8 Best Electric Lawn Mowers | Battery-Powered and Corded

The last decade has been somewhat of a renaissance period for electric lawn mowers. In the past, electric mowers were clunky and underpowered. Today, they’re nearly as powerful as gas mowers while being much more practical.

In searching for the best electric mower for my yard, I’ve personally tested over two dozen of the top options on the market. I’ve tested everything from the most prominent brands to the upstarts to the no-name bargains. Read on as we cover the best electric lawn mower options available today and share some essential tips for selecting your ideal mower.

Best Electric Lawn Mowers

You’ll find everything you need to know about electric mowers below, but if you’re in a hurry, we’ve rounded out the top selections. 

Whether you’re looking for the best steel deck mower, an inexpensive option, or the best overall electric mower, these excellent mowers can easily tackle your lawn maintenance needs.

Best Overall Electric Lawn Mower

EGO Power+ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Extremely easy to work with a beautiful cut finish. 75mins run time from the 10.0Ah Battery. 3-in-1 mulching.

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Best Steel Deck Mower

Toro Recycler Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

A nice wide 22” deck made from 15-gauge steel. 3-in-1 featuring mulching, side discharge, or rear bagging.

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Best Mower Under $300

Skil PWRCore Push Lawn Mower

Excellent value for money mower. Bagging or rear or side discharge. Between 40-60 mins run time.

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Choosing an Electric Lawn Mower

While it’s easy to say that one mower is better than another, every household is different. The best mower for one home might not make much sense for another. You need to consider several factors when considering other mowers to ensure you’re choosing an excellent fit for your needs. Here’s what you’ll want to consider.

Lawn Size and Terrain

The size of your lawn and the terrain you’ll need to traverse with the mower play a critical role in the ideal electric mower for you. 

For homeowners with expansive lawns, you’ll want a battery-powered model that has a large enough battery to provide power to mow the entire yard on a single charge. Corded electric mowers are a poor choice for a large lawn because you’d need multiple extension cords to get the job done. 

If your yard is mainly hilly, you’ll want to choose a self-propelled mower to help make it easier to make it uphill. 

Electric Mower vs. Gas

The age-old question on the mind of every homeowner when deciding on a new mower is whether to go for electric or gas. 

Gas mowers have long been the favorite because of the power and reliability they provide. Older electric mowers weren’t efficient, and the early battery-powered mowers didn’t have the runtime to compete with gas. 

Today, the landscape is considerably different. Electric mowers deliver comparable power to their gas counterparts; they’re much quieter to run, less expensive to use and maintain and require much less maintenance than gas-powered mowers.

Do battery-powered lawnmowers work as well as gas?

These days, battery-powered mowers provide the same functionality, power, and features that a comparably-sized gas mower would provide. Gone are the days when battery-powered mowers lacked the power or runtime to compete with gasoline mowers. 

Battery-Powered Mower vs. Corded

With more homeowners switching to electric mowers, the next question to evaluate becomes whether a battery-powered or corded mower is ideal for you. 

Battery-powered mowers offer freedom from power cords, but you’re limited to the runtime they can provide before you need to recharge. You’ll always have the power you need with a corded model, provided you have long enough extension cords to cover your entire lawn. 

Today, most homeowners gravitate towards battery mowers, but a corded model is a very practical choice if you have a small lawn. Whether you’re considering a battery or corded model, you’ll need to consider the power and runtime each model provides.

Motor Power (V)

With electric mowers, the motor’s power is expressed in voltage (V). The more volts a mower has, the more powerful it is. If you have a dense, lush lawn, or you’ll be mowing high grass, you’ll want a high-voltage mower that can cut through the more difficult areas of your lawn quickly.

Lithium Battery Run Time (Ah)

When it comes to battery-powered mowers, run time is equally as essential to evaluate as motor power. Run time is expressed in ampere-hours (Ah). Ampere hours tell us how long the battery can continue to perform under a particular power load. Generally speaking, the higher the ampere-hours listed, the longer the mower can run before requiring another charge.

2 or 3 Functions: Bag, Mulch, and Discharge

All lawnmowers offer either two or three functions for grass disposal. Two-function mowers will bag or mulch your grass clippings, while 3-function mowers also provide the option to discharge your cut grass from the back or side of the mower. 

More expensive mowers provide all three functions, but since most homeowners bag or mulch their grass, a two-function mower is usually all you need.

Clippings Bag Quality

If you plan on bagging your grass, the clippings bag becomes a critical component of the decision-making process. The clippings bag will need to stand up to years of abuse, and they can be difficult (and expensive) to replace if it ever rips or breaks. Look for a mower with a heavy-duty bag that can stand up to years of use.

Self Propulsion Wheel Drive

A self-propelling lawn mower can be a huge plus, especially if you have a hilly or uneven yard. These mowers have drive systems that turn the wheels so you can mow with less effort. Depending on the model, the drivetrain might be in the front or rear of the mower. The drive belt is connected between the mower crankshaft and a drive pulley on the wheel axle. So as the mower blade crankshaft spins, the drive belt turns the wheel axle. 

Front-Wheel Drive

Mowers that have a front-wheel drivetrain are the easiest to maneuver and provide a tight turning radius. But, these mowers don’t have as much torque as other drivetrain styles, so they’re more difficult to mow over hilly terrain.

Rear Wheel Drive

Rear-wheel drive mowers are an excellent choice for hilly terrain because they deliver excellent torque and can easily make it up and down hills. 

All Wheel Drive

Mowers featuring all-wheel drive are a bit rare because they’re more expensive to produce. A few top-of-the-line mowers utilize all-wheel drive, where the drivetrain powers all four wheels, delivering superior maneuverability and power.

Wheel Size

Wheel size is another component to consider, affecting how easy it is to use the mower. Larger wheels make it easier to push the mower, especially when mowing hills or uneven terrain. Smaller wheels have a tighter turning radius and better maneuverability, but they aren’t as effortless to push.

Cutting Deck Width

The width of the cutting deck specifies how wide an area the mower can cut in a single pass. The wider the deck, the fewer passes it will take you to mow the lawn. You’ll want a mower with the widest cutting deck possible if you have a large property. 

Cut Height Adjustment

A quality lawn mower will give you control over the height of your lawn. Changing the cut height dramatically affects the look of your yard, and virtually all mowers allow for cut height adjustment. The best mowers provide five or more levels of adjustment and a simple mechanism that will enable you to adjust the cut height without any tools.

Deck Fabrication and Material

The lawn mower’s deck takes a beating over the lifetime of the mower, so you’ll want to ensure the mower you’re choosing is made from quality materials and will provide years of service. 

All lawn mower decks are made from plastic, steel, or aluminum alloy. Plastic decks are fairly impact-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and low-cost to manufacture, enabling them to be affordable to buy. Steel decks cost more to manufacture, but they’re exceptionally durable and fairly corrosion-resistant. Aluminum provides the best of both, as they’re nearly as strong as steel and even more corrosion-resistant.

Speed Controls

Some mowers are equipped with multi-speed transmissions that allow you to control the speed of the drivetrain while mowing. If you’re looking to mow your lawn as quickly as possible, look for a model that offers multiple speeds, so you have the most control over your pace.

Electric Start

While electric mowers are considerably easier to start than gas models, you’ll still want to consider how quickly and easily a mower starts up. Mowers require a ton of power to get the engine up to speed, a quality electric starting mechanism, and a steady power source, i.e., a fully charged battery or 110v outlet, are needed to start the mower smoothly each time.

Mower Storage Size

Gone are the days of a bulky lawnmower taking up half your shed, especially for electric models. Most of the best electric mowers fold up to about half their size in seconds for easy storage. If you have limited space to store your mower, carefully consider how compact the mower becomes during storage.

Best Electric Lawn Mower Reviews

Now that you know what to look for let’s check out the best electric lawn mower options available today. The reviews below are based on field-based work with each of these machines. Two of which I own and the remainder have each been used to allow me to get a balanced view for comparison purposes.

1. EGO Power+ Select Cut 21-in Lawn Mower

Best Overall Electric Mower

• Type: Self-propelled
• Power: Electric 56V
• Run Time: 1 Acre, 75 Mins, 10.0Ah
• Deck Size: 21-Inch
• Cutting Height: 1.5-4 inches
• Wheel Drive: RWD
• Discharge: Rear, bag, or side
• Weight: 88lbs

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Pros

• Highly adjustable cut height
• Charges quickly and delivers excellent runtime
• Includes three cutting blades for maximum versatility 

Cons

• The self-propelled function drains the battery too quickly
• Might stall out in thick, wet grass

The EGO Power+ 21-inch Select Cut mower is the best in the business if you’re in the market for a powerful and efficient electric. This mower offers excellent runtime, is highly customizable, and delivers even more torque than equivalent gas mowers. 

EGO POWER+ 21" SELECT CUT™ MOWER WITH TOUCH DRIVE™ SELF-PROPELLED TECHNOLOGY Commercial

At the heart of this mower is a 56V motor and 10.0Ah battery that delivers up to 75 minutes of runtime before recharging. This mower includes three different sets of blades so you can further optimize either runtime or cut efficiency. 

Large rear wheels and a drivetrain make this mower a pleasure to push, even over hilly terrain. But, the self-propelled function does drain the battery more quickly, which is something to keep in mind if you have a huge yard. 

Except for this caveat, this EGO Power+ mower is ideally suited to virtually every type of lawn that’s ¾ of an acre or less. 

2. Toro Recycler 22 in. 60V Self-Propelled Mower

Best Steel Deck Mower

• Type: Self-propelled
• Power: Electric 60V
• Run Time: 1/2 Acre, 40 Mins, 6.0Ah
• Deck Size: 22-Inch
• Cutting Height: 1.5-4 inches
• Wheel Drive: RWD
• Discharge: Rear, bag, or side
• Weight: 95lbs

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Pros

• Ruggedly built with a 15-gauge steel deck
• Wide 22-inch cutting deck
• Incredibly easy to start
• Nine different cutting positions

Cons

• It takes over 2-hours to fully charge

The 60V Toro Recycler is a powerful mower with a heavyweight steel deck for years of rugged reliability. 

At the heart of this mower is a 60V electric motor powered by a 6.0Ah battery that delivers up to forty minutes of runtime on a full charge. The Personal Pace drive system allows you to easily set your own pace as quickly or slowly as you like, and it starts like clockwork on every use. 

With nine different cutting positions, you can easily adjust the cut height from 1 ½ to 4 inches, making this Toro model the most versatile mower on the market. The expansive cutting deck also ensures you can finish the job in fewer passes than you’d need with a more narrow mower. 

This Toro mower is incredibly well-built and loaded with intuitive features. Unfortunately, it falls short in the battery life department, and homeowners with larger lawns may come back to finish the job after charging the battery. Since the runtime is very pedestrian, you might need to consider an expensive second battery if you have a large lawn.

3. Milwaukee M18 21-in 18V Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

• Type: Self-propelled
• Power: Electric 36V
• Run Time: 3/4 Acre, 60 Mins, 12.0Ah
• Deck Size: 21-Inch
• Cutting Height: 1-4 Inch
• Wheel Drive: RWD
• Discharge: Rear, bag, or side
• Weight: 85lbs

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Pros

• Rugged build quality
• Solid battery life
• Compatible with all M18 Milwaukee batteries
• Easy to adjust cut height

Cons

• Expensive
• Might stall in tall grass

Homeowners with large lawns are sure to rejoice after using the Milwaukee M18 mower, making quick work of even the most enormous yards with its powerful engine and high battery capacity. 

The M18 mower features a 36V engine powered by two of Milwaukee’s M18 FUEL 12.0Ah batteries. This mower can deliver an impressive 60 minutes of runtime on a single charge, making it a wise choice for larger lawns.

This model offers a 21” cutting width, and the height can be adjusted with one hand. Four different drive modes power the mower at speeds up to 4 mph, and the three-function chute will either mulch, discharge, or bag clippings for you. 

Homeowners who use Milwaukee tools will surely appreciate this mower, as it uses the same batteries as all other M18 Milwaukee tools. 

4. STIHL RMA 460 19 in. 36V Lawn Mower

• Type: Self-propelled
• Power: Electric 36V
• Run Time: 3/4 Acre, 60 Mins, 12.0Ah
• Deck Size: 21-Inch
• Cutting Height: 1-4 Inch
• Wheel Drive: RWD
• Discharge: Rear, bag, or side
• Weight: 85lbs

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Pros

• Affordably priced
• Provides consistent power across the entire lawn
• Compact and folds flat for easy storage

Cons

• No drivetrain
• Mediocre battery life (especially considering it’s manually propelled)

Homeowners searching for an affordable mower to tackle a small to mid-sized lawn are sure to love the STIHL RMA 460, which provides all the top-end features you could want while being one of the most affordable battery-powered mowers on the market. 

This mower features a 36V engine powered by STIHL’s AK-series batteries. An AK30 battery comes with the mower, and it’s also compatible with the less expensive AK20 batteries, although those models don’t deliver as much runtime as the AK30. 

The deck is narrow at only 19 inches, so this mower is best suited for smaller lawns. Still, you should be able to tackle a half-acre lawn on a single charge with this mower. Best of all, there’s no gradual drop in battery power as you drain the power source, and this mower performs as well at startup as it does 45 minutes later.

5. Makita 36V LXT Lawn Mower 21″

• Type: Self-propelled
• Power: Electric 36V
• Run Time: 2/3 Acre, 60 Mins, 5.0Ah
• Deck Size: 22-Inch
• Cutting Height: 1 ¼-4 inches
• Wheel Drive: RWD
• Discharge: Rear, bag, or side
• Weight: 90lbs

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Pros

• Excellent value for the money
• Includes four batteries
• Solid runtime
• Sealed construction protects critical components from premature wear and damage

Cons

• Height adjustment lever prone to coming unlocked
• Batteries are only 5.0Ah and could provide even better run time if they were larger

Offering an excellent blend of performance and value, this powerful mower from Makita delivers the performance and reliability that commercial landscapers demand in a compact and affordable package that any homeowner will appreciate.

The 36-volt motor is powered by two of Makita’s LXT 18-volt batteries, and there are two additional bays on the mower to accommodate up to four batteries. With all four batteries, this mower becomes a powerhouse capable of tackling virtually any mid-sized lawn with ease. While most manufacturers are stingy with the batteries, Makita provides you with four in the box. 

This mower features a rear-wheel drivetrain capable of speeds up to 3mph and a fully adjustable cut height that can be changed with one hand. 

One thing to note about this Makita mower is it’s exceptionally quiet despite speeds of up to 2,800 RPM. This is the ideal mower for early birds who want to get their lawn mowed before breakfast without waking the neighbors. 

With its Star Protection Computer Control, the battery and mower are in constant communication, which maximizes the engine’s and the battery’s efficiency. The mower is also IPX4-certified for water resistance which helps ensure that critical components say dry and safe from debris and dust. 

6. Skil PWRCore 40V Push Lawn Mower

Best Mower Under $300

• Type: Self-propelled
• Power: Electric 40V
• Run Time: 1/2 Acres, 40 Mins, 5.0Ah
• Deck Size: 20-Inch
• Cutting Height: 1-5 Inch
• Wheel Drive: RWD
• Discharge: Bag, rear, or side
• Weight: 62.4lbs

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Pros

• Tons of value for the money, and still give a credible 40+ minutes of battery run time. 
• Solid 40-minute runtime
• Easy to adjust cut height

Cons

• It doesn’t have mulching capabilities

Take the Skil PWRCore mower for a spin, and you’ll find yourself scratching your head and wondering how Skil can produce such a full-featured mower for less than half the price of most competitors. 

This mower features a 40V engine powered by a 40V 5.0Ah battery. According to Skil, the battery can deliver runtimes of over 60 minutes under ideal conditions. In my experience, that number was closer to around 40 minutes, which is still impressive for an affordable mower. 

For larger yards that require you to recharge batteries before finishing the job, Skil’s PWRJump charger can get you a 30% charge in only 30 minutes. Each battery is wrapped in cooling material to deliver up to 25% longer runtime while also providing double the battery lifespan of comparable mowers.

Despite the low price, the PWRCore mower offers virtually all the premium features you see in more expensive mowers. This mower fires up instantly thanks to its excellent electric starter, height adjustments can be made one-handed, and the mower has an intuitive knob that allows you to set the speed to whatever pace you like.

This 3-in-1 mower will bag grass or discharge it from the back or side. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a mulching blade, so if you plan on mulching your grass, you’ll need to discharge it from the side and mow over the clippings, doubling the time you’ll spend mowing.

7. DeWalt 21 in. 20V Electric Mower 2×12 Ah

• Type: Self-propelled
• Power: Electric 20V
• Run Time: 3/4 Acres, 70 Mins, 12.0Ah
• Deck Size: 21-Inch
• Cutting Height: 1.5-4 Inch
• Wheel Drive: RWD
• Discharge: Bag, rear, or side
• Weight: 92lbs

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Pros

• Built like a tank
• Excellent performance
• Excellent battery life

Cons

• Charges slowly
• Poorly packaged from the manufacturer

A rugged and powerful mower that’s perfect for tackling uneven or hilly terrain, this 20V mower from DeWalt is one of the best options on the market. 

At this mower’s core is a 20V engine powered by twin 20V 12.0Ah batteries. This mower offers excellent runtime that few can compete with, delivering up to 70 minutes of mowing off a single charge. 

At first glance, it’s clear DeWalt went the extra mile when designing and building this rugged mower. A high-gauge steel deck ensures you’ll get years of reliable use, and each of the other components is also heavy-duty. The handle and deck heights are fully adjustable, and you can make adjustments using only one hand; when you finish up, the mower folds flat for storage.

Auto-sensing technology reacts to thicker, taller grass in real time and increases the RPM to cut the denser grass without bogging down or stalling. The mower is also fully adjustable with cut heights ranging from 1.5-4”. To adjust the cut height, you need to use the levers at either back wheel, which are much more secure than a single-point adjustment.

This rear-wheel-drive mower also has some of the largest wheels in its class, making traversing a hilly or uneven yard a breeze.

8. Greenworks 12 Amp 20-Inch 3-in-1 Corded Lawn Mower

Best Mower Under $200

• Type: Manual Push
• Power: 12 Amp
• Run Time: Unlimited
• Deck Size: 20-Inch
• Cutting Height: 1 ½-3 ¾ inches
• Wheel Drive: Manual
• Discharge: Bag, rear, or side
• Weight: 56lbs

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Pros

• Unbeatable price
• Solid assortment of features for the money
• Smartly designed cord minder

Cons

• Requires extension cords
• No propulsion assistance

Sometimes, all you need is a basic mower to get the job done. This corded model from Greenworks is ideal for those instances. 

This corded mower has a powerful 12-amp motor, and since it isn’t battery-powered, you’ll never have to worry about recharging batteries or running out of juice before you finish the lawn. 

As affordable as this mower is, it’s well-built and sturdy. It offers a thick steel deck, and the handle assembly is sturdy and feels heavy-duty. Adjusting the cut height is easy to do with only one hand, and the lever mechanism allows you to choose from seven different cut heights ranging from 1 ½” to 3 ¾”. 

The rear wheels are large and allow you to maneuver over uneven terrain easily, and there’s a smartly designed cord minder that keeps the extension cord out of your way as you mow. When it’s time to store the mower away, the handle folds flat to take up substantially less space in your garage or shed. 

At under $200, this Greenworks mower delivers incredible value. While it isn’t self-propelled, and it doesn’t offer the flexibility of a battery system, it’s hard to argue the quality or effectiveness of this mower for the money.

Verdict: Best Electric Lawn Mower

The lawnmowers on the list above represent the best electric lawn mower options today, and any of them would make a fine choice for your lawn. Depending on the size of your lawn and your individual needs, you’ll find that a few of these mowers suit your needs better than others. 

The EGO Power+ mower is our top choice as the best electric lawn mower. This model delivers excellent runtime, is packed with high-end features, and is built for years of use. Check out the Power+ mower along with the other excellent mowers on our list, and pick the perfect mower for your yard today.

Best Overall Electric Lawn Mower

EGO Power+ Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

Extremely easy to work with a beautiful cut finish. 75mins run time from the 10.0Ah Battery. 3-in-1 mulching.

Check Price

Best Steel Deck Mower

Toro Recycler Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

A nice wide 22” deck made from 15-gauge steel. 3-in-1 featuring mulching, side discharge, or rear bagging.

Check Price

Best Mower Under $300

Skil PWRCore Push Lawn Mower

Excellent value for money mower. Bagging or rear or side discharge. Between 40-60 mins run time.

Check Price

FAQs Electric Lawn Mowers

Here are the most commonly asked questions about electric lawnmowers.