Battery lawn mowers have experienced significant improvements in grass cutting efficiency and battery capacity. With dozens and dozens of models to choose from, Consumer Reports released their test results from 50 different mowers.

Consumer Reports tested the mowers under “consistent” and “ideal” conditions, meaning an obstacle-free, flat yard. For consumers, the choice of battery lawn mower will depend on their physical stamina. To help, Consumer Reports divided their test among push and self-propelled examples.

Battery self-propelled mowers typically give 10 fewer minutes of mowing time than push powers because of energy expenditure for motion. Nevertheless, they cut slightly faster, covering more area than a push mower in the same time—roughly 2,500 sq. ft more.

Although it’s pricey, you’ll get a lot for your money. Consumer Reports rates it high for its mulching ability and discharge, keeping up with thick grass under the 21-inch deck, also providing excellent handling and lower noise levels than others. The Greenworks has a runtime of nearly 75 minutes when you swap in the included extra battery. Moreover, its four-year warranty on both the mower and the battery is favorable in a market that usually provides only three.

Consumer Reports judged the Ryobi nearly perfect in all categories, apart from bagging, for which it still received a high rating. With 75 minutes of cutting time with the extra battery, this 21-inch mower can also be easily stored upright; it also comes with a generous five-year warranty.

Most may balk at the price; however, the Ego is one of the most capable and versatile in the segment. With a 21-inch deck and two consecutively running batteries, it can tackle two hours of mowing time and excels on uneven terrain. The mower’s batteries can also be used in other Ego-branded power tools, leading to potential cost savings. A five-year warranty on the mowers and the batteries means future mowing trouble can be mitigated.

If $1,000 sounds too much, you can opt for its baby brother. Users can still experience the ease of handling and rugged dependability of the more expensive model, sacrificing only a tiny amount of mulching and charge time superiority. The manufacturer warranty is three years instead of five for the battery, but you can still use them in all your Ego power tools.

With a 21½-inch-wide deck, the DeWalt puts more blade coverage to grass, thus lessening the time needed to put lines in your yard. Regardless, its 70-minute runtime on two 20-volt batteries will ensure you have excellent mulching and the ability to put down an even cut. The DeWalt carries potential downsides of average bagging capability, standard three-year warranty, and a battery charging time of more than nine hours.

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If your mowing conditions are obstacle-free and relatively flat, you may want to opt for a battery push mower. While it will take longer to cut, a mower’s simplicity can lead to better reliability.

Since the Ryobi comes with two batteries—one you can swap the other for midway through mowing—you can cut for an hour and a half before charging, more than any push mower Consumer Reports tested. The 21-inch mower provides great performance in mulching, discharging, and evenness of cut; it comes with a five-year mower warranty and three-year battery warranty from the factory.  

This moderately-priced 21½-inch mower has an 80-minute runtime from two batteries used simultaneously, helping you power through grass. Although it provides less than stellar bagging capabilities and a slow, seven-hour charge time, it’s a powerful mulcher, discharges easily, and is one of the quietest mowers on the market. Additionally, it comes with a respectable three-year battery warranty and a three-year mower warranty.

DR Power Equipment’s 21-inch lawn mower can take on one-third of an acre in 70 minutes using one battery. If that isn’t enough, the battery can be charged in just over an hour. However, its warranties leave something to be desired: one year for the battery and two for the machine itself.

Notwithstanding the battery mower type, treating it right can help its longevity. Here’s how to get the most out of your mower:

Don’t let your yard get out of control. Mow on a regular schedule, so you only cut a few inches off the top rather than baling hay and wearing down your battery.

Sharpen blades once a month during the mowing season. Dull blades require more energy to cut.

Charge batteries between mowing, and don’t store them in the mower when not in use.

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