Best Self-Propelled Lawn Mowers: Gas and Cordless Models Compared

Seven of the ten listings below are true self-propelled mowers, and three are push mowers that are included for comparison. If you have a lawn of roughly a quarter acre or more, slopes or thick grass, one of the seven drive-assisted models will usually be the better fit. The gas models here list engines of 170cc or 201cc with 21 or 22 inch decks, and the cordless 60V models claim coverage of up to three-quarters of an acre. Every figure comes from listing titles, so confirm them on the product page.

Top picks at a glance

SENIX 201cc 22" 3-in-1 Variable Speed Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower | Self Propelled Lawn Mower, 22" Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower, 6 Height Adjustable

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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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.

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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BILT HARD 21" Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower – 201cc 4-Cycle OHV, 3-in-1 Bagging/Mulching/Side Discharge, 8 Adjustable Cutting Heights & Smooth Easy Start

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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YARDMAX 22 in. 201cc Select PACE 6 Speed CVT High Wheel FWD 3-in-1 Gas Walk Behind Self Propelled Lawn Mower, Black (YG2860)

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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MZK 40V 16-Inch 2-in-1 Lawn Mower, Brushless Cordless Push Mower | Brushless mower with 5 height positions and dual batteries for walk-behind mowing in yards and home lawns.

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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PowerSmart 21-Inch 170cc Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower | 4-Stroke OHV Engine, Rear-Wheel Drive, Steel Deck, 3-in-1 Walk-Behind Mower

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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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

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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Greenworks 60V 25in Self-Propelled Lawn Mower, (2) 4.0 Ah Battery Kit | Self-propelled mower with 70-min runtime and LED headlight; handles up to 3/4 acre for large property maintenance.

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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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

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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AMERISUN Self Propelled Gas Lawn Mower, 21" with 170cc 4-Cycle OHV Engine 3-in-1 RWD Self-Propelled Lawn Mower (AV8621S1)

One of the home product options compared in this guide.

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What sets self-propelled mowers apart

Pushing a mower across a lawn is manageable until the grass is thick, the bag is heavy or the ground slopes. A drive system takes over most of the forward effort, and you decide the pace. That is why this category sells mostly on yard size and terrain, not on raw engine numbers.

The market has a few clear patterns, visible in these titles. Gas mowers in this price range tend to use 170cc to 201cc engines, which is a general class of power for residential lawns. Cordless mowers in this set use 60V or 40V platforms, and four of the five cordless titles mention two batteries.

Drive types vary. You will see variable speed, CVT and plain rear-wheel drive in these titles. Variable speed lets you match your walking pace, which many owners find easier than a single fixed speed. Fixed-speed drives are simpler but can feel fast or slow depending on the person.

Not every mower sold as self-propelled actually has a drive. Three listings here are push mowers, and their titles do not claim a drive system. We mark them as push alternatives so you can compare, but they are a different class of product. Model details change over time, so verify features on each page.

How we picked these

This list draws on listing titles, published specifications, manufacturer documentation and buyer reviews. Nobody on the team used or measured these units. We sorted the ten listings by drive type, power source and likely yard size, and we did not rank by star ratings. Price tiers are relative within this set, not dollar prices. Where a title leaves out details such as weight, deck material or warranty, we say “check the listing.”

The ten mowers, one by one

SENIX 22-inch 201cc gas self-propelled mower

The title lists a 201cc engine, a 22-inch deck, variable speed self-propulsion, 3-in-1 operation and six cutting heights. Variable speed is the key point: it lets you slow down in tight spots and speed up on open runs. It sits in the mid-range tier and suits a medium to large lawn where you want a wider deck and gas power.

Scenario: a half-acre yard with a few trees, where a 22-inch deck cuts the number of passes compared with a 21-inch one.

• Pro: variable speed drive.
• Pro: wide 22-inch deck.
• Con: gas upkeep, including oil and fuel storage.
• Con: the title does not state front or rear-wheel drive.

On paper this is the most balanced gas listing: the large engine class, the widest gas deck in the set and a drive that adjusts to your pace. The unknowns are the ones the title skips, such as weight, warranty and whether the drive is front or rear. A heavier mower with a wide deck can be harder to turn in tight garden beds, so think about how many corners and obstacles your lawn has before you pick the biggest deck you can find.

Check the listing for drive layout, deck material and weight. Question to ask: do I need the wider deck, or will 21 inches do?

Greenworks 60V 21-inch self-propelled mower

The title lists a 60V system with two 4.0Ah batteries, a brushless motor, a 4-in-1 system, self-propelled drive and “up to 3/4 acre with quiet operation.” It is premium tier. It suits owners who want to avoid fuel and noise, with a lawn that fits within the stated coverage. Treat the three-quarter acre claim as a best case: thick or wet grass shortens runtime.

Scenario: a quarter-acre suburban lawn in a neighborhood with noise rules, mowed in the morning without pull-starting an engine.

• Pro: two batteries are included.
• Pro: quiet, fuel-free operation.
• Con: runtime depends on grass conditions.
• Con: premium tier price.

Cordless mowers shift the upkeep from engines to batteries. There is no oil, spark plug or carburetor to deal with, but battery care becomes the routine: charge after use, store at sensible temperatures and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. A 4-in-1 label suggests an extra discharge or mulching mode beyond the usual three, but the title does not say which, so look at the product page. If you already own tools on the same battery platform, that is a practical bonus worth checking.

Check the listing for charge time and whether batteries are interchangeable with other tools. Question to ask: will two batteries cover one full mow?

BILT HARD 21-inch 201cc gas self-propelled mower

The BILT HARD title states a 21-inch deck, a 201cc 4-cycle OHV engine, 3-in-1 bagging, mulching and side discharge, eight cutting heights and an easy start. Eight heights give more fine control than the six on some others. It is in the budget tier, and it fits a buyer who wants a larger engine at a lower price.

Scenario: a typical suburban lawn where the owner changes height between spring and summer, using the finer height range.

• Pro: 201cc engine at a budget price.
• Pro: eight height positions.
• Con: drive type is not stated in the title.
• Con: lesser-known brand for parts and support.

A budget-tier price with a large engine class is an attractive combination, and it is also the reason to read the listing closely. Check how the mower is shipped, since many gas models arrive without oil and need assembly of the handle and bag. Look for a clear statement about which wheels are driven. Because the brand is less familiar than some rivals, ask where spare blades, belts and filters can be bought and how long you would wait for them.

Check the listing for whether the drive is front or rear and for warranty terms. Question to ask: how does the drive engage, and is the speed adjustable?

YARDMAX 22-inch Select PACE mower (YG2860)

The title gives a 22-inch deck, 201cc engine, “Select PACE 6 Speed CVT,” high wheels, front-wheel drive and 3-in-1 operation, with a model number. Six speeds offer a more discrete choice than a plain variable lever. High wheels usually roll more easily over uneven ground, which suits a lawn with ruts. It sits in the mid-range tier.

Scenario: a lawn with mild slopes and bumpy patches, mowed by someone who wants to choose a steady pace.

• Pro: six selectable speeds.
• Pro: high wheels and a model number you can look up.
• Con: front-wheel drive may feel lighter on grades with a full bag.
• Con: gas upkeep.

A model number is helpful because it lets you search for manuals and parts before buying. Read the manual to see how the speed selector is operated, how the drive bail works and what the starting procedure is. With front-wheel drive, many owners find that tipping the front up slightly helps to pivot at the end of a row. If your lawn has sharp slopes, weigh that against rear-wheel models such as the PowerSmart and AMERISUN.

Question to ask: how does the speed selector work, and can I change it while walking?

MZK 40V 16-inch 2-in-1 cordless push mower

This listing is off-type for the keyword. The title calls it a brushless cordless push mower with five height positions and dual batteries for walk-behind mowing. It is not described as self-propelled. It is in the budget tier and suits a small yard where a drive system is unnecessary. We include it as a push alternative.

Scenario: a small town-home lawn of a few hundred square feet, where a light cordless mower is easy to store.

• Pro: low price tier and lightweight format.
• Pro: two batteries per the title.
• Con: no drive system.
• Con: narrow 16-inch deck.

Two batteries in a budget-tier package point to a runtime that favors tiny lawns, with a spare ready if the first pack runs low. The 2-in-1 label implies two clipping modes, probably bagging and mulching or discharge, but the title does not specify. A 16-inch deck means more passes than the 21 to 25 inch models, so mowing time grows with lawn size. If your yard keeps growing in your plans, a drive-assisted model is a safer long-term buy.

Question to ask: is my lawn small enough that pushing is no hardship?

PowerSmart 21-inch 170cc gas self-propelled mower

The PowerSmart title lists a 21-inch deck, 170cc 4-stroke OHV engine, rear-wheel drive, a steel deck and 3-in-1 operation. Rear-wheel drive and a steel deck are both stated, which makes this a clearer entry than some of the others. It is in the budget tier and suits yards with gentle slopes.

Scenario: a sloping back lawn where traction at the rear wheels helps the mower keep moving with a full bag.

• Pro: rear-wheel drive stated.
• Pro: steel deck stated.
• Con: 170cc is smaller than the 201cc models.
• Con: no variable speed mention.

With 170cc against the 201cc of other gas listings, expect a lower engine class, which matters most in tall, wet or dense grass. Many residential lawns do not need the extra displacement, but if you mow neglected grass or tall spring growth, it is worth leaving a margin. The steel deck mention is a durability point to weigh against weight. Check how the drive engages and whether a single speed or a range is offered.

Check the listing for the number of heights and the weight. Question to ask: is 170cc enough for my grass?

Greenworks 40V 16-inch cordless push mower

Another off-type listing. The title states a 40V system, 16 inch deck, 4.0Ah battery and charger, quiet walk-behind use, and push-button start with no fumes or pull starts. It is a push mower and is not described as self-propelled. It is a budget-tier option for small, flat lawns.

Scenario: a small flat yard where the owner mainly wants an easy start and low noise.

• Pro: push-button start.
• Pro: gas-free.
• Con: no drive system.
• Con: one battery included per the title.

The appeal here is simplicity: press a button and mow. For apartment dwellers, townhome owners or anyone who dislikes pull cords, that is a real benefit. The limits are the narrow deck and the single battery, so check the runtime claim against your lawn and consider whether a second battery is sold separately. If you may later add more lawn or want a drive, this is the listing you would outgrow first.

Check the listing for runtime. Question to ask: can one battery finish my lawn?

Greenworks 60V 25-inch self-propelled mower

The largest cordless self-propelled listing here. The title states a 25-inch deck, two 4.0Ah batteries, self-propelled drive, a 70-minute runtime, an LED headlight and handling of up to three-quarters of an acre. It is premium tier and suits a large lawn owner who still wants cordless. The headlight is a rare detail that helps in low light.

Scenario: a larger lawn mowed in early evening, where the wider deck cuts the pass count and the light helps as dusk falls.

• Pro: 25-inch deck and drive.
• Pro: LED headlight.
• Con: premium tier price.
• Con: size and weight may make storage harder.

A 25-inch deck is wide for a cordless mower, and width raises weight and storage needs. The 70-minute runtime figure sets a clear ceiling: after that, you swap or recharge. Ask how long a full charge takes and whether both batteries are used at once or in sequence. With a headlight and a premium price, this listing aims at owners who want a full-size mower without gas and are willing to pay for it.

Question to ask: is 70 minutes enough for my lawn in tall grass?

Casince 17-inch cordless walk-behind mower

This is the third push alternative and is also off-type. The title describes a cordless mower with six heights, a 50L grass bag, two 4.0Ah batteries, up to 40 minutes of runtime and 1200W max brushless power. It does not claim a drive system. It is the lowest-priced listing and suits very small lawns.

Scenario: a tiny yard where a quick weekly pass takes under 40 minutes.

• Pro: low price tier.
• Pro: large 50L bag.
• Con: 40-minute runtime limit.
• Con: brand and parts support need checking.

The large bag is a plus for small lawns where you want clippings collected, though a bigger bag also gets heavy when full. The listing uses peak power wording, 1200W max, which says little about sustained cutting ability. As with every cordless title, runtime varies with grass length and moisture. Buyers considering it should confirm the warranty and the availability of replacement blades and batteries, because those decide how long the mower stays useful.

Question to ask: what does “1200W max” mean in practice, and is the motor rating continuous?

AMERISUN 21-inch 170cc gas self-propelled mower

The title lists a 21-inch deck, a 170cc 4-cycle OHV engine, 3-in-1 operation and rear-wheel drive, with a model number (AV8621S1). It is another budget-tier gas entry. It shares a spec class with the PowerSmart, so the choice may come down to reviews, warranty and parts availability. It suits a medium lawn on a small budget.

Scenario: a mostly flat quarter-acre lawn where an entry-level drive is plenty.

• Pro: rear-wheel drive stated.
• Pro: model number for lookups.
• Con: no variable speed claim.
• Con: budget-brand support questions.

Like the PowerSmart, this listing offers a basic rear-wheel gas drive in the budget tier. The decision between them may come down to details the titles do not give: weight, handle height, the bag size and the quality of the included accessories. Read the descriptions and Q&A on both pages, compare the warranty lengths, and pick the one where support looks clearer. An entry-level mower still needs a sharp blade and fresh fuel to perform.

Question to ask: how do the warranty terms compare with the PowerSmart?

How to choose a self-propelled mower

Match the mower to the yard

Measure or estimate the lawn. Under a quarter acre, a 16 to 21 inch deck is usually plenty. Between a quarter and three-quarters of an acre, a 21 to 25 inch deck cuts mowing time. Beyond that, consider the larger machines covered in our guides to riding lawn mowers and zero-turn mowers.

Obstacles matter as much as acreage. A small lawn with many beds and trees takes longer than an open lawn of the same size, and a wide deck is awkward in tight corners. Think about gates too: measure the narrowest gap the mower must pass through, and compare it with the deck width.

Gas versus cordless

Gas offers long runtime and strong power in thick grass, with the cost of oil, fuel and starting. Cordless offers quiet and easy starts, with runtime limits. If you are considering the cordless route more broadly, see our guide to battery powered lawn mowers. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for fuel, oil and charging.

Noise, smell and starting effort are the quality-of-life differences. Gas engines need fresh fuel, periodic oil changes and a plan for winter storage. Cordless mowers need charged batteries and a dry place to keep them. Neither is maintenance-free, so choose the kind of upkeep you will actually do.

Drive type and speed control

Rear-wheel drive generally favors traction on grades. Front-wheel drive makes turning simple. Variable speed or multi-speed drives let you match your walking pace. A fixed single speed is simple but may feel too fast or slow.

Deck, heights and bagging

A wider deck means fewer passes. More cutting heights give finer control. The 3-in-1 label means bagging, mulching and side discharge, though included accessories vary. Only some titles state the deck material, and those listings are easier to compare.

Safety basics

Wear sturdy closed shoes, eye protection and hearing protection for gas models. Clear sticks and stones before mowing, keep children and pets away, and never reach near the blade. Before clearing the deck or servicing, stop the engine, wait for the blade to stop and disconnect the spark plug wire or remove the battery. Store fuel only in approved containers, away from heat.

Worked example with stated assumptions

Assume a flat half-acre lawn that takes about 75 minutes with a 21-inch deck. A wider 22 or 25 inch deck might trim a few passes, perhaps saving 5 to 10 minutes, though that is an estimate and not a measurement. The cordless Greenworks 60V 25-inch lists a 70-minute runtime, which suggests a borderline fit for a full mow in one charge and a second battery swap in thick grass. A gas 201cc model would not have that limit, so it fits better when time and runtime are the concern.

Mistakes buyers make

The first mistake is paying for a drive on a lawn that is small and flat, when a push mower would do. The second is the opposite: buying a push mower for a hilly yard. Third, buyers compare engine cc across brands as if it were a pure power ranking, but deck size, blade and drive also matter. Fourth, they trust a runtime or acreage claim for cordless models without allowing for tall, wet or thick grass. Fifth, they forget that gas mowers need oil, fresh fuel and seasonal care. Sixth, they skip the safety steps: disconnect the spark plug or battery before service, and never refuel a hot engine. Lastly, many assume every mower labeled “walk behind” is self-propelled, when three of these ten are not.

Also avoid buying on a single headline number. A big engine size, a large acreage claim or a high wattage figure each tells only part of the story, and none replaces reading the full title, the box contents and the warranty.

Verdict by lawn type

For a medium to large lawn on gas power, compare the SENIX, YARDMAX and BILT HARD. For slopes, the rear-wheel PowerSmart and AMERISUN are the budget options. For quiet, fuel-free mowing, the Greenworks 60V 21-inch is the standard-size cordless pick and the 25-inch is for larger yards. For tiny, flat lawns where a drive is not needed, the three push listings are the lowest-cost route. Confirm drive type, deck width and what is in the box on the product page before ordering.

If you are torn between two listings, choose the one with the clearer drive description, the better parts support and a deck width that fits your gates. A mower you can service and maneuver easily gets used more often than a bigger one that is awkward to handle.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between self-propelled and push mowers?

A self-propelled mower has a drive system that turns the wheels for you, so you steer and the mower supplies most of the forward motion. A push mower relies on your own effort. The difference matters most on slopes, in thick grass and with large lawns, where pushing becomes tiring. On small flat yards, a lighter push mower can be perfectly adequate and is usually simpler and less expensive.

Is front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive better?

Rear-wheel drive generally gives better traction on slopes and when the grass bag is filling, because weight shifts toward the back. Front-wheel drive makes it easier to tip the front up to turn at the end of a row. The listings here include both. Pick based on your terrain, and read the manual and listing for how the drive engages and what speed range it offers.

Should I buy a gas or battery self-propelled mower?

Gas models offer unlimited runtime if you carry fuel, and they are common for large or thick lawns. Battery models are quieter, avoid fuel and are easier to start, but runtime depends on the battery and mowing conditions. Compare the stated runtime and yard size, such as the three-quarter acre claim on the 60V listings, with your own lawn. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for fuel and charging.

What does 3-in-1 mean on a mower?

It refers to three ways of handling clippings, usually bagging, mulching and side discharge. Bagging collects clippings in a bag, mulching cuts them finely and returns them to the lawn, and side discharge throws them out to the side. Some listings also use 4-in-1 or 2-in-1 wording. Check the listing for what is included in the box, because bags and mulching plugs vary by model.

How should I store and maintain a self-propelled mower safely?

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Before servicing or clearing the deck, stop the engine, wait for the blade to stop, and disconnect the spark plug wire or remove the battery. Store gasoline only in approved containers away from heat and open flame, and never refuel a hot engine. Keep the blade sharp, clear the deck after mowing, and keep children and pets away from the working area.

Are the push mowers in this list worth considering?

Only for small, flat lawns. Three listings here are cordless push mowers with 16 or 17 inch decks, and none claims a drive system in its title. They cost less and are lighter to store, but you supply all the forward effort. If your lawn is large, sloped or thick, one of the seven drive-assisted models is a closer match to what you searched for.