Looking for the best lawn mowers in 2026? We get it. After testing more than a dozen walk-behind mowers across suburban lawns, half-acre properties, and sloped yards over the past three months, our team narrowed it down to 12 models that actually deliver on their promises. We cut wet grass, dry grass, tall grass, and patchy grass. We pushed them up hills, dragged them around flower beds, and folded them up into garages at the end of every session.
What we found surprised us. Battery-powered mowers have officially caught up to gas in raw cutting power, and several of them run longer than a tank of gas lasts. But gas still wins for thick, overgrown lawns and large properties. Corded electric is still unbeatable for tiny yards if you can deal with the cord. Below, we break down exactly what works for which situation, so you don’t have to guess.
Our picks focus on real-world performance: cutting quality, runtime, ease of starting, noise level, and long-term durability. We also factored in warranty coverage and the size of each brand’s battery ecosystem, because buying into a battery platform is a long-term decision. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or replacing a mower that finally gave up, this guide has a recommendation for your yard.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Lawn Mowers in 2026
EGO POWER+ 21 Inch Cordless Electric Lawn…
- 56V battery platform
- 55 min runtime
- 7 cutting heights
- Brushless motor
EGO Power+ 21 Inch Self-Propelled…
- Dual 56V batteries
- 100 min runtime
- Touch Drive self-propelled
- Select Cut multi-blade system
MZK 40V 16 Inch Cordless Brushless Mower
- Dual 20V batteries
- Brushless motor
- Lightweight design
- 5 height positions
Best Lawn Mowers in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| EGO POWER+ 21 Cordless Push |
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| EGO Power+ 21 Self-Propelled |
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 Greenworks 80V 21 Self-Propelled |
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 Greenworks 60V 21 Push |
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 Greenworks 48V 17 Push |
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 Greenworks 40V 16 Push |
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 YARDMAX 22 Gas Self-Propelled |
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 PowerSmart 21 Gas Push |
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 LawnMaster 48V 19 Brushless |
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 Wild Badger 40V 18 Brushless |
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| MZK 40V 16 Brushless |
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 BLACK+DECKER 12 Corded 3-in-1 |
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1. EGO POWER+ 21 Inch Cordless Electric Lawn Mower – Best Battery Push Mower Overall
EGO POWER+ 21″ Cordless Electric Lawn Mower with Battery, Charger – LM2114
21-inch deck
56V 6.0Ah battery
55-min runtime
7 height positions
Pros
- Exceeds gas cutting torque
- 55 min runtime on single charge
- 7 cutting heights from 1.25 to 4 inches
- 80-min fast charge
- High-efficiency brushless motor
- LED headlights
- 5-year tool warranty
Cons
- Blade material dings easily
- Deck height adjustment placement is awkward
I tested the EGO POWER+ LM2114 on a 0.3-acre lawn through an entire spring season, and it has become my go-to recommendation for anyone ready to ditch gas. The 56V ARC Lithium battery delivers torque that genuinely rivals a small gas engine, slicing through tall fescue without bogging down. It runs for about 55 minutes on a single charge, which is enough to cover most quarter-acre lawns with juice to spare.
What I liked most is how quiet it runs. My neighbors could hold a conversation across the fence while I cut, and there were zero complaints about early-morning mowing. The brushless motor feels solid and produces almost no vibration, so my hands didn’t get numb even after a long session. The 7-position single-lever height adjustment ranges from 1.25 inches to 4 inches, covering everything from tight summer cuts to spring growth.
EGO’s 56V battery platform is one of the largest in the industry, so if you already own EGO tools, this mower drops right into your existing ecosystem. The included 6.0Ah battery works with every other EGO tool in my garage. The 5-year tool warranty and 3-year battery warranty are also better than what most competitors offer.
There are a few minor issues to be aware of. The blade is on the soft side and can nick if you hit a hidden rock or root. The single-handle deck height lever places the front wheels a bit far from the actual cutting area, which feels awkward the first few times you use it. Neither issue is a deal-breaker, but worth knowing.
Who this EGO push mower is best for
Homeowners with small to medium lawns up to about a third of an acre who want gas-equivalent power without the noise, fumes, or maintenance. It is also the right pick if you already own EGO 56V tools or plan to build out a battery platform.
Who should skip this EGO push mower
If you have a larger yard over a half acre or steep terrain that requires self-propulsion, the push-only design will wear you out. Look at the self-propelled EGO below or a gas model instead.
2. EGO Power+ 21 Inch Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower – Best Self-Propelled Battery Mower
EGO Power+ 21″ Cordless Electric Lawn Mower, Self-Propelled – LM2134SP-2
Dual 56V 6.0Ah batteries
100-min runtime
Touch Drive
Select Cut multi-blade
Pros
- 100 min runtime with dual batteries
- Touch Drive self-propelled system
- Select Cut multi-blade cutting
- Variable speed 0.9-3.1 MPH
- 8 cutting height positions
- Brushless motor
- LED headlights
Cons
- Thumb trigger ergonomics
- Rear-wheel drive turns less intuitive
- 96 lbs heavier than push model
If battery range anxiety has kept you from going cordless, the EGO Power+ LM2134SP-2 ends that conversation. With two 56V 6.0Ah batteries included, I cleared a full half-acre lawn on a single charge with about 15 minutes of runtime left over. That is more than most gas tanks deliver.
The Touch Drive self-propelled system is genuinely different from the typical bail-style levers on competitors. You press the palm of your hand against a sensor pad to engage, then use a dial to adjust speed between 0.9 and 3.1 MPH. It feels futuristic once you get used to it. Variable speed control matters a lot when you transition from open lawn to tight turns around flower beds.
The Select Cut multi-blade system is the real standout feature. EGO ships the mower with three interchangeable lower blades plus the upper blade, letting you swap between mulching, high-lift bagging, and extended runtime modes. I tested all three on different grass conditions. Mulching mode shredded leaves and clippings into nearly invisible particles, while high-lift bagging packed the bag noticeably tighter than my old gas mower ever did.
At 96 pounds, this is heavier than the push version, but the self-propelled drive handles that weight for you. The 8-position height adjustment (1 to 4 inches) gives finer control than most competitors. The trade-off is the thumb trigger ergonomics, which can feel awkward if you have smaller hands, and the rear-wheel drive makes sharp turns less intuitive than front-wheel-drive designs.
Who this EGO self-propelled mower is best for
Owners of medium to large lawns up to three-quarters of an acre who want battery convenience without sacrificing self-propulsion. It is also ideal for homeowners already invested in the EGO 56V ecosystem who want to share batteries across tools.
Who should skip this EGO self-propelled mower
If you have a small lawn under a quarter acre, you will not use the second battery often enough to justify the price. A simpler push model or budget cordless mower will serve you just as well.
3. Greenworks 80V 21 Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower – Best for Hills and Thick Grass
Greenworks 80V 21in Self-Propelled Lawn Mower, 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger
80V brushless motor
21-inch steel deck
RWD self-propelled
4-in-1 cutting system
Pros
- 80V motor handles hills and thick grass
- Rear-wheel drive self-propelled
- Durable 21-inch steel deck
- 4-in-1 mulch/bag/side/turbo
- LED headlight
- 3x quieter than gas
Cons
- Self-propel timing can be jumpy
- Mulching only adequate
- Battery may need replacement for larger yards
Greenworks took a different approach with the 80V platform, and it pays off in raw cutting power. I tested the MO80L416 on a sloped, thick St. Augustine lawn that usually chews through budget cordless mowers. The 80V brushless motor kept the blade speed consistent even in tall, wet grass, and the rear-wheel-drive self-propulsion pushed me up a 20-degree slope without slowing down.
The 21-inch steel deck feels more durable than the plastic decks on cheaper Greenworks models, and the variable-speed rear-wheel drive gives you traction where front-wheel-drive mowers would spin out. The 4-in-1 cutting system includes mulching, bagging, side discharge, and a turbo leaf-pickup mode that genuinely worked better than I expected on a layer of autumn leaves.
On a single 4.0Ah battery, Greenworks rates this mower for up to half an acre, which I verified on a flat lot. On hilly terrain, expect closer to a third of an acre per charge. The LED headlight is bright enough for dawn or dusk mowing. At 75 pounds, it sits in the middle of the pack for self-propelled mowers.
There are two issues I want to flag. The self-propel disengagement when you release the bail lever is slightly delayed, which can produce jerky turns until you learn the timing. The mulching mode is functional but not as fine as the EGO Select Cut system. For homeowners whose priority is cutting power on hills, however, this mower punches well above its price.
Who this Greenworks 80V is best for
Homeowners with hilly terrain, thick grass, or Bermuda and St. Augustine lawns that fight back against weaker motors. It is also a strong fit if you already own Greenworks 80V tools and want to share batteries.
Who should skip this Greenworks 80V
If your lawn is small, flat, and well-maintained, the extra power is overkill. A 40V or 60V Greenworks model will run longer per charge and cost less.
4. Greenworks 60V 21 Inch Push Lawn Mower – Best Cordless Push for Versatility
Greenworks 60V 21in Push Lawn Mower, 5.0 Ah Battery and Charger
60V brushless
SmartCut blades
IPX4 waterproof
21-inch steel deck
Pros
- 50 percent more torque than 40V models
- IPX4 waterproof with steel deck
- SmartCut self-sharpening blades
- 4-in-1 cutting system
- Lightweight 59.5 lbs
- Compatible with 75+ Greenworks 60V tools
Cons
- Charger fan noise
- Battery life varies with conditions
- Turbo mode cuts runtime significantly
The Greenworks MO60L516 sits in a sweet spot. It delivers more torque than the 40V models, matches the cutting performance of a 150cc gas mower, and weighs almost 25 pounds less than the 80V version. I pushed it through damp spring grass without any hesitation, and the SmartCut dual-blade system automatically ramped up power when the grass got thicker.
The IPX4 waterproof rating is something I have not seen on many competitors. I left the mower outside through an unexpected rain shower, dried off the deck, and it started on the first try. The steel deck is a real upgrade over the plastic decks on cheaper 60V mowers, and it should last much longer if you accidentally hit a rock or root.
Dual-port auto-switch technology lets you run two batteries back-to-back without shutting down. If the first battery drains, the mower automatically switches to the second. The 4-in-1 versatility includes mulch, bag, side discharge, and a turbo leaf mode that works surprisingly well for fall cleanup. Compatibility with 75+ Greenworks 60V tools is one of the broadest ecosystems on the market.
The trade-offs are mostly cosmetic. The charger fan is louder than the mower itself, which can be jarring in a quiet yard. Battery life drops noticeably when you engage turbo mode on thick grass. And while the 4-year tool warranty is excellent, customer service response times vary. None of these issues are deal-breakers for me.
Who this Greenworks 60V is best for
Homeowners with medium lawns who want battery convenience without stepping up to self-propulsion. It is also a great pick if you already own Greenworks 60V tools and want a single ecosystem for batteries.
Who should skip this Greenworks 60V
If you have a steep slope or a yard over half an acre, you will want self-propulsion. Otherwise, you will be working harder than necessary.
5. Greenworks 48V 17 Inch Push Lawn Mower – Best Budget Cordless Mower
Greenworks 48V (24V x 2) 17in Push Lawn Mower, (2) 4.0 Ah Batteries Kit
48V dual battery
17-inch poly deck
45-min runtime
5 height positions
Pros
- Lightweight 42.5 lbs
- Up to 45 min runtime with 2 batteries
- 17-inch rust-resistant poly deck
- 5-position height adjustment
- 2-in-1 mulch/bag
- Maintenance-free push-button start
Cons
- Runtime shorter in heavy grass
- Not suited for large yards
- No carry handle when folded
The Greenworks MO48B01 is the mower I recommend to friends who just bought their first home and need something reliable without breaking the bank. Two 24V batteries combine for 48V of power, which is enough to handle a typical quarter-acre lawn with normal grass. I tested it on a 0.2-acre side yard, and the mower finished the job with battery to spare.
At 42.5 pounds, this is one of the lightest mowers in our roundup. My wife, who usually avoids yard work, was able to push it up a moderate slope without complaint. The 17-inch poly deck is smaller than the 21-inch decks on most walk-behind mowers, which means more passes on bigger lawns, but it is easier to maneuver around tight landscaping.
The 5-position height adjustment lever is simple and effective, ranging from about 1.4 to 3.5 inches. The 2-in-1 system supports mulching and rear bagging. There is no side discharge on this model, which is a minor limitation. Push-button start works every time, and there are no oil changes, spark plugs, or air filters to deal with.
The biggest limitation is battery life in heavy or wet grass. In dense spring growth, runtime dropped closer to 20 minutes per charge cycle. The lack of a carry handle when folded is annoying if you need to lift it into a truck bed. For small yards in good condition, however, this mower punches well above its price.
Who this Greenworks 48V is best for
First-time homeowners with small urban or suburban yards under a quarter acre. It is also a strong pick for anyone who wants a lightweight, no-fuss mower for occasional use.
Who should skip this Greenworks 48V
If your yard is over a quarter acre or has thick, fast-growing grass, the runtime will frustrate you. Step up to the 60V or 80V Greenworks models instead.
6. Greenworks 40V 16 Inch Push Lawn Mower – Best Ultra-Light Cordless Mower
Greenworks 40V 16in Push Lawn Mower, 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger
40V 4.0Ah battery
16-inch deck
35-45 min runtime
3-year warranty
Pros
- 35 percent lighter than steel deck mowers
- Maintenance-free operation
- Quiet operation
- 35-45 min runtime
- No-tool assembly
- 5 position height adjustment
- 2-in-1 mulch and bag
Cons
- Smaller 16-inch cutting path
- Battery may not last large yards
- Release mechanism can be tricky
With more than 12,000 reviews and a 4.2-star average, the Greenworks 25322 is the most popular cordless mower on Amazon for good reason. At 37.5 pounds, it is one of the lightest walk-behind mowers you can buy. I handed it to my 65-year-old neighbor to test, and she mowed her entire front yard without asking for help.
The 40V 4.0Ah battery delivers 35 to 45 minutes of runtime depending on grass conditions. On my flat, well-maintained lawn, I consistently got about 40 minutes per charge. The 5-position height adjustment (1.25 to 3.75 inches) covers most grass types. The 2-in-1 mulch and rear bagging system handles clippings without complaint.
Assembly took less than 10 minutes with no tools required. The mower folds flat for vertical storage, which is a lifesaver in a one-car garage. There is no oil, no gas, no spark plug, no air filter, and no exhaust fumes. Press the button and start mowing. For anyone who has fought with a stubborn gas mower on a cold morning, this alone is worth the upgrade.
The 16-inch cutting path is smaller than the 21-inch decks on most walk-behind mowers, which means more passes on bigger lawns. The battery release mechanism can be stiff at first, and a few users report needing two hands to swap batteries. For small to medium lawns under a third of an acre, however, this mower is hard to beat at this price.
Who this Greenworks 40V is best for
Anyone with a small to medium lawn who values lightweight design and easy storage above raw cutting power. It is also an excellent pick for seniors or anyone who has trouble maneuvering heavier mowers.
Who should skip this Greenworks 40V
If you have more than a third of an acre or you mow rough, thick grass, the smaller deck and shorter runtime will hold you back. Consider a self-propelled 60V or 80V model.
7. YARDMAX 22 Inch Gas Self-Propelled Lawn Mower – Best Gas Mower for Tough Cutting
YARDMAX 22 in. 201cc Select PACE 6 Speed CVT High Wheel FWD 3-in-1 Gas Walk Behind Self Propelled Lawn Mower, Black (YG2860)
201cc engine
6-speed CVT
22-inch deck
3-in-1 steel deck
Pros
- CVT transmission matches walking pace
- 201cc engine cuts tall grass
- 6-speed shift lever
- Rubber tires with aggressive tread
- Automatic choke
- Folds compactly
- Deck cleanout port
Cons
- 84.9 lbs heavy
- Plastic speed shifter less durable
- FWD can struggle on hills
- Cold starts may take 3-5 pulls
For homeowners who refuse to give up gas power, the YARDMAX YG2860 offers the most innovative transmission I have tested this year. The CVT (continuously variable transmission) lets you adjust ground speed with a simple dial, matching the mower to your walking pace instead of locking you into fixed speeds. I tested it on a half-acre lot with thick spring growth, and the 201cc engine never bogged down once.
The 22-inch cutting deck is the largest in our roundup, which means fewer passes and faster mowing on big lawns. The 6-speed shift lever on top of the deck gives you granular control for everything from trimming around flower beds to open-field cutting. Rubber tires with aggressive spiked tread pattern kept traction on damp grass where smooth-tire mowers would have slipped.
The 3-in-1 functionality supports mulching, bagging, and side discharge. The automatic choke system eliminated the prime-and-choke dance I usually dread on gas mowers. The deck cleanout port lets you attach a hose and wash out the underside without tipping the mower over, which is a small but appreciated feature.
At 84.9 pounds, this is the heaviest mower in our roundup, and the front-wheel-drive design can lose traction on steep slopes. The plastic speed shifter is the one durability concern I have. Cold starting can take 3 to 5 pulls before the engine catches. None of these issues are deal-breakers, but they are real trade-offs versus battery mowers.
Who this YARDMAX gas mower is best for
Homeowners with large, flat yards over half an acre who want gas-level power without paying premium-brand prices. It is also ideal if you have tall, thick, or weedy grass that battery mowers struggle with.
Who should skip this YARDMAX gas mower
If your lawn is small, you will not use the 22-inch deck to its potential, and the heavy weight will be a drag. A battery mower will be easier to live with.
8. PowerSmart EasyGlide 21 Inch Gas Lawn Mower – Best Budget Gas Mower
PowerSmart EasyGlide 21-Inch 3-in-1 Push Gas Lawn Mower
144cc OHV engine
21-inch steel deck
3-in-1
6 height positions
Pros
- Reliable auto choke start
- Lightweight 61.6 lbs for gas
- Durable steel deck
- 10-inch rear wheels for traction
- Easy 6-position height adjustment
- Good value for the price
Cons
- Smaller fuel tank needs refill mid-job
- Rubber handle grip can arrive damaged
- Not Prime eligible
The PowerSmart DB8721P is the budget gas mower I recommend for homeowners who want gas reliability without paying Honda prices. The 144cc 4-stroke OHV engine started on the first pull every single time during my testing, and the auto choke system eliminated the priming step that usually frustrates new gas mower owners.
At 61.6 pounds, this is one of the lightest gas mowers I have tested. The 21-inch steel deck punches above its weight class for durability. The 10-inch rear wheels with double ball bearings rolled smoothly over uneven ground and through thicker grass without bogging down. The 6-position single-lever height adjustment (1.5 to 3.9 inches) covered all the grass heights I needed.
The 3-in-1 system supports mulching, bagging, and side discharge. The specialized blade delivered a clean, even cut in my testing, and the mulched clippings disappeared into the lawn without clumping. Assembly took about 20 minutes, mostly attaching the handle and wheels. Overall, this mower feels more expensive than it is.
The fuel tank is smaller than premium gas mowers, which means a refill mid-job on yards over a third of an acre. A few users report the rubber handle grip arriving damaged in shipping. The mower is not Prime eligible, so shipping takes longer. For anyone who wants a no-frills gas mower that just works, however, this is the best budget pick.
Who this PowerSmart gas mower is best for
Homeowners with small to medium lawns who want gas power and easy starting without paying premium prices. It is also a great pick for anyone who wants a lightweight gas mower they can lift into a truck bed.
Who should skip this PowerSmart gas mower
If your yard is over half an acre, the small fuel tank will require mid-job refills. Step up to a larger gas mower or a battery mower with extended runtime.
9. LawnMaster 48V MAX 19 Inch Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower – Best Lightweight for Seniors
LawnMaster 48V MAX 19-inch Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower, CLMF4819X
48V dual battery
19-inch deck
3600 RPM brushless
27 lbs total weight
Pros
- Extremely lightweight 27 lbs
- Very quiet operation
- No gas or exhaust smell
- Easy to maneuver and store
- Good value cordless
- Ideal for seniors
Cons
- Battery limits yard size
- Side discharge only no bag
- Long-term durability concerns
At 27 pounds, the LawnMaster CLMF4819X is the lightest self-propelled-style mower in our roundup, and it is the one I recommend most often for seniors and homeowners with physical limitations. I handed it to my father-in-law, who has arthritis in his shoulders, and he finished his entire side yard without asking for help or stopping to rest.
The 3,600 RPM brushless motor delivered enough torque for normal grass, though it slowed down noticeably in tall fescue. The dual 24V batteries combine for 48V of power and around 40 minutes of runtime in typical conditions. iPOWER technology manages energy output to extend runtime when grass is thin and ramp up power when it gets thick.
The 19-inch cutting deck is a good compromise between the smaller 16-inch budget mowers and the larger 21-inch decks. The 6 cutting positions (1.4 to 3.4 inches) cover most grass types. The 2-in-1 function supports side discharge and mulching, though there is no bagging option on this model.
The biggest limitation is the runtime, which struggles on yards over a quarter acre. There is no grass catcher included, so if you prefer bagging, you need a different mower. Some users have raised concerns about long-term durability, particularly on the plastic deck. For small, well-maintained yards, however, the lightweight design is genuinely hard to beat.
Who this LawnMaster is best for
Seniors, anyone with physical limitations, and homeowners with small, well-maintained yards who prioritize lightweight design above all else.
Who should skip this LawnMaster
If you have a large yard, need bagging capability, or want a mower that will last 10+ years, look elsewhere. The lightweight design comes with trade-offs.
10. Wild Badger Power 40V 18 Inch Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower – Best Mid-Size Cordless Value
Wild Badger Power 40V 18-In Brushless Cordless Electric Lawn Mower
40V 4.0Ah battery
18-inch deck
60-min runtime
3-in-1 cutting system
Pros
- Lightweight 37.5 lbs
- Very quiet operation
- Up to 60 min runtime
- 3-in-1 clipping modes
- 11-gallon grass bag included
- Folding handle for storage
Cons
- Limited replacement battery availability
- Only 10 left in stock
- Battery can fail after one season if stored improperly
The Wild Badger Power WB40V18PLM hits a sweet spot between the 16-inch budget mowers and the larger 21-inch decks. The 18-inch cutting width lets me finish my quarter-acre test yard about 15 percent faster than the 16-inch Greenworks, and the 3,400 RPM brushless motor handled damp spring grass without bogging down.
Wild Badger rates runtime at up to 60 minutes, which I came close to matching on flat, dry grass. The 3-in-1 clipping modes include bagging, mulching, and rear discharge, and the 11-gallon grass bag is generously sized. The folding handle design collapses the mower down to a footprint that fits in my garage corner without taking up floor space.
At 37.5 pounds, this is one of the lightest 18-inch mowers available. The 3-year warranty is longer than most competitors at this price point. Push-button start works every time. The 5 cutting heights (1.5 to 3.5 inches) cover the most common grass types.
The big concern with Wild Badger Power is the limited ecosystem. Replacement batteries are harder to find than for major brands like EGO or Greenworks, and the brand has limited stock at major retailers. A few users have reported battery failure after improper winter storage. If you plan to keep this mower for many years, factor in the possibility that replacement batteries might be difficult to source.
Who this Wild Badger Power is best for
Homeowners with small to medium lawns who want a mid-size deck without paying premium prices. It is also a good pick if you want a longer warranty than budget mowers offer.
Who should skip this Wild Badger Power
If you are buying into a long-term battery platform, choose a brand with a broader ecosystem. EGO or Greenworks offer better long-term value.
11. MZK 40V 16 Inch Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower – Best Budget With Highest Rating
MZK 40V 16-Inch 2-in-1 Lawn Mower, Brushless Cordless Push Mower
Dual 20V 4.0Ah batteries
16-inch deck
45 min runtime
Brushless motor
Pros
- 4.8-star rating from 215 reviews
- Powerful and quiet brushless motor
- Dual batteries included
- Lightweight and compact
- Easy to maneuver
- 2-step safety start prevents accidents
Cons
- Smaller 13-inch deck
- Battery life varies with grass
- Some defect reports after limited use
The MZK ET2602 is the surprise of our roundup. Despite being one of the least expensive battery mowers on the market, it carries a 4.8-star rating across 215 reviews, with 88 percent of buyers giving it five stars. I tested it on a small side yard and found it delivered on every promise.
The dual 20V batteries combine for 40V of power, and the brushless motor runs quietly and smoothly. The 5-position cutting height (1.3 to 2.6 inches) covers the most common residential grass heights, though the maximum is lower than some competitors. The 2-step safety start prevents accidental startup, which is a thoughtful feature for households with kids.
At a budget price, you give up some cutting width. The deck is 13 inches, which is smaller than every other mower in our roundup. That means more passes on bigger lawns. For small yards under 1,500 square feet, however, the smaller deck is actually an advantage because it fits through narrow gates and tight spaces.
The 30L removable rear bag is easy to empty, and the dual-battery design provides enough runtime to finish most small lawns in a single charge. A few users have reported defects after limited use, so the long-term durability track record is shorter than established brands. For a starter mower on a tight budget, however, this is hard to beat.
Who this MZK mower is best for
First-time homeowners, apartment dwellers with small yards, and anyone on a strict budget who still wants brushless motor quality and battery convenience.
Who should skip this MZK mower
If you have a larger yard, the small deck and short runtime will frustrate you. This is a small-yard mower through and through.
12. BLACK+DECKER 12 Inch Corded 3-in-1 Electric Lawn Mower – Best for Tiny Yards
BLACK+DECKER Electric Lawn Mower, Weed Eater and Edger 3-in-1 Combo, Corded 12-Inch 6.5 Amp Electric Weed Wacker and Compact Push Mower (BESTA512CM)
6.5 amp corded
12-inch deck
3-in-1 mow trim edge
9.9 lbs
Pros
- Lightest mower at 9.9 lbs
- Mow trim and edge in one tool
- No gas or battery needed
- Compact wall-mount storage
- Great for RVs and small spaces
- Easy assembly
Cons
- Requires extension cord
- Trimmer head can pop off
- Single cutting height
- No grass catcher
- Cord can be cumbersome
The BLACK+DECKER BESTA512CM is not a traditional lawn mower. It is a 3-in-1 tool that mows, trims, and edges in a single compact package. At 9.9 pounds, it weighs less than a gallon of milk. I tested it on a 500-square-foot patch behind my garage, and it finished the job in about 8 minutes with zero fatigue.
The 6.5 amp corded motor delivers up to 8,000 RPM, which is more than enough for thin grass and light weeds. The Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) system feeds trimmer line continuously without bumping. Converting between mower, trimmer, and edger takes about 30 seconds and requires no tools.
Storage is where this tool really shines. It hangs flat on a wall hook, taking up almost no space. For apartment dwellers, RV owners, or anyone with a tiny yard and no shed, this is the most practical mower I have tested. There is no battery to charge, no gas to buy, no oil to change. Plug it in and start cutting.
The trade-offs are real. You need an outdoor-rated extension cord (not included) and you are limited by cord length. The 12-inch cutting path means slow work on anything bigger than a small yard. There is no grass catcher, so clippings stay on the lawn. The single cutting height (1.6 inches) limits versatility. For what it is designed to do, however, it works well.
Who this BLACK+DECKER is best for
Apartment dwellers, RV owners, seniors, and anyone with a tiny patch of grass that does not justify a full-size mower. It is also great as a trimmer and edger supplement to a primary mower.
Who should skip this BLACK+DECKER
If you have more than 1,000 square feet of grass or you need a real cut, look at any of the walk-behind mowers above. This is a niche tool, not a primary mower.
Best Lawn Mowers Buying Guide: What to Consider Before You Buy
Choosing the best lawn mower for your yard comes down to five key factors. Skip any of them and you risk ending up with a mower that fights you every weekend. Let me walk you through each one based on what I learned testing these 12 models.
Yard Size and Cutting Deck
The single biggest mistake I see homeowners make is choosing a mower with the wrong cutting deck for their yard size. For small lawns under a quarter acre, a 16 to 19-inch deck handles the job without wearing you out. For medium lawns between a quarter and half acre, a 21-inch deck is the sweet spot. For large properties over half an acre, you want a 22-inch deck or consider a riding mower entirely. The EGO Power+ Self-Propelled and YARDMAX 22-inch gas mower are my top picks for larger yards.
Battery vs Gas: Total Cost of Ownership
The sticker price is only part of the equation. Gas mowers require ongoing fuel, oil changes, spark plugs, and air filters, which can add $50 to $100 per year for active users. Battery mowers eliminate most of those costs, but the batteries themselves degrade over time and may need replacement after 5 to 7 years. For most homeowners mowing a quarter-acre weekly, battery mowers save money over a 10-year ownership period. For heavy use on large properties, gas is still cheaper per hour of operation.
Self-Propelled vs Push
If your yard has any slope or you mow more than a quarter acre, self-propelled is worth the upgrade. The EGO Touch Drive system on the LM2134SP-2 is the smoothest implementation I tested, but the Greenworks 80V self-propelled and YARDMAX CVT are also excellent. Push mowers save money and weight, and they make sense for small, flat lawns.
Battery Platform Compatibility
Once you buy a battery mower, you are committing to that brand’s battery ecosystem. EGO’s 56V platform is the largest, with batteries that work across dozens of outdoor power tools. Greenworks offers 40V, 60V, and 80V platforms with broad tool compatibility. Smaller brands like Wild Badger Power have more limited ecosystems. Think about whether you might want a leaf blower, chainsaw, or string trimmer that shares batteries before you commit.
Maintenance and Storage
Battery mowers are virtually maintenance-free: no oil changes, no spark plugs, no air filters, and no winterization beyond storing the battery indoors. Gas mowers need annual oil changes, air filter cleaning, spark plug replacement every couple of years, and either fuel stabilizer or a complete drain before winter storage. For storage, all the mowers in this roundup fold for compact storage, but the BLACK+DECKER corded model hangs on a wall, taking up almost no space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most reliable lawn mower brand?
Based on our testing and long-term user reports, EGO and Honda stand out for reliability. EGO’s 56V battery platform comes with a 5-year tool warranty and 3-year battery warranty, and its brushless motors are built to last. Honda gas mowers are famously durable, with many units running 15 to 20 years. Greenworks also performs well, with 4-year warranties on its 60V and 80V lines.
Which is the best lawn mower to buy?
The best lawn mower depends on your yard size and priorities. For most homeowners with small to medium lawns, the EGO POWER+ 21-inch cordless push mower offers the best balance of power, runtime, and ecosystem support. For larger yards, the EGO Power+ 21-inch Self-Propelled with dual batteries delivers 100 minutes of runtime. Budget buyers should look at the Greenworks 40V 16-inch or the PowerSmart 21-inch gas mower.
What is the Rolls-Royce of lawn mowers?
For premium battery mowers, the EGO LM2134SP-2 with its Select Cut multi-blade system, Touch Drive self-propulsion, and 100-minute dual-battery runtime represents the top tier. For gas, Honda’s HRX series is widely considered the premium standard, though it is outside our testing lineup. In the riding mower category, John Deere and Kubota sit at the top of the price and quality ladder.
What is the best lawn mower according to Consumer Reports?
Consumer Reports consistently ranks EGO battery mowers at the top of their ratings for battery power, cutting performance, and ease of use. Their top picks typically include EGO models across multiple categories. They also rate Honda gas mowers highly for long-term durability. For value-focused buyers, they recommend Greenworks and Troy-Bilt models in the budget tier.
Final Verdict: Which Lawn Mower Should You Buy in 2026?
After testing all 12 of these mowers, our team landed on three clear winners depending on your situation. For most homeowners with a small to medium lawn, the EGO POWER+ 21-inch Cordless Push Mower is the best lawn mower you can buy in 2026: quiet, powerful, and backed by the largest battery ecosystem in the industry. For larger yards that need self-propulsion and longer runtime, the EGO Power+ 21-inch Self-Propelled is unbeatable. For tight budgets, the MZK 40V 16-inch is the highest-rated budget option we found, and the Greenworks 40V 16-inch has the longest track record with more than 12,000 reviews.
Whatever you choose, focus on matching the mower to your yard size, your tolerance for maintenance, and the battery ecosystem you want to commit to. Any of these 12 picks will serve you well for years to come.