Best Lawn Mowers for DIYers
The right mower depends on your yard size and whether you want gas power or battery quiet. Battery has caught up for most suburban lots; gas still rules big yards and long sessions.
What to look for
- ·Battery mowers suit yards under about half an acre, with 45 to 70 minutes of runtime. Gas is better for larger lots and all-day mowing.
- ·Self-propelled is worth it on any slope or larger yard. It saves your back and keeps a steady pace.
- ·Look for a quality mulching deck if you want to skip bagging and feed the lawn.
Quick comparison
| Product | Tier | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| EGO Power+ Select Cut 21 inch Self-Propelled | Editor's pick | $500 to $650 | Gas-like battery power for most yards |
| Honda HRN 21 inch Gas Self-Propelled | Editor's pick | $430 to $500 | Reliable gas power that lasts |
| Toro Recycler 60V Self-Propelled | Editor's pick | $500 to $600 | Top mulching on battery |
| Toro Recycler 22 inch Gas 163cc | Best value | $380 to $450 | A proven gas value |
| Craftsman 21 inch 150cc Gas Self-Propelled | Best value | $350 to $420 | Best value gas self-propelled |
| EGO Power+ 21 inch Self-Propelled (LM2102SP) | Best value | $450 to $550 | Battery value with self-propel |
| Craftsman 21 inch Gas Push Mower | Budget pick | $250 to $300 | Small flat yards on a budget |
| Ryobi 40V 20 inch Battery Mower | Budget pick | $280 to $330 | A quiet battery start for small yards |
| PowerSmart 21 inch Gas Push Mower | Budget pick | $180 to $230 | The lowest-cost full-size mower |
Editor's pick
EGO Power+ Select Cut 21 inch Self-Propelled
$500 to $650
A top battery mower that genuinely rivals gas, with strong power, a stacked cutting system, and quiet operation. The pick for medium to large suburban yards.
Best for: Gas-like battery power for most yards
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's, Amazon.
Honda HRN 21 inch Gas Self-Propelled
$430 to $500
A long-trusted gas mower known for reliability and a great cut. The benchmark if you want a dependable engine that starts for years.
Best for: Reliable gas power that lasts
Typically available at Home Depot, Acme Tools.
Toro Recycler 60V Self-Propelled
$500 to $600
Toro's proven Recycler deck on a strong 60V battery, with excellent mulching and personal-pace drive. A premium, low-maintenance choice.
Best for: Top mulching on battery
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
Best value
Toro Recycler 22 inch Gas 163cc
$380 to $450
A widely loved gas mower with a great cut and smooth, quiet running for the price. A dependable value for medium yards.
Best for: A proven gas value
Typically available at Home Depot, Ace Hardware.
Craftsman 21 inch 150cc Gas Self-Propelled
$350 to $420
Strong value gas mowing from a familiar name with easy returns. Covers most suburban yards without the premium price.
Best for: Best value gas self-propelled
Typically available at Lowe's, Amazon.
EGO Power+ 21 inch Self-Propelled (LM2102SP)
$450 to $550
A more affordable entry to the excellent EGO battery platform, with self-propel drive and a good cut. Quiet and maintenance-free.
Best for: Battery value with self-propel
Typically available at Home Depot, Lowe's.
Budget pick
Craftsman 21 inch Gas Push Mower
$250 to $300
A simple, affordable push mower for small, flat lawns. No drive system to fail, and a familiar brand with parts and returns.
Best for: Small flat yards on a budget
Typically available at Lowe's, Amazon.
Ryobi 40V 20 inch Battery Mower
$280 to $330
An inexpensive way onto a battery platform, quiet and light for small yards. Shorter runtime and a narrower deck, but easy to live with.
Best for: A quiet battery start for small yards
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
PowerSmart 21 inch Gas Push Mower
$180 to $230
About the cheapest full-size gas mower worth buying. Basic and a bit rough, but it cuts a small yard for the lowest cost.
Best for: The lowest-cost full-size mower
Typically available at Amazon, Walmart.
Frequently asked
Battery or gas lawn mower?+
Battery mowers are quieter, start instantly, and need almost no maintenance, and they now handle most yards under half an acre. Gas still wins for large lots, tall or wet grass, and long mowing sessions.
Is self-propelled worth it?+
On any slope or a yard bigger than a small patch, yes. Self-propelled drive saves effort and keeps a steady pace. For a tiny flat lawn, a push mower is cheaper and lighter.
What yard size works for a battery mower?+
Most battery mowers comfortably do up to about half an acre on a charge. Bigger than that and you want a second battery, a wide deck, or a gas mower.
Should I mulch or bag?+
Mulching returns nutrients to the lawn and skips cleanup, which is best for regular mowing. Bag when the grass is very long, going to seed, or full of leaves.
How long do battery mowers run?+
Expect roughly 45 to 70 minutes per charge depending on grass and battery size. Buying a second battery removes the runtime worry for larger yards.