Maintaining a well-manicured lawn is not just about aesthetics—it’s about preserving the health, value, and usability of your outdoor space. However, without the right lawn mower, yard work can become a frustrating and time-consuming chore. Fortunately, modern lawn mowers come in a wide range of designs tailored to every need, from compact electric mowers for urban homes to powerful gas-powered models for expansive lawns. Moreover, features like self-propulsion, mulching capabilities, adjustable deck heights, and battery efficiency can make a huge difference in performance and comfort. With this in mind, we’ve compiled a detailed guide to the best lawn mowers available today. Whether you have a tiny patch of grass or an acre to mow, you’ll find the perfect machine to keep your lawn looking lush, clean, and professionally cut—all with minimal effort and maximum precision.

Best Lawn Mowers

1. Honda HRX217VKA 21-Inch Gas Lawn Mower

Powered by a reliable 200cc Honda GCV engine known for smooth starts and high torque
Features the exclusive Versamow system for mulching, bagging, discharging, or shredding leaves
Includes a Clip Director lever that allows you to choose your preferred grass disposal method without tools
Self-propelled with a variable speed Smart Drive system, making it suitable for hills and uneven terrain
Durable 21-inch NeXite cutting deck is corrosion-resistant and backed by a lifetime warranty
Offers seven cutting height positions, easily adjustable with a dual-lever system
High-capacity bag minimizes trips to the compost bin
Designed for both performance and longevity, ideal for serious lawn enthusiasts
Rear-wheel drive ensures better traction on slopes or wet grass
Best for homeowners who demand professional-grade results from a residential mower

2. EGO Power+ LM2102SP 21-Inch Cordless Electric Lawn Mower

Powered by a high-efficiency 56V lithium-ion battery offering up to 60 minutes of runtime
Self-propelled with variable speed control to match your walking pace
Weather-resistant build with durable polymer deck and folding design for easy storage
Includes rapid charger that recharges the battery in under an hour
Compatible with other EGO tools, making it ideal for brand loyalty and ecosystem efficiency
Quiet operation with LED headlights for early or late-day mowing
Offers 3-in-1 functionality: mulching, bagging, and side discharge
Six-position deck height adjustment for versatile lawn care across seasons
Battery power means no gas, no fumes, and less maintenance
Excellent for eco-conscious homeowners seeking cordless freedom and strong cutting power

3. Greenworks 25022 20-Inch 3-in-1 Electric Corded Lawn Mower

Equipped with a powerful 12-amp motor that handles thick grass with ease
20-inch steel deck ensures a strong, consistent cut over medium-sized lawns
No gas or charging required—just plug in and go, ideal for smaller yards
Includes 3-in-1 capability for mulching, side discharge, or rear bag collection
Seven-position height adjustment lever provides cutting heights from 1.5 to 3.75 inches
Folds flat for compact storage in garages or sheds
Lightweight design (under 60 pounds) makes it easy to maneuver around obstacles
Push-button start eliminates pull cords and startup hassle
Best suited for those who want reliable performance without dealing with fuel or batteries
Excellent option for suburban users with access to outdoor power outlets

4. Troy-Bilt TB110 21-Inch Gas Push Lawn Mower

Powered by a 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine known for reliable starts and consistent output
TriAction cutting system combines a rake bumper, specialized blade, and symmetrical deck for better grass lift
Lightweight push design makes it easier to handle in small to medium yards
Offers six cutting height adjustments ranging from 1.25 to 3.75 inches
Includes mulching and side discharge capabilities, along with a rear bag for clippings
11-inch rear wheels improve maneuverability over uneven ground or roots
Easy to assemble and maintain, with a low-maintenance engine
Great value for budget-conscious buyers who still want durability and function
Side handle provides easy lifting and repositioning
Best for first-time mower owners or users with flat lawns and simple terrain

5. Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO 14-Inch Electric Lawn Mower

Compact and lightweight electric mower designed for small lawns and tight spaces
Powered by a 13-amp motor that offers ample strength for regular grass trimming
14-inch steel blade ensures clean cuts and efficient mowing in narrow areas
Detachable 10.6-gallon grass bag collects clippings for clean disposal
Three-position manual height adjustment allows simple changes between trims
Extension cord retention hook keeps cord securely connected while in use
No oil, gas, or maintenance required—ideal for busy users
ETL-approved and backed by a two-year warranty for peace of mind
Perfect for townhouse yards, city gardens, or anyone with limited storage
A top choice for hassle-free, affordable lawn care in compact environments

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Lawn Mower

Choosing the best lawn mower is more than just picking the one with the sharpest blade or biggest wheels. It involves assessing your lawn size, terrain, cutting preferences, and physical capabilities. The right mower will not only save you time and effort but will also contribute to a healthier, more attractive lawn.

Type of Mower

There are several types of mowers to consider, each with its own advantages.

Push mowers: Ideal for flat, small lawns. They are lighter and generally less expensive.
Self-propelled mowers: Excellent for larger yards or hilly terrain. These use engine power to turn the wheels.
Riding mowers: Best for very large properties (½ acre or more).
Electric (corded or cordless): Eco-friendly and quieter than gas-powered models.
Gas-powered: Provide more power and runtime, but require more maintenance.

Evaluate your terrain and workload before committing to a specific style.

Lawn Size

Match your mower to the square footage of your yard.

Under ¼ acre: Electric or manual push mowers are suitable.
¼ to ½ acre: Cordless battery mowers or lightweight gas models are ideal.
Over ½ acre: Consider a gas self-propelled mower or a riding mower for efficiency.

Mower deck size should also correspond to yard size. Larger decks (20–22 inches) cut more per pass, speeding up the job.

Cutting Features

A good mower should offer multiple cutting options to manage grass clippings:

Mulching: Chops grass into fine bits and returns them to the soil as fertilizer.
Bagging: Collects clippings for composting or disposal.
Side discharge: Shoots grass out the side, usually for larger lawns where cleanup is less important.

Having all three functions gives you more control and flexibility.

Height Adjustability

Adjustable cutting heights are essential for dealing with seasonal grass changes or different turf types. Most mowers offer between 3 and 7 height levels. A wider range means greater adaptability and healthier grass.

Ease of Use

Consider the mower’s weight, starting mechanism, and handle comfort.

Push-button start: More convenient than pull cords.
Padded handles: Reduce strain during longer mow sessions.
Folding designs: Help maximize storage space.
Speed controls: Allow self-propelled mowers to match your walking pace.

Choose a mower you feel physically comfortable operating for 30–60 minutes at a time.

Power Source and Runtime

Battery-powered mowers should offer 40–60 minutes of operation per charge. Dual-battery systems or fast chargers are great for bigger yards. On the other hand, gas models offer unlimited runtime but require fueling and oil changes.

FAQs

Q1: How often should I mow my lawn?
Generally, once per week during the growing season is ideal. However, mowing frequency can vary based on grass type and weather.

Q2: Is mulching better than bagging?
Mulching returns nutrients to the soil, which can help grass grow thicker. However, bagging may be better if your lawn has weeds or the grass is very long.

Q3: Are electric mowers powerful enough?
Yes, especially for smaller to medium-sized yards. Battery and corded models have improved significantly in recent years and now rival gas options in many cases.

Q4: How long do lawn mowers last?
With proper care, most lawn mowers last 7–10 years. Battery life for cordless models may require replacement every 3–5 years.

Q5: Can I use the same mower for all seasons?
Most mowers are designed for warm-weather grass cutting. However, some models with leaf shredding functions can be used in fall for cleanup.

Q6: What kind of oil should I use for my gas mower?
Typically, SAE 30 is recommended for small engines in warm climates. Always check your owner’s manual.

Q7: How do I store my mower during winter?
Clean the mower thoroughly, empty the fuel tank (for gas models), charge the battery, and store it in a dry, cool place.

Q8: Can I use a riding mower for a small yard?
You can, but it may be overkill. Smaller, more agile mowers are usually better for tight spaces.

Pro Tips for Mower Maintenance and Usage

Sharpen blades twice a season to ensure clean cuts and reduce stress on grass
Always mow when the grass is dry to avoid clumping and potential damage to the mower
Keep tires inflated and check oil regularly on gas-powered models
Clean the deck after every use to prevent grass buildup and rust
Charge batteries only as recommended to maximize battery life
Alternate mowing patterns weekly to prevent grass from leaning in one direction
Raise cutting height during droughts to reduce stress on your lawn
Use ear and eye protection with louder gas models for safe operation

Comparison Table

Product Name	Power Source	Cut Width	Features	Best For
Honda HRX217VKA	Gas	21 in	Versamow system, self-propelled	Large lawns and precise control
EGO Power+ LM2102SP	Battery	21 in	Cordless, LED, self-propelled	Eco-friendly users with mid-size yards
Greenworks 25022	Corded Electric	20 in	3-in-1, lightweight	Small to mid-size suburban lawns
Troy-Bilt TB110	Gas	21 in	TriAction system, push	Budget-friendly, simple mowing
Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO	Corded Electric	14 in	Compact, lightweight	Small yards or narrow mowing paths

Conclusion

Ultimately, choosing the best lawn mower is about matching your property’s needs with the mower’s capabilities. From electric models designed for quiet and clean urban mowing to gas-powered workhorses meant for rugged or sloped terrains, today’s mowers offer something for every kind of homeowner. If you’re looking for professional-grade results, the Honda HRX217VKA is hard to beat with its innovative features and engine reliability. Meanwhile, if you prefer an eco-friendly alternative without sacrificing performance, the EGO Power+ LM2102SP brings power and versatility in a battery-powered package. For those who want affordable efficiency, both Troy-Bilt and Greenworks deliver solid value, while the compact Sun Joe MJ401E-PRO is perfect for small urban spaces.

With the right mower in your arsenal, mowing becomes less of a chore and more of a quick, satisfying task that keeps your yard looking its best week after week.