The Best Cordless Lawn Mower – Battery Powered Mowing

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Battery powered lawn mowers have a lot of benefits over traditional gas models. They are lighter, they require almost no maintenance and they don’t require a trip to the gas pump when you run low on fuel!

But not all cordless electric lawn mowers are alike, or even use the same technology. Some use Li-ion batteries, others use lead acid, and some even use Ni-cd!

And don’t even get me started on the electric motor types, the cutting width, the run time, the charge time… there are SO many models to choose from and specifications to consider.

But don’t stress, in my time as an electronics technician I learned a lot about battery and motor technology – and my time as a professional gardener taught me exactly what it is that a mower needs to be the best.

So save yourself some time and take a look through our list of the best cordless lawn mowers (otherwise known as the best battery powered mowers) and choose one with confidence.

person using a cordless battery powered lawn mower

Battery Powered Lawn Mower Comparison Table

Use the table below to quickly compare the specifications of each model, or keep scrolling down to read the detailed reviews.

ProductDetailsWhere to Buy

Greenworks Pro 80V 21-Inch Lawn Mower
greenworks pro 21

**Editor's Choice**

Battery Voltage: 40V
Batteries Included: Yes
Max Run Time: 60 min
Charge Time: 30 min with rapid charger
Deck Width: 21 inch
Weight: 81 lbs
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Snapper XD 82V MAX Cordless Electric 21" Push Lawn Mower
Snapper XD 82V MAX Cordless Electric 21

Battery Voltage: 41V
Batteries Included: Yes
Max Run Time: 90 min
Charge Time: 30 min with rapid charger
Deck Width: 21 inch
Weight: 90 lbs
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TACKLIFE Cordless 40V Lawn Mower
TACKLIFE Cordless 40V Lawn Mower

Battery Voltage: 36V
Batteries Included: Yes
Max Run Time: 30 min
Charge Time: 100 min
Deck Width: 16 inch
Weight: 30 lbs
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Greenworks 48V 21-Inch Self Propelled Battery Lawn Mower
Greenworks 48V 21-Inch Self Propelled Battery Lawn Mower

Battery Voltage: 24V
Batteries Included: Yes
Max Run Time: 45 min
Charge Time: 150 min
Deck Width: 21 inches
Weight: 84 lbs
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Worx WG779 14" Cordless Lawn Mower
Worx WG779 14

Battery Voltage: 20V
Batteries Included: Yes
Max Run Time: 25 min
Charge Time: 240 min
Deck Width: 14 inches
Weight: 35 lbs
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EGO Power+ LM2142SP 21-Inch 56-Volt Mower
EGO Power+ LM2142SP 21-Inch 56-Volt Mower

Battery Voltage: 56V
Batteries Included: Yes
Max Run Time: 80 min
Charge Time: 40 min
Deck Width: 21 inches
Weight: 90 lbs
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Makita XML03PT1 36V Battery Lawn Mower
Makita XML03PT1 36V Battery Lawn Mower

Battery Voltage: 18V
Batteries Included: Yes
Max Run Time: 53 min
Charge Time: 45 min Deck
Width: 18 inches
Weight: 94 lbs
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Sun Joe MJ24C-14-XR 14-Inch Mower
Sun Joe MJ24C-14-XR 14-Inch Mower
Battery Voltage: 24V
Batteries Included: Yes
Max Run Time: 42 min
Charge Time: 60 min
Deck Width: 14 inches
Weight: 23 lbs
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Battery Powered Lawn Mower Reviews

Greenworks Pro 80V 21-Inch Lawn Mower

Greenworks Pro 80V 21-Inch Lawn Mower

Key Specifications

  • Comes with two 2Ah or 4Ah batteries
  • Rapid charger included
  • Run time of 60 minutes with 2Ah batteries

For an all-around dependable, hard-working electric mower, you can’t go wrong with the Greenworks Pro 80V.

This mower cuts and runs like a gas mower but without the hassle, smell, or noise.

It comes with two 2.0Ah batteries delivering about 45 to 60 minutes runtime, depending on which speed setting you use. These batteries give the mower enough power to cut through thick grass as tall as the oversized wheels.

For properties under an acre, you should be able to get the job done in one go. For larger yards, you will love the rapid charger that comes with this set. With this specialty charger, you can charge a dead battery in just 30 minutes.

You also have the choice to purchase this set with two 4Ah batteries that will last you twice as long on a single charge.

The Greenworks Pro features a brushless motor, 21-inch wide deck, and large 10-inch rear wheels. The handle is fully adjustable and collapsible for easy storage. You can set the deck to 7 different height options for more precise cutting and a healthier lawn. 

Pros

  • Quick start operation
  • Only 30 minutes to charge batteries
  • Highly adjustable
  • Comes with a 3-year warranty

Cons

  • Heavier than others
  • Circuit board for brushless motor is prone to failure

Sick of Fertilizing Your Lawn By Hand? Check out our guide on lawn fertilizer spreaders.

Snapper XD 82V MAX Cordless Electric 21″ Push Lawn Mower

Snapper XD 82V MAX Cordless Electric 21

Key Specifications

  • 90-minute run time
  • 30-minute charge with rapid charger
  • Load sensing technology

The Snapper XD is comparable to the Greenworks Pro in features and price.

This heavy-duty mower also comes with two 2.0Ah batteries that charge in just 30 minutes on the included rapid charger. But these batteries have an even longer run time of up to 90 minutes, making it the best model for larger yards.

Another great feature if you have large projects to tackle is this mower’s intelligent load-sensing technology. The power level automatically adjusts based on grass height, thickness, and dampness to give you an even cut across all areas of your lawn.

The standard kit includes the 21-inch wide mower, which weighs a hefty 90 pounds. You also have the option to go with the smaller 19-inch mower, which weighs only 60 pounds. This slimmer mower is excellent for smaller yards and those that require more precise edgework.

Both options feature a brushless motor, large 10-inch rear wheels, and seven adjustable cut heights. Like other electric models, the handle is adjustable and collapsible. The body is made predominantly of alloy steel for lasting durability.

Pros

  • Runs at full power until the battery dies
  • Only 30 minutes to charge batteries
  • Highly adjustable 
  • 5-year warranty

Cons

  • Heavy
  • Customer service is lacking

TACKLIFE Cordless 40V Lawn Mower

TACKLIFE Cordless 40V Lawn Mower

Key Specifications

  • Only 31 pounds
  • Slim 16-inch deck
  • Affordable

For a less expensive option, the Tacklife 40V mower is worth considering.

This mower, which retails for quite a bit less than our top choices, is a great cordless mower for those with smaller yards. The slimmer, 16-inch deck width and lighter build make it highly maneuverable in tight spaces.

The included 4.0Ah battery can run for about 30 to 40 minutes. However, it does take 100 minutes to charge and only one battery comes with the set. If you have a small lawn, these drawbacks don’t tend to be an issue.

Despite the short run-life, this is still a powerful mower. It can cut through tall grass with ease and won’t bog down as the battery runs out.

The Tacklife 40V features a brushless motor, six adjustable blade heights, and works with the included bag or can be set to mulcher mode. Our favorite thing about this motor may be that it weighs only 31 pounds. That light weight does mean it is predominantly made of plastic, but this doesn’t seem to cause any durability issues in light and medium use situations.

Pros

  • Very lightweight
  • Easy to maneuver
  • Folds up for compact storage

Cons

  • Only comes with one battery
  • Cannot buy batteries separately
  • Not as durable as others

Greenworks 48V 21-Inch Self Propelled Battery Lawn Mower

Greenworks 48V 21-Inch Self Propelled Battery Lawn Mower

Key Specifications

  • Self-propelled action
  • Turbo-boost button
  • Dual-port charger

For those with hilly yards or more ground to cover, the Greenworks Self Propelled Mower is worth a look.

This innovative mower comes with all the same great features and dependability you’d expect from any Greenworks product and has the benefit of a self-propel option. No more cranking your back pushing a heavy mower up hills or through thick, wet grass. Just engage the self-propel lever and let the mower pull you along.

Unlike our first Greenworks mower choice, this one comes with two 24V, 5.0Ah batteries. This means it has a shorter runtime and isn’t quite as powerful. But it is still an excellent choice for average-use situations.

With both batteries installed, the mower will run for about 45 minutes. Each battery takes about 150 minutes to charge (unless you upgrade to a rapid charger), but the set comes with a double port charger so that you can charge both batteries simultaneously.

The Greenworks Self Propelled 48V features a brushless motor, seven adjustable height settings, and a turbo boost button for powering through thick grass and debris. Another thing we love about this mower is that you can store it vertically by collapsing the handle and setting it up onto the steel braces.

Pros

  • Great for hilly yards
  • Quick set up and compact storage
  • 3-year warranty

Cons

  • Comes with lower volt batteries
  • Rapid charger is not included

Running Out Of Garage Storage Space? Then you need to read our guide on garage storage systems.

Worx WG779 14″ Cordless Lawn Mower

Worx WG779 14

Key Specifications

  • Slim deck width
  • Only 35 pounds
  • Affordably priced

Another great option for those shopping for a battery-powered mower on a budget is the Work 40V Mower.

This is one of the best-priced mowers we found that still delivers in terms of power and usability. It comes with two 4.0Ah batteries that offer a runtime of about 25 minutes. These batteries take a long time to charge, so your best bet for larger yards is to buy a second set of batteries to have on hand.

This model of Worx mower is available in a slim 14-inch deck width up to the more standard 21-inch width. We like the 14-inch variety for its easy maneuverability, light build, and budget-friendly price.

All models come with the Worx Intellicut technology that automatically adjusts torque based on grass height, thickness, and similar factors.

This mower features a brushless motor, six adjustable height settings, and an impressive, 35 pound, lightweight frame. The set also comes with a dual-port charger.

Pros

  • Highly maneuverable
  • Auto-adjusting torque
  • Compatible with Worx 40V batteries

Cons

  • Body is made of plastic
  • Short run time
  • Long recharge period

EGO Power+ LM2142SP 21-Inch 56-Volt Mower

EGO Power+ LM2142SP 21-Inch 56-Volt Mower

Key Specifications

  • Self-propelled
  • 80 plus minutes of runtime
  • Fast charging batteries

If you want a mower that can do it all, look no further than the EGO Power+ 56V.

This powerful mower comes with two 56V 5.0Ah batteries that give it an impressive 80-plus minute run life. These batteries charge faster than anything comparable and are ready to go another round after 40 minutes.

The long-run life, quick charging, and excellent self-propel mode make this mower a great choice for larger yards. It has no problem handling thick grass, hills, or leaf debris. And with the press of a lever, you can take the strain off your back thanks to the adjustable speed self-propel option.

All that power and those extra features will cost you with this mower, but it is well worth the extra money for what you get. The only downside to these Ego mowers that we’ve found is the redundant safety features.

The switches within these features are prone to failure, which prevents the mower from starting. While this is a rare occurrence, it can be hard to fix given Ego’s less than superb customer support. 

The EGO Power+ features a brushless motor, six adjustable height settings, and adjustable handle height. It even has bright LED headlights to help light your path in the shadows.

Despite the largely plastic body, this mower weighs nearly 90 pounds. Luckily, with the self-propel feature, you don’t have to worry about pushing around that weight.

Pros

  • Powerful batteries
  • Can run off of one or two batteries
  • Adjustable self-propel speed
  • 5-year warranty

Cons

  • Difficult to maneuver
  • Prone to safety switch failure

Makita XML03PT1 36V Battery Lawn Mower

Makita XML03PT1 36V Battery Lawn Mower

Key Specifications

  • Comes with two extra batteries
  • Dual-port charger
  • 10 height settings

Another powerful, dependable mower on the higher end of the price spectrum is the Makita 36V Mower.

This durable 94-pound mower has the look and the feel of a gas mower without the inconveniences. It is made with alloy steel and will last longer than most plastic-heavy mowers on the market.

The kit comes with four 18V batteries. Two batteries are required to run the mower. These will last about 50 minutes before needing to be recharged. 

Thanks to the dual-port charger and short, 45-minute charge time, you can swap out your set and keep mowing as long as you need. This feature makes this mower perfect for large yards.

The Makita 36V features a brushless motor, an impressive ten height settings, and a quiet mode that reduces the noise output by restricting the RPMs. This is a pricier mower option, but you won’t find a more dependable or durable electrical mower for large jobs.

Pros

  • Long run time 
  • Batteries charge very quickly
  • Durable frame and assembly

Cons

  • Heavy
  • On the pricier end

Sun Joe MJ24C-14-XR 14-Inch Mower

Sun Joe MJ24C-14-XR 14-Inch Mower

Key Specifications

  • Budget-priced
  • 40-minute runtime
  • Only 23 pounds

If you have a larger yard but need a budget electric mower, the Sun Joe 24V is a great option.

This affordable mower runs off a single 24V 5.0Ah battery with an impressive run life of 40 minutes. That’s enough time to mow most medium to large-sized yards. And the battery only takes about an hour to charge.

Another thing that makes this mower great for larger properties is its lightweight construction. At 23 pounds, it is the lightest dependable mower we found. There is no need for a self-propel feature with this mower; it is easy to push and maneuver all on your own.

The 14-inch wide deck adds to this maneuverability and makes this mower easier to use in tight spaces.

The Sun Joe 24V features a brushless motor, three height-adjustable settings, and a sleek, easy-clean design. It is made predominantly of plastic and is not going to be nearly as durable as other options. But considering all you get for the price, it is still a great option for light use situations.

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Lightweight and easy to maneuver
  • Only requires one battery

Cons

  • Not as durable
  • Customer service isn’t great

Why Buy A Cordless Mower?

battery powered lawn mower

If you are like me, then in the past, you may have considered cordless electric lawn mowers as a bit of a fad and not worthy of your attention.

The first generations of cordless lawn mowers were indeed a poor choice when compared to a gas mower, poor battery performance and low power motors meant that purchasing one of these mowers was a waste of money.

But with the rapid improvement in battery and electric motor technology, cordless electric lawn mowers can finally be considered seriously as an alternative to a gas powered mower.

There are many reasons why you should consider these devices, and in this section, we will take a look at a few of them.

Goodbye Gas!

How many times have you gone to mow the grass, only to realise that you never went and filled up that gas can after you used the last of it last time. So you have to get in the car, go find a gas pump and then come home and fill up the mower.

Well with cordless mowers, you don’t need to worry about that any more. Simply make sure your battery(s) is charged after each use and you are ready to go next time!

Cordless Mowers Weigh Less

Cordless mowers in general weigh less than most gas powered mowers. This makes them much easier to push around the yard and also means they are more user friendly to users who have trouble pushing a heavy gas mower.

They are less tiring to use and you will find yourself feeling much less drained after pushing around a cordless mower.

Less Noise

The best cordless lawn mowers are much less noisy than their gas powered alternatives. Most gas powered mowers range in noise levels from 84dB to 94dB – which is quite loud.

Now if you compare a cordless lawn mower to this, the loudest cordless lawn mower we could find is 75dB, which is about the same volume as a standard washing machine.

So if you are wanting to mow your yard early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid the heat, then you can do so with a cordless mower without disturbing the neighbors!

Environmentally Friendly

Did you know that gas models contribute 5% of the USA’s greenhouse emissions? “Surely not!” I hear you exclaim, but it is true. Gas powered lawn mowers are not subject to strict regulations as motor vehicles are that require them to incorporate emission-reducing technology. Thus, they are pollution spewing machines!

Because a cordless mower does not use gas and instead relies on battery power – they are much more environmentally friendly. Even when you take into account the emissions required to manufacture the lawn mower and the electricity required to charge the battery, they are still considered to harm the environment many times less than a gas mower does.

Less Maintenance

Very little maintenance is required to keep a cordless lawn mower safe and operational. It does not require a regular oil change as a gas mower does and can almost be classed as maintenance free.

Of course, you should always inspect your lawn mower before each use to make sure everything is as it should be and is operational, and cordless lawn mowers also need to be kept clean so their venting systems work correctly. But this is no different from any other type of machinery.

What We Look For In A Cordless Electric Mower

cordless lawnmower guide

There is a huge checklist we use when we are reviewing cordless mowers and we won’t bore you with that entire document here. We will, however, give you a quick run down of the basic areas we look at.

This will help give you a better idea as to how each mower is scored.

In short, here is what we look for – but read on for the full details:

  1. Battery specifications
  2. Power
  3. Deck
  4. Ease of use
  5. Weight
  6. Features

Battery Specifications

These days most decent cordless mower battery types are Li-Ion. But there are two other specifications on batteries that are important: Ampere Hours and Voltage.

Want to learn more about these important details? Check out our cordless tool batteries guide.

Ease of Use

How easy a cordless lawn mower is to use is what we consider to be one of the most important criteria for a review.

Ease of use covers many different items, just some of these include:

  • Starting procedure – how easy the mower is to start
  • Charging procedure – how the mower is charged, where the charger is plugged in, is the battery removable? etc.
  • Storage procedure – is the mower easy to pack away to store?
  • Adjustments – how easy it is to make adjustments to the settings on the mower (mulching mode, cut height etc)

Deck Width

The deck width is essentially the width of the grass that the mower cuts in a single pass. A mower with a larger deck width will cut more grass and require fewer passes than a mower with a smaller deck width.

Generally, a larger deck width means a better mower. But it also has downsides such as more weight, more power required and the maneuverability is generally lower too.

Weight

It doesn’t take much brain power to think of reasons why weight is important in a cordless mower.

After all, the lighter the mower the easier and quicker it is to push around the yard.

Power

There is nothing more annoying than having a mower that loses power when you hit the longest grass in your yard. And this is why another of the most important criteria for the best cordless lawn mowers is the power available to the user.

The best cordless lawn mowers should be able to push through reasonably long and even wet grass without breaking too much of a sweat.

This is one of the key criteria we judge a mower by as it makes such a huge difference to the user’s experience.

Additional Features and Safety Features

Many cordless mowers come with additional features which I would not necessarily call standard. This may be anything from an auto-throttle which adjusts the power to the mower automatically, to headlights which you can use to mow when it is dark! We look at each additional feature and how well it works.

While many users neglect to consider safety features as an important factor when selecting a cordless mower, we certainly do not. In fact – it has a high impact on our final scores as we believe user safety when mowing the lawns is of utmost importance.

There are many safety features in use on most cordless mowers, from ensuring that the mower cannot be inadvertently started by a child, to safely directing sticks and stones that have been hit by the blades harmlessly to the ground.


Image Credits:

Cordless lawn Mower on Grass Designed by Freepik

Gas Gauge Designed by Freepik


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Aaron is the founder of and Essential Home and Garden. With over 15 years of hands-on experience in home ownership, lawn care, and gardening, Aaron is a seasoned expert in areas like lawn care, DIY, HVAC, and pest control.

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