Best electric lawn mowers 2023

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 for you, 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 the best gas lawn mowers, but electric models are one of the most environmentally friendly options on the market, and there is guaranteed to be an option to suit every home. 

Cordless electric lawn mowers make it super simple to reach distant corners and helps to avoid any mishaps that occur 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 just plug in and you're ready to go (and mow). 

The size of your yard is also a big factor to consider. The best electric lawn mowers in our round-up can all be used for maintaining a small or medium-sized lawn. If you have a more substantial space, it might be worth investing in one of the best riding lawn mowers to make the job even easier. And 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. 

In our guide we run through the features of the best electric lawn mowers 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 there are design that make garden maintenance easier such as grip handles and LED lights. 

The best electric lawn mowers

Ready to find the best electric lawn mower for you? We've rounded up the best models that are currently available, taking price, performance and other factors into consideration. We've reviewed most of the models below and are in the process of reviewing the others. Any electric lawn mowers that don't have dedicated reviews have a round-up of user reviews instead. 

Best electric lawn mowers

The EGO Power+ 21-inch LM2102 battery mower is one of the best all round 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 you're looking to invest, being able to 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 down for easy storage which is great for those lacking in 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 EGO Power+ 21-inch LM2102 review (opens in new tab)

The Greenworks 48V 20-inch lawn mower is for small garden owners. By using two 24 volt batteries as a power source, it is surprisingly quiet and easy to operate. The batteries let it start up quickly and means it has a relatively short assembly time, and are also usable as portable chargers. The battery can also be used across a number of different power tools, so if you have multiple Greenworks products then it's an easy way to save some 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 extends to the rest of the mower as well, with collapsible handles that help with both 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 which puts it above mowers from 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 also backed by a three year limited tool and battery warranty, offering you a bit more peace of mind. 

• Read our Greenworks 48V 20-inch Brushless Lawn Mower 1313802 review (opens in new tab)

The Snapper XD 82V Max StepSense is a self-propelled battery mower that still manages to offer up to an hour of cutting thanks to its dual battery bay. This is a great feature for making lawn mowing that little bit simpler, as it allows you to keep one battery charging, and you can continue working without having to wait for it 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 a 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 to start with.

What sets the Snapper XD 82V Max StepSense apart is its intelligent load sensing technology. 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 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 in weight, but 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 Snapper XD 82V Max StepSense review (opens in new tab)

The Greenworks 40V 16" Cordless Electric Lawn Mower offers a dependable battery life, churning out 45 minutes on a single battery and up to a third of an acre's mowing in one go. As there are two 40V batteries, you should be able to max out on 90 minutes of mowing, however, some users even said they got up to three hours. The Greenworks G-MAX 40V Li-Ion system is also compatible with over 60 other Greeenworks garden tools.

Thanks to its 16" lightweight cutting deck, the mower can be moved around more quickly than bigger, heavier models – which is ideal for older users or those with back issues. Once assembled, all you have to do is press the button to start, and the single lever 5-position height adjustment gives a range of cutting heights from 1-1/4" to 3-3/8".

When you’re done mowing, the handles can be folded down to allow the mower to be stored vertically – which isn't an issue as there's no oil or gas to spill out. 

The Greenworks 40V 16" Cordless Electric Lawn Mower comes with a 3-year tool and battery warranty, to offer some peace of mind against breakdown.

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 aces 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 in forward and reverse with a top speed of 7mph. 

The zero point control arms make for 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 plough attachment for use in the winter, so you can get plenty more out of this machine than just mowing. This does mean it comes at a price though, so it's definitely more suited to those who are 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. The bag itself is super easy to use thanks to the Easy-Life Single-Motion lock that is made 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 right up to as high as four inches. 

• Read our Ryobi RY48ZTR100 review (opens in new tab)

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL is one of the more expensive models in our guide, but it offers a wide 21-inch cut capacity, plus a variable speed propeller management between 0 - 4 MPH for more control while you’re walking. It even has front and side LED lights to help you mow carefully in light low conditions.

Like all self-propelled mowers, it can cut through thicker grass without you having to expend your energy, and there are 7 height adjustments to choose from, between 1 - 4 inches at 1/2-inch Increments. In terms of design, the folding handles allow you to store it vertically in tight spaces or sheds, while the ergonomic bail bar handle provides a solid grip during operation.

The Milwaukee M18 batteries aren’t as capacious as some models here, but most users didn’t have a problem with the amount of mowing time they got – quoted as delivering up to 60 minutes of runtime or 1/2 acre per charge.

The only drawbacks to all these features are the higher price and weight – at 85 lbs, the Milwaukee 18 FUEL is more than double the weight of the budget Black + Decker BEMW472BH. That said, it’s the ideal model for landscape maintenance professionals, large lawns, large budgets, or if you want a model that does it all.

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 lawn mowers. The mower is only 30lbs, less than 50 inches long and just over 40 inches in height. 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 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 mowing large lawns, its size means it handles hilly areas with great ease. 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 full of 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 Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO 13 review (opens in new tab)

The Toro Recycler 21 inch SmartStow 60-Volt Cordless mower excels when it comes to 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, then it might be worth looking at a larger model that can 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 fully charge, and can only be used for 45 minutes at the time 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 an added bonus when it comes to storage though, as it can be placed upright when it is not in use. You can also choose from three different options when it comes to 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. 

• Read our Toro Recycler 21 Inch SmartStow 60-Volt Cordless Mower review. (opens in new tab)

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 mower is powerful and has a 21-inch deck that's 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 line up in terms of both price and features, and we'd consider it best suited to larger lawns. It has a dual battery set up so you can 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 performance was impressive to compensate. 

It's made out 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, so you'll be able 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. You simply need to pull the handle and lift or depress the deck to find the height you want.

The self-propulsion takes some getting used to but with easy height adjusting, simple start button and great grass collection bag removal and replacing, this is great to use. The LED headlights and quiet running are nice touches on this mower that help it go above and beyond the price.

• Read our Ryobi 40V 21-inch Brushless Smart Trek review (opens in new tab)

The affordable Black + Decker BEMW472BH lawn mower is a 10 AMP 15-inch electric mower that’s easy to push around a smaller yard of 1/8 acre. It’s cord-powered, but the cord is a generous 50ft, giving you enough reach to get to the lawn’s corners. And at 40.4 lb, this is one of the lighter mowers on our list. That makes it ideal if you’re struggling with an injury or don’t want to push a hefty weight around.

Black+Decker has incorporated a winged blade into the model, giving you up to 30 percent better grass clipping collection than other models into its collection bag (so less mess gets left behind as you cut your lawn). Design features include rugged wheel treads for better movement control in thicker grass, an easy-push start button and handlebar-style grips to help you maneuver comfortably and precisely.

It’s easy to choose from the six cutting heights by moving a lever over the back wheel, and they range from 1 to 3 inches so that you can choose exactly how high to mow your lawn. 

The Black + Decker BEMW472BH is a no-frills but dependable mower to choose if you’re a budget-conscious buyer.

What to know about the best electric lawn mowers

How to choose the right electric lawn mower for you

While deciding on a lawn mower with a cord might seem like the most obvious way to keep your spending low, our recommendation is to avoid corded models unless you’re on a very tight budget. Why? Well, it really boils down to the running times: nowadays, cordless models are capable of running strong for 45 minutes to an hour, which should be more than 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 take away all the cord maneuvering.

While an electric lawn mower is more environmentally friendly than a gas lawn mower, you may need one of these if you’re dealing with a particularly large lawn. Gas is a more powerful source of energy, and the mowers also run for longer without a refill. Even so, most electric lawn mowers only take 40 minutes or so to recharge, so in the unlikely case 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 absolutely essential, self-propelling models can make your life far easier too.

What types of electric lawn mower are there?

Rotary mowers: Rotary mowers are characterised by one very high speed rotating cutting blade, which slices the grass on impact. These types of mowers are very 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 which 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 either. They are best suited for smaller lawns, rather than huge areas of grass and this is because you’ll be restricted by a power cord. There are, of course, battery lawn mowers 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 that your mower is never out of action. 

Electric lawn mowers 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, it can be awkward to deal with a cord while mowing, 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 tend to 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 it comes to buying an electric lawn mower. Compared to gas 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. 

The most powerful electric lawn mower isn’t necessarily the best

You should consider how large your yard is 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 that has less power.