When choosing the best electric lawn mower, there are a few important factors to consider. These include the size of your lawn area, your budget, and whether you want to collect the cuttings.
Corded electric lawn mowers are easy to use and usually more affordable. You simply plug them in, and you're ready to go. They are also more environmentally friendly than gasoline-powered mowers. However, the cord may limit your movement, especially for medium-sized yards. On the other hand, the best cordless lawn mowers are powered by batteries, offering greater mobility without the hassle of cords, although you need electricity to recharge them.
The team reviews various electric lawn mower makes and models to help you maintain a healthy lawn throughout the summer. Our reviews focus on cutting width, performance, and other useful features. We conduct tests for at least one month (four weeks) to thoroughly assess setup, performance, and maintenance.
We also have a round-up of the best ride-on and self-propelled mowers if you need a larger mower. For those interested in the latest lawn tech, we've included a section on the best robot lawn mowers that can completely automate mowing. Keep reading to find out the details of our electric lawn mower round-up.
Recent updates
Updated on July 31 to add testing information for reviewed products and expert comment in the buying advice section.
The best electric lawn mowers in 2024
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While we haven't been able to test any of the units in this guide in person, we've instead honed in on top-rated brands and used our knowledge of the best features to help you make the right decision for your home, all for the best price.
The best electric lawn mower overall
✅ You need to mow around obstacles: This electric mower is designed to help you navigate around trees, plant pots and complicated areas around the lawn such as edging.
✅ You have a medium-sized lawn: it has the power and cutting width to efficiently mow lawns up to one-eighth of an acre. For smaller lawns, we'd recommend a more compact mower.
✅ Reasonable pricing is priority: for it's decent mowing performance, this corded mower has an affordable price tag of $169.99 and is available from Amazon or Home Depot.
❌ Your lawn is super-sized: anyone with a lawn larger than one-eight of an acre should consider another model with wider cutting deck.
❌ Storage space is limited: even with it's handle folded away, this is a large lawn mower relative to its weight. Some users may prefer something that is more compact for tighter storage.
The Black + Decker BEMW472BH offers efficient mowing with innovative upright handles, which are ideal for navigating obstacles. It is reasonably priced for medium-sized lawns but unsuitable for large areas due to the corded design. It is not recommended for those who dislike handling cables or have limited storage space. ★★★★
The BLACK+DECKER BEMW472BH provides impressive mowing performance for its price. Our reviewer, Pete, found that its unique upright handles allowed easy maneuvering around tight corners. It also offers convenient features like quick cutting height adjustment and easy assembly.
Setup: This electric mower arrived well-packaged in recyclable materials, except for a few small pieces. Some assembly is required, but Pete found it manageable without tools. Thanks to clear instructions, setting up took around 20 minutes. The mower is lightweight and can be moved by two people or one strong person, although the box lacks handles.
Design: This mower features durable plastic construction with metallic components in the handle assembly and mowing blade, making it lightweight at 35 lbs. Its sleek design in BLACK+DECKER's signature colors includes an EasySteer handle for effortless maneuvering around obstacles. While the upright handles aid in navigating obstacles, they may hinder movement in tight spaces.
This mower is not meant for outdoor storage but is relatively rust-resistant due to its low metal content. To save space, Pete recommends folding the handle assembly for indoor storage. The EasySteer feature is useful, especially for those struggling with traditional mower handles.
Performance: On test, Pete found that the BLACK+DECKER BEMW472BH's 1,600W motor offered ample power to efficiently mow the grass and cut through tough weeds like dandelions. This mower is suitable for lawns up to 1⁄8 acre in size, with a cutting width of 15" (38 cm). It offers some help with cable management, featuring a bright orange power cable and handle-mounted cable clips.
The 45-liter grass collection box effectively gathers cuttings, although some were dropped during testing. Adjusting the mowing height was simple, and different settings produced varying cutting results. As a corded electric mower, avoiding using it in wet conditions is important due to the risk of electrocution. Also, it operates at noise levels similar to a noisy restaurant, measuring around 79-81 dB.
Value: This is one of the key incentives for the BLACK+DECKER BEMW472BH. Although its RRP is $169.99, at the time of writing our review, it was available for $140.40 via Amazon and The Home Depot. Official replacement blades are available from Black + Decker and resellers.
Read more: Black + Decker 15 in. 10 AMP Corded Electric Walk Behind Push Lawn Mower review
I tested the Black + Decker BEMW471ES by using it to mow my lawn on several occasions during spring 2024, including that difficult first cut of the year. Because the mower is advertised as easy to steer, I tested it in awkward areas around the edge of the lawn, including near plant pots and the bases of tree trunks.
| Attribute | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Price & availability | A very good mower, relative to the price you pay. US and UK versions differ slightly. | ★★★★½ |
| Design | Unique handle design delivers sensitive steering while adding bulk. Robust, lightweight construction. | ★★★★ |
| Performance | Mowing performance is efficient and easily adjustable via the cutting height selection lever. | ★★★★ |
| Setup | Tool-free setup was completed within 20 minutes, although there were a few frustrating moments along the way. | ★★★½ |
The best multi-functional electric lawn mower
✅ You have multiple grass cutting tasks: the BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM is a 3-in-1 corded lawn mower, strimmer and edger
✅ You're on a budget: a $99.99 RRP is hard to beat, especially with three main functionalities.
✅ You need a mower that's easy to store: the compact design is space-saving, and can be hung up or put on a shelf in the garage when not in use.
❌ You have a large yard: you'll be forever mowing your grass if you have more than 1/8 acre and opt for this tool.
❌ You have uneven ground: the cutting height cannot be adjusted so if you have uneven ground, the BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM best be avoided (unless you want to mainly use it as a trimmer and edger).
The BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM is a fantastic budget option if you need a mower and/or strimmer to get by the next few months. It's incredibly versatile and will handle all the lawn care duties. It's not great for uneven ground, though; the grass cuttings won't get collected. ★★★★
The BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM isn't like any other lawn mower or string trimmers featured in this guide. I have owned this lawn mower for years—and it's still going strong. It's a great option for cutting, trimming, and edging the lawn.
Setup: It has been a long time since I opened the box to the BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM, so memory is hazy, and the packaging may have changed now. However, the setup is memorable and straightforward.
The string must be attached to the trimmer to set up. The BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM is essentially a trimmer that can be used with four wheels in lawn mower mode, so as long as it works as a strimmer, it'll also work as a lawn mower and an edger.
Design: This lawn mower turned strimmer and edger boasts a 3-in-1 design, which became more useful than I had ever imagined. It was easy to clip the strimmer/edger into the set of four wheels when using it as a mower.
The BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM can then be turned on with a trigger. The shaft on the trimmer/edger is height adjustable, but mind that this doesn't get too stiff and become non-adjusting over time.
Performance: The lawn mower and trimmer mode are the most used of the BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM in my yard. It cuts the grass well, although fatigue in the handset is due to the vibrations and constant holding down the trigger when used. There isn't a collection bag, so grass cuttings will lay in place; the more often you mow, the fewer clippings there will be.
When used as a trimmer, it did an equally good job cutting back the areas of the lawn that the lawn mower deck couldn't reach.
The power cord is 15.3 inches long, so you may need to use an extension cable, as I did, to reach all the areas of your small yard.
Value: With a $99.99 RRP, the BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM is good value for money. I found it useful for all grass-cutting duties and firmly believe it should be added to your arsenal if you need a strimmer or lawn mower. It can be bought directly from BLACK+DECKER or resellers such as Amazon.
I've been using the BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM for five years - it was one of the first yard tools I bought. I liked that it was a lawn mower and a string trimmer in one product. Since I didn't have a lot of storage space, it suited me perfectly because the trimmer comes apart from the mower base, which doesn't take up much room in the shed. Priced at $99.99, it also perfectly fits my (restricted) bill. Since buying this lawn mower, I've reviewed yard tools for three years, including robot lawn mowers, push lawn mowers, and dethatchers. I now have a dedicated outside storage unit for mowers (etc.) to add more yard tools to my arsenal.
| Attribute | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Price & availability | It has been available for years, sold on BLACK+DECKER and Amazon for less than $100 | ★★★★★ |
| Design | Really useful, multifunctional design for small yards with tricky spaces | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | Fantastic cutting performance but you can not adjust the cutting height | ★★★★ |
| Setup | Only setup required was to attach the string to the trimmer, and the mower base if required | ★★★★★ |
The best electric lawn mower for the smallest lawns
✅ You have a small yard: with it's 18in deck and 150in cable length, you be able to quickly mow around the small front or back yard.
✅ You need something lightweight: weighing just 46lbs this lightweight, compact lawn mower is easy to push around and use with minimal effort.
✅ You need a mower that's easy to store: the handle folds down making it easy to store in small spaces.
❌ You have a large yard: you'll need an extension cable (or two) which could become an issue with the trailing cable.
❌ You want / need a robust mower: being small and lightweight this mower isn't exactly built like a tank.
🔎 The Greenworks 18" Corded Electric 12 Amp Push Lawn Mower is a budget-friendly, lightweight lawn mower suitable for small yards. Customers are impressed by the cutting performance, and love that it is so easy to store. ★★★★
If you're looking for the best electric lawn mower for small yards, then the Greenworks 18" Corded Electric 12 Amp Push Lawn Mower is the best. While the 150ft cable may hinder your purchase decision, we've read that customers have roped in the help of an extension cable if they need a little more length.
Setup: Arriving in a cardboard box with plastic wrapped around some parts, there doesn't seem to be much assembly required for this mower. Looking at the customer pictures on Walmart, the handle will need attaching, and the cutting height must be selected to suit your yard.
Design: the Greenworks 18" Corded Electric 12 Amp Push Lawn Mower measures 28.35 x 21.65 x 13.78 inches and weighs 45.75 lbs. Customers have shared comment that it is compact and some have gone on to say that it is lightweight, although others have said that it's heavy to lift.
It has a steel, 18in cutting deck with every other component plastic. There's a seven height-adjusting lever which ranges between 1 5/8 - 3 1/8 inches and, something that is somewhat a stand-out feature to this mower, is that it has mulching capabilities that'll give the lawn back any lost nutrients. This Greenworks mower has a side discharge, too.
Performance: customer reviews rave at how good the cutting performance is of the Greenworks 18" Corded Electric 12 Amp Push Lawn Mower. Thanks to the adjustable cutting height, it can handle uneven ground, and it's lightweight to push around the small lawn.
To start it, just push the button and pull the bail to start mowing. It'll mulch automatically, which users say is "OK." Then, once you've finished the job, the handle folds back to make it easy to store.
Being electric it is quieter than a gas mower and there's no swapping batteries or recharging them, which is another benefit that users enjoyed.
Value: With an RRP of $199.99 this electric mower is a fantastic option for those with tight budgets. We've also regularly seen it on sale, so you could get it for even less. It's listed with resellers, including Amazon and Walmart.
The best electric lawn mower for tight spaces
✅ You have a super small yard: this Sun Joe mower has a cutting deck of 14in making it ideal for the smaller yard.
✅ You need something lightweight: weighing just 30lbs the Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO is a good option if you want a mower made from steel, but need the weight of plastic.
✅ You want to collect grass cuttings: the ultimate in convenience, this push mower will cut and collect the cuttings in a 10.6 gal bag.
❌ You have a large yard: you'll need an extension cable (or two) which could become an issue with the trailing cable.
❌ You want a mower made from metal: aside from the steel blade, the Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO is made entirely from plastic so if you want something more heavy-duty you best look elsewhere.
🔎 The Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO is a hard-working electric push mower that'll either collect your grass cuttings, or discharge through a side chute for taller grass. It has a collapsible handle for easy storage and takes up little space even when fully assembled. ★★★★
Have a tight space? The Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO is what you need. It's powerful yet compact and lightweight, ideal for yards up to 1/4 acre.
Setup: From reading the reviews, it is clear to us that the assembly of this electric lawn mower is easy. It's a popular choice for those aged 50+ years who are overjoyed at how simple it is to assemble and how clear the instructions are to follow. I can not say what packaging was used, but from our experience reviewing Sun Joe and Snow Joe products, I can say that they would be delivered in a branded cardboard box, at the very least.
Design: The Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO packs a 14-inch blade into a 16-inch body, meaning it is one of the lightest models in our guide to the best electric lawn mowers. The mower is only 30 lbs, less than 50 inches long, and just over 40 inches tall.
Snow Joe’s electric mower blends this compact build with a potent 13-amp motor. Alongside this diminutive build are collapsible handles, making storage simple.
Performance: Although the Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO will not win any awards for mowing large lawns, its size means it handles hilly areas easily. It also handles garden edges much better than more unwieldy mowers.
Customers have noted that the 10.6 gal bag for grass cuttings fills up quickly, so either be prepared to empty it regularly or remove it entirely.
Value: Priced at $179.99, the Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO is great if you are a novice gardener on a budget or are looking for a cheap but effective electric mower for a small garden. You can find it listed on Sun Joe or resellers such as Amazon.
The best cheap electric lawn mower
✅ You have a small yard: the LawnMaster MEB1114K has a cutting deck of 15in making it best suited to smaller yards.
✅ You need something lightweight: weighing just 27lbs the LawnMaster MEB1114K is the lightest lawn mower in this guide.
✅ You want to collect grass cuttings: helping you to tidy up after a mow is a handy 7 gal collection bag.
❌ You have a large yard: you'll need an extension cable regardless with this mower, so multiple extension cables could get you in a tangle.
❌ You want a mower made of steel: aside from the steel blade, the LawnMaster MEB1114K is made from plastic to keep it lightweight, but you may prefer something more robust.
🔎 The LawnMaster MEB1114K is a cheap electric lawn mower which is ideal for smaller yards. It has a collector bag and is easy to assemble and store. You will need an extension cable with it though, which is something to be mindful of ★★★★
The affordable LawnMaster MEB1114K lawn mower is an 11 AMP 15-inch electric mower that’s easy to push around a smaller yard of 1/8 acre. It’s cord-powered, but you will need an extension cable because it's short (I could not get the exact cable length). And at 27 lb, this is one of the lighter mowers on our list. That makes it ideal if you’re struggling with an injury or don’t want to push a hefty weight around.
Set up: Reading through the customer reviews, assembly of the LawnMaster MEB1114K is easy. All you'll need to do is attach the lower and upper handle to the main unit, then the collector bag, and you're all set.
Design: The main design feature of the LawnMaster MEB1114K is the 15-inch cutting deck, which is rust-resistant. There are five cutting positions to opt for, from 1.4" - 3", which can be adjusted with a lever.
The handle length is also adjustable, so you can find the perfect height to help make the mow easier. Made of two parts, an upper and lower handle, the upper handle can fold over the lower to make storage easier. And being just 27lbs, it can be easily maneuvered into a space for safe-keeping.
To the rear of this electric lawn mower is a 7-gallon collector bag, which will make it easier to tidy up the clipping after a mow, although this isn't the biggest I have heard of.
Performance: the key to the success of this lawn mower is how light it is. It means it's a good choice for those aged 50+ years, which will help maneuver it around the yard - and put it into storage afterward.
Customers have shared that it is easy to use and adjust. It's also great for challenging tall weeds and grasses. There is no side discharge chute, so you'll have to use it with the collection bag - just be prepared to empty it often, even in a super small yard.
Value: With a $129.99 RRP, this is the cheapest electric lawn mower I could find. It gets even cheaper now and then, too. You can find it listed on reseller sites such as Amazon.
How we tested the best electric lawn mowers for his guide
We love to test products here at Top Ten Reviews, and that's how I know they will be the best for you and your home or yard.
Of those corded mowers that have been tested, the BLACK+DECKER BEMW472BH and BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM have been used in our backyards for a minimum of 4 weeks. We've set them up, cut the lawn, adjusted heights (if possible), and emptied the grass collector (if a feature). Sometimes, we can continue to use the lawn mowers that have been loaned to us for a longer period, or we are gifted them, which means that they'll continue to be used, giving them the greatest test of all: longevity.
Sometimes, we cannot test all of the products you see featured in our buyer's guide. When this happens, we check out the specs and features of well-known brands and read the customer reviews to see what they have to say about them. Read more about how we test.
How to choose the best electric lawn mower
While deciding on a lawn mower with a cord might seem the most obvious way to keep your spending low, I recommend avoiding corded models unless you’re on a tight budget. Why? Well, it boils down to the running times: nowadays, cordless models can run strong for 45 minutes to an hour, which should be enough time to deal with a moderate or large lawn.
With a corded model, you’ll always need to stay close to an electric socket. It’s also easy to get frustrated by tripping on your cord or shoving it out of your path. Cordless models take away that hassle, and it’s likely the job won’t take as long once you remove all the cord maneuvering.
While an electric lawn mower is more environmentally friendly than a gas lawn mower, you may need one if you’re dealing with a particularly large lawn. Gas is a more powerful energy source, and the mowers also run longer without a refill. Even so, most electric lawn mowers only take 40 minutes to recharge, so if you run out of battery mid-mowing session, that’s enough time for a snack break.
Cutting modes and features should also be on your mind when you choose an electric lawn mower. While not essential, self-propelling models can make your life far easier.
Brian Fullerton launched his business, Brian's Lawn Maintenance, in 2007 out of Michigan. In addition to offering a wide range of lawn care services, Fullerton runs one of the world's most popular lawn-focused YouTube channels, with over 200,000 subscribers at the time of writing.
I asked Brian Fullerton, founder of Brian's Lawn Maintenance, and Martin Stewart, National Trainer and FME Supervisor at Techtronic Industries (TTI)—the parent company of Ryobi—for their advice on shopping for the best electric lawn mower for their yard.
“Selecting the right-sized mower and cutting deck is fundamental,” Brian told us. "A small push mower would be great for someone with less than a quarter acre lawn. A lawn tractor or zero-turn mower would be more appropriate at the other end of the scale if you have an acre or more.
“You should aim to buy a brand that your local dealer or store sells," he added. "The mower can be serviced and repaired quickly when breakdowns inevitably happen."
Martin said, "If you're dealing with hilly terrain, consider a self-propelled mower for less pushing and easier maneuverability. For flat terrain, almost any type of mower can be used."
Martin Stewart is a national trainer and FME supervisor at Techtronic Industries (TTI), Ryobi's parent company and the leading tool manufacturer. Ryobi makes a wide range of lawn care products, from lawn mowers and aerators to seed spreaders.
Electric lawn mowers FAQ
Are electric mowers good?
Electric mowers are a great option if you want a machine that isn’t too heavy to move around—and won’t cost you a fortune. They are best suited for smaller lawns rather than huge areas of grass, and this is because a power cord restricts you. There are battery lawn mowers that solve the cord problem, but you’ll need to note how long the run time is on each battery. Many battery-powered mowers can be purchased with a spare battery so your mower is never out of action.
Electric lawn mowers don’t require any fuel, which makes them more affordable to power than gas mowers. There’s also the added benefit of electric mowers operating more quietly than their gas counterparts.
How much do electric lawn mowers cost?
Generally, prices for corded electric lawn mowers start at about $100; however, dealing with a cord while mowing can be awkward, limiting your mobility and the distance you can cover. You can buy extensions for your mower, but this might be inconvenient if you have an extremely large backyard.
Battery-operated mowers cost a little more, starting in the low $200 range up to about $500, but the convenience of battery power, for many consumers, is worth paying extra. These models can also run for up to 90 minutes, so unless you have acres of land to cover, you should be able to get the job done. Be aware that cordless mowers have somewhat less power than corded models, and you’ll have to recharge the batteries, but they offer much more mobility.
Running costs may be another concern when buying an electric lawn mower. Compared to the best gas lawn mower models, you can rest assured that the money you’ll spend on charging and powering your electric mower will be considerably less, costing around 20 to 60 cents an hour to run, depending on the exact wattage of your model.
Are electric lawn mowers powerful?
You should consider your yard's size and how often you intend to mow it. If your lawn is 1/3 acre or bigger, you’ll want to spring for a high-performance model with a high-voltage battery, wide cutting path, and multiple height settings. If you have a smaller yard or don’t need to mow very often, you can probably get away with one with less power.
