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Best Lawn Mowers

Updated April 2024
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Ego Power+ Cordless Lawn Mower
Ego Power+
Cordless Lawn Mower
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Convenient Storage
Bottom Line

This battery-powered lawn mower has up to 45 minutes of runtime in addition to other helpful functions.

Pros

Has a push-to-start button, LED headlights, and folds up for space-saving storage. There are 6 cutting-height settings ranging from 1.5 to 4 inches. The width of the deck is 21 inches. Other features include bagging and side discharge.

Cons

Bag is small, and the mower doesn’t pick up leaves very well.

Best Bang for the Buck
American Lawn Mower 14-Inch Deluxe Hand Reel Mower
American Lawn Mower
14-Inch Deluxe Hand Reel Mower
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Best for Small Spaces
Bottom Line

A sustainable option for those who have smaller yards and don't mind putting in work.

Pros

With a 4-blade reel and a 14” cutting width, this hand mower is a great option for those who are either sick of breaking mowers or want to go the sustainable route. Blades are made of heat-treated alloy steel and should stay sharp for years.

Cons

Lawn must be clean; even small twigs can stop this mower.

Greenworks 12A, 20" 3 -in-One Corded Lawn Mower
Greenworks
12A 20" 3-in-1 Corded Lawn Mower
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

This model is a well-built electric option for individuals who have a smaller to medium-sized yard.

Pros

Push button for effortless starting. Larger rear wheels make it easy to maneuver. Option of a rear bag, mulching, or side ejection. Folding handles allow for compact storage. The corded design ensures you will be able to cut your entire yard.

Cons

Be careful to keep the cord away from the blade when cutting.

WORX 40V Power Share 14" Lawn Mower
WORX
40V Power Share 14" Lawn Mower
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Lightweight Model
Bottom Line

A versatile, lightweight, electric model with a lot of features that add convenience.

Pros

Features Intellicut that provides on-demand torque for tougher cutting conditions. On-board battery meter, full-bag indicator, and dual-port charger. Operates off of 2 20-volt batteries. Comes from a trusted brand known for longevity.

Cons

Machine is only 14 inches wide, so it is best for smaller yards.

Greenworks 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
Greenworks
21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
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Easy to Use
Bottom Line

Great for medium yards, this lightweight mower offers the flexibility to take on any type of grass.

Pros

The blade design enables you to cut wet and thick grass. Cuts up to a half acre in a single charge. The 80v battery recharges in an hour. Can be adjusted to seven different heights. The handle folds for easy storage. Included LED lights make it easy to cut in shaded areas.

Cons

Some users find that it's hard to stop the machine quickly.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

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Consumers
Consulted
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Buying guide for Best lawn mowers

Whether you’ve got a trim little square of grass in front of your house or acres of sprawling pasture behind your barn, your lawn mower plays a huge role in the landscaping of your property. As such, you undoubtedly want a machine that gives the best performance possible. In fact, during certain times of the year, you may use your lawn mower more than once per week. The ideal lawn mower is a durable, high-quality machine that will serve you for many years without fail.

How do you decide which lawn mower to buy? The market offers so many choices, from rotary mowers that cost under $100 to robotic lawn mowers that cost upwards of $1,000. If you’re thinking of getting a new lawn mower, there are a few things you'll want to consider in order to make an informed decision.

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Can't decide between a push mower and a riding mower? Luke, our professional landscaping consultant, offers this advice:

Why buy a walk-behind lawn mower?

If you’re considering a walk-behind lawn mower, chances are high that you don’t have acres of grass to contend with on a weekly basis. If you did, you’d probably be seriously considering a riding lawn mower instead.

But riding lawn mowers can be pricey, and they consume lots of storage space. If your yard is small, investing in such a large machine could be overkill.

A walk-behind mower is a great choice for homes with small- and medium-sized yards. Walk-behind lawn mowers also offer more precision than riding mowers, as they are easier to manipulate in small spaces.

Types of lawn mowers

There are several types of walk-behind lawn mowers. Each has its own unique set of characteristics.

Push mowers

A push mower’s engine powers the blade. In turn, the blade rotates and cuts the lawn. All of the “forward drive” is human-powered; you rely on your own muscle to propel the machine. If you have a small, even lot — or if you just like the exercise — a push mower could be the right choice for you.

Self-propelled mowers

A self-propelled lawn mower uses energy from the engine to power the wheels. Sometimes, just the front or back wheels receive power; other times, the lawn mower has all-wheel drive.

These mowers are wonderful for lots of reasons. If you have a large lot, need to mow rough terrain, or suffer from physical weakness or fatigue, a self-propelled mower could be your best bet.

Gas lawn mowers

If you own a gas-powered lawn mower, you must refill the gas tank periodically. This costs money, and as the gas combusts, it releases emissions into the air that aren’t great for the environment.

But gas mowers tend to wield more power, so if you’ve got a large lawn or thick patches of grass or other tough growth to tackle, a gas-powered machine could be the better choice.

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Did you know?
While it’s true they require maintenance and tune-ups, you’re not tethered to extension cord or limited battery life when using a gas-powered motor. Some people swear by them; it’s the only type of mower they’ll use in spite of the noise and extra expense.
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Electric lawn mowers

Electric mowers come with a battery that you must charge. The battery powers the blade’s rotation. This is a more environmentally friendly option than a traditional gas-powered motor.

Gas-powered lawn mowers employ the same internal combustion engine technology that most cars use to run.

Electric mowers don’t require engine maintenance, but they have their downsides. Some are less powerful than gas mowers, and some have a limited battery life, which can be frustrating. And electric lawn mowers that tether you to a cord while mowing can be very inconvenient.

Features to consider

Do you want an entry-level lawn mower or a more advanced model? The answer to that question depends on your budget as well as your personal preferences. Below are some of the more notable lawn mower features to consider when you’re shopping.

Mulching capabilities

Still other lawn mowers include mulching capabilities. These machines hold on to the clippings and cut them into smaller bits before depositing them back onto the lawn.

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Did you know?
A lawn mower takes in grass, and it must dispose of it somehow. Many lawn mowers have a simple side-discharge feature for clippings; the clipped grass goes right back onto the lawn. But some lawn mowers have a bagging and/or mulching system for clippings.
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Self-propelling system

Powered by a drive system, the wheels of a self-propelled lawn mower turn automatically. Some people prefer a self-propelled mower because it requires less physical effort from them.

However, some people like the exercise they get when using a push mower.

Self-propelled lawn mowers are typically controlled in one of four ways: squeezing a bail, pushing a lever, squeezing a lever, or pushing a handle to increase/decrease speed.

Clippings collection

Some walk-behind lawn mowers come with a bagging system that collects clippings. The bag typically hangs under the steering handle of the mower. If you’re an active gardener, this option is a must-have.

You may also want this feature if you have to clean up clippings due to thick or coarse grass in your yard. Bear in mind, however, that you’ll have to empty the bag of clippings periodically with this feature.

Push-button start

Many lawn mower models no longer have the traditional pull cord start mechanism. Instead, they have a push-button start.

So if you’re sick of wrenching your arm every time you want to start the lawn mower, consider a machine that activates with the push of a button.

Electric mowers start like this, as do some gas models.

"On today’s market, you can find both electric and gas-powered lawn mowers with push-button starting mechanisms."
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How to make your lawn mower last

A lawn mower that’s well-maintained can last 10 years or more. But neglecting to properly care for your lawn mower can easily cut that time in half.

Some manufacturers rate their lawn mowers based on how many hours the machines will supposedly last. Cheaper lawn mowers may be rated to last 200 hours or less. High-end models can be rated for 500 hours or more.

From these figures, you could deduce that a larger yard reduces the lifespan of a lawn mower. But there are steps you can take to make your lawn mower last as long as possible.

  • Change your gas-powered lawn mower’s oil regularly. Just like a car, a gas-powered lawn mower needs regular oil maintenance. Check the oil after every eight hours of use. The darker the oil, the more urgently it needs a change. Fresh oil is amber.

  • If your lawn mower has an air filter, change it every 25 hours

  • Periodically check your lawn mower’s fuel filter. It should be clean. If it’s not, replace it, as cleaning it yourself may damage it.

  • Conduct a regular check on the mower’s spark plugs. If you’re unsure how to do this, consider purchasing a lawn mower tune-up kit from your local lawn and garden store. Or, take your machine to a professional.

  • Examine the blade for damage. Power down your mower and let it cool off before you do this. If it’s electric, unplug it first. Then, examine the blade for nicks, dents, and other types of damage. The manufacturer may recommend blade sharpening or even blade replacement.

"If you have a lots of precision work to do with your mower (mowing around trees, circling garden areas), consider a machine with four same-sized wheels, as those handle turns better."
STAFF
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Lawn mower prices

$80 to $150

In this price range, you will find smaller corded electric lawn mowers and basic gas-powered push mowers.

If your mowing chores are few, this could be all you need.

$150 to $250

In this price range, you’ll find lawn mowers with clipping collection mechanisms and more powerful engines. You may even find a cordless, battery-powered push mower on sale.

$250 and up

In this bracket, you’ll find more powerful electric lawn mowers with 18- to 58-volt electric batteries. Gas-powered push mowers with high-powered engines also sit in this price range, as do some self-propelled mowers.

Tips

  • Some lawn mowers have a port that allows a hose plug-in. That hose rinses out clippings under the mower deck. This is convenient because you don’t have to tip the machine to wash the clippings out of the mower.

  • Many electric mowers come with a removable battery option. This is helpful, as you can store the battery where temperatures aren’t as extreme.

  • Some mowers have a blade-brake clutch feature that allows you to stop the blade but not the engine. This feature is good for picking up debris in your way while mowing. Notably, you should always exercise caution when picking up debris around a lawn mower.

  • The batteries on some electric lawn mowers may also charge other equipment, such as leaf blowers and trimmers.

  • Some gas-powered lawn mowers have a no-prime feature that allows for quicker starts.

  • Engines come in different power ranges, usually from 140cc to 190cc. If you’re dealing with crabgrass or tend to cut taller, wetter grass, we recommend a lawn mower with a more powerful engine.

  • Some lawn mowers come with a folding handle that takes less space to store.

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Wheel size can vary from one lawn mower to the next. Larger back wheels are commonly found on self-propelled lawn mowers; they help move the mower over rough terrain. If you need to mow in tight spaces, however, consider a lawn mower with uniform wheel sizes.

FAQ

Q. What type of lawn mower is best for which terrain?    

A. If your lawn is rough or has many slopes to it, we recommend a machine with large back wheels. For many folks, the ideal product in this scenario would be a self-propelled lawn mower, since that leads to less physical exertion.

However, if you’re able-bodied and have a smaller yard with more even terrain, you could easily get by with a push mower.

Q. What type of upkeep does a lawn mower need?

A. A gas-powered mower needs the same type of upkeep that a car does: oil changes, air filter changes, new spark plugs. An electric mower doesn’t have these needs, but you might have to eventually replace the battery.

Q. Aren’t electric mowers considered the weaker choice?

A. Not as much by today’s standards. Thanks to advanced lithium-ion technology, batteries are more powerful and hold charges much better than they used to. Some electric lawn mowers can even match gas-powered mowers in terms of sheer power.