Clean, quiet, and lightweight, electric lawn mowers make it easy to keep a small lawn looking neat. While the best of these mowers all get the job done reliably, they vary in their power, maneuverability, and features. Getting to know what this year’s best electric lawn mowers can do will help you find the perfect mower for your lawn type.
GreenWorks 12 Amp 20-Inch Corded Lawn Mower (model 25022)
If you’re looking to cover more area faster or you’re particular about your lawn’s appearance, the GreenWorks model 25022 will give you what you want. Its 12 Amp motor powers a 20-inch steel deck you can adjust between seven different cutting heights ranging from 1 1/2 to 3 3/4 inches. The maximum option is ideal if you grow tall fescue, St. Augustine, or another species with a high mowing height.
While it can handle grass up to 6 inches, you’ll need to work slowly. Mowing damp grass is also possible, but the mower doesn’t mulch well in this case. With the 3-In-1 discharge system, you have your choice of rear discharge into a bag, side discharge, or mulching.
At 56 pounds, it’s no lightweight, but the wide 10-inch rear wheels and 7-inch front wheels make it easy to control. As an added handy feature, the extension cord clip prevents the cord from being pulled lose while you’re working. Because the motor isn’t sealed, it tends to pick up debris and benefits from regular cleaning. This mower runs a little noisier than the average electric model, but it’s not an issue that garners user complaints.
American Lawn Mower 14″ 11 Amp Corded Mower (model 50514)
From one of the country’s oldest lawn mower manufacturers comes this highly rated mower known for its maneuverability and efficiency. The energy-efficient 11 Amp brushless motor is on the small end of average, but still gives the steel mower deck enough power to cut a 14-inch-wide path through all types of grass and even tough weeds.
Cutting height options range from 1 to 2.5 inches, which is enough for most grass species. It doesn’t do well with grass taller than 6 inches or with damp grass, though.
The mower’s 2-in-1 clippings discharge system lets you choose between rear discharge into a grass bag or mulching, but side discharge isn’t an option. The 16-gallon grass bag is equipped with a level indicator that tells you when it’s time to empty the bag. The bag’s carrying handle is known to slip off rather easily, but gluing it down can help.
The adjustable handle makes this mower comfortable for anyone to use, and at 25.4 pounds, it’s easy to carry. The budget-friendly price is another factor in this mower’s favor.
Black+Decker 6.5 Amp 12 inch Electric 3-in-1 Compact Mower (model MTE912)
Ideal for keeping a little urban lawn looking flawless, this mower combines the functionality of a mower, string trimmer, and edger in a single compact form. It cuts grass at a height of either 1.6 or 2.4 inches and takes down weeds several feet high. A fully charged battery powers the 6.5 Amp motor for up to 4 hours of mowing time.
Its light weight of just 13 pounds makes it as easy to push as a vacuum cleaner, and because it won’t leave wheel marks even on softer lawns, it’s a good choice for fescues and other relatively delicate grass species. Although this mower feels like a vacuum cleaner, avoid the temptation to push it back and forth like one. It’s designed to be used like any lawn mower, pushed forward continuously at an even pace.
When you use this equipment as a trimmer, Black+Decker’s automatic feed spool (AFS) technology feeds more line to the trimmer as necessary, so you won’t need to stop your work to pull out more. Better yet, the gear drive transmission increases motor torque for greater cutting power and prevents the string from getting tangled in the weeds.
This mower is useful for inclines, tight spots, and other areas that are hard to mow with a full-sized lawn mower.
Earthwise 20-inch 12-Amp 120V Corded Mower (model 50520)
Produced by American Lawn Mower, this highly popular mower might not be the most powerful around, but it’s more than capable. Equipped with a durable steel deck, it handles high grass well and can cut to heights between 1.75 to 4 inches.
With the 3-in-1 clippings discharge system, you can collect the clippings in the 1.2-bushel (11-gallon) grass bag, discharge clippings to the side, or mulch them. The mower mulches both grass and leaves well, leaving few visible clippings behind.
The frame and deck are metal, improving the mower’s durability but bringing the weight up to 53 pounds. While it isn’t self-propelled, the 9 1/2-inch rear wheels and 7-inch front wheels keep it maneuverable. Some users have noticed issues with the wheels becoming wobbly, but the problem isn’t common. The convenient cord hook keeps your extension cord out of your way, and the V-shaped handle makes storage easier.
Sun Joe MJ401E 14-inch 12 Amp Electric Lawn Mower
The MJ401E’s specs are fairly standard, but this mower has earned a reputation as a powerful and reliable workhorse. It can cut tall grass and high weeds even a string trimmer might struggle with, although you’ll need to work slowly in these tough conditions. Users have reported good results even on irregular terrain and overgrown lawns with leftover pinecones and other debris.
The three-position mowing deck height control adjusts from 1.18 to 2.52 inches, enough for any grass but St. Augustine. The 10.6-gallon hard-top rear bag collects clippings efficiently and is easy to empty. With a weight of just 29 pounds, it won’t damage young grass or leave wheel marks. As a bonus, it’s also one of the easiest electric lawn mowers to assemble.
On the downside, some users find its plastic construction less than durable and notice that the extension cord holder isn’t particularly effective. Considering the low price, though, it still has a lot of value to offer for a lightweight, medium-duty mower.
Sun Joe iON16LM-CT 40-Volt iONMAX 16-inch Cordless Brushless Lawn Mower
If you’d rather not have to wrangle a cord as you mow, the iON16LM Core Tool can give you the freedom you need. The iBAT40 Series 40 V lithium-ion battery powers the mower for 40 minutes on a single charge. The brushless motor runs quietly and efficiently to maximize battery life.
You’ll have your choice of six mowing heights ranging from 1.18 to 3.15 inches, giving you more precise control over your lawn height compared to the average electric mower. It’s overall performance, and ease of handling are highly rated, but it has some difficultly with overgrown grass.
The 9.25-gallon bag is average for a cordless electric mower, and the bag’s indicator window lets you know when it’s full. If you prefer to skip the bag and choose the mulching option instead, you’ll need to order the mulching blade separately. Side discharge isn’t an option. It’s a mid-sized mower at 34.6 pounds, but the 8-inch rear wheels ensure good maneuverability, and the handle collapses for easy storage.
EGO Power+ 21-inch Self-Propelled Mower (model LM2100SP)
Another popular cordless electric lawn mower, the EGO Power+ is a practical choice if you have between 1/4 and 1/2 acre of lawn to get through. You’ll get up to 90 minutes of mowing time out of a fully charged battery, and if you need more, the battery takes just 30 minutes to charge.
The mower cuts a respectable 20-inch-wide swath at five height settings ranging from 1 1/2 inches to an unusually high maximum of 4 inches. If you prefer to keep your lawn higher than average to conserve moisture or hold down weeds, this is one of the few mowers than can help you do it.
It’s a hefty 80 pounds, but the self-propelled feature and 9-inch rear wheels make for easy handling. The variable speed motor, which runs between 1.8 MPH and 3.6 MPH, lets you choose a speed that suits you. This mower can bag, side discharge or mulch clippings, but mulching tends to drain the battery more quickly than the other options. As an added benefit, the EGO Power+ is quieter than average.
Worx 40V Power Share 4.0 Ah 14″ Lawn Mower (model WG779)
The cordless WG779 runs on two 20V (4.0Ah) Lithium-ion Power Share batteries compatible with other Worx equipment. It can mow up to 5,500 sq. ft or around 1/8th acre on a single charge, but you’ll need to choose the operational mode carefully to maximize battery life.
Worx’ proprietary Intellicut technology lets this mower run in two modes: Eco and Turbo. Turbo mode provides the extra torque needed to help the mower power through high, thick grass and weeds, but it also uses more energy and can run down the battery quickly. To mow a full 5,500 sq. ft on one battery charge, stick with Eco mode, and reserve Turbo mode for tough patches. Charge indicators on the batteries tell you how much power you have left.
With six cutting positions ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 inches, it can cut at a healthy height for all common species of lawn grass. The 0.85-bushel (8-gallon) grass bag is smaller than average, but the mower is an efficient mulcher, cutting grass so finely you won’t spot any lying on your lawn afterward. A light 29.1 pounds, it’s easy to push, carry, and store.
Goplus 14-Inch 12 Amp Folding Handle Electric Push Lawn Mower
The Goplus weighs a mere 15 pounds, but it cuts grass as efficiently as many heavier mowers to heights of 1 inch, 1.6 inches, and 2.2 inches. The accurately balanced deck improves maneuverability even further, and the narrow shape lets it squeeze into tight spots and cut closely around flowerbeds and trees, making this mower perfect for small, uneven, and irregularly shaped lawns. The mower’s light weight makes it easy for kids to help with the lawn care.
The two-piece hard plastic grass collection box holds 8 gallons, which is impressive for such a small mower, but it fills up quickly if your grass is on the long side. Some users have noticed the box can be difficult to assemble, but fully assembling one side at a time seems to help. While powerful, it’s not designed for large lawns or high grass. The manufacturers recommend stopping for five minutes or longer for every 30 minutes of mowing.
Snapper HD 48V Max Electric Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower (model 1687966)
This mower’s power and versatility have earned it an enthusiastic following. Snapper’s Intelligent load sensing technology helps the mower find the optimal balance of power and energy efficiency for your current mowing conditions to make your work easier while maximizing the mower’s battery life. The 20-inch steel deck helps you cover more area faster, and the seven mowing height settings, ranging from 1 3/8 to 3 3/4 inch let you create the precise look you want for your lawn.
While it handles tall, thick grass easily, these conditions can run the battery down faster. The manufacturers claim the battery lasts up to 90 minutes on lighter jobs and up to 60 minutes in more challenging conditions, but some users find the battery dies after 30 minutes. If you want to mow 1/2 acre or more of thick grass in one go, consider buying a second battery.
The mower offers bagging, side-discharge, and mulching options. The generous 1.6-bushel (nearly 15-gallon) grass bag means if you decide to bag, you won’t have to stop frequently to dump your clippings. The mulching plug isn’t the easiest to get in and out, but it works efficiently once in place. As another plus, this model is unusually quiet for a mower its size.
This year’s best electric lawn mowers can all handle the average small lawn beautifully, but the best model for you depends on your lawn’s size, terrain, and grass species, as well as your own preferences. The more you know about what’s available, the better your chances of finding a mower you’ll love to use.