The 5 Best Lawn Mowers of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
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Our top picks include self-propelled, electric, and gas mowers.
Real Simple / David Hattan
Fact checked by Rich Scherr
Mowing the lawn can be a frustrating challenge, but investing in a high-quality lawn mower can make a huge difference in reducing the effort spent on this chore. If you’re not familiar with lawn equipment and don’t know where to start on your search, have no fear—we tested eight gas, electric, and self-propelled mowers, evaluating each on setup, design, performance, usability, safety, and overall value.
“The size of a shopper’s yard will not only dictate what type of mower may work best for their needs, but also some of the mower features they will want to pay special attention to when shopping,” says Gary McCoy, Lowe’s Store Manager serving Charlotte, North Carolina.
Additionally, we spoke to Michael Felices, the former Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Master Mower, to get expert advice on what to look for when shopping for lawn mowers, as well as how to properly use and maintain them. Our top picks include self-propelled, electric, and gas mowers for every type of shopper.
Best Overall Gas Lawn Mower: Honda HRX217VKA 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower
What Stands Out
It comes with an impressive four cutting modes and seven cutting heights.
What Could Be Improved
It’s expensive.
Yes, the Honda HRX217VKA is certainly pricier than most, but if you’re able and willing to splurge a bit, it’s definitely worth the cost. It’s a durable and reliable self-propelled gas mower that’s powered by a notably strong engine able to handle even the thickest, longest grass. To get it going, just pull on the starter cord (no tugging needed!) and it’ll immediately rev right up.
Before mowing, choose from four cutting modes (mulch, bag, rear discharge, and leaf shredding) to pick the one that’s right for your lawn’s specific needs. You can also choose from seven cutting height options (more than most mowers have) and use the device’s real-drive self propel to get you from place to place without too much effort. Then, prepare to be amazed by how quickly and evenly the mower works. In our testing, we had zero issues with maneuvering or cutting.
This mower also features the brand’s strong yet lightweight NeXite steel deck, which is rust-resistant and doesn’t easily dent, as well as Honda’s Twin Blade MicroCut System that leads to particularly fine clippings and a greater number of clippings per grass bag (making cleanup easier). You can even change the mower’s speed as needed just by rotating the speed dial and pressing down on the lever, and it’ll lock into your specified speed for quick access next time.
All in all, this is a mower that will save you valuable time and energy as you work on keeping your lawn looking neat and uniform. We were blown away by its ease of use, even trimming, and self-propelling.
Price at time of publish: $990
Product Details:
Mower Type: Self-propelled
Fuel Type: Gas
Mowing Width: 21 inches
Extra Features: Grass bag, speed control
Best Electric Lawn Mower: Greenworks 25022 20-Inch Electric Corded Lawn Mower
What Stands Out
It’s compact and affordable yet has impressive power.
What Could Be Improved
The collection bag is easy enough to remove, but it takes practice to not spill any of the clippings.
For those in the market for an electric lawn mower, look no further than this great option from Greenworks. To get it going, just plug it into either an extension cord or a wall outlet, depending on what you have available, and push the start button. The powerful 120-volt motor will immediately get to work, whether you want the mower to be focused on mulching, rear collection, or side discharge. We found this mower to be really easy to use, and were impressed by how well it cut down long, spindly weeds, even in tight corners, thanks to its compact size. Best of all, this mower has a relatively affordable price tag, so you don’t have to break the bank in order to have a strong, dependable mower at your service.
This mower has a wide cutting path of 20 inches (ideal for mid-to-large-sized yards), with a sturdy steel (yet still lightweight!) cutting deck that’s durable enough to last for season after season. You can adjust the cutting height to one of five positions, and maneuver the mower around the grass easily with one hand, thanks to the set of four wheels and strong grip. Both a grass collection bag and a mulch plug are included, making cleanup as simple as it gets, and when you’re done mowing for the afternoon, just use the cam lock handle to fold it up and get it ready for storage. Speaking of locks, the mower also comes with a cord lock that prevents the cord from disconnecting while the mower’s in use, giving you one less thing to worry about as you work.
Overall, we loved the compact size and lighter weight of this mower. We think it’s very easy to set up and provides an impressive performance, and with a far lower price than most other mowers, you truly can’t get a better deal.
Price at time of publish: $230
Product Details:
Mower Type: Corded
Fuel Type: Electric
Mowing Width: 20 inches
Extra Features: Cord lock, grass bag
Best Battery-Powered Lawn Mower: EGO Power+ LM2102SP 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower
What Stands Out
This lightweight mower is compact and foldable, making it ideal for small storage spaces.
What Could Be Improved
The self-propelling setting takes some getting used to.
If you don’t mind dealing with batteries and chargers, a battery-powered lawn mower can be a great tool, such as this lightweight yet durable option from Ego. The mower can run for up to 60 minutes on one charge of the included lithium battery, and it takes just one hour for the battery to fully charge, so you won’t have to wait long to get things started each time you want to mow.
This mower features a sharp, long-lasting steel blade that we found was efficient enough to mow a very clean and even cut of grass in one go. If you’re not happy with the height of the cut grass, that’s no problem, as you can very easily adjust the cutting height to one of six positions with the mower’s manual lever. Additionally, this model comes with a large two-bushel grass collection bag, so you can be sure that there will be no clippings left all over your yard once you’re done mowing.
The mower’s wheels make it easy to navigate all over the yard as needed, and since you can switch between using the self-propelled feature or pushing it yourself, we think it’s a very good option for someone who experiences back pain while mowing. Plus, since the machine is so lightweight, you can transport it without any hassle as well—its small size and foldable design is particularly great if you’re limited on space. It also comes in either a cool green, black, or gray hue, so you’ll be cutting your grass in serious style. All in all, this is a low-maintenance mower that’ll leave your lawn looking fresh with each mow.
Price at time of publish: $549
Product Details:
Mower Type: Cordless
Fuel Type: Battery-powered
Mowing Width: 16 inches
Extra Features: Grass bag, charger
Best Lightweight Lawn Mower: RYOBI RY401150 21-Inch Cordless Battery Self-Propelled Mower
What Stands Out
It comes with LED lights to make it easier to see what you're mowing.
What Could Be Improved
The clippings bag is on the small side.
If you want a lawn mower that’s so compact and lightweight that you’ll never have a problem pushing it around, this option from Ryobi is the way to go. It weighs just 75 pounds and can fold up vertically into a small rectangle, which makes storing it a breeze.
We found that it’s also incredibly easy to set up, requiring just a quick touch of the button once the batteries are charged (which should only take about an hour’s time). You’ll get around 70 minutes of runtime off one charge (ideal for yards up to ¾ acre), and maneuvering the mower is very intuitive due to that aerodynamic feel and smart design. Since it’s so light, we found that lifting it up on the back wheels to turn it around was a piece of cake.
The mower offers a self-propelling feature that you can adjust to multiple different speeds, which makes going over even small hills a breeze. You can also adjust the mower’s height to one of seven positions, and see clearly as you work thanks to the built-in LED headlights. And due to the 3-in-1 mowing functions (bagging, mulching, or side discharge), the mower will tackle all of your needs with ease. When you’re done, just remove the bag and empty it out on the ground.
Price at time of publish: $799
Product Details:
Mower Type: Cordless
Fuel Type: Battery-powered
Mowing Width: 21 inches
Extra Features: Grass bag, charger, LED lights
Best Budget Lawn Mower: Sun Joe MJ401E-P2 14-Inch Electric Lawn Mower
What Stands Out
It weighs only 29 pounds and costs much less than heavier mowers.
What Could Be Improved
You’ll need to change the clippings bag often.
Looking to save money? Don’t miss this inexpensive electric lawn mower from Sun Joe, which boasts a low price tag but many great attributes. The compact and uniquely-designed mower (check out that all green look!) weighs only 29 pounds, making it very simple to move around and store, especially since it has a collapsible handle. It runs on a powerful 12-amp motor and is ideal for work in small yards.
It’s impressively easy to use, and it’s noticeably quieter compared to a gas-powered mower (plus it has the benefit of not creating a gassy odor). To use the mower, just push the start button, choose from three heights, and then maneuver the all-terrain wheels around your yard. We could even navigate it in ultra-tight spaces, since the smaller size means it can get truly everywhere without issue. In fact, it felt more like vacuuming rather than mowing.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to attach an extension cord in order to reach your whole yard, and check the grass clippings bag often to make sure it’s not overflowing, as it can fill up quickly. And of course, it’s not the right pick for anyone with a particularly spacious yard. Still, we love how effective, fast, and maneuverable it is.
Price at time of publish: $99
Product Details:
Mower Type: Cordless
Fuel Type: Electric
Mowing Width: 14 inches
Extra Features: Grass bag
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for an effective, easy-to-use gas mower, you can’t go wrong with the Honda HRX217VKA 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower. Not only does it have a variety of helpful features, but it’s also durable, powerful, and is easy to use. If you prefer an electric mower, we recommend the Greenworks 25022 20-Inch Electric Corded Lawn Mower, which stands out for its lightweight design and lower price.
How to Shop for Lawn Mowers Like a Pro
Mower Type
There are over a dozen different types of mowers that exist, but some of the most popular options are push mowers (where you manually lead the mower across the grass), self-propelled mowers (where the transmission propels the mower forward), electric mowers (where a cable provides the mower’s power), gas mowers (where the engines run on oil), and battery-powered mowers (where a lithium-ion battery powers the mower). There’s no one “best” option—which type you choose should come down to factors including the size of your yard, the effort you want to put into mowing, and the value you put on convenience or sustainability.
“Gas mowers are more powerful and have longer run times but require more maintenance and can be more expensive upfront,” says Lowe’s Store Manager Gary McCoy, while “electric mowers are easier to start, light-weighted, and alternatively require less maintenance. However, they require a power source for corded models and may eventually require a battery replacement.”
McCoy notes that self-propelled mowers are ideal for people with larger lawns with hilly terrain, as “they require less effort and time to mow, mow over hills easier, reduce the effort of using a bagger, and are available with larger, more powerful engines.” Self-propelled and push mowers, meanwhile, “are great for those looking for an economical option that weighs less, offers more exercise, requires less maintenance, and allows total pace control.”
Fuel Type
When choosing between gas- or electric-powered motors, there are a few factors to consider, says McCoy. “Electric mowers are quieter and require less maintenance, but require charging, which can range from 30 minutes for quick-charge batteries to several hours.” Meanwhile, “gas-powered mowers offer more power and a longer run time, which is great for those who need to tackle elements like taller grass, leaf-covered lawns, and damp turf.”
For gas-powered mowers, you’ll likely need to use regular, unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher, and a 10 percent or less ethanol content. You can pick this up at most gas stations.
Yard Size
The size of your yard is very important when it comes to choosing a mower. “For example, the cut width of a riding lawn mower should be selected based on the number of acres it needs to cover on a regular basis,” says McCoy. Additionally, if you have a medium or large lawn, you’ll likely want to pick up a gas mower, since they last longer than electric and battery-powered mowers and cover more space.
Features
Some mowers come with extra features that can pose real benefits, such as chargers (for battery-operated mowers), grass bags (for picking up shards as you mow), or cord locks (to prevent the cord from disconnecting while you use the mower). “Zero turn radius (ZTR) is a popular feature to consider when shopping for a riding lawn mower,” says McCoy, as these mowers “can navigate a variety of obstacles, and feature front caster wheels that allow the mower to pivot at sharper angles than lawn or garden tractors. ZTR mowers also offer a wider range of attachments for those looking to leverage their mower’s capabilities year-round.”
If you’re opting for a gas mower, look for ones that have “a no-prime engine that allows the mower to be started quickly and easily, a blade brake clutch, which allows users to empty the grass-collection bag without restarting the mower, and torque measures—higher torque offers a better cut in tall or thick grass,” says McCoy. And for electric mowers, keep your eyes peeled for “a dual-battery system that extends cutting time, battery voltage (a higher measurement means more power), and a brushless motor, which can make better use of battery power.”
More Lawn Mowers to Consider
Toro 21465 22-Inch Recycler Gas Lawn Mower: Although this self-propelled gas mower moves smoothly and is very easy to start, adjusting the direction can be difficult and it can spew dust and dirt into the air as it goes. It’s also fairly bulky compared to other models.
Honda HRN216VKA 21-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower: Another self-propelled gas mower, this model does an excellent job mulching grass clippings and cutting through dense areas. Still, the bag latching area gets easily clogged with clippings, and in the self-propel function, the mower’s speed doesn’t seem to ramp up evenly.
Questions You Might Ask
Are gas or electric lawn mowers better?
It depends on the size of your yard, says Michael Felices, the former Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Master Mower. If you have a medium to large lawn, a gas mower might make more sense, as it won’t run on a battery that could run out before you’re finished with the job. Gas mowers also tend to be more durable and, often, less expensive. Electric mowers, however, are quieter, more eco-friendly, and convenient since you just have to pop in the battery.
When is the best time of day to mow the lawn?
Felices recommends mowing your lawn in the evening, as that’s when the temperature “is cooler and the yard has no dew.” Early morning, on the other hand, “would be the worst option, as cutting wet grass causes clumps and makes it susceptible to diseases.”
What kind of maintenance does a lawn mower need?
Depending on how old they are and how frequently you use them, gas mowers may require you to occasionally service the engine, sharpen the blade, and fix up the belt, says Felices. Electric mowers, on the other hand, “are great in that they need nothing except sharpening the blade,” he notes.
What is the lifespan of a lawn mower?
“With proper maintenance, a lawn mower should last eight to 10 years, on average,” says McCoy. To prevent having to replace yours much sooner than that, make sure to follow the maintenance tips provided above.
How much should you expect to pay for a lawn mower?
That depends on what kind of lawn mower you’re looking to buy. Riding mowers “can range from $2,000 up to $8,000”, says McCoy, “depending on the type of mower and attachments included.” As for push lawn mowers, “shoppers can expect to spend between $200 and $600 for a push lawn mower,” while self-propelled options are often priced between $300 and $1,500.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Rachel Simon, a writer for Real Simple, Better Homes & Gardens, The New York Times, and many other publications. To write this article, we tested a variety of lawn mowers in real world settings, evaluating them on setup, design, performance, usability, safety, and overall value. We also spoke to Michael Felices, the former Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Master Mower, and Gary McCoy, Lowe’s Store Manager serving Charlotte, North Carolina.
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