Best Lawn Mowers 2026: 5 Research-Based Picks
Quick answer
For a medium lawn, the EGO LM2102SP is our cordless self-propelled pick, while the Greenworks MO40L415 offers a 20-inch push mower. Toro Recycler 21462 is the gas self-propelled alternative. For very small lawns, choose between corded Sun Joe MJ401E and cordless Ryobi P1190. Compare your gate width, grade, clipping needs and actual kit contents before buying.
Compare the picks
Choose by the work you actually do: cutting width and drive for lawn size, then the power system you can store and maintain. Manufacturer runtime figures are conditional, not a measured ranking.
| Model | Cut | Drive | Power | Best match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EGO Power+ LM2102SP | 21 in | Variable-speed self-propelled | 56V 7.5-Ah battery and rapid charger | Best self-propelled cordless kit |
| Greenworks MO40L415 | 20 in | Push | 40V 4.0-Ah battery and 2A charger | Best 20-inch cordless push option |
| Sun Joe MJ401E | 14 in | Push | 12A corded electric | Best compact corded mower |
| Toro Recycler 22 21462 | 22 in | Personal Pace rear-wheel drive | 163cc Briggs & Stratton gasoline engine | Best gas self-propelled alternative |
| Ryobi P1190 | 16 in | Push | Two included 18V 4.0-Ah batteries and charger | Best small cordless platform mower |
Our recommendation
Start with EGO LM2102SP if a 21-inch self-propelled cordless mower fits your yard and you want the battery and charger included. Choose Greenworks MO40L415 to keep a similar cutting width while pushing yourself; choose Toro 21462 when a gas-powered self-propelled mower fits your storage and upkeep plan. Sun Joe MJ401E and Ryobi P1190 are compact solutions for genuinely smaller lawns, with corded and battery power respectively.
EGO Power+ LM2102SP: Best self-propelled cordless kit
Best for: A medium yard where powered walking and compact cordless storage matter.
Pros
- 21-in deck, variable-speed drive and one-lever height adjustment
- LM2102SP kit includes 7.5-Ah pack and rapid charger
- Mulches, bags or side-discharges; folds for storage
Cons and trade-offs
- EGO’s up-to-60-minute runtime varies with grass, speed and cut setting
- Large battery and self-propelled chassis make the kit heavier and more costly to replace than a small push mower
- Battery charging interrupts mowing unless you own a second compatible pack
Our recommendation
The LM2102SP is the named kit, distinct from the LM2100SP bare tool and the LM2102SP-A two-battery version. EGO lists a 0.9–3.1 mph self-propel range and six cutting heights from 1.5 to 4 inches. The drive is the reason to choose it over the Greenworks push mower on a larger or gently sloped lawn. Check the permitted slope in the manual rather than treating self-propulsion as permission to mow steep terrain.
Choose another if: You need a much longer single-charge mowing session or prefer a smaller, lighter push deck.
Search Amazon US for EGO Power+ LM2102SP (verify the exact model and bundle).
Greenworks MO40L415: Best 20-inch cordless push option
Best for: A fairly level medium lawn where you can push rather than pay for self-propulsion.
Pros
- 20-in deck with seven height settings and mulch, bag or side-discharge options
- Exact MO40L415 kit includes a 4.0-Ah battery and 2A charger
- Folding handle and LED headlight
Cons and trade-offs
- Push drive takes more effort on slopes and thick turf
- Greenworks’ up-to-40-minute runtime is conditional; a second battery may be necessary for a larger lawn
- Manufacturer says its 40V 8-Ah battery prevents the mower battery cover closing
Our recommendation
Greenworks identifies this exact 40V 20-inch kit as MO40L415, SKU 2549902. It offers a more substantial cutting width than the small Sun Joe and Ryobi machines without the self-propelled drive of the EGO. Its turbo leaf-pickup setting can help with light debris, but a mower is not a substitute for a dedicated leaf vacuum in heavy fall cleanup.
Choose another if: You need powered drive for hills or an uninterrupted job beyond one battery.
Sun Joe MJ401E: Best compact corded mower
Best for: A very small lawn within safe extension-cord reach of an outlet.
Pros
- Compact 14-in deck and 23.1-lb listed weight ease storage
- No battery charging or gasoline engine upkeep
- 10.6-gallon rear collection bag
Cons and trade-offs
- Cord limits reach and must be kept clear of the blade
- Narrow deck means more passes on anything beyond a small lawn
- Bags only; no mulching setting and just three cutting heights
Our recommendation
The manufacturer’s currently documented MJ401E is a simple 12-amp corded mower. Its 14-inch path and three heights from about 1.18 to 2.52 inches fit a tidy small patch rather than a full suburban yard. Sun Joe specifies an outdoor extension cord up to 100 feet with at least 14-gauge conductors; follow the manual and your outlet protection requirements. The legacy MJ401E-P2 suffix lacked a matching current primary page, so confirm exact bundle contents if shopping that older listing.
Choose another if: Your yard needs a long cord run, mulching, side discharge or a wider cutting path.
Toro Recycler 22 21462: Best gas self-propelled alternative
Best for: An owner who wants a wide self-propelled mower and prefers quick refueling over battery charging.
Pros
- 22-in deck with Personal Pace rear-wheel drive
- Mulch, bag and side-discharge modes
- Vortex airflow system and washout port listed by Toro
Cons and trade-offs
- Fuel, oil, spark-plug and air-filter care add upkeep
- Heavier engine mower takes more space and effort to move while off
- Gas exhaust and noise remain part of each mowing session
Our recommendation
Toro’s current US model 21462 gives a source-led gas option in place of the older Honda listing. Personal Pace adapts forward movement to the operator’s push, while the 22-inch path reduces passes compared with the compact models. Toro’s “no oil change” messaging still requires checking and topping off the oil as its manual directs; it does not mean a maintenance-free engine.
Choose another if: You cannot store gasoline or want to avoid engine maintenance and exhaust.
Search Amazon US for Toro Recycler 22 21462 (verify the exact model and bundle).
Ryobi P1190: Best small cordless platform mower
Best for: A smaller, mostly level yard, particularly if you already use Ryobi ONE+ 18V tools.
Pros
- 16-in deck, seven height positions and mulch or bag options
- P1190 kit includes two 18V 4.0-Ah ONE+ batteries and charger
- Foldable handle and vertical storage
Cons and trade-offs
- 16-in width increases passes on larger lawns
- Push drive demands more effort in thick grass or on inclines
- Ryobi’s up-to-40-minute / one-third-acre figures depend on grass and conditions
Our recommendation
Ryobi’s current P1190 kit replaces the legacy Worx WG743, whose US maker page currently says “coming soon.” The kit includes two 18V 4.0-Ah batteries for Ryobi’s ONE+ 18V platform; the included pack count does not make this a Ryobi 40V mower. The 16-inch cut is a sensible trade for small storage spaces; the wider EGO and Greenworks options are better matches for more area.
Choose another if: You want self-propulsion or fewer passes across a broad lawn.
Search Amazon US for Ryobi P1190 (verify the exact model and bundle).
Lawn-mower buying guide
If you are building a year-round outdoor-tool system, compare our snow-blower guide and leaf-blower guide for the storage, power and battery-platform tradeoffs.
Size the deck for the lawn and storage
A 14- or 16-inch mower turns and stores easily but takes more passes. A 20- to 22-inch deck covers ground faster, yet can be awkward around narrow gates or dense landscaping. Measure gate width and storage footprint before choosing solely by yard area.
Decide whether to push
Self-propelled drive reduces walking effort on a larger or mildly sloped lawn, though it adds weight, controls and cost. On steep ground, follow the specific machine manual for slope limits and mowing direction; a self-propelled mower is not automatically safe on every incline. Push models simplify the mechanism for small, level lawns.
Plan the full power system
Battery runtime changes with grass height, moisture, cutting height and propulsion use. Compare kit contents and charging time, not just voltage. Corded mowers require a suitable outdoor cord and protected outlet; manage the cord away from the blade. Gas mowers refuel quickly but need approved fuel storage and regular engine service.
Match clipping management and upkeep
Mulching returns fine clippings if you mow frequently; bagging helps when grass is long or you need a clear finish, but adds stops. Side discharge may suit taller grass when the manual permits it. Keep blades sharp, clear debris only after shutting down and removing the battery or unplugging, and follow the exact manual for cleaning and storage.
Frequently asked questions
How much runtime should I expect from a battery mower?
Treat each maker figure as an upper bound under its stated conditions. Tall or wet grass, fast self-propel speed and heavy bagging can shorten a charge. If one session is near the claimed limit, plan for another compatible battery or a smaller mowing area.
Is a self-propelled mower better on hills?
It can reduce pushing effort, but each mower has its own slope and operating limits. Check the manual, maintain footing and do not assume a drive system makes a steep slope safe.
Should I mulch or bag grass?
Mulch when grass is dry enough and you mow often enough for fine clippings. Bag long or heavy growth if the deck clumps or you want the clippings removed. The Sun Joe MJ401E here is bag-only.
Can one battery work in other yard tools?
Usually only within the maker’s specified platform. The EGO kit uses EGO 56V packs, Greenworks MO40L415 uses Greenworks 40V, and Ryobi P1190 uses Ryobi 18V ONE+ packs. Confirm the exact battery and tool compatibility list before buying.
Which mower is best for a tiny lawn?
Sun Joe MJ401E makes sense if a safe cord reaches the whole area; Ryobi P1190 avoids the cord and offers bag or mulch choices. A larger deck is more useful as mowing area grows.
Research method and primary sources
We compared current manufacturer pages for exact model codes, deck and drive configuration, kit contents and clipping modes. These are source-based buying judgments; we have no original hands-on mowing or runtime measurements. Check the SKU and current stock before ordering.
Primary sources: EGO Power+ LM2102SP manufacturer page; Greenworks MO40L415 manufacturer page; Sun Joe MJ401E manufacturer page; Toro Recycler 22 21462 manufacturer page; Ryobi P1190 manufacturer page. Read our methodology.
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