Investing in one of the best lawnmowers is a smart move that will save you time and money this fall season. They are easy to start, easy to use, and easy to store. There are a lot of lawnmowers to choose from, so you'll have more time to enjoy your yard.
The best cordless lawn mowers have been among the most popular mower types thanks to their no-power cable, quick charging time, minimal noise output, and zero smells. In addition to these, there are robot lawnmowers, gas-powered mowers, and riding mowers.
As a team, we have tested all of the mowers in this guide. We aim to share first-hand experience with you by reviewing all specifications (and promises) of the lawnmowers we feature. We've tried them out for a minimum of two weeks, starting with delivery and set-up and then performance and maintenance. The noise levels have even been checked against what's advertised.
Jennifer is the Editor of Top Ten Reviews, overseeing all content on the site. For the purpose of this guide, she has tested the EGO Power+ LM2135SP 21-inch Select Cut Lawn Mower and Worx 40V 17in Cordless Lawn Mower in her backyard. Both required setting up, a performance run through and some maintenance to a certain extent. They were reviewed for four weeks (when it wasn't raining).
The quick list
Want to get straight to the best lawn mowers? You'll find a quick roundup of our top choices here. You can then jump to a more in-depth write-up for each product, and see the latest deals on them.
The best lawn mower overall
Troy-Bilt XP 21" 163cc 3-in-1 RWD Self-Propelled gas lawn mower is easy to set up, user-friendly, and great for small-to-medium yards. It has effective performance and adjustable features.
The best robot lawn mower
Segway Navimow i105N robotic lawn mower offers excellent mowing, easy setup, and advanced features. Antenna-assisted navigation ensures precise mowing without perimeter wire.
The best ride on lawn mower
John Deere's electric ZTrak Mower offers easy maneuvering, long battery life, and minimal noise, making mowing efficient and hassle-free.
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The best cordless lawn mower
The DeWalt 60V MAX Brushless Push Mower is a powerful, reliable, and quiet cordless mower with an impressive 80-minute battery runtime, making it worth the price.
The best electric lawn mower
The Black + Decker BEMW472BH corded electric mower offers easy assembly, effortless maneuvering, and ample power for lawns up to 1⁄8 acre in size.
The best self-propelled lawn mower
The battery-powered Toro 60V Max 22in Recycler Lawn Mower is easy to set up, convenient to use, and impressively performs, making mowing a breeze.
The best lawn mowers we recommend in 2024
Why you can trust Top Ten Reviews Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
We're on a mission here at Top Ten Reviews to review everything that we feature in our buyer's guide. All of the machine have been tested in our writer's yard for a minimum of two weeks, assessing the design, performance and value-for-money.
The best lawn mower overall
The Troy-Bilt XP 21 in. 163 cc 3-in-1 RWD Self-Propelled gas lawn mower is a great choice for small to medium yards, offering convenience and performance at an affordable price. The self-propelled feature and no-choke start-up make mowing easy. Although it's gas-powered, which might not be the most environmentally friendly option, it has mulching and bagging options for grass clippings.
It takes about five to ten minutes to set up. It's mostly preassembled, so all you have to do is attach the handle and pick between the grass bag and the side discharge chute. Our reviewer had some trouble adjusting the handle and wheels, but the setup was easy.
Troy-Bilt's 21-inch deck and rear-wheel drive make it easy to maneuver on slopes, making it perfect for our tester's yard. It's 163cc Briggs & Stratton engine is easy to start without a choke, and you can easily adjust the cutting height from 1.25 to 3.75 inches.
The mower features a customizable handle, self-propelled speed management with dual levers, an integrated mulch plug, a 2.3-bushel grass bag, and a side discharge chute for safety.
Having an effortless start-up, comfortable handling, and self-propelling made mowing the reviewer's large yard a breeze. The mulching capability and overall performance were much better than expected, even though lifting and adjusting the mower was a little tricky.
"The best kind of push lawn mower makes the mowing process of a small-to-medium yard uncomplicated and straightforward. We have found that in the Troy-Bilt XP 21 in. 163 cc 3-in-1 RWD Self Propelled TB310B gas lawn mower. While it may not be the most eco-friendly mower (because it is powered by gas), this Troy-Bilt lawn mower is incredibly easy to start thanks to a no-choke start-up system. You can mulch or use a bag to grab your clippings, and the self-propelled feature removes the effort of going up and down inclines."
| Attribute | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Starter Functionality | features ReadyStart technology; engine starts reliably with one or two pulls of the recoil starter rope | 9/10 |
| Fuel System | straightforward, with easy access for adding fresh gas; design supports efficient fuel use | 8/10 |
| Blade Sharpness and Functionality | blade performs well, effectively mulching grass and leaves; difficulty in adjusting the deck height, particularly for the rear wheels | 8/10 |
| Safety Features | blade control that must be held down to start and keep the mower running; self-propel feature and rear-wheel drive; includes a safety mechanism to prevent accidental starts | 9/10 |
The best robot lawn mower
With impressive mowing capabilities, an easy setup process, and unique features like remote control boundary mapping, the Segway Navimow i105N stands out as the best robotic lawn mower.
In the box, you'll find straightforward instructions on how to set it up. Download Navimow and place the charging station and antenna. The included 10-meter power cable allows you to position the charger anywhere. Upon successful setup, the robot sounds a confirmatory sound.
The i105E model enhances user interaction through its antenna accessory, allowing precise mowing without the need for perimeter wires. It makes installation easier while keeping you in control down the road. With a robust build that features a bug-like design, a digital display, and LED status indicators, it balances ease of use with advanced features like scheduled mowing and an anti-theft alarm.
There are some drawbacks to the mower, like the lack of external handles and clear markings for the handle and blade. Although the two-wheel-drive design can struggle in poor conditions, it comes with three sharp blades, deep-tread drive wheels, and trailing caster wheels, so it's a great choice for most lawns.
Using its antenna-assisted, wire-free navigation, the mower navigated through my yard. The first issue was when the charging station was on uneven ground, causing the wheels to slip. After repositioning the base, it was fine. The app made mapping and controlling the mower fun, enhancing its overall appeal. During mowing, it produced a clean cut, tackled weeds, and consumed only about a quarter of its battery.
Read more: Segway Navimow i105N Robot Lawn Mower review
"I've tested many robotic lawnmowers over the years – and the Segway Navimow i105N is the best model I've ever let loose on my lawn. It offers outstanding mowing, easy setup, and heaps of geek appeal thanks to features such as its remote control boundary mapping. With performance to rival your grandpa's walk-behind mower, the i105N feels like a coming-of-age-for robotic lawnmower."
| Attribute | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation | GPS and an antenna to map out and mow the lawn without perimeter wires; easy to adjust mowing boundaries and no-mow areas via the app; navigates well around obstacles and adheres to set boundaries | 9/10 |
| Cutting Performance | impressive cutting performance, providing a clean cut on the first pass and effectively handling weeds; cutting height is adjustable; does not collect grass clippings | 8/10 |
| Battery Life and Charging | adequate for small to medium-sized lawns, using about a quarter of its charge per mowing session; charging station must be placed on a perfectly flat surface | 8/10 |
| Noise Level | about 60 decibels, the Navimow i105N is relatively quiet, comparable to a subdued conversation | 9/10 |
| User Interface | app provides an intuitive user interface; scheduled mowing, weather adaptivity, and anti-theft alarms; app-based control for mapping the lawn | 9/10 |
The best ride on lawn mower
With its zero-turn capability, the John Deere Electric ZTrak Mower is the perfect riding mower. Its 42—or 48-inch mowing deck makes it perfect for large lawns, and it reaches speeds of up to 7 mph. In addition to the convenience of minimal maintenance and a battery life that lets you mow up to two acres on a single charge, some users might be concerned about the price and battery life.
John Deere Electric ZTrak Mower arrived fully assembled and charged, so our reviewer could start mowing right away.
With water and dust-resistant batteries, this mower has a 42-inch deck, adjustable cutting heights, and a comfy seat with armrests. There's a mode switch, battery status, and diagnostic alerts on the control panel. The motion control levers double as brakes, and it can handle slopes up to 13 degrees. You can charge it with an extension cord through a three-pronged outlet.
Due to its user-friendly design, it's easy to operate, even if you don't read the instructions. It runs quietly and with its zero-turn capability, mowing a half-acre yard is easy, especially around obstacles. The sensitive handles allow for precise steering, and it cuts grass and weeds equally on slopes.
Read more: John Deere Z370R ZTrak 42-in 58-volt Lithium Ion Electric Zero-turn Riding Lawn Mower review
"The John Deere Z370R Electric ZTrak Mower is a remarkable battery-powered riding lawn mower with zero-turn capability, perfect for yards with open spaces. While pricey, it has a battery life of 5 years and can be purchased for $100 with a 10-year battery warranty. It offers easy maintenance and comfortable mowing."
| Attribute | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Starter Functionality | straightforward starting process with a power button and key pin system | 9/10 |
| Battery Performance | built-in battery system is well-protected against water and dust; can handle medium-to-large yards on a single charge without dipping below half battery life; charging process is convenient with a simple plug-in design | 9/10 |
| Cutting Performance | 2-inch deck provides excellent cutting performance; precise and even cuts across various terrains; zero-turn capability enhances maneuverability; adjustable deck height | 9/10 |
| Safety Features | key pin for power activation and a sensitive handle system that doubles as a brake; supports safe operation on slopes up to 13 degrees; users should exercise caution on steeper inclines | 8/10 |
| Transmission and Steering | zero-turn design with sensitive handles; ability to turn at zero degrees | 9/10 |
The best cordless lawn mower
Our reviewer, Jason, tested the DeWalt 60V MAX Brushless Push Mower on his 6,800-square-foot lawn. It had great battery life and cutting performance, and it managed to do his entire yard for 80 minutes with just one battery. This was especially impressive for Jason since his previous mower had a short runtime. Only a couple of times did he need both batteries, even when dealing with taller grass or using the bag attachment.
Jason couldn't believe how well the dual-blade system cut tough patches without leaving behind stray grass blades. Despite not having cords or complicated mechanisms, the mower stood out for its power and ease of starting. Even though the cutting deck was smaller than many other mowers Jason had used, it proved efficient and effective. He could trim his lawn with precision while balancing maneuverability and cutting power.
Jason also found the DeWalt mower easy to use. It was easy to set up, and unfolding the handle was a breeze. Even his 4-year-old could adjust the height. Its lightweight design made it easy to maneuver, which made it fun to mow.
In his opinion, however, the 45-minute charge time was misleading. The battery took longer to charge from empty, likely because the fast charger was missing. Despite the long charging time, this mower's outstanding performance and battery life made it a worthwhile investment for efficient lawn care. A faster charging option would certainly make it better.
Read our full DeWalt 60V MAX Brushless Push Mower review
"The DeWalt 60V MAX Brushless Push Mower is a solid mower from DeWalt. It offers good battery life, plenty of cutting power, and impressive quietness."
| Attribute | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Life and Runtime | impressive 80-minute runtime | 9/10 |
| Power and Performance | powerful dual-blade cutting system; ability to tackle even the toughest grass | 9/10 |
| Cutting Deck Size | compact 21-inch cutting deck size; balance between maneuverability and cutting efficiency | 8/10 |
| Ease of Use | incredibly easy to set up and use; intuitive controls; lightweight, maneuverable design | 9/10 |
| Battery Charging Time | longer than the claimed 45 minutes | 7/10 |
The best electric lawn mower
The Black + Decker BEMW472BH is a great mowing machine at an affordable price. It delivers impressive performance. Its unique upright handles make maneuvering around tight corners easier, but the power cable might be a drawback for some. It's easy to use, with easy height adjustments and simple assembly.
Upon arrival, the mower was well-packaged in recyclable materials, except for a few minor non-recyclable pieces. While assembly is needed, it's manageable and doesn't require tools. Easy-to-follow instructions made the setup go smoothly. It weighs 35 lbs, so it can be handled by one strong person or two, but it doesn't come with handles.
This mower is built to last, with a metal handle and mowing blade. Its sleek design showcases Black + Decker's signature colors and incorporates an EasySteer handle, making it easy to navigate around obstacles. However, the upright handles might make it hard to move in narrow spaces.
Although not intended for outdoor storage, the mower's rust resistance is adequate due to its low metal content. To save space, fold the handle assembly for indoor storage. The EasySteer feature is great for people who have a hard time with traditional mower handles.
It's got a 1,600W motor that handles grass and tough weeds, so it's good for lawns up to 1/8 acres with a 15" (38 cm) cutting width. The cable is corded, so you don't have to worry about batteries. The 45-liter grass collection box does well, but some cuttings may escape during use. It has an orange cable and handle-mounted clips for organization. The mower operates at about 79-81 dB, so it's not the quietest choice for mowing.
Read more: Black + Decker 15 in. 10 AMP Corded Electric Walk Behind Push Lawn Mower review
"The Black + Decker BEMW472BH offers good mowing performance relative to its price and turns heads (as well as tight corners) with its innovative upright handles. As with all corded mowers, the power cable is arguably a downside – but there's plenty to enjoy here, too, including easy cutting height adjustment and rapid assembly. "
| Attribute | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting Performance | strong cutting performance with its 1,600W motor, effectively handling grass and tough weeds; ; 15-inch cutting width is suitable for medium-sized lawns; adjustable cutting height; some grass clippings may be dropped during mowing | 8/10 |
| Noise Level | operates at a noise level between 79 and 81 dB, which is relatively loud | 6/10 |
| Safety Features | bright orange power cable; handle-mounted cable clips; should not be used in wet conditions | 7/10 |
| Cord and Connection | continuous power, eliminating the need for battery charging; managing the power cable can be cumbersome | 7/10 |
The best self-propelled lawn mower
Our reviewer, Jonathan, was very impressed by the Toro 60V Max 22in Recycler Lawn Mower. He particularly liked the battery life and strong performance. With its self-propelled feature and adaptive power delivery, mowing became a breeze. Even though it took more time to charge than expected—about three hours and 40 minutes versus 150 minutes—the longer runtime was a big plus.
Jonathan managed to mow on a single charge for around 50 minutes, which outperformed the expected 40 minutes. Using the mower's battery efficiently contributed to a seamless mowing experience since he could finish his yard and his dad's without recharging.
Jonathan said the Toro 60V Max is easy to handle, especially with tall grass and morning dew. Its motor provides more power for longer grass but is quieter and more efficient for shorter grass.
This mower also had a 22-inch cutting deck, which allowed Jonathan to mow faster and with fewer passes. With a simple push-button start and intuitive setup, Jonathan had no issues using it.
In addition, the mower's foldable handle made it easy to store and transport, and the wheel settings made it easy to maneuver. Despite the longer charge time compared to other models, Jonathan could mow all day without interruptions, so the Toro 60V Max 22in Recycler Lawn Mower is a good investment.
Read our full Toro Flex-Force Power System 60V Max 22in Recycler Lawn Mower review
"This battery-powered lawn mower almost makes me wonder why I’ve dealt with a gas lawn mower for so long. The push button start is as easy as it sounds to get the lawn mower started, and it was able to cut through tall grass – over a foot tall – and morning dew grass without any problems."
| Attribute | Notes | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Battery Life and Runtime | exceeded the manufacturer's battery life claims; 50 minutes of runtime on a single charge | 9/10 |
| Power and Performance | impressive self-propelled feature and adaptive power delivery | 9/10 |
| Cutting Deck Size | ability to cover a lot of ground efficiently | 8/10 |
| Ease of Use | push-button start, simple setup, and intuitive wheel adjustment | 9/10 |
| Battery Charging Time | longer than the manufacturer's claim at 3 hours and 40 minutes | 7/10 |
How to choose the best lawn mower for you
What should I look for in a lawn mower? Cobra’s managing director Chaloner says to consider budget, yard size, terrain, and power source first.
He says: “You can choose between gas, electric or cordless battery. Gas is a more traditional option but requires a trip to the gas station to fill it out. Electric mowers are also popular but aren’t ideal for larger lawns where power may not be easily accessible. Cordless mowers are a very convenient solution – you can mow from the charge of a battery, so you don’t have to worry about electric cables or filling up with gas. They are also more environmentally friendly, and the battery could be transferred to various hand tools like strimmers, leaf blowers, and hedge trimmers.
“Another factor should be the cutting finish that you want. Many people strive for a classic striped finish. You want to look for a cylinder or rear roller mower to cut and press the lawn in the right direction to achieve the perfect stripes.”
Nick Grey, CEO of garden appliances firm Gtech, has some advice, too. “When choosing a lawn mower, think about what your lawn is used for. If you have kids and pets, or your lawn gets lots of use, it must be hardwearing.
“Hardwearing lawns generally have thicker-leaved grasses, which you cut no shorter than 50mm. If you mainly like to look at your lawn, close-cut, fine-leaved grass and perfect stripes may be your aim.
“The good news is you don’t have to reseed your lawn; how you care for it will ultimately determine the type of grass that will thrive. Most lawnmowers on sale are rotary – they have a helicopter-type blade that spins horizontally over the lawn. The blade has aerofoil features that make the grass stand up straight for cutting, and then it sweeps it into a bin for collection. These mowers are perfect for hardwearing lawns as they can cut long grass very evenly, tend to be wider, so they cut faster, and are very low maintenance. Most lawnmowers on sale are rotary – they have a helicopter-type blade spins horizontally over the lawn.
“Many rotary mowers are cordless, and these tend to have the added safety of no 240v cable trailing around the blade, no need for gas, and are generally quicker to use. The drawback of cordless is that you will need to cut larger lawns in two attempts while you recharge the battery. Gas and cordless mowers are more expensive, starting at around $165, while corded mowers range from $82. Gas mowers are becoming less popular due to the noise levels and mess.”
Lawn mower FAQs
When is the best time to buy a lawn mower?
The best time of year to buy a lawn mower depends on what you value most: are you looking for the latest model or the best lawn mower deal? Generally, spring and fall are ideal times to shop, but your choice should depend on your priorities.
In spring, there's a wide selection of makes and models available as new mowers are released, sparking increased interest. However, due to higher demand, prices tend to be higher. If you're looking for a particular model, spring is a great time to buy despite limited discounts. Before summer, some manufacturers might offer small sales, but they won't match the deals later.
If you're looking for a quality mower at a better price, fall is a great time to buy. After September, many retailers discount current-year models to make room for new inventory.
In contrast, summer isn't the best time to buy a new mower. Demand peaks during this season, leading to limited options and higher prices. Many people only find out their old mowers broke down in late spring, so demand spikes then.
With grass too short to test adequately, buying a mower in the winter is also a bad idea. Furthermore, any warranty may have expired by spring.
How we test the best lawn mowers for this guide
We've tested all lawnmowers in this guide for at least four weeks in our backyards to ensure they are the best option for you. I've made it a personal mission to ensure we get hands-on with all the products featured in our guides, and this one is no exception.
The most crucial element of our review process is that we are consistent with our testing to draw accurate comparisons. This means that our review panel has strict criteria to follow from the point of delivery of a cordless lawn mower right through to the cleaning and maintenance of the machine.
The cutting performance has been challenged with long spring and fall grass. We also take into account the battery life and runtime, as well as the charge time, to ensure that we are only featuring the best battery-powered lawnmowers. A decibel meter measures how noisy the mowers are when running and how loud the battery charger is (if it's kicking up some racket). In cases where we continue using lawnmowers, we also test for cleaning, maintenance, and longevity - we'll update our reviews and this guide with our key findings.
Evaluating what they are physically capable of when running up our lawns means using tools like the decibel meter reader and items such as an apple (to test the blade strength) so that we can award the mower a score out of 10.
These scores will be echoed in our standalone reviews where you can read more about the in-depth analysis. Read more about how we test.
Meet the team
Alex Temblador, a Dallas-based award-winning author, has covered home and design for various publications. Recently, she bought a charming, century-old Sears & Roebuck house. As a first-time homeowner, she enjoys testing cordless lawnmowers and yard tools for Top Ten Reviews, enhancing her outdoor experiences and gardening endeavors.
Jason is an experienced freelance writer with nearly a decade in tech gadget reviews. He’s currently testing cordless lawnmowers and pizza ovens for Top Ten Reviews. Formerly an actor in Hollywood, Jason combines his filmmaking passion with technology while enjoying family time and woodworking projects at home.
Jonathan Knoder, a Communications and Media graduate from Weber State University, specializes in Smart Home and AV tech. Currently a Content Manager at AvantGuard Monitoring Centers in Utah, he has extensively tested and written about cordless lawn mowers, showcasing expertise alongside his work on yard care and snow blowers for Top Ten Reviews.
Pete has tested numerous gardening products, including lawnmowers, for publications like TopTenReviews, Ideal Home, and the London Evening Standard. He also writes for The Guardian and BBC Good Food. Though he enjoys time in his yard, after reading The Day of the Triffids, he eyes his plants warily.
