Self propelled cordless lawnmower. Best cordless lawn mower 2023: top battery-powered…

Best cordless lawn mower 2023: top battery-powered trimmers for tackling turf

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If you haven’t tried the best cordless lawn mower yet, now’s the time. Aside from the safety aspect of not having a 240-volt cable within splitting distance of a fast-spinning blade, the best thing about cordless lawn mowers is the time saver of not having to unfurl the cable in the first place – and possibly an extension lead if your lawn’s on the large side – along with the constant lassoing around plant pots and garden furniture that mowing with an electric lawn mower invariably entails.

Today’s battery-powered mowers are invariably as powerful as their electric-driven associates while their high-tech Lithium Ion batteries are quick to charge and provide between 25 and 60 minutes of hassle-free mowing – plenty long enough for the average UK garden. Really, nab yourself one of these efficient cutting-edge sward swallowers and you’ll be back in the hot tub faster than a squirrel up a tree.

This buyers’ guide deals specifically with the best cordless lawn mowers on the market, which means every model in the list is battery powered. For smaller gardens that don’t need much work, we can also recommend best small lawnmowers. They may be small but still get the job done well!

And if cordless is not what you want, we also have guides to the best petrol lawn mowers and the best robot lawn mowers.

Best cordless lawnmowers ranking 2023

Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Reasons to avoid

Ego is fast becoming the Rolls Royce of cordless lawn mowers – and most other cordless garden machinery for that matter – and for good reason since not only are the US company’s brushless motors and batteries on another level of power and efficiency, but the superb build quality and attention to design detail they put into their products is so plain to see.

At around 31kgs, the imposingly black and very stylish self-propelled Ego LM2021E-SP is actually lighter than many similar-sized models so it can be easily pushed if necessary. This mower comes equipped with a 50cm steel cutting deck and a gargantuan 56-volt 5Ah ARC Lithium battery system that powers the beast for up to about 40 minutes at a time. Ego states that the supplied 5Ah battery is good for up to 700 square metres on a single charge – more if you ask me – but if you have an extra large lawn and require even greater range, I would also consider adding the 7.5Ah battery which will power the mower for a substantial 50 minutes or so. Thankfully this particular model also comes with Ego’s amazingly quick Rapid Charger which readies the supplied 5Ah battery for another stint on the sod in an industry-leading 40 minutes.

I am especially enamoured of this mower’s self propulsion system which can be set from a really slow walking pace to a spritely spring in the step simply by adjusting the rocker switch on the handlebar. The activation lever, too, is perfectly positioned for both comfort and convenience. over, the self propulsion can be used independently of the main blade motor for safe transport across the lawn. Oh, and unlike most self-propelled mowers that lurch off dragging you along behind, this one starts off nice and gently.

The superbly designed collapsible handlebar system, meanwhile, can be adjusted to three heights, from really low for those of short stature to a height to match a six footer. The whole handlebar assembly also collapses and folds up into a surprisingly small and tidy package that allows you to push the mower around like a trolley cart and store it in a space-saving upright position. And should you ever feel the urge to mow in the dark you may be pleased to know that this model is also fitted with LED headlights so you can avoid decapitating moles and gophers.

In my extensive tests, this mower cut through even the tallest of field-type grass as well any petrol-powered mower I’ve ever used. In fact I’d go so far as to say that Ego mowers are probably the most powerful cordless models on the market right now and arguably the only cordless range capable of matching petrol power for sheer cutting torque. Its specially designed bagging blade scythed through everything with confidence, chucking the cuttings deep into the large 60-litre mesh grass collector. As an extra bonus, the mower also comes with a mulching plug and side chute assembly for those who prefer to have the cuttings blasted back into the lawn. With a choice of six cutting heights (from 25-95mm), you can be sure this mower will deal with all types of grasses.

Granted, the Ego LM2021E-SP is one of the most expensive cordless mowers you can buy right now, but if you’re after a staggeringly well engineered model that has the power to deal with every type of grass known to humankind, then this one does the job brilliantly well. It is, quite possibly, the most thoughtfully designed lawn mower in existence. Top dollar.

Self propelled cordless lawnmower

America’s #1 selling walk mower brand gives you 60V battery power that does everything gas can, minus the gas can. Don’t just mow, dominate with exclusive features like Personal Pace® Auto-Drive™ that moves at your speed, Vortex Technology™ that maximizes airflow, and a slew of lightweight, durable deck options. Plus every mower is part of the Toro 60V Max Interchangeable 75 Tool Power System for all seasons power.

60V Max 21″ Stripe ™ Mower

The Toro 60V Max Stripe ™ Mower is specifically designed from the ground up to deliver pro-level striping, dual blade mulching, effortless battery power, and up to 65 minutes of runtime. There’s only one mower like it and you’re looking at it.

60V Max 21″ Super Recycler ® Mower with Headlights

Super Recycler delivers samurai sword sharpness, commercial grade features and best-in-class under-deck airflow with Vortex Technology achieving that rich, green lawn that all your neighbors envy. This machine does everything gas can, minus the gas can. Plus, high-beam LED headlights. Even darkness can’t slow it down.

60V Max 30” eTimeMaster ™ Mower

The 60V Max 30” eTimeMaster TM Mower helps you tackle more yard in less time—40% less mowing time, to be exact. It also gives you the option of three active battery ports for up to 100 minutes of runtime, and Personal Pace Auto-Drive™ that detects your pace and adjusts on the go. Prepare to get more of your day back.

60V Max 22” Recycler ® Mower with Headlights

Our 60-volt battery-powered mower makes every mowing job easier and faster. It adjusts to your pace with Personal Pace Auto-Drive™, boosts performance with Vortex Technology that injects more air into the cutting chamber, and uses its 22” blade to cut a wider path with each pass. Plus dual LED headlights let you finish the job.

60V Max 21” Recycler ® Mower

Our 60-volt Toro Recycler ® Mower uses patented cutting technology to create clippings fine enough to allow moisture and nutrients back into your lawn. We call these clippings Lawn Vitamins ™. Combined with its RunSmart ® brushless motor that optimizes power, runtime, and tool life, plus its self-propelled ease, this is the definition of a do-it-all mower.

60V Max 22″ Recycler ® Mower

Our 60-volt battery-powered mower with Personal Pace Auto-Drive™ transmission adjusts to you in real time. RunSmart® onboard intel optimizes RPMs and workload. Vortex turbocharged airflow. It’s cordless self-propelled on steroids.

60V Max 21″ Super Recycler ® Mower

Super Recycler delivers samurai sword sharpness, commercial grade features and best-in-class under-deck airflow with Vortex Technology achieving that rich, green lawn that all your neighbors envy. This machine does everything gas can, minus the gas can.

60V Max 21″ Recycler ® Mower

Our 60-volt battery-powered mower has a 21″ all-steel deck with Recycler technology that cuts clippings over and over. Self-propelled to make everything easier. RunSmart® onboard intel optimizes RPMs and torque.

Celebrating our first 100 years in 2014, we continue to strengthen our position as a leading worldwide provider of innovative solutions for the outdoor environment including turf maintenance, snow and ice management, landscape, rental and specialty construction equipment, and irrigation and outdoor lighting solutions.

Battery manufacturer rating = 60V maximum 54V typical usage. Actual voltage varies with load.

† Compared to leading 60v battery-powered outdoor power equipment brands. Maximum battery power output measured in watts, based on battery cell manufacturer’s rating. Actual power output dependent on tool used and use conditions.

The 3 Best Cordless Lawn Mowers of 2023

We did firsthand comparative testing of 7 of the best cordless lawn mowers on the market so that you can easily find the optimal machine for your needs and budget. As consumers ourselves, we understand that there are dozens of cordless lawn mowers to choose from and that marketing claims can be inconsistent and confusing. To remedy this problem, we bought the most promising machines and subjected them to a rigorous direct comparison analysis. We hope this review will simplify the market for you, making the selection of a cordless mower a breeze.

Keeping up with the yard requires a range of tools for maintenance. That’s why our expansive list of reviews cover basics like top-ranked garden hoses and shovels to cordless tools like the best cordless leaf blowers and the best cordless string trimmers, our favorite chainsaws, and of course, our select picks of the best tools. And if you need help knowing when you’ll get that ideal mowing window, we have also tested weather stations and rain gauges.

Editor’s Note: We updated our cordless lawn mower review on March 31, 2023 to share information on how we scored our testing metrics.

Best All-Around Lawn Mower

Ego LM2102SP

Few lawns are too demanding for the Ego LM2102SP. With a 5 amp-hour, 56-volt battery and a mammoth cutting deck, this machine can mow down the toughest of turfs and mulch with the best of them. The Ego has all the important features you want in one of these products — like self-propulsion, a wide range of cutting heights, and easy folding and storing — to make cutting your lawn that much easier.

We have little to criticize this burly machine for other than its size — it’s massive. This means it’s going to require more storage space. Additionally, for those with smaller lawns, this is probably too much machine. And though it’s not astronomically expensive, it’s certainly not the cheapest model out there. These are minor gripes, and we feel that this electric marvel is far superior to its gas-powered relatives and rules the roost among cordless mowers.

Best Bang for Your Buck

Greenworks 25322

This economical machine is a good choice for those with moderately demanding lawns and modest budgets. Unlike some other affordable models, the Greenworks 25322 is not burdened with a short runtime (we clocked 73 minutes of runtime per charge). Nor does the mower suffer from a long recharge interval (we topped its battery off in an hour). To round things out, this machine packs enough cutting power to mulch well-managed lawns.

There are some negatives worth mentioning. The Greenworks isn’t self-propelled, which can be a pain if you have a sloping lawn. Also, it has a meager 13 ¾ cutting deck compared to the competition, which means you’ll make more passes to cut the same amount of turf. And, surprisingly, this slim mower is not as easy to maneuver as we expected. A plus to its small size is that it’s easy to fold and store.

Best for Easy Handling

BlackDecker CM2043

The BlackDecker CM2043 is not a high-end mower, but it has several characteristics that make it worth consideration. First, the price is well below average. Second, it’s maneuverable, excelling in tight spots such as inside corners. Finally, it supplies enough power for moderately demanding jobs, which is good because the cutting deck covers a wide range.

On the other hand, it disappoints in several key areas that negate its usefulness for high-demand lawns. Of chief concern is this mower’s short battery, which is only capable of cutting ~6,457 ft² (~80′ x 80′ area). Exacerbating this issue is a prolonged recharge interval of 300 minutes. We should also point out that the BlackDecker is not self-propelled. But if you have a small lawn, perhaps one with an irregular shape, then this little guy can get the job done while leaving enough money in your wallet to do something fun when the chores are all done.

Why You Should Trust Us

We’re passionate about evaluating the full range of battery-powered tools, from string trimmers and pressure washers to chainsaws, leaf blowers, and drills. Our Senior Research Analyst Austin Palmer has been tearing apart electronics with an eye for quality design and engineering for most of his adult life in our laboratory and the field.

• Mowing tests (35% of overall score weighting)

• Battery tests (25% weighting)

• Handling tests (25% weighting)

• Ease of Use tests (15% weighting)

Also contributing to this review is Senior Review Editor Nick Miley, who draws on his research experience in university laboratories to build a predictive runtime/cutting square footage model for the mowers. He draws on 10 years of product testing, not to mention the half-acre lawn that he mowed as a kid, to analyze these machines.

Analysis and Test Results

We devise a comprehensive set of testing categories or metrics to standardize and quantify all of our product evaluations. To determine the best cordless lawn mowers for each user, these metrics are mowing (35%), battery (25%), handling (25%), and ease of use (15%).

Value

There are two ways of looking at value. The first is assessing which models offer more to the consumer. This more could be features, quality, or aesthetic appeal. The second is to identify two or more products that offer the same features and compare their cost. The Makita XML03 and the Greenworks 25322 offer comparable features and performance but sell for markedly different prices. The Greenworks offers significant value over its peers.

Mowing

The performance of the mowers while they’re in use is the meat and potatoes of this review. It includes cutting efficiency based on the maximum cutting width minus the minimum overlap required to eliminate a cutting gap. (The cutting gap is the space between the end of the blade and the outer edge of the cutting deck). This metric also covers the range of cutting heights compared to the claims of the manufacturer. Last, we field-tested the mowers’ ability to power through shaggy and weedy knee-high grass while mulching. Mulching is the recutting of clipped grass repeatedly so that the clippings can be deposited deep into the turf.

The mowing metric makes up a whopping 35% of the overall score for each mower, and each model’s performance here mirrors its final ranking. The Ego topped the class.

Battery

These cordless lawn mowers run on lithium-ion battery cells, and we consider performance here second only to mowing. We measured runtime as the time it takes a stationary mower with the blade spinning to exhaust a fully charged battery. Recharge time is simply the time it takes for a dead battery to regain its full charge. Interestingly, some models with the longest runtimes (like the Makita) also displayed the shortest recharge times.

Unfortunately, the runtime measurement tells us fairly little about the longevity of a battery charge when the mower is actually cutting grass. This is harder to measure. Some of these cordless mowers, like the Ego and Makita, can cut tens of thousands of square feet of turf on a single charge. We didn’t have access to a field of grass of sufficient size and uniform length to conduct a cutting-grass battery test. Instead, we used a statistical model based on runtime and the dimensions of each cutting deck to render square footage estimates.

What our model reveals is a fairly wide range of square footage cutting estimates. Unsurprisingly, one of our favorite models, the Ego, crushed the competition with an estimated 14,275 sq.ft. of turf trimmed on a single charge. The average square footage for the class is 9,270 sq.ft.

Ease of Use

This metric evaluates the mower features that are not critical to a machine’s performance but make using the mower more enjoyable. It includes the noise level of a running mower, the battery charge meter, battery removal, and mower storage.

One of the big benefits of an electric mower is the lower noise level. Gas mowers roar, electric mowers purr — a significant difference.

Deciphering the Decibel (A) Scale The A-weighted decibel (dBA) scale measures the pressure vibrations in the air, referred to as sound intensity. The decibel scale is not linear, like measurements of distance or mass. Instead, it’s logarithmic and scaled so that an increase of three decibels represents a doubling of sound intensity.

To get an objective measurement of the noise output coming from the cordless lawn mowers, we used a sound pressure level meter that records sound intensity in decibels (dBA). We found a relatively substantial difference in the sound intensity within the class that worked out to a 7.4 dBA spread between the loudest and quietest models. The Makita is the quietest of the group at 70 dBA, with the Ego coming in a close second at 71 dBA. The Federal Aviation Administration describes 80 dBA as what one can expect from a busy urban area during the day. The takeaway here is that these mowers are, in comparison to their gas-powered counterparts, quite a bit less noisy.

Let’s move on to look at the battery charge meter and battery removal. Although it may seem insignificant, evaluating these two details is necessary because they frequently come up when we ask people how they like their purchase after a few uses. The Greenworks placed the battery meter under the battery cover, and the batteries themselves require two hands to remove.

Although the battery charge meter and battery removal system may seem like minor details, the folding/ unfolding mechanism is not. These mowers — even the smaller ones — take up a lot of space when stored. Old gas-powered models usually allowed you to fold the handle, but the oil and gas reservoirs prevented them from being stored in a vertical position. This is not the case for the electric models, which can take up far less storage space when not in use. Unfortunately, models like the Sun Joe iON16LM and, to a lesser degree, the BlackDecker make folding and unfolding quite difficult and time-consuming.

Handling

The handling metric complements the ease of use evaluation. Both are concerned with the effort required to perform the task of mowing the lawn. The difference is that the handling evaluation focuses on the core task of mowing the lawn and not those aspects of a product that support this function. Specifically, we assess the starting mechanism. Is it easy to engage? Is there a lag in the start-up process? Next, we evaluate how much effort goes into directing the mower around the turf. This is a general assessment of maneuverability. Finally, we dig into the bail — which is the lever that engages the blade — and how it feels when gripped.

As far as starting goes, these machines all start up pretty much the same way. One simply pushes the start button. The difference from one mower to the next is in the starting delay once the button has been pushed. The Ego fires up immediately. Some mowers take longer. Despite some delay, all the models reviewed here start up without a problem.

We saw more variance in the maneuverability of these machines than we did with the starting mechanisms. The first big difference is in the propulsion of the mowers. Some machines, such as the Ego, are self-propelled. Others have to be pushed if you want them to move. Both options offer pros and cons. In general, self-propelled models cost more, but if the lawn is large or inclined, it’s probably worth the extra money. On the other hand, some models like the Ego can — even at their slowest setting — be a bit fast for tight spots or corners. While one can simply disengage the drive system in such scenarios, the Ego delivers some resistance when it is pushed.

Whether you are interested in a self-propelled cordless lawn mower or not, activation of the cutting blade is controlled by a component called a bail. This is a spring-loaded bar that is connected to the handle. When the bail is depressed, the blade is engaged. When released, the blade stops spinning. Although this component may seem uniform across mower models, this turns out not to be the case. The shape and resistance of the bail can cause discomfort, especially on longer jobs. As such, we paid close attention to the feel and functionality of the bail during our various field tests.

While most of the bails went unnoticed — which is a good thing — a few were quite stiff and taxing to grip for prolonged periods. The primary offender in this evaluation is the Makita. Its stiffness seems to result from firm springs that return the bail to the off position when one’s grip is loosened. It remains to be seen if these springs will loosen in time.

Conclusion

The above review covers every aspect of cordless lawnmowers, from handling to mowing power. We hope that this analysis provided you with all the information to allow you to confidently select the perfect mower. over, we hope that this article will shed a bit of light on some aspects of these machines that will improve your overall experience. We have had a great time testing and writing about these machines and hope that our work will help you better enjoy your time in the backyard.

The best cordless lawn mowers in 2023

Looking for the best cordless mower? Browse our experts’ pick, from budget to premium models.

A lawn mower may be one of the first purchases we make when getting a garden of our own, but that doesn’t mean finding a good quality one is easy. There are so many models and brands on the market to choose from, including corded electric and petrol, but as their range increases and fall, cordless, battery-powered models are an increasingly popular option.

Light and compact compared with traditional petrol models, cordless mowers are simple to use, easy to manoeuvre around the garden, and have none of the maintenance and servicing needs or costs of petrol lawnmowers. Powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which charges up quickly and won’t lose power in storage, they’re also quiet and emission free.

To compare these cordless mowers against other types of mower, we’ve reviewed the best lawn mowers, robotic lawn mowers, electric lawn mowers and push mowers, too. And if your lawn needs a bit of attention, our experts have tested a range of the best manual and powered aerators and scarifiers.Keep edges looking neat with our pick of the best strimmers, the best garden shears and the best lawn edging, and if you’re thinking about somewhere to store your new mower, our comprehensive guide to choosing the best garden shed will be helpful.

For your next DIY project, have a look at the best cordless drills.

The best cordless mowers to buy at a glance

Cordless mowers. Buyer’s Guide video

Many thanks to Rosie Yeomans and Sparsholt College for their help in making this video.

Getting the best cordless lawn mower for you means ensuring it has the correct cutting width, range of cutting heights, and weight plus a battery run time that matches the size of your lawn. We’ve tested a range of cordless push mowers, putting them through their paces across a range of grass and terrains, to help you find the right one for your garden.

Each mower has a detailed list of pros and cons for clarity and has been rated according to set up and storage, handling, mowing and value for money. Every mower in our round up below has scored a minimum of four out of five stars, so you can buy with confidence.

In every review we award outstanding products our coveted Best Buy award. To see these and the others we recommend, browse our pick of the best cordless lawn mowers, below.

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Best Buy cordless mowers

Husqvarna Aspire LC34-P4A

Our rating: 4.9 out of 5

• Quiet
• Cuts even long grass with ease
• Battery level visible while mowing
• Small and compact for easy storage
• Part of the POWER FOR ALL cordless range

Part of the new Husqvarna Aspire cordless range, which includes a hedge trimmer, pruner and leaf blower, this 34cm mower is powered by an 18V POWER FOR ALL ALLIANCE battery and charger. These are interchangeable with tools in other leading brands such as Flymo, Gardena and Bosch so if you also invest in tools in these ranges, you’ll only need to buy the bare tool and won’t have different batteries and chargers taking up space in the shed.Great for small gardens the mower comes ready to go, there’s no assembly or handles to attach, and it folds down to a compact size when you’re finished, with a telescopic handle that folds completely flat over the body of the mower. It can then be stood up against a wall or hung up, and even comes with a handy hook. The 30l grass bag also flattens down to take up very little room and can be hung on the mower. The Aspire is light, with a carry handle so that lifting it up steps or into other areas is easy and it has an adjustable handle to suit different height users. It’s comfortable and easy to manoeuvre around the garden and has just four cutting heights to choose from, ranging from 25-65mm and changed easily with a single lever on the body of the mower. It cuts grass quietly and smoothly and has an automatic boost that increases blade speed when you’re mowing in tougher, longer areas that works well. You can hear it kick in when you push the mower into longer grass and unlike other cordless mowers that can cut out, just carries on cutting the grass. While you mow the battery charge level is always clearly visible so you know how much battery you have left and when it needs charging. It comes with a two year warranty and we awarded it a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy in 2023 for ease of use.

Specs: Battery: charge time. 95 mins; run time. 500sqm. Cutting: width. 34cm; height. 25-65mm. Grass box. 30 litre.

Buy the Husqvarna Aspire C34-P4A cordless mower from Husqvarna and Sam Turner

Greenworks GDG24LM33

Our rating: 4.5 out of 5

• Easy to assemble and use
• Comfortable padded handle
• Choice of mulching or collecting clippings
• Interchangeable battery with Greenworks 24V family

Ideal for smaller gardens this sturdy, great value cordless mower is easy to put together, well thought out and simple to use. Thanks to a padded handle it’s comfortable to push, although it did feel a little short for our taller tester, and it’s light and easy to manoeuvre around trees and beds and borders. There are five cutting heights to choose from, adjusted with the simple lift of a lever and it offers the choice of collecting clippings in the 30 litre fabric grass bag or inserting the mulching plug and leaving them on the lawn to break down and feed the grass. It mows well but doesn’t like very long grass, with the battery cutting out occasionally but its long lasting brushless motor offers a a decent run time of 46 minutes and it charges in two hours. Plus, as part of the Greenworks 24V family, both the battery and charger are interchangeable with all the other tools in the range, saving you money if you invest in more in the future. We awarded it a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy for the best budget cordless mower in 2023.

Specs: Battery: charge time. 120 mins; run time. 46mins. Cutting: width. 33cm; height. 25-70mm. Grass box. 30 litre.

Yard Force LMG37A 40v 37cm

Our rating: 4.8 out of 5

• Rear roller
• Double folding handle for easy storage
• Quickest charge time
• Part of the Yardforce GR40 cordless range

This sturdy mower has a 37cm cutting width and useful features including a rear roller for those much desired stripes. Awarded a BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Best Buy in 2022 for small to medium lawns, clippings are collected in the large 40 litre fabric grass bag. It offers a wide choice of seven cutting heights, from 25-75mm, and is easy to fold away at the end of the day. The 40V battery is quick to charge, taking just 50 minutes and when full it has the capacity to cut a 400m2 lawn.

Specs: Battery: charge time. 50 mins; run time. 400sqm. Cutting: width. 37cm; height. 25-75mm. Grass box. 40 litre.

Buy the Yard Force LMG37A 40V 37cm cordless mower from Yard Force, Amazon and Wickes