Best Cordless and Electric Lawn Mowers: Cord vs Battery by Lawn Size

The best cordless and electric lawn mowers depend on one decision before any brand: do you want a cord or a battery? For a quarter-acre or less with a power outlet nearby, a corded mower such as the Craftsman 20-inch 13-amp is the cheapest way to get unlimited run time. For most suburban yards the Greenworks 40V 17-inch brushless push mower is our best all-round pick, and for bigger or hillier lawns the EGO Power+ LM2114SP 21-inch self-propelled is the premium runner-up. This guide compares battery and corded electric push and self-propelled mowers by deck size, battery capacity and lawn size, which is a different angle from our general battery mower roundup.

We did not personally use these mowers. The guide is research-based, drawing on maker pages and listing details, and where a spec was not stated we say “not listed.” We also do not cite third-party scores or claim that one brand wins for everyone; the right electric mower is the one whose battery platform you will reuse and whose cut width matches your lawn.

Greenworks 40V 16in Push Lawn Mower, 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger | Quiet walk-behind mower with push-button start; gas-free operation eliminates fumes and pull starts

Chosen because it specifies 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger.

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EWORK 40V 14-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower with 2x4.0Ah Batteries & Fast Charger | Lightweight Electric Lawn Mowers, 6 Cutting Height, Battery Powered Lawnmower with Grass Bag

Chosen because it specifies Lightweight Electric Lawn Mowers and 6 Cutting Height.

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Greenworks 60V 21in Self-Propelled Lawn Mower, (2) 4.0 Ah Battery Kit | Brushless motor with 4-in-1 system; self-propelled drive handles up to 3/4 acre with quiet operation for large yards.

Chosen because it specifies (2) 4.0 Ah Battery Kit.

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Cordless Lawn Mower, 17-Inch Walk Behind Lawn Mower for Garden | 6-Position Height, 50L Grass Bag, 2×4.0Ah Batteries, Up to 40-Min Runtime, 1200W Max Brushless Power

Chosen because it specifies 17-Inch Walk Behind Lawn Mower for Garden and 6-Position Height.

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Top Picks at a Glance

• Best Overall: Greenworks 40V 17-Inch Brushless Push Mower (2-in-1 mulch and bag)
• Best Premium Self-Propelled: EGO Power+ LM2114SP 21-Inch Self-Propelled
• Best for a Quarter Acre: WORX WG745 40V 17-Inch 2-in-1
• Best Premium Push Mower: EGO Power+ LM2112 Push Mower with 56V 4.0Ah Battery
• Best Self-Propelled Value Platform: Greenworks 60V 21-Inch Self-Propelled
• Best Corded Mower: Craftsman 20-Inch 13-Amp Corded Electric
• Best Light Corded Mower: BLACK+DECKER 15-Inch 10-Amp Corded
• Best Budget Cordless: EWORK 40V 14-Inch Cordless with Two Batteries

Quick Comparison Table

Cord or Battery? A Decision Matrix by Lawn Size

The most useful question is not “which brand” but “how much grass, and how far from an outlet.” Here is how the pieces line up, using typical deck widths. Your cut rate depends on grass height, density and walking speed, so treat these as planning guides, not promises.

If you are searching for the best electric mowers for large lawns or the best cordless lawn mowers for large gardens, be realistic: a single 4.0Ah battery rarely covers a large lawn. Plan on two batteries, or choose a gas or electric riding mower for lots over a half acre. EGO also sells an electric riding lawn mower with a 42-inch deck in the same battery family (listed as the TR4204), which is where “best electric riding mowers” searches usually land.

Battery Math: Volts, Amp-Hours and Real Mowing Time

Battery capacity is volts times amp-hours, which gives watt-hours. A 40V 4.0Ah pack holds about 160 Wh, a 56V 4.0Ah pack about 224 Wh, and a 60V 4.0Ah pack about 240 Wh. Two 4.0Ah batteries double each figure. Higher voltage does not automatically mean more run time; watt-hours do, together with how hard the mower works.

As an illustration only, if a mower averaged about 500 watts in your grass, a 160 Wh pack would run roughly 19 minutes (160 divided by 500, times 60), and a 224 Wh pack about 27 minutes. Thick, wet or tall grass raises the draw and shortens that time, and self-propel drive adds load. That is why makers publish run time under specific conditions, and why we avoid quoting a single number. Check the maker’s stated run time for the exact kit and for your grass type.

The practical lesson: count batteries, not volts. Two batteries give you a swap-and-continue option, and a rapid charger means one pack can recharge while you use the other. If you already own tools from a platform, buy the mower in the same system and consider a bare-tool kit.

Corded Math: Cord Length and Gauge

A corded mower has no battery limit, but you trade it for cord handling. For a 13-amp motor, the extension cord must be rated for the load; thicker wire (a lower gauge number) is needed for longer runs, and the mower manual lists the recommended gauge and maximum length. Use an outdoor-rated cord, plug into a GFCI outlet, and always mow away from the cord, starting at the outlet end and working outward. Never run over the cord, and unplug before clearing the deck or adjusting height.

1. Greenworks 40V 17-Inch Brushless Push Mower: Best Overall

• 17-inch deck, 40V, 4.0Ah battery and charger
• Brushless motor, 2-in-1 mulch/bag system
• Push-button start, gas-free
• Weight and cutting height range: not listed

Best for: small to medium suburban lawns, first-time electric buyers. Skip if: you have a sloped lawn where self-propel helps, or more than about a quarter acre with one battery.

This is a straightforward cordless push mower. A brushless motor is generally more efficient than brushed, which stretches the battery. The 2-in-1 mulch/bag system gives you a choice: bag clippings for a tidy cut, or mulch them to return nutrients. For those comparing Kobalt and Greenworks, the real question is which battery family you will keep buying into; Greenworks has a wide range of 40V and 60V tools, so you can share batteries with a string trimmer or blower.

Pros:

• Brushless motor
• Mulch or bag
• Simple push-button start
• Wide tool ecosystem

Cons:

• Single battery limits large lawns
• Push-only

2. EGO Power+ LM2114SP 21-Inch Self-Propelled: Best Premium Self-Propelled

• 21-inch deck, self-propelled, cordless kit
• 56V Power+ platform
• Battery size in this kit: check the listing
• Weight: not listed

Best for: larger lawns and mild slopes where walking behind a push mower tires you out. Skip if: your lawn is small and flat; a lighter push mower is easier to store.

When people search for the best EGO mowers, they are usually weighing push against self-propelled and battery size. EGO offers kits with different batteries, so the model number matters: the suffix and kit contents determine what is included. A self-propelled drive saves effort, and a 21-inch deck cuts fewer passes than a 17-inch. The trade-off is weight and cost. If you have more than one EGO tool, the batteries are shared, which stretches value.

Pros:

• Self-propelled drive
• Wider 21-inch cut
• Shared battery platform

Cons:

• Premium price
• Kit contents vary by model; read carefully

3. WORX WG745 40V 17-Inch: Best for a Quarter Acre

• 17-inch, 40V, brushless
• 2-in-1 mulching and bagging
• Two 4.0Ah batteries per listing
• Listing says suited to 1/4 acre

Best for: quarter-acre lawns that benefit from a second battery. Skip if: you want self-propel or a wider deck.

The second battery is the selling point. With two packs and a charger, you can finish a quarter acre without waiting for a recharge, provided the grass is not unusually thick. Worx also uses a cross-compatible battery system across many yard tools, which helps if you already own one. As with any maker claim about acreage, treat it as a guideline and plan for slower progress in tall or wet grass.

Pros:

• Two batteries
• Brushless
• Mulch and bag

Cons:

• Push-only
• 17-inch deck takes more passes on bigger lawns

4. EGO Power+ LM2112 Push Mower: Best Premium Push Mower

• Cordless push, 56V platform
• Includes 56V 4.0Ah battery and charger
• Deck size and weight: not listed in the title

Best for: homeowners who want the EGO ecosystem in a push format. Skip if: you want a second battery in the box or self-propel.

A push EGO is for lawns where weight matters or you do not need drive assist. It uses the same battery family as other EGO tools, so a larger battery later also fits the mower. The listing does not state deck width in the title, so check it before you buy to match the cut width to your lawn.

Pros:

• Shared 56V platform
• Includes battery and charger

Cons:

• Premium price for a push mower
• One battery

5. Greenworks 60V 21-Inch Self-Propelled: Best Self-Propelled Value Platform

• 21-inch deck, self-propelled, brushless
• Two 4.0Ah batteries, 4-in-1 system per listing
• 60V platform

Best for: half-acre lawns where you want self-propel and two batteries from a tool-sharing platform. Skip if: you only need a light push mower.

The kit includes two batteries, which is useful for a larger lawn. The 4-in-1 listing language refers to cutting modes; read the manual for how mulching, bagging and discharge are set up. Self-propelled models weigh more, so storage matters: many fold the handle but check your space.

Pros:

• Two batteries
• Self-propelled
• Brushless

Cons:

• Heavier
• Cost above push models

6. Craftsman 20-Inch 13-Amp Corded Electric: Best Corded Mower

• 20-inch deck, 13-amp motor
• 6 height settings
• Corded

Best for: lawns where you can reach with a cord and want strong cutting without battery limits. Skip if: your lawn has trees, beds or obstacles that snag the cord.

A 20-inch deck is wide for a corded mower, which means fewer passes. The 13-amp motor is the upper end for household circuits, so plug it into a circuit that is not shared with other heavy loads. Corded mowers are lighter than battery ones because there is no pack, and they keep going. The cost is cord handling and the need for an outdoor-rated extension.

Pros:

• Unlimited run time
• Wide deck
• No battery to replace

Cons:

• Cord management
• Needs outlet reach

7. BLACK+DECKER 15-Inch Corded: Best Light Corded Mower

• 15-inch deck, 10-amp
• Bike-style handle (model BEMW472BH)
• Corded

Best for: small, simple lawns and patios. Skip if: you have more than a small yard; the narrow deck means many passes.

This is the classic small-yard electric mower. It is easy to store and simple to maintain: no oil, no gas, no battery. The bike-style handle is a design choice that some people find comfortable and others find awkward; check how it fits your height. For a small rough yard, a corded mower is forgiving but you must watch the cord around obstacles.

Pros:

• Light
• Simple
• Low maintenance

Cons:

• Narrow deck
• Cord required

8. EWORK 40V 14-Inch: Best Budget Cordless

• 14-inch deck, 40V
• Two 4.0Ah batteries and fast charger per listing
• 6 cutting heights

Best for: very small yards, townhouse lawns. Skip if: you want brand-backed service or a wide deck.

Two batteries on a tiny mower is a generous package, and the narrow deck is a fair match for a small patch of grass. EWORK is a lesser-known brand, so read the warranty terms, check how to get replacement batteries and blades, and keep expectations in line with a budget tool.

Pros:

• Two batteries
• Very light
• Low cost

Cons:

• Small deck
• Brand support uncertain

Also Consider

Wild Badger Power 40V 21-Inch Self-Propelled

A 21-inch brushless self-propelled mower with two batteries per the listing. A lower-profile brand, so check warranty and parts support.

EGO Power+ 22-Inch Self-Propelled with Touch Drive

EGO’s larger deck options add Touch Drive and bigger batteries in some kits; the lineup is expensive but suits big lawns.

American Lawn Mower Company 51319 19-Inch Corded

A 13-amp corded mower with a 19-inch deck per the listing, positioned between the Craftsman and the BLACK+DECKER.

LawnMaster MEB1216K 16-Inch Corded

A 12-amp, 16-inch corded mower, a budget-friendly pick for small lawns.

Ownership Realities: What Wears, What to Budget For

Electric mowers remove the oil, spark plug, air filter and fuel stabilizer chores, but they are not maintenance-free. The blade dulls and should be sharpened or replaced each season; a dull blade tears grass and drains the battery faster because the motor works harder. The deck collects wet clippings, so scrape or rinse it after mowing (with the battery removed or the cord unplugged) to keep airflow and cut quality consistent.

The battery is the wear item. Lithium-ion packs lose capacity gradually with charge cycles and with heat, so a pack that gave you a full lawn in year one may give you less in year four. Buying a second battery up front, or choosing a kit that includes two, also spreads the wear across packs. Corded mowers swap that for a different wear item: the extension cord, which should be inspected for nicks and replaced if the insulation is damaged.

Cost of ownership in plain terms

Electricity to recharge a pack is small. A 224 Wh pack uses about 0.22 kilowatt-hours per full charge, so the running cost is a few cents at typical household rates; the real cost is replacing batteries years down the road.

Safety basics before every mow

• Clear sticks, toys and stones from the lawn before you start.
• Remove the battery key or unplug before touching the blade, deck or discharge chute.
• Wear closed-toe shoes and eye protection; avoid mowing wet grass, especially with a corded mower.
• On slopes, mow across the slope with a push mower unless the manual says otherwise, and read the maker’s slope guidance for self-propelled models.
• Store lithium batteries indoors in a dry place and keep them off the floor of an unheated garage in winter, following the maker’s storage guidance.

Winter storage and spring start-up

At the end of the season, wash the deck, sharpen the blade, charge batteries to the level the maker recommends for storage (many suggest partial charge rather than full) and put them somewhere that stays above freezing. In spring, check the blade bolt, the wheel height levers and the cord or battery contacts. Corded mowers need only a cord inspection and a blade check, which is part of why they stay popular for small yards.

How We Chose

This guide is research-based. We did not personally use these mowers. We started with the site audience, homeowners with small to mid-size yards, and looked at manufacturer pages and listing details for deck width, motor type, battery size and what is included. We checked that every product is currently sold and named exactly as listed. We limited each brand to two picks, covered both battery and corded options, and avoided claims we could not source, including third-party rankings and exact run times. Where the listing did not say a spec, we marked it “not listed.”

Buying Guide

Deck width and passes

A 14-inch deck needs roughly 50 percent more passes than a 21-inch deck to cover the same area, which is why wide decks save time on bigger lawns. For under an eighth of an acre, 14 to 17 inches is fine. For a quarter acre or more, 20 to 21 inches pays back.

Battery platform

Pick the platform first. If you own a trimmer or blower from EGO, Greenworks or Worx, buy into that system and consider the bare-tool option. A mower battery is the most expensive part to replace, so check that the maker still sells that battery size.

Push versus self-propelled

Self-propelled drive matters on slopes, thick grass or lawns beyond a quarter acre. On small flat lawns a push mower is lighter and cheaper. Electric self-propel adds drain on the battery, so two batteries help.

Mulch, bag or both

Mulching returns finely cut clippings to the lawn. Bagging is cleaner for wet or weedy grass. Many electric mowers do both, so check that switching is tool-free.

Storage and maintenance

Electric mowers have no oil or spark plug, but blades still dull. Sharpen or replace the blade every season, wash the deck after mowing, store batteries indoors off a cold concrete floor, and keep them away from freezing or high-heat spots in a garage.

Common Mistakes

• Buying on voltage alone instead of watt-hours and number of batteries.
• Choosing a corded mower for a lawn with many obstacles.
• Forgetting to remove the battery or unplug before clearing the deck.
• Mowing wet grass with a corded mower; keep cords and plugs dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best cordless electric push lawn mowers?

For most yards the Greenworks 40V 17-inch, WORX WG745 and EGO LM2112 are the push picks in this guide. Choose by battery platform and by whether you want a second battery in the box.

Are cordless mowers good enough for large gardens?

For gardens up to about a half acre, yes, if you have two batteries and a wide deck. Beyond that, consider a riding electric mower or gas, because run time becomes the limit.

What is better, corded or battery lawn mowers?

Corded is cheaper and never runs out; battery is freer and better for yards with obstacles. If the lawn is small and an outlet is close, corded is hard to beat on value.

Which is better, Kobalt or Greenworks?

We did not find a Kobalt mower to compare here, and a general winner depends on the battery platform you will reuse. Compare deck width, battery capacity, warranty and the tools you want to share batteries with.

How long do electric mower batteries last?

It depends on the grass and the battery. Check the maker’s stated run time for your exact kit, and expect less in thick or wet grass.

Are electric start walk-behind mowers the same as cordless?

Not quite. Gas mowers use pull or electric start. Cordless battery mowers use push-button start. Both avoid pull cords but run on different power.

Can a corded mower handle a small rough yard?

Yes, if the cord reaches and you manage it. For rough ground, check the deck height range and wheel size.

Which One Should You Buy?

If you have a small flat lawn near an outlet, buy the Craftsman 20-inch corded or the BLACK+DECKER 15-inch. If you want cordless on a typical suburban lot, the Greenworks 40V 17-inch is the safe middle, and the WORX WG745 is better if a second battery matters. For more than a quarter acre or any slope, step up to a self-propelled model: the Greenworks 60V 21-inch for value or the EGO LM2114SP for the premium route. On a very small yard and a tight budget, the EWORK 14-inch gets it done.

Sources

• Greenworks product pages
• EGO Power+ product pages
• WORX product pages
• Craftsman and BLACK+DECKER product pages
• Manufacturer owner manuals for extension cord and battery guidance

Last updated: October 2026