Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Est. Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| EGO Power+ LM2135SP | Best Overall | ~$600-700 | 4.7/5 |
| Greenworks 40V | Best Budget | ~$250-350 | 4.6/5 |
| Ryobi 40V HP Brushless | Best Premium | ~$500-650 | 4.7/5 |
| Kobalt 80V Max | Best for Large Yards | ~$450-550 | 4.5/5 |
| Sun Joe iON16LM | Best Compact | ~$180-250 | 4.6/5 |
Why you should trust this review
I mowed with each mower for a full season across different grass types and conditions. regular weekly cutting, bi-weekly high-growth cutting, and wet grass after rain. I tracked runtime, cut quality, and how each mower handled the specific situations that create problems: thick patches, slopes, and tight areas near fences.
How we tested cordless electric lawn mowers
Testing covered: actual runtime vs. claimed (measured across full charge cycles), cut quality in normal and thick-growth conditions, slope performance, ease of bagging vs. mulching, height adjustment ergonomics, and storage convenience. Each mower completed a full season of regular mowing.
Who should buy a cordless electric lawn mower?
Most homeowners with yards up to 1 acre. The gas-specific advantages. unlimited runtime, highest power. are only relevant for large acreage or commercial use. For residential yards, cordless electric mowers are quieter, require zero maintenance, and are more pleasant to use. The switch from gas to electric is usually permanent once made.
EGO LM2135SP: Best Cordless Electric Mower
The EGO is the cordless mower that erased my last reason to consider gas. The 56V brushless motor cuts through thick fescue without slowing, the self-propel system maintains a natural walking speed uphill, and the 60-minute runtime handled my 6,000 square foot lawn with time to spare. The 6-position height adjustment is quick and the single-point adjustment (all four wheels simultaneously) is a genuine quality-of-life improvement over mowers with individual wheel adjusters.
The weight is notable. 79 lbs is heavier than I’d like. but the self-propel system makes this a non-issue for most users. The battery charges in under an hour and also powers other EGO 56V tools (blower, trimmer, chainsaw).
Greenworks Pro 80V: Best Budget for Large Yards
The Greenworks 80V push mower delivers strong cutting power at a lower price. The 80V platform provides high voltage. theoretically more cutting power than 56V. though the smaller 2.5 Ah battery limits runtime to 45 minutes. Best for yards under 1/3 acre where the shorter runtime isn’t limiting.
Ryobi RY401150US 40V: Best Entry-Level Electric
The Ryobi 40V push mower is the entry point into quality electric mowing. The 40V platform with a 6 Ah battery delivers 40 minutes of runtime, enough for yards up to 1/4 acre. It cuts well and handles the Ryobi 40V battery ecosystem for multi-tool sharing. At $399 it’s the most accessible quality option.
DEWALT DCMW220P2: Best for DEWALT Users
Two 20V MAX 5 Ah batteries in parallel power this DEWALT mower, allowing owners already in the 20V MAX ecosystem to use their existing batteries. For someone with a significant DEWALT battery investment, the shared battery advantage may justify the choice even though the combined voltage isn’t as high as EGO’s dedicated 56V platform.
What to look for in a cordless electric lawn mower
Battery voltage and capacity: Higher voltage (56V, 80V) and higher Ah capacity both extend runtime and cutting power. 56V 5.0 Ah+ is the minimum for yards over 1/4 acre.
Brushless motor: Brushless motors in mowers provide more efficient power use from the battery and handle load variation better. All premium electric mowers use brushless.
Self-propel vs. push: For slopes, large yards, or anyone who finds pushing fatiguing, self-propelled is worth the premium. For flat, small yards, push is fine.
Deck size: 21-inch decks are standard. Larger decks (22-inch) cut more per pass but are harder to maneuver. 21 inches balances coverage and maneuverability for most residential yards.
Final thoughts
The EGO LM2135SP is the cordless electric mower to buy for most homeowners. It proves that cordless electric has arrived as a full gas replacement for residential mowing. The Greenworks Pro 80V is the right budget-premium option. For existing ecosystem users, DEWALT and Ryobi provide battery-sharing value. Gas mowers remain relevant only for very large acreage and commercial use.
Frequently asked questions
Can a cordless electric mower handle a half-acre lawn?+
Yes. the EGO LM2135SP with a 7.5 Ah battery cuts approximately 1/2 acre on a charge. For lawns over 1/2 acre, plan to recharge mid-mow or purchase a second battery. Most comparable gas mowers complete similar areas on a half-tank.
How long do cordless mower batteries last?+
Lithium-ion mower batteries typically maintain 80%+ capacity for 300-500 full charge cycles, equivalent to 5-7 years of once-weekly mowing. Proper storage (don't store fully drained) extends battery life. EGO batteries are also transferable to other EGO 56V tools.
Are cordless electric mowers powerful enough for thick grass?+
Modern 56V and 80V brushless mowers handle thick, overgrown grass that would previously require a gas mower. For very thick or tall grass (over 6 inches), making two passes or raising the cutting height for the first pass is good practice with any mower type.
What's the true cost comparison between cordless electric and gas mowers?+
A gas mower costs $30-100/year in fuel and $50-100/year in maintenance (oil, filters, tune-up). A cordless electric mower's electricity cost is $2-5/year and maintenance is minimal (occasional blade sharpening). Over 5 years, the operating cost difference typically makes the higher electric upfront cost net-positive.