Battery-powered lawn mowers have become a mainstream choice for homeowners who want less noise, no gas, and easier maintenance. Gas mowers still set the benchmark for raw power and long-term durability, but modern cordless models now cut well enough to replace gas on most residential lawns.
To keep this comparison useful, we picked three popular cordless mowers that represent three different budgets and yard sizes: the EGO Power+ LM2156SP as the premium choice, the Toro 60V Max 21″ Super Recycler (21566) as the mid-range all-rounder, and the Greenworks 40V 16″ Cordless Mower as the budget pick.
Our Three Picks at a Glance
| Spec | EGO Power+ LM2156SP | Toro 60V Max Super Recycler (21566) | Greenworks 40V 16″ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Medium to large yards, premium performance | Medium yards, all-round value | Small yards and tight budgets |
| Deck size | 21 in | 21 in | 16 in |
| Battery | 56V, 10.0Ah (included) | 60V Max, 7.5Ah (405Wh) | 40V, 4.0Ah |
| Runtime (per charge) | Up to about 75 minutes | Up to about 50 minutes | Up to about 40 minutes |
| Drive | Self-propelled, variable speed 0.9 to 3.1 mph | Personal Pace self-propelled, up to 4 mph | Push (not self-propelled) |
| Cutting height | 1.5 to 4 in, 7 positions | 1 to 4 in, 4 positions | 1.25 to 3.375 in, 5 positions |
| Cutting modes | Mulch, bag, side discharge; Select Cut XP multi-blade | Mulch, bag (1.8 bushel), optional side discharge; dual blade | 2-in-1 mulch and bag |
| Charge time | Depends on charger; 700W Turbo Charger is available | About 180 minutes | About 120 minutes |
| Weight | Roughly 65 lb with battery (listings vary) | Listed at about 100 lb by some dealers (likely shipping weight) | About 37.8 lb |
| Warranty | 5 years tool and battery (with registration) | 5 years residential, 3 years battery | 3 years tool and battery |
| Price | About $879 with battery and charger | $849 MSRP, often about $799 on sale | About $239.99 on sale ($349.99 list) |
Specifications and prices come from retailer listings, manufacturer information, and published reviews. They vary by kit, retailer, and season, so confirm details before buying.
1. EGO Power+ LM2156SP: Best Premium Pick
The EGO Power+ LM2156SP is one of the most frequently recommended cordless mowers, praised for gas-like cutting power, low maintenance, strong cut quality, and long battery runtime. It is a 21-inch, 56-volt self-propelled mower with EGO’s Select Cut XP multi-blade system and Touch Drive technology.
Key specs
- Deck and blades: 21-inch deck with Select Cut XP multi-blade cutting
- Battery: 56V, 10.0Ah included, with up to about 75 minutes of runtime
- Self-propel: variable speed from about 0.9 to 3.1 mph
- Cutting height: 1.5 to 4 inches in 7 positions
- Warranty: 5-year tool and battery warranty with registration
Price
About $879 with the 10.0Ah battery and charger included.
Pros
- Longest runtime of the three
- Strong, even cut with gas-like power
- Variable-speed drive that adjusts to your pace
- Long warranty
Cons
- Highest price
- Heavier than a basic push mower
- Battery and charger options can be confusing, since different kits include different batteries
2. Toro 60V Max 21″ Super Recycler (21566): Best All-Rounder
Toro’s Super Recycler is one of the most popular cordless push-or-propel mowers. It combines Toro’s Recycler mulching design with a 60V brushless motor and the Personal Pace drive system, which adjusts the speed to match how fast you walk.
Key specs
- Deck: 21-inch cast-aluminum deck with a dual-blade system
- Battery: 60V Max, 7.5Ah (405Wh), up to about 50 minutes of runtime
- Drive: Personal Pace auto-drive, rear-wheel drive, up to 4 mph
- Cutting height: 1 to 4 inches
- Bag: 1.8 bushel capacity, with mulching and optional side discharge
- Storage: SmartStow design lets you store it upright
- Warranty: 5-year residential, 3-year battery
Price
$849 MSRP, with retailers often discounting it to around $799.
Pros
- Excellent mulching performance
- Personal Pace drive is easy to use
- Stores upright to save garage space
- Solid warranty
Cons
- Shorter runtime than the EGO
- Slower charging, at about three hours
- Fewer cutting height positions
3. Greenworks 40V 16″: Best Budget Pick
The Greenworks 40V 16-inch mower is one of the best-selling cordless mowers on the market, mostly because of its low price and light weight. It is a push mower made for small yards.
Key specs
- Deck: 16 inches, with a 2-in-1 mulch and bag system
- Battery: 40V, 4.0Ah, up to about 40 minutes of runtime, about 120 minutes to charge
- Cutting height: 1.25 to 3.375 inches in 5 positions
- Weight: about 37.8 lb
- Coverage: up to about one third of an acre
- Handle: folds for compact storage
- Warranty: 3 years on the tool and battery
Price
Around $239.99 when on sale, with a list price of $349.99.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Light and easy to maneuver
- Folds away for small storage spaces
Cons
- Small 16-inch deck means more passes
- No self-propel
- Shorter runtime than the others
Head-to-Head Comparison
Power and cut quality
The EGO leads with its multi-blade deck and strong motor, closely followed by the Toro, which excels at mulching. The Greenworks is perfectly capable on small, level lawns but is not designed for thick or tall grass.
Runtime
The EGO runs up to about 75 minutes, the Toro about 50, and the Greenworks about 40. For larger lawns, a second battery is a good idea with any of them.
Ease of use
Both the EGO and Toro are self-propelled, which makes a big difference on slopes and larger lawns. The Greenworks is light enough that a push mower is fine for small yards.
Price and value
The Greenworks costs about a third of the others. The Toro often undercuts the EGO slightly and delivers a similar experience, while the EGO offers more runtime and a longer warranty on both tool and battery.
Warranty
EGO and Toro both offer 5 years on the mower, with EGO also covering the battery for 5 years versus Toro’s 3. Greenworks offers 3 years.
Which Lawn Mower Should You Buy?
- Choose the EGO Power+ LM2156SP if you have a medium to large lawn, want the longest runtime, and are willing to pay for premium performance.
- Choose the Toro 60V Super Recycler if you want a well-rounded self-propelled mower with great mulching and easy upright storage, often at a slightly lower price.
- Choose the Greenworks 40V 16″ if you have a small yard and want a light, low-cost cordless mower.
Cordless vs Gas Mowers
Gas mowers still offer the most raw power and unlimited runtime if you carry fuel, but they need oil changes, spark plugs, and fuel storage. Battery mowers are quieter, start with a push of a button, and need very little maintenance. For most suburban lawns, a good cordless mower is now more than enough, though very large lawns, thick grass, or commercial use may still favor gas.
Buying Tips
- Match deck size and runtime to your lawn size, and consider a second battery if your lawn takes longer than one charge.
- Check which battery and charger come in the kit, since many models are sold bare or in several bundles.
- Consider a battery platform. If you already own tools from EGO, Toro, or Greenworks, you may be able to share batteries.
- Look at warranty length for both the mower and the battery.
- Think about storage. Upright-storing or folding handles save space.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a cordless lawn mower battery last?
Runtime varies from about 40 minutes on the Greenworks to about 75 minutes on the EGO with its 10.0Ah battery. Thick grass, slopes, and self-propel use drain batteries faster.
Are battery lawn mowers as powerful as gas?
Premium models like the EGO and Toro cut close to gas performance on typical residential lawns, though gas still has the edge in extreme conditions.
What is the best cordless mower for a small yard?
The Greenworks 40V 16″ is a popular, light, and inexpensive choice for small lawns.
Is a self-propelled mower worth it?
Yes, especially for lawns larger than a few thousand square feet or with slopes. It reduces effort and fatigue.
Which mower has the best warranty?
The EGO offers 5 years on both the tool and the battery with registration, which is the strongest of the three.
Final Thoughts
All three mowers are popular for good reasons. The EGO is the premium option with the best runtime, the Toro is the balanced all-rounder, and the Greenworks is the budget-friendly choice for small yards. Match the mower to your lawn size and budget, check current prices, and consider a spare battery for bigger jobs.
Prices, specifications, and warranties are based on retailer listings, manufacturer information, and published reviews at the time of writing, and may change. Weights and runtimes vary by source and kit. Verify details with the manufacturers and retailers before purchasing.
