The Best Lawn Mowers for Every Yard, Tested
A good lawn mower is crucial for maintaining a lush, well-manicured lawn. With so many options and brands to choose from, selecting a mower appropriate for your yard can be challenging. To make it easier to find the right one, we tested more than two dozen top-rated mowers in several categories on real-life residential lawns. We evaluated their cutting ability, finish quality, and operator comfort.
Our favorite was the Toro Super Recycler thanks to its crisp, clean cutting performance and Personal Pace drive system, which moves at the user’s speed. Plus, its 21-inch cutting deck makes it a great size for most yards.
We also spoke with Kody Ketterling, owner of KJ Lawn Maintenance & Spraying in Twin Falls, Idaho, and founder of K-IT Products, to get his take on what makes a great lawn mower. on to learn more about the criteria we used to select our picks, how each one fared in our hands-on tests, and what to consider when shopping for the best lawn mower for your yard.
- BEST OVERALL: Toro 21-Inch 60V MAX Super Recycler Mower
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Craftsman M220 150cc Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
- BEST RIDING MOWER: John Deere S130 42-Inch Lawn Tractor
- BEST ELECTRIC RIDING MOWER: Craftsman 56V MAX 42-Inch Riding Mower
- BEST ROBOTIC: Worx Landroid M 20V Robotic Lawn Mower
- BEST BATTERY-POWERED: Ego Power+ 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower
- BEST ELECTRIC: American Lawn Mower 14-Inch 120V Corded Mower
- BEST PUSH: Fiskars StaySharp Max 18-Inch Reel Mower
- BEST FOR LARGE YARDS: Toro 50-Inch TimeCutter MyRide Zero-Turn Mower
- BEST FOR SMALL YARDS: DeWalt 2X20V MAX 21.5-Inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
How We Chose the Best Lawn Mowers
All of the mowers included in our list exceeded quality standards established in our shopping criteria and proved worthy through testing. After researching dozens of lawn mower brands and models, we selected each of the above picks based on our shopping considerations detailed below. After sourcing the mowers and assembling them according to the manufacturers’ instructions, we tested them in an average yard—mixed grass, a few weeds, rolling terrain—in order to gauge capabilities in several key areas. The most critical aspects we observed included general quality and durability, mowing power and cut quality, and operator comfort and convenience.
We also tested each according to its claimed abilities. Riding mowers were used for larger and sometimes rougher areas and were assessed for power, speed, and comfort. Push and walk-behind mowers were mostly restricted to testing on well-established and well-maintained lawn spaces and closely monitored for cut quality and user convenience. For the robotic mower, we actually premowed the grass ahead of testing it, as the mower is intended to maintain rather than reduce grass height.
Our Top Picks
We mowed with everything from corded lawn mowers for small yards to powerful self-propelled mowers for medium-size yards to riding mowers that can handle 3 acres or more. Here’s how they performed during our grass tests and why we think they are some of the best.
Best Overall
Toro 21-Inch 60V Max Super Recycler Mower
This Bob Vila Approved product carries our brand’s highest level of recommendation.
Bob Vila Approved recognizes the household and DIY products that impressed us most in our real-world testing and that exemplify core values of the Bob Vila brand, including craftsmanship, innovation, and value for the dollar. Winners of this designation come recommended by our professional review team and are personally approved by Bob Vila.
Product Specs
- Power source: 60V 7.5Ah battery
- Deck size: 21 inches
- Type: Self-propelled
What We Like
- Up to 50 minutes or more of runtime per charge for 0.5 acre of mowing or more
- Ample blade speed and deck airflow for a high-quality finish
- Mower automatically paces itself with the operator’s walking speed
- Rear-wheel drive improves traction even when the bagger is full
What We Don’t Like
- Much higher price for excellent performance compared to competition that may be adequate
The Super Recycler is a premium, battery-powered, walk-behind mower with key features to enhance mowing performance and operator comfort. The mower is powered by a 60-volt (V) 7.5-amp-hour (Ah) lithium-ion rechargeable battery that provides up to 50 minutes of runtime per charge, according to Toro. The intelligent three-phase brushless motor knows exactly when to conserve battery life and when to increase power for tough mowing conditions.
The mower’s rustproof cast-aluminum deck is designed for maximum airflow that stands the grass blades up straight for a crisp cut and clean finish. It’s our Best Overall pick because of the Personal Pace Auto Drive system that rolls along smoothly at the operator’s natural pace on any terrain.
We tested the Toro Super Recycler on a slightly weedy, significantly sloped front yard that was about a week overdue for mowing. The mower was totally up to the task. With the deck set on a higher setting, we mowed up and down the slope, then on a lower setting we mowed perpendicularly. It climbed the (maximum 15-degree) slope without hesitation, even when the bagger was close to full, and didn’t feel like it was running away on the downhills. Both cuts looked great, leaving a uniform finish with no stray weeds.
Starting with a new, fully charged battery, we ran it exactly an hour before it was depleted—even better than the stated run time. Overall the mower was powerful, very comfortable to use, and ran quietly—an excellent choice for a more pleasant experience.
Get the Toro Super Recycler lawn mower at Ace Hardware or Acme Tools.
Best Bang for the Buck
Craftsman M220 150cc Self-Propelled Lawn Mower
Product Specs
- Power source: 150cc Briggs & Stratton gas engine
- Deck size: 21 inches
- Type: Walk-behind
What We Like
- Front-wheel drive assists the user while mowing; prevents strain while in use
- Easy to start; no priming or choke required
- Side discharge, mulch, or bag for ease of cleanup after mowing
What We Don’t Like
- Self-propelled feature is not adjustable; may not be suitable for some users’ preferences
- Nonpadded grip could lead to hand fatigue with extended use
Craftsman is a well-established, well-respected brand in the world of lawn mowers, and this gas-powered model is no exception. It boasts a powerful 150-cubic-centimeter (cc) engine and an ample 21-inch mowing deck, making it a good pick for yards up to three-quarters acre. Large 8-inch rear wheels with heavy tread make it easy to push this mower, while six cutting heights offer versatility. The mower also offers three disposal settings: mulch, side discharge, and bag.
We liked the Craftsman mower’s affordability and simplicity. It only required about 20 minutes of easy assembly. The completed handle configuration was a bit less refined in appearance as the grip area is unpadded metal, and the blade and drive control cables are retained on the handle by heavy-duty cable ties.
After adding oil and gas, the mower started easily on the first pull. It had good power for cutting average lawn grass and pulling uphill, but it bogged down ever so slightly in tall, overgrown grass. The front-wheel-drive feature made turning easy, but a fully loaded bagger could weigh down the rear and cause it to lose traction, though we did not experience this. The fuel tank size is adequate to mow about a half acre per fill-up. This could be an excellent value pick for a budget-minded shopper looking for a durable self-propelled mower.
Get the Craftsman M220 lawn mower at Lowe’s or Ace Hardware.
Best Riding Lawn Mower
John Deere S130 42-Inch Lawn Tractor
Product Specs
- Power source: 22-horsepower V-twin gas engine
- Deck size: 42 inches
- Type: Lawn tractor
What We Like
- High vantage point for optimal viewing of the yard and machine while mowing
- Tight turning radius allows for clean and even cutting paths
- Comfortable seat and controls make it easy for the user to mow the lawn
- All-in-one oil and filter canister makes for faster, easier, and cleaner maintenance
What We Don’t Like
- Limited performance on steep hills; may not be the best option for hilly yards
Larger yards from a half to 2 acres call for a bigger machine for mowing. The John Deere S130, with its 22-horsepower V-twin engine and 42-inch deck, offers excellent mowing ability plus performance and comfort features that extend its range of use. The 20 by 10-8 rear tires and wide stance provide excellent stability and help to cushion the ride.
It features hydrostatic operation, single-lever throttle with spring-return choke, ergonomic deck-height adjustment lever, dash-mounted digital fuel gauge, and John Deere’s Easy Change 30-second oil change system. The included drop-pin towing hitch and power take-off (PTO) make it compatible with a wide range of John Deere branded and non-branded yard implements such as utility carts, spreaders, sweepers, snow blowers, and more.
In our extensive test, the S130 lawn tractor proved to be a comfortable, capable riding mower with good maneuverability in a wide range of conditions. It easily handled grassy slopes up to 13 degrees (4.5 vertical feet per 20 linear feet), which is the limit recommended by the manufacturer. Measured against leading competitors, it offered a tighter real-life turning radius thanks to superior weight balance and a seat base that is 3 inches higher to provide a better operator vantage point.
The high open-back seat was well cushioned and supportive while allowing excellent ventilation. The deck height, blade engagement, and throttle controls were well positioned for convenience and safe operation. Even with the slightly elevated price tag, this mower offers tons of value, making it an excellent choice for most larger yards.
Read our full review: John Deere S130 42-Inch Lawn Tractor
Get the John Deere lawn mower at Lowe’s or a local John Deere dealer.
Best Electric Riding Mower
Craftsman 56V MAX 42-Inch Riding Mower
Product Specs
- Power source: 56V 60Ah battery
- Deck size: 42 inches
- Type: Lawn tractor
What We Like
- Extremely tight turning radius easily maneuvers around obstacles
- 1.75 hours of runtime per charge; enough to mow up to 3.5 acres
- Familiar feel, with controls that operate similarly to gas-powered lawn tractors
- Mulching, bagging, and side discharge capable (accessories sold separately)
What We Don’t Like
- Premium price; about twice the price of similar size gas lawn tractors
- Deck does not create as much of a vacuum to pull grass blades upright
- Not enough power to mow heavily overgrown, weedy areas
As the trend toward battery-powered mowing continues, those with larger properties are finding an increasing number of options. Bolstering the electric riding mower category, the Craftsman 56V MAX riding mower wins this category thanks to its excellent battery life, maneuverability, user comfort, and wide-ranging versatility.
This Craftsman electric riding mower features three brushless motors powered by a built-in 56V 6Ah lithium-ion battery. In our tests it charged in 4.5 hours and mowed for about 1.75 hours, or 3.5 acres per charge. Operationally, the controls felt very much like a comparably sized gas-powered hydrostatic lawn tractor—no gears to shift—with simple forward and reverse pedals for travel, and mowing speed up to 6 miles per hour. It comes equipped with a 42-inch cutting deck, LED headlights, towing hitch, electronic PTO for blade engagement, and an electronic mowing-in-reverse override switch. The cutting deck is manually adjustable with a lever, with 12 settings from 1.5 to 4.5 inches high.
As with other battery mowers, mowing with the Craftsman battery-powered lawn tractor was significantly quieter than gas and nearly silent when traveling with the mower blades disengaged. Unfortunately, it was underpowered for mowing tall grass or weedy spots where the shallow deck didn’t provide adequate airflow to pull the grass blades upright. It may not be an ideal choice for inconsistent or occasional mowing, but it is a good option for weekly lawn maintenance.
On the plus side, its TurnTight steering system was another great feature, which allowed the mower to carve incredibly tight turns—a 5-inch turning radius according to Craftsman. We had no problem edging tree mulch rings. The seat was comfortable, the ride was smooth, and the controls were responsive for an all-around quality riding mower.
Read our full review: Craftsman 56V MAX 42-Inch Riding Mower
Get the Craftsman 56V MAX lawn mower at Lowe’s or Ace Hardware.
Best Robotic
Worx Landroid M 20V Robotic Lawn Mower
Product Specs
- Power source: 20V 4Ah battery
- Deck size: 8 inches
- Type: Robotic
What We Like
- Can be controlled via an app through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for hands-off mowing
- Brushless motor extends battery life, making it great for yards up to 0.25 acre
- Onboard rain sensor protects the mower from potential damage
What We Don’t Like
- Requires a detailed setup procedure, including making sure the docking station is perfectly level
Further pushing the limits of lawn mower technology is th