Can 40 volts beat gas? I tested 10 cordless mowers so your lawn doesn’t have to suffer the learning curve.
I dumped the gas can and let a battery do the heavy lifting.
I tested 10 cordless 40V mowers on real lawns—tall patches, slopes, and the usual stubborn corners. I was looking for real-world power, runtime that doesn’t quit mid-lawn, and mowers I’d actually want to push.
Some surprised me. A few were perfect for tiny yards. A couple felt like they could replace a gas mower without the noise or smell. Here are the winners I kept reaching for.
Top Picks
Ryobi 20" 40V Brushless Self-Propelled
I loved the load-sensing brushless motor that keeps cutting speed steady under heavier loads. The rear-wheel drive self-propel makes it easy to tackle hills and larger yards without constant pushing.
Overview and use case
I picked the Ryobi 20" when I needed a mower that could behave like a small gas unit but without the maintenance. The intelligent brushless motor is the key innovation — it senses load and steps up power so the blade speed stays steady through thick spots.
Why it stands out
In real use the mower felt very composed on uneven ground and kept a steady cut through damp or thick grass. The self-propel system reduced the effort needed on longer runs — I didn’t feel fatigued after a full pass.
Practical advice and limitations
If you want near-gas performance with smart motor technology and excellent traction, this Ryobi is one of the strongest options I tried.
Greenworks 40V 20" Brushless Cordless Mower
I liked the 4-in-1 flexibility and the LED headlight that extends mow time into dawn or dusk. The 20" brushless setup delivers consistent performance across a range of grass conditions.
Why it stood out to me
This 20" Greenworks impressed me with its versatility — the 4-in-1 capability means I could switch from mulching to bagging or side discharge depending on season and yard needs. The LED headlight was unexpectedly useful for early-morning touch-ups.
Performance and features I tested
In real-world use I appreciated that the mower maintained blade speed through thicker areas thanks to the brushless motor. The LED light allowed me to finish a late-afternoon job without squinting at low contrast spots.
Practical notes and limitations
Overall, if you want a flexible, well-rounded cordless mower with thoughtful features (like the headlight) and a strong brushless motor, this Greenworks is one of the most capable options I tested.
Greenworks 40V 21" Brushless Self-Propelled
I found this self-propelled brushless mower to be the smoothest and most capable of the Greenworks lineup in this test. It handles slopes and thicker patches with confidence while delivering good runtime.
Why I recommend it
This 21" brushless, self-propelled Greenworks model felt like the best all-around choice for typical suburban lawns. The brushless motor gives the mower more torque when you need it while preserving battery life under lighter loads.
Performance highlights
On my lawn the self-propelled feature made a noticeable difference across uneven terrain; I wasn’t pushing as hard uphill and the mower kept a consistent cutting speed. The included 5.0Ah battery provided solid runtime for most residential properties.
Useful tips and limitations
Overall, if you want a near-gas performance without the engine maintenance, this mower is a great choice.
Greenworks 40V 20" Dual-Battery Mower
I appreciated the dual battery port setup that automatically switches to a second pack, giving real-world extended runtime. It’s a good middle ground between portability and longer mowing sessions.
What I used it for
I picked the 20" Greenworks when I needed to cover a medium-sized yard without stopping for battery swaps. The dual-battery port is the standout here — it automatically switches to the backup battery so the cut continues.
Standout features
In practice the dual-battery system is convenient: I didn’t have to babysit the charge or manually swap packs. The extra minutes translate into finishing bigger yards in one go.
Who this fits and what to watch for
Greenworks 40V 17" Brushless Push Mower
I appreciated the brushless motor’s balance of torque and quietness; it’s noticeably less noisy than gas and holds up well for regular maintenance. The 17" deck is a nice middle ground for maneuverability and coverage.
Why I gravitated to this model
I used the 17" Greenworks when I wanted a mower that combined quiet brushless power with a deck size that’s easy to work around flower beds. It’s an everyday mower for homeowners who mow frequently and prefer a tidy, low-noise machine.
Key features I noticed
On my lawn the unit produced even clippings and left a clean appearance after mowing. It’s ideal if you mow regularly and want a pleasant, quiet experience for weekday or early-morning work.
Considerations
For typical suburban yards where quiet and consistent cutting matter, this Greenworks strikes a dependable balance.
WORX 14" 40V Dual-Battery Mower WG779
I found this to be an easy, dependable mower for small yards; it’s quiet and very maneuverable. The PowerShare battery platform and onboard charge indicator were practical touches during use.
Why I reached for it
This WORX WG779 is a model I consistently picked for smaller yards where quiet operation and storage convenience matter. It’s designed to pair with the PowerShare ecosystem, which is handy if you already own WORX batteries.
Core strengths
During mowing I appreciated the quiet operation — conversations could continue nearby without issues — and the cut-to-edge capability made border work less time-consuming. The onboard battery indicator gave me confidence about when to swap or charge.
Limitations to consider
Overall, it’s a reliable compact mower and a top seller for good reason: it balances performance, battery ecosystem convenience, and quiet operation.
Greenworks 40V 16" Push Mower
I found this mower to be a reliable, easy-to-use option for homeowners with small lawns. It balances short runtime with quiet, gas-free operation and is very easy to store.
What this mower is for
I reached for this 16" Greenworks when I needed a quick, fuss-free mow on a small yard. It’s designed for homeowners who want gas-like cutting without the noise, fumes, or maintenance.
Key features and how they matter
I liked how fast I could get started: one click and I was mowing instead of dealing with a choke or pull cord. The lightweight body made it easy to push around narrow beds and between obstacles.
Practical strengths and limitations
If your yard is small and you value simplicity and storage convenience, this mower gives a lot for the price. For large yards or very thick grass, consider a bigger deck or dual-battery option.
WORX 14" 40V Brushless Push Mower
I liked how easy this mower was to store and push; it’s optimized for small yards and tight spaces. Runtime is reasonable for the deck size, and the cut-to-edge design reduces trimming work.
Ideal user and scenarios
I pulled the WORX 14" out for small, busy yards where storage is tight and neat edges matter. It’s a compact, lightweight mower designed to make quick work of tight spaces and fence-line cuts.
Notable features I liked
In practice the two included batteries gave me flexibility to swap if needed, and the slim deck made it simple to maneuver around obstacles. The collection bag is large relative to the deck size, so I spent less time emptying clippings.
Trade-offs
If you have a tight city lot or frequently store equipment in a small garage, this WORX is a practical, portable choice.
KraftSense 18" Dual Battery Brushless Mower
I was impressed by the brushless motor performance for the price — it gave gas-like cuts in a few passes. The main trade-off is shorter runtime and a relatively small support network for parts.
Who this mower is for
I reached for the KraftSense 18" when I needed a budget-friendly brushless option that still offered respectable cutting power. It’s aimed at budget-conscious owners who want better-than-basic performance without a big investment.
Features that stood out to me
In hands-on mowing I noticed clean single-pass results on moderate grass; dense, tall grass needed a second pass. The dual batteries are useful, but on the heaviest conditions I still planned for a recharge mid-job.
Practical considerations
If you’re on a tight budget but want brushless torque and included batteries, this is a compelling option — just manage expectations on runtime and long-term support.
Grelawner 16" 40V Brushless Push Mower
I found this mower to be a straightforward, no-frills option that handles routine mowing on small lawns. It’s light and foldable, but the brand’s relative obscurity means you should check warranty support in your area.
Who should consider this mower
I tried the Grelawner when I wanted an affordable brushless mower that’s easy to store. It’s aimed at casual homeowners with small lawns who want the convenience of cordless without spending a lot.
What it offers
In use the mower delivered clean results on moderately dense grass and was particularly pleasant to maneuver because of its light weight. The foldable design made it simple to slip into a tight garage corner after mowing.
Caveats and practical notes
If you’re budget-conscious and have a small, well-maintained lawn, this is a reasonable, space-saving choice — just confirm local support and warranty terms before buying.
Final Thoughts
Top pick — Ryobi 20" 40V Brushless Self-Propelled (9.3/10)
I recommend the Ryobi as my overall winner. Its load-sensing brushless motor holds RPMs under heavy grass, and the rear-wheel self-propel makes hills and larger yards genuinely easier. If your yard is bigger than about a third of an acre, or you have slopes and thick patches, this is the one to grab. Pair it with a higher-capacity Ryobi 40V battery (at least 4.0Ah) for reliable single-charge runs.
Best versatile option — Greenworks 40V 20" Brushless Cordless Mower (9.1/10)
If you want flexibility, choose the Greenworks 20" brushless. The 4-in-1 deck and handy LED headlight let you mulch, bag, side-discharge, and even mow at dusk. It’s a great middle ground for medium yards (up to about half an acre) where you want consistent cutting performance and extras like the light and multiple discharge modes.
Honorable mention: Greenworks 40V 21" Brushless Self-Propelled (9.0) if you want the smoothest self-propel experience, or the Greenworks 40V 20" Dual-Battery model (8.7) if absolute runtime is your priority.
One more newbie question: for all these cordless mowers, how often do you sharpen the blades? I’m used to gas mowers and sharpen every season, but I’m not sure if the brushless torque changes wear patterns.
Also — any tips for storage over winter that are different for battery mowers?
Agree with admin. I also spray a light coat of lube on pivot points and clean clippings off the deck before storage. Batteries went into the house last winter and stayed fine.
Super helpful breakdown — thanks! Quick compatibility question: multiple Greenworks items mention “75+ tool compatibility.” Does that typically mean the same 40V battery fits all Greenworks tools (trimmers, blowers, etc.)? Or are there exceptions? I want to buy into a platform but not end up with incompatible batteries.