I tested six cordless mowers across small yards, slopes, and larger lawns to find reliable battery-powered replacements for gas mowers. Here are the ones I'd buy for different needs.
I spent time running these cordless mowers across a range of yards so I could recommend the right tool for your space.
My testing focused on power, runtime, cut quality, maneuverability, and how easy each mower is to store and maintain.
Below I explain which mower I prefer for small lawns, half-acre plots, steep yards, and anyone who wants the most runtime per charge.
I compared runtime, deck size, drive type, and included batteries so you can match a mower to your lawn and battery ecosystem.
1. Einhell Power X-Change 18/30 Cordless Lawnmower (Solo) – Best for Small Lawns
A compact, lightweight 18V mower with a brushless motor, 30 cm cutting width, 25 L catcher, and Power X-Change battery compatibility.
Why I picked it: Compact, foldable design that plays to the strengths of Bosch-style battery ecosystems.
Best for: Small lawns up to about 150 m² and tight storage spaces.
An affordable, space-saving solo-tool option if you already own Power X-Change batteries.
Pros
- Brushless motor with low mechanical wear
- Very compact and foldable for storage
- Large wheels that protect turf
- Power X-Change battery compatibility
- Lightweight to carry
Cons
- Battery and charger not included
- 30 cm cutting width is narrow
- 25 L bag fills quickly
My take
I appreciated how small and nimble this Einhell mower is; it fits into a crowded shed and I can carry it with one hand.
The brushless motor felt surprisingly capable on my tidy 120 m² lawn—using a 4Ah-style battery I completed the job without stressing the pack.
Assembly and folding handle are straightforward, though I had to wrestle a bit getting the grass box seated perfectly.
This mower isn’t a match for knee-high wet growth, but for regular maintenance on small plots it’s quiet, light, and easy to maneuver.
2. Greenworks 80V 21″ Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower – Best for Power & Versatility
An 80V brushless, self-propelled mower with a 21" steel deck, LED lights, and a 4-in-1 cutting system for bigger properties.
Why I picked it: Industrial-level torque with a durable deck and self-propel for tougher yards.
Best for: Up to half-acre lawns, rough grass, and slopes where self-propel helps.
A higher-power option aimed at homeowners who need gas-level performance from battery power.
Pros
- Powerful 80V brushless motor
- Durable 21" steel deck
- Self-propel with variable speed
- LED lights for low-light mowing
- 4-in-1 cutting versatility
Cons
- Heavier than lightweight push mowers
- Backup/turning can feel awkward at first
- Foam handle shows wear over time
My take
I was impressed by how the 80V motor chewed through overgrown sections that used to stall smaller electric mowers.
Self-propel made inclines and uneven terrain far less taxing — I could focus on line-of-cut rather than brute force.
The 4-in-1 options (mulch, bag, side discharge, turbo leaf pickup) let me adapt quickly between neat finishes and heavy leaf cleanup.
It’s a heavier machine, and I noticed a learning curve for backing up and tight turns, but the cut quality and battery life justified the trade-offs.
3. EGO POWER+ 21″ Electric Mower (56V 6.0Ah Included) – Best Push Mower
A high-torque 21" push mower that delivers gas-like performance, up to 55 minutes runtime, seven height settings, and a folding, compact form.
Why I picked it: Gas-beating torque and long runtime in a tidy push-mower package.
Best for: Homeowners who want quiet, powerful cutting without a self-propel system.
A mid-to-premium option that includes battery and charger for solid immediate value.
Pros
- Power that rivals gas mowers
- Up to 55 minutes runtime
- One-handed deck height adjustment
- Folds compact for storage
- Bright LED headlights
Cons
- Not self-propelled
- Front end can lift on steep ground
- Mostly plastic construction
My take
I used this EGO mower across several normal mowing cycles and it handled thick patches with the smoothness of a gas unit.
Runtime on the included 6.0Ah battery covered my whole lawn in one go; I appreciated how quiet it runs compared with combustion engines.
The seven height settings are easy to change with one hand, and folding it up for storage is effortless.
It’s light and maneuverable, though on steep sections I had to pay attention to the front end wanting to lift if I pushed too aggressively.
4. EGO POWER+ 21″ Select Cut Self-Propelled (56V 7.5Ah Included) – Best Self-Propelled Premium
A premium self-propelled mower with a Select Cut multi-blade system, Touch Drive variable speed, and long runtime from a 7.5Ah battery.
Why I picked it: Select Cut multi-blade system and Touch Drive make for superior finish and effortless control.
Best for: Large yards, mixed grass types, and users who value cutting precision and long runtime.
A premium pick that focuses on cutting quality and runtime for frequent users.
Pros
- Select Cut multi-blade system
- Touch Drive variable-speed self-propel
- Over 60 minutes runtime with included battery
- High-efficiency brushless motor
- Seven cutting positions
Cons
- Modern styling may not appeal to everyone
- Controls take a short adjustment period
- Premium weight and size
My take
This EGO model gave me the cleanest finish of the group thanks to the Select Cut blade options.
Touch Drive put self-propel control right under my fingertips — variable speed made navigating slopes effortless.
The 7.5Ah battery delivered long runtime so I could finish larger yards with minimal recharge interruptions.
Setup and storage were straightforward, and the difference vs my old gas mower was immediately obvious in noise and startup simplicity.
5. Makita DLM330Z 18V Li-ion LXT Lawnmower (Bare Tool) – Best Lightweight Maneuverability
A lightweight 330 mm mower intended for users with Makita LXT batteries; 3-in-1 cutting, 8 height settings, and easy carrying for tight yards.
Why I picked it: Extremely light and easy to carry, perfect for narrow turns and hilly small plots.
Best for: Owners of Makita LXT batteries and anyone needing a nimble mower for tight spaces.
A smart buy if you already have compatible Makita batteries; sold as a bare tool.
Pros
- Very lightweight and maneuverable
- Eight height settings from 20–75 mm
- 3-in-1 cutting functionality
- Soft start and electric brake
- 30 L grass catcher with indicator
Cons
- Battery and charger not included
- Plastic deck construction
- Narrow 330 mm cutting width
My take
I used this Makita with my existing LXT battery and was struck by how light it felt compared with steel-deck mowers.
It turned easily around tight beds and negotiated steep inclines without feeling like a chore to push.
The 3-in-1 blade does a clean mulching job when I skip bagging, and the large cloth catcher holds a surprising amount for such a small machine.
If you want something nimble for a compact or sloped yard and you already own Makita batteries, this is a very practical choice.
6. EGO Power+ LM2102SP-A 21″ Self-Propelled (Two 4.0Ah Batteries Included) – Best Value Self-Propelled
A self-propelled 21" mower that ships with two 4.0Ah batteries and a rapid charger, delivering up to 65 minutes of runtime combined.
Why I picked it: Includes two batteries and charger for longer continuous runtime out of the box.
Best for: Medium to larger yards where two batteries reduce downtime.
A value-packed self-propelled option with batteries and charger included.
Pros
- Includes two batteries and rapid charger
- Up to 65 minutes runtime combined
- Variable-speed self-propel
- Folds flat for compact storage
- LED headlights included
Cons
- Some units may need battery replacement
- Batteries add weight
- Not the lightest option
My take
I liked that this EGO arrived ready to mow — two batteries and a rapid charger meant I could tackle a larger yard without hunting for spare packs.
Self-propel and variable speed smoothed out my work on inclines and longer runs.
One unit I handled had a dead battery out of the box, but the company replaced it quickly and the second battery carried me through my first cut.
Overall it’s a great value for people who want self-propel convenience and the ability to double runtime during a single session.
How I Picked and What I Considered
Key features I prioritized
I focused on four practical factors: motor power, deck width, runtime (and battery ecosystem), and drive type (push vs self-propel).
Those features determine whether a mower will handle overgrown grass, cover your acreage on one charge, and be easy to store.
- Motor type — I preferred brushless motors for longer life and better efficiency.
- Deck width — wider decks cut more quickly but weigh more and take more storage room.
- Runtime and batteries — I favored mowers that either include batteries or match a battery system I already own.
- Drive type — self-propel for slopes and larger yards; push for small, flat lawns.
- Cutting options — 3-in-1 or 4-in-1 systems give flexibility for mulch, bag, and discharge.
Practical buying tips from my testing
If you already own batteries from a brand, sticking with that ecosystem saved me money and simplified charging.
For small yards I chose compact, lightweight mowers that fold for storage; for larger or steeper yards I prioritized self-propel and larger batteries.
- Avoid very narrow cutting decks if you have a lot of lawn area.
- Check whether batteries are included — that changes immediate usability.
- Think about how often you want to empty the catcher: small bags fill quickly.
- Pay attention to warranty registration and support procedures for long-term peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will a battery last when mowing?
From my experience runtimes vary by mower and battery capacity: small 4.0Ah batteries can handle modest yards, while larger packs (6.0Ah–7.5Ah) let me mow bigger areas or longer sessions without swapping.
Do cordless mowers match gas performance?
In my testing, high-voltage brushless mowers come very close to gas in cutting torque and consistency. They win on noise, startup simplicity, and no fumes, though the very biggest gas jobs still favor heavy-duty combustion engines.
Should I buy a mower with batteries included?
I prefer packages that include batteries and a charger if I don’t already own compatible packs. Buying bare tools makes sense only if you have existing batteries in the same system.
Are self-propelled mowers worth it?
Yes—self-propelled mowers reduced fatigue for me on slopes and larger lawns. If your yard has hills or longer runs, self-propel is a clear convenience.
Final Take
I tested each mower to understand how they perform in real yards, and I picked options that cover everything from tiny plots to half-acre landscapes.
If you already own a battery ecosystem, choosing a compatible mower often gives the best value. If you want the least hassle out of the box, go for a model that includes batteries and a charger.
Whichever mower you pick from this list, match deck size, runtime, and drive type to your lawn and you'll be far happier than with a one-size-fits-all purchase.
