Ego Power+ 1000 Self-propelled 22"

Best Lawn Mowers: Top Brands & Models

Based on current expert testing, here's a breakdown by category:

🔋 Battery/Electric Mowers (increasingly the top pick overall)

EGO Power+ is consistently rated as a top overall choice. After months of testing, the best mower for those with medium to large yards is the Ego Power+ 1000 Self-propelled 22", which is battery-powered, offering a quieter mowing experience and the low maintenance that most people prefer. Another tester similarly found the EGO Power+ LM2156SP is the best lawn mower you can buy in 2026, delivering gas-level performance with electric convenience. For a more budget-friendly option, the EGO Power+ LM2114SP brings the trusted EGO build quality and battery ecosystem to a more accessible price point, delivering the same brushless motor technology while keeping the price under $500.

Consumer Reports backs this up broadly, noting the best battery lawn mowers perform every bit as well as, or even better than, the best gas mowers — in fact, nine of the best battery push mowers in their ratings currently beat the top-rated gas model.

Greenworks is another favorite, especially for smaller yards: the perfect mower for people with small to average-sized yards is the Greenworks 60V 17".

Ryobi has built a loyal following for value: Ryobi has become one of the most widely used brands in cordless outdoor equipment, largely because of its affordable battery ecosystem, with models designed to provide reliable performance at a lower price point than premium models. It's also praised for safety features — it's equipped with a tilt sensor that kills the power if the deck tips past 45 degrees, and a safety key inserted in the battery compartment makes it a smart, safe choice for the electric lawn mower market.

Stihl also appears among top-tested electric options. Reviewers found four excellent electric and battery-powered lawn mowers from Ryobi, Toro, Ego and Stihl that are a cut above the rest.

⛽ Gas Mowers

Toro remains a heavyweight in this category — the Toro Recycler gas mower still delivers the strongest performance, with higher blade speed and suction that's particularly effective for thick or fast-growing grass. Toro also does well in the self-propelled electric space: it "came out on top for best self-propelled mower" thanks to its long history building quality self-propelled machines.

🚜 Riding Mowers/Tractors

If you have a larger property, John Deere dominates: many John Deere tractors perform impressively in tests — it's the only brand to earn an above-average or higher score for predicted reliability and the only one with a stellar owner satisfaction score in CR member surveys. A classic tractor is especially good if the area you're mowing is hilly, with lawn tractor riding mowers featuring a stable cutting deck from 42 to 54 inches wide and speeds of 6 to 7 mph. For faster, more maneuverable options, zero-turn radius mowers are typically pricier but faster and can turn in place, nimbly maneuvering around obstacles like trees.

📋 Quick Buying Tips

Sizing recommendations from testers: for small yards, a 14–16 inch mower works well; for medium lawns, 18–21 inch models are best; larger yards benefit from 21+ inch self-propelled mowers for faster cutting.

Bottom line for most people:

• Best overall / most people actually buy: EGO Power+ (battery) or Toro (gas)
• Best value: Ryobi or Green

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).

There’s no single “best” lawn mower—it depends on your lawn size, terrain, and whether you prefer gas, battery, or manual. But these are the brands and specific models people actually buy and recommend most often.

🔋 Best Cordless Battery Mowers

Great for small to medium lawns (under ½ acre). Quiet, low maintenance, no gas fumes.

• EGO Power+ LM2156SP – The gold standard. 21” self-propelled, 56V battery, tons of power, excellent build quality. If you want a premium electric mower, this is it.
• Greenworks Pro 80V – Strong alternative to EGO. Good runtime, brushless motor, and usually a bit cheaper.
• Ryobi 40V Brushless – Popular at Home Depot. Reliable, plenty of models, and share batteries with other Ryobi tools.
• Milwaukee M18 Fuel – If you’re already in the Milwaukee ecosystem, this is a beast for a battery mower.

⛽ Best Gas Push / Self-Propelled Mowers

Best for medium/large lawns, thick grass, or hilly terrain.

• Honda HRX217VKA – Legendary. Hydrostatic transmission (no shifting), powerful GCV200 engine, great mulching. People keep these for 15+ years.
• Toro Recycler 22” SmartStow – The big selling point: the handle folds up so it stores vertically. Great bagging, mulching, and Personal Pace self-propel.
• Honda HRN216VKA – Slightly cheaper than the HRX, but still Honda-reliable. Great for most homeowners.
• Craftsman M105 / M110 – Budget-friendly gas mowers that just work. No frills, but solid value.

🧑‍🌾 Best Reel (Manual) Mowers

For tiny lawns, precision cutting, or people who want zero emissions and exercise.

• Fiskars StaySharp Max – The best modern reel mower. Inertia-driven reel stays sharp longer, cuts better than traditional reels, and is easier to push.
• Great States / American Lawn Mower – Cheap, lightweight, classic. Fine for very flat, small lawns.

🚜 Best Riding Mowers / Lawn Tractors

For lawns over ½ acre–1 acre.

• John Deere X350 – The go-to “nice” tractor. Solid 42” deck, smooth hydrostatic transmission, comfortable ride. People keep them 10–20 years.
• Husqvarna YTH24V48 – Great power-to-price ratio. 48” deck, 24 HP, and a very comfortable cut. Popular with people who have big yards.
• Cub Cadet XT1 LT42 – A favorite budget-friendly tractor. Good cuts, easy to use, tons of available parts.
• Troy-Bilt Super Bronco 46” – If you want a cheap but capable rider for a large yard, this is a common choice.

Quick Recommendations by Situation

• Small flat lawn (< ¼ acre): Fiskars reel mower or any 40V Ryobi/Greenworks.
• Medium lawn (¼–½ acre): EGO LM2156SP or Honda HRX217VKA.
• Big lawn, hilly, thick grass: Honda HRX or a gas self-propelled Toro.
• Huge lawn (> 1 acre): John Deere X350 or Husqvarna YTH.

The bottom line: If you want to join what actually works for most people, get an EGO battery mower for easy everyday use, or a Honda gas mower if you want decades of raw reliability.

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.

The best lawn mowers vary depending on yard size and preferences, with top options including Toro, Ego Power+, John Deere, and Greenworks for performance, reliability, and ease of use.

Best Overall: Toro 21" 60V MAX Super Recycler Battery Mower

Type: Battery-powered, self-propelled walk-behind Deck Size: 21" Highlights: Runs up to 50 minutes per charge, offers a crisp cut, and features the Personal Pace Auto Drive system that adjusts to your walking speed. Ideal for medium to large yards and sloped terrain 1 .

Best for Large Yards: Ego Power+ 1000 Self-Propelled 22"

Type: Battery-powered, self-propelled Deck Size: 22" Highlights: Powerful 56V battery, 75-minute runtime, excellent cutting performance, low noise, and foldable for storage. Perfect for expansive lawns where speed and efficiency matter 1 .

Best for Average-Sized Yards: Greenworks 60V 17"

Type: Battery-powered, non-self-propelled Deck Size: 17" Highlights: Lightweight and quiet, easy to maneuver around obstacles, with a 40-minute runtime, making it a good fit for typical suburban lawns 1 .

Best for Small Yards: Greenworks 40V 16"

Type: Battery-powered, non-self-propelled Deck Size: 16" Highlights: Compact, quiet, and affordable, ideal for tightly spaced yards with low to moderate grass height 1 .

Best Gas Mower: Toro SmartStow Recycler 20340

Type: Gas-powered, self-propelled Deck Size: 22" Highlights: Classic gas mower power for longer runtimes without the need for charging, high-performance cutting, and easy storage with SmartStow design. Suited for traditionalists or larger properties requiring consistent performance 1 .

Best Riding Mower: John Deere S130 42" Lawn Tractor

Type: Gas-powered riding mower Deck Size: 42" Highlights: Comfortable high vantage seat, large deck for cutting bigger yards, hydrostatic transmission for smooth operation, and versatile attachments for added utility 1 .

Best Robotic Mower: Worx WR147 20V Landroid

Type: Battery-operated robotic mower Deck Size: 8" Highlights: Automates lawn care for small to medium yards, can be controlled via app, includes obstacle avoidance and rain detection, saving labor and time 1 .

Best Budget Option: Troy-Bilt TB110

Type: Gas-powered push mower Deck Size: Mid-range for small to medium yards Highlights: Reliable Briggs & Stratton engine, sturdy construction, and easy maneuverability, offering great value for the cost-conscious buyer 1 .

These mowers represent a range of options depending on your yard size, power preference, and budget. For Stone Mountain, Georgia, where lawns can vary in size and terrain, battery-powered mowers like Toro and Ego Power+ offer quiet, low-maintenance performance, while gas mowers and riding tractors suit larger or more rugged properties Bob Vila+1 .

For small, manageable yards, Greenworks models are compact and easy to store, and robotic mowers like the Worx Landroid can automate care for convenience. Gas mowers remain a solid choice if continuous operation without battery limits is important.