the tall grass, the dual-blade cutting system worked like a charm, leaving no random blades of grass sticking up. Jason couldn't help but be impressed with the power and performance of the DeWalt 60V MAX Brushless Push Mower. He'd never had trouble getting through the toughest patches with the mower because of the cutting power and the ease of starting it without cords or complicated mechanisms.
Cutting Deck Size: The DeWalt 60V MAX Brushless Push Mower's 21-inch cutting deck was surprisingly compact and thin compared to the other mowers that he has used. Despite its small size, the cutting deck was efficient and effective. This enabled Jason to trim his lawn precisely and easily, despite its small housing and thin cutting deck. The size was just right for his mowing requirements, and he appreciated the thoughtful design that balanced maneuverability and cutting power.
Ease of Use: Jason found the DeWalt 60V MAX Brushless Push Mower incredibly easy to use. Setting it up was a breeze, and unfolding the handle was a simple, one-step process. Its handlebar and power buttons were intuitive, and even his 4-year-old could adjust the height without problems. The lightweight design and easy maneuverability made it a pleasure to use - he especially liked how easy it was to start and how easily you could change the battery.
Battery Charging Time: Although DeWalt claims a 45-minute charge time, it did take Jason a lot longer than expected to charge the battery of the 60V MAX Brushless Push Mower from flat. He suspects that the stated charge time is when using their fast charger, which is sold separately ($58 from Amazon). Though the longer charge time was annoying, the mower performed awesome and had a great battery life. A faster charging option would have been great for more efficient lawn care.
Read our full DeWalt 60V MAX Brushless Push Mower review
"The DeWalt 60V MAX Brushless Push Mower is a solid mower from DeWalt. It offers good battery life, plenty of cutting power, and impressive quietness."
Attribute | Notes | Score |
---|---|---|
Battery Life and Runtime | impressive 80-minute runtime | 9/10 |
Power and Performance | powerful dual-blade cutting system; ability to tackle even the toughest grass | 9/10 |
Cutting Deck Size | compact 21-inch cutting deck size; balance between maneuverability and cutting efficiency | 8/10 |
Ease of Use | incredibly easy to set up and use; intuitive controls; lightweight, maneuverable design | 9/10 |
Battery Charging Time | longer than the claimed 45 minutes | 7/10 |
The best cordless lawn mower for mulching
✅ You want a quiet lawn mower: Compared with a gas mower, this battery-operated machine is quiet. It's a great product for anyone who doesn't want to disturb their neighbors with noise.
✅ You don't have much storage: With a handle that folds over the body of the lawn mower, it turns into a compact machine that doesn't take up much space when you store it in your garage or shed.
✅ You want an easy-to-use mower: The Toro starts at the push of a button, and the self-propel system makes it easy to use without too much effort.
❌ You have a large yard: If your yard takes longer than 40 minutes to mow, you'll end up with a half-mowed lawn. And the battery takes a long time to charge.
❌ You don't want to empty the bag often: The lack of suction meant that grass trailed behind the mower even though the bag wasn't full, so get ready to empty the bag often.
❌ You're on a budget: Compared with other battery-powered lawnmowers, this is on the more expensive side, and if you're on a tight budget, you can get a gas one for almost half the price.
🔎 The Toro Flex-Force Power System 60V Max 22in Recycler Lawn Mower is easy to use and stow away, and despite it being on the expensive side, it's good value for money thanks to its efficient cutting performance. This battery-powered mower is a superior alternative to your gas model for medium to small yards. It's also extremely quiet, but the battery takes a long time to charge. ★★★★
Our reviewer, Jonathan Knoder, was impressed with the Toro 60V Max 22in Recycler Lawn Mower's performance, as it exceeded the manufacturer's battery life claims. Its self-propelled feature and adaptive power delivery impressed him, making mowing hassle-free. Despite a longer-than-expected battery charge time, the extended runtime compensated for it.
Battery Life and Runtime: Toro's 60V Max 22in Recycler Lawn Mower has great battery life. Jonathan got about 50 minutes of mowing on a single charge despite the manufacturer's claim of 40 minutes. The battery charge time is longer than expected at three hours and 40 minutes, but the extended runtime makes up for it. He finished his yard and his dad's yard without recharging it. The mower's efficient battery use and longer runtime made mowing sessions hassle-free.
Power and Performance: Jonathan was impressed with the Toro 60V Max 22in Recycler Lawn Mower's power and performance. Having a self-propelled mower made pushing it easier. Cutting through tall grass was easy, and morning dew didn't bother him. The motor's adaptive power delivery, audible in its changing hum, demonstrated its efficiency and ability to conserve energy when cutting shorter grass. It ramped up power when trimming longer grass.
Cutting Deck Size: The 22-inch deck made mowing fast and easy. The Toro 60V Max 22in Recycler Lawn Mower covered a lot of ground with each pass, which was a time-saving measure. It also had a wide cutting deck, so it didn't take as many passes to mow the entire lawn.
Ease of Use: The Toro 60V Max 22 in Recycler Lawn Mower was incredibly easy to use. With its push-button start, simple setup process, and folding handle for convenient storage and transport, Jonathan didn't strain himself pushing it. He liked the two handle positions because it was self-propelled. The intuitive wheel adjustment, easy bag installation, and maneuverability made mowing a breeze.
Battery Charging Time: Despite the manufacturer's 150-minute charge time, it took about three hours and forty minutes to charge the Toro 60V Max 22in Recycler Lawn Mower's battery. This extended charging time was a downside compared to other models with shorter charging times. However, the mower's impressive runtime on a single charge made up for the longer charging time, so Jonathan was able to mow all day.
Read our full Toro Flex-Force Power System 60V Max 22in Recycler Lawn Mower review
"This battery-powered lawn mower almost makes me wonder why I’ve dealt with a gas lawn mower for so long. The push button start is as easy as it sounds to get the lawn mower started, and it was able to cut through tall grass – over a foot tall – and morning dew grass without any problems."
Attribute | Notes | Score |
---|---|---|
Battery Life and Runtime | exceeded the manufacturer's battery life claims; 50 minutes of runtime on a single charge | 9/10 |
Power and Performance | impressive self-propelled feature and adaptive power delivery | 9/10 |
Cutting Deck Size | ability to cover a lot of ground efficiently | 8/10 |
Ease of Use | push-button start, simple setup, and intuitive wheel adjustment | 9/10 |
Battery Charging Time | longer than the manufacturer's claim at 3 hours and 40 minutes | 7/10 |
The best cordless lawn mower for small to medium yards
✅ You want convenient battery operation: The efficient 20V battery operation and quick battery recharge make it a convenient choice for maintaining a well-kept lawn, especially for small to medium lawns.
✅ You need something easy and intuitive: The mower's easy setup, intuitive operation, and lightweight design make it user-friendly and easy to use.
✅ You prioritize maneuverability and cutting deck size: The mower's 20-inch cutting deck efficiently covers small to medium lawns, and its maneuverability allows for easy navigation around obstacles and tight spaces.
❌ You have longer grass: The mower may struggle with longer, older grass, requiring more power and resulting in a shorter runtime, which could be a limitation for larger or more challenging lawns.
❌ You want long battery life: While the runtime is sufficient for smaller lawns, the limited battery life may be a concern for those with larger lawn areas, requiring consideration of backup power.
🔎 I tested the Worx 20-inch Cordless Lawn Mower in my large backyard. With efficient battery operation, it's suitable for small to medium lawns but struggles with longer grass. Easy setup, intuitive operation, quick battery recharge, and a 20-inch cutting deck make it convenient for maintaining a well-kept lawn. ★★★★
I found that the Worx 20-inch Cordless Lawn Mower has an efficient 20V battery operation and is suitable for small to medium lawns. While it struggles with longer grass, its easy setup, intuitive operation, and quick battery recharge make it a convenient choice for maintaining a well-kept lawn.
Battery Life and Runtime: Using two 20V batteries, I can just about mow my entire 400 square-foot backyard lawn in one go with the Worx 20-inch Cordless Lawn Mower. After tackling long, older grass for about two hours, though, I did have to recharge the batteries, but if you have other Worx PowerShare products, you could use them as a backup. It took less than two hours to recharge the batteries fully. Still, while the runtime was fine for mowing the lawn when it was restored to health, it's worth considering the battery life and the possibility of needing backup power for bigger or more challenging lawns.
Power and Performance: While cutting the lawn, the Worx 20-inch Cordless Lawn Mower was great at cutting short, lush green shoots. It struggled with longer, older grass, which required more power and resulted in a shorter runtime. It cuts cleanly and precisely with its 30-cm blade and adjustable deck height.
I was spoilt for choice with the seven cutting heights. I like to keep the grass at a slightly longer length and, with uneven ground, preferred to cut at a height of four. This level of the deck was also perfect for mowing over an apple (a test) which turned it to very little pulp as the blade sliced through it.
Cutting Deck Size: The Worx 20-inch Cordless lawn mower managed to cover my 400-square-foot lawn thanks to its 20-inch cutting deck size, which is great for small to medium lawns. I could easily maneuver around obstacles and through tight spaces, ensuring an even cut across the lawn.
Ease of Use: The Worx 20-inch Cordless Lawn Mower took just 10 minutes to set up, and its intuitive operation made it easy to use. Assembling the mower was easy, with clear instructions, and the lightweight and adjustable handlebars made maneuvering the mower comfortable. The grass clipping collection system made disposal easy, and the easy start-up and battery power level indicator was great.
Battery Charging Time: The two 20V batteries of the Worx 20-inch Cordless Lawn Mower fully recharged in less than two hours, so you don't have to wait too long between mowing sessions. Had the battery ran out before I'd finished the mowing, I found that I didn't need to wait long until I could finish the job.
Attribute | Notes | Score |
---|---|---|
Battery Life and Runtime | struggled with longer, older grass; required recharging after about 2 hours of use | 7/10 |
Power and Performance | performed well on short, lush grass; clean and precise cut; some limitations on tougher grass | 7/10 |
Cutting Deck Size | well-suited for the reviewer's small to medium-sized lawn | 8/10 |
Ease of Use | easy to set up and operate; intuitive controls; lightweight and adjustable design; straightforward grass clipping collection system | 9/10 |
Battery Charging Time | recharged in less than 2 hours | 8/10 |
The best cordless lawn mower for large yards
✅ You need a lawn mower with minimal assembly: The EGO Power+ LM2135SP 21-Inch Select Cut Lawn Mower comes ready assembled apart from the 70L collection bag that needs attaching.
✅ You are short on space: This mower can be folded, so it takes up very little space when stored.
✅ You have a sloping yard: The self-propelled mower makes mowing easier as it takes the effort out of having to push the machine up a hill.
❌ You need a lightweight mower: The EGO Power+ LM2135SP 21-inch Select Cut Lawn Mower comes in fairly heavy at 28.9kg, which is a lot to move if you're not a fan of self-propelling.
❌ You need longer than 60-minute runtime: If it takes longer than an hour to mow your lawn, you might consider a riding lawn mower instead.
❌ You have a small yard: The EGO Power+ LM2135SP is quite big, so it's a bit excessive for smaller yards. It's ideally suited for gardens over 200 sq. m.
🔎 The EGO Power+ LM2135SP is a well-designed machine that can be used as a self-propelled or a push mower. Battery-powered, well-designed, and easy to fold away and store, it's ideal for large yards. Although it's quite heavy, getting used to the self-propelled feature takes a while. ★★★½
This was another cordless mower that I tried out. Despite initial challenges with the long charging time and heavy battery, the EGO Power+ 21-inch Select Cut Lawn Mower effectively trimmed the grass and provided a precise cut. The self-propelled feature added convenience (if you can get the hang of it), but maneuvering the mower was difficult due to its weight.
Battery Life and Runtime: Although the initial charge time was longer than expected, the 56V Arc Lithium battery provided a decent runtime once fully charged. Battery life and runtime play a huge role in the performance of the EGO Power+ 21-inch Select Cut Lawn Mower. After a 25% charge on delivery, the mower only had a quarter of its expected runtime. However, I used it effectively after a full charge. The battery is quite heavy, weighing 2.9kg, and is noisy when recharging which might worry some users.
Power and Performance: In my large backyard, the EGO Power+ 21-inch Select Cut Lawn Mower easily handles uneven ground and patchy grass. Although it took some practice, the self-propelled feature provided extra convenience. It's easy to use regardless of terrain because of the adjustable cutting height and powerful blades. Plus, the push start button and self-propelled speed control add simplicity. I had trouble starting the mower and adjusting the speed initially, but it met her expectations once it ran.
Cutting Deck Size: With its wide cutting deck, the grass was trimmed effectively. However, this large deck made the EGO Power+ 21-inch Select Cut Lawn Mower a beast to maneuver around obstacles which often took several goes to make a turn at the bottom of the yard.
Ease of Use: It takes some getting used to but with some patience it does get easier to operate. The unboxing and assembly process was straightforward, requiring minimal effort. Despite struggling with the starting sequence, the push start button and self-propelled speed control added convenience. I practiced and learned to adjust the cutting height and use the levers. Although the mower is self-propelled, the weight makes it hard to maneuver.
Battery Charging Time: The EGO Power+ 21-Inch Select Cut Lawn Mower arrived with a 25% charge, but it took one hour and nine seconds to reach a full charge.
Read our full EGO Power+ LM2135SP 21-inch Select Cut Lawn Mower review
Attribute | Notes | Score |
---|---|---|
Battery Life and Runtime | decent runtime once fully charged; initial long charging time and the heavy battery weight | 7/10 |
Power and Performance | handled the reviewer's large and uneven backyard; self-propelled feature; initial difficulties with starting and adjusting the speed | 8/10 |
Cutting Deck Size | well-suited for the reviewer's large backyard; efficient and precise cut | 8/10 |
Ease of Use | weight of the mower made it difficult to maneuver | 7/10 |
Battery Charging Time | long charging time of over an hour | 6/10 |
Best cordless lawn mowers: Side-by-side comparison
Header Cell - Column 0 | Husqvarna Lawn Xpert LE-322 | DeWalt 60V MAX Brushless Push Mower | Toro Flex-Force Power System 60V Max 22in Recycler Lawn Mower | Worx 40V 17in Cordless Lawn Mower | EGO Power+ LM2135SP 21-Inch Select Cut Lawn Mower |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Battery Life and Runtime | 9/10: lasted about an hour per battery | 9/10: impressive 80-minute runtime | 9/10: exceeded the manufacturer's battery life claims; 50 minutes of runtime on a single charge | 7/10: struggled with longer, older grass; required recharging after about 2 hours of use | 7/10: decent runtime once fully charged; initial long charging time and the heavy battery weight |
Power and Performance | 9/10: self-propelled system with rear-wheel drive; different cutting modes, including the sensing mode | 9/10: powerful dual-blade cutting system; ability to tackle even the toughest grass | 9/10: impressive self-propelled feature and adaptive power delivery | 7/10: performed well on short, lush grass; clean and precise cut; some limitations on tougher grass | 8/10: handled the reviewer's large and uneven backyard; self-propelled feature; initial difficulties with starting and adjusting the speed |
Cutting Deck Size | 9/10: well-suited for the reviewer's small yard; adjustable handle and control panel | 8/10: compact 21-inch cutting deck size; balance between maneuverability and cutting efficiency | 8/10: ability to cover a lot of ground efficiently | 8/10: well-suited for the reviewer's small to medium-sized lawn | 8/10: well-suited for the reviewer's large backyard; efficient and precise cut |
Ease of Use | 9/10: self-propelled system, adjustable handle, and intuitive control panel; straightforward changing the grass catcher, rear discharge chute, and mulch plugs | 9/10: incredibly easy to set up and use; intuitive controls; lightweight, maneuverable design | 9/10: push-button start, simple setup, and intuitive wheel adjustment | 9/10: easy to set up and operate; intuitive controls; lightweight and adjustable design; straightforward grass clipping collection system | 7/10: weight of the mower made it difficult to maneuver |
Battery Charging Time | 7/10: charging time for the batteries was lengthy | 7/10: longer than the claimed 45 minutes | 7/10: longer than the manufacturer's claim at 3 hours and 40 minutes | 8/10: recharged in less than 2 hours | 6/10: long charging time of over an hour |
Overall Score | ★★★★½ (8.6) | ★★★★ (8.4) | ★★★★ (8.4) | ★★★★ (7.8) | ★★★½ (7.2) |
Also consider
There are several other options to cordless push lawn mowers that you may not have previously thought about; robot lawn mowers and riding lawn mowers. A robot lawn mower is the hands-free approach of cutting the grass in the yard, whereas a ride on lawn mower are designed for large yards of up to four acres. Both of these lawn mower types can be powered by battery.
The John Deere Z370R ZTrak Electric Zero-turn Riding Lawn Mower scored full marks from our reviewer Alex Temblador. It's suitable for cutting up to two acres on a single charge and can reach a speed of up to 7MPH. Alex found it super easy to manoeuvre around trees, outdoor furniture and garden beds. And the fact that it is battery-powered meant that very little maintenance was required, apart from recharging the battery. It does cost a steep $6,399 though so for (almost) half the price and fewer obstacles, Alex recommends the EGO TR4204 Power+ 42in T6 Lawn Tractor.
A panel of Contributors challenged a selection of robot lawn mowers, including myself. I reviewed the Worx Landroid S WR165 which is better suited for the small to medium-sized lawn. While setting up the boundary wire was time consuming, and we had a little boundary wire mowing incident, I found it so easy to use - and it did a fantastic job of keeping the lawn nicely trimmed too. Should you prefer to have a robot mower without the boundary wire then Pete Wise recommends the Segway Navimow i105N. It's the same price as the Worx Landroid S WR165 yet it too is easy to set up, has a "stunning mowing performance" (Pete's words) and a simple-to-use app.
You might be surprised that brands such as Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet and Honda are not on the list. This is because we haven't had hands-on testing with either of these brands cordless lawn mowers. Certain DeWALT lawn mowers have also not been included either, such as the DeWALT DCMWSP244U2 Cordless Self-Propelled Mower. This is because it is being recalled along with three other mowers over safety fears.
How to choose the best cordless lawn mower for your yard
We asked the experts to explain the best ways to choose a cordless lawn mower for your yard. Nathan Cord, a gardening expert with Generators Direct, cited budget, yard size, cutting width, range of cutting heights, battery life, voltage, and weight among the top things to look for.
Nathan Cord is the Sales Manager at Generators Direct, an online retailer specializing in garden machinery and power tools. With his extensive expertise, Nathan is dedicated to offering customers high-quality products and the comprehensive information and guidance they need to complete their gardening projects.
Price
Cord said: "Cordless lawnmowers are priced from $150 to well over $500. When determining how much you will spend, consider the features and durability with the price."
Matt Davies, lawn specialist and managing director at GardenLawncareGuy, added: "For basic models, if you are on a budget, you can save some money by looking at less established brands that haven't yet built up a reputation for quality or reliability. In general you will also see less premium materials like plastic parts and perhaps most importantly a smaller cutting width and grass collector box."
Matt Davies is the director of GardenLawncareGuy, a family-run business that supplies specialist grass seed, lawn feed, and wildflowers. The gardening expert is a leading source of information in all things lawn care.
Yard size
The size of the mower's cutting deck will determine its cutting width on each pass, so the larger the deck, the quicker you can mow your lawn. For guidance, a 30-inch deck is ideal for a smaller yard, while a 42-inch one is better suited for large gardens.
Cord told Top Ten Reviews: "A wider cutting width reduces the mowing time for larger lawns but may be less practical for smaller, intricate gardens. My best advice is to opt for a cutting width of 11.8-15.7 inches, 15.7-18.5" and 18.8" or more for large yards."
He continued: "The size of your yard will dictate the type of mower you need. Larger gardens may require more powerful mowers with longer battery life, while smaller gardens can do well with compact models."
"Higher-end machines will have a larger cutting and collector box," said Davis. "This is particularly important if you have a mid- or larger-sized property, and it will mean less time mowing and emptying the box of clippings.
"Some of these machines will also have features like a rear roller, which can produce lawn stripes in your grass and be self-propelled so they will drive themselves forward - meaning less work for you pushing the unit."
Voltage
Your lawn mower's battery capacity and voltage will affect run time and cutting power.
"A lower voltage (18-24V) is suitable for smaller, less demanding gardens; medium voltage (36-40V) is good for medium-sized lawns, while a higher voltage (48V and above) is best for large and dense lawns," said Cord.
Runtime
This can vary depending on mower type, lawn size, and terrain, so before you buy a battery-powered mower, ensure the capacity is enough to get the job done.
For a battery mower, this can range from 30 minutes for a small electric push mower to 12 hours for a large electric riding mower. Also, pay attention to what power outlet you need to charge your battery.
Davies said: "Depending on the size of your lawn, most cordless mowers will produce several mows off a single charge.
"The number of cuts you can expect on a single charge will be reduced if you don't cut your lawn very often, as longer and overgrown grass puts more demand on the motor. Regular mowing not only improves the health of grass but also means you'll get more cuts from a single charge."
Weight
"The weight of the mower affects its ease of use," explains Cord. "Lighter models are easier to maneuver but might compromise power and battery size. Choosing a lightweight model will be easier to push and handle, which is ideal for smaller gardens. Contrastingly, heavier models are often more powerful and better for larger gardens but can be harder to maneuver.
"Look for a balance between weight and features to suit your needs. Considering these factors, you can choose a cordless lawn mower that fits your yard size and specific requirements."
Budget
According to the research, there are a few key times throughout the year when you're likely to find lawn mower deals.
The best time to buy a cordless lawn mower is early spring, usually between March and April. Retailers and manufacturers are gearing up for mowing season and offer discounts and promotions. As the mowing season ends, retailers are clearing out their inventory to make room for the next year's models. This is when you'll find the deepest discounts and clearance sales.
To capitalize on increased consumer spending, retailers often offer special promotions and sales during holiday weekends, such as Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day.
There are also major events like Amazon Prime Day and Black Friday later in the year when cordless lawnmowers are available at big discounts.
How we tested the best cordless lawn mowers for this guide
✅ 6 hands-on cordless mower product reviews (and counting)
✅ 20 years industry experience
✅ 100+ hours of battery life run
We've tested all of the cordless lawn mowers in this guide for a minimum of four weeks in our own backyards, to make sure that they are the best option for you. I've made it a personal mission of mine to ensure we get hands-on with all the products you see featured in our guides, and this one is now exception.
On a mission to review everything that we feature in our buyer's guides, we are upping our game on how we test cordless lawn mowers at Top Ten Reviews. The most crucial element of our review process is that we are consistent with our testing so that accurate comparisons can be drawn. This means that our review panel have strict criteria to follow from the point of delivery of a cordless lawn mower right through to the cleaning and maintenance of the machine.
The cutting performance has been challenged with long spring and fall grass. We also take into account the battery life and runtime, as well as the charge time to ensure that we are only featuring the best battery powered lawn mowers. A decibel meter is used to measure how noisy the cordless mowers are when running, and how loud the battery charger is (if it's kicking up some racket). In cases where we continue using the lawn mowers, we also test for cleaning, maintenance and longevity - we'll update our reviews and this guide with our key findings.
Evaluating what they are physically capable of when running up down our lawns means that we'll be using tools like the decibel metre reader and items such as an apple (to test the blade strength) so that we can award the mower a score out of 10.
These scores will be echoed in our standalone reviews where you can read more about the in-depth analysis. Read more about how we test.
Latest updates
Recent updates
09/25/2024 Checked prices. Added in links to Amazon Prime Day (to help you get a deal). Added in a section for alternative mowers worth considering.
08/30/2024 Added in Worx WG743 as the best cordless lawn mower for small to medium lawns. Added side-by-side comparison of all mowers featured. Updated the "how we test" section.