Best Electric Lawnmowers: Reviews and Complete Buying Guide

Electric lawnmowers have some features that their gas-powered cousins just cannot match: these mowers have a lot less recurring costs over their lifespan (no dealing with gas, oil changes, spark plugs, etc.), electric mowers are almost always lighter, and they’re better for the environment.

Electric lawnmowers come with a lot of different features. Some are corded, some cordless, others are self-propelled. We’ve outlined all the options below so that you can know which one is the best electric lawnmower for you.

In a Hurry? Here’s Our Top Picks…

Best Self Propelled Electric Lawnmower

Snapper XD 21-Inch

Sale
Snapper 1687914 21" SP Walk Mower Kit, Self Propelled, Red/Black
  • Self propelled transmission with variable speed
  • Up to 45 minutes run time with the Briggs & Stratton 82V Lithium ion 2.0Ah battery kit comes with (2) 2Ah Lithium ion batteries and rapid charger
  • 21 inches steel mowing deck with 3 in 1 design mulch, bag or side discharge grass clippings easily
  • Smart, efficient load sensing technology power adjusts to meet the demands of the cutting blades
  • Push button start and a single lever, 7 position height of cut adjustment; Rear wheel size: 10 inch

Last update on 2024-03-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Snapper’s mower is a great pick for those who want a powerful electric self-propelled lawnmower.

Snapper’s XD mower comes with a 21-inch cut diameter and 2 Ah batteries with a rapid charger. Each of these batteries should get you up to about 45 minutes worth of run time depending on your grass thickness and the speed setting of your mower. The rapid charger can get a battery at max power in 30 minutes, so if you have a big yard or very thick grass, you should be able to charge one battery in the time it takes you to use up the other one.

Snapper’s mower comes with smart load-sensing technology that can detect how much power it needs to expend to get your grass cut. This technology goes a long way towards saving your battery life.

The XD allows you to choose between side-discharge, mulch, and bagging options for your grass. We discuss these options later in the Q&A section so you can decide if you need all these. The mower comes with 7 height adjustment options ranging from 1-3/8″ to 3-3/4″ so you can trust that you’ll be able to customize the yard how you want it. This mower is rear-wheel drive.

This mower comes with adjustable speed options and a one-button push start. It is an electric mower, so you can expect your initial investment to be high (unless you get the no-battery-included option), but you’ll never need to worry about gas, oil changes, spark plugs, or the other possible frustrations of a gas mower.

This mower comes with a long 5-year warranty on the mower and a 2-year warranty on the battery and charger. It’s nice to see a manufacturer support their work for so long.

What We Like:

  • 2 batteries and a rapid charger are included
  • Load-sensing technology
  • Options to side-discharge, mulch, or bag
  • 7 height adjustment options
  • Adjustable speed
  • One-push easy start button
  • Long 5-year warranty on the mower, 2 years on the batteries and chargers

What We Don’t Like:

  • One of the less budget-loving options

All-in-all, this is a great mower for those who are wanting all the bells and whistles: self-propulsion, multiple cutting options, different heights, a long warranty. It’s a good pick for if you’re wanting a higher end mower.

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Best Battery-Powered Electric Lawnmower

Snapper XD 19-Inch

Snapper XD 82V MAX Cordless Electric 19" Push Lawn Mower, Includes Kit of 2 2.0 Batteries and Rapid Charger
  • Up to 90-minutes run time with (2) Briggs & Stratton 82V Lithium ion 2.0 Batteries; Kit comes with (2) 2.0 Lithium ion batteries and rapid charger
  • 19 inch steel mowing deck with 3 in 1 design mulch, bag or side discharge grass clippings easily.
  • Smart, efficient load sensing technology power adjusts to meet the demands of the cutting blades
  • Push button start and a single lever, 7 position height of cut adjustment
  • Compact vertical storage capability saves room in a garage or shred

Last update on 2024-03-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Snapper’s 19-inch cordless electric lawnmower presents us with an option that is all that the industry should be. This is a great mower for a wide range of yards from very small to pretty stinkin’ big.

This mower comes with two batteries that should last you about 45 minutes each. A fast charger is included and can charge a battery in about 30 minutes, so you can mow by swapping one battery for the other and putting the spent battery on the charger. By the time you use up one battery, the other should be charged.

The Snapper 19-inch comes with load-sensing technology, detecting how much power it needs to mow your grass and adjust its output. This helps save your battery, but the 45-minute battery life will be drained faster on taller or thicker lawns.

Snapper’s mower comes with options to bag, side-discharge, or mulch your grass. One possible downside here is that the bag isn’t very big, so you may need to empty it quite often if you decide to bag your grass.

This mower comes with 7 levels of height adjustment ranging from 1-3/8″ to 3-3/4″. Height can be adjusted using a lever, but some buyers said that the lever was a little hard to use. This mower isn’t too heavy but is one of the heftier options. It weighs 59.5 pounds and the handles can fold, so storage shouldn’t be difficult.

There is a 5-year warranty on the mower itself and a 2-year warranty for the batteries and charger.

What We Like:

  • Powerful enough to cut through tall or thick grass
  • Load-sensing technology allows the mower to adjust power output to your grass
  • Comes with two batteries that last up to 45 minutes and a fast charger that can charge a battery in 30 minutes
  • Allows you to bag, side-discharge, or mulch your grass
  • 7 levels of height adjustments
  • 5-year warranty on the mower, 2-year warranty on the batteries and charger
  • Handles fold for easy storage

What We Don’t Like:

  • The bag isn’t big, so you may have to empty it often
  • Height adjustment lever may be difficult to use
  • One of the heavier options

When all is said and done, this is a powerful mower that has enough customization options where you can get your yard to look just how you want it.

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Best Cordless Electric Lawnmower

Greenworks Pro 21-Inch

Sale
Greenworks 80V 21" Brushless Cordless (Push) Lawn Mower (75+ Compatible Tools), (2) 2.0Ah Batteries and 30 Minute Rapid Charger Included
  • 80V 21” MOWER - Provides up to 60 minutes of run-time with 2 fully charged 80V 2.0Ah batteries (varies based on grass condition and operator technique)
  • TRUBRUSHLESS MOTOR – 2 x more torque, more power, longer runtimes, quiet operation, and extended motor life
  • GAS-LIKE PERFORMANCE
  • VERSATILE – Single lever, 5-position height adjustment for the best cut in all environments. The 3-in-1 design allows you to mulch, and rear bag grass clippings and side discharge.
  • MAINTENANCE FREE – This push lawn mower is virtually maintenance free, with no gas, no oil, and no emissions. Push button start, quiet operation, and delivers gas-like performance

Last update on 2024-03-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you’re looking for the powerhouse of cordless electric lawnmowers, the Greenworks Pro 21-Inch might be a good fit for you.

At 21 inches, the Greenworks Pro has a wide cut diameter, meaning that you won’t have to make as many passes around your yard to cut all the grass. 2 batteries and a rapid charger are included. The specs for the batteries and charger are about the same as the Snappers reviewed above: each battery should last you the better part of 45 minutes and the charger can charge the batteries in about 30 minutes.

Another feature of the Greenworks Pro is the load-sensing technology. Your mower will be able to detect when it needs to amp the power-up or scale the mowing down, making sure that you aren’t using too much battery for what you need.

Another point for this mower is the fact that it, too, can side-discharge, mulch, or bag your grass for you. It has 7 levels of height options ranging from 1-3/8″ to 3-3/4″, so this mower allows you to customize how you want your yard to look.

This mower packs a punch and it has a larger cut diameter than many other options, but that power comes at a price: this thing is heavy when compared to other electric mowers.

The Greenworks Pro is still a lot lighter than almost any gas-powered mower you’ll find on the market, but it clocks in at 79.5 pounds. If you are looking for the easiest-to-handle mower on the market, this one may not be for you. It’s a good pick for someone looking to get rid of tall, thick grass or someone who wants a wide cut diameter for their electric mower.

This mower comes with a 4-year warranty on the mower itself and a 2-year warranty on the batteries and charger.

What We Like:

  • Wider cut diameter than many of its competitors
  • Comes with 2 batteries, each lasting about 45 minutes and a charger that can get batteries to full power in 30 minutes
  • Load sensing technology to deal with tough grass and still preserve your battery life
  • Allows you to side-discharge, bag, or mulch
  • 7 height options
  • Handles fold for easy storage
  • 4-year warranty on the mower and 2-year warranty on the batteries/charger

What We Don’t Like:

  • One of the pricier options
  • Almost as heavy as a gas-powered mower
  • Warranty isn’t as long as some

This mower is a great pick for those who want a wider cut diameter to reach all corners of the yard. This mower has the power to cut through thick grass but isn’t an ideal option for those who want a very light mower (for that, read on).

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Best Corded Electric Lawnmower

Greenworks 20-Inch

Greenworks 12 Amp 20-Inch 3-in-1Electric Corded Lawn Mower, 25022
  • Powerful Cutting: The 12 amp motor and 20-inch steel deck with a 3600 RPM work together to cut through the toughest grass with ease
  • Versatile Cutting Options: The 3-in-1 system allows for mulching, rear bagging, and side discharge, giving you the flexibility to handle clippings in various ways
  • Easy to Use: The easy push button start and single lever 7 position height adjustment make using the mower a breeze, while the cam lock handle allows for easy folding and storage
  • Efficient and Durable: The durable steel 21-inch cutting deck gets the job done quickly and efficiently, while the AC corded power provides unlimited run-time with no gas, oil, or emissions
  • Extension Cord Requirement: It is important to use a 14 gauge 50’ or 12 gauge 100’ extension cord (not included) for optimal performance

Last update on 2024-03-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you were on a grass-covered, deserted island and could only pick one corded electric lawnmower, we’d recommend this one be at the top of your list.

This Greenworks mower has a 20-inch diameter and at 12 amps, will cut through grass that you’ve let grow for a bit. This mower also comes with the attachments to cut, collect, and mulch your grass. We discuss the differences in these three options later on, but for now, just know that this mower can be used for a variety of yards with a variety of desired looks.

The mower comes with 7 height adjustments ranging from 1-1/2″ to 3-3/4″, so you have lots of options on how tall you want your grass to be. These height options are also helpful if your grass is already wildly tall and will need to be cut in stages. You can start this mower with the push of a button, so no worries about having to pull the mower chord until you throw out your back.

The handles fold up for easy storage and the mower weighs about 56 pounds, so it’s much easier to push than a gas mower or even a battery-powered one. That said, it’s not the lightest mower. If you just want the most compact option available, it’s up next.

This mower comes with a 4-year warranty.

What We Like:

  • One of the more powerful options on the market, so it can cut through thicker or taller grass
  • Allows you to cut, collect, or mulch the grass
  • Many height adjustments
  • Handles fold for easy storage
  • 4-year warranty

What We Don’t Like:

  • Not the lightest corded electric mower

If you’re looking for a powerful corded electric mower that can handle your yard in all seasons and one that isn’t too tough to store, then this may be a good pick for you.

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Best Budget Electric Lawnmower

Sun Joe 14-Inch Corded

Sale
Sun Joe MJ401E 14-Inch 12-Amp Electric Lawn Mower w/Collapsible Handle for Storage, 3-Position Height Control, 10.6-Gallon Bag, Green
  • [POWERFUL]: 13-amp motor cuts a 14-inch wide path
  • [ADJUSTABLE DECK]: Tailor cutting height with 3-position height control
  • [STEEL BLADES]: Durable 14-Inch steel blade cuts with precision
  • [ACCESSORIES]: Includes 10. 6-gallon detachable grass catcher foe easy disposal of grass clippings
  • [MAINTENANCE FREE]: No gas, oil or tune-ups

Last update on 2024-03-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Sun Joe 14-Inch is one of the smallest, lightest, and most budget-friendly options on the market today.

It has a smaller cut diameter of 14 inches so this mower is better suited for smaller yards. Even though the cut diameter is on the smaller side, the mower allows for 12 amps so it can cut through thicker grass.

This mower has 3 height adjustment options ranging from 1-1/4″ to 2-1/2″. One negative about the Sun Joe is that it doesn’t come with options to mulch or side discharge your grass. The mower itself comes with an 11-gallon bag, which isn’t very much at all. If your yard is anything other than tiny, you’ll find yourself emptying the bag quite a bit.

One solution to this problem is to take the bag off. You’ll get a lot of grass on your legs, but it may be a little more convenient since you’ll save a lot of time emptying the bag. There is a side-discharge option available on Amazon, but it needs to be purchased separately or with the Pro Version.

This mower allows you to fold up the handles for easier storage and it weighs in at 29 pounds, so it can probably be mistaken as a large children’s toy from a distance. This won’t help you in your neighborhood “Who’s Got the Most Horrifying Lawnmower” contests, but it makes this mower easy to handle. It’s a good option for anyone who has trouble handling a larger mower.

The Sun Joe comes with a 2-year warranty.

What We Like:

  • Has a few height adjustment options
  • Handles fold for easy storage
  • Lightest mower on this list (and easiest to handle)
  • 2-year warranty
  • Great budget option

What We Don’t Like:

  • Not a lot of variation in height options
  • Doesn’t come with an option to mulch
  • Side discharge has to be purchased separately or with an upgraded version
  • Warranty isn’t as long as some others

This mower is great for those who have a small yard or have trouble using heavier mowers. This is the best budget buy on our list.

Check Price and Reviews on Amazon

What to Know Before You Buy…

The Difference Between Self-Propelled, Battery-Powered/Cordless, and Corded Electric Lawnmowers

Each electric lawnmower we’ve listed above has its own distinct features. In the headings of the post, we specified when a mower is self-propelled, battery-powered/cordless, and when a mower needed to use a cord. It can be hard to know which one you need, so we’ve broken it down for you below with descriptions on which type of mower is best for what.

Self-propelled electric lawnmowers use their own engine to propel themselves forward. This self-propulsion makes pushing easy since you won’t have to do the work, but turning can be a bit more of a challenge. These types of mowers are the best for large yards where you won’t have to worry much about maneuvering around natural areas or other contours.

Battery-powered electric lawnmowers and cordless electric lawnmowers are just what they sound like: these mowers use a rechargeable battery pack (like the self-propelled mowers) but these mowers don’t self-propel. Since they don’t self-propel, the battery-powered cordless mowers will often have a stronger cut or will have batteries that last a bit longer. These mowers are ideal for medium to large sized yards where you don’t mind doing the pushing or where you will need to be doing a lot of turning.

Corded electric lawnmowers will need to be plugged in using an extension cord (we explain what kind of cord in just a second). These mowers are almost always on the less pricey side of electric lawnmowers, but are best suited for small yards due to the inherent lack of range that comes with using an extension cord.

What’s the Deal with Amps, Gauges, and Cords?

If you are going the corded rout, any corded electric lawnmower you buy will need an extension cord for use (if your mower isn’t corded, no need to worry. Feel free to skip to the next section). Having the right cord is the difference between long life and an unexpected demise for your lawnmower.

Having a cord that doesn’t allow enough power to get through will cause your mower engine to strain and break sooner than it should. Many a once-happy buyer have been upset because their mower stopped working too soon and many of these motors break for no other reason than someone didn’t know that their cord needed to allow more power to get to the lawnmower.

So how do we make sure that your cord is right for you?

First, we have to take a look at how cords work (and we’re going to skip all the technical jargon so no worries).

Cords are a way to transport electricity from an outlet to something else (in this case, your corded electric lawnmower). Each cord is rated for a certain amount of electricity depending on how thick the wires inside the cord are. This is called a gauge. Gauges work backward, so the lower the gauge, the thicker the wire. The thicker the wire, the more electricity that can be carried.

You’ll also want to keep an eye on how long your cord is and make sure that it’s rated for a low gauge at a certain length. The lower the gauge, the more electricity your cord can carry. Extension cords that you can buy for your lawnmower will often have the gauges specified in the item description as numbers (16/3, 12/3, etc. where the first number is the gauge) or as AWG (12 AWG is 12 gauge).

Getting too high of a gauge will kill your corded mower, so this is an important part of your decision.

Another thing to look out for in your cord is color. It’s best to go with a color that stands out from the color of your yard, like a red or orange. Green or brown cords can get lost and running over those with your lawnmower may give you a thrill you’ll never forget.

For all the mowers listed, we recommend at least a 12-gauge, 100 ft wire. This one is a good option since it will be strong enough to power your lawnmower and will give you enough reach to get the far corners of your yard.

If you want to be extra safe, you can try this 10 gauge, 100 ft wire. It should be able to provide enough power to launch any rockets you’re building in the backyard, too.

Whichever cord you use, make sure that it’s rated at least a 12 gauge at 100 feet. Your corded lawnmower will thank you (and will last a lot longer). If you would like to read more about the science behind wires, amps, ohms, and gauges, you can do so here.

The Best Electric Lawnmower for the Size of Your Yard

If you didn’t notice, electric lawnmowers come in a wide range of sizes from 14 inches all the way to 21 inches – over half a foot difference!

In general, the smaller mowers are more suited to budget buyers. It’s worth keeping in mind that the bigger the mower, the fewer passes you’ll have to make through your yard. Here is a little chart that may give you an idea of how big of a mower you’ll need. The cut width is in centimeters. Over the course of a few years, you may end up saving yourself a good bit of time with a larger mower.

Larger mowers are not always better though. If your yard has a lot of natural areas, landscape borders, raised gardens, turns, corners, or a lot of things that will need to be mown around (like an in-ground fire pit), a larger mower may end up causing more trouble than it’s worth. Smaller mowers are always easier to maneuver and a lot lighter when you’re turning.

If your yard will require a lot of maneuvering or if you’re looking for budget-loving options and don’t mind taking an extra couple of passes in the yard, we recommend getting a smaller mower. If your yard isn’t tough to get around and you’re lacking natural areas, we recommend going with the bigger mower if you can afford it.

The Big Deal About Little Batteries

In cordless electric lawnmowers, the battery can be one of the biggest distinguishing factors between mowers, so it’s important to choose the option that’s right for you.

It’s helpful to remember that one of the biggest expenses of maintenance for your cordless mower will be your battery. You’ll never have to change the oil, spark plugs, or refill on gas, but one day your battery will give out on you. For that reason, we at OwnTheYard recommend mowers that come with 2 batteries.

Having a mower with more than a single battery will be helpful when one battery gives out on you after the warranty, but will also help ensure that you get a longer mowing time. Perhaps your grass is extra thick one week or you forgot to recharge your battery after your last cut – you can pop that extra battery in and get to work.

In addition to a mower with 2 batteries, it would be a good idea to go for a mower with a battery warranty of at least 2 years. This will protect you from that extra possible expense until you have time to get your money’s worth out of your mower.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need the mulching, side-discharge, or bagging options?

Before we answer this, let’s take a look at each of these features.

  • Mulching cuts each blade of grass twice: once from the ground, the second time from inside the mower to grind up the grass. The grass is then deposited beneath the mower. Mulching may require you to walk a bit slower as it is a more time-consuming process, but the grass clippings will be able to biodegrade into the ground and aid future growth.
  • Bagging causes all the cut grass to be collected in a bag so that it can be deposited elsewhere. This process is also a bit time consuming, as you will need to empty the bag when it’s full.
  • Side discharging the grass is just what it sounds like: when the grass is cut, the mower shoots it out to one side. This can be the fastest way to cut the grass, but you will need to watch out to make sure your grass isn’t thrown into your natural areas or gardens.

If you’re looking to cut your grass as fast as possible, we recommend going with the side discharge option. You may end up leaving some grass clippings in your yard, but you can either cut over those clippings again or allow them to degrade au naturale.

If you have a specific spot you want to put your cut grass to allow it to biodegrade and nourish the ground in a certain area, we recommend going with bagging.

If you want your cut grass to go back into the yard to nourish it, we recommend mulching.

What options you need will depend on what your preferences are for how your yard looks and what you want to do with it.

Best Brands

Snapper

Snapper was founded in 1951 when they made the first self-propelled rotary lawnmower. Since then, they have become obsessed with making your yard look how you want it. They have a wide range of yard tools, mowers, and tractors to help you achieve your goals to own your yard.

Greenworks

Greenworks was founded in 2007 to begin solving a large and growing need: they wanted to make battery-powered equipment strong enough that it could compete with the gas-guzzling kings of lawn care. Greenworks hopes to help the environment by providing battery-operated lawncare equipment tough enough to solve all your yard needs.

Sun Joe

Sun Joe started as a Snow Joe: a company producing electric snow shovels. As the company began to fill a need for clean electric equipment, they began expanding their product line. Now offering the Snow Joe and the Sun Joe, this company has you covered come snow or shine.

Conclusion

Thanks for reading our guide on the best electric lawnmower! When it comes down to it, the best option for you is going to be the one that suits your unique needs best.

Take note of the size of your lawn and whether you’ll want a self-propelled, regular battery-powered, or corded electric lawnmower. Ask yourself what you want your yard to look like and how you want it cut – are options like side-discharge, mulching, and bagging important? Last, take a look at your budget. We’ve reviewed lawnmowers from the high end picks to the most budget-friendly options, so there is surely something for everyone.

Our top self-propelled pick is the Snapper 21-Inch. If you’re looking for the best battery-powered or cordless electric lawnmower, we recommend the Greenworks 21-Inch or the Snapper 19-Inch. For corded mowers, we suggest the Greenworks 20-Inch or the Sun Joe 14-Inch (these are also great budget buys).

The best electric lawnmower for your needs will be the one that can get your yard just how you like it, so don’t be afraid to take a little time looking around and being a little picky. There’s something for everyone here.