Cordless mowing has quietly (literally) become the default for most suburban yards. The trade-offs that once kept gas loyalists loyal, range anxiety, weak decks, and flimsy plastics, have mostly disappeared in recent years. I pulled together seven walk-behind options that span tiny patch lawns up through quarter-acre lots, so you can match battery muscle and deck size to the patch of grass you actually cut.
The Main Contenders
The Main Contenders
PickWhy We Picked ItBest ForAction
Heavy Duty Pick
Greenworks 80V 21in Push Lawn Mower
Steel deck, strong runtime
Larger Suburban Lawns
Compact Choice
Worx WG733.1 20V 14″ Cordless Mower
Lightest pick in the roundup
Small Patio Yards
Thoughtful Design
Worx WG735 40V 14″ Cordless Mower
IntelliCut torque control
Quarter-Town Lots
Well Rounded Pick
Worx WG745 40V 17″ Cordless Mower
Dual-battery runtime, 17″ deck
Up To 1/4 Acre
Premium Pick
EGO LM2135SP Self-Propelled 21″ Mower
Self-propelled, three-blade system
Sloped And Larger Lots
Workshop Pick
Makita DLM330Z 18V LXT Lawnmower
Slide-in LXT battery compatibility |
Existing Makita Tool Owners
Family Friendly
Litheli 40V 16″ Cordless Lawn Mower
Twin batteries, six height steps
Shared Family Yards
The Strengths Of Each Pick
This is the workhorse of the lineup, and it wears that title without apology. The 80V platform gives the brushless motor (a motor with no internal brushes, meaning less friction and longer life) enough headroom to push a 21-inch steel deck through thick spring grass, while the included 4.0Ah battery and rapid charger get you back to cutting in roughly an hour. Single-lever height adjustment means you swap from a tidy suburban cut to a tall summer setting without fiddling with four separate wheels.
Where the smaller Worx models feel right for tight, tidy lawns, this Greenworks starts to make sense as soon as your yard stretches past a quarter acre. The steel deck adds real weight, which translates to a flatter, more even cut on uneven ground. For most homeowners with a flat-ish lot and a mid-sized garage, the trade-off feels fair.
Positive Points
- ✓Wide 21-inch steel deck covers ground quickly, so you spend less time walking laps.
- ✓80V battery platform delivers noticeably more torque than 40V picks in tall or damp grass.
- ✓Rapid charger returns the 4.0Ah pack to full in around 60 minutes for most owners.
- ✓Single-lever height adjustment speeds up seasonal changes between short and tall cuts.
Things To Consider
- •Steel deck adds weight, which can wear on you on a sloped lot.
- •No self-propulsion, so you’ll be pushing every inch.
Feature Snapshot
| | Feature | Specification | Why It Matters |
|---|
| Cutting Deck | 21 inches, steel | Fewer passes on mid-sized yards |
| Battery | 80V 4.0Ah | Enough headroom for thick grass |
| Charge Time | Approx. 60 minutes | Quick turnaround between cuts |
| Height Adjustment | Single lever | Change all four wheels at once |
Who It Suits Best
Homeowners with a flat, mid-sized lot who want cordless simplicity without stepping down to a 14-inch deck.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
Anyone mowing a sloped yard will be better served by the self-propelled EGO LM2135SP covered below.
Small yard, small mower, no apologies. The WG733.1 is the lightest model in the roundup, and that single fact shapes nearly every other choice Worx made here. The 20V 5.0Ah PowerShare battery is the same pack that slides into the rest of the Worx lineup, so anyone already deep in that ecosystem gets to skip the charger altogether.
On a 14-inch deck with a brushless motor and a 2-in-1 mulching or bagging deck, this thing handles roughly 3,200 square feet on a charge, which lines up neatly with a city lot, a townhouse strip, or a back garden tucked behind a fence. Where the heavier Greenworks can feel like overkill, this little mower makes mowing feel like less of an event.
Notable Upsides
- ✓Lightest mower in the roundup, easy to carry out of a narrow shed or up porch steps.
- ✓Same 20V PowerShare battery powers 140+ Worx tools, doubling the value for existing owners.
- ✓Brushless motor runs quieter than older brushed designs, which neighbors tend to appreciate on Saturday mornings.
- ✓2-in-1 deck switches between bagging and mulching without a separate plug-in attachment.
Worth Noting
- •14-inch deck means more laps across any yard past a small patch.
- •Single 20V pack is fine for small lawns, but you’ll want the WG745’s dual batteries for bigger jobs.
Made For
Apartment, condo, or townhouse owners with a tidy patch of grass under 3,200 square feet.
Skip It When
Your yard stretches past a quarter acre, where the Worx WG745 40V 17″ Mower will save you real time.
Step up the voltage, and the personality of this little mower changes. The WG735 keeps the friendly 14-inch deck from the WG733.1, but adds IntelliCut, a system that senses grass load and dials torque up or down automatically. That means less bogging when you hit a thicker patch and longer effective runtime on the easy stretches. Running on a 20V 4.0Ah PowerShare battery (the 40V comes from pairing two packs internally), it covers roughly 1/8 acre per charge.
The optimized airflow deck is the kind of small detail you only notice when you stop noticing it. Grass stands up better before the blade hits, which leaves a cleaner cut and reduces the stringy tips that turn brown a day later. For small lots with mixed grass types, the IntelliCut feature is the real story.
Key Advantages
- ✓IntelliCut torque management extends runtime and prevents stalls in thick spots.
- ✓40V platform has more headroom than the WG733.1 when grass gets tall or damp.
- ✓PowerShare battery compatibility keeps the Worx ecosystem tidy if you already own tools.
- ✓Airflow-optimized deck produces a noticeably cleaner cut on cool-season grass.
Points To Keep In Mind
- •14-inch deck still means more walking on larger lawns.
- •Single 20V pack bundled limits flexibility if you want to run two packs back-to-back.
Quick Facts
| | Feature | Specification | Why It Matters |
|---|
| Cutting Deck | 14 inches | Easy to maneuver around beds |
| Motor | Brushless with IntelliCut | Adjusts torque to grass conditions |
| Battery | 20V 4.0Ah PowerShare | Swaps into other Worx 20V tools |
| Coverage | Up to 1/8 acre per charge | Matches small suburban lots |
Right Fit For
Homeowners with a 1/8-acre lot who deal with mixed grass thickness throughout the season.
Consider Something Else When
Your yard has long, uninterrupted runs where a 17-inch deck would finish faster, like the Worx WG745.
Where the WG735 is the smart small-lot mower, the WG745 is the one Worx built for actual suburban lawns. The deck widens to 17 inches, and two 20V 4.0Ah PowerShare batteries run in parallel to deliver the full 40V of power while extending runtime enough to cover roughly 1/4 acre. A dual-port charger tops both packs at once, which means your “coffee break” between cuts stays a coffee break.
The cross-compatibility angle matters here too. Anyone already running Worx trimmers, blowers, or hedge tools can grab this mower without buying into a second battery ecosystem. For a household where everyone shares the chore, the consistent battery across gear means nobody’s hunting for the right charger.
Practical Advantages
- ✓Dual 20V batteries deliver 40V power while keeping each pack compatible with 140+ Worx tools.
- ✓17-inch deck trims mowing time noticeably on quarter-acre lawns.
- ✓Dual-port charger refills both packs together so downtime stays short.
- ✓Brushless motor runs cool and quiet compared with older brushed designs.
Trade Offs
- •Still a push mower, so larger or sloped yards can leave you wishing for self-propulsion.
- •17-inch deck is wider than the WG735, so storage in narrow sheds may be tight.
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Households with a yard that runs from a 1/8 to a 1/4 acre who want one battery system across tools.
Look Elsewhere When
You have a sloped property where pushing gets old fast, in which case the EGO LM2135SP is the upgrade worth making.
This is the cordless mower for people who used to insist they needed gas. EGO’s 56V platform, paired here with a 7.5Ah pack and a bonus 5.0Ah battery, delivers the kind of torque that previously belonged to a small engine. The deck is 21 inches, the drive is self-propelled, and the Select Cut system gives you three interchangeable lower blades: a mulching blade, a high-lift bagging blade, and an extended-runtime blade for taller or thicker grass.
The trade-off shows up at the register and on the garage wall. You may find the price tag higher than the Worx models, but for sloped or larger yards, the self-propelled drive and the dual-battery bundle can finish a job without leaving you searching for a charger halfway through.
The Value In It
- ✓Self-propelled drive removes the heaviest physical effort, especially on inclines.
- ✓Select Cut blade system lets you swap between mulching, bagging, and runtime optimization.
- ✓Bonus 5.0Ah battery extends runtime past a single charge for most larger yards.
- ✓56V platform delivers torque that competes directly with small gas engines.
- ✓21-inch deck keeps mowing time short on lots up to a half acre.
Small Caveats
- •Heavier than push-only mowers, which can make storage in small sheds a squeeze.
- •Premium price compared with other picks in the roundup.
- •Extra battery ships separately, so plan for two deliveries.
Feature Card
| | Feature | Specification | Why It Matters |
|---|
| Drive | Self-propelled | Easier on slopes and longer cuts |
| Cutting Deck | 21 inches | Fewer passes on larger lots |
| Battery | 56V 7.5Ah + 5.0Ah bundle | Extended runtime for bigger yards |
| Blade System | Select Cut, three blades | Swap between mulching, bagging, and runtime |
Who Should Grab It
Homeowners with a sloped or larger yard who want self-propelled convenience and gas-like torque without the gas.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Anyone with a flat, sub-quarter-acre lot will do just fine saving money with the Worx WG745 17″ Mower.
This one’s a slightly different breed. The Makita DLM330Z uses the same 18V LXT slide-type batteries that power the brand’s drills, impacts, and saws. If your garage already has a stack of those batteries on the charger, this mower slots in without buying a second platform. The 330mm cutting width is small, but in tight plots where you can’t fit a 21-inch deck between the raised beds and the fence line, that small footprint becomes the whole point.
Soft start keeps the motor from jerking on engagement, and the steel deck under the shell feels tougher than the plastic bodies on some competing small mowers. The catch is that batteries and charger are not included, so first-time Makita buyers will pay the difference.
Where It Delivers
- ✓Slides onto the existing 18V LXT battery platform for current Makita owners.
- ✓Tight 330mm cutting width fits narrow access paths and small city lots.
- ✓Soft start engages the motor smoothly to extend gear life.
- ✓Steel deck adds durability over plastic-bodied competitors.
A Few Limitations
- •Batteries and charger sold separately, which adds real cost for first-time Makita owners.
- •Smaller deck means more passes on any yard past a small garden.
Best Suited To
Existing Makita tool owners who want a mower that uses batteries they already own.
Reach For A Different Pick When
You don’t already own Makita LXT gear, since adding batteries and a charger can push the total past the Worx WG735.
Litheli lands at the end of the list as the family-shareable option. The 40V platform runs on two 5.0Ah batteries, both of which must be inserted for the mower to operate, which keeps the voltage steady throughout the cut. Six adjustable cutting heights from 25mm to 75mm cover everything from a tight bowling-green look to a tall summer setting that survives dry weeks.
The 50L collection bag is generous for a 16-inch deck, which means fewer stops to empty on a mid-sized lawn. Mulching mode is available when you’d rather leave clippings in place. The brushless motor keeps noise down, which is a quiet win for anyone mowing while the kids nap.
Advantages To Know
- ✓Six cutting heights from 25mm to 75mm cover most seasonal preferences.
- ✓Twin 5.0Ah batteries hold 40V consistently without sagging mid-cut.
- ✓Large 50L collection bag reduces empty-stop interruptions.
- ✓Brushless motor runs quietly and skips the oil changes a gas engine demands.
- ✓Mulching mode adds flexibility when bagging isn’t necessary.
Potential Drawbacks
- •16-inch deck is narrower than the 21-inch Greenworks and EGO options.
- •Less established battery ecosystem than Worx or EGO, so future expansion is more limited.
Perfect Match For
Families sharing a yard who want quiet operation and a generous collection bag without stepping up to a 21-inch deck.
Swap It Out When
You want a wider deck for a larger yard, in which case the Greenworks 80V 21″ Push Lawn Mower is the more direct upgrade.
What To Weigh Before Picking A Cordless Mower
Deck size is the first number that matters, but it’s not the only one. A 21-inch deck finishes a quarter acre in fewer passes than a 14-inch one, but it also adds weight and turns tight garden corners into a chore. Match deck width to your lot: 14 inches for sub-1,200 sq ft patches, 16 to 17 inches for 1/8 to 1/4 acre, and 21 inches once you push past that.
Battery platform matters more than raw voltage. A 40V pack from a brand you already own tools from saves you from a second charger cluttering the garage. Runtime varies with grass conditions, so a mower rated for “up to 60 minutes” on flat, dry grass can drop meaningfully when the lawn is damp or the grass is tall. Look for brushless motors (no internal brushes, so they last longer and run quieter) and dual-battery setups if your yard stretches past a 1/4 acre.
Self-propulsion earns its keep on slopes. On flat ground, a quality push mower feels fine. The moment your yard tilts, a self-propelled drive turns a sweaty workout into a casual walk, which is exactly why the EGO LM2135SP sits where it does in this lineup.
Storage and weight deserve a thought too. Steel decks last longer but weigh more. Plastic bodies are lighter but can fade and crack after a few seasons in direct sun. Folding handles help the mower stand upright in a corner of the garage, and that’s worth checking before you fall in love with a 21-inch deck you can’t actually fit through the shed door.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Wrong Turns To Avoid
The most common slip is buying a deck that’s too wide for the yard. A 21-inch mower in a postage-stamp lawn wastes effort on every turn. The flip side is just as real: a 14-inch mower in a quarter-acre yard means an extra 20 minutes of walking every weekend. Match the deck to the lot.
Another mistake is ignoring battery platform. Buying a mower whose battery doesn’t swap into your existing trimmer or blower means you’ll have two chargers and two kinds of batteries cluttering the garage within a season. Cross-compatibility pays back every time you grab a tool.
What The Higher Tier Buys
Premium models like the EGO LM2135SP earn their position through three things working together: higher voltage for more torque, self-propulsion for slope and fatigue, and multi-blade systems that adapt to mulching or bagging without tools. None of those matter on a small flat lawn, but on a sloped or larger yard, the upgrade pays back in time and effort saved every cut.
The extra spend also buys longer component life. Brushless motors across all picks reduce wear, but premium decks and stronger drive systems last more seasons before any service is needed. For most households mowing weekly, that’s a decade of weekends without much fuss.
Frequently Asked Questions
QHow long does a battery electric lawn mower actually run on one charge?
Run-time varies by grass length, dampness, and deck width, but most picks here deliver between 30 and 60 minutes per charge. Larger batteries like the EGO 7.5Ah or the Greenworks 4.0Ah at 80V stretch that further, while the Worx 20V pack is best kept to smaller yards.
QCan a battery mower handle thick or wet grass?
A brushless motor with enough voltage can handle damp grass in most cases, though runtime drops. The Greenworks 80V and EGO 56V platforms have the most headroom here. IntelliCut on the Worx WG735 also helps by adjusting torque automatically.
QAre battery mower batteries interchangeable with other tools?
Sometimes. Worx PowerShare batteries work across 140+ tools in that ecosystem. Makita 18V LXT batteries work across that brand’s tool line. Greenworks and EGO have their own ecosystems, but they are not interchangeable with each other.
QDo cordless mowers need much maintenance?
Very little. No oil changes, no spark plugs, no carburetor cleaning. The main tasks are keeping the deck clean of clippings, sharpening the blade once or twice a season, and storing the battery indoors during winter. Brushless motors also tend to last longer than older brushed designs.
QShould I get a push or self-propelled mower?
Push is fine on flat ground under a 1/4 acre. Self-propulsion starts to earn its keep once the yard tilts or grows past a 1/4 acre, where pushing a 21-inch steel deck gets tiring fast. The EGO LM2135SP is the self-propelled pick in this roundup.
The Takeaway
Pick the deck to your lot, the battery platform to your existing tools, and the drive system to your slope. The Worx WG745 hits a sweet spot for most quarter-acre lawns, the EGO LM2135SP is the upgrade worth making on slopes, and the smaller Worx models handle tight city patches with barely any fuss.