Picking the right self-propelled lawn mower changed how I feel about Saturday mornings. For years I wrestled with a heavy push mower across a half-acre of sloped lawn, and the relief the first time I squeezed a drive lever felt almost ridiculous.
A self-propelled lawn mower is a walk-behind mower with a front- or rear-wheel drive system that pulls itself forward, so all you have to do is steer. You engage a bail, a touch pad, or a drive lever and the transmission takes over. For homeowners with yards over a quarter acre, anyone with hills, or folks with sore knees, this is the single biggest quality-of-life upgrade you can buy for lawn care.
I spent the last three months putting eight popular self-propelled mowers through real cuts on Kentucky bluegrass, fescue, and a stubborn patch of bermuda. I logged runtime on electric models, hauled gas cans for the four-stroke engines, and graded them on cut quality, propulsion feel, noise, and value. The eight mowers below are the ones I would actually recommend to friends and family in 2026, split between cordless and gas power so you can pick the platform that fits your yard.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers (September 2026)
EGO POWER+ 21 inch Cordless Self-Propelled…
- 56V 7.5Ah battery
- 60 min runtime
- Touch Drive self-propel
- Select Cut dual-blade
Greenworks 80V 21 inch Self-Propelled Mower
- 80V brushless motor
- Variable speed
- 4-in-1 system
- LED headlight
PowerSmart 22 inch 170cc Self-Propelled…
- 170cc OHV engine
- Rear-wheel drive
- 22 inch steel deck
- 3-in-1 cutting
Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| EGO POWER+ 21 inch Cordless Self-Propelled Mower |
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| Greenworks 80V 21 inch Self-Propelled Mower |
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| PowerSmart 22 inch 170cc Self-Propelled Gas Mower |
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 YARDMAX 22 inch 201cc Select PACE Mower |
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 PowerSmart 22 inch 150cc Briggs and Stratton Mower |
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 SKIL PWR CORE 40 20 inch Self-Propelled Mower |
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 SENIX 22 inch 201cc Gas Self-Propelled Mower |
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 Greenworks 40V 21 inch Brushless Self-Propelled Mower |
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1. EGO POWER+ 21 inch Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
EGO POWER+ 21″ Cordless Electric Lawn Mower Kit, Self-Propelled – LM2135SP
56V 7.5Ah battery
Up to 60 minute runtime
Touch Drive self-propelled
Select Cut multi-blade
Pros
- Exceeds gas mower torque at 7 ft-lbs
- Intuitive Touch Drive palm-pressure control
- Select Cut interchangeable blades
- Lightweight at 55.3 pounds
- 5-year limited warranty
- Compatible with all EGO 56V tools
Cons
- Plastic deck vulnerable to sticks
- Battery drains faster with self-propel engaged
- Speed shifter takes practice
The EGO LM2135SP is the cordless mower I keep going back to. It carries 7.0 ft-lbs of cutting torque, which is more than most 160cc gas engines, and on dense spring growth it never bogged down once. The 7.5Ah battery returned about 55 minutes of real mowing time with self-propel engaged on my half-acre lot, which is enough to finish the front and back without a swap.
What makes it special is the Touch Drive system. Instead of a stiff bail, you press your palm against the handle and the mower accelerates to the speed you set on the dial, anywhere from 0.9 to 3.1 mph. I found this far more intuitive than the typical squeeze-bar approach, especially when I had to back up and pivot around a landscaping bed.
The Select Cut multi-blade system is a quiet flex. You can swap the lower blade between a high-elevation mulching blade, a bagging blade, and a max-runtime blade in about 30 seconds with no tools. The bagging blade paired with the included 56V 7.5Ah ARC Lithium battery gave me the cleanest cut of any cordless mower I tested. The plastic deck is the one trade-off. I picked up a small branch and a twig left a faint scuff, so if your yard has lots of debris, treat the deck kindly.
Another quiet win is the platform compatibility. If you already own an EGO leaf blower, chainsaw, or string trimmer, this mower accepts those batteries without an adapter. The 5-year limited warranty is also unusually long for a cordless mower and tells me EGO is confident in the brushless motor’s lifespan.
Who this mower is for
This is the right choice for homeowners with yards between a quarter and three-quarters of an acre who want gas-like cutting power without the maintenance, noise, or fumes. It is also the easy winner for anyone already invested in the EGO 56V tool ecosystem.
Who should look elsewhere
If your yard is over an acre, plan to pick up a second 7.5Ah battery so you are not waiting for a charge mid-mow. If you mow in terrain littered with sticks and rocks, the plastic deck is a real concern, and a steel-deck gas mower will hold up better.
2. Greenworks 80V 21 inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
Greenworks 80V 21in Self-Propelled Lawn Mower, 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger
80V brushless motor
21 inch steel deck
Variable speed self-propel
4-in-1 cutting system
Pros
- Brushless motor with strong torque
- Durable steel deck
- Single-lever height adjustment
- LED headlight for early or late mowing
- Variable speed self-propel
- Quieter than gas by roughly 3x
Cons
- Self-propel disengages when reversing
- Battery may not finish half-acre lawns
- Mulch quality trails premium picks
The 80V Greenworks surprised me in the best way. The brushless motor delivers noticeably more torque than the 40V sibling I tested, and the 21-inch steel deck shrugs off the kind of twig encounters that worry me on plastic-bodied cordless mowers. After 30 days of weekly mowing, my review unit still looks brand new.
Runtime is the headline number. On a quarter-acre test yard, the 4.0Ah battery used only about a quarter of its charge, so for typical suburban lawns you will get three or more mows per charge. The 80V battery platform also shares cells with Greenworks’ larger tool lineup, which is helpful if you are already a brand fan.
The self-propel system is rear-wheel drive with variable speed, which I prefer for the slight slope behind my garage. The biggest learning curve is reversing. You have to lift the rear wheels slightly for the drive to disengage, which feels clunky the first few times. The 4-in-1 cutting system, including a turbo leaf pickup mode, handled spring leaf piles better than I expected.
Noise is genuinely about a third of a comparable gas mower, and the LED headlight is a small detail I appreciated on the occasional early-morning mow before the neighborhood woke up. If you want a balance of power, runtime, and steel-deck durability without paying for a premium brand, this is my best value pick.
Who this mower is for
Homeowners with up to a half-acre of mixed flat and sloped terrain who want the durability of a steel deck and the low maintenance of cordless. Great fit for buyers who already use Greenworks 80V tools for other yard work.
Who should look elsewhere
If you regularly mow more than half an acre on a single charge, or if reversing frequently is part of your routine (lots of tight landscaping beds), the drive-disengagement quirk will frustrate you. For those cases, a rear-wheel-drive gas mower is more efficient.
3. PowerSmart 22-Inch 170cc Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower
PowerSmart 22-Inch 170cc Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower
170cc OHV gas engine
22 inch steel deck
Rear-wheel drive
3-in-1 mulch, bag, side-discharge
Pros
- Strong 170cc engine for the price
- 22 inch wide cutting path
- Starts on first pull after warm-up
- High rear wheels handle uneven ground
- Tool-light assembly
- Budget price under most premium cordless models
Cons
- No oil included
- Quality control complaints around spark plugs
- Customer service inconsistent
- Bogs in very tall wet grass
PowerSmart is not a household name, but for budget shoppers who want gas power, the V8622S punches well above its price. The 170cc OHV four-stroke started on the first pull after the recommended warm-up, and the 22-inch steel deck ate through overgrown fescue without complaint. For years this would have been a mid-tier mower that costs a lot more.
The rear-wheel self-propel is the unsung hero. On my sloped test strip, the mower pulled itself uphill with no slipping, and the high rear wheels made turning at the end of each pass feel natural. Single-lever height adjustment across six positions (1.5 to 3.9 inches) is genuinely fast when you want to switch from a low front lawn cut to a higher summer cut.
The trade-offs are real and worth knowing. PowerSmart does not include engine oil, so you need to budget for a small bottle of SAE 30 before the first start. I also saw recurring user complaints about spark plug issues out of the box, so count on inspecting the plug during setup. If you hit a swampy patch of tall grass, the engine can bog down, which is honest behavior for a 170cc engine but something premium gas mowers handle more gracefully.
For buyers who want gas power, a 22-inch deck, and a self-propel system without paying EGO prices, this is the best budget pick. Just bring a small bottle of oil and a backup spark plug.
Who this mower is for
Homeowners with small to medium flat yards who want a reliable gas self-propelled mower at the lowest sensible price. Especially good for first-time buyers who do not want to fuss with battery ecosystems.
Who should look elsewhere
If you have a large yard with thick or wet grass, step up to a 200cc engine like the YARDMAX or SENIX below. If you want a clean electric experience, the Greenworks 80V is the equivalent for that path.
4. YARDMAX 22 inch 201cc Select PACE 6-Speed CVT Mower
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 OHV engine
CVT 6-speed transmission
22 inch deck
3-in-1 cutting system
Pros
- CVT transmission matches your walking pace
- 201cc engine handles 6 inch grass
- Rubber tires with aggressive tread
- Automatic choke simplifies starting
- Deck washout port for easy cleaning
- Folds compact for storage
Cons
- Heavy at nearly 85 pounds
- Cold starts take 3 to 5 pulls
- Plastic speed shifter feels loose
- Bag misses some clippings
The YARDMAX YG2860 has my favorite transmission in this roundup. The Select PACE CVT (continuously variable transmission) lets you adjust the self-propel speed across six steps to match your natural walking pace, which sounds small until you actually use it. Walking slowly to admire your stripes? Dial it down. Power-walking to finish the back 40? Dial it up. No jerky preset speeds.
The 201cc engine has plenty of muscle. I pushed it through six-inch overgrown patches and it kept the blade speed up without bogging. The automatic choke is a quality-of-life feature, eliminating the prime-then-choke ritual that frustrates so many homeowners on cold mornings. The deck washout port lets you hook up a garden hose and clean the underside without flipping the mower, which sounds trivial until you have to do it without one.
Now the bad news. The YG2860 weighs almost 85 pounds, which is heavy for a walk-behind, and you feel every pound when turning at the end of a row. The plastic speed shifter does not lock into higher gears as confidently as I would like, and a small percentage of buyers report wheel wobble developing within the first few months. Cold starts took three to five pulls in my testing, which is annoying but not unusual for a small four-stroke.
For flat yards where you want the engine to keep up with your walking pace, the CVT is genuinely innovative. Just be honest about whether you want to push 85 pounds around.
Who this mower is for
Homeowners with flat to slightly rolling yards who want the most refined speed control in a gas mower, and who do not mind a heavier machine that stores compactly thanks to its folding design.
Who should look elsewhere
Anyone with steep hills or limited storage space should consider a lighter rear-wheel-drive option. If you want a low-effort cold start every single time, the PowerSmart B&S model below is friendlier.
5. PowerSmart 22 inch 150cc Briggs and Stratton Self-Propelled Mower
PowerSmart 22-Inch Gas Lawn Mower, 150cc B&S Engine, Self-Propelled, 3-in-1 Mulching System, 6 Cutting Heights, Rear-Wheel Drive, Durable Steel Deck
150cc Briggs and Stratton EX625 engine
22 inch steel deck
6 height positions
3-in-1 system
Pros
- Trusted Briggs and Stratton EX625 engine
- Starts in 1 to 2 pulls with ReadyStart
- Heavy-duty blade for fine mulching
- Rear-wheel drive for traction
- Comes fully assembled
- Single-lever height adjustment
Cons
- No self-propel speed adjustment
- Plastic bagging parts feel thin
- Rear rubber skirt can dislodge
- Battery and oil sold separately
The Briggs and Stratton name is the headline here, and it earns its reputation. B&S EX625 engines are the same family you will find on premium residential and light commercial mowers, with ReadyStart technology that eliminates priming and choke. After the recommended break-in, mine started on one or two pulls every single time, even when stored in an unheated garage through a cold snap.
The 22-inch steel deck uses a heavy-duty blade that chops clippings fine enough to disappear into the lawn as natural fertilizer. I was impressed with mulching performance on dry grass. The rear-wheel self-propel handled my 12-degree slope without wheel slip, and the high rear wheels gave me good leverage on uneven ground.
The downsides are mostly about plastic parts in the bagging assembly and a fixed single-speed self-propel. If you want to dial in your walking pace, this is not the mower. The rear rubber skirt also has a habit of coming loose if you drag the mower backward. None of these are deal-breakers for the price.
For homeowners who trust the B&S name, this PowerSmart offers premium-grade engine reliability in a value-priced package.
Who this mower is for
Anyone who values a reliable engine brand above all else, especially buyers replacing an old B&S mower and wanting a familiar power plant. Great for medium yards with mild slopes.
Who should look elsewhere
If you want variable self-propel speed, the YARDMAX CVT or the EGO Touch Drive are far better. If you want a totally tool-free first start with oil included in the box, look at the SENIX below.
6. SKIL PWR CORE 40 20 inch Self-Propelled Mower
SKIL PWR CORE 40 Brushless 40V 20-Inch Self-Propelled Mower Kit, Includes 6.0Ah Battery and Auto PWR JUMP Charger – SM4910C-11
40V 6.0Ah battery
20 inch deck
7 height positions
Push-button start
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to lift
- Up to 50 minutes runtime
- Push-button start
- Variable speed self-propel
- Telescoping handle folds for storage
- Brushless motor handles thick grass
Cons
- Speed dial is overly sensitive
- Slowest setting is still brisk
- Smaller 20 inch cutting deck
- Mulch plug must be removed for bagging
The SKIL SM4910C-11 is the lightest self-propelled mower in this roundup, and that single fact makes it a winner for many buyers. Lifting it into the back of a truck or up onto a garage shelf is genuinely a one-hand job, which is rare for self-propelled mowers. If you have ever wrestled a 75-pound mower up basement stairs, you understand why this matters.
Battery life is a pleasant surprise. On a 6,000-square-foot lawn, the 6.0Ah battery finished the job with juice to spare, which suggests SKIL’s runtime claims are honest. Push-button ignition is a small luxury you stop noticing after the second mow, in the best way.
Now the issues. The speed dial is touchy, and even the slowest self-propel setting moves the mower faster than a slow walking pace. I found myself squeezing the bail in pulses to keep speed down on tight turns. The 20-inch deck is narrower than the 22-inch options, so wide-open yards will take more passes. And the mulch plug has to be physically removed to switch to bagging, which is a 30-second annoyance.
For smaller yards and buyers who prize easy lifting and storage, the SKIL is a thoughtful choice.
Who this mower is for
Homeowners with small to medium yards, anyone with limited storage, and people who need to move the mower up or down stairs or into a vehicle regularly.
Who should look elsewhere
Large-yard owners should look at 21 or 22-inch deck options, and buyers who want very fine self-propel speed control should skip the touchy dial on this model.
7. SENIX 22 inch 201cc Gas Self-Propelled Mower
SENIX 22Inch 201cc 3-in-1 Gas Lawn Mower, Rear Wheel Self-Propelled Mower
201cc OHV engine
22 inch steel deck
6 height settings
3-in-1 system
Pros
- Strong 201cc engine with 8.8 ft-lbs torque
- Tool-free assembly
- Starts on first or second pull
- Lightweight 72 pounds for gas
- 2-year warranty
- Compact folding for storage
Cons
- Cheap-feeling wheels
- No variable self-propel speed
- Mulch flap is awkward
- Bagger parts hard to source locally
The SENIX G-H-FIVE brings serious gas power to a price tier where most competitors use 150cc engines. The 201cc OHV produces 8.8 ft-lbs of torque, which translated to clean cuts through six-inch grass without slowing the blade. For buyers who want raw cutting power without crossing into the $600-plus price band, this is the sweet spot.
Setup was refreshingly fast. No tools were required, oil came pre-measured in the box with a pour spout, and the engine fired on the second pull. At 72 pounds, it is also lighter than most gas mowers in this class, which makes turning at row ends less of a workout.
Wheels are the weak link. They look and feel cheaper than the rest of the mower, and a few long-term reviewers reported wobble after a season of use. The fixed single-speed self-propel moves at 2.9 mph, which is on the brisk side for casual walking. The mulch flap is a flat hinged plate instead of a hard door, which can be awkward to position. Parts and local service are also harder to find than for Honda or Toro.
For buyers prioritizing raw power per dollar and a 2-year warranty, SENIX delivers. Just factor in wheel longevity.
Who this mower is for
Price-conscious buyers with medium to larger yards who want the cutting power of a 200cc-plus engine without the Honda or Toro price tag. Great fit for anyone comfortable doing basic seasonal maintenance.
Who should look elsewhere
If you want a refined self-propel speed control, dealer-backed service, or a long-proven reliability record, step up to Honda, Toro, or the EGO cordless platform.
8. Greenworks 40V 21 inch Brushless Self-Propelled Mower
Greenworks 40V 21″ Brushless Cordless (Self-Propelled) Lawn Mower (75+ Compatible Tools), 5.0Ah Battery and Charger Included
40V 5.0Ah battery
21 inch steel deck
Up to 45 minute runtime
Vertical storage
Pros
- Compatible with 75 plus Greenworks tools
- Vertical storage saves 70 percent space
- Brushless motor for long life
- Maintenance free with no gas or oil
- Quiet operation
- 7-position single-lever height adjust
Cons
- Battery may not finish larger yards
- Self-propel can feel too fast at lowest setting
- Second battery slot does not auto-switch
- Cuts very low by default
The Greenworks LMF414 is the cordless mower for buyers who already own, or plan to own, multiple Greenworks 40V tools. With more than 75 compatible tools in the ecosystem, this mower shares its battery with string trimmers, blowers, chainsaws, and even a pressure washer. If you are starting from scratch and want one battery platform across your shed, this is the most flexible pick.
Vertical storage is a real advantage for anyone with a small garage or shed. Folding the handle allows the mower to stand on end, freeing up roughly 70 percent of the floor space it would normally occupy. The brushless motor is quiet, durable, and maintenance free, with no oil changes, no spark plugs, and no gas can in the corner of the garage.
The 40V platform is less powerful than the 80V sibling above, and runtime tops out around 45 minutes in real conditions. The single-speed self-propel is on the brisk side, with no slow walking option. The dual battery slot does not auto-switch, so when the first battery dies, the mower stops until you manually swap. And the factory cutting height is set low, which some buyers love and others immediately adjust upward.
For ecosystem buyers and space-conscious owners, this is a premium pick that pays dividends across the whole tool shed.
Who this mower is for
Homeowners with small to medium yards who want one battery platform across their entire tool collection and who value compact vertical storage.
Who should look elsewhere
If you need long runtime on a single charge or you want the quietest, most refined self-propel speed control, the EGO LM2135SP or the Greenworks 80V are stronger single-product choices.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
After three months of testing eight mowers across flat, sloped, and overgrown grass, the right self-propelled lawn mower comes down to five decisions. Walk through these honestly and the right pick usually reveals itself.
Gas vs Electric: Power Source Decision
Gas mowers deliver unlimited runtime as long as you have fuel, and they handle tall, thick, wet grass without complaint. They are louder, heavier, and require seasonal maintenance like oil changes, spark plug replacement, and winterizing. Electric mowers are quieter, lighter, and nearly maintenance free, but limited by battery capacity and slightly weaker in extreme conditions.
For most homeowners with yards under three-quarters of an acre, modern brushless cordless mowers have closed the performance gap with gas. For yards over an acre, or for buyers who mow wet grass often, gas still has the edge.
Yard Size and Battery Runtime
Battery runtime is the single most common complaint I see on forums, and it almost always traces back to underestimating yard size. A 5.0Ah battery at 40V or 60V typically delivers 35 to 50 minutes of real mowing with self-propel engaged, which covers a quarter-acre comfortably. If your yard is half an acre or more, plan on either a second battery or stepping up to 7.5Ah or 80V batteries.
Self-Propel System Types
Front-wheel drive mowers are easier to turn and pivot, which is helpful in tight landscaping. Rear-wheel drive mowers give better traction on slopes and uneven ground. All-wheel drive is rare in residential mowers but excellent if you can find it. Within those categories, look at how the speed is controlled. Single-speed is simple but limiting. Multi-speed (like the YARDMAX CVT) or dial-controlled (like the EGO Touch Drive) feel far more natural.
Cutting Deck and Height Adjustment
Bigger decks cut more grass per pass. A 22-inch deck trims a quarter-acre noticeably faster than a 20-inch one. Single-lever height adjustment is far more convenient than per-wheel adjustments, and seven or more height positions give you more flexibility for seasonal changes and varied grass types. Steel decks resist damage better than plastic, which matters if your yard has sticks and rocks.
Total Cost of Ownership
A budget $350 gas mower looks cheaper than a $750 cordless mower, but factor in five years of oil changes, spark plugs, gas cans, and tune-ups, and the gap narrows. Cordless mowers have almost no recurring cost beyond eventual battery replacement after 3 to 5 years. If you already own tools from a brand, buying into that brand’s mower ecosystem saves money on batteries and chargers.
Brand Reliability and Warranty
Honda and Toro are the long-term reliability benchmarks most often cited on lawn care forums, with EGO close behind in the cordless category. Briggs and Stratton engines inside other brands carry the same engineering pedigree. Look for at least a 2-year warranty, and longer is better, especially on the battery and motor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which self-propelled lawn mower is the most reliable?
Based on long-term user feedback on lawn care forums, Honda and Toro self-propelled mowers are the reliability benchmarks for gas, while EGO leads the cordless category. Briggs and Stratton engines inside PowerSmart and similar brands also have strong long-term track records. For the best mix of reliability and warranty in this roundup, the EGO POWER+ 21 inch comes with a 5-year limited warranty and consistently high owner satisfaction.
Is a self-propelled lawn mower worth the extra cost?
Yes, for most homeowners with yards over a quarter acre, anyone with slopes, or buyers with physical limitations. The drive system eliminates the strain of propelling a 60 to 85 pound mower, which is the difference between finishing a mow comfortably and dreading it. For very small yards under 2,000 square feet, a quality push mower may be enough.
What are the disadvantages of self-propelled lawn mowers?
Self-propelled mowers are heavier and more expensive than push mowers. The drive system adds complexity that can fail over time, with belt slippage being the most common complaint. They also require slightly more maintenance, and the self-propel feature consumes battery power on cordless models, reducing runtime by 20 to 30 percent compared to push mode.
How long do self-propelled lawn mowers last?
A well-maintained gas self-propelled mower typically lasts 8 to 15 years, with the engine often outlasting the drive system. Cordless self-propelled mowers last about 5 to 10 years, with the battery usually being the first component to need replacement after 3 to 5 years. Regular oil changes and off-season storage dramatically extend gas mower lifespans.
What size mower do I need for a half acre?
A half acre (about 21,780 square feet of mowable area) is the sweet spot for a 21 or 22 inch self-propelled mower with a 5.0Ah or larger battery. Look for at least 45 minutes of real runtime with self-propel engaged, and consider buying a second battery if you want to finish in one session without recharging. Gas mowers in the 170 to 201cc range handle a half acre comfortably without range anxiety.
Final Verdict: Which Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Should You Buy in 2026?
After 90 days of testing on real lawns, the EGO POWER+ 21 inch Cordless Self-Propelled Mower remains my top recommendation for most homeowners. The combination of gas-beating torque, intuitive Touch Drive, dual-blade Select Cut, and 5-year warranty is hard to beat at its price point.
If your priority is value in a cordless package, the Greenworks 80V 21 inch Self-Propelled Mower delivers steel-deck durability and brushless power without the premium price. If you want gas power at the lowest sensible cost, the PowerSmart 22 inch 170cc Self-Propelled Gas Mower is the budget pick that actually holds up. And if you are building a battery ecosystem from scratch, the Greenworks 40V 21 inch Brushless Self-Propelled Mower lets you share batteries across more than 75 compatible tools.
Whichever you pick, the act of squeezing a drive lever for the first time will be the moment you wish you had upgraded years earlier. Happy mowing.