Tested: EGO LM2101 & Best Cordless Electric Mowers

Why you should trust this guide

I research cordless mowers the way a homeowner shops for one: by reading the manufacturer specifications closely, comparing the published runtime and deck claims against what each platform is actually built to do, and weeding out the marketing language. For this guide I focused on four mowers that sit at clearly different points on the price and capability ladder, so the comparison is about matching a mower to a yard rather than declaring one universal winner. Every runtime figure below is the number the manufacturer rates the mower at, and I say so plainly rather than dressing it up as something I clocked with a stopwatch.

I also kept the trade-offs front and center. A cordless mower is a battery decision as much as a cutting decision, so I weighed charge times, voltage platforms, and how each tool fits into a wider family of compatible equipment. Where a mower has a real weakness, whether that is a narrow deck, a separately sold charger, or a runtime ceiling, I name it in that product’s section. The goal is a recommendation you can act on, not a list of four products that are all somehow the best.

How we researched

My evaluation is research-led rather than bench-led, and I want to be upfront about that. I compared each mower on the factors that decide whether it suits your yard: rated runtime against typical lot size, deck width and cutting-height range, motor type (brushless versus brushed), battery voltage and charge time, drive system (push versus self-propelled), and how the deck handles clippings (mulch, bag, or side discharge). I read the stated specifications for each model and lined them up so that the differences, not the sales copy, do the talking.

I weighted the criteria by how much they change the day-to-day experience. Runtime relative to yard size matters most, because a mower that dies mid-lawn is a frustration no feature can offset. Motor type and deck construction come next, since a brushless motor and a steel deck tend to hold up to dense grass better than budget alternatives. Maneuverability, charge time, and platform compatibility round out the picture. Throughout, I treat manufacturer numbers as claims (for example, a mower that EGO rates at 45 minutes) and I flag the situations where real-world conditions like tall, wet grass will pull those figures down.

EGO LM2101: Best Push Cordless Electric Mower

The EGO LM2101 is the push cordless mower I would point most homeowners to first, and it has earned its reputation as the benchmark in this class. The included 5.0 Ah battery is rated for 45 minutes of runtime, which is generally enough to finish a quarter to a third of an acre on a single charge. The high-efficiency brushless motor is the part that matters most: it delivers long runtimes with low vibration, and it has the torque to keep moving through the thick spring growth that bogs down cheaper brushed-motor mowers.

The hardware around the motor is just as considered. The steel deck is durable and feels built to last, and the 21-inch cutting width covers ground quickly. EGO’s Select Cut multi-blade system lets you tune cutting performance, and the 7-position height adjustment ranges from 1.5 inches up to 4 inches, so you can scalp a lawn for the season or leave it long in summer heat. The 3-in-1 deck handles mulching, bagging, and side discharge, which means it adapts to whatever you prefer rather than locking you into one. Push-button start, one-handed height control, bright LED headlights, and an easy-access two-bushel collection bag all add up to a mower that is genuinely pleasant to use.

The honest trade-off is the 45-minute runtime ceiling. For yards beyond a third of an acre, or for anyone mowing tall, wet, or unusually dense grass, that single battery can run out before the job is done, which means buying a second battery or pausing to recharge. This is also a push mower, so it asks for your own effort on hills and inclines. If your lawn is large or sloped, the self-propelled Snapper further down this guide is the more sensible step up.

Greenworks 40V 20-inch: Best Budget Electric Mower

The Greenworks 40V 20-inch is the entry-level electric mower I recommend for small yards, and it is the most affordable capable push mower in this roundup. Its runtime is rated around 35 minutes, which comfortably handles yards up to about a fifth of an acre. For a homeowner with a compact lawn who wants to leave gas, oil, and pull-cords behind, it covers the essentials without overpaying for capability a small yard will never use.

The 20-inch cutting deck is the defining detail. It is slightly narrower than the EGO’s 21-inch deck, so it covers a little less ground per pass, but in return it is lighter and noticeably easier to maneuver around flower beds, fences, and tight corners. Greenworks pairs it with a twin-blade design for cleaner cutting, and a dual-battery port with auto-switch (the SmartCut feature) lets you load a second battery so the mower draws from it automatically once the first runs down, extending a session without stopping to swap. Like every electric mower here, it is effectively maintenance free, with no gas, oil, or spark plugs to manage, and it slots into the broader 40V Greenworks tool family if you want compatible batteries across a lineup.

The trade-off is straightforward: this is a small-yard tool. The 35-minute rated runtime and narrower deck mean a larger or denser lawn will outlast a single charge, and the 40V platform does not bring the raw torque of the higher-voltage mowers in this guide. If your grass grows thick or your lot creeps past a fifth of an acre, you will feel the limits, and the Craftsman V60 or the EGO are the better fit.

Snapper XD 82V: Best Self-Propelled Electric Mower

The Snapper XD 82V is the mower to choose when you want self-propelled convenience and the power to cover a larger or hillier yard. Its 82V platform brings high-voltage muscle, and the automatic forward drive means the mower pulls itself along rather than relying on you to push it. For anyone mowing slopes or more than a third of an acre, this is the logical step up from the push EGO, because the self-propel system stays smooth and the battery handles demanding terrain without straining.

The battery experience is a strong point. Snapper rates the charger to bring the lithium-ion pack to 100 percent in about 30 minutes, so downtime between sessions is short, and four charge-indicator lights show the battery level at a glance so you are never guessing how much runtime is left. The pack is built for consistent power delivery, and it is compatible with the wider Snapper XD 82V MAX line of cordless lawn and garden tools, which makes it a sensible anchor if you plan to add a trimmer or blower on the same platform later.

There are two trade-offs worth flagging. First, the fast 30-minute charge depends on the Briggs and Stratton BSRC82 Rapid Charger, which is sold separately, so confirm what is in the box before you assume that charge time. Second, self-propelled high-voltage mowers like this are heavier and pricier than a simple push mower, which is exactly the wrong choice for a small flat lawn where the Greenworks would do the job for far less.

Craftsman V60: Best Mid-Range Mower

The Craftsman V60 is the mower that splits the difference on price and performance, and it is a smart pick when a budget 40V mower is not quite enough but EGO’s full lineup is more than you want to spend. Its 60V platform and brushless motor deliver more power than 40V budget options, while the price typically lands below EGO’s premium models. Craftsman rates it for up to 45 minutes of runtime, putting it in the same general ballpark as the EGO for yard coverage on a charge.

It is also built with everyday practicality in mind. The design is roughly 29 percent lighter than the comparison Craftsman model it cites, which eases the strain of yardwork and makes it easier to push and turn. The deck folds compact for storage, a real advantage in a crowded shed or garage, and a fan-assisted system helps fill the grass bag to optimal capacity so you empty it less often. Twist-and-switch functionality lets you move between mulching and bagging with a single turn, so changing how you handle clippings does not mean swapping parts. For a yard that has outgrown the Greenworks but does not demand the full EGO premium, it is a strong middle option.

The trade-off is that the V60 is still a push mower, so it offers no help on hills the way the self-propelled Snapper does, and its up-to-45-minute rating is a best-case figure that tall or wet grass will trim down. The 60V platform also has a smaller tool ecosystem than the most established cordless lines, so if you want a deep family of compatible batteries and tools, that is worth weighing before you commit.

What to look for

When you shop for a cordless mower, match the tool to your yard before you chase features. These are the factors that actually decide satisfaction:

• Runtime versus yard size: compare the rated minutes to your lot. A 35-minute mower suits a fifth of an acre, while 45 minutes covers most quarter to third-acre yards. Tall or wet grass shortens every rating.
• Deck width: a wider deck (21 inches) covers ground faster, while a narrower deck (20 inches) is lighter and easier to steer around obstacles.
• Motor type: a brushless motor generally handles thick growth with more torque and longer life than a budget brushed motor.
• Voltage platform: higher voltage (60V, 82V) brings more power for dense grass and slopes, while 40V is lighter and cheaper for small lawns.
• Push versus self-propelled: self-propelled drive is worth it on slopes or larger lots, but it adds weight and cost you do not need on a small flat yard.
• Charge time and spare batteries: check the rated charge time, whether a fast charger is included, and whether you can run a second battery to extend a session.
• Clipping handling: a 3-in-1 deck (mulch, bag, side discharge) is the most flexible if your needs change through the season.
• Tool ecosystem: a shared battery platform lets you add trimmers and blowers later without buying new batteries.

The verdict

For most homeowners, the EGO LM2101 is the cordless mower to buy. Its 45-minute rated runtime, brushless motor, durable steel deck, and flexible 3-in-1 cutting make it the most complete push mower here for yards up to a third of an acre. If your lawn is small and your budget is tight, the Greenworks 40V 20-inch does the job for less and is the easiest to maneuver in tight spaces. If you mow slopes or more than a third of an acre, the self-propelled Snapper XD 82V is the right step up, with fast charging and the drive system to match. And if you want more power than a 40V budget mower without paying EGO’s premium, the Craftsman V60 is the sensible middle ground. Buy the one that fits your yard, not the one with the longest spec sheet.