Best Electric Lawn Mowers (2026): Quiet Power That Actually Works
Most people still think electric mowers are weak. They’re wrong.
In 2026, battery-powered mowers cut just as well as gas mowers. Sometimes better. Consumer Reports tested over 70 battery mowers this year. Nine beat the top gas model.
Let me show you which ones are worth your money.
Why Electric Mowers Don’t Suck Anymore
Let’s talk about what changed.
Battery technology got seriously better. Modern lithium-ion batteries last 45 to 90 minutes on a single charge. That’s enough to cut half an acre or more. Some mowers even have two battery slots. When one dies, the other kicks in automatically.
No more oil changes. No spark plugs. No pulling a stubborn cord 15 times in the summer heat. Just push a button and start mowing.
Trust me, this works.
What Makes a Good Electric Mower
Not sure what to look for? Here’s what matters.
Battery Runtime: You need 30 to 60 minutes minimum. Bigger lawns need 60 minutes or more.
Cutting Width: Most mowers are 20 to 22 inches wide. Wider decks cut faster.
Self-Propelled vs Push: Self-propelled mowers move themselves. You just guide them. Push mowers require muscle.
Battery Voltage: Higher voltage means more power. Most good mowers use 40V to 60V batteries.
Sound complicated? It’s actually not.
Top Electric Mowers for 2026
Here are the best ones based on expert testing and real user reviews.
Best Overall: EGO Power+ Select Cut LM2135SP
This mower keeps winning tests year after year. There’s a good reason.
The EGO uses a 56V battery that runs about 60 minutes. It’s self-propelled with something called Touch Drive. You control the speed with your fingertips. Pretty slick.
The cutting system uses two blades for better mulching. You get three blade options. The standard one mulches. The high-lift blade is for bagging. The extended runtime blade makes the battery last longer.
Honestly, this is probably the most important feature. Being able to swap blades means you can customize for your lawn conditions.
Price sits around $600 with the battery and charger included. Not cheap, but you get what you pay for.
Pros: Strong power, 60-minute runtime, self-propelled, quiet, LED headlights
Cons: Heavy at 70+ pounds, expensive
Best for: Medium lawns up to half an acre, hilly terrain
Best Value: Ryobi 40V HP 21-Inch
This one’s for people who want quality without spending $600.
The Ryobi uses 40V batteries. It can hold two batteries at once for longer runtime. With both batteries, you get up to 75 minutes. That’s impressive for a mid-priced mower.
It’s self-propelled with smart power modes. The mower senses when grass gets thick and automatically boosts power. Saves battery when you don’t need full juice.
Prices start around $400 to $500 depending on battery configuration. Solid middle ground.
Pros: Long runtime with two batteries, smart power sensing, good value
Cons: Heavier than push-only models, charging two batteries takes time
Best for: Budget-conscious buyers with medium to large yards
Best for Small Yards: Worx 40V 14-Inch
Got a tiny yard? This lightweight mower is perfect.
The 14-inch cutting deck is smaller than average. Makes it super easy to store. The whole thing folds up and stands vertically in your garage. Takes up almost no space.
Runtime is about 30 to 40 minutes. That’s plenty for small lawns under 5,000 square feet. It weighs only 35 pounds. My 12-year-old nephew can push it easily.
Price? Usually under $300 with battery. Can’t beat that.
Pros: Lightweight, folds for storage, affordable, easy to maneuver
Cons: Small deck means more passes, short runtime, not for thick grass
Best for: Small lawns, apartments, townhomes, easy storage needs
Best Power: Yard Force 120V 22-Inch
This thing is a beast. Seriously.
The Yard Force uses 120-volt batteries. That’s twice the voltage of most electric mowers. It cuts thick grass and even wet grass without bogging down. Feels like a gas mower but quieter.
Runtime hits 100 minutes. That’s insane. You could mow 1 to 1.5 acres on one charge.
The catch? It weighs over 100 pounds. Also costs around $830. You’re paying for serious power here.
It’s self-propelled, which helps with the weight. But moving it in and out of storage will test your back muscles.
Pros: Longest runtime, cuts thick/wet grass, powerful motor
Cons: Very heavy, expensive, overkill for small yards
Best for: Large yards, tough terrain, thick grass
Runner-Up: Greenworks Pro 60V 21-Inch
Greenworks makes quality stuff at reasonable prices.
This one uses 60V professional-grade batteries. Runs about 60 minutes on a single charge. It’s self-propelled with something called SmartCut technology. The mower automatically adjusts blade speed on hills and valleys. Keeps the cut consistent.
Here’s the cool part. It has two battery slots. When the first battery dies, it switches to the backup automatically. No stopping mid-mow.
Pricing runs $450 to $550 depending on sales. Good middle option.
Pros: Dual battery slots, SmartCut tech, professional-grade batteries
Cons: Heavier than push models, battery switching can be jerky
Best for: Uneven terrain, lawns with lots of hills
Best for Edging: DeWalt 60V MAX
Most mowers can’t cut close to fences and walls. The DeWalt can.
The design puts the discharge chute behind the rear wheels instead of on the side. That means you can mow tight against obstacles with either side of the mower. Pretty clever.
It uses two blades mounted 90 degrees apart. Creates an X-pattern that cuts efficiently. Better for battery life.
LED gauges show battery level and cutting load. Helps you adjust speed for heavy grass.
Price is around $600 with battery and charger. Premium pricing for premium features.
Pros: Cuts close to edges, dual blade system, LED displays
Cons: Unusual design takes getting used to, expensive
Best for: Yards with lots of obstacles, fences, raised beds
How to Pick the Right Size
Wondering if this applies to you? Here’s the breakdown.
Small yards (under 5,000 sq ft): Any mower with 30+ minute runtime works. The Worx 14-inch is perfect. You could also go with smaller 20-inch models from EGO or Greenworks.
Medium yards (5,000 to 10,000 sq ft): Get something with 45 to 60 minute runtime. The EGO Select Cut or Ryobi 40V work great. Consider self-propelled if your yard has hills.
Large yards (10,000+ sq ft): You need 60+ minute runtime. Look at models with dual battery slots. The Greenworks Pro with two batteries or the Yard Force 120V are solid choices.
Huge properties (1 acre or more): Honestly, you might want a riding mower. But if you prefer walking, the Yard Force 120V can handle it with its 100-minute runtime.
Makes sense, right?
Battery Life Reality Check
Let me be straight with you about runtime.
Those advertised times are best-case scenarios. Real life is different.
Thick grass drains batteries faster. Wet grass? Even worse. Hills eat power.
Here’s what helps. Mow more often so grass stays short. Sharp blades use less power. Mow when grass is dry.
Self-Propelled or Push?
This one trips people up.
Push mowers are lighter and cheaper. You provide all the forward motion. Good for flat, small lawns. Also better if you want a workout.
Self-propelled mowers move themselves. You just steer. They cost $100 to $200 more. But if you have hills, they’re worth every penny. Your back will thank you.
Hold on, this part is important. Self-propelled doesn’t mean the mower drives itself like a robot. You still walk behind it and control direction. It just takes the pushing effort out of the equation.
Most self-propelled mowers have variable speed. You can adjust from slow stroll to fast walk.
Maintenance Is Actually Easy
One of the best parts about electric mowers? Almost zero maintenance.
No oil changes. No spark plugs. No air filters. No gas to stabilize over winter.
Here’s what you do need:
Clean the deck after mowing. Grass clippings build up underneath. Scrape them off or hose it down. Takes 5 minutes.
Sharpen the blade once or twice a season. Dull blades tear grass instead of cutting it. Makes your lawn look brown.
Check tire pressure occasionally. Low tires make mowing harder.
That’s it. So simple.
Charge the battery during winter storage. Don’t let it sit dead for months. Extreme cold or heat can damage lithium-ion batteries. Store them inside if possible.
Corded vs Cordless
Some electric mowers plug into an outlet. No battery to charge or run out.
The downside? You’re tethered to a cord. Can’t mow far from outlets. Easy to run over the cord.
Battery mowers are truly cordless. Mow anywhere in your yard. Just remember to charge the battery before you start.
Honestly, cordless is the way to go.
Features Worth Paying Extra For
Not all fancy features matter. Some actually do.
LED Headlights: Lets you mow early morning or evening. Sounds silly until you try it. Game changer for busy schedules.
Folding Handle: Mower stores vertically taking up 70% less floor space. Huge deal for small garages.
Multiple Batteries Included: Some mowers come with two batteries. Means you can swap and keep mowing. Or charge one while using the other.
Washout Port: Hose connection on the deck. Spray water through to clean underneath without flipping the mower. Convenient but not essential.
Brushless Motor: More efficient than standard motors. Longer life, more power, better battery use. Worth having if it’s in your budget.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let me save you some headaches.
Mistake 1: Buying based only on price. The cheapest mower might not have enough power or runtime for your lawn. You’ll hate it and waste money.
Mistake 2: Ignoring battery compatibility. If you already own battery-powered tools, stick with the same brand. You can share batteries between tools. Saves money.
Mistake 3: Not considering storage. Big mowers don’t fit in small sheds. Measure your storage space before buying.
Mistake 4: Assuming electric means weak. Modern electric mowers match or beat gas mowers in cutting power. Don’t let old stereotypes cost you.
Mistake 5: Forgetting about weight. Self-propelled mowers are heavier. Make sure you can lift it over curbs or into vehicles if needed.
Most people don’t realize how strict these considerations are until they buy the wrong mower.
What About Battery Compatibility?
This is huge if you already own power tools.
EGO batteries work with all EGO outdoor tools. Same goes for Ryobi, DeWalt, Greenworks, and others. If you have a 40V Ryobi string trimmer, the batteries fit in a Ryobi mower.
Pretty straightforward. Building a battery ecosystem saves money. You buy fewer batteries and chargers.
Don’t worry, most brands make this clear in product descriptions. Look for phrases like “part of the 40V platform” or “compatible with all 60V tools.”
Environmental Impact
Electric mowers produce zero emissions while running. No exhaust fumes. Better for air quality.
They’re quieter too. About 75 decibels compared to 95 for gas mowers. Your neighbors will appreciate it.
Lithium-ion batteries are recyclable. Most hardware stores take them.
Real User Experiences
Here’s what actual owners are saying.
EGO users love the power and runtime. Common complaint? Weight. The self-propelled feature helps but it’s still heavy to load in vehicles.
Ryobi owners appreciate the value. Two-battery system gets praise. Some mention charging two batteries takes forever if you don’t plan ahead.
Greenworks buyers like the price point. SmartCut technology really does work on hills. A few reports of the automatic battery switching being abrupt.
Yard Force owners with large properties say it’s a lifesaver. The 100-minute runtime actually holds up. But man, that weight is brutal in storage.
You’re gonna love the quiet operation no matter which brand you choose. Literally everyone mentions it in reviews.
Where to Buy
Home Depot carries EGO, Ryobi, and DeWalt. Lowe’s has EGO and Greenworks. Amazon sells everything but watch for fake reviews.
Sales happen in early spring and late fall. You can save $50 to $100 with good timing.
The Bottom Line
So what should you actually buy?
For most people: The EGO Power+ Select Cut LM2135SP is the best all-around choice. It has power, features, and reliability. Worth the $600 investment.
On a budget: Ryobi 40V HP gives you quality performance for $400 to $500. Great value.
Small yard: Worx 40V 14-inch at under $300. Simple and effective.
Large tough yards: Yard Force 120V if you need serious power and long runtime. Just be ready for the weight and price.
Honestly, any of these will serve you well. Electric mowers have come a long way. They’re not the wimpy toys people remember from 10 years ago.
Now you know the basics. Stay informed, mow smart, and enjoy the quiet life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do electric mower batteries actually last? Battery runtime varies from 30 to 90 minutes depending on the model. Most quality mowers run 45 to 60 minutes on a single charge. Thick grass, wet conditions, and hills reduce runtime by 20 to 30 percent.
Can electric mowers handle thick grass? Yes, modern electric mowers cut thick grass just fine. Higher voltage models (60V or more) work best for overgrown lawns. The key is keeping your blade sharp and not letting grass get too tall between cuts.
Are electric mowers powerful enough to replace gas mowers? Absolutely. Consumer Reports testing shows that top electric mowers now outperform the best gas models. Brushless motors and high-voltage batteries deliver plenty of cutting power for residential lawns.
How long does it take to charge the battery? Most batteries charge in 30 to 90 minutes using the included rapid charger. Standard chargers take 2 to 4 hours. Some models come with two batteries so you can swap and keep mowing while one charges.
What size lawn can an electric mower handle? Electric mowers work great for lawns up to half an acre. Some heavy-duty models with dual batteries or 120V systems can handle full acres. For properties over an acre, consider a battery-powered riding mower instead.
Do I need to remove the battery for storage? Yes, remove the battery and store it indoors at room temperature. Don’t leave it in extreme cold or heat. Keep it charged during winter storage. Letting lithium-ion batteries sit dead for months damages them permanently.
Can I use my electric mower in wet grass? Electric mowers are safe in wet grass from an electrical shock standpoint. However, wet grass clogs the deck and drains the battery faster. Your cut quality will suffer. Wait until grass is dry for best results.
How much do replacement batteries cost? Replacement batteries typically run $150 to $300 depending on voltage and amp-hour rating. This is why battery compatibility with other tools matters. You can share batteries across multiple devices and save money.