What is the best lawn mower?

If you mean a walk-behind mower for a typical suburban lawn, my pick in 2026 is the EGO Power+ 56V self-propelled mower.

• EGO POWER+ 600 Series 56V 21-in Self-Propelled Mower - $599.00 (Lowe's)

My picks

• 🥇 Best overall: EGO Power+ 56V — excellent cutting power, quiet, self-propelled, low maintenance, and a strong battery ecosystem. Multiple 2026 tests rank EGO among the best overall battery mowers.
• 🥈 Best gas: Toro Super Recycler — still the choice if you want maximum runtime and don't mind gasoline/maintenance. Popular Mechanics and Good Housekeeping both rate Toro's Super Recycler highly.
• 💰 Best value: Ryobi 40V HP 21" — powerful, self-propelled, and currently available in several configurations.
• 🌱 Best for a small yard: Greenworks 40V 16" — lighter and easier to maneuver, particularly if you have a smaller lawn.
• 🏡 Best for a large lawn: EGO's larger 22–30" models or a riding/zero-turn mower, depending on acreage. Battery mowers have improved considerably, but gas/riding machines still make sense for very large properties.

If it were my money: I'd buy the EGO unless you have a very large lawn or specifically prefer gas.

If you tell me your lawn size (e.g. ¼ acre), whether it's flat or hilly, and your budget, I can narrow it down to the one mower I'd buy for your yard.

The best lawn mower overall depends on your yard size and power preference , but modern battery-powered models highlight incredible performance benefits . Industry testing ranks EGO Power+Go to product viewer dialog for this item. as a dominant force in cordless electric mowing, while Toro Go to product viewer dialog for this item. remains a gold standard for gas-powered reliability and advanced mulching.

Best Battery Lawn Mowers (Top Pick for Most Yards)

Battery mowers now match the cutting torque of gas engines without the hassle of fuel, oil changes, or excessive noise.

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• Best for Large Yards : Features a durable composite deck that resists dents and rust.
• Standout Specs : Delivers 10.6 foot-pounds of torque with up to 75 minutes of battery runtime.

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• Best Value : Heavy-duty steel deck equipped with dual blades for exceptional mulching and bagging.
• Standout Specs : Lightweight 65-pound build with rear-wheel drive for easy hill handling.

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• Best Ergonomics : Features a Cut Command Center directly on the handles to monitor battery life and toggle a turbo power boost.
• Standout Specs : Comes with two 6Ah batteries providing up to 80 minutes of total runtime.

Best Gas Lawn Mowers (Best for Thick Grass & Budget)

Gas engines are ideal for homeowners who want endless runtime or need aggressive power to push through thick, overgrown fields.

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• Best Overall Gas : Uses an intuitive Personal Pace system that matches your exact walking speed without extra levers.
• Standout Specs : 163cc Briggs & Stratton engine that explicitly requires no oil changes for its lifespan.

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• Best Budget Gas : The most affordable self-propelled pick in its class , offering an extra-wide 24-inch cut.
• Standout Specs : Built with heavy-duty 16-gauge steel and an automatic choke for easy pull-starts.

Best Robot Lawn Mowers (Best Hands-Free Option)

Perimeter wire-free robot mowers use GPS, cameras, and AI to navigate boundaries completely on their own.

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• Best Premium Robot : Uses 360° AI vision and RTK satellite data to perfectly maneuver around obstacles like pets, trees, and steep 40-degree hills.
• Standout Specs : 17-inch wide cutting path with zero physical boundary wires required.

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• Best Value Robot : All-wheel-drive machine built for mid-sized complex yards up to 0.5 acres.
• Standout Specs : In-app digital boundary mapping with advanced 3D vision that avoids over 360 types of loose objects.

To help narrow down the perfect match, let me know:

• Approximately how large is your yard (e.g., 1/4 acre, over an acre)?
• Is your terrain flat or hilly?
• Do you prefer a mower you push, ride, or let run automatically?

If you want one mower that’s excellent for most homeowners, I’d buy the EGO POWER+ 21-inch self-propelled battery mower. Independent testing consistently puts EGO near the top, with strong cutting performance, long runtime, easy operation, and much less maintenance than gas.

• EGO POWER+ 600 Series 21-in Self-Propelled - $599.00 (Lowe's)

My picks

• 🥇 Best overall: EGO POWER+ 21" self-propelled — excellent balance of power, runtime, maneuverability, and convenience. Around $599 currently.

• 💰 Best value: RYOBI 40V HP 21" self-propelled — very powerful and currently around $639 with two batteries.

• ⛽ Best gas: Toro 22" Recycler Personal Pace — excellent choice if you don't want to deal with battery charging; particularly good for larger or tougher lawns.

• 🌱 Best for a large lawn: EGO POWER+ 1000 Series 22" — bigger deck and 10-Ah battery, though it's considerably more expensive.

• 💪 Best for really tough grass: Milwaukee M18 FUEL 21" — exceptionally strong cutting performance, but expensive and relatively heavy.

• EGO POWER+ 21-in Self-Propelled - $599.00 (Lowe's)

• RYOBI 40V HP 21-in Self-Propelled - $639.00 (The Home Depot)

• Toro 22-in Recycler Gas Self-Propelled - $499.00 (Lowe's)

• EGO POWER+ 1000 Series 22-in - $999.00 (Lowe's)

• Milwaukee M18 FUEL 21-in - $899.00 (The Home Depot)

For most people, I'd choose the EGO. Battery mowers have also caught up substantially with gas: Consumer Reports says many of its best battery models now outperform its top-rated gas mowers in testing.

If you tell me your lawn size (e.g. ¼ acre, ½ acre, 1 acre), whether it's flat or hilly, and your budget, I can narrow it down to the single best mower for you.

The absolute best walk-behind lawn mower overall is the battery-powered EGO POWER+ 56V Select Cut Self-Propelled Lawn Mower lm2135sp Go to product viewer dialog for this item. due to its incredible dual-blade cutting system, massive torque that rivals traditional gas engines, and intuitive self-propelled layout. Gas-powered models still excel in thick, commercial-grade conditions, while riding units dominate sprawling acreages.

The Top Lawn Mowers

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• Features a premium multi-blade system that turns grass into extremely fine mulch or packs it tightly into bags.
• Boasts a highly intuitive Touch Drive self-propelled handle that speeds up or slows down based on your palm pressure.
• Yields zero emissions and operates much quieter than gas units while matching their power output.

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• Delivers a highly balanced, durable alternative using a life-long polycarbonate cutting deck and rear-wheel drive.
• Includes a single-lever height adjustment that easily lets you cycle through 7 different grass-cutting positions.
• Powers through residential yards for up to 60 straight minutes on a single 7.5Ah battery charge.

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• Employs a massive 23-horsepower Kawasaki V-Twin engine engineered explicitly for large residential properties and varying terrain.
• Cuts mowing times by roughly 25% compared to standard lawn tractors thanks to its agile 360-degree zero-turn driving system.
• Tackles open hills, slopes up to 15 degrees, and yard obstacles with a heavy-duty fabricated steel cutting deck.

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• Utilizes a highly efficient 80V brushless motor paired with an extra-wide 26-inch dual-blade deck to cover yards fast.
• Features an eco-conscious, zero-emission design that requires no messy oil changes, spark plugs, or gas cans.
• Easily climbs steep slopes and handles thick, dense grass types via integrated self-propelled drive wheels.

Mower Category Comparison

To find the right type of machine, compare models against your yard size and landscape needs:

If you'd like to narrow down the perfect match, let me know:

• Roughly how large your yard is (e.g., small patch, 1/4 acre, several acres).
• If your lawn is flat, hilly, or has many obstacles like trees and gardens.
• Whether you prefer gas-powered machines or low-maintenance battery equipment.

I searched current 2026 reviews and shopping results. For most homeowners, my top pick is the EGO Power+ 22" self-propelled mower. Multiple independent tests put EGO at or near the top, particularly for cutting quality, power, runtime, and ease of use.

EGO POWER+ 1000 Series 22-in Self-Propelled

$999.00

My 2026 picks

EGO POWER+ 1000 Series 22-in Self-Propelled

$999.00

RYOBI 40V HP 20-in Self-Propelled

$399.00

Toro 22-in Recycler Gas Self-Propelled

$479.00

EGO POWER+ 1100 Series 22-in Self-Propelled

$1,299.00

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 21-in Self-Propelled

$899.00

Why I'd choose EGO: battery mowers have become good enough that, for a typical residential lawn, I would choose cordless over gas. They're quieter, cleaner, and require much less maintenance. Popular Mechanics' August 2026 testing also notes that electric self-propelled mowers are increasingly replacing gas models, while gas still has an advantage for maximum power and quick refueling.

If you tell me your lawn size (e.g. ¼ acre), whether it's flat or hilly, and your budget, I can narrow it down to the single best mower for your yard.

The absolute best overall lawn mower widely loved today is the battery-powered EGO POWER+ 56V Select Cut Self-Propelled Lawn Mower lm2135sp Go to product viewer dialog for this item. . Extensive expert evaluations confirm that top-tier cordless battery models now routinely equal or outperform traditional gas engines in cutting power, without the hassle of fuel, spark plugs, or engine noise.

Best Walk-Behind Lawn Mowers

Add to list Named the top overall pick across major testing platforms like Bob Vila and highly praised by the Reddit r/lawncare community. It features an interchangeable dual-blade system that adapts for pristine mulching or high-suction bagging. It is equipped with intuitive TouchDrive hand controls to adjust walking speeds and includes a 7.5Ah battery that yields roughly 60 minutes of runtime.

Add to list Highly recommended by The New York Times Wirecutter as the definitive upgrade option for large residential lawns. It boasts an ultra-durable, rust-proof 22-inch composite deck, delivers a massive 10.6 foot-pounds of torque, and stretches runtime to 75 minutes on a single charge via its robust 10.0Ah battery.

Add to list Crowned the most maneuverable choice by testers at TechGearLab . It utilizes Toro’s famous Personal Pace drive handle, which seamlessly mimics your exact walking speed without dialing any knobs. It features an aerodynamic Super Recycler steel chamber that mulches grass into an incredibly fine dust.

Add to list Highlighted as the best midrange value alternative if you want high-voltage performance on a lower budget. The 80-volt brushless architecture automatically reads the height of the lawn, dialing up the blade speed dynamically to plow through dense, overgrown grass patches without stalling out.

Best Riding & Zero-Turn Mowers

Add to list An elite, high-efficiency option for properties spanning up to several acres. Driven by a 23 HP Kawasaki V-Twin engine, its heavy-duty 50-inch AeroForce fabricated deck cuts a wide swath that decreases overall mowing time by roughly 25% compared to standard lawn tractors.

Add to list A heavy-duty powerhouse built for landowners who demand commercial-grade durability. It is constructed with a fully welded 11-gauge steel frame, a massive 60-inch cutting deck, and an independent front suspension system that handles exceptionally rough, uneven acreage comfortably.

Key Specifications Comparison

To help zero in on the ideal match, could you tell me how large your yard is, whether you have any steep hills or slopes , and if you have a preference between gas or battery power?

The "best" lawn mower depends entirely on the size of your yard, your budget, and whether you prefer the zero-maintenance ease of battery power or the raw, uninterrupted muscle of gas.

Top-rated lawn mowers are categorized by what they do best:

• Best Battery-Powered Walk-Behind: EGO Power+ Select Cut Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (such as the LM2135SP or newer LM2200-series Go to product viewer dialog for this item.) . Widely praised by experts at Wirecutter and The Spruce as the gold standard for electric mowing. It offers gas-rivaling torque, a multi-blade system for stellar mulching, and interchangeable 56V batteries that work with other EGO tools.
• Best Gas-Powered Walk-Behind: Toro Recycler with SmartStow (Personal Pace)Go to product viewer dialog for this item. . If you want gas, Toro’s Personal Pace self-propulsion system intuitively matches your walking speed, and the SmartStow feature lets you store the mower upright vertically against your garage wall to save space.
• Best Heavy-Duty / Premium Walk-Behind: Toro 60V Max Super Recycler Go to product viewer dialog for this item. . Available in both gas and high-voltage battery versions, it features a cast-aluminum deck that will never rust and a precision cutting system that chops grass into microscopic mulch.
• Best Riding Mower / Lawn Tractor: John Deere 100 Series (e.g., S130 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.) for traditional sloped or large suburban yards, or the EGO Power+ T6 / ZT series Go to product viewer dialog for this item. if you want to transition a large property over to electric riding convenience.

To help narrow down the exact model for you, tell me:

• How large is your yard (small urban lot, 1/4 acre, 1+ acres)?
• Do you prefer battery-electric or gas?
• Is your terrain flat or hilly , and do you prefer a walk-behind or a riding mower?

If you mean a walk-behind mower for a typical residential lawn, my top pick in 2026 is the EGO Power+ 21" Select Cut self-propelled.

EGO POWER+ 56V Select Cut Self-Propelled Lawn Mower

$749.00

My picks

Current testing generally favors battery mowers for ordinary residential lawns: Consumer Reports says many battery models now match or outperform gas models, while eliminating oil changes, gas storage and much of the maintenance. www.consumerreports.org Popular Mechanics also currently names the EGO Power+ 21" Select Cut XP its best overall electric mower.

If you have a typical suburban lawn, I'd buy the EGO. If your yard is ½ acre or larger, has steep hills, or you want to spend less, the answer changes.

If you tell me your approximate lawn size and budget (e.g. "$500, ¼ acre"), I can narrow it down to the best 2–3 models for you.

If you want one mower that’s best for most homeowners in 2026, I’d go with the EGO POWER+ 21" self-propelled.

EGO POWER+ Select Cut XP 21" Self-Propelled

$749.00

My picks

Independent 2026 testing puts EGO among the top performers, while Toro's 60V Super Recycler has also been rated the best overall by Bob Vila. Consumer Reports likewise finds today's leading battery mowers capable of matching or beating many gas models.

Toro Recycler 22" 60V Self-Propelled

$649.00

RYOBI 40V HP 20" Self-Propelled

$399.00

My choice: EGO if you want the best all-around mower and don't mind spending around $600–$750. The current Select Cut XP kit is listed around $749.

If you tell me your lawn size (e.g. ¼ acre), whether it's flat or hilly, and your budget, I can narrow it down to the single best mower for your yard.

Because the "best" lawn mower depends entirely on your yard size, budget, and whether you prefer gas or battery power, expert testers and reviewers consistently break down top recommendations by category.

The top-rated lawn mowers on the market feature standout options across different styles:

• Best Overall Battery / Electric Mower: Ego Power+ 22” Mower Go to product viewer dialog for this item. (or LM2135SP Select Cut Go to product viewer dialog for this item.) . Widely praised by expert reviewers like Wirecutter and Reviewed.com , Ego mowers deliver gas-equivalent torque, stellar mulching with multi-blade systems, low noise, and zero engine maintenance.
• Best Overall Gas Mower: Toro SmartStow / Recycler Series (e.g., 21465 or 20340 Go to product viewer dialog for this item.) . For those who prefer gas, Toro remains a favorite for its reliable starting, superior bagging/recycling chops, and the innovative SmartStow feature that lets you fold and store the mower vertically to save garage space.
• Best Heavy-Duty Battery Mower: Toro 60V Max Super Recycler . It combines the robust feel and aluminum deck of a high-end commercial gas mower with a powerful 60V battery platform, making it exceptional at mulching and handling thick grass.
• Best Value / Budget Option: Craftsman M220 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. or Ryobi 40V/18V Push Mowers Go to product viewer dialog for this item. . These offer reliable self-propelled or push configurations at a fraction of the cost of flagship models, perfect for smaller or standard suburban yards.
• Best Riding / Zero-Turn Mower: John Deere 100/200 Series (for traditional tractors) or Toro TimeCutter MyRide Go to product viewer dialog for this item. / Ego Power+ ZT (for zero-turn speed). John Deere leads in tractor reliability, while battery zero-turns like Ego's ZT series offer blazing-fast coverage for large properties without the hassle of small engines.

To help narrow down the exact right choice, tell me:

• What is your approximate yard size?
• Is your terrain flat or hilly?
• Do you prefer battery-powered (electric) or gas?