Picking the right walk-behind mower comes down to lawn size, terrain, and how much noise or maintenance fits into a Saturday morning. Small yards under 1,500 sq ft usually get by with a compact cordless model, while anything half an acre or larger often benefits from a wider deck or self-propelled drive. I’ve put together eight push mowers that span cordless convenience, gas power, and lightweight designs, so suburban homeowners, first-time homeowners, and seasoned lawn folks can each find a sensible starting point.
The Lineup, Simplified
Greenworks 80V 21in Push Lawn Mower, 4.0 Ah Battery
PowerSmart EasyCut 18-Inch Gas Lawn Mower, 144cc
Casince 17 in Cordless Walk-Behind Lawn Mower
PowerSmart EasyGlide 21-Inch 3-in-1 Push Gas Mower
EGO POWER+ LM2135SP 21in Self-Propelled Mower
PowerSmart 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Mower, 170cc
Litheli 40V 16 Inch Cordless Lawn Mower
Litheli 14 Inch Cordless Lawn Mower, Brushless
Meet The Standout Selections
The Greenworks 80V lands first because it covers a lot of suburban ground without much fuss. The 21-inch steel deck trims mowing time on quarter-acre lots, and the brushless motor (a brushless motor uses magnets rather than carbon brushes, which means less friction and a longer service life) keeps operation noticeably quiet compared to most gas mowers. For households that want weekend freedom from oil changes and pull cords, this is the obvious entry point.
A single-lever height adjustment (a single-lever height adjustment lets you raise or lower the entire deck with one motion instead of adjusting each wheel separately) and the included 4.0Ah battery with rapid charger round out a thoughtful package. Compared to the smaller Litheli options later in this list, this Greenworks trades compactness for raw deck width and runtime.
The Upside
- 21-inch steel deck covers wide strips per pass, useful for lawns over 4,000 sq ft.
- Brushless motor runs quieter than gas and typically lasts longer with less wear.
- 4.0Ah battery and rapid charger mean about an hour of runtime and a quick turnaround.
- Single-lever height adjustment saves fiddling with four separate wheel levers.
Points To Keep In Mind
- Cordless batteries lose capacity over years, so long-term replacement is part of the ownership math.
- Push-only design means no drive assist on slopes, which can tire out some users.
Best Suited To
Suburban homeowners with flat, mid-size lawns who want gas-free operation without sacrificing deck width.
Look Elsewhere When
The PowerSmart 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Mower suits shoppers who need rear-wheel drive traction on sloped or uneven terrain.
Gas still earns its place in small yards, especially when budgets matter, and the PowerSmart EasyCut keeps the formula simple. The 144cc 4-cycle OHV engine (an OHV engine places the valves in the cylinder head for better airflow and cleaner combustion) uses auto choke and a primer bulb, so first-time owners usually don’t fight a stubborn pull cord. Side discharge handles tall grass without forcing mulching or bagging decisions.
The 18-inch deck trims a slightly narrower path than the Greenworks above, but it is plenty for lots under 3,000 sq ft. Where cordless mowers ask you to babysit a battery, this one just runs until the tank is empty.
Noteworthy Benefits
- 144cc OHV engine delivers dependable torque for thick or slightly overgrown grass.
- Auto choke and primer bulb simplify cold starts for first-time gas mower owners.
- Side discharge clears clippings efficiently, which matters in tall patches after a rainy week.
Worth Noting
- Gas engines need oil checks, spark plug swaps, and seasonal fuel stabilizer care.
- No bagging or mulching option limits flexibility for users who want tidy clippings off the lawn.
- Narrower 18-inch deck adds passes compared to the 21-inch PowerSmart EasyGlide covered below.
Right Fit For
Owners of small, flat lawns who prefer gas simplicity and don’t mind basic seasonal maintenance.
Skip It When
The PowerSmart EasyGlide 21-Inch 3-in-1 Push Gas Mower fits shoppers who want bagging, mulching, and a wider deck in the same gas format.
Casince offers a friendly middle ground for shoppers who find the Greenworks too wide or the Litheli 14-inch too narrow. The 17-inch deck navigates tight side yards and gates without the bulk of a 21-inch machine, while six height settings from roughly 1 to 3 inches give more grass-type flexibility than simpler three-position mowers.
Two 20V 4.0Ah batteries run in sequence, so the second pack picks up where the first leaves off, which extends the working window for mid-size lawns. Cordless convenience, light storage, and decent cutting reach make this a quietly capable pick.
Points In Its Favor
- Six height settings cover everything from low-cut Bermuda to taller fescue preferences.
- Dual-battery system keeps the mower running longer than single-pack cordless options.
- 17-inch deck balances maneuverability and pass width, ideal for lawns with narrow access.
Trade Offs
- Run-time claims assume light cutting conditions; dense or wet grass drains batteries faster.
- Plastic deck construction can show scuffs and stress sooner than steel-deck rivals.
Key Product Details
Made For
Suburban gardeners with mixed grass types who want a maneuverable cordless mower with a multi-setting deck.
Consider Something Else When
The Litheli 14 Inch Cordless Lawn Mower is a better fit for very small lawns and storage-limited patios where a lighter build helps.
The EasyGlide picks up where the smaller EasyCut leaves off, widening the deck to 21 inches and adding the 3-in-1 versatility that many lawn owners expect. Side discharge, mulching, and bagging all fit in one chassis, which means seasonal shifts in grass length don’t force a tool change. For households that bag in spring and mulch in summer, that flexibility tends to matter quickly.
The same 144cc OHV engine family powers this deck, paired with auto choke for predictable starts. Steel deck construction gives the EasyGlide a sturdier feel than some plastic-chassis rivals, which can matter over a decade of curb-side storage.
A Few Strong Suits
- 3-in-1 design supports bagging, mulching, and side discharge without swapping mowers.
- 21-inch steel deck cuts down passes compared to the 18-inch EasyCut.
- Auto choke keeps cold-start behavior consistent across seasons.
Points To Note
- Still a push mower with no self-propelled assist, so sloped lawns demand more effort.
- Gas maintenance, including fuel stabilizer and oil checks, applies just like the smaller EasyCut.
Who It Suits Best
Mid-size suburban yards with mixed seasonal needs where bagging or mulching flexibility is a real priority.
Reach For A Different Pick When
The EGO POWER+ LM2135SP 21in Self-Propelled Mower serves shoppers who want cordless convenience and drive-assist on larger lawns.
EGO is the closest a cordless mower gets to gas performance without the noise and exhaust. The 56V 7.5Ah battery in this bundle drives up to 7.0 ft-lbs of torque, which is a unit measuring twisting force, and that translates into confident cutting through tall fescue and damp patches. Self-propelled drive eases long pushes and sloped front lawns where a push-only cordless mower would wear out a user fast.
The Select Cut multi-blade system swaps mulching, high-lift bagging, and extended-runtime blades depending on the task. A bundled extra 5.0Ah battery stretches working time on larger lots, and the rapid charger keeps downtime short between sessions.
Well-Handled Touches
- Self-propelled drive reduces fatigue on larger or sloped properties.
- Select Cut multi-blade system adapts to mulching, bagging, or longer runtime needs.
- Dual-battery bundle with rapid charger supports bigger lawns in a single afternoon.
- Brushless motor runs quieter than gas rivals, helpful in close-knit neighborhoods.
Things To Weigh
- Premium pricing puts it well above the budget-friendly options in this roundup.
- Extra battery ships separately, which can complicate early sessions.
Feature Snapshot
Who Will Love This
Larger-lot owners who want self-propelled drive, cordless convenience, and flexible mulching or bagging.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
The PowerSmart 21-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Mower suits shoppers who prefer gas torque and a simpler mechanical package.
When the lawn turns into a workout, rear-wheel drive earns its keep, and the PowerSmart 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower brings that muscle in a familiar package. The 170cc OHV engine has more torque than the smaller EasyCut and EasyGlide, which helps on damp, thick, or weedy patches that stall smaller engines. Rear-wheel drive pulls the mower up inclines instead of dragging it.
Three-in-one versatility covers bagging, mulching, and side discharge on a 21-inch steel deck, so this model slots in as the gas counterpart to the EGO bundle above. For shoppers who want gas reliability with drive assist, this lands in a useful middle spot.
A Strong Showing
- Rear-wheel drive maintains traction on slopes and uneven ground.
- 170cc OHV engine delivers more torque than the 144cc EasyCut for thick grass.
- 3-in-1 deck supports bagging, mulching, and side discharge in any season.
- Steel deck construction holds up to years of curb-side storage.
Practical Considerations
- Gas engines still demand oil changes, spark plug checks, and fuel stabilizer storage.
- Heavier chassis and rear-wheel drive add weight compared to push-only mowers.
Quick Technical Notes
Perfect Match For
Homes with slopes, uneven terrain, or thick grass that benefit from rear-wheel traction and gas torque.
Swap It Out When
The Greenworks 80V 21in Push Lawn Mower is a quieter, gas-free choice for flatter suburban lawns that don’t need drive assist.
The Litheli 40V lands between the tiny 14-inch model and the wider Greenworks, giving mid-size lawns a sensible 16-inch deck. Two 5.0Ah batteries feed a 40V setup, so the mower keeps full voltage as one battery hands off to the other, rather than stepping down mid-cut. Six cutting heights from 25 to 75mm add versatility for cool-season and warm-season grasses alike.
A 50L collection bag and mulching capability cover two common clippings preferences in one chassis. Compared to the Casince 17-inch above, this trades a slightly narrower deck for a higher-capacity collection bag and a different battery approach.
Useful Strengths
- Dual-battery 40V system maintains consistent power across the cut.
- Six height settings from 25 to 75mm fit a wide range of grass types and seasonal choices.
- 50L collection bag handles longer mow sessions before emptying.
- Brushless motor avoids oil changes and reduces routine upkeep.
Honest Caveats
- 16-inch deck means more passes than the 21-inch cordless Greenworks.
- Requires both batteries inserted to reach full 40V output, which can be limiting.
Feature Rundown
Built With In Mind
Tidy small to mid-size lawns where homeowners want cordless simplicity, mulching, and a generous collection bag.
Not Your Match When
The Casince 17 in Cordless Walk-Behind Lawn Mower suits shoppers who want a slightly wider deck with sequential 20V batteries.
The 14-inch Litheli is the smallest mower in this lineup, and that is exactly its job. Apartment patios, narrow side yards, and small courtyard lawns benefit from a chassis that stores almost anywhere, and the brushless motor removes oil changes, spark plugs, and carburetor cleaning from the maintenance list. A quick-fold design shrinks the whole unit down for tight closets and garden sheds.
Five cutting positions from 1 to 2.5 inches handle most common lawn grasses, and the included 5.0Ah battery covers up to 3,000 sq ft per charge. For elderly users or anyone who dreads wrestling a heavy mower out of storage, this lightweight design earns its spot.
The Practical Payoff
- Lightweight build makes it manageable for seniors and smaller-statured users.
- Brushless motor skips oil changes and spark plug swaps.
- Quick-fold design compresses the mower for storage in tight closets or sheds.
- Covers up to 3,000 sq ft per charge, enough for many small urban lawns.
A Few Limitations
- 14-inch deck requires more passes than any other mower in this roundup.
- Height range tops out at 2.5 inches, which may feel short for tall fescue preferences.
- Single battery limits continuous cutting compared to dual-battery alternatives.
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Owners of small urban lawns, apartment patios, and side yards who value easy handling and compact storage.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
The Litheli 40V 16 Inch Cordless Lawn Mower is the better match for slightly larger lawns that need a wider deck and dual-battery runtime.
What Matters Most Before Choosing Push Lawn Mowers
Deck Width And Yard Size
Deck width determines how quickly a lawn gets cut. A 14- or 16-inch deck handles tight urban lawns under 2,000 sq ft with fewer storage headaches. An 18- or 21-inch deck is better for suburban lots above 3,000 sq ft, where each pass covers more ground and total mowing time drops noticeably.
Power Source Trade-offs
Cordless mowers run quieter, skip oil and gas, and start with a button press, but batteries lose capacity over time. Gas mowers deliver consistent torque and unlimited runtime per tank refill, yet they need oil checks, spark plug swaps, and seasonal fuel care. For homeowners who mow under 40 minutes at a stretch, cordless models now cover most needs.
Drive Type And Terrain
Push-only mowers work on flat lawns and tend to cost less. Self-propelled models with rear-wheel drive help on slopes, uneven ground, or larger properties where pushing fatigue becomes a real factor. Matching drive type to terrain matters more than deck width on hilly blocks.
Cutting Modes And Grass Handling
Bagging collects clippings for a tidy look, mulching returns nutrients to the soil, and side discharge clears tall grass fast. A 3-in-1 deck gives seasonal flexibility, while single-mode mowers suit owners who already know their preferred style.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Where Shoppers Go Wrong
A common trap is buying a wide 21-inch deck for a small lawn and ending up with a mower that’s harder to maneuver than the yard needs. The opposite mistake is choosing a 14-inch mower for half an acre and spending the entire Saturday pushing. The honest move is to measure the lawn, count narrow gates and slopes, then match deck width and drive type to those real conditions.
When Paying More Pays Off
Premium cordless models like the EGO bundle justify the higher cost with self-propelled drive, larger batteries, and quieter operation. For most small yards, those features are nice rather than necessary, but for larger or sloped lawns, the upgrade turns mowing from a chore into a quicker routine. Higher-tier picks earn their price tag when the lawn would otherwise wear out the operator or the mower.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a push lawn mower be sharpened?
Most mower blades hold an edge through a full mowing season under typical residential use. Dull cuts that shred grass tips rather than slice cleanly signal it’s time for a sharpening or replacement.
Are cordless mowers powerful enough for thick grass?
Modern 40V and 56V cordless mowers handle most residential grass types, including thick fescue and Bermuda. Battery voltage and amp-hour ratings both influence cutting confidence, especially in damp conditions.
What is the benefit of a brushless motor?
Brushless motors generate less friction than brushed designs, which usually means longer runtime per charge, quieter operation, and a longer service life. The trade-off is a slightly higher upfront cost.
Can a push mower handle slopes safely?
Push-only mowers work on mild slopes with careful footwork. For steeper inclines, a self-propelled model with rear-wheel drive keeps traction more predictable and reduces fatigue during repeated passes.
How long does a cordless mower battery last?
Most lithium-ion mower batteries deliver several years of seasonal use before noticeable capacity loss. Storing packs in a cool, dry place during off-seasons helps extend their working life.
The Takeaway
For flat suburban lots, the Greenworks 80V covers most needs without gas maintenance. Gas loyalists will appreciate the PowerSmart EasyGlide or Self-Propelled models for raw torque and runtime. Tight urban lawns and storage-limited patios point toward the Litheli 14-inch, while the EGO bundle earns its place for larger or sloped properties where self-propelled cordless power matters. Pick the mower that matches your lawn, not the one with the most features.