11 Best Cordless Electric Mowers: Easy Buying Guide (2023)

1. 1. EDITOR’S CHOICE: Greenworks 21in 80v Brushless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

   Price: $419.99

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • 4Ah 80v battery and charger included
   • Mulch, bag or side-discharge options
   • Motor increases blade speed when needed

   Cons:

   • Expensive
   • Batteries must cool down before recharging
   • Extra batteries are expensive

   Greenworks is a champion of the cordless electric lawn mower game for a reason. They make a quality family of products in 40v, 60v, and 80v ranges, all with sharable battery capability. The Greenworks Pro 80v Cordless Electric Lawn Mower features a brushless motor, is self-propelled, and includes a 4Ah battery and charger. This thing is a high-quality machine with a steel 21-inch cutting deck with mulch, side discharge, or bag options for clippings. 

   At only 64 pounds, this mower is easy to move around. It cuts grass as tall as the motor housing when moving slower; the self-propelled rear-wheel drive can be adjusted easily to whatever speed you’re looking for. The seven-position, single-handle height adjustment raises and lowers all four wheels simultaneously.

   The Greenworks Pro will automatically cycle itself higher and lower depending on the length of grass being cut. The 80v 4Ah battery lasts approximately 45 minutes and should get through a half-acre of mowing fairly easily. This cordless electric lawn mower will cut through just about anything and keep going. And when you’re done with your chores, storage couldn’t be simpler: once you’re through with our mowing job, fold the handle over and store it vertically in your garage or shed.

   While I typically advise users of electric power tools to pick up an additional battery, the 80v models aren’t exactly cheap. The large energy capacity of the 4Ah may not make picking up a second one necessary unless you own another 80v power tool from Greenworks. And considering how well this mower works, I’d definitely want to look at more of what Greenworks produces.

   Of course, that all depends on your lawn size and if you want to complete both the front and back lawns in one go or not. If you do, or you have a rather large lawn, I highly recommend buying a second 80V.

   We also picked a Greenworks battery-powered weed eater as the best lightweight weed eater for sale, and it also works with the same 80v battery.

   Find more Greenworks 21in 80v Self-Propelled Lawn Mower information and reviews here.

2. 2. Worx WG779 14in 40v Cordless Electric Lawn Mower

   Price: $269.99

   Shop now at Worx
   Pros:

   • Very lightweight
   • Highly maneuverable
   • Two batteries and charger included

   Cons:

   • Wet grass clogs mower easily
   • Low running time
   • Long recharge time

   The Worx WG779 14in 40v Cordless Electric Lawn Mower is a perfect example of what electric lawn care machines are capable of. You’ll have to keep an open mind. This mower is small and plastic (almost toy-like) yet it is a great tool to get some serious grass cutting accomplished. At around 35 pounds, literally anyone could mow the lawn with the Worx WG779. It runs quietly enough to mow the lawn early in the morning and not disturb the neighbors. The mower is easy to store by folding the handle over, picking up the machine, and carrying it to the garage or shed. Try that with your gas-powered lawn mower!

   This cordless electric lawn mower comes packaged with two 20v 4.0Ah batteries with light-up charge level indicators that provide a combined 40v of power. The “Intellicut” system provides needed torque on demand when the grass gets thick and also the ability to conserve battery power. Simply twist the knob at the front of the mower depending on what your conditions are.

   Keep in mind that the “Eco” setting will get you around 45 minutes of run time to mow around 5,000 square feet of lawn. The “Power” setting will get through that thick, long turf but will use up your battery power fairly quickly. Having spare batteries on hand saves time and is recommended, especially if you own any of the Worx line of 20v “Power Share” tools including grass and hedge trimmers. The right combination of tools all using the same battery system will definitely make landscaping maintenance quicker and easier.

   The Worx WG779 features mulching, rear discharge, or bag options. A quick, single lever allows you to select between six height positions between 1.5 and 3.5 inches. The grass bag features a full indicator and an oversized carry handle when it’s time to empty the bag. Starting the mower is incredibly easy. If you need to move something out of your mower’s way, simply turn it off, move the item, and turn it on again.
   

    

   Find more Worx WG779 14in 40v Cordless Electric Lawn Mower information and reviews here.

3. 3. Ego Power+ LM2142SP 21in 56v Cordless Electric Lawn Mower

   Price: $799.00

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Comes with two 5Ah 56v batteries and charger
   • Folds easily for compact storage
   • 80-minute run time

   Cons:

   • Reports of poor customer service when needed
   • Heavier mower at 90 pounds
   • High overall cost

   I know what you’re thinking. The price point for the Ego Power+ LM2142SP 21in 56v Cordless Electric Lawn Mower is on the high end (okay, really high end) of the electric mower spectrum. However, if you’re looking at cordless mowers and you want as close to a gas-engine machine then there are a few reasons why you should consider picking up this particular package:

   The Ego LM2142SP comes with two (TWO!) 56v 5Ah batteries. If you plan on using electric power tools, especially a string trimmer and leaf blower, nothing is worse than waiting for the cells to recharge. Having an extra 56v battery that’s charged and raring to go is a definite plus.

   Considering a similar Ego mower costs $350-$400 and the batteries run around $250 each (!), this package actually provides a bundle deal of at least a couple hundred dollars in savings.

   5Ah batteries are larger and therefore provide a longer run time for your mower. Two charged batteries of that size will get you eighty minutes of mowing. Let me state that again: eighty minutes of operation. You could take care of approximately three-quarters of an acre with that kind of power.

   This cordless electric lawn mower is on the real high end of power, quality, and style. It has a 21-inch steel cutting deck. It has a six-position height adjustment handle on the housing. It folds up like a Transformer to store in your shed. It’s self-propelled. This thing has EVERYTHING you need to knock out your medium to large lawn without breaking a sweat…all while making you the envy of all your neighbors. 

   Find more Ego Power+ 21in 56v Cordless Electric Lawn Mower information and reviews here.

4. 4. Greenworks 2 x 24V (48V) 20-Inch Brushless Self-Propelled Mower

   Price: $1,011.38

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Included 5.0Ah batteries (two!) AND a drill
   • Great runtime
   • Lightweight but sturdy

   Cons:

   • You can count to three before the self-propulsion kicks in
   • Wheels lock going backwards immediately after drive is disengaged
   • Clippings bag is a little small

   For many years, I used a professional-grade Honda gas mower to cut my own grass. That is, until now. The Greenworks 48V 20-Inch Brushless Self-Propelled Mower has really changed my outlook about the true capabilities of cordless mowers. This model features a steel mowing deck, solid construction and great battery life. Plus, the batteries are included along with a cordless drill for the same price as just the mower.

   Everything about the mower is simple to use from the incredible one-lever height adjustment system to the drive controls on the handlebar. It literally took me less than 20 minutes to begin mowing the lawn after receiving the box. Some quality details about this Greenworks mower include rubber tires, a cloth bag for clippings, and, although the majority of the components are made of plastic, those components feel solid and not at all cheap.

   The noise that this mower puts out when running is completely negligible. I wore a simple pair of earbuds to listen to music without needing to increase the volume at all. And although this model features a self-propelled drive system, I had no trouble pushing the mower without it.

   So here are some downsides to the mower: first, the drive system takes a full three-count between pulling the trigger and activation. The same is true for disengaging the drive and moving the mower backwards. If I’m truly being nitpicky, the clipping bag is too small. That said, the lawn mower is a really great deal because it comes with two 5.0Ah batteries, a dual charger, and a cordless drill. Recommended.

   Find more Greenworks 48V 20-Inch Brushless Self-Propelled Mower information and reviews here.

5. 5. Snapper XD 21 Inch 82V MAX Cordless Electric Lawn Mower

   Price: $461.50

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • 45-minute run time on one charge
   • Includes two high capacity batteries and rapid charger
   • Mows through thick turf like a billy goat

   Cons:

   • Slight lag between disengaging self-propulsion and the machine actually stopping
   • Load sensing tech takes a little too long to wind up
   • This model could really use a battery life indicator close to the mower controls

   The name Snapper is synonymous with lawn mowing so I was happy to take a look at the Snapper XD 82V Max 21-inch Cordless Electric Lawn Mower. This model features push-button start, a durable steel 3-in-1 mowing deck with mulch, side discharge or bagging options, and up to 45 minutes of mow time with two Briggs & Stratton 2.0 batteries (they’re included!). Charge time is around an hour, better than most other batteries I looked at.

   The self-propelled variable speed transmission makes for a smooth time behind the controls. Snapper claims “load sensing technology” that allows the unit to cut through thicker patches of turf when you need it however there were a few other reviews online of this feature is somewhat hit and miss. Seven different cutting heights are available with a convenient single level height of cut adjustment. Like other cordless electric lawn mowers, the Snapper XD 82V MAX has is much quieter and requires less maintenance.

   Despite the larger size and power of this model, the Snapper XD allows for vertical storage capabilities for a smaller footprint in your storage shed. The entire mower part is quite sturdy, made mostly of metal. It cuts very well with lots of power, equaling the quality of your average gas-engine mower. This model absolutely destroys weeds, stalks, and thick turf. Keep in mind that you should start on the highest cut setting and go from there to see how your experience and grass end up.

   While you may laugh at other reviews from people actually looking forward to mowing their lawns, you may understand once you have a go with the Snapper XD.

   Find more Snapper XD 21 Inch 82V MAX Cordless Electric Lawn Mower information and reviews here.

6. 6. EGO Power+ LM2021 20-Inch 56V Cordless Lawn Mower

   Price: $945.29

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Premium look and feel
   • Quick battery charge time
   • Easy to push across terrain

   Cons:

   • Reviewers have described some issues with customer service
   • Batteries are good but expensive to replace
   • Blades can only be replaced by EGO brand blades

   If you’re skeptical of upgrading from gasoline to electricity, you owe it to yourself to look at the EGO Power+ LM2021 20-Inch 56V Cordless Lawn Mower. Any assumptions you may have will be wiped away once you experience what this machine has to offer.

   The EGO LM2021 houses strong power in a premium, well-engineered package. A quick and easy conversion from the fold-away storage mode will have your mower ready to operate in just a few seconds. This model comes with an advanced Arc-Lithium 5.0Ah 56v Battery and Rapid Charger for approximately 60 minutes of runtime. The battery charges extremely fast in approximately 30 minutes per charge. If you need to mow for longer, considering picking up a spare battery kit.

   This cordless electric lawn mower has plenty of get-up-and-go and should have no trouble with any overgrown lawn. Height adjustment of the blade is incredibly simple to adjust by using the bright green shift handle on the deck housing. I found that the bright green accent combined with the grayscale color scheme to be really nice. The mower just looks sharp overall. Plus, it’s got a steel deck that offers up professional-grade durability.

   Lightweight and maneuverable, the Ego LM2021 isn’t self-propelled however you’ll have no trouble pushing this up and down and across any terrain, turf, or landscape. This cordless lawn mower will want to make you kick that gas mower to the curb for good.

   Find more EGO Power+ LM2021 20-Inch 56V Cordless Lawn Mower information and reviews here.

7. 7. Greenworks 16-Inch 40V Cordless Electric Lawn Mower

   Price: $299.00

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Mulch and bag options
   • Battery compatible across Greenworks brand of more than 40 tools
   • 5-position height adjustment

   Cons:

   • You're going to need a second battery
   • Limited grass bag capacity
   • No side discharge chute

   Greenworks fabricates a wide variety of battery-operated tools from leaf blowers to chainsaws to lawn mowers. There are three levels of power, 40v, 60v, and 80v, depending on a homeowner’s needs. The Greenworks 16-Inch 40V Cordless Electric Lawn Mower is a decent solution for small yards of around a third of an acre and for anyone looking to upgrade from the noise and fumes of a gas-powered engine.

   The Greenworks 16-Inch Cordless Electric Lawn Mower is one of the highest-rated models online and it’s easy to see why: like other electric lawn mowers, this model is reliable, easy to use, and needs next to no maintenance. A simple push of the power button and you are ready to start cutting your grass. The 40v battery is easy to get in and out of the charger and the lawn mower. The handle folds down easily when finished for compact storage. There is a simple lever mechanism to adjust the mowing height.

   There is no automatic propulsion however the mower is light enough that you shouldn’t have any problem pushing it across your yard even through thicker grass at the beginning of a season. Noise level is about half as much as a standard gas-engine mower.  Cutting power is impressive, able to easily take care of 10,000 square feet on one charge. While a charger and battery are included with the mower, you might think about picking up an additional battery to avoid long waits between needed charges.

   The Greenworks 16-Inch 40V Cordless Electric Lawn Mower is a great entry-level machine for small to medium homeowners that are looking to upgrade from that old gas-engine mower and get green. By the way, I’m a huge fan of the lime green color of this machine!

   Find more Greenworks 16-Inch 40V Cordless Electric Lawn Mower information and reviews here.

8. 8. Scotts 60040S 19-Inch 40-Volt Cordless Electric Lawn Mower

   Price: $379.99

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Dashboard battery level indicator
   • Steel cutting deck
   • Telescoping handle

   Cons:

   • Hard to find extra 5Ah batteries
   • Flimsy top cover
   • Could use metal side clamps instead of plastic

   You may only think of the Scotts brand for fertilizers and pest-control products but they also happen to make a tight line of battery-operated lawn care tools as well. Scotts 19-inch 40v Cordless Electric Lawn Mower features a brushless motor that delivers the performance of a gas-powered mower with increased efficiency and a decent 30-minute run-time. The Scotts 60040S comes packaged with a 5Ah battery and fast charger. This model is definitely meant to get small to medium yards mowed quickly.

   Nice features include a handy battery level indicator on the control panel and a premium grass catcher bag. It features side discharge, mulching and rear bagging options. This mower is equipped with LED headlights which is good but it would have been nice to forget about mowing in the dark in favor of a little more power in the battery. The telescoping handles are simple and allow for convenient vertical storage with the flip of two levers and two pull handles. A steel tube front guard and lift handle are great premium touches as are the 4-year tool and 2-year battery warranties. 

   The Scotts 60040S features a sensor that automatically adjusts the blade speed when it encounters thicker grass that provides a clean and even cut. This cordless electric mower is incredibly light at approximately 50 pounds so self-propulsion isn’t necessary. It is very easy to push this mower too fast because of this…slow down to a pace you would use on a gas-powered model and you’ll find the Scotts will leave a nicely manicured surface.

   Find more Scotts 60040S 19in 40v Cordless Electric Lawn Mower information and reviews here.

9. 9. Makita LXT 18 Inch 36v Cordless Electric Lawn Mower

   Price: $789.00

   Amazon Customer Reviews

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   Pros:

   • Heavy duty steel cutting deck
   • Cuts up to 7,300 square feet on a charge
   • Compact storage ability

   Cons:

   • No side or rear discharge option
   • Steep price
   • Not self-propelled

   Makita is a leader in producing premium contractor power tools; they are consistently dependable and tough enough to be used in any sort of work conditions. When it comes to yard care, the Makita LXT 18-inch 36v (18v x2) Cordless Electric Lawn Mower doesn’t disappoint. It features zero emissions (it’s electric, after all), has enough juice to mow up to 7,300 square feet, and a large amount of reduced maintenance.

   It’s powered by two of Makita’s proprietary 18v 5Ah LXT batteries. At the time of this writing, Makita includes four batteries and a dual charger with the purchase of an LXT power tool. While the initial purchase price might give you some sticker shock, keep in mind that Makita 5Ah batteries cost around $100 giving you a $200 savings on the bundle price.

   With that sort of electric power capability, this mower can take care of a huge amount of property before requiring a charge. The Makita-built motor delivers up to 2,800rpm for plenty of cutting power. This mower spins up eagerly when taking on thick grass. A “Quiet Mode” setting reduces noise by providing constant speed control at 2,300rpm if you wish.

   This cordless electric lawn mower offers ease-of-use features including quick height adjustments, mulching capability, and a commercial-grade steel deck. Using the bag to pick up clippings is highly efficient; you probably won’t know the bag is full until you begin to see grass behind you on the way to your next pass.

   The LXT’s power rival gas-engine mowers so while, at around 60 pounds, it may not be as maneuverable as other electric mowers (made of plastic) changing terrain won’t faze this mower in the slightest. This model is very sturdy yet still offers up a foldable handle for compact storage.

   A side note: This cordless electric lawn mower is part of Makita’s 18v LXT System, billed by Makita as the world’s largest family of cordless power tools powered by 18v lithium-ion slide-style batteries. Makita batteries have a reputation for really quick charge times in their categories, making your wait time much shorter when you want to slap a battery into another Makita tool for that other project waiting for you.

   Find more Makita XML03PT1 18in 36v Cordless Electric Lawn Mower information and reviews here.

10. 10. ECHO 21-Inch 58-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Electric Mower

    Price: $789.99

    Amazon Customer Reviews

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    Pros:

    • Can be stored vertically
    • 3 different handle positions
    • 58v brushless electric motor

    Cons:

    • Battery requires cool-down period before recharging
    • Not self-propelled
    • Separate height adjustment for each wheel

    The Echo CLM-58V4AH 21-Inch 58v Cordless Electric Lawn Mower isn’t the cheapest model on our list however its expensive cost turns out to be worth it because of the great performance in cutting a lawn, performance that would normally need a gas-powered mower to pull off. Zero gas fumes, virtually no noise, and just a fraction of the regular maintenance of a regular gas mower.

    The cordless electric lawn mower comes with a 4Ah battery and charger that provides up to 40 minutes of mow time or around a 1/2-acre depending on conditions. This mower features a fantastic feature in the form of dual onboard battery storage to double it’s run time. If you have an average yard to mow, the Echo is well up to the task however picking up an additional battery will really boost your next mow. With two batteries, you’ll have enough juice and power to mow up to an acre of thick turf without the dreaded stop, recharge and wait cycle that is the bane of some electric lawn mowers.

    The 58V brushless motor will give you serious torque and efficiency. Don’t let its simple look fool you. This thing is a serious contender for the best cordless electric lawn mower I’ve seen. The nine-inch wheels move the 21-inch composite cutting deck (with a lifetime guarantee!) across your landscape with power that you wouldn’t believe would come from a 56-pound machine that’s so quiet. It’s durable and tough and better yet, it feels like it while you mow. On top of all that, it’s got a five-year residential warranty.

    Some challenges with the Echo: self-propulsion would have been nice but it’s not a deal killer since this machine is quick and light. You’ll have no issues pushing the mower across any terrain. And while seven adjustable height settings are great, you’ve got to set the height on each wheel individually. There’s no side discharge chute, either. 

    I’ve got to say however that those small issues are more than made up for with the package as a whole. The Echo CLM-58V4AH 21-Inch 58v Cordless Electric Lawn Mower is simple, powerful, efficient, and, well, awesome. If anyone thought that electric lawn mowers would never equal a gas-powered machine, they would do well to look at the Echo.

    Find more ECHO 21-Inch 58-Volt Cordless Electric Lawn Mower information and reviews here.

11. 11. Sun Joe 24V-X2-17LM Cordless Electric Mulching Lawn Mower

    Price: $349.00

    Amazon Customer Reviews

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    Pros:

    • Two 4Ah batteries and charger included
    • 65-minute runtime
    • Six-position height adjustment

    Cons:

    • Cutting height may be lower than you prefer on the highest setting
    • You may have a difficult time getting through tall, thick grass
    • Motor may shut down when cutting that tall, thick grass

    Sun Joe’s 24V-X2-17LM Cordless Mulching Lawn Mower offers some definitive cutting-edge grooming tech with this 17-inch wide landscaping machine. Two 24V 4Ah batteries are included along with the charger that combine for a full 48V of electric power with options to run for up to 65 minutes. Sun Joe’s 670 Watt brushless motor is engineered for efficiency that provides excellent performance and extended motor life to keep your mower running.

    Customize your cutting height with the six-position adjustment level from one to three inches for how you want your lawn to look. The highest cutting adjustment on this mower may be lower than what you’re expecting so check it out to make sure. The 11-gallon collection bag prevents clippings from dropping to the lawn however a mulching option is present as well. While this mower doesn’t offer self-propulsion, the easy-glide wheels provide simple mobility and because most of the mower is made of lightweight but heavy-duty plastic, it’s light enough to push yourself with no issues.

    Find more Sun Joe 24V-X2-17LM Cordless Mulching Lawn Mower information and reviews here.

Why Should I Buy a Cordless Electric Lawn Mower?

The cordless electric lawnmowers on our list range from 20 to 80 volts, with deck diameters ranging from a really tiny 12 (!) to a reasonable 21 inches. While manufacturers may claim certain run times or square footage per charge, keep in mind that your turf quality, turf height, and climate have a lot to do with the performance of your electric lawn mower.

On average, they will operate between 30 to 60 minutes or around 5,000 to 10,000 square feet before the battery will require a charge. Like gas-powered models with more horsepower, cordless electric lawn mowers with larger voltage motors will cut tall grass better, or if the mower is self-propelled since that requires more power.

With that comes a heavier mower and, of course, a higher price tag. On the other hand, mowers with smaller voltage mowers weigh less and are easier to maneuver for smaller yards of up to 2,000 square feet.

What Should I Consider Before Buying a Cordless Electric Lawn Mower?

Keep in mind the typical conditions of your particular grass at the height of summer. It’s no secret that tall, thick grass will lower the size of your mowed area per battery charge significantly.

Ditto that for damp and wet conditions that will clog up your cutting deck quickly and make your machine work much harder. Knowing when to mow the grass (typically mid-morning) is important.

Even if you have a postage-stamp-sized yard, having a second battery on hand (or even a third if you are thinking of acquiring other battery-operated tools) is a very good idea so that you can save time, avoid the hassle, and reduce battery wear by using one battery while charging the other.

The size of your yard is the most important factor in determining the best cordless electric lawn mower for your needs. An electric mower is a good choice for yards that are about 10,000 square feet (1/4 acre) or less. You need to look at what cutting deck size (the actual width the mower will cut in one pass) makes sense as well.

The smaller your yard, the smaller the mower can be. A 16-inch mower may be perfect for a small yard, but you will most likely want a 21-inch mower for a larger yard to cut down on mowing time.

Also, consider your age and physical condition when choosing a cordless electric mower. A self-propelled mower may be appropriate for even a very small yard if pushing a lawn mower is challenging for you.

Will an Electric Lawn Mower Make My Lawn Healthier?

Gasoline spills, oil stains, exhaust fumes, and noise will all be eliminated if you make the switch from a gas engine to a cordless electric mower. But like you should with a gas mower, you will want to maintain your electric model regularly. The advice below not only will make your mower work more efficiently and also will contribute to a healthier lawn.

It’s better for the grass, for your mower, and for you if your lawn is mowed more often to a height within a range that the mower can comfortably handle. Since cordless electric lawn mowers are quieter and cleaner than gas-engines, this won’t be as much of a chore. 

Keep your cutting deck clean. Optimum airflow under the mower reduces blade drag and helps the grass stand vertically for a clean cut.

Raise your mower deck up to reduce the amount of grass you remove with each mow, and remove no more than a third of the grass leaves with each cut. Most cool-season grasses are healthier, look better, and block weeds when they are cut in the 2½ to 4-inch range.

Keep a second blade on hand. Keep your blades sharp and swap out your working blade often. A sharp blade is healthier for your lawn and will reduce the electric draw of your battery.

I’m Still Undecided. Which is the Best Lawn Mower?

If you’ve used gas-powered mowers extensively, you may be hesitant to upgrade to a cordless electric lawn mower and think that you will give up speed and power. It really comes down to this: 

If mowing speed and power are essential to you, if you have a tendency to let your grass get tall, if you occasionally or even weekly walk your mower into tall, non-turf grasses to keep border areas from overtaking your yard, or if you do regular shifts of volunteer work (it’s your turn to mow the soccer pitch or cut an elderly neighbor’s yard), then you should stick with a gas-engine mower.

If you have a small to medium-sized yard with cutting conditions that aren’t very tough, you regularly take care of your grass, and you don’t have a lot of elevation changes, a cordless electric lawn mower is far superior to a gas-engine machine in getting the job done quickly and quietly. Take a look at our list, though; there are some electric mowers there that rival their gas-powered cousins!

Here’s what changed my mind: I can now listen to music while mowing the grass without wearing ear protection! That made all the difference for me.