Your gas mower fires up on the third pull. Maybe the fifth. Sometimes you flood it. You smell like exhaust for the next hour. Meanwhile, the battery lawn mower your neighbor just bought starts with a button press and runs quieter than your HVAC. That’s the reality in 2026: battery-powered mowers have genuinely caught up to gas — and for most suburban yards, they’ve blown past it.
The best cordless lawn mowers now deliver 60+ minute runtimes, self-propelled drive systems, and enough torque to handle thick spring growth without bogging down. We’ve broken down the top models by yard size, budget, and battery ecosystem to help you find the right one.
Quick-Pick Table: Best Cordless Lawn Mowers 2026
| Mower | Voltage | Cut Width | Drive | Best For | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EGO LM2114 56V | 56V | 21″ | Push | Best Overall | Buy Now |
| Greenworks 80V 21″ | 80V | 21″ | Self-Propelled | Large Yards | Buy Now |
| Ryobi 40V HP RY401180 | 40V | 20″ | Self-Propelled | Best Budget | Buy Now |
| DeWalt DCMW220P2 | 2x20V | 20″ | Push | Compact Yards | Buy Now |
| EGO LM2156SP 56V | 56V | 21″ | Self-Propelled | Premium Pick | Buy Now |
How We Picked These Mowers
We focused on mowers with verified battery ecosystems (not dead platforms), real-world runtimes that match actual yard sizes, and brushless motors — the efficiency difference between brushed and brushless motors matters just as much in lawn mowers as it does in cordless drills. All five picks have substantial owner reviews and come with batteries included unless noted.
EGO LM2114 56V — Best Overall
- Voltage: 56V
- Cut Width: 21 inches
- Drive: Push
- Battery: 6.0Ah included (56V arc lithium)
- Cut Heights: 6 positions (1.5″ – 4″)
- Deck: Steel
- Price (at time of writing): Around $499
Pros
- Includes 6.0Ah battery and rapid charger — no battery upsell
- 56V platform covers 100+ EGO outdoor tools
- Quiet enough to mow at 7am without waking neighbors
- 3-in-1: bag, mulch, or side discharge
- Folds flat for upright garage storage
Cons
- Push only — hilly yards need the self-propelled model
- Heavier than comparable 20V models
- Single battery; large yards may need a second run
The EGO LM2114 consistently wins on the “batteries included” front. Most cordless mowers are sold tool-only or with undersized batteries to hit a price point. EGO ships a genuine 6.0Ah battery and rapid charger in the box, which means you’re actually ready to mow when it arrives. The 56V arc lithium platform is one of the strongest outdoor tool ecosystems on the market — if you already own EGO’s string trimmer or leaf blower, you know exactly how to charge this mower.
Runtime is solid for yards up to a quarter acre. The steel deck handles typical suburban grass types (Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, Bermuda in dry conditions) without issue. Where it falls short is hills and thick spring growth — you’ll feel yourself pushing into the mower more than you’d like. For flat yards, it’s the best value in cordless mowing.
Greenworks 80V 21″ — Best for Large Yards
- Voltage: 80V
- Cut Width: 21 inches
- Drive: Self-Propelled
- Battery: 4.0Ah 80V (check listing for battery inclusion)
- Cut Heights: 7 positions (1.25″ – 3.75″)
- Deck: Steel
- Price (at time of writing): Around $480
Pros
- 80V delivers the most torque in this roundup — handles thick, wet grass
- Self-propelled drive at a competitive price
- 4.5-star average across 2,200+ Amazon reviews
- Front-wheel drive suits flat to gently sloped yards
- Dual LED headlights for early morning or evening mowing
Cons
- 80V battery is Greenworks-specific — doesn’t share with other brands
- Heavier than 40V models
- Variable speed control could be more intuitive
Greenworks built a reputation on high-voltage outdoor tools, and the 80V mower is why. That extra voltage headroom matters when you’re hitting spring flushes of thick, slightly damp grass — conditions that bog down lower-voltage machines. The self-propelled drive is front-wheel, which handles flat and mildly sloped yards well. For serious slopes (more than 15 degrees), you’d want rear-wheel drive, but most suburban yards don’t qualify.
The 2,200+ Amazon reviews tell the story: this mower is well-proven at real scale. The trade-off is ecosystem lock-in — the 80V battery only works with Greenworks equipment. If you already own Greenworks tools, that’s a non-issue. If this is your first Greenworks purchase, you’ll want to build out the platform with their matching string trimmer and leaf blower to get the most from the battery investment.
Ryobi 40V HP RY401180 — Best Budget Pick
- Voltage: 40V HP
- Cut Width: 20 inches
- Drive: Self-Propelled
- Battery: 6.0Ah included
- Cut Heights: 6 positions
- Deck: Steel
- Price (at time of writing): Around $379 at Home Depot
Pros
- Self-propelled at a budget-friendly price point
- Ryobi 40V ONE+ system covers 70+ outdoor tools
- HP brushless motor outperforms standard 40V
- 6.0Ah battery delivers solid runtime for mid-size yards
- Available exclusively at Home Depot — easy pickup and returns
Cons
- 20″ deck is smaller — takes more passes on wide yards
- 40V HP can’t match 56V/80V models in dense growth
- Self-propel speed range is narrow
Ryobi’s 40V HP mowers are Home Depot exclusives, and they’ve become the go-to recommendation for budget-conscious buyers who already own Ryobi tools. The HP brushless motor is a meaningful upgrade over the standard 40V brushless — it delivers more torque and runs cooler, which extends battery life per charge. If you already own a Ryobi 40V trimmer or blower, the batteries cross-charge, which is a significant value add.
The 20-inch deck means more passes on larger yards, but for properties under a quarter acre, the pass count difference vs. a 21-inch deck is barely noticeable (maybe 2-3 extra strips on a typical lot). The real limitation is dense, wet spring grass where 40V starts to struggle. For most Sunbelt grass types (St. Augustine, Bermuda) and cool-season turf in normal conditions, the RY401180 handles the job fine.
DeWalt DCMW220P2 — Most Versatile
- Voltage: 2x20V MAX (40V combined)
- Cut Width: 20 inches
- Drive: Push
- Battery: Two 5.0Ah 20V batteries included
- Cut Heights: 7 positions (1.5″ – 3.75″)
- Deck: Plastic
- Price (at time of writing): Check current price — varies significantly
Pros
- Uses two standard DeWalt 20V batteries — existing 20V MAX owners save significantly
- Lightest mower in this roundup — easier to maneuver
- 3-in-1 cutting modes
- Compact fold for tight storage spaces
- DeWalt 20V MAX ecosystem has 200+ compatible tools
Cons
- Push only — no self-propelled option
- Plastic deck less durable than steel
- 2x20V system means managing two separate batteries
- Lower torque than single higher-voltage models on thick grass
The DeWalt DCMW220P2’s biggest selling point isn’t the mower itself — it’s the 20V MAX ecosystem. If you’re already a DeWalt contractor who owns a collection of 20V MAX batteries, you can power this mower with what you have. The mower accepts any two 20V batteries and the combined output handles typical suburban grass well. It’s lighter than the competition and easier to fold and store, which matters if your garage is already full of tools.
For DeWalt fans building out a jobsite-to-backyard tool collection, this makes the most sense. For first-time buyers, the lack of self-propulsion and the plastic deck make it harder to recommend over the EGO or Greenworks. But if you already own four 20V MAX batteries sitting on a charger, the DCMW220P2 is essentially free to run.
EGO LM2156SP — Premium Self-Propelled Pick
- Voltage: 56V
- Cut Width: 21 inches
- Drive: Self-Propelled (variable speed)
- Battery: 7.5Ah or higher (varies by kit)
- Cut Heights: 6 positions
- Deck: Steel with Select Cut™ multi-blade system
- Price (at time of writing): Around $800-$1,200 depending on kit
Pros
- Select Cut™ system lets you swap blade sets for different finishes
- Variable-speed self-propelled at a pace you control precisely
- Rear-wheel drive handles slopes better than front-wheel alternatives
- Weather-resistant design for year-round climates
- Highest cutting quality finish in this roundup
Cons
- Significantly more expensive than other picks
- Overkill for flat yards under a quarter acre
- Heavy — not easy to maneuver in tight areas
The EGO LM2156SP is the mower for people who care about lawn quality, not just lawn completion. The Select Cut system swaps between multi-blade sets — one for a clean finish, one for mulching efficiency, one for fine cut. If you’re the person who cuts in diagonal stripes and edges every time, this is your machine. For everyone else, the LM2114 at half the price does the job.
Where the LM2156SP earns its premium is on larger, sloped properties. The rear-wheel drive self-propulsion handles grades that front-wheel drive mowers fight. The variable-speed dial lets you set a pace that matches your walking speed exactly, which reduces fatigue on a half-acre lot. It’s also the most robust weather-resistant option here — the sealed components handle early morning dew and light rain without issue.
How to Choose the Right Cordless Lawn Mower
Match Your Battery Voltage to Yard Size
Voltage determines torque, and torque determines whether your mower handles thick growth without stalling. Here’s a practical guide based on common yard sizes:
| Yard Size | Recommended Voltage | Runtime Expectation | Battery Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 1/4 acre (small city lot) | 20V–40V | 30–45 minutes | One battery typically completes the job |
| 1/4 to 1/2 acre (typical suburban) | 40V–56V | 45–60 minutes | Plan for one full battery; may need a second for thick conditions |
| 1/2 to 3/4 acre (larger suburban) | 56V–80V | 60+ minutes | Self-propelled required; high-capacity battery (6Ah+) strongly recommended |
| Over 3/4 acre (rural property) | 80V+ or ride-on | Multiple batteries needed | Consider a riding mower or dual-battery system for this range |
The voltage relationship matters more in spring than summer. Spring flush growth is thick, damp, and dense — it takes significantly more torque to cut than the dry, slower-growing turf in August. If your yard is borderline on voltage recommendation, size up. A 56V mower on a 1/4 acre yard is overkill in a good way; a 20V mower on a 1/2 acre yard in May is a frustrating experience.
For a deeper look at how battery voltage and amp-hours work together, see our guide to power tool battery technology explained.
Push vs. Self-Propelled: Which Do You Need?
Self-propelled mowers cost $100–$200 more and add weight. Here’s when it’s worth it:
- Get self-propelled if: Your yard has any slope (even gentle grades), you have grass thicker than typical turf, your yard is larger than 1/3 acre, or you have a bad back or knees
- Push is fine if: Your yard is flat, compact (under 1/4 acre), and the grass is typical fescue or Bermuda in normal conditions
Front-wheel drive self-propelled mowers are easier to turn and work well on flat to mildly sloped terrain. Rear-wheel drive handles slopes significantly better but costs more and turns less easily. For most suburban lots, front-wheel drive is the right balance.
Ecosystem Matters: Pick a Battery Platform You’ll Grow
A lawn mower battery doesn’t just run your mower — it can power your string trimmer, leaf blower, and hedge trimmer. Before picking a mower, look at the full brand ecosystem:
- EGO 56V — 100+ tools including premium outdoor power. Strong for homeowners who want best-in-class outdoor equipment
- Greenworks 80V — Greenworks-specific platform, excellent outdoor tools, competitive pricing on batteries
- Ryobi 40V ONE+ — 70+ outdoor tools, strong value, wide availability at Home Depot
- DeWalt 20V MAX — 200+ tools across indoor and outdoor, excellent for contractor-homeowners who already own 20V batteries
For a detailed comparison of battery platforms across all major brands, read our battery platforms compared guide.
The Deck Size Question: 20″ vs. 21″
One inch of cut width difference doesn’t sound like much, but at 21 inches per pass across a 1/4 acre lot (roughly 10,890 square feet), the math adds up. A 21″ deck needs approximately 6% fewer passes than a 20″ deck. On a half-acre yard (21,780 sq ft), that’s 3-4 minutes saved per mow — trivial in practice. Cut width matters more on very large properties (1/2 acre+) where each pass covers more linear footage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a battery lawn mower handle thick spring grass?
Yes, if you choose the right voltage. 56V and 80V models (EGO, Greenworks) handle thick spring growth well because brushless motors at those voltage levels generate enough torque to keep the blade moving through dense, damp turf. Lower-voltage models (20V–40V) can bog down in heavy spring flush. The key is to match your mower voltage to your grass type and growth conditions — not just yard size.
How long do cordless lawn mower batteries last per charge?
Most cordless lawn mowers with 5–6Ah batteries run 30–60 minutes per charge under normal conditions. A typical 1/4 acre lot takes 20–35 minutes to mow, meaning one charge usually handles the whole job. Runtime drops in thick growth, tall grass, or extreme heat. High-voltage systems (56V–80V) often run longer per charge than lower-voltage systems because they use the battery’s energy more efficiently.
Are battery lawn mowers as powerful as gas?
For typical suburban yards, yes. Battery mowers at 56V–80V produce torque comparable to 160–190cc gas engines, which is more than enough for most residential applications. Where gas still wins: very large properties (1+ acre) where battery runtime becomes limiting, and heavy-duty farm or field mowing where multiple battery swaps become inconvenient. For a 1/4 to 1/2 acre suburban yard with normal grass, a quality battery mower is equal to gas in practice.
What size yard can a cordless mower handle?
A 56V or 80V cordless mower with a 6Ah battery handles up to 1/2 acre per charge under normal conditions. For yards between 1/2 and 3/4 acre, plan to swap batteries mid-mow or own two batteries. Beyond 3/4 acre, a riding mower or a dual-battery cordless system becomes practical. Smaller yards under 1/4 acre are ideal for 40V models like the Ryobi 40V HP.
Is Ryobi 40V lawn mower only at Home Depot?
Yes. Ryobi is a Home Depot exclusive brand. Ryobi lawn mowers, string trimmers, and other outdoor power equipment are not available through Amazon, Lowe’s, or other major retailers. You can only purchase Ryobi products through Home Depot stores or their website. Amazon listings for Ryobi are from third-party sellers charging above retail — always buy Ryobi direct from Home Depot.
Should I buy a push or self-propelled cordless mower?
Self-propelled is worth the extra cost if your yard has any slope, exceeds 1/3 acre, or your grass grows thick. Push mowers are fine for flat yards under 1/4 acre with typical turf. Self-propelled drive reduces fatigue significantly on a half-acre lot — over a full mowing season, that physical difference adds up. For anyone with back or knee issues, self-propelled is a must regardless of yard size.
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