The best walk-behind lawn mower should fit your yard before it impresses you with a voltage number. We compared six current cordless kits by deck width, push versus self-propelled drive, included batteries, cutting-height range, clipping options, storage needs, and the quality of the available product documentation.
Quick picks
These rankings use published specifications and yard-fit comparisons rather than hands-on BTG mowing tests; availability and kit contents can change.
Greenworks MO80L416 80V 21-Inch Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower Kit
The most complete Amazon-available kit in this shortlist, combining a full-width steel deck, rear-wheel self-propulsion, four clipping modes and a broad cutting-height range.
- 21-inch steel deck; variable-speed rear-wheel drive
- 4-in-1 mulch, bag, side discharge and turbo leaf pickup
- 80V 4.0Ah battery kit; up to 33-minute published runtime
The 21-inch deck, brushless motor and four discharge modes cover the widest range of routine mowing jobs.
Rear-wheel self-propulsion and seven height positions reduce effort on larger or uneven lawns.
The included 80V kit is capable but heavier and more expensive than compact push models.
EGO POWER+ LM2114 56V 21-Inch Cordless Push Lawn Mower Kit
A strong full-size push option for buyers who want a 21-inch deck, long published runtime and broad battery-platform compatibility without paying for self-propulsion.
- 21-inch deck with 3-in-1 mulch, bag and side discharge
- Up to 55-minute published runtime with included 56V 6.0Ah battery
- Seven cutting heights from 1.25 to 4 inches
EGO publishes 6.0 ft-lb cutting torque and a full 21-inch deck for demanding residential cuts.
The push-only design is simpler but requires more operator effort than self-propelled models.
The included 6.0Ah kit and cross-platform battery compatibility strengthen long-term system value.
Greenworks 25322 40V 16-Inch Cordless Push Lawn Mower Kit
Its lighter 16-inch format is easier to maneuver and store than full-size mowers while retaining rear bagging, mulching and a mainstream 40V battery ecosystem.
- 16-inch lightweight deck for compact lawns
- 2-in-1 mulching and rear bagging
- 40V 4.0Ah battery and charger included
The narrower deck trades pass count for easier control in tight yards.
Low weight, push-button start and single-lever height adjustment simplify weekly use.
A mature 40V platform and included kit offer a practical balance of price and capability.
Worx WG733.1 20V 14-Inch Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower Kit
The smallest conventional mower here is suited to tight gates, limited shed space and modest lawns, with a brushless motor and cut-to-edge deck design.
- 14-inch compact deck with cut-to-edge design
- Brushless motor and 2-in-1 bagging or mulching
- Six cutting heights from 1 to 3 inches
The 14-inch deck favors maneuverability over high-area productivity.
Compact dimensions, six height settings and foldable storage suit space-constrained homes.
PowerShare compatibility is useful, though published runtime is not safely normalized here.
LawnMaster CLMF4815E 48V 15.5-Inch Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower Kit
This is the lowest-priced conventional brushless mower in the final set, pairing a manageable 15.5-inch deck with two included batteries for smaller, regularly maintained lawns.
- 15.5-inch deck and 3,100 RPM brushless motor
- Two 24V 4.0Ah batteries; up to 35-minute published runtime
- Four cutting positions from 1.38 to 2.55 inches
The compact deck and brushless drive are appropriate for light residential mowing, not large overgrown areas.
A folding handle and carrying grip support transport and small-space storage.
Two batteries and a charger at the observed representative price make it the strongest budget kit.
BLACK+DECKER MTC220 20V 12-Inch 3-in-1 Compact Mower, Trimmer and Edger Kit
For very small or awkward lawns, the detachable deck converts a string trimmer into a 12-inch mower and edger, sacrificing conventional mower capacity for three-in-one flexibility.
- Detachable 12-inch mower deck converts to trimmer and edger
- Two 20V 2.0Ah batteries and charger included
- Automatic line feed and adjustable deck height
This is a specialist light-duty tool rather than a substitute for a full-size mower on thick or broad lawns.
The removable deck and low 9.9-pound published tool weight make tight-space handling unusually easy.
Three functions and two batteries add utility for tiny properties, but line-based cutting limits capacity.
Core specifications compared
| Product | Best for | Deck | Drive | Included battery | Published runtime or coverage | Cutting heights | Main tradeoff |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenworks MO80L416 | Most full-size yards | 21 in | Self-propelled | 80V 4.0Ah | Up to 33 min | 7; 1.38–4 in | Heavy and relatively expensive |
| EGO LM2114 | Full-size push mowing | 21 in | Push | 56V 6.0Ah | Up to 55 min | 7; 1.25–4 in | No self-propelled drive |
| Greenworks 25322 | Small yards | 16 in | Push | 40V 4.0Ah | Up to 1/3 acre* | 5 positions | More passes than a 21-inch mower |
| Worx WG733.1 | Compact storage | 14 in | Push | 20V PowerShare | — | 6; 1–3 in | Limited productivity on larger lawns |
| LawnMaster CLMF4815E | Budget brushless mowing | 15.5 in | Push | 2×24V 4.0Ah | Up to 35 min | 4; 1.38–2.55 in | Narrow height range |
| BLACK+DECKER MTC220 | Tiny and awkward lawns | 12 in detachable | Push | 2×20V 2.0Ah | — | Adjustable deck | Line-trimmer conversion, not a conventional blade mower |
Which mower size fits your yard?
Deck width affects how much grass a mower covers in each pass. A 21-inch mower is the practical full-size choice in this shortlist, while 14- to 16-inch decks trade productivity for easier turning, lighter handling, and a smaller storage footprint. The right choice depends on usable lawn area, gates, obstacles, terrain, grass growth, and how frequently you mow.
The Greenworks MO80L416 and EGO LM2114 make the most sense when a full-width deck matters. The 16-inch Greenworks 25322 is easier to manage around landscaping and narrow passages. Worx and LawnMaster shrink further for compact lawns and sheds. The BLACK+DECKER MTC220 is a specialist option for patches of grass where a conventional mower feels oversized.
Full-size and uneven yards
Self-propulsion reduces the effort needed to move a heavier mower, especially when the bag fills or the lawn is not perfectly level. The Greenworks MO80L416 pairs variable-speed rear-wheel drive with a 21-inch steel deck. It is the broadest-capability pick here, but its published 75-pound product weight means buyers should still consider lifting, transport, and storage.
The EGO LM2114 keeps the 21-inch cutting format but is a push mower. It is better suited to buyers who want full-size coverage on relatively manageable terrain and prefer a simpler drive system. EGO publishes up to 55 minutes of runtime with the included 56V 6.0Ah battery, but actual runtime changes with grass height, moisture, blade load, battery condition, and mowing technique.
Small suburban yards
A narrower deck can be an advantage when the lawn has tight turns, garden beds, trees, or narrow side access. The Greenworks 25322 uses a 16-inch deck and a 40V 4.0Ah kit. Greenworks positions it for up to one-third acre under favorable conditions, but that acreage figure should be treated as a planning estimate rather than a guaranteed single-charge result.
The LawnMaster CLMF4815E is a lower-cost brushless alternative with a 15.5-inch deck and two 24V 4.0Ah batteries. Its four cutting positions span only 1.38 to 2.55 inches, so it is less flexible for buyers who prefer a taller cut or routinely face overgrown grass.
Tiny lawns and limited storage
The Worx WG733.1 has a 14-inch deck, foldable handling, and a brushless motor. Its compact footprint suits townhomes and small sheds, and the cut-to-edge design can reduce follow-up trimming around borders. The tradeoff is straightforward: a narrow mower needs more passes as lawn area grows.
The BLACK+DECKER MTC220 goes further by attaching a wheeled 12-inch deck to a string trimmer. It converts among mowing, trimming, and edging, making it useful for very small or awkward grass areas. It should not be presented as a full-size rotary mower: line-based cutting, the small deck, and its light-duty format limit its role in thick or extensive lawns.
How to choose a walk-behind lawn mower
Choose push or self-propelled drive
A push mower relies on the operator to move its full weight. That can be perfectly reasonable for a small, flat lawn or a light compact mower. A self-propelled mower uses powered wheels to reduce pushing effort, but the drive system adds weight, cost, and another mechanism to control.
Do not treat self-propulsion as permission to mow unsafe slopes. Follow the exact mower manual. U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission guidance for walk-behind rotary mowers says to mow across the face of a slope rather than up and down, maintain secure footing, and keep children away from the mowing area.
Compare the complete battery kit
Battery voltage is a platform label, not a reliable cross-brand performance score. Compare the exact included battery capacity, charger, expected workload, charging time, replacement-battery cost, and the other tools that share the platform. A lower-voltage system can still be the better fit for a smaller deck and lawn.
Published runtime is also conditional. Tall, wet, or dense grass increases blade load. Mulching, self-propelled drive, repeated passes, cold or aging batteries, and aggressive cutting heights can shorten operating time. If your lawn is near the upper limit of a stated estimate, budget for a second compatible battery or choose a larger-capacity kit.
Match deck width to access and storage
Measure gates and the narrowest route to the lawn, not just the shed floor. Allow room for wheels and control housings beyond the nominal cutting width. Then check folded dimensions, handle adjustment, whether vertical storage is permitted, and the weight you may need to lift over steps or into a vehicle.
A wide deck reduces pass count in open areas, while a narrow deck turns more easily around obstacles. The best balance is the widest mower that you can comfortably control, move through your property, and store without creating a weekly hassle.
Check cutting height and clipping modes
A broad cutting-height range helps adapt to grass type, season, weather, and mowing frequency. Removing too much leaf height at once can stress turf and overload the mower. Use the grass-care guidance appropriate to your region and adjust gradually when the lawn is overgrown.
Mulching returns finely cut clippings to the lawn. Bagging produces a tidier finish and helps collect leaves or excessive growth. Side discharge can keep a mower moving through heavier material when local conditions and the product manual allow it. The Greenworks MO80L416 offers all three plus a turbo leaf-pickup mode; compact models generally provide fewer choices.
Safety before cutting
Inspect the lawn and remove rocks, toys, wire, sticks, and other objects that the blade or line could throw. Keep children and bystanders away from the mowing area. Wear sturdy footwear, retain all guards and safety devices, and never place hands or feet near the cutting system.
Release the operator control, wait for all moving parts to stop, remove the safety key, and disconnect the battery as the manual directs before clearing a blockage, inspecting damage, transporting, or servicing the mower. Never assume an electric mower is safe merely because it is quiet.
Use extra caution on slopes and near drop-offs, wet ground, retaining walls, traffic, and water. Follow the slope limit and operating instructions for the exact model. If you cannot maintain stable footing and control, choose another method or a qualified lawn-care service.
How we evaluated the picks
We began with current Amazon US walk-behind cordless mower listings and retained 15 candidates above the project’s representative-price gate. Exact model and kit ASINs were matched to current listings, then core specifications were traced to manufacturer pages or manuals where available.
The ranking considered deck format, drive type, included battery kit, published runtime or coverage, cutting-height flexibility, clipping modes, storage fit, manufacturer documentation, and how clearly each mower serves a different yard size. We kept internal evidence confidence separate from the published editorial ratings.
BTG did not conduct mowing, runtime, noise, slope, durability, or cut-quality tests for this guide. Prices, stock, ratings, review counts, and promotions were excluded from the evergreen comparison because they change. Confirm the exact model, battery bundle, manual, and current availability before buying.
Frequently asked questions
Is a battery mower powerful enough for a normal yard?
A correctly sized battery mower can handle routine residential mowing, but results depend on deck and motor design, blade condition, grass density, moisture, mowing frequency, battery capacity, and operator technique. Do not use voltage alone to predict performance. Match the complete mower kit to the lawn and avoid letting grass become excessively tall between cuts.
How much runtime do I need?
Estimate your normal mowing time rather than relying only on acreage. Include trimming around obstacles, turns, bag emptying, and difficult sections. Published runtime is typically an “up to” figure. A useful margin helps account for heavy seasonal growth and battery aging.
Is a self-propelled mower worth it?
It is most valuable on larger, uneven, or gently sloped lawns and with heavier steel-deck mowers. For a small, flat lawn, a lighter push mower may be easier to maneuver, cheaper, and simpler to store. Self-propulsion assists movement but does not make unsuitable slopes safe.
Can I mow wet grass with a cordless mower?
Avoid mowing wet grass unless the manufacturer explicitly permits the conditions. Wet turf can be slippery, clippings can clog the deck, and moisture can increase electrical and equipment risks. Wait for safer conditions and follow the exact manual’s weather and cleaning instructions.
Should I buy a second battery?
A second battery is useful when the lawn regularly approaches the kit’s runtime limit, when growth is dense, or when the same platform powers several yard tools. Check the exact battery and charger compatibility first. Battery prices and bundle economics can materially change the total cost.
Final verdict
The Greenworks MO80L416 is the best overall walk-behind mower in this comparison for buyers who need a full-size 21-inch steel deck and self-propelled assistance. Its four clipping modes and seven height positions make it the most broadly adaptable choice, though it is also the heaviest and one of the most expensive.
The EGO LM2114 is the stronger full-size push alternative, while the 16-inch Greenworks 25322 fits small yards with tighter access. Worx and LawnMaster serve compact and budget-conscious properties. Choose the BLACK+DECKER MTC220 only when a tiny lawn genuinely benefits from its convertible mower, trimmer, and edger format.