Maintaining a beautiful lawn can often feel like a full-time job. With the unpredictability of weather and varying grass types, choosing the right lawn mower becomes crucial for keeping your yard looking its best. Self-propelled lawn mowers are designed to make this task easier, allowing you to navigate your yard with less physical effort while ensuring a clean cut.
A great self-propelled mower should combine power, ease of use, and versatility. Whether you opt for a gas or electric model, the best mowers offer features like adjustable cutting heights, mulching capabilities, and sufficient battery life for electric models. With so many options available, it’s essential to consider your specific lawn care needs, including yard size and terrain.
In this roundup, we’ve reviewed five of the best self-propelled lawn mowers available at Home Depot. Each option stands out for unique reasons, catering to different buyer needs, whether you’re looking for an electric mower for small yards or a robust gas-powered option for larger properties.
Here’s a quick comparison of the key specifications for our top picks:
| Features | Greenworks 80V | PowerSmart 21″ Gas | PowerSmart 21″ Gas 2 | Greenworks 60V | EGO Power+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material & Build | Steel deck | Steel deck | Alloy steel | Steel deck | Steel deck |
| Power Source | 80V battery | 170cc gas | 170cc gas | 60V battery | 56V battery |
| Cutting Width | 21 inches | 21 inches | 21 inches | 21 inches | 21 inches |
| Runtime | Up to 1/2 acre | Medium yards | Medium yards | Up to 1 acre | Up to 60 min |
| Best for | Battery users | Gas enthusiasts | Hilly terrain | Battery users | Premium features |
In this article
Greenworks 80V 21in Self-…
Greenworks
Greenworks 80V 21in Self-Propelled Lawn Mower, 4.0 Ah Battery and Charger | Brushless motor with LED headlight and rapid charger; self-propelled drive reduces effort on larger lawns.
- [80V 21” SELF-PROPELLED LAWN MOWER] - Get more done, faster, with Greenworks electric lawn mowers. This 80V lawn mower cuts up to…
- [BRUSHLESS MOTOR / DURABLE STEEL DECK] - This electric mower features a durable 21" deck, and a highly efficient brushless motor t…
- [SELF-PROPELLED] – Rear wheel drive and variable speed control for maximum traction, maneuverability, and control
The Greenworks 80V 21-inch self-propelled lawn mower is ideal for homeowners with medium to large yards. Its powerful battery allows it to cut up to half an acre, making it a great fit for those who prefer a quieter, eco-friendly option without sacrificing performance.
This mower shines due to its efficient brushless motor and durable steel deck. It operates quietly, which is perfect for early morning or late evening mowing sessions. Users appreciate the rear-wheel drive and variable speed control, providing excellent traction and maneuverability.
However, some users might find the initial investment higher compared to gas mowers. Battery life can also vary based on grass conditions, which makes planning your mowing sessions crucial. The 4-year warranty adds peace of mind, but it’s essential to ensure the battery is always charged before use.
- 80V battery for power
- 21-inch cutting width
- Rear-wheel drive
- 4-year warranty
- LED headlights for visibility
Best for: Eco-conscious homeowners with medium to large yards.
PowerSmart 21″ Self-Prope…
PowerSmart
PowerSmart 21" Self-Propelled Gas Lawn Mower | 170cc OHV Engine | Rear-Wheel Drive for Slopes | 3-in-1 Bag, Mulch & Discharge | 6 Cutting Heights | Durable Steel Deck| Rear-Wheel Drive | Medium Yard
- POWERED BY A RELIABLE OHV ENGINE: Equipped with a powerful 170cc OHV engine, known for its smooth start-up, consistent performance…
- 21-INCH CUTTING WIDTH FOR HIGH EFFICIENCY: The robust steel deck covers a wide 21-inch path, reducing mowing time and making it pe…
- 3-IN-1 FUNCTION: BAGGING, MULCHING & REAR DISCHARGE: Switch easily between modes: collect clippings in the 1.4-bushel bag, mulch t…
The PowerSmart 21-inch self-propelled gas lawn mower is designed for those who need a reliable mower for medium to large yards, especially in hilly areas. With a robust 170cc OHV engine, this mower offers consistent performance and durability, making it suitable for tough mowing jobs.
This model stands out for its 3-in-1 functionality, allowing users to bag, mulch, or discharge grass clippings effortlessly. The adjustable cutting height ranges from 1.5 to 3.9 inches, accommodating different grass lengths and preferences. Plus, its rear-wheel drive provides excellent traction on slopes.
On the downside, being gas-powered means more maintenance compared to electric models. Users need to deal with fuel and oil changes, which can be a hassle for some. Noise levels are higher than electric mowers, making it less suitable for quiet neighborhoods.
- 170cc OHV engine
- 21-inch cutting width
- 3-in-1 functionality
- 6-position height adjustment
- Rear-wheel drive
Best for: Homeowners with hilly terrain needing a powerful gas mower.
PowerSmart 21″ Gas Self-P…
PowerSmart
PowerSmart 21" Gas Self-Propelled Lawn Mower for Hills & Medium Yards | 170cc OHV | 3-in-1 Mulching/Bagging/Discharge | 6-Position Height | Alloy Steel Deck | Easy Start | Rear-Wheel Drive
- ⚡ STARTS IN 1–2 PULLS, RUNS ALL SEASON: The 170cc OHV engine fires up fast and powers through thick, overgrown grass without boggi…
- ⛰️ SELF-PROPELLED FOR HILLS & UNEVEN GROUND: Rear-wheel drive + 10" large wheels grip slopes and rough terrain so you guide, not p…
- ♻️ 3-IN-1: BAG, MULCH, OR DISCHARGE — NO TOOLS NEEDED: Switch modes instantly to match any lawn condition — collect clippings clea…
This model is another excellent option from PowerSmart, specifically designed for handling hills and rough terrain. Its 170cc OHV engine guarantees quick starts and consistent power, making it reliable even in challenging conditions.
What sets this mower apart is its ease of use. Many users report it starts in just 1-2 pulls, eliminating the hassle often associated with gas mowers. The large rear wheels enhance maneuverability, so you spend less time pushing and more time mowing.
However, like the previous gas model, it requires regular maintenance such as oil changes. The noise can be a drawback for those in quieter neighborhoods, and its weight may make it challenging for some users to handle during transport or storage.
- 170cc OHV engine
- 21-inch alloy steel deck
- 3-in-1 functionality
- 6-position height adjustment
- Folds for easy storage
Best for: Users needing a powerful mower for hilly areas.
Greenworks 60V 21in Self-…
Greenworks
Greenworks 60V 21in Self-Propelled Lawn Mower, (2) 5.0 Ah Battery Kit | Dual-blade cutting system with 60V performance; self-propelled drive handles thick grass and large yards.
- Powerful & Efficient Performance - Covers up to 1 acre on a single charge with a 100-minute runtime for both batteries to be fully…
- Enhanced Visibility & Convenience - Bright LED headlights provide optimal visibility for early morning or evening mowing sessions.…
- Versatile 4-in-1 Lawn Care System - Choose your preferred cutting style: mulch, bag, side discharge, or turbo leaf pickup for a pr…
The Greenworks 60V 21-inch self-propelled mower is designed for those who want the benefits of electric mowing without compromising power. This model is perfect for larger yards, covering up to an acre on a single charge.
Its powerful brushless motor ensures reliable performance, and the 4-in-1 lawn care system offers versatility with mulching, bagging, side discharge, and turbo leaf pickup. The quick recharge time of 80 minutes means less downtime and more time mowing.
While this mower is efficient, some users may find the price higher compared to traditional gas mowers. Battery life can be an issue if you have a particularly large yard or thick grass, so planning is essential. As with the other Greenworks models, the 4-year warranty provides added assurance.
- 60V battery for performance
- Covers up to 1 acre
- 4-in-1 functionality
- Quick recharge time
- LED headlights for visibility
Best for: Homeowners with large yards seeking a powerful battery mower.
EGO Power+ Electric Lawn…
EGO Power+
EGO Power+ Electric Lawn Mower, Self-Propelled Cordless with Touch Drive, Includes 56V 7.5Ah Battery and Rapid Charger – LM2125SP
- TOUCH DRIVE SELF-PROPELLED TECHNOLOGY - Engage the self-propel function with the touch of your palm and change speed with the scro…
- EXCEEDS POWER OF GAS - This EGO self-propelled lawn mower features a high-efficiency brushless motor that delivers up to 6.0 ft-lb…
- UP TO 60 MINUTES OF RUNTIME - Get up to 60 minutes of runtime on a single charge from this battery lawnmower with the included 56V…
The EGO Power+ electric mower stands out with its innovative Touch Drive self-propelled technology. Ideal for those who love modern conveniences, this mower allows speed adjustments with a simple dial, making mowing feel effortless.
This model excels in its power, exceeding many gas mowers in cutting torque. With a runtime of up to 60 minutes and rapid charging capabilities, it’s perfect for smaller to medium yards without the hassle of gas maintenance.
However, it may not be the best choice for larger properties due to its shorter runtime per charge. Some users might find the technology complex at first, particularly if they are used to traditional mowers. It’s also on the pricier side compared to other electric models.
- Touch Drive technology
- 56V battery for power
- Up to 60 minutes runtime
- 7 cutting height settings
- Weather-resistant design
Best for: Tech-savvy users looking for convenience and power.
How We Chose These Products
Choosing the best self-propelled lawn mowers involved a thorough evaluation of various models based on real-world performance, versatility, and user reviews. We considered factors like power source, cutting width, and additional features that enhance the mowing experience. Each mower was selected for its unique strengths and suitability for different yard sizes and conditions.
User feedback played a crucial role in our selection. Reviews highlight not only performance but also ease of use, maintenance requirements, and overall satisfaction. We aimed to represent a range of options, including electric and gas models, ensuring there’s a suitable choice for every homeowner’s needs.
Buying Guide: What Really Matters
When shopping for a self-propelled lawn mower, consider the type of power source. Gas mowers typically provide more power and longer runtimes but require more maintenance. Electric mowers, on the other hand, are quieter, eco-friendly, and easier to maintain, making them ideal for residential areas.
Additionally, think about the size of your yard and the terrain. Larger areas may require models with longer battery life or more powerful engines. Features like adjustable cutting heights and mulching capabilities can also enhance your lawn care routine, allowing for greater customization based on grass type and season.
Our Top Recommendation
The Greenworks 80V 21-inch Self-Propelled Lawn Mower is our top pick for its combination of power and efficiency. It’s perfect for a variety of yard sizes and offers quiet operation and a solid warranty. For buyers seeking a gas mower, the PowerSmart 21″ Gas Self-Propelled model is a strong alternative, especially for challenging terrains. Each option provides unique benefits, catering to different budgets and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best self-propelled lawn mower for small yards? The EGO Power+ is a great choice for small to medium yards due to its efficient battery life and advanced features.
How do I maintain a self-propelled lawn mower? Regular maintenance includes checking oil levels for gas mowers, cleaning the deck, and ensuring blades are sharp. Electric mowers require less maintenance but still benefit from regular cleaning.
What are the advantages of electric mowers over gas? Electric mowers are quieter, require less maintenance, and produce zero emissions, making them environmentally friendly.
What features should I look for in a self-propelled mower? Key features include cutting width, adjustable height settings, power source (gas vs. electric), and additional functions like mulching and bagging capabilities.
