What is the best electric lawn mower to buy

Lawn mowing is a daunting chore, but the right mower can make the job much easier. Electric lawn mowers are quiet, eco-friendly, and simple to use, and we’ve rounded up the best ones on the market.

We’ve done your research for you to figure out which electric lawn mowers have the best ratio of power, run time, and price point. Here’s our ranking of the top 10 best electric lawn mowers, with options for all different budgets and yard sizes. 

1. Snapper XD 82-Volt MAX

This 82-volt battery-powered lawn mower from Snapper is as easy to use as it is efficient. Its charge time is only 30 minutes, and a single charge offers up to 90 minutes of uninterrupted mowing time in a single charge.

The mower has seven cutting height adjustments, which you can adjust easily with a single lever. It also features a push-button start, so there will be no more difficult cord-yanking for you. 

The Snapper XD 82-Volt MAX also has smart load-sensing technology that automatically adjusts power output depending on the terrain. What that means is that the mower puts no unnecessary strain on the battery, increasing run time and longevity. 

While the price point for this mower is somewhat high, it will definitely give you your money’s worth. The 1200-watt brushless motor is powerful, and the steel deck has 3-in-1 capabilities for bagging, mulching, or discharging your grass clippings as you mow.

Bonus points: Snapper backs this mower with a 5-year warranty. 

Specifications:

• Power source: Lithium-ion battery 
• Voltage: 82 volts 
• Cutting Width: 21 inches 
• Run time: Up to 90 minutes 
• Weight: 90 pounds  

Pros: 

✓ Powerful battery
✓ User-friendly controls
✓ Smart technology

Cons:

✗ Expensive
✗ Heavy  

2. EGO Power+ LM2000-S 

EGO is a popular, high-quality brand of power tools, and they don’t disappoint with this cordless lawn mower. The LM2000-S has a 20-inch deck and a high-torque motor that gives it power comparable to gas mowers.

This mower runs on EGO Power+ arc lithium batteries, which are compatible with other EGO products. If you’re already a fan of the brand, you won’t have to buy a new battery or charger. 

This model also has loads of features that make it a convenient option for most homeowners. It starts at the push of a button and folds for upright storage, so it will take up less room in your garage or shed. It even has LED headlights, allowing you to mow when it’s dark outside (if your neighborhood doesn’t have time restrictions on mowing). 

Good news for homeowners with less upper body strength: At about 56 pounds, the LM2000-S is lighter than many other mowers with similar power outputs. It’s strong for an electric mower, has a run time of about 45 minutes per battery, and its weight gives it more maneuverability than heavier models. 

Specifications:

• Power source: Lithium-ion battery
• Voltage: 56 volts
• Cutting width: 20 inches 
• Run time: Up to 45 minutes 
• Weight: 56.2 pounds 

Pros:

✓ Uses same batteries as other EGO products
✓ Foldable for storage and cleaning
✓ Lighter than many battery-powered mowers

Cons:

✗ Expensive
✗ Battery run time less than an hour 

3. BLACK+DECKER MM2000

Corded mowers like the MM2000 from BLACK+DECKER have several advantages over battery-powered mowers. They aren’t limited to a battery’s run time, since they plug directly into a power source, and they’re often cheaper and lighter while still maintaining high levels of power.

The trade-off, of course, is that you’re tethered to an outlet.

That’s why the BLACK+DECKER MM2000 is a great choice for homeowners with small yards: It’s affordable, powerful, and reliable. If you have a larger property, though, a corded lawn mower like this one probably isn’t an option. 

If you’re interested in a corded lawn mower, the BLACK+DECKER MM2000 is the best choice. Its powerful, 13-amp motor handles overgrown grass like a champ. The mower also has seven cutting height adjustments ranging from 1.5 to 4 inches, as well as the ability to discharge, mulch, or bag clippings. 

Specifications:

• Power source: Corded
• Cutting width: 20 inches
• Run time: As long as it’s plugged in
• Weight: 46.2 pounds

Pros:

✓ Cheap
✓ No time limits
✓ Strong motor

Cons:

✗ Won’t work for large yards
✗ Have to watch out for cord while mowing 

4. Kobalts KMP 6080-06

In a single charge of its 6.0 ah battery, the Kobalts KMP 6080-06 can run for up to 80 minutes uninterrupted. If you pay attention to the run times of other battery-powered mowers on this list, you’ll realize that’s quite impressive.

Like the Snapper XD model, this Kobalts machine includes auto-sensing technology that helps prolong battery life. 

This mower is comparable to our top pick in many ways: It has a wide 21-inch deck, 3-in-1 capabilities for disposing of grass clippings, and a battery that’s almost as powerful as the Snapper.

The biggest difference between the two? The Kobalts is a self-propelled mower, which means you only have to guide it, not push its full weight. 

Of course, that advantage comes at a cost. The Kobalts KMP 6080-06 runs at around $600, over $100 more than the Snapper model.

If you’re specifically on the hunt for a self-propelled mower and you’ve got the budget, this is the one for you. If not, you can save yourself a lot of money and still get a high-quality, high-power mower. 

Specifications:

• Power source: Lithium-ion battery
• Voltage: 80 volts 
• Cutting width: 21 inches 
• Run time: Up to 80 minutes 
• Weight: 76 pounds 

Pros:

✓ Self-propelled 
✓ Powerful battery
✓ Smart technology 

Cons:

✗ Expensive 

5. Sun Joe 17-inch 48-volt cordless electric mower 

While this cordless lawn mower from Sun Joe may not have many bells and whistles, it’s a great choice for homeowners on a budget. Its 670-watt brushless motor runs on two 24-volt batteries that last for up to 75 minutes at a time. Those numbers aren’t the highest on this list, but they’re definitely respectable, especially for the low price tag. 

You can adjust the Sun Joe’s cutting height to six different options between 1 and 3 inches. The mower comes with an 11-gallon bag to collect grass clippings and prevent excessive thatching as you mow.

Even though it uses two batteries, the Sun Joe is one of the lightest cordless mowers at 38 pounds. Its weight and easy-glide wheels make it easy to maneuver around your yard.

Specifications:

• Power source: Lithium-ion battery
• Voltage: 48 volts 
• Cutting width: 17 inches 
• Run time: Up to 75 minutes 
• Weight: 38 pounds

Pros:

✓ Cheap
✓ Long run time
✓ Lightweight 

Cons:

✗ Low voltage
✗ Small cutting width 

6. Yard Force YOLMX225300

This 120-volt, 22-inch cordless lawn mower from Yard Force is a beast, especially compared to other electric mowers. Its powerful brushless engine has the torque of a gas mower, making it strong enough to tackle thick or even wet grass. The 120-volt batteries run for up to 100 minutes at a time, so you could mow even a large yard without having to stop and recharge.

Of course, being a beast has its downsides, too. The YOLMX225300 weighs in at over 100 pounds, by far the heaviest on this list. It’s also the most expensive, at about $830.

You’re not only paying for power, though. This mower has a self-propelled mode, which definitely helps you move its massive weight around your yard.

Though the high price tag may seem excessive to most homeowners, the splurge could be worth it if you have a larger yard or wilder terrain. The Yard Force YOLMX225300 is one of the only cordless electric lawn mowers capable of tackling such difficult jobs with ease. 

Specifications:

• Power source: Lithium-ion battery
• Voltage: 120 volts
• Cutting width: 22 inches
• Run time: Up to 100 minutes 
• Weight: 108.8 pounds 

Pros:

✓ Power equivalent to many gas mowers
✓ Long run time
✓ Self-propelled mode 

Cons:

✗ Expensive
✗ Heavy

7. Greenworks Pro MO60L514

The Greenworks Pro MO60L514 runs on professional grade 60-volt lithium-ion batteries that can keep it running for up to 60 minutes. That’s a lot of time for your average mid-range electric mower.

The Greenworks Pro MO60L514 is a self-propelled mower, so operating it is as easy as walking behind it and nudging it in the right direction. 

This mower also features Greenworks-exclusive SmartCut technology, which automatically adjusts blade speed when terrain changes, giving you a more consistent cut across all your lawn’s hills and valleys. 

For a longer run time, the MO60L514 has a second battery slot. When the first battery runs out of power, it automatically switches to the backup, so you can finish mowing your lawn without interruption. 

Specifications:

• Power source: Lithium-ion battery
• Voltage: 60 volts
• Cutting width: 21 inches
• Run time: Up to 60 minutes 
• Weight: 65 pounds 

Pros:

✓ Self-propelled
✓ SmartCut technology
✓ Batteries compatible with other Greenworks products

Cons:

✗ Expensive 
✗ Lower voltage than many other models 

8. Greenworks MO40B00 

If you’re looking for a cheap battery-powered mower, the Greenworks MO40B00 might be for you (especially if you already have Greenworks products with compatible batteries). This model’s small 14-inch deck and 40-volt battery might not be able to handle tough jobs, but it’s plenty for a flat yard that’s half an acre or less. 

Another plus: It’s the lightest cordless lawn mower on our list, at only 33.3 pounds. Maneuvering it around the yard should be easy for anyone. It runs for up to 45 minutes at a time and has the ability to bag or mulch grass clippings (but no side discharge chute). 

Again, this is a budget pick. Though it isn’t the strongest or the longest lasting, it’s a high-quality mower that will give your $150’s worth.

Specifications:

• Power source: Lithium-ion battery
• Voltage: 40 volts
• Cutting width: 14 inches
• Run time: Up to 45 minutes 
• Weight: 33.3 pounds

Pros:

✓ Cheap
✓ Lightweight
✓ Batteries compatible with other Greenworks products 

Cons:

✗ Low voltage
✗ Small cutting width
✗ Battery run time less than an hour 

9. American Lawn Mower Company 50514

If you have a small lawn that doesn’t get too out of hand, there’s no reason to spend hundreds of dollars on a lawn mower. The 50514 14-inch corded model from American Lawn Mower Co. should take care of your yard, and it’s only a little over $150. 

Because it has a small cutting deck, this mower won’t take up too much space. It’s also the lightest mower on our list at only 26.5 pounds, so it should be easy to use for everyone, from the 10-year-old earning an allowance to the senior who lives alone. Its handle is adjustable for users of any height. 

While it doesn’t have a ton of fancy features, the 50514 does have a strong 11-amp motor that can tackle most typical grass. It also has cutting height adjustments and 2-in-1 options for mulching or bagging grass clippings. 

Specifications:

• Power source: Corded
• Cutting width: 14 inches 
• Run time: As long as it’s plugged in
• Weight: 26.5 pounds 

Pros:

✓ Cheap
✓ Lightweight 
✓ No time limits 

Cons:

✗ Tethered to a cord
✗ Small cutting width 

10. Sun Joe MJ401E 

This 14-inch, 12-amp mower from Sun Joe is another affordable corded electric option. It’s compact and lightweight (under 30 pounds) like other corded mowers. The MJ401E disposes of grass clippings with a 10.6-gallon rear bag, which comes with your mower.

This Sun Joe model isn’t only convenient because of its small size. It’s also a snap to use in other ways, such as the push-button start mechanism and the all-terrain wheels that keep it moving steadily through uneven spots in your yard.

The MJ401E isn’t a very powerful mower, and remember, it’s tethered to a cord, but it will get the job done for a typical small yard. Especially for the price of less than $200, it’s a high-quality electric mower. 

Specifications:

• Power source: Corded
• Cutting width: 14 inches
• Run time: As long as it’s plugged in 
• Weight: 29 pounds

Pros:

✓ Cheap
✓ Lightweight
✓ Easy to use

Cons:

✗ Tethered to a cord
✗ Small cutting width
✗ No mulching capability 

Buyers Guide

Electric lawn mower vs. gas lawn mower

You might be wondering what the point of all this is. Gas mowers are powerful and dependable — they have been around for decades — so why switch to an electric lawn mower? There are a few good reasons. 

For starters, electric lawn mowers require a lot less maintenance than their gas counterparts. Electric engines don’t need oil changes, and you won’t have to store fuel to run them.

Electric lawn mowers also are much quieter than gas engines, too, so an electric mower is a great choice if you live in a neighborhood with noise restrictions for power tools.

Of course, electric mowers are also better for the environment because they produce zero emissions. 

What are the benefits of gas mowers? While electric mowers require less maintenance, gas mowers are more powerful and run longer than battery-powered ones.

If you have a large yard with wild terrain, you will either have to spring for an expensive electric mower with a powerful battery or bite the bullet and go with gas. 

Key terms and factors in choosing a mower

If you have never shopped for electric lawn mowers, you might not know what you’re looking for. To help you out, we’ll break down the parameters we used to choose our top 10 electric lawn mowers and what these terms mean to you as a buyer. 

Power source: With electric lawn mowers, the power source can either be a battery or a cord plugged in an outlet.

With a battery-powered engine, you’ll have to worry about run time, but won’t be stuck with a cord.

Corded models have no time limits, but their range of movement is limited to the length of your extension cord. Corded mowers are typically lighter and cheaper than battery-powered ones. 

Voltage: Voltage refers to the strength of the battery. Basically, higher voltage means a stronger mower that can tackle more difficult jobs. Keep in mind, though, that mowers with high voltage batteries are usually heavier and more expensive. 

Cutting width: The cutting width is the width of the cutting deck. This tells how large an area you will be able to cut in one pass. The smaller the cutting width/deck, the longer it will take you to mow your lawn because you will cover less ground with each pass. 

Run time: Most battery-powered mowers run for 30 minutes to an hour. Difficult terrain such as thick, overgrown grass or a hilly area can drain the battery faster.

With corded mowers, you don’t have to worry about run time, since they’ll keep going as long as they are plugged into a power source. 

Weight: Heavier mowers will be more difficult to maneuver and take up more storage space, while lighter mowers will be easy to use and easy to store. 

Price: Electric lawn mowers can range wildly in price, from around $100 to over $1,000. Corded mowers or small battery-powered mowers with low voltage tend to be cheaper than others. You will have to figure out the sweet spot that’s within your budget while still meeting your property’s needs. 

FAQ About Electric Lawn Mowers

1. What’s the best electric lawn mower to buy?

The Snapper XD 82V MAX packs the best combination of power, cutting width, and battery run time for the price. 

2. Are electric lawn mowers worth it?

If you have a small- to medium-sized yard, absolutely. Electric lawn mowers take less maintenance, which means you’ll spend less time and money over the years taking care of them.

However, if you have a large property that takes more than an hour to mow, an electric mower might not do the job satisfactorily and might not be worth it for you.

3. How long do electric lawn mowers last?

That depends on the specific model you buy and how well you maintain it. In general, an electric lawn mower should last about 10 years. You will have to replace rechargeable batteries sooner, after five years or less. 

Conclusion 

Whether we’re talking about electric lawn mowers or another lawn care tool, you have to figure out what’s best for your home.

Ask yourself these questions:

• How long does it take you to cut your grass?
• How much ground do you need to cover?
• What does your budget look like?
• Are you looking for any special features?

Only you know the answers to all these questions, and only you can decide which is the best electric lawn mower for you. You may even decide to leave the mowing to the pros in your area instead.

But if you want to mow your own yard, hopefully our top 10 picks helped you narrow down your choices. Now you’re one step closer to being ready to mow your yard.

Main Photo Credit: NeedPix

LawnStarter participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. LawnStarter may earn revenue from products promoted in this article.

Jordan Ardoin

Jordan Ardoin is a writer, editor, and classical literature student based in Colorado. When she isn't reading or writing, she enjoys goofing off with her cats and spending time in nature.

Which electric lawn mower is best?

What are the top 5 electric mowers?

What is the best and cheapest electric lawn mower?

Which lawn mower brand is most reliable?