I’ve spent enough time researching walk-behind mowers to know the category splits cleanly into a few camps. Cordless battery models now genuinely compete with small-block gas engines, while traditional push and self-propelled gas units still rule on thick turf, steep grades, and large lots. The nine picks below cover every realistic backyard scenario, from a tidy urban patch to a half-acre suburban spread.
A quick note on the list itself: not every entry is a pure gas machine. I’ve included a handful of cordless options because plenty of shoppers weighing a gas mower end up crossing over once they see how far battery tech has come. That mix matters more than brand purity.
A Closer Look At The Lineup
Greenworks 80V 21in Push Lawn Mower
PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas Mower
Casince 17-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower
PowerSmart EasyGlide 21-Inch 3-in-1
EGO POWER+ Self-Propelled LM2135SP
PowerSmart 22-Inch 170cc Self-Propelled
Honda HRX-BV 21-Inch Battery Mower
Honda HRX-BE 21-Inch Battery Mower
Honda HRC-BE 21-Inch Commercial Mower
The Picks, Examined More Closely
The Greenworks 80V lands at the top of this list because it does the thing most cordless mowers struggle with: it cuts like a gas unit. The brushless motor (a design with no internal brushes, so it runs cooler and lasts longer) delivers serious torque, and the steel deck holds up to the same punishment a homeowner would throw at a traditional mower. For a suburban yard under a third of an acre, the run-time from the 4.0Ah battery is generous, and the 60-minute rapid charger gets you back to work fast.
Where this model really earns its place is for anyone who’s been tempted to leave gas behind. There’s no pull cord, no oil change, no gas can in the garage. The single-lever height adjustment (one lever sets all four wheels at once) and the 21-inch cutting width cover ground quickly, which puts it closer in feel to the PowerSmart EasyCut below than to the smaller Casince unit.
Positive Points
- Brushless motor keeps noise down and extends service life compared with brushed designs.
- Steel 21-inch deck means wider passes and fewer stripes left behind on flat turf.
- Rapid charger refills the 4.0Ah battery in roughly an hour, so a second mow is realistic on the same day.
- Single-lever height change is genuinely easier than the per-wheel setup on cheaper push mowers.
Worth Noting
- Run-time depends heavily on grass thickness and the height you cut at, so tall spring growth may need a second charge.
- Owners commonly report that the battery gauge reads in coarse steps, which makes precise run-time planning harder.
Who It Suits Best
Suburban homeowners with a flat, medium-size yard who want the simplicity of battery power without giving up deck size.
Look Elsewhere When
Anyone mowing a steep slope or a half-acre lot should consider the PowerSmart 22-Inch 170cc Self-Propelled instead, since rear-wheel drive handles hills better than any push design.
The PowerSmart EasyCut is the kind of mower that disappears into the garage after the first use, because it just works. The 144cc four-cycle engine (a four-stroke design that runs on regular gas without an oil mix) starts easily thanks to the auto-choke and primer setup, and the 18-inch steel deck is narrow enough to navigate tight landscaping without scalping along the edges. For a yard under 4,000 square feet, this is honestly all the mower most people need.
Where the EasyCut stands apart from the bigger PowerSmart 22-Inch 170cc below is its push-only design. That’s a real trade-off: lighter, simpler, and easier to store, but you’ll feel every bump on uneven ground. Side-discharge only means clippings go back onto the lawn, which is fine during dry weeks but gets messy when growth is heavy.
Real-World Strengths
- 144cc OHV engine (overhead-valve, the same efficient layout car engines use) gives reliable torque without a premium price tag.
- Five-position height adjustment handles everything from low-cut Bermuda to taller fescue.
- Compact 18-inch deck fits through a side gate and stores upright in tight garages.
- Auto-choke design means no fiddling with a choke lever on cold mornings.
Trade Offs
- No bagging option, so fall leaves require a separate pass or a rake.
- Push-only drive can tire out anyone mowing more than a small yard on uneven ground.
- Side-discharge throws clippings onto paths and flower beds when grass is long.
Made For
First-time homeowners with a small, mostly flat yard who want a gas mower without extra features they won’t use.
Swap It Out When
Mowing any yard over a quarter acre benefits from the wider 22-inch deck of the PowerSmart 22-Inch 170cc Self-Propelled.
The Casince 17-inch is the smallest mower in this roundup, and that is its whole selling point. Dual 20V 4.0Ah batteries run in tandem, giving the deck enough power for small lawns while keeping the whole unit light enough to carry up a stoop or hang on a wall hook. Six height settings between 1 and 3 inches cover most turf types without a fuss.
For a postage-stamp yard or a townhouse strip, this is genuinely easier than dragging out a full-size gas mower. Compared to the Greenworks 80V above, the Casince cuts narrower passes, which means more laps, but the lighter frame rewards anyone who’d rather not push 60 pounds of steel through a side gate.
Where It Helps
- Dual-battery setup covers up to 5,380 square feet per charge, enough for most small urban lots.
- Six height positions span a practical 1 to 3 inches, which covers nearly all common turfgrasses.
- Lightweight build makes storage in a closet or shed realistic instead of a garage-only affair.
Some Limits To Know
- The 17-inch deck means noticeably more passes than the 21-inch Greenworks 80V on any lawn larger than a small courtyard.
- Run-time shrinks fast in thick, wet spring grass, and there’s no rapid charger in the kit.
Best Suited To
Apartment dwellers with a shared courtyard or anyone with a small rectangular lawn under 2,000 square feet.
Consider Something Else When
Mowing even a modest suburban yard will go faster on the PowerSmart EasyGlide 21-Inch 3-in-1, which also adds bagging.
Stepping up from the smaller EasyCut, the EasyGlide is where the brand finds its sweet spot for suburban yards. The same 144cc OHV engine handles a 21-inch deck with three cutting modes: side discharge, mulching, and bagging. That’s the difference between a mower that just cuts and one that actually lets you choose what to do with the clippings.
The push-only format keeps the price honest, and on a flat lawn under a third of an acre, most people won’t miss self-propulsion. Compared to the EGO POWER+ LM2135SP below, the EasyGlide trades battery quiet for the torque and unlimited runtime of gas, which still wins on thick or wet grass.
Benefits That Matter
- Three cutting modes in one deck save the cost and storage of a separate mower for different seasons.
- 21-inch steel deck covers ground fast enough for most quarter-acre lawns in under 40 minutes.
- Auto-choke and primer make cold starts consistent, which matters on early-spring mornings.
- Foldable handle design simplifies winter storage in a tight garage.
Things To Consider
- Push-only design demands effort on slopes, where the rear-wheel-drive PowerSmart 22-Inch below pulls away.
- Owners commonly note the bag fills quickly in tall grass and needs emptying mid-mow on overgrown lawns.
Who Will Love This
Homeowners on flat ground who want gas reliability plus the flexibility to mulch, bag, or discharge without changing attachments.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Anyone with a sloped lot should reach for the PowerSmart 22-Inch 170cc Self-Propelled, which takes the same engine platform and adds rear-wheel drive.
The EGO POWER+ LM2135SP is the cordless mower that makes gas owners stop and reconsider. Up to 7.0 ft-lbs of torque from the 56V platform, a 21-inch deck, and self-propelled rear drive cover the same ground as a mid-size gas unit, only quieter and without the maintenance schedule. The Select Cut multi-blade system (three interchangeable lower blades for mulching, bagging, or extended runtime) is the real differentiator.
Bundled with a 7.5Ah and an extra 5.0Ah battery, this package covers long mowing sessions without a recharge. Against the Honda HRX-BV below, EGO offers more cutting flexibility through interchangeable blades, though Honda still has the edge on commercial-grade durability.
Good Reasons To Consider
- Self-propelled rear drive handles mild slopes without the push-fatigue of the PowerSmart EasyGlide.
- Three interchangeable blades optimize for mulching, bagging, or extended runtime in the same deck.
- Two batteries in the bundle extend usable mowing time well beyond a single charge cycle.
- 56V battery platform shares tools with other EGO products, which adds long-term value.
A Few Limitations
- Rapid charger refills in under an hour, but runtime still trails a gas tank on a half-acre lot.
- Owners commonly report that swapping blades takes practice the first few times.
Quick Facts
Right Fit For
Tech-comfortable homeowners who want premium cut quality, self-propulsion, and the quiet of battery power without sacrificing deck size.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
Anyone prioritizing long-term durability and a commercial-grade motor should look at the Honda HRC-BE 21-Inch Commercial Mower further down the list.
This is the PowerSmart to pick when the yard stops being friendly. The 170cc OHV engine pushes a 22-inch steel deck, and the rear-wheel drive keeps the mower moving uphill without the operator doing the work. For lots between a third and three-quarters of an acre, especially with slopes or uneven ground, the wider deck and traction add up to real time savings.
Where this machine separates from the EasyGlide above isn’t just power. Self-propulsion matters when the lawn has dips, tree roots, or a hill section. The trade-off is weight and storage footprint, both of which show up in a small garage.
Useful Strengths
- 22-inch cutting path trims mowing time noticeably compared with the 21-inch PowerSmart EasyGlide.
- Rear-wheel drive maintains traction on damp slopes where front-wheel mowers start sliding.
- 170cc engine has the torque reserve to handle thick spring growth without bogging down.
- Auto-choke and recoil start keep cold mornings simple, even after winter storage.
Room For Improvement
- Heavier than the EasyGlide, which means more effort to maneuver in tight garden beds.
- Larger frame takes up meaningful garage space; folding handle helps but doesn’t disappear.
- Self-propel speed is single-range, so very precise trimming near edging still calls for manual pace.
Perfect Match For
Homeowners managing a yard over a third of an acre with slopes, tree roots, or rough ground who want gas reliability with less pushing.
Not Your Match When
Flat small yards are overkill for this machine; the PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch is a friendlier fit for tighter spaces.
Honda’s HRX-BV carries the brand’s reputation for fit and finish into the battery category. The 4-in-1 Versamow system with Clip Director lets the operator toggle between mulching, bagging, discharging, and leaf-shredding without swapping attachments. The Honda motor holds RPM under load the way a gas unit does, which is what gives the deck its clean cut on tall grass.
For a yard with mixed terrain, the HRX-BV stands apart from both the EGO POWER+ above and the PowerSmart 22-Inch below by combining battery simplicity with Honda-grade engineering. The catch shows up in price and the battery ecosystem, since Honda’s cordless platform is smaller than EGO’s.
Points In Its Favor
- Versamow Clip Director switches cutting modes mid-mow without tools or attachments.
- Honda motor maintains blade speed under load, similar to a gas engine, for a cleaner cut.
- Twin MicroCut blades produce fine clippings that break down faster when mulched.
- Steel deck resists dings and lawn debris better than plastic alternatives.
Things To Weigh
- Honda battery platform is newer and has fewer compatible tools than EGO’s established 56V lineup.
- Premium pricing puts it above gas mowers with similar cutting performance.
Who Should Grab It
Homeowners who care deeply about cut quality and want Honda craftsmanship without the noise or maintenance of a gas engine.
Reach For A Different Pick When
Anyone seeking commercial-grade durability for heavy weekly use should consider the Honda HRC-BE 21-Inch Commercial Mower at the bottom of this list.
The HRX-BE sits one step below the HRX-BV in Honda’s battery lineup, and the difference is mostly about electric start versus manual. For anyone who’s tired of pulling cords on cold mornings, the BE trim’s startup workflow down to a button. The same 4-in-1 Versamow system and twin-blade MicroCut setup carry over from the BV.
Where this model earns its spot is for owners who want Honda’s build quality without the premium step up to the BV. Compared with the EGO POWER+ LM2135SP, the HRX-BE feels heavier in the hand but offers the same blade-quality advantage under load.
Strong Points
- Electric start removes the cord-pull step from a Saturday morning mow.
- Versamow system with Clip Director keeps four cutting modes on one deck.
- Steel deck and twin MicroCut blades match the higher-tier Honda models.
- Honda motor holds blade speed in dense grass the way a gas engine does.
Soft Spots
- Battery runtime trails the EGO bundle, which ships with two packs for longer sessions.
- Heavier overall weight than the comparable EGO, which shows up on hilly terrain.
Built With In Mind
Honda fans who want battery convenience and electric start without stepping all the way up to the BV.
Where A Sibling Pick Shines
Shoppers who want interchangeable blades and dual-battery runtime should consider the EGO POWER+ Self-Propelled LM2135SP instead.
The HRC-BE is the heavy hitter at the bottom of this list, and the name on the motor tells the story. The 2.0 kW HRC commercial-grade Honda motor delivers about 33 percent more power and torque than the residential HRX models, which is what makes it a serious choice for large lots, thick turf, or anyone mowing more than once a week through peak season.
The Twin Blade MicroCut System and 4-in-1 Versamow system come along for the ride, so cut quality stays high even when the workload is relentless. Against the PowerSmart 22-Inch 170cc below, this is the unit for someone who mows professionally or treats the lawn like a small business.
Standout Benefits
- Commercial-grade 2.0 kW HRC motor handles long sessions without thermal drop-off.
- Twin MicroCut blades produce ultra-fine clippings, ideal for thick mulching in healthy soil.
- Versamow 4-in-1 system gives the operator full cutting flexibility from one deck.
- Steel construction and Honda engineering target multi-season durability for serious users.
Points To Keep In Mind
- Premium pricing puts it well above the HRX-BE for owners who don’t need the extra torque reserve.
- Heavier than residential Honda models, which limits its appeal for tight, landscaped yards.
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Homeowners managing multiple properties, lawn-care contractors, or anyone running a mower hard week after week.
Skip It When
Casual suburban mowing doesn’t justify this machine; the Honda HRX-BE handles a typical lawn at a friendlier weight and price.
What To Think Through Before Choosing Gas Lawn Mowers
Engine And Drive Layout
The core choice is whether the mower is push or self-propelled, and whether the engine is gas or battery. Push mowers like the PowerSmart EasyCut are lighter, cheaper, and easier to store, which matters for small flat lawns. Self-propelled designs like the PowerSmart 22-Inch 170cc use rear-wheel drive to pull the mower uphill, which saves energy on slopes and rougher turf.
Gas engines deliver unlimited runtime as long as there’s fuel in the tank, and they handle tall, wet grass without bogging down. Cordless battery mowers like the Greenworks 80V and EGO POWER+ LM2135SP trade some of that runtime for quieter operation and zero on-mower maintenance.
Deck Size And Yard Coverage
Deck width controls how many passes a yard takes. An 18-inch deck (the PowerSmart EasyCut) works for sub-4,000-square-foot yards. A 21-inch deck (Greenworks 80V, Honda HRX models, PowerSmart EasyGlide) is the most common suburban fit. A 22-inch deck (PowerSmart 22-Inch 170cc) shaves real time off larger lots.
Cutting Modes And Clippings
Discharge-only decks push clippings back onto the lawn, which is fine in dry weeks. Mulching decks chop clippings finely so they feed the soil. Bagging decks collect clippings for tidy edges or composting. Three-in-one decks like the PowerSmart EasyGlide combine all three, which is worth paying for if mowing conditions change across the year.
Weight, Storage, And Long-Term Care
Heavier mowers cut more smoothly but tire out the operator on hills. Lighter mowers store easily but get pushed around on rough ground. Battery mowers need a charging spot; gas mowers need fuel stabilization (a fuel stabilizer prevents gasoline from breaking down and gumming up the carburetor during off-season storage) for winter. Either way, plan storage before picking a deck size, since a 22-inch machine doesn’t fit where an 18-inch did.
Smart Shopping Notes For Gas Lawn Mowers
Pitfalls Shoppers Hit
The most common mistake is buying a wider deck than the storage space allows. A 22-inch self-propelled mower needs a meaningful footprint in the garage, and folding handles only collapse the unit partway. Measure first.
Another trap is ignoring the maintenance difference. Gas mowers need oil changes, spark plug replacements, and fuel stabilizer; battery mowers need battery care and storage above freezing. Neither is hard, but pretending one is maintenance-free when it isn’t leads to early replacement.
Where The Extra Money Goes
Higher-tier models buy more torque, longer steel decks, rear-wheel drive, and interchangeable blade systems. On a small flat lawn, those features don’t pull their weight. On a sloped lot or a yard over a third of an acre, the upgrade pays off in shorter mow times and a noticeably cleaner cut. The honest read is that the upgrade is worth it for anyone mowing weekly through a long growing season, and harder to justify for a yard that gets cut every other week.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a cordless lawn mower actually run?
Most cordless mowers in this list run between 30 and 60 minutes per charge, depending on grass height, deck size, and battery capacity. Bundles with two batteries, like the EGO POWER+ LM2135SP, extend that without a recharge.
Are self-propelled mowers worth the extra cost?
For flat yards under a quarter acre, push mowers do the job fine. For slopes, uneven ground, or lots over a third of an acre, rear-wheel drive like the PowerSmart 22-Inch 170cc saves real effort and finishes faster.
What deck size works for a typical suburban yard?
A 21-inch deck is the most common suburban fit and shows up on multiple picks here, including the Greenworks 80V and Honda HRX models. An 18-inch deck suits tighter lots, while a 22-inch deck trims time off larger properties.
Can a battery mower really replace a gas one?
For yards under a third of an acre with normal growth, modern 56V and 80V platforms genuinely compete with small gas engines. For thick grass, large lots, or extended mowing sessions, gas still wins on runtime and raw torque.
How do I store a gas mower for the winter?
Drain or stabilize the fuel, change the oil, and store the unit in a dry space. Battery mowers should be stored indoors with the battery at roughly half charge, since extreme cold and full-charge storage both shorten battery life.
Closing Remarks
The right mower comes down to yard size, terrain, and how much noise and maintenance you can tolerate. Small flat lawns point to the PowerSmart EasyCut or the Casince 17-inch. Mid-size suburban lots with mixed needs are well-served by the PowerSmart EasyGlide, the Greenworks 80V, or the EGO POWER+ LM2135SP. Slopes and large properties pull toward the PowerSmart 22-Inch 170cc. Anyone prioritizing Honda craftsmanship and long-term durability lands on the HRX-BV, HRX-BE, or HRC-BE. Pick the model that matches the workload, not the one with the most features on paper, and the mower will quietly disappear into the routine.