5 Best Electric Lawn Mowers, Tested & Reviewed (2024)

Combining performance and power, this lawn mower will have your front yard spruced up in no time. It features a whopping 75 minutes of claimed run time on a single charge, so you shouldn’t have to recharge before you’ve finished up.

In their review, our partners at Popular Mechanics were impressed with the lawn mower’s outstanding cut quality, intuitive drive control and excellent bagging.

Our pros also appreciate that you can choose among seven cutting height positions as well as three interchangeable blades for the perfect cut. Also convenient is that the lawn mower’s battery can be used across all Ego appliances, though keep in mind that it is sold separately.

In our tests, we found this push lawn mower to be exceptionally easy to control and maneuver, thanks to a well-thought-out design, which includes large 10-inch rear wheels and smaller 7-inch front wheels. Our pros pointed out that it’s lightweight and quiet when in operation, and we appreciate the seven cutting-height positions.

While its cutting width is smaller than other models in our test and run time is only up to 30 minutes, this battery-powered mower should be sufficient for a small- to mid-sized yard.

Fans of perfectly groomed and manicured lawns should look no further than this electric lawn mower from Toro. Thanks to its 3/4-inch-diameter steel roller at the rear of the mower, it amplifies the degree of striping created more than other lawn mowers on the market.

In field tests, our pros were impressed with the mower’s even cutting performance and smooth handling, which we’ve seen across other Toro mowers. We also like that this model features a sizeable 7.5-Ah battery with claimed run time up to 65 minutes. Storage is simple since it conveniently folds up.

Our experts point out, however, that this electric mower is heavy and slower than other self-propelled mowers we’ve tested and may not be the best choice for those in a rush.

Ryobi is a leader among manufacturers of battery-powered tools. Our pros like this electric walk-behind lawn mower because handling and navigation are a breeze with the self-propelled feature. Our testers were most impressed by the machine’s effective mowing and mulching.

We also appreciate extra add-ons like an LED light for when the sun sets as well as vertical storage that makes the mower easy to squeeze into a garage or shed. Though it’s not quite as nimble around sharp corners and a bit tougher to push uphill, most new homeowners and novice mowers will be satisfied with its lengthy 70-minute run time on a single charge.

Toro has previously impressed our outdoor gear and appliances experts in Lab tests, and this model is no exception. While it’s on the pricier side, it’s also one of the most powerful and suitable for yards up to half an acre large. Our partners at Popular Mechanics agreed. “Not only is the Toro a highly efficient mower, it accomplishes this while turning in incredible cutting, mulching, and bagging performance,” says Senior Home Editor Roy Berendsohn.

Just note that run time is under an hour, but hopefully you'll be done mowing much sooner than that, thanks to the mower's effectiveness.

The experts and engineers at the Good Housekeeping Institute regularly test mowers and tractors. When choosing the best electric lawn mowers, we considered brands that have performed well over the years and have proven to be reliable in power equipment testing. We also keep up with the latest models and innovations at trade shows and other industry events.

When making our selections we first review each electric mower's specs, considering factors such as swaths, noise and battery run times. To assess performance, we test mowers on a variety of terrains and inclines. Lastly, we take special note of each mower's ease of use and operation, noting whether handles are comfortable, bags are easy to mount and dismount and whether the deck is convenient to raise and lower.

✔️ Battery: Opting for a battery-powered lawn mower means that you'll want the best battery life possible, especially if you have a large yard. Before making a purchase, double-check the estimated run time of your mower. While some lawn mowers provide power for over an hour, others are limited to 30–45 minutes and will require more frequent recharges.

✔️ Cutting width: The cutting width, or deck width, refers to the lawn mower's deck diameter and how widely it cuts over grass. The wider the deck, the more efficient your cutting experience will be since the mower can make fewer passes in a given area.

✔️ Voltage: Generally speaking, the higher the voltage, the bigger the lawn mower's battery and the more powerful it'll be. This means that it should be able to run longer on a single charge and better handle larger yards. Just keep in mind that larger batteries usually add more weight to your lawn mower, which is why smaller yard owners don't necessarily need to opt for the highest voltage.

✔️ Features: Extra features and accessories can make getting the job done easier than ever. Consider LED lights if you want to mow as the sun is setting as well as electric-start buttons for quick operation. You'll also want to consider whether you want a self-propelled or push lawn mower (the former pushes itself while the latter requires you to push).

For a more detailed breakdown of all types of mowers, check out Popular Mechanics' lawn mower buying guide.

Absolutely. "Now that major improvements in battery technology have moved electric mowers into the mainstream, they're a worthy alternative to gas-powered mowers," said Director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab, Dan DiClerico.

Keep in mind that you'll have to pay a few hundred dollars more than a comparable gas unit, but you’ll get some of that back over the life of the equipment by not having to pay for fuel. Plus, the maintenance costs (including time and money) are much lower with electric lawn mowers.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab provides expert reviews and advice on outdoor gear.

GH Institute writer and product analyst Olivia Lipski covers everything from consumer electronics to home, fitness, travel and more and frequently collaborates with the Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab to cover topics like humidifiers, under-sink water filters, smart toilets and more.

To write this review, she worked with the Director of the Home Improvement and Outdoor Lab, Dan DiClerico, who brings 25 years of experience to the Institute, having reviewed thousands of products, including all kinds of outdoor power equipment, for Good Housekeeping, as well as brands like Consumer Reports and This Old House. During his time at the Institute, he has evaluated all types of lawn mowers for their ease of assembly, mowing power and maintenance.