Walk-behind lawn mowers remain a staple for maintaining residential lawns, offering control and maneuverability for various yard sizes and terrains. They are commonly used for routine grass cutting, mulching, and bagging, providing a clean finish. Products were evaluated based on power source, deck size, propulsion type, battery life, user reviews, and feature analysis.
Greenworks 40V 21" Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower – Brushless Motor, 5.0Ah Battery & Charger(75+ Tool Compatible)
$429.99
This Greenworks 40V 21" model offers a powerful brushless motor, self-propelled variable speed, and practical features like LED headlights, making it highly versatile for most users.
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Greenworks 40V 16" (Push) Cordless Lawn Mower, 4.0Ah Battery (1/3 Acre, Push Button Start, Compatible with 75+ Tools)
$249.99
The Greenworks 40V 16" cordless mower is an ultra-light push model, ideal for smaller yards seeking an effortless, compact, and affordable battery-powered solution.
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Greenworks 48V (24V x 2) 21" Brushless Self-Propelled Mower+12" String Trimmer+320CFM Blower,(2) 5.0Ah Batteries and 4A Dual Port Charger
$449.00
This Greenworks 48V (24V x 2) bundle includes a 21" self-propelled mower along with a string trimmer and blower, delivering a comprehensive and powerful yard care system.
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- Exclusive and industry-leading CVT (Continuously variable transmission) offers superior speed variability to adjust the mower pace to your walking speed by simply selecting the 6-speed shift lever
- Exclusive rubber tires with aggressive spiked tread pattern significantly increase overall traction and maneuverability
- Starting made easier with the automatic choke system, no need to prime or choke the engine
- Quickly clean the underside of the cutting deck with the deck cleanout port
- Single-lever deck adjustment for quickly setting your mow height
- [16" LAWN MOWER] - This 40V lawn mower cuts up to 1/3 acre with fully charged 4.0Ah battery (varies based on grass condition and operator technique)
- [ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT] - 35% lighter than steel deck mowers
- [SINGLE LEVER HEIGHT ADJUST] - 5 position height adjustment
- [2-IN-1 SYSTEM] - Mulch and rear bagging
- 3-Year Warranty – Backed by Greenworks 3-year limited tool and battery warranty for dependable long-term ownership. Works with 75+ Greenworks 40V tools(trimmers, blowers, chainsaws...)—expand your cordless toolkit.
- [3-YEAR WARRANTY]
- 4-blade reel mower with a cutting width of 14” and durable 8.5” polymer wheels for maximum maneuverability. Lightweight at only 19 pounds. Reel Lawn Mowers are great for small lawns..Deluxe hand-reel mower ideal for most turf grasses.
- This push lawn mower has an adjustable blade height of 0.5”-1.75”. Capable of cutting grass up to 4 inches tall and is less effective on taller grass.
- Manual grass cutter is environment-friendly alternative to other lawn mowers. This push mower is pollution-free, noise-free, low maintenance, lightweight and easy to use.
- A reel mower uses a cutting action that does not bruise or damage the blades of grass. For best results using a reel push mower, mow no more than 1/3 of the grass blade, so that the roots stay intact.
- Increase the amount of overlap while using your push mower if your lawn reaches a height of 4 inches or more. It’s better to mow smaller amounts more frequently than it is to let the grass get long. Try not reel mower when the grass is wet.
- 80V 21” MOWER - Provides up to 60 minutes of run-time with 2 fully charged 80V 2.0Ah batteries (varies based on grass condition and operator technique)
- TRUBRUSHLESS MOTOR – 2 x more torque, more power, longer runtimes, quiet operation, and extended motor life
- GAS-LIKE PERFORMANCE
- VERSATILE – Single lever, 5-position height adjustment for the best cut in all environments. The 3-in-1 design allows you to mulch, and rear bag grass clippings and side discharge.
- MAINTENANCE FREE – This push lawn mower is virtually maintenance free, with no gas, no oil, and no emissions. Push button start, quiet operation, and delivers gas-like performance
- [Mulching and Bagging] KOMASTY lawn mower can customize your lawn care routine with ultimate efficiency. This 2-in-1 cordless tool allows you to switch between mulching and bagging in seconds. With the mulching plug, you can turn clippings into natural...
- [Powerful Brushless Motor] This electric lawn mower equipped with a high-efficiency brushless motor up to 3400RPM delivers robust torque. Certified by CPF, it is a eco-friendly alternative that conserves energy while effortlessly slicing through thick...
- [10-Min Runtime and Fast Charge] Equipped with two 4.0Ah batteries for up to 10 mins of runtime. The dual-battery system powers the mower simultaneously for extended use. Plus, with two chargers included, you can recharge both packs at the same time...
- [Safe Start and Easy Assembly] This mower features a dual-action safety switch. To start, you must press the side safety button while simultaneously pulling the start lever which prevents accidental activation. The assembly is easy. We also provide a...
- [5 Adjustable Cutting Positions] Say goodbye to uneven patches. Featuring a sharp, durable steel blade, our mower ensures a clean, precise cut every time. The 5-position height adjustment lets you easily customize the cutting height from 1.37" to 2.95" to...
- 🌱13" Cutting Deck & 5 Height Adjustable - This walk behind lawn mower features a 13 inch wide cutting deck that covers more ground per pass, drastically cutting down your mowing time. With 5 adjustable cutting height levels ranging from 25mm to 75mm...
- 🌱1200W High-Power Brushless Motor - This electric battery powered lawn mower is equipped with a premium 1200W max brushless motor. The motor drives sharp blades smoothly through thick and dense grass, effectively preventing blade jams and grass...
- 🌱2-in-1 Mulching & Bagging Mode - This lawn mower is built with a versatile 2-in-1 mulching and bagging mode, giving you full flexibility for customized lawn care. The mulching mode finely shreds grass clippings into nutrient-dense lawn fertilizer...
- 🌱Dual 20V Batteries & Long Runtime - This cordless lawn mower comes with 2 pieces of 20V 4.0Ah large-capacity rechargeable batteries, supporting up to 40 minutes of continuous mowing on a single full charge, which can easily cover a 300 ㎡ lawn. The...
- 🌱Lightweight Mower for Multi-Scene Home Use - This walk behind lawn mower featuring an ultra-lightweight, compact body that delivers effortless pushing and flexible maneuvering for all users. It is perfectly adapted to a full range of home mowing...
- High-Performance Brushless Motor: The cordless lawn mower features a brushless motor that delivers 2800 RPM on Low and 3400 RPM on High for efficient cutting power and long-lasting performance.
- 4-Position Cutting Height Adjustment: This battery lawn mower offers 4 cutting height settings from 1.3 inches to 2.6 inches to match seasonal growth and your preferred cut.
- Wide Cut and Bagging: The 13-inch deck helps you cover more ground with fewer passes, and the 30L removable rear bag makes cleanup simple. A 2-step safety start helps prevent accidental start-up for added peace of mind.
- Dual-Battery Runtime: Powered by two 20V 4.0Ah lithium batteries, this electric lawn mower provides up to 30 minutes of runtime on a full charge. Swap batteries to reduce downtime and keep mowing moving. Ideal for small to medium lawns. Runtime may vary...
- Complete Kit Included: Includes 1× 13-inch cordless lawn mower, 2× 20V 4.0Ah batteries, 1× single-port charger, and 1× 8-gallon grass bag. Easy to assemble and simple to use.
- [80V 21” SELF-PROPELLED LAWN MOWER] - Get more done, faster, with Greenworks electric lawn mowers. This 80V lawn mower cuts up to 1/2 acre with a fully charged 4.0Ah battery (varies based on grass condition and operator technique)
- [BRUSHLESS MOTOR / DURABLE STEEL DECK] - This electric mower features a durable 21" deck, and a highly efficient brushless motor that provides more torque, quiet operation, and longer life
- [SELF-PROPELLED] – Rear wheel drive and variable speed control for maximum traction, maneuverability, and control
- [LED HEADLIGHT] – High visibility LED lights allow for early morning and late evening mowing. 3x quieter than gas!
- 4-Year Warranty – Backed by Greenworks 4-year limited tool and battery warranty for dependable long-term ownership. Works with 75+ Greenworks 80V tools(trimmers, blowers, chainsaws...)—expand your cordless toolkit.
- Efficient Power for Small Lawns: Optimized for residential use, the 144cc 4-stroke OHV engine delivers a reliable balance of efficiency and ease. Ideal for 1/4-acre lawns, it provides steady power while remaining easy to push.
- Easy Starts in 1-2 Pulls: Equipped with recoil starter and auto choke for smooth and reliable starting every time.
- 3-in-1 Cutting System: Mulch, side discharge, or bag with ease. The rear bag collects clippings and leaves efficiently and empties quickly for fast, hassle-free cleanup.
- Lightweight & Durable Design: The 18" durable steel deck is designed for easy maneuverability and long-lasting use. Its lightweight construction ensures effortless handling, making it perfect for tight corners and complex landscapes.
- Ready to Mow: Easy to assemble with no tools required, and simple to use. The foldable handle allows for compact, space-saving storage.
- GAS-LIKE POWER WITHOUT THE HASSLE – 50% more torque than 40V mowers & 3200 RPM blade speed (matches 150cc gas mowers)—zero fumes, noise, or maintenance!**
- IPX4 WATERPROOF & STEEL DECK – Built to handle rain, damp grass, and tough conditions with a heavy-duty steel deck and rust-resistant design.
- SMARTCUT SELF-SHARPENING BLADES – Dual blades adjust power automatically for tall, wet, or thick grass—no bogging down!** Plus, 4-in-1 versatility (mulch, bag, side-discharge, turbo leaf mode).
- EASY-PUSH DESIGN & LED LIGHTS – Oversized 10” rear wheels + 8” front tires for smooth maneuvering. LED headlights let you mow early mornings or late evenings with no visibility issues.
- DUAL-PORT AUTO-SWITCH TECH – Seamlessly switches to a 2nd battery when the first drains (no stopping!**). Compatible with 75+ Greenworks 60V tools for a full yard system.
- COMPLETE ECOSYSTEM VALUE- Battery-powered lawn mower includes battery, fast charger, grass bag & 4 year tool + 4 year battery warranty Works with 75+ Greenworks 60V tools(trimmers, blowers, chainsaws...)—expand your cordless toolkit.
This article is part of our complete guide Garden Tools — browse all our comparisons and buying guides.
Last update on 2026-08-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Choose the Best Walk-Behind Lawn Mowers
Power Source and Performance
The choice between gas, corded electric, and cordless electric significantly impacts a mower's performance and maintenance. Gas mowers, like the YARDMAX 22 in. 201cc, typically offer robust power and extended runtime without being tethered, making them suitable for larger, tougher lawns. However, they require fuel, oil changes, and produce emissions and noise. Cordless electric models, such as the Greenworks 40V series or the MZK 20V, provide a quieter, emission-free experience with less maintenance. Their runtime is limited by battery capacity, usually ranging from 30 to 75 minutes depending on the battery (e.g., 4.0Ah vs. 5.0Ah) and grass conditions. Brushless motors, found in many Greenworks and MZK models, are reported to deliver more power, longer life, and greater efficiency than brushed alternatives.
Deck Size and Propulsion
Deck size dictates how much ground a mower covers with each pass, directly affecting mowing time. Smaller decks, like the MZK 13-inch or Greenworks 16-inch, are ideal for compact yards or areas with tight turns, prioritizing maneuverability. For larger properties, a 21-inch or 22-inch deck, as seen in the Greenworks 40V 21" or YARDMAX 22 in. models, can significantly reduce the time spent mowing. Propulsion type is another critical factor. Push mowers, such as the Greenworks 40V 16" Cordless, require the user to manually propel them, which is suitable for smaller, flatter yards. Self-propelled mowers, like the YARDMAX 22 in. or Greenworks 40V 21" Self-Propelled, feature a drive system that propels the mower forward, greatly reducing user fatigue, especially on larger or sloped lawns.
Ergonomics and Additional Features
Comfort and convenience features can drastically improve the mowing experience. Ergonomic handles and ultra-lightweight designs, like the Greenworks 40V 16" model, make maneuvering easier. Height adjustment systems vary, with single-lever controls (e.g., Greenworks 40V 16" offers 5 positions) generally being more convenient than individual wheel adjustments (e.g., MZK 20V 13" offers 4 positions). Look for 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 capabilities (bagging, mulching, side discharge) to manage grass clippings effectively. Some advanced cordless models, like the Greenworks 40V 21" Self-Propelled, even include LED headlights for extended mowing hours. The YARDMAX 22 in. gas mower features an automatic choke system, which simplifies starting and eliminates the need for manual priming.
Pros & Cons
Greenworks 40V 16" (Push) Cordless Lawn Mower, 4.0Ah Battery (1/3 Acre, Push Button Start, Compatible with 75+ Tools)
Pros
- Ultra-lightweight design (35% lighter) enhances maneuverability and reduces fatigue.
- Cordless 40V system provides gas-like performance for smaller yards without emissions.
- Single-lever 5-position height control offers easy adjustment for various grass types.
Cons
- 16-inch deck may require more passes for larger lawn areas.
- Limited runtime (45 minutes) with the included 4.0Ah battery might not suffice for bigger yards.
YARDMAX 22 in. 201cc Select PACE 6 Speed CVT High Wheel FWD 3-in-1 Gas Walk Behind Self Propelled Lawn Mower, Black (YG2860)
Pros
- 201cc gas engine with CVT offers superior speed variability for diverse mowing conditions.
- 22-inch cutting deck covers a wide area, reducing mowing time for larger properties.
- Automatic choke system simplifies starting, eliminating manual priming.
Cons
- Requires fuel and oil, leading to more maintenance compared to electric models.
- Gas mowers typically produce more noise and emissions.
Greenworks 40V 21" Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower – Brushless Motor, 5.0Ah Battery & Charger(75+ Tool Compatible)
Pros
- Brushless motor delivers powerful, quiet operation with extended runtime.
- Self-propelled rear-wheel drive with variable speed control reduces user effort.
- Integrated LED headlights allow for flexible mowing times, even in low light.
Cons
- Battery runtime depends heavily on grass conditions and self-propel usage.
- As a standalone mower, it does not include other yard tools like some bundles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimating Battery Capacity for Yard Size
A common pitfall for new cordless mower users is selecting a battery capacity that doesn't match their lawn's needs. For instance, a Greenworks 40V 16" mower with a 4.0Ah battery might be sufficient for a small, flat yard, but users with larger or denser lawns might find the 45-minute runtime insufficient, requiring multiple charges. In practice, a larger 5.0Ah battery or higher voltage system, like the Greenworks 48V (24V x 2) setup, typically provides the necessary endurance for more substantial properties.
Ignoring the Importance of Propulsion Type
Many first-time buyers overlook the benefit of self-propelled functionality, particularly for yards with slopes or significant square footage. Opting for a push mower, such as the MZK 20V 13" Electric Lawn Mower, on a large or uneven terrain can lead to considerable fatigue. Self-propelled models, like the YARDMAX 22 in. with FWD or the Greenworks 40V 21" Self-Propelled, significantly reduce physical exertion, making the mowing experience much more manageable.
Disregarding Cutting Height Adjustment Range
Not all height adjustment systems offer the same versatility. Some mowers, like the MZK 20V 13", provide a range from 1.3 inches to 2.6 inches, which might be too restrictive for certain grass types or seasonal preferences. Conversely, the Greenworks 40V 16" offers a broader range from 1.25 inches to 3.375 inches, allowing for more precise control over lawn aesthetics and health. Selecting a mower with an appropriate and easy-to-use height adjustment system is crucial for optimal lawn care.