Best Lawn Mowers 2026
The best lawn mowers match your yard size, grass type, and tolerance for noise and maintenance. In our comparison of five well-known mowers, battery models now suit most suburban lawns, while gas models still make sense for very large or overgrown yards. This guide compares power, cutting width, and running costs.
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Key Takeaways
- Battery mowers suit most suburban lawns and need far less maintenance than gas.
- Cutting width and battery capacity matter more than top speed for finishing a lawn.
- Self-propelled drive helps on slopes and larger yards; push models suit small flat lawns.
- Mulching, bagging, and side discharge cover different grass and tidiness needs.
Top 3 Picks
- Best overall battery mower: EGO Power+ Select Cut 21-Inch — a powerful battery mower with a wide cut and flexible blade options.
- Best value battery mower: Greenworks 40V 21-Inch — strong cutting for medium lawns at a friendlier price.
- Best gas mower: Toro Recycler 22-Inch — a proven gas pick for large yards and tough grass.
1. EGO Power+ Select Cut 21-Inch
EGO Power+ Select Cut 21-Inch
In our comparison, the EGO Select Cut is the battery mower to beat for medium to large suburban lawns. Its 21-inch cutting width covers ground quickly, the Select Cut blade…
In our comparison, the EGO Select Cut is the battery mower to beat for medium to large suburban lawns. Its 21-inch cutting width covers ground quickly, the Select Cut blade system lets you swap blades for mulching or bagging performance, and it runs far quieter than a gas mower.
Self-propelled drive takes the effort out of slopes, and folding storage saves garage space. The main limits are battery runtime on very large lawns and the need for a spare battery if your yard pushes past a single charge.
Pros:
- Wide 21-inch cut finishes lawns faster
- Quiet running compared with gas mowers
- Interchangeable blades for mulching or bagging
- Self-propelled drive for slopes
- Folds for compact garage storage
Cons:
- Large lawns may need a spare battery
- Premium price for mower plus battery
- Heavier than small push mowers
- Battery charging takes time between sessions
- Less suited to very overgrown fields
2. Greenworks 40V 21-Inch
In our comparison, the Greenworks 40V 21-inch mower is the value battery pick. It offers the same useful cutting width as the EGO, with mulching and bagging options, at a lower price that suits first-time battery mower buyers and medium lawns.
It is lighter and simpler than premium models, which makes it easy to push and store. Runtime and power trail the EGO on thick or wet grass, so owners of large or steep yards should weigh the step up to a higher-voltage platform.
Pros:
- Good value for a 21-inch battery mower
- Mulching and bagging included
- Lighter and easy to handle
- Quiet, low-maintenance running
- Simple controls for new buyers
Cons:
- Less power on thick or wet grass
- Runtime limits very large lawns
- Fewer blade options than the EGO
- Build feels less premium
- Self-propelled drive not on all versions
3. Ryobi 40V HP 21-Inch
In our comparison, the Ryobi 40V HP mower suits buyers already invested in Ryobi’s battery platform. The high-performance brushless motor cuts well through regular grass, and sharing batteries with other Ryobi tools spreads the cost of spares.
The 21-inch deck and self-propelled options cover medium lawns comfortably, and the mower folds for storage. It sits between the Greenworks and EGO on price and power, making it a balanced middle pick rather than a specialist.
Pros:
- Shares batteries with other Ryobi tools
- Brushless motor for steady cutting
- 21-inch deck for medium lawns
- Folding storage design
- Balanced price and performance
Cons:
- Power trails the EGO on tough grass
- Battery and charger sometimes sold separately
- Heavier than the Greenworks model
- Not the best pick for very large yards
- Bag capacity needs emptying often on long grass
4. Toro Recycler 22-Inch
In our comparison, the Toro Recycler is the gas mower that still earns its place. Its 22-inch deck and Recycler cutting system mulch clippings finely, and gas power handles large yards, thick grass, and longer intervals between mows without battery anxiety.
The trade-offs are familiar gas ones: noise, exhaust, oil and fuel maintenance, and a pull-start or electric-start routine. For yards where a battery mower would need two or three charges, those trade-offs are worth it.
Pros:
- Handles large yards without battery limits
- Wide 22-inch cutting deck
- Good mulching performance
- Strong on thick or overgrown grass
- Long-proven design and parts support
Cons:
- Noisy compared with battery mowers
- Needs fuel, oil, and seasonal maintenance
- Heavier to push without drive assist
- Exhaust fumes during use
- Storage needs fuel care over winter
5. Craftsman M215
In our comparison, the Craftsman M215 is the affordable gas pick for larger lawns. It offers a wide cutting deck and a reliable gas engine at a price well below premium mowers, with mulching, bagging, and side-discharge options for different grass conditions.
It is a straightforward, no-frills machine: heavier and louder than battery rivals, but simple to understand and widely supported. Buyers with small flat lawns will find it more mower than they need; buyers with big yards will appreciate the value.
Pros:
- Affordable gas power for large lawns
- Wide deck with three discharge options
- Simple, proven mechanical design
- Good parts and service availability
- No battery runtime limits
Cons:
- Loud and heavier than battery mowers
- Needs regular gas engine maintenance
- No self-propelled drive on base versions
- Overkill for small flat lawns
- Pull-start can be stiff when cold
Comparison Table
| Product | Power | Cutting width class | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| EGO Power+ Select Cut 21-Inch | Battery | 21-inch | Medium to large suburban lawns |
| Greenworks 40V 21-Inch | Battery | 21-inch | Medium lawns on a budget |
| Ryobi 40V HP 21-Inch | Battery | 21-inch | Ryobi battery owners |
| Toro Recycler 22-Inch | Gas | 22-inch | Large yards and tough grass |
| Craftsman M215 | Gas | Wide deck | Large lawns on a budget |
How to Choose
Size the mower to the yard. Small flat lawns suit a push battery mower; large or sloped yards justify self-propelled drive and a wider deck.
Choose battery or gas honestly. Battery wins on noise and maintenance for most suburban lawns; gas wins for very large yards and infrequent, overgrown cuts.
Check the discharge options you will use. Mulching feeds the lawn and skips bagging; bagging suits tidy finishes and weed-heavy grass.
Plan for storage and charging. Battery mowers fold and store cleanly, while gas mowers need fuel care and more garage space.
FAQs
Are battery mowers powerful enough?
For regular suburban lawns, yes. Modern battery mowers cut standard grass well, though very thick, wet, or overgrown grass still favours gas power.
How long does a battery mower run?
Runtime varies by battery size, grass height, and whether drive assist is used. Most single batteries cover a small to medium lawn, with spares for larger yards.
Is mulching better than bagging?
Mulching returns fine clippings to feed the lawn and saves emptying a bag. Bagging gives a tidier finish and suits weedy or very long grass.
Do I need a self-propelled mower?
Self-propelled drive helps on slopes and larger yards, and for anyone who finds pushing tiring. Small flat lawns are fine with a push model.
What maintenance does a gas mower need?
Regular oil checks, air filter cleaning, blade sharpening, and fuel care over winter. Battery mowers mainly need blade care and battery storage in moderate temperatures.
Conclusion
Pick the EGO Power+ Select Cut 21-inch for the best battery mowing experience, the Greenworks 40V 21-inch for value, and the Ryobi 40V HP if you already own Ryobi batteries. For large yards and tough grass, the Toro Recycler 22-inch is the proven gas pick, while the Craftsman M215 delivers gas power for less.
