A weekend mowing session shouldn’t feel like a workout. Anyone with a medium lawn, a few slopes, or a stubborn patch of crabgrass knows the difference between a mower that hums along and one that fights you the whole way. I put together this roundup of eight cordless and battery-powered 21-inch walk-behind mowers that handle real suburban lawns, comparing decks, drive systems, battery behavior, and the small details that shape ownership over time.
The Lineup, Simplified
Greenworks 80V 21in Push Lawn Mower with Battery
EGO POWER+ 21-Inch Cordless Electric Lawn Mower (LM2114)
Greenworks Pro 80V 21-Inch Push Lawn Mower, Tool Only
EGO POWER+ LM2135SP 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower with Two Batteries
Honda HRX-BE 21-Inch Battery Walk-Behind Lawn Mower (HRX217YXBEXA6)
Honda HRX-BV 21-Inch Battery Walk-Behind Lawn Mower (HRX217YXBVKA4)
Honda HRC-BE 21-Inch Battery Walk-Behind Lawn Mower (HRX217YXBEXA6)
EGO Power+ 21-Inch Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower (LM2123SP-2)
The Picks, Examined More Closely
For homeowners moving away from gas, the Greenworks 80V Push Lawn Mower is the entry-level pivot that actually delivers. A brushless motor (a motor that uses electronic switching instead of physical brushes, so it runs cooler and lasts longer) drives a 21-inch steel deck, which means a wider swath than most compact battery mowers. The included 4.0Ah battery and rapid charger get you mowing within an hour of unboxing in many cases.
It’s push-only, so flat lawns are where it shines. Quieter than any gas alternative, it also sidesteps oil changes and spark plugs entirely, making storage in a small garage far simpler.
Bright Spots
- Brushless motor tends to mean longer service life and less heat buildup during long sessions.
- Single-lever height adjustment keeps mid-session tweaks simple.
- Steel deck adds durability over plastic alternatives.
- Rapid charger returns a depleted 4.0Ah pack to full in roughly 60 minutes.
Worth Noting
- Push-only design means slopes demand more effort than self-propelled picks later in this list.
- Run time drops sharply in tall, wet grass, which is common in early spring.
- Storage footprint is larger than folding-handle competitors.
Built With In Mind
Homeowners with flat, small-to-medium lawns who want cordless simplicity without paying for self-propelled hardware.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Anyone with sloped ground should look at the EGO POWER+ LM2135SP, which adds self-propelled drive to handle hills with far less fatigue.
The LM2114 steps things up from the Greenworks push mower with a 56V battery system that pushes close to gas-equivalent torque. Seven cutting height positions cover everything from a manicured 1-inch cut to a shaggy late-fall trim. Like the Greenworks above, it’s still push-driven, but the heavier battery and stronger motor make it feel planted through thicker turf.
It’s a sensible middle-ground choice for suburban lawns where cordless has to feel effortless rather than experimental.
Where It Delivers
- 56V platform feels noticeably stronger than 40V-class mowers in dense grass.
- Seven height positions give more control than the typical five-step deck.
- Compatible with the broader EGO battery ecosystem, which grows useful over time.
- Push design keeps the unit light enough for easy storage.
Points To Keep In Mind
- No self-propulsion means more effort on any incline.
- Battery and charger are included, but runtime in thick grass tends to be the limiting factor.
Quick Facts
Made For
Suburban homeowners with flat-to-rolling lawns who want stronger cordless cutting without stepping into self-propelled pricing.
Consider Something Else When
Sloped or large properties suit the EGO POWER+ LM2135SP, where self-propelled drive and dual batteries keep fatigue in check.
Anyone already running 80V Greenworks tools should look closely at this tool-only Pro model. It’s the same 21-inch deck and brushless platform as the included-battery version reviewed earlier, but skipping the battery and charger drops cost for households that already own compatible packs. A turbo button (a short-term power boost for thick patches) and 3-in-1 cutting (mulching, bagging, side discharge) make it more versatile than entry-level Greenworks options.
Folding handles round out the storage-friendly design that matters in smaller garages.
The Case For It
- Tool-only pricing rewards owners already invested in the 80V platform.
- Turbo button helps power through thicker grass without bogging down.
- 3-in-1 deck handles mulching, bagging, and side discharge.
- Folding handles reduce the storage footprint meaningfully.
Honest Caveats
- No battery or charger in the box, so first-time shoppers should pick the version reviewed earlier instead.
- Still push-only, so it shares the slope-handling limits of the first Greenworks mower on this list.
Right Fit For
Existing 80V Greenworks households who want to add a 21-inch mower without duplicating batteries they already own.
Reach For A Different Pick When
First-time cordless shoppers benefit more from the Honda HRX-BE, which ships complete with battery and a refined 4-in-1 deck.
The LM2135SP is the first self-propelled entry in this roundup, and it earns its place. It packs a 56V 7.5Ah battery plus a 5.0Ah backup, a Select Cut multi-blade system (interchangeable lower blades tuned for mulching, bagging, or extended runtime), and a high-torque output that genuinely rivals small gas engines. Where the Greenworks and base EGO mowers above leave you pushing, this one pulls itself along.
It’s the right fit when slopes, larger lots, or longer sessions make push mowers impractical.
Practical Pluses
- Self-propelled drive takes the strain out of hills and larger lawns.
- Dual batteries extend runtime well beyond single-pack mowers.
- Select Cut blades let owners tune cut quality to grass type.
- High torque handles dense or slightly overgrown turf without bogging.
Small Caveats
- Heavier than push models, which matters during storage or transport.
- Bundled extras push the price well above the entry-level options earlier in this list.
Who Will Love This
Homeowners with sloped, large, or thick-grass lawns who want cordless convenience with self-propelled capability and strong runtime.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
Flat-lawn owners on tighter budgets get more value from the Greenworks 80V Push Mower, which delivers a 21-inch cut without the self-propelled premium.
The HRX-BE carries Honda’s reputation for refinement into the cordless category. Its 4-in-1 Versamow system with Clip Director (a lever that switches between bagging and mulching without tools) lets owners toggle between mulching, bagging, discharge, and leaf-shred modes without swapping attachments. Twin blades feed a MicroCut system that produces notably finer clippings than single-blade mowers.
It’s aimed at homeowners who care about cut quality and want Honda engineering without the gas-engine maintenance.
Good Reasons To Consider
- Versamow system switches modes without changing attachments, saving real setup time.
- MicroCut twin-blade design produces finer mulched clippings.
- Honda build quality tends to translate into long service life.
- Reliable cold-weather starts that gas engines sometimes struggle with.
Points To Note
- Premium pricing sits well above the Greenworks and base EGO options.
- Self-propelled hardware adds weight versus the push models reviewed earlier.
Feature Snapshot
Best Suited To
Detail-oriented homeowners who want refined cut quality, flexible mowing modes, and Honda engineering in a cordless package.
Skip It When
Budget-focused shoppers with flat lawns get more from the Greenworks 80V Push Mower, which covers basic needs at a lower entry cost.
The HRX-BV shares the Versamow platform with the HRX-BE above but sits in a different trim configuration. It’s well-suited for homeowners who switch frequently between mulching and bagging through the season. The Clip Director lever is the practical standout, letting the operator change modes on the fly without tools or attachments.
Like other Honda cordless mowers, it brings the brand’s hallmark refinement to a category where most competitors focus on raw power.
The Helpful Details
- Clip Director makes seasonal mode changes feel effortless.
- Honda engineering tends to favor quieter operation than class averages.
- 21-inch deck balances maneuverability with broader coverage.
Practical Considerations
- Sits in a similar price band to the HRX-BE without a clear advantage for many shoppers.
- Battery runtime in heavy growth may fall short of EGO’s dual-battery LM2135SP reviewed earlier.
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Homeowners who mulch some weeks and bag others and want a Honda platform that supports both without accessory swaps.
Not Your Match When
Owners needing the longest possible runtime should choose the EGO POWER+ LM2135SP, where two batteries extend usable session length.
The HRC-BE brings a commercial-grade 2.0 kW Honda motor to a walk-behind format. Where the HRX-BE and HRX-BV above target residential refinement, this one is built for tougher mowing conditions, dense grass, and operators who want Honda’s commercial DNA in a homeowner-friendly chassis. The MicroCut twin-blade system carries over, producing fine clippings for cleaner mulching or bagging.
It’s the heaviest-duty Honda in this roundup, but the trade-off shows up in price.
The Value In It
- Commercial-grade motor handles dense turf and tougher conditions without RPM drop.
- MicroCut blades produce finer clippings than single-blade alternatives.
- Honda engineering tends to hold up well across many seasons of regular use.
A Few Limitations
- Premium pricing puts it well above the residential Honda HRX-BE.
- Heavier chassis may feel cumbersome for smaller-framed operators.
Feature Card
Perfect Match For
Homeowners managing large lots, thick turf, or variable mowing conditions who want commercial-grade output in a walk-behind format.
Look Elsewhere When
Budget-focused shoppers should consider the Greenworks 80V Push Mower, which covers typical residential lawns at a much lower entry cost.
The LM2123SP-2 closes out this roundup with EGO’s Touch Drive self-propelled system, which adjusts wheel speed based on how the operator grips the bail. It’s an intuitive take on a feature that usually relies on a separate speed dial. With two batteries included and up to 80 minutes of claimed runtime, it’s also one of the longest-running cordless options here.
For most backyards, the touch-drive interface feels more natural than lever-controlled alternatives.
The Good Stuff
- Touch Drive self-propelled system feels intuitive compared to dial-based controls.
- Dual-battery configuration supports longer sessions than single-pack mowers.
- 56V platform delivers gas-comparable torque without engine maintenance.
- EGO’s growing battery ecosystem pays off across other tools over time.
Trade-Offs To Consider
- Pricing lands above the push-only Greenworks and base EGO options reviewed earlier.
- Self-propelled hardware adds weight compared to the simpler LM2114 in this roundup.
Who Should Grab It
Variable-pace walkers who want intuitive self-propelled control and extended runtime without stepping into commercial-grade Honda pricing.
Swap It Out When
Buyers preferring a refined Honda platform with mulching flexibility should choose the Honda HRX-BV, which trades touch-drive control for the Versamow system.
Matching The Right Mower To Your Lawn
A 21-inch walk-behind mower covers a wide swath of suburban territory, but the best pick depends on more than deck size. Flat, small lots reward simple push designs, while slopes or large areas quickly expose the limits of push-only hardware. For typical quarter-acre lawns without major inclines, a push mower with a brushless motor and a 4.0Ah or larger battery tends to be enough.
Self-propelled drive becomes worthwhile once lots exceed a half-acre, when slopes enter the picture, or when mowing frequency drops and grass gets thicker between sessions. Battery voltage matters more than many shoppers realize, since 56V and 80V platforms hold torque through dense turf that 40V-class mowers often struggle with. Cutting mode flexibility also shapes ownership: bagging-heavy homeowners want a roomy catcher, while mulchers should look for twin-blade MicroCut-style systems that produce finer clippings. Match these factors to your lawn, and the eight picks above start to sort themselves quickly.
Smart Choices Before You Click
Where Shoppers Go Wrong
Treating all 21-inch cordless mowers as interchangeable is the most common mistake. Battery platform choice matters as much as deck width, since switching ecosystems later means buying fresh batteries and chargers. Skipping runtime estimates for your actual lawn size is another pitfall, because manufacturer claims assume ideal conditions and shorter cutting sessions. Buyers sometimes also overlook the difference between push and self-propelled drive until the first long slope arrives.
When Paying More Pays Off
Premium tiers tend to buy self-propelled hardware, larger batteries, multi-blade cutting systems, and stronger motors that hold up across many seasons. For small, flat lawns, those upgrades rarely pay back. For larger lots, slopes, or anyone who mows less often, the extra spend typically returns the investment through less fatigue, fewer battery swaps, and longer service life. The honest read is that mid-tier picks suit most households, while top-tier hardware earns its place in tougher conditions.