Best Green Lawn Mower

Saturday morning. You drag the gas mower out of the shed, yank the cord a dozen times, and finally get it sputtering. Then comes the smell. The noise. The trip to the gas station because you forgot to fill it up last week. There is a better way to keep your yard neat, and it doesn’t involve fossil fuels.

The best green lawn mower runs on battery power or your own two arms. Modern cordless models deliver enough torque to handle thick grass, and they do it quietly, with zero emissions and almost no maintenance. Reel mowers offer a simpler, cheaper path for small, flat lawns. The right choice depends on your yard size, terrain, and how much work you want to put into the job.

We tested and compared five standout options from Greenworks and Earthwise, ranging from a lightweight 16-inch push model to a powerful 25-inch self-propelled machine. Every one of them will eliminate gas, oil, and pull cords from your routine. Below, you’ll find a spec comparison, honest reviews of each mower, and a practical buying guide to help you make the right call.

Here is a quick look at how the key specs stack up against each other.

Features	Greenworks 40V 16in	Greenworks 80V 21in	Earthwise Reel	Greenworks 48V 20in	Greenworks 60V 25in
Power Source	40V battery	80V battery	Manual push	48V (2x24V)	60V battery
Deck Width	16 inches	21 inches	16 inches	20 inches	25 inches
Drive Type	Push	Self-propelled	Push reel	Push	Self-propelled
Best For	Small yards	Medium yards	Tiny flat lawns	Small-medium yards	Large yards
Key Feature	Ultra-lightweight	SmartCut tech	7-blade reel	Dual battery system	80-min runtime

Greenworks 40V 16in Push

This mower suits homeowners with a quarter-acre lot or less who want a simple, cordless upgrade from a gas push mower. It’s light enough that most people can lift it into a shed or truck bed without help. If your yard is flat and you don’t mind walking behind the mower, this model keeps things straightforward.

The 16-inch deck is compact, which means it can slip through narrow gates and maneuver around flower beds with ease. It weighs 35% less than a comparable steel deck mower, so the physical effort of pushing stays low. The single lever adjusts cutting height across five positions, letting you adapt to seasonal grass growth without any tools.

You get two ways to handle clippings: mulch them back into the lawn for natural fertilizer, or attach the rear bag for a clean finish. The 4.0Ah battery provides enough runtime for roughly a third of an acre, though thick or damp grass will drain it faster. This is not the mower for steep hills or large properties, but for a compact city lot, it gets the job done quietly.

• 16-inch cutting deck is ideal for small, obstacle-filled lawns
• 5-position single lever height adjustment
• 2-in-1 design supports mulching and rear bagging
• Works with 75+ other Greenworks 40V tools
• 3-year limited warranty on tool and battery

Best for: Owners of small, flat yards who want a featherweight mower that shares batteries with their other outdoor tools.

Greenworks 80V 21in Brushless

This self-propelled mower targets homeowners with medium-sized lawns, especially those with slopes or uneven ground. The rear-wheel drive gives you traction when pushing uphill, and the variable speed control lets you set a comfortable walking pace. If you have a half-acre lot with a gentle grade, this mower takes most of the strain out of the job.

The 21-inch steel deck tackles larger areas faster than a 16-inch model. A brushless motor delivers more torque and runs quieter than a standard brushed motor, and it should last longer too. The standout feature is SmartCut technology, which senses grass conditions and automatically adjusts power to maintain a consistent cut. You don’t have to fiddle with settings when you move from a sunny patch to a shady, damp corner.

Three discharge options give you full control over clippings: mulch, rear bag, or side discharge. A 7-position height adjustment handles everything from a short Bermuda lawn to taller fescue. The 4.0Ah battery provides up to 45 minutes of runtime, which might require a second battery for larger lawns. This model is a bit heavier than the push mowers, but the self-propelled drive makes that weight irrelevant during use.

• 21-inch steel deck for efficient cutting of medium lawns
• Rear-wheel drive with variable speed control
• SmartCut technology adjusts power automatically
• 3-in-1 design: mulch, rear bag, or side discharge
• Compatible with 75+ Greenworks 80V tools

Best for: Homeowners with sloping, medium-sized lawns who want self-propelled convenience and automatic power adjustment.

Earthwise 1715-16EW Reel Mower

This reel mower is for the purist who wants the greenest possible option: no battery, no motor, no emissions whatsoever. It suits very small, flat lawns planted with Bermuda, Zoysia, Centipede, or similar fine-bladed grasses. If your idea of a good workout includes mowing the lawn, this tool delivers.

The 16-inch cutting width pairs with a 7-blade alloy steel reel that stays sharp longer than standard blades. Ball bearings on the reel and 10-inch composite wheels keep rolling friction low, making it easier to push than you might expect. The cutting height adjusts from 0.5 to 2.5 inches, so you can keep warm-season grasses at their ideal height.

Reel mowers cut with a scissor action rather than a vacuum lift, which means they work best when you mow frequently and the grass is dry. Tall, thick grass or tough weeds will likely clog it. This mower is not suited for cool-season grasses like tall fescue, which grow too upright and thick. But for a small, tidy Bermuda lawn, nothing beats it for simplicity and quiet.

• 7-blade alloy steel reel for a clean scissor cut
• Cutting height range of 0.5 to 2.5 inches
• 10-inch composite wheels with ball bearings
• Durable steel side plates
• Zero fuel, zero electricity, zero noise

Best for: Eco-conscious homeowners with small, flat lawns of fine-bladed warm-season grass who don’t mind a little exercise.

Greenworks 48V 20in Push

This mower fits buyers who already own Greenworks 24V tools or who want the flexibility of a dual-battery system. It runs on two 24V batteries that combine to deliver 48V of power, which gives it a noticeable edge over single-battery 40V models. The 20-inch steel deck covers ground faster than a 16-inch mower without becoming too heavy to push.

The brushless motor provides more torque and runs quieter than a brushed alternative. Runtime reaches up to 45 minutes with two fully charged 4Ah batteries, and the included dual-port charger refills both at once. This setup works well for a small-to-medium yard, and the extra battery capacity means you won’t run out of power mid-lawn on a typical suburban lot.

A 20-inch deck on a push mower can feel heavy on slopes. If your yard has a significant incline, consider the self-propelled 80V model instead. The 3-year warranty offers peace of mind, and since it uses the 24V platform, it shares batteries with more than 200 Greenworks tools. That makes this a smart pick if you plan to expand your cordless toolkit.

• Dual 24V batteries deliver 48V of cutting power
• Up to 45 minutes runtime with two 4.0Ah batteries
• Brushless motor for torque and longevity
• 20-inch steel deck balances coverage and weight
• Compatible with 200+ Greenworks 24V tools

Best for: Shoppers invested in the Greenworks 24V platform who want a powerful push mower with extended runtime.

Greenworks 60V 25in Self-Propelled

This is the heavyweight of the group, built for large lawns up to three-quarters of an acre. The 25-inch deck is the widest here, so you’ll finish mowing in fewer passes. If you have a big, open yard with some hills, this self-propelled mower with rear-wheel drive and variable speed control will make the job feel almost effortless.

Greenworks claims this 60V system delivers 50% more power than its 40V mowers, and you can feel the difference in thick grass. The dual 4.0Ah batteries provide up to 80 minutes of runtime, which is enough to handle a substantial property on a single charge. SmartCut technology improves mulching by up to 30% compared to single-blade mowers, and it won’t bog down in wet conditions.

The trade-off is size and weight. This is a big machine, and it takes up more storage space than the smaller models. The 80-minute fast charger is included, which is good because the batteries are large and take time to refill. A 4-year warranty covers the tool and batteries, giving you extra confidence for the higher investment. This mower delivers gas-like performance without the fumes or noise, making it ideal for anyone who wants to retire their gas mower for good.

• 25-inch deck for maximum cutting efficiency
• Up to 80 minutes runtime with two 4.0Ah batteries
• Rear-wheel drive with variable speed (3.5-4.5 MPH)
• SmartCut technology for better mulching
• 4-year limited warranty included

Best for: Owners of large, hilly lawns who want the closest cordless equivalent to a gas mower without the emissions.

How We Chose These Products

We focused on five factors that matter most to real buyers: lawn size compatibility, terrain handling, runtime, build quality, and long-term value. Each mower was evaluated against the typical scenarios its specifications support, not just on paper features. We considered how a 16-inch deck performs on a small city lot versus how a 25-inch deck handles open acreage.

Battery platform was a major consideration. Greenworks offers multiple voltage systems, and we weighed the benefits of each. The 40V system suits smaller yards, while the 60V and 80V systems provide the power needed for larger properties. We also looked at warranty coverage and the number of compatible tools, since those factors affect total cost of ownership over time.

Buying Guide: What Really Matters

Match the power source to your lawn size before anything else. A small yard under a quarter acre works fine with a 40V push mower or even a reel mower. Medium lawns from a quarter to half an acre benefit from a 20-inch or 21-inch deck with a brushless motor. Large properties over half an acre need a wide deck and a high-voltage system, preferably self-propelled.

Terrain changes everything. For flat ground, a push mower is fine and saves weight. For slopes, rear-wheel drive self-propelled mowers provide the best traction. Variable speed control lets you slow down on tough patches and speed up on straightaways. If you have a steep hill, avoid reel mowers entirely and look for a model with strong torque.

Think about the total cost of ownership, not just the purchase price. Gas mowers require oil changes, air filter replacements, spark plugs, and fuel. Electric mowers need battery replacements every few years, but electricity costs are minimal. Reel mowers have almost no ongoing costs but require sharpening. Over five years, a quality cordless mower often costs less than maintaining a gas model.

Our Top Recommendation

The Greenworks 60V 25in Self-Propelled mower stands out as the best overall pick. It offers the widest cutting deck, the longest runtime, and the most power of any model we reviewed. For anyone with a large lawn who wants to switch from gas, this mower delivers the closest experience to what you’re used to, minus the hassle.

For smaller budgets and smaller yards, the Greenworks 40V 16in Push mower is an excellent value. It’s light, quiet, and shares batteries with a wide range of tools. If you want the absolute greenest option and have a tiny, flat lawn, the Earthwise reel mower is a solid manual choice. For those with medium lawns and slopes, the Greenworks 80V model offers self-propelled convenience and SmartCut technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do batteries last before they need replacing?

Most lithium-ion batteries last between 3 and 5 years with regular use. Proper storage extends lifespan. Keep batteries indoors in a cool, dry place and avoid leaving them on the charger for extended periods. Recharge them before they drop below 20% to minimize stress on the cells.

Can a reel mower handle tall or thick grass?

No. Reel mowers work best when you mow frequently and the grass is dry. They struggle with grass taller than 3-4 inches or with thick, coarse varieties. If you let your lawn get shaggy, a power mower is the better tool.

Is a higher voltage always better?

Higher voltage generally means more torque, which helps in thick or wet grass. But it also means heavier batteries and a higher price. A 40V mower handles a small, dry lawn fine. A 60V or 80V system is worth the extra cost for larger lawns or tougher conditions.

What is the environmental impact of battery production?

Battery manufacturing does have an environmental footprint, including mining for lithium and other metals. However, over the life of the mower, the reduced emissions and lack of gasoline consumption typically offset the initial impact. Reel mowers have the lowest environmental cost of all.