DeWalt

The best lawn mower for you depends on your yard size, your budget, and whether you want to go battery-powered (cordless electric) or stick with gas-powered.

For suburban and medium-sized yards, battery-powered mowers are highly recommended due to their low noise, zero emissions, and near-zero maintenance (no gas, oil, or spark plugs to worry about). However, gas mowers and riding/zero-turn mowers remain the gold standard for heavy-duty clearing and large acreage.

The Top Lawn Mower Brands to Look For

• EGO Power+ (Best Battery overall): EGO is widely considered the undisputed king of battery-powered lawn care. Their mowers regularly sweep testing charts for having gas-equivalent power, exceptional battery runtimes, and a shared 56V battery platform that powers other great yard tools (blowers, trimmers).
• Toro (Best All-Rounder): Toro is a legacy brand with a legendary reputation for "Personal Pace" self-propelled systems (which match your walking speed) and their unmatched "Recycler" cutting decks that finely mince grass clippings. They excel in both gas and 60V battery lines.
• Ryobi (Best Value Battery): Ryobi’s 40V system is highly popular among DIY homeowners looking for solid performance at a reasonable price point. It has a massive ecosystem of affordable compatible tools.
• Honda (Best Gas Legacy): While Honda officially stopped manufacturing new gas lawn mowers at the end of 2023, their mowers (like the HRX series) are so reliable and deliver such a pristine finish that they are still widely sought out in remaining stock and the used market.
• Stihl / DeWalt (Best for Durability/Reliability): According to Consumer Reports reliability surveys, Stihl’s battery self-propelled models and DeWalt's gas models consistently earn near-perfect reliability scores for long-term build quality.

Best Product Recommendations by Category

1. Best Battery-Powered Mower Overall: EGO Power+ LM2135SP (Select Cut)

• Best for: Most suburban homes with up to 1/2 acre of grass.
• Why people love it: It features EGO's multi-blade system (which uses interchangeable blades for premium mulching or bagging) and is self-propelled using intuitive "Touch Drive" controls. It delivers up to 60 minutes of runtime on a single charge and folds entirely flat, allowing you to store it vertically against a wall.
• Alternative: If you want a slightly cheaper self-propelled version without the multi-blade system, look at the EGO LM2114SP.

2. Best Gas-Powered Walk-Behind Mower: Toro Super Recycler (e.g., Model 21565)

• Best for: Buyers who want raw gas power, maximum durability, and professional-grade mulching.
• Why people love it: Toro’s gas Super Recyclers are famously reliable and built with cast-aluminum decks that won't rust. It features the "Personal Pace" self-propulsion system, which automatically senses how fast you are walking and adjusts the mower's speed to match you perfectly. It also features "SmartStow," allowing you to store the gas engine upright without leaking gas or oil.

3. Best Budget Battery Mower: Ryobi 40V HP Brushless 20" or 21" (e.g., RY401170VNM)

• Best for: Small-to-medium yards and budget-conscious buyers.
• Why people love it: Typically priced well under $400, this mower provides "gas-like" power utilizing a brushless motor and a 40V battery. It is lightweight, whisper-quiet, and folds up neatly. If you already own Ryobi 40V tools, you can buy this "tool-only" to save even more money.

4. Best Zero-Turn Riding Mowers (For 1+ Acres):

• Best Gas Ride-On: Toro TimeCutter Max
  • Why people love it: It provides commercial-grade performance for residential yards. It handles tough terrain beautifully and features Toro's ultra-comfortable "MyRIDE" suspension system to absorb bumps.
• Best Battery Ride-On: EGO Power+ Z6
  • Why people love it: If you have acreage but hate the noise and maintenance of gas engines, the Z6 is a game-changer. It runs on the same 56V batteries as EGO’s walk-behind mowers (it requires at least four to run) and cuts up to 2 acres on a single charge with zero engine noise.

Key Tips Before You Buy

1. Check the Battery Ecosystem: If you already own cordless tools (like a leaf blower, string trimmer, or drill) from EGO, Ryobi, Toro, or Greenworks, buy a mower from the same brand. You can swap the batteries between tools, which saves you hundreds of dollars by letting you buy "tool-only" packages in the future.
2. Self-Propelled vs. Push: If you have hills, slopes, or a yard larger than 1/4 acre, spend the extra money on a self-propelled model. Pushing a heavy battery or gas mower up an incline gets exhausting quickly.
3. Mulch or Bag? Look for mowers that have great mulching capabilities. Mulching chops the grass so finely that it falls back into the lawn as a natural fertilizer, saving you from having to bag and empty clippings every few minutes. (Toro and EGO are the industry leaders in mulching performance).

EGO, Toro, Greenworks, and Ryobi dominate expert tests and real-world recommendations for walk-behind mowers, while John Deere, Cub Cadet, and Toro lead for riding models. Battery-powered options have surged in popularity due to lower maintenance, quieter operation, no emissions/fuel hassles, and improving runtime/power—many experts (like Wirecutter) now prefer them over gas for most residential yards up to about half an acre. Gas remains common for larger areas, thicker grass, or unlimited runtime needs.

Recommendations depend on yard size (small: under ¼ acre; average: ¼–½ acre; large: ½+ acre or hills), terrain, budget, and preference for battery vs. gas. Self-propelled models are strongly preferred for ease. Always check current prices, battery compatibility (if investing in a system), warranties, and local availability. Prices are approximate and fluctuate.

Top Brands People Actually Use and Recommend

• EGO (Power+): Frequently tops lab tests and reviews for battery mowers. Excellent power (rivals gas), long runtimes (often 60+ minutes with larger batteries), dual-blade cutting/mulching, fast charging, and user-friendly features like vertical storage and headlights. Highly regarded for reliability and performance; batteries work across their ecosystem.
• Toro: Strong across gas and battery. Known for clean cuts (Recycler/Super Recycler decks excel at mulching), durability, features like Personal Pace/SmartStow (vertical storage), and solid handling. Popular with both homeowners and for reliability.
• Greenworks: Excellent value battery options, especially for smaller/average yards. Lightweight, quiet, affordable, and capable enough for regular mowing. Widely available and frequently recommended as a budget-friendly step-up.
• Ryobi: Great if you’re already in (or want) their 40V/18V/80V battery system (Home Depot). Solid performance, good controls/mulching on higher models, and competitive pricing. Slightly less powerful than top EGO/Toro in some tests but very practical.
• John Deere: Premium choice for riding mowers/tractors. High owner satisfaction and predicted reliability in surveys/tests.
• Cub Cadet: Popular and well-reviewed for riding mowers and zero-turns (e.g., Ultima/Enduro series)—good power, comfort, and value for larger properties.
• Others worth noting: Craftsman and Troy-Bilt for affordable/reliable gas push mowers (often with Briggs & Stratton engines); Honda (legendary long-term reliability on older gas models—now more electric-focused after discontinuing many residential gas lines in the US); Milwaukee/DeWalt for those in pro tool battery ecosystems; Husqvarna/Ariens for higher-end or commercial-leaning.

Budget/no-name electrics and reel mowers sell in high volume (e.g., on Amazon) for tiny yards, but they lack power and features of the brands above for most users.

Top Product Recommendations (Walk-Behind Focus)

These draw from recent hands-on testing by Wirecutter, TechGearLab, Bob Vila, The Spruce, and others (2025–2026 updates).

Best Overall / Large or Demanding Yards (Battery):
EGO Power+ 1000 Series or similar 22″ self-propelled (e.g., LM2236SP or equivalents with 10Ah battery). Outstanding cutting power (handles overgrown grass), 60–75+ min runtime, dual blades for even cut/mulching, adjustable self-propel, vertical storage. Wirecutter and TechGearLab top pick. Pricey (~$800–1,000+ with battery) but highly satisfying and low-maintenance. Runner-up: similar EGO 21″ Select Cut models.

Best Overall Battery Alternative:
Toro 21″ 60V MAX Super Recycler (self-propelled). Excellent cut quality, Personal Pace drive that matches your speed, strong runtime (~50 min), aluminum deck options in some, great mulching. Bob Vila’s top pick in testing.

Best for Average Yards / Value Battery:
Greenworks 60V 17–21″ models (some self-propelled). Lightweight, maneuverable, quiet, good bagging/mulching for the price (~$300–600). Ideal if you don’t need max power or width. Smaller 40V 16″ versions excel for tiny/tight yards.

Best Gas Options:

• Toro SmartStow Recycler 21–22″ self-propelled (e.g., with Briggs engine). Clean cuts, excellent mulching, easy storage, strong handling—TechGearLab and others rate highly.
• Craftsman M220 or Troy-Bilt TB110/similar 21″ self-propelled budget gas (~$300–500 range). Reliable everyday performers with decent power.

If Invested in Another Battery System: Ryobi 40V HP 21″ self-propelled (dual-blade options available); or DeWalt/Milwaukee equivalents for pro users.

For Very Small/Quiet/Eco Yards: Reel mowers like American Lawn Mower 14″ (manual, cheap, great exercise/cut for fine turf) or corded electrics.

Riding and Larger Properties

For ½ acre+, hills, or wanting less physical effort:

• Gas lawn tractors/zero-turns: John Deere S-series or similar; Cub Cadet Enduro/Ultima ZT; Toro TimeCutter. Look for 42–50″+ decks, hydrostatic drive, comfortable seats.
• Battery/electric riding: EGO Power+ T6 or Z6 series; Ryobi 80V options—growing fast, quiet, and capable for many residential sizes but watch runtime/battery cost for big jobs.

Robotic mowers (Worx Landroid, Husqvarna Automower, Eufy, etc.) are popular for hands-off maintenance on suitable (relatively obstacle-free, well-defined) lawns up to certain sizes—set it and forget it, but higher upfront cost and setup.

Key Buying Advice

• Yard size & type: Match deck width (16–17″ small/tight; 21–22″ most residential; wider for riding) and power. Self-propelled or riding for slopes.
• Battery vs. gas: Battery wins for convenience/noise for most; gas for heavy-duty/unlimited use. Buy extra batteries if needed. Runtimes vary with grass thickness, height, and terrain.
• Features that matter: Mulch/bag/side-discharge options, easy height adjustment, good bag design, foldable/vertical storage, blade quality, and warranty (batteries often 3–5+ years on premium).
• Real-user notes: EGO and Toro owners frequently praise power and cut quality with minimal upkeep. Budget gas holds up for years with basic maintenance (oil, blades, spark plugs). Read recent owner reviews for specific models, as quality control can vary. Honda gas models (if you find used/NOS) are still prized for longevity.
• Other tips: Sharpen blades regularly, don’t cut wet/tall grass in one pass, and consider your existing tool batteries. Test maneuverability if possible. Best buying times are often spring/fall sales.

Check sites like Consumer Reports (subscription for full ratings), Wirecutter, TechGearLab, or retailer reviews for the absolute latest model numbers and scores, as lines update yearly. Match the mower to your lawn for the best results—what “people actually use” successfully is usually a well-reviewed mid-to-premium model from the brands above rather than the absolute cheapest.