The best electric lawn mowers will make light work of trimming the grass in your yard, so you won't have to put in quite as much effort. There are a few factors to consider before you purchase the best electric lawn mower, whether that's the size of your lawn area, your budget, or even if you want a corded or cordless design.
The power tends to be less than you would get with a gas lawn mower, but electric models are one of the most environmentally friendly options on the market, and an option is guaranteed to suit every home.
Cordless electric lawn mowers make it super simple to reach distant corners and help avoid any mishaps from having a cord near your feet. Corded electric lawn mowers are easy to use, too, though, and they're usually a bit cheaper - you plug in, and you're ready to go (and mow).
The size of your yard is also a big factor to consider. Our round-up of the best lawn mowers can all be used for maintaining a small or medium-sized lawn, but if you want to leave things to the latest lawn tech, the best robot lawn mowers will take the work completely out of your hands.
Our guide runs through the features of the best electric lawnmowers so you can make an informed decision. It's worth considering the power output, battery life, and the number of adjustable cutting heights, which give you options on how much to trim the lawn. Then, for the more style-conscious, some designs make garden maintenance easier, such as grip handles and LED lights.
The best electric lawn mowers in 2023
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Ready to find the best electric lawn mower for you? We've rounded up the best models currently available, considering price, performance, and other factors. We've reviewed most of the models below and are in the process of reviewing the others. Any electric lawnmowers without dedicated reviews have a round-up of user reviews instead.
Best electric lawn mower overall
The EGO Power+ 21-inch LM2102 battery mower is one of the best all-around electric mowers you can buy. It offers gas-level power while operating quietly and for a long time on a charge, thanks to the large 7.5Ah battery. It's made from a solid IPX4 construction, meaning you get proper waterproofing, so you can happily leave it out in a garage without worrying about rust or damage. The battery is also part of the EGO Power+ ARC Lithium series, so if you have other EGO products or are looking to invest, interchange one battery around multiple products will be a real selling point.
This isn't self-propelled, which means it's lighter than most and can last up to an hour, about a quarter of an acre before you need to charge. Even then, the battery will fast charge in an hour to full. One of the major benefits of this model is how compact it is. You can fold the whole mower for easy storage, which is great for those lacking space.
You get LED headlights, battery level notifications, 3-in-1 bagging, mulching and discharging, foldable storage, plus an impressive five-year warranty – one of the best on any battery mower.
- Read our full EGO Power+ 21-inch LM2102 review
Best affordable electric lawn mower
The Ryobi 40V 21-inch Brushless Smart Trek gives a huge amount of features for the price and comes with an impressive five-year limited warranty. The powerful mower has a 21-inch deck backed by dual batteries for up to half an acre with both in place.
This electric lawn mower sits on the higher end of the lineup regarding both price and features, and we'd consider it best suited to larger lawns. Its dual battery setup allows you to achieve double the power and cover at least half an acre plot on a single charge. When we reviewed this model, we noted that charging could be faster, and there were issues with the battery not appearing on the handlebars, but the performance was impressive to compensate.
It's made of a weighty steel deck which is reassuring if you're looking for longevity in your next electric mower. However, this doesn't add to the overall weight too much. It's easy to maneuver and powers over bumps easily to tackle inclines. It also has a brushless motor that should have better efficiency than a brushed equivalent. The single-point height adjustment is also a popular feature for good reason. Pull the handle and lift or depress the deck to find your desired height.
The self-propulsion takes some getting used to, but with easy height adjusting, a simple start button, and great grass collection bag removal and replacement, this is great. The LED headlights and quiet running are nice touches on this mower that help it go above and beyond the price.
- Read our full Ryobi 40V 21-inch Brushless Smart Trek review
Best self-propelled electric lawn mower
The Snapper XD 82V Max StepSense is a self-propelled battery mower that still offers up to an hour of cutting thanks to its dual battery bay. This is a great feature for making lawn mowing a little simpler, as it allows you to keep one battery charging and continue working without waiting for it to recharge. The mower is smart enough to up power when needed in tougher grass areas and save battery on simple cut sections.
It has a simple push button to start it up, so it's great for getting going quickly. You can also pick what you do with the grass, such as mulching, bagging, or side ejecting as you cut. There are seven height positions, too, so you should be able to find your ideal finish regardless of the grass length.
Its intelligent load-sensing technology sets the Snapper XD 82V Max StepSense apart. This will vary the power output depending on what's being cut, so you're not using up more power when cutting short grass, for example. It draws more power when it detects it needs it for longer or denser grass patches so that you can save on battery life as much as possible.
The self-propulsion is just as smart, adding drive as you lean into the mower. This also has a five-year warranty and is reassuringly solid at 90 pounds, but it is also maneuverable and can be folded for vertical storage. We tested this device thoroughly and gave it an outstanding four and a half stars - it's got plenty of smart features to make cutting a lawn far easier.
- Read our full Snapper XD 82V Max StepSense review
Best electric lawn mower for small-medium yards
The Husqvarna Lawn Xpert LE-322 with battery and charger thoroughly impressed us with its performance. This lawn mower is perfect for small to medium yards and offers multiple cutting modes, making the process easy and efficient. The self-propel system is a game-changer and makes it much easier to maneuver the machine.
The Lawn Xpert LE-322 is made of durable plastic and metal and includes two batteries. Although only one battery can be charged at a time, the batteries fit easily into the top of the lawn mower once charged. The control panel on the handle is very convenient and includes indicator lights for battery life, errors, high-temperature notification, and a locked blade.
The cut mode button is especially useful, allowing you to choose between three different modes depending on your needs. The rear-wheel drive of this lawn mower makes it easy to mow in a straight line and around trees, and the drive speed lever lets you choose how fast you want the self-propel system to go.
The grass catcher, rear discharge chute, and mulch plug can be easily exchanged, and the grass catcher size is decent at 2.3 cubic feet. The batteries did not last as long as advertised, but this is not uncommon for lawn mower batteries. The cleaning process can be tricky, but maintenance is minimal overall, and the three-year limited warranty is a bonus.
- Read our full Husqvarna Lawn Xpert LE-322 review
Best electric lawn mower for small gardens
The Greenworks 48V 20-inch lawn mower is for small garden owners. Using two 24-volt batteries as a power source makes it surprisingly quiet and easy to operate. The batteries let it start quickly, which means it has a relatively short assembly time and is also usable as portable chargers. The battery can also be used across several different power tools, so if you have multiple Greenworks products, it's an easy way to save money. It also comes with a free drill that uses the same power source.
It can be stored vertically, taking up 70% less storage space than a regular mower of this size. This simple and lightweight design philosophy also extends to the rest of the mower, with collapsible handles that help with storage and pushing. Finally, a three-year limited warranty that includes the batteries covers the product.
The Greenworks 48V also has a great 4-in-1 bagging/mulching function, putting it above mower competitors. The extra setting is a 'turbo' mode that speeds up leaf pick-up, and there's a seven-position single-lever height adjustment tool that offers an impressive range of cutting height. These features are backed by a three-year limited tool and battery warranty, offering you more peace of mind.
Best ride on battery mower
The Ryobi RY48ZTR100 is the best ride-on battery mower out there - with a whopping 42-inch cutting deck powered by a massive 100Ah battery, this can handle any job. It can run on approximately three acres of land and does so noiselessly and flawlessly so you can get the job done quickly. The four brushless motors power the dual blades and four wheels across 12 cut heights and work forward and reverse with a top speed of 7mph.
The zero-point control arms allow accurate driving, and the LED lights let you work day or night. There's even a drinks holder and USB charger for your phone, plus a snow plow attachment for use in the winter, so you can get plenty more out of this machine than just mowing. This means it comes at a price, though, so it's more suited to those looking for an upgrade or have a larger budget.
This mower also offers a three-in-one system meaning you can pick between bagging your grass, mulching it, or side discharging it – although the side discharge accessory is sold separately. Thanks to the Easy-Life Single-Motion lock, the bag is super easy to use for easy one-handed control.
You can move the height of the deck through seven levels with that one-handed pull-and-adjust system. This ranges from as low to the ground as one and a half inches up to as high as four inches.
- Read our full Ryobi RY48ZTR100 review
Best electric lawn mower for speed
The Toro Recycler 21-inch SmartStow 60-Volt Cordless mower excels on small, flat lawns. As far as cutting widths go, this model sits at about average. This means it will be perfectly adequate for most lawns, but if you have a larger yard that needs more frequent maintenance, it might be worth looking at a larger model to get the job done quicker. Its cordless design is convenient to use, and it has a self-propelled operation.
The only drawback is that it takes a while to charge fully and can only be used for 45 minutes when the battery is finally full. However, the battery is part of the brand's Flex-Force line, so you can switch the battery between other Toro devices - great for saving money on buying additional batteries.
There is a bonus regarding storage, though, as it can be placed upright when not in use. You can also choose from three different options for discharging grass clippings. There's a two-year warranty on the mower plus a three-year warranty on the battery, so you can rest assured that you won't be unnecessarily spending if any issues occur.
We tested this mower ourselves and gave it a generous four stars. There weren't many things this Toro model can't do - it's cordless, easy to use, and has a decent cutting width. Various disposal options also make it simpler to get rid of grass cuttings. The only downside is the short battery time, so we'd recommend it for smaller flat lawns that don't require as much upkeep.
Best electric lawn mower for tight spaces
The Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO 13 packs a 14-inch blade into a 16-inch body, meaning it is one of the lightest models in our guide to the best electric lawnmowers. The mower is only 30 lbs, less than 50 inches long, and just over 40 inches tall. This electric lawn mower is on the smaller side, but this doesn't impact its power.
Snow Joe’s electric mower blends this compact build with a potent 13-amp motor. Alongside this diminutive build are collapsible handles, making storage simple. With the PRO 13 model, the bag is detachable and can be replaced with a side discharge chute. This chute delivers fine grass trimmings to the left-hand side of the mower, making it easy to collect grass and empty it when you finish mowing. When the bag is detached, the design becomes much sleeker too, so you can mow with greater ease and flexibility.
Although it will not win any awards for mowing large lawns, its size means it handles hilly areas easily. It also handles garden edges much better than more unwieldy mowers. The cutting range of this machine isn't as varied as other models in our round-up, so it's probably better suited to small gardens that require less intense maintenance.
As you would assume from a smaller, more affordable electric mower, it isn't packed with features. However, the three-position cutting height is hugely beneficial to the build. These range from 1.18-2.52 inches which, when combined with a 14-inch blade width, provides a precise cut on smaller yards with difficult shapes or inclines.
In short, the Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO 13 is great if you are a novice gardener on a budget or are looking for a cheap but effective electric mower for a small garden.
- Read our full Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO 13 review
How to choose the best electric lawn mower
While deciding on a lawn mower with a cord might seem like the most obvious way to keep your spending low, we recommend avoiding corded models unless you’re on a very tight budget. Why? Well, it boils down to the running times: nowadays, cordless models can run strong for 45 minutes to an hour, which should be enough time to deal with a moderate or large lawn.
With a corded model, you’ll always need to stay close to an electric socket. It’s also easy to get frustrated by tripping on your cord or shoving it out of your path. Cordless models take away that hassle, and it’s likely the job won’t take as long once you remove all the cord maneuvering.
While an electric lawn mower is more environmentally friendly than a gas lawn mower, you may need one if you’re dealing with a particularly large lawn. Gas is a more powerful energy source, and the mowers also run longer without a refill. Even so, most electric lawnmowers only take 40 minutes to recharge, so if you run out of battery mid-mowing session, that’s enough time for a snack break.
Cutting modes and features should also be on your mind when you choose an electric lawn mower. While they’re not essential, self-propelling models can also make your life far easier.
Electric lawn mowers FAQ
What types of electric lawn mower are there?
Rotary mowers: Rotary mowers are characterized by one very high-speed rotating cutting blade, which slices the grass on impact. These mowers are common as they allow medium to high-cut grass to be quickly cut and deposited in a rear-mounted grass box. These mowers typically have four fixed wheels for maneuvering.
Cylinder mowers: Cylinder mowers have a series of blades that tend to be exposed in a cylindrical drum structure on the front of the machine. Unlike rotary mowers, these cut grass by slicing against a fixed bottom plate, with a series of smaller blades doing the work of one. These machines work best when cutting low to medium-height grass.
Hover mowers: Hover mowers are similar to rotary mowers in that they cut grass with a rotating cutting blade or disc - they differ in that they don’t have wheels for maneuvering. Instead, the hover mowers create a downward firing cushion of air that allows them to move easily in any direction, like a hovercraft.
Are electric mowers good?
Electric mowers are a great option if you want a machine that isn’t too heavy to move around - and won’t cost you a fortune. They are best suited for smaller lawns rather than huge areas of grass, and this is because a power cord restricts you. There are battery lawnmowers that solve the cord problem, but you’ll need to note how long the run time is on each battery. Many battery-powered mowers can be purchased with a spare battery so your mower is never out of action.
Electric lawnmowers don’t require any fuel, which makes them more affordable to power than gas mowers. There’s also the added benefit of electric mowers operating more quietly than their gas counterparts.
How much do electric lawn mowers cost?
In general, prices for corded electric lawn mowers tend to start at about $100; however, dealing with a cord while mowing can be awkward, and it limits your mobility and the distance you can cover. You can buy extensions for your mower, but this might be inconvenient if you have an extremely large backyard.
Battery-operated mowers cost a little more, starting in the low $200 range up to about $500, but the convenience of battery power, for many consumers, is worth paying extra. These models can also run for up to 90 minutes, so unless you have acres of land to cover, you should be able to get the job done. Be aware that cordless mowers have somewhat less power than corded models, and you’ll have to recharge the batteries, but they offer much more mobility.
Running costs may be another concern when buying an electric lawn mower. Compared to best gas lawn mower models, you can rest assured that the money you’ll spend on charging on powering your electric mower will be considerably less, costing around 20 to 60 cents an hour to run, depending on the exact wattage of your model.
Does power = quality with electric lawn mowers?
You should consider your yard's size and how often you intend to mow it. If your lawn is 1/3 acre or bigger, you’ll want to spring for a high-performance model with a high-voltage battery, wide cutting path, and multiple height settings. If you have a smaller yard or don’t need to mow very often, you can probably get away with one with less power.
