Electric Lawn Mowers Cut the Cord Without Losing Power
EGO’s Power+ LM2135SP leads most yards on runtime and cut quality. Greenworks’ 40V 25322 is the value pick for mid-size lawns, and the corded Sun Joe MJ401E handles small yards for very little outlay.
EGO’s Power+ LM2135SP is the electric mower most owners point to first for a lower maintenance yard, balancing runtime and cut quality on typical lots. Greenworks’ 40V 25322 and the corded Sun Joe MJ401E trail close behind for value and budget buyers. All three fit different yard sizes rather than competing head on.
Battery voltage, deck size and terrain all change real world runtime, which makes electric mowers tricky to shop from spec sheets alone. We compared seven current models on published specs and owner feedback, so the tradeoffs sit clear before you buy. Deck width and drive type matter as much as the battery number on the box.
What to look for
Battery voltage versus real world runtime Higher voltage usually adds torque, but amp hour rating and grass condition decide how long a charge actually lasts. Tall, damp grass drains any pack faster than a dry, weekly mowed lawn. Buy more battery capacity than the yard size suggests if you tend to let the grass grow between cuts.
Match deck width to your yard size A 14 to 16 inch deck suits small lawns and tight gardens, while 20 to 21 inches cuts passes and time on a quarter acre or larger. Wider decks weigh more, so pair a big deck with self-propel on slopes or a long push.
Corded, single battery, or two battery systems Corded mowers never run out of charge, but the cord ties you to an outlet, which suits small, close lots best. Single battery cordless models cover the everyday sweet spot for most yards. Two battery or swap systems suit larger yards where a single pack would otherwise force a recharge break.
Mulching, bagging or side discharge: which mode do you need? Mulching returns clippings as fertilizer and skips bag emptying entirely. Bagging keeps a tidy finish and works best on long grass or leaves. Side discharge speeds through overgrown patches fastest. Look for a 2 in 1 or 3 in 1 mower so the mode switches with the season.
The best picks, ranked
EGO Power+ LM2135SP 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower
A 21 inch steel deck pairs with variable speed self-propel on this mower, and owners report a 56V battery clears a quarter acre on one charge. Folding flat for storage saves garage space. Push button starts replace the pull cord entirely, which is the main reason buyers switch from gas in the first place.
Pros
- Long runtime for a single battery
- Strong self-propel on slopes
- Push-button start every time
Cons
- Heavier than budget models
- Rapid charger adds to the cost
Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Cordless Mower 25322
Simplicity defines the 25322, with a 16 inch deck, 40V battery and 2 in 1 mulch or rear bag operation. Light weight makes it easy to push and turn on a small lawn. Owners already on the Greenworks 40V platform find this a common, low cost entry point into the ecosystem.
Pros
- Light and easy to maneuver
- Shares batteries with other 40V tools
- Simple single-lever height adjust
Cons
- Narrow deck means more passes
- Runtime dips in tall, wet grass
Sun Joe MJ401E 14-Inch Corded Electric Mower
Small, flat lawns near an outlet are exactly what this corded 12 amp mower targets. No battery ever needs charging or replacing, since power comes straight from the cord. Owners report it handles postage stamp yards reliably for years at a very low price.
Pros
- Very low upfront cost
- No battery to charge or degrade
- Lightweight and compact
Cons
- Cord limits range and turning
- Small deck suits tiny yards only
Makita XML08PT1 18V X2 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower
Two 18V batteries run in series on the XML08PT1, delivering a 21 inch cut with self-propel and four included packs for extended runtime. Swapping batteries keeps mowing going without a charging pause. Owners already on the Makita 18V system value reusing packs across other tools in the lineup.
Pros
- Four batteries extend total runtime
- Uses common Makita 18V packs
- Three discharge modes
Cons
- Highest cost in this group
- Managing four batteries is fiddly
Worx WG779 40V 14-Inch Cordless Mower
Two 20V batteries power a 14 inch deck on the WG779, with an Intellicut torque dial that adds power through tougher patches automatically. Its compact footprint and single lever height adjust suit smaller lawns and easy garage storage. Batteries also fit other tools on the Worx 20V platform.
Pros
- Compact and easy to store
- Torque dial helps in thick grass
- Batteries fit other Worx 20V tools
Cons
- Short runtime per charge
- Not suited to large lawns
Craftsman CMCMW220P2 V20 20-Inch Cordless Mower
A 20 inch deck and dual 20V batteries give the CMCMW220P2 a wide cut for a mid-size lawn. Three discharge modes cover mulch, bag and side discharge without switching mowers. Owners already invested in the Craftsman V20 battery lineup get the most value from this pick.
Pros
- Wide deck for the price
- Three discharge modes
- Shares Craftsman V20 batteries
Cons
- No self-propel option
- Deck feels plasticky to some owners
BLACK+DECKER BEMW472BH 15-Inch Corded Electric Mower
A 10 amp corded motor and comfort grip handle define this 15 inch mower, built for small suburban lots close to a power outlet. Battery management never enters the picture, since the cord supplies constant power. A winged blade design improves bagging performance over a standard flat blade.
Pros
- Consistent power with no charging
- Comfortable handle grip
- Affordable and lightweight
Cons
- Cord management is a chore
- Range limited by extension length
The lineup, side by side
| # | Model | Deck width | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EGO Power+ LM2135SP 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower | 21 inches | Best overall | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Greenworks 40V 16-Inch Cordless Mower 25322 | 16 inches | Best value | 9.1 | Check price |
| 3 | Sun Joe MJ401E 14-Inch Corded Electric Mower | 14 inches | Best budget | 8.8 | Check price |
| 4 | Makita XML08PT1 18V X2 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower | 21 inches | Best for large yards | 9.0 | Check price |
| 5 | Worx WG779 40V 14-Inch Cordless Mower | 14 inches | Best for small yards | 8.7 | Check price |
| 6 | Craftsman CMCMW220P2 V20 20-Inch Cordless Mower | 20 inches | Best cordless runner-up | 8.6 | Check price |
| 7 | BLACK+DECKER BEMW472BH 15-Inch Corded Electric Mower | 15 inches | Best corded | 8.3 | Check price |
Good to know
Are electric lawn mowers powerful enough for thick grass?
Modern 40V and higher cordless mowers handle typical suburban grass well, and torque boost features help in thicker patches. For very tall or wet grass, mow more often or choose a higher capacity battery so runtime and cut quality hold up.
How long do electric mower batteries last per charge?
It varies by deck size and grass condition, but many single battery models cover a quarter to a third of an acre on a full charge. Owners with larger yards often keep a spare battery to finish without a mid mow recharge.
Do you need self-propel on an electric mower?
Self-propel helps on slopes, larger yards and with heavier decks. A push model stays lighter, simpler and cheaper on small, flat lawns, so match the feature to your terrain rather than paying for drive you will not use.
Corded or cordless: which electric mower should you choose?
Corded suits small lots near an outlet where charging never appeals. Cordless gives freedom of movement across a normal yard. Corded models cost less upfront, but the cord limits range and adds hassle around trees and beds.
How long do electric mower batteries stay usable?
Lithium packs typically hold strong capacity for several years of seasonal use before noticeable fade. Storing batteries at moderate charge and away from heat, per the maker’s guidance, extends their usable life further.
Can electric mowers handle hills and slopes?
Yes, especially self-propelled models with variable speed drive. Keep the deck lower on steep slopes to reduce load, and expect shorter runtime, since climbing draws more power from the battery.
Is mulching or bagging better for a lawn?
Mulching feeds nutrients back into the lawn and skips disposal, which suits regular mowing. Bagging gives a cleaner look and works better for long grass or leaves. A 2 in 1 or 3 in 1 mower covers both without buying two machines.
How much maintenance do electric mowers need?
Far less than gas: no oil, spark plugs or fuel to manage. Plan on cleaning the deck, keeping the blade sharp and storing the battery properly, and the mower should run reliably season after season.
Which electric mower is best for a large yard?
The Makita XML08PT1 ships with four batteries for extended runtime across a quarter acre or more. The EGO Power+ LM2135SP also covers large lots well, thanks to its 56V battery and variable speed self-propel.
The verdict
For most homeowners the EGO Power+ LM2135SP is the electric mower to beat, balancing runtime, cut quality and self-propel on typical yards. Choose the Greenworks 25322 to save money on a mid-size lawn, or the corded Sun Joe MJ401E where the yard is small and sits near an outlet.
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