A good cordless mower changes how weekends feel. No gas can, no pull cord, no wrestling with a stubborn starter on a damp morning. The six walk-behind models below cover everything from postage-stamp city lawns to a half-acre suburban lot, and each one trades gas for a quieter, cleaner cut without giving up real cutting power.
The Leading Options At A Glance
Greenworks 80V 21in Push Lawn Mower, 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger
Casince 17in Cordless Walk Behind Lawn Mower
EGO POWER+ LM2135SP 21in Self-Propelled Mower
Honda HRX-BE 21in Battery Walk Behind Mower
Litheli 40V 16in Brushless Cordless Mower
Litheli 14in Brushless Lightweight Mower
More On The Choices That Made The List
The Greenworks 80V pushes the cordless category into serious cutting territory, and for suburban lots up to roughly a half acre it makes a lot of sense. A steel 21-inch deck, a brushless motor (meaning fewer moving parts and a longer service life than brushed designs), and a single-lever height adjustment keep things simple on a busy weekend.
Where this mower separates itself from the smaller picks ahead is raw battery headroom. The included 4.0Ah pack recharges in about 60 minutes, so for most homeowners a mid-morning break is enough to top up for the back yard. Compared to the Casince below, this Greenworks trades the dual-battery setup for a wider, more rigid deck.
What Works In Its Favor
- 21-inch steel deck covers ground quickly, cutting mowing time on wider lots.
- Brushless motor delivers more torque and quieter operation than brushed designs.
- Single-lever height adjustment changes all four wheels at once, saving real time.
- 80V platform gives stronger runtime headroom for thicker grass and modest slopes.
Things To Consider
- At a heavier weight than the compact Litheli picks, it may tire out users with small sheds to cross.
- Runtime varies with grass thickness, so very lush lawns may need a second charge.
Who It Suits Best
Homeowners with mid-to-large flat yards who want a wide deck and a battery system that can handle weekly cuts without babysitting.
Consider Something Else When
Shoppers with very small or tightly fenced lawns will find the Litheli 14in Brushless Lightweight Mower easier to wheel around and store.
The Casince lands in the sweet spot for small and medium yards where a 21-inch deck feels like overkill. A 17-inch cutting deck paired with six height settings from roughly 1 to 3 inches gives a tidy finish on suburban grass, and the deck width still moves faster than the 14-inch Litheli below.
Power comes from two 20V 4.0Ah batteries that the mower treats as one continuous supply, so owners don’t have to swap packs mid-cut. Under lighter conditions the runtime is enough for around 5,380 square feet, which covers most townhouse lots. Storage-wise it folds down without drama, which matters more than people expect on a tight porch.
What It Does Well
- Six-position height range (about 25 to 75 mm) handles spring flushes and late-summer cuts.
- Dual 20V batteries extend runtime without forcing a mid-mow swap.
- 17-inch deck balances speed and maneuverability in fenced yards.
Worth Noting
- Smaller deck than the Greenworks, so large lots will need more passes.
- Performance and runtime both dip in tall, wet grass, a common issue across cordless mowers in this class.
Made For
First-time cordless owners with small or medium lawns who want a balanced deck size without overspending.
Look Elsewhere When
Anyone mowing a sloped or rough half-acre will appreciate the self-propelled assist of the EGO POWER+ LM2135SP 21in Self-Propelled Mower.
The EGO POWER+ LM2135SP is the one I’d point a tired homeowner toward. Self-propelled drive, a 56V 7.5Ah battery, and a Select Cut multi-blade system (a deck that lets owners swap between mulching, bagging, and high-lift blades) mean it behaves like a premium gas mower without the noise or the fumes. The bundle ships with a second 5.0Ah pack so a full lawn can usually be finished on one charge.
The trade-off versus the lighter picks is weight and cost. The self-propelled drive helps, but on flat ground the Greenworks or Litheli 16-inch are easier to maneuver. Where this EGO earns its place is hilly terrain and homeowners who want one tool to bag, mulch, and discharge.
The Good Stuff
- Self-propelled drive takes strain off on slopes and larger lots.
- Select Cut system swaps between mulching, bagging, and extended-runtime blades.
- Includes two batteries for longer continuous run sessions.
Trade Offs
- Heavier than push-only picks, so small flat lawns get a workout during turns.
- Bundles can include the extra battery shipped separately, an inconvenience to plan around.
Right Fit For
Homeowners with sloped, uneven, or larger lawns who want gas-like cutting without the maintenance routine.
Swap It Out When
People with a flat quarter-lot and a tight budget will get the job done more comfortably with the Greenworks 80V 21in Push Lawn Mower.
The Honda HRX-BE sits at the thoughtful end of cordless mowing. The 4-in-1 Versamow system with Clip Director lets owners switch between mulching, bagging, discharging, and leaf-shredding without extra tools, a feature most other picks can’t match. The Honda-designed motor aims to match the torque and RPM hold of the brand’s well-regarded gas engines.
Where the Honda differs from the EGO above is philosophy. There’s no self-propelled drive, so flat lawns reward the operator, and the deck is built for owners who care about finish quality over sheer speed. For year-round use, including fall leaf cleanup, that versatility is the headline.
Standout Benefits
- 4-in-1 Versamow with Clip Director handles mulch, bag, discharge, and leaf shred in one deck.
- Honda-grade motor targets strong torque and consistent blade speed under load.
- 21-inch deck suits most suburban lots without feeling oversized.
Minor Gripes
- No self-propelled drive, so it can feel like work on sloped ground.
- Battery and charger configuration varies by region, which can complicate ownership planning.
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Detail-oriented homeowners who want a four-season machine and a refined cut, especially where leaves are a regular fall chore.
Reach For A Different Pick When
Sloped terrain calls for the self-propelled assist of the EGO POWER+ LM2135SP 21in Self-Propelled Mower.
The Litheli 40V 16-inch hits a comfortable middle ground between the smaller Litheli below and the wider 21-inch picks above. A brushless motor, six cutting heights between roughly 25 and 75 mm, and a 50-liter collection bag cover the weekly suburban cut without much fuss.
Two 5.0Ah batteries run the system, and both must be in place for the 40V output. Owners commonly report the dual-battery requirement takes a minute to get used to, but the payoff is steady power that doesn’t sag mid-mow. For anyone torn between a 14-inch and a 21-inch deck, this 16-inch tends to feel just right.
Reasons It Performs
- Six height settings cover everything from a close summer cut to taller late-season grass.
- Brushless motor keeps maintenance low and noise down versus brushed units.
- 50-liter bag holds more clippings, meaning fewer stops to empty.
Points To Note
- Both batteries must be installed for the mower to run, a small but real ownership quirk.
- Narrower than the Greenworks, so larger yards need more passes.
Best Suited To
Suburban households with medium lawns who want a balance of deck width, runtime, and easy storage.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Owners with a wide open lawn will appreciate the larger 21-inch deck of the Greenworks 80V 21in Push Lawn Mower.
The Litheli 14-inch is the friendliest pick on this list for small lawns, narrow side yards, and anyone who dreads hauling a mower up basement stairs. The brushless motor keeps maintenance to nearly zero, and the 5.0Ah battery covers up to about 3,000 square feet, which fits most city lots and townhomes.
The folding handle and lightweight frame make storage painless in tight sheds. Compared to the 17-inch Casince, this Litheli trades cutting width for portability, and most owners find that’s a worthwhile swap when the lawn is under roughly 1,500 square feet. For a first home or a backyard refresh, it’s a genuinely easy entry point.
Points In Its Favor
- Lightweight build and folding handle suit seniors and smaller storage spaces.
- Brushless motor means no oil, spark plugs, or carburetor upkeep.
- Covers up to 3,000 sq ft on a single charge, plenty for small lawns.
Honest Caveats
- 14-inch deck needs noticeably more passes than the Greenworks or EGO on any larger lawn.
- Five height settings cap at about 2.5 inches, so very tall grass may need a pre-cut.
Who Should Grab It
City dwellers, seniors, and anyone with a small lawn and a tight storage spot who values light handling over wide decks.
Skip It When
Anyone with a medium or larger yard will save time with the wider 17-inch Casince or the 21-inch Greenworks 80V 21in Push Lawn Mower.
What Matters Most Before Choosing Lawn Mowers Under 400
Deck Size and Yard Footprint
Deck width drives how fast a lawn gets cut. A 14-inch deck fits tight gates but slows down on bigger lots, while a 21-inch deck speeds through open lawns but feels bulky in narrow side yards. Match the deck to the square footage you actually mow, not the size you wish you had.
Battery Platform and Runtime
Voltage and amp-hours together decide how long a mower lasts per charge. Higher voltage packs handle thicker grass with less sag, and larger amp-hour ratings extend runtime. Two-battery systems, like the Casince and the Litheli 40V, often outlast a single-pack design on bigger lawns.
Drive Type and Terrain
Push mowers reward flat ground and lighter users. Self-propelled drive, like on the EGO POWER+ LM2135SP, makes a real difference on slopes and uneven turf. For flat suburban lots, push designs usually save money and storage space.
Cutting Modes and Year-Round Use
A 4-in-1 deck, like the Versamow system on the Honda HRX-BE, handles mulching, bagging, discharging, and leaf shredding in one tool. A simple 2-in-1 or 3-in-1 deck is fine for weekly cuts but may feel limited when fall leaves pile up.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Mistakes Worth Dodging
Buying the widest deck available often backfires on a fenced yard, where every pass means wrestling with gates. Choosing a 21-inch mower for a 1,000-square-foot lawn wastes runtime and storage. A common trap is ignoring battery platform compatibility, since some brands share batteries across tools while others don’t, and that affects long-term ownership value.
When Paying More Pays Off
Stepping up to a self-propelled drive or a multi-mode deck usually pays off for homeowners who mow weekly and tackle seasonal chores like leaf cleanup. The extra cost buys less fatigue and more versatility, which adds up over years of use. For tiny lawns mowed once a week, the savings of a compact push mower usually make more sense than premium features.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do cordless mower batteries typically last?
Most lithium-ion mower batteries in this category deliver three to five years of regular weekly use before noticeable capacity loss, though heavy lawns and frequent full discharges can shorten lifespan.
Can cordless mowers handle wet grass?
Cordless mowers can technically cut damp grass, but cut quality drops, runtime shrinks, and clumping increases, so dry conditions still give the best results.
Are brushless motors worth the extra cost?
Brushless motors run cooler, last longer, and waste less battery power as heat, which makes them a worthwhile upgrade for anyone mowing more than a small lawn.
How do I store a cordless mower in winter?
Store the battery indoors at moderate temperatures, keep the deck clean and dry, and avoid leaving the mower outside where cold and moisture can shorten battery and component life.
What size deck do I need for a quarter-acre lot?
A 21-inch deck, like the Greenworks 80V or the Honda HRX-BE, is a practical match for a quarter-acre lot, while smaller 14-inch to 17-inch decks will require noticeably more passes.
Wrap Up
The right mower depends less on spec sheets and more on the yard you actually mow. Small lawn and tight storage? Lean toward the Litheli 14-inch. Medium suburban lot? The Casince 17-inch or Litheli 40V 16-inch usually hits the sweet spot. Bigger yard, slopes, or year-round cleanup? The Greenworks 80V, EGO POWER+ LM2135SP, or Honda HRX-BE will serve better. Match the deck, drive, and battery to the grass in front of you, and the rest tends to take care of itself.