Lawn mowers come in a variety of forms. Some are powered by fuel engines while others are operated manually. Likewise, there’s also the electric type. While corded variants have their advantages, we cannot deny the utility of cordless models as well.
Apart from the fact that it doesn’t release any toxic fumes, a cordless lawn mower has a better reach than the corded type. Still, not all of them perform well. Fortunately, we’ve come up with a comprehensive guide to the best cordless lawn mower in 2023.
Top Rated Cordless Lawn Mowers
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Best Cordless Lawn Mower Reviews
BLACK+DECKER CM2043C Cordless Mower, 20"
Via amazon.com
The first cordless mower on our list comes from the popular Black & Decker brand. Instead of just one rechargeable battery, Black & Decker CM2040 uses two lithium-ion batteries. Each one has 2.5-ampere-hours and produces 40 volts. Black & Decker encourages owners to read the user manual to know how to properly charge these powerful Li-ion batteries.
Still, it’s not recommended to cut down more than a third of the grass at once. Thus, the Black & Decker CM2043C offers six height settings ranging from one to four inches. In terms of disposal, this cordless mower offers the mulching, bagging, and side-discharging features. There’s a nylon bag with a capacity of 15 gallons for carrying the lawn clippings. What’s nifty about this collection bag is that it allows you to easily see how much is already in it.
Since the Black & Decker CM2043C uses a sizable 20-inch cutting deck, it uses up quite a bit of power. Thankfully, the variable speed motor and the AutoSense Technology have been included. This technology essentially adjusts the power of the CM2043C to prevent the unnecessary use of the batteries. The cutting power is automatically reduced if you’re only mowing thin and light grass. If you will handle thick grass, the AutoSense feature increases the power output.
Overall, the Black & Decker CM2043C Cordless Mower is a decent cordless lawn mower. Its blades are delivered sharp, and there’s even a safety key feature. If you want to prevent the mower from hitting what’s in front of it, just remove the key. Likewise, you can keep the safety key away when you store the mower — preventing your kids from activating the machine and getting into trouble.
What We Liked
- Effortlessly conserves battery power using the AutoSense Technology
- Fairly lightweight at just around 45 pounds
- Durable and sharp blades deliver clean cuts
- Uses two rechargeable and removable 40-volt Li-ion batteries for a long running time
- Immediately starts with the single push of a button
- Comes with a three-year warranty
What We Didn't Like
- No self-propulsion feature to help the user move the mower around the lawn
- Lawn clippings occasionally escape from the nylon collection bag
- Batteries tend to get warm when cutting thick grass
Greenworks 25223 19-Inch 40V Cordless Lawn Mower
Via amazon.com
Up next is another 40-volt model, this time from Greenworks. The 25223 lawn mower comes with two lithium-ion batteries. One has 2.0-ampere-hours (AH) while the other has 4.0 AH. Its 19-inch cutting width is slightly shorter than that of the Black & Decker CM2040, but this gives it more maneuverability. Also, the cutting deck is constructed out of stamped steel to ensure durability.
Interestingly enough, this Greenworks mower weighs 53 pounds—a full eight pounds more than CM2040. It uses 10-inch rear wheels and seven-inch wheels at the front. One advantage the Greenworks 25223 has over the CM2040 is that it offers seven height levels instead of six. This model has an electric start and the 3-in-1 feature most mowers have nowadays. In fact, the Greenworks 25223 comes with the collection bag, the side discharge bag, and the mulching plug.
What We Liked
- Seven height settings to choose from
- Has a cam-lock handle to allow folding and quick storage
- Tough deck made out of stamped steel
- 3-in-1 mulching, bagging, and side discharge feature
What We Didn't Like
- Performance is average in medium-sized lawns
- A bit heavier than expected for a mower with a 19-inch cutting deck
Greenworks 25322 16-Inch 40V Cordless Lawn Mower
Via amazon.com
The following entry is another cordless lawn mower from Greenworks. However, the significant difference is that the Greenworks 25322 only has a 16-inch cutting width. This is a central feature promoting this model as the ideal cordless mower for small to regular-sized lawns and yards with several obstacles. The six-inch and seven-inch wheels are designed to be small for quick maneuvering around corners.
Due to the smaller deck compared to the first two mowers, the Greenworks 25322 uses just a single battery. However, this rechargeable lithium-ion battery is also a 40-volt battery with 2.0 AH. There are only five height adjustment levels offered, but the lever works flawlessly.
Similarly, the Greenworks 25322 opted to eliminate the side discharge feature—adding only a mulching and a rear bagging feature. Still, Greenworks clearly paid attention to the features. There’s a rear cover included to keep any debris from hitting you during mulching.
Starting the Greenworks 25322 is done with a single button press and a pull of the bail lever. A single charge lasts for around 45 minutes, which is enough for small lawns. Once you’re done, you can just fold the ergonomic and durable handle to store it conveniently. Carrying it won’t be a problem since it weighs a mere 38 pounds. Furthermore, there’s a safety key as well that you can take out of the machine to prevent children from operating it.
What We Liked
- Include a safety start key and a protective rear cover
- Moves around obstacles with ease due to its compact design
- Well-designed and rugged foldable handle
- Incredibly lightweight at just 38 pounds
- Comes with a four-year limited warranty
What We Didn't Like
- Relatively limited runtime due to the use of just one Li-ion battery
- Only five cutting height adjustments offered
Sun Joe MJ401C 14-Inch 28-Volt Cordless Push Lawn Mower
Via amazon.com
If a 16-inch cutting deck is still too wide for your obstacle-filled lawn, you should take a look at the Sun Joe MJ401C cordless lawn mower. This model uses a 14-inch cutting deck to focus on maneuverability instead of heavy-duty performance. Due to the compact deck, the Sun Joe MJ401C can run using a 28-volt rechargeable Li-ion battery. It does have an LED indicator for the battery level, but do note that this mower only has a total runtime of 25 minutes.
As for the cutting height, you are limited to just three positions. The model has a removable safety key, which is necessary for starting the mower. To start it, you must put the key in, press the switch, and hold the trigger. What’s great about the MJ401C is that it operates with barely any noise. There’s even a detachable collection bag with a 40-liter capacity to compensate for the lack of mulching and side discharge features.
What We Liked
- LED indicator to inform you the current battery level
- Safety start key included
- Performs with relative quietness
- Comes with a complete two-year warranty
What We Didn't Like
- Performance is average in medium-sized lawns
- 20-volt Li-ion battery isn’t removable and hard to replace
- Charging time can take up to four hours for a much shorter runtime
Greenworks PRO GLM801602 21-Inch 80V Cordless Lawn Mower
Via amazon.com
We have the third entry from Greenworks with the GLM801602. Instead of being built for small and regular-sized lawns, this one is clearly for a large yard with its 21-inch steel deck. Moreover, its battery is a powerhouse with 80 volts and 4.0 AH — enough to power the mower for a full hour. This lengthy runtime for a mower of this caliber is achieved due in part to the brushless motor, which also slows down the mower’s rate of wear and tear.
Even with such a sizable battery, getting it full won’t take long due to the Rapid Charge feature. An 80-volt 2.0 AH battery needs just half an hour to get recharged. There’s the Smart Cut sensing technology to automatically adjust the power output. You can pick among seven height adjustments using a single lever. Furthermore, the Greenworks PRO GLM801602 offers mulching, side discharge, and rear discharge.
What We Liked
- Brushless motor greatly improves power and runtime
- Padded handle improves comfort
- Rapid Charge feature for the 80-volt batteries
- Comes with a four-year household warranty and a one-year commercial warranty
What We Didn't Like
- Weighs a hefty 74 pounds and needs a lot of storage space
- Lawn clippings occasionally move out of the collection bag
EGO Power+ 20-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-ion Cordless Lawn Mower
Via amazon.com
Here we have the EGO Power+ lawn mower, which has a 20-inch deck and the usual 3-in-1 feature of mulching, bagging, and side discharge. Its construction is quite remarkable since it’s designed to be weather-resistant — it even has an IPX4 splash-proof rating. Likewise, the EGO Power+ has LED lights to help you see the surrounding area.
Powering this mower is a 56-volt 4.0 AH Li-ion battery. Just charge it for half an hour, and you’ll get a minimum 45-minute runtime. Compared to a gas-powered lawn mower, the EGO Power+ produces 30 percent less noise. It is not exactly a small mower, but it features a foldable handle for better storage.
What We Liked
- Tough construction with an IPX4 rating
- Five-year tool warranty included
- Rapid charge fills the battery in 30 minutes
- LED lights for better mowing visibility
What We Didn't Like
- No self-propulsion feature
- Just five height adjustment settings
Sun Joe iON16LM 40 V 16-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower With Brushless Motor
Via amazon.com
Finally, we have the iON16LM lawn mower from Sun Joe. It has a 16-inch cutting deck, which is suitable for small lawns. Still, a brushless motor not only improves power and runtime but it also reduces the overall noise output. The design is compact and it includes an ergonomic foldable handle.
While there are six height settings available, the Sun Joe iON16LM lacks both the mulch and side discharge function. You are left with the bagging feature, which isn’t that great due to how the rear bag is positioned. There’s a small gap between the collection bag and the rear of the mower, which makes lawn clippings fly at the beginning.
What We Liked
- All-terrain wheels for better maneuverability
- Uses a brushless motor for more efficiency
- Fairly quiet with a 40-minute runtime
- Comes with a two-year warranty
What We Didn't Like
- No mulching or side discharge feature
- Small collection bag with a capacity of just 9.25 gallons
Why Buy A Cordless Lawn Mower?
Not all homeowners believe in the reliability of cordless lawn mowers. This is in part due to how the first models performed-running on low-capacity batteries and weak power motors. However, constant advancements in battery and electric technology have surely turned heads. Now, people understand how cordless lawn mowers can be beneficial to them. Listed below are several reasons for acquiring a cordless type over a gas-powered mower and a corded type.
Wallet And Environmental Friendly
Gas prices can be volatile, and you wouldn’t want your mower to demand gas when you’re already dealing with your automobile. With a cordless type, you only have to pay for the electricity used to charge the battery. In the long run, the electricity expenses will be significantly cheaper than the amount you spend on gas.
Likewise, there are no toxic fumes coming out of a cordless lawn mower. This is good not only for your lungs but also for the environment. There’s absolutely no tailpipe emission coming out of this machine. In other words, no carbon monoxide or unburned hydrocarbon is released into the atmosphere. On the other hand, gas-powered mowers spew these emissions without much supervision – especially compared to motor vehicles that rely on gas as well.
Some people argue that cordless lawn mowers aren’t completely good since emissions still occur when they are manufactured, but the environmental cost isn’t as drastic. Even if power plants do have emissions to produce the electricity your cordless mower requires, there’s still a huge reduction in the release of substances such as methane, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxide.
Fairly Lightweight
Another huge advantage cordless models have is that they aren’t as heavy as gas-powered mowers. There’s no bulky engine nor any gas container attached to it. You do have to carry the battery along, but this is significantly lighter than fuel engines.
If you have a small or regular lawn, a cordless mower is enough to maintain it. Moreover, you won’t mind that it’s slightly heavier than a corded model since there is no need paying attention to tangled cords. You won’t get easily tired, and the elder people won’t feel the burden of moving it along the yard.
Not Obnoxiously Loud
If you don’t want to annoy your neighbors early in the morning or in the late afternoon, it’s best to use an electric lawn mower. Specifically, the loudness of a cordless variant would just hover around 75 decibels. In comparison, the usual noise level of gas-powered lawn mowers is between 80 to 95 decibels. Thus, a cordless lawn mower would just be as noisy as your typical washing machine.
Easy Usage
People who are new to using mowers will be glad to know how convenient it is to handle a cordless variant. Apart from being light enough to avoid strain, you can maneuver it with ease. Unlike the corded type, you don’t have to worry about where the power outlet is. You don’t have to buy any extension cords whatsoever. This mower can move around shrubs and trees without having tangled cords.
There is no pull cord needed to begin. Once your battery has been fully charged, the mower is ready to go. Back then, people were disappointed with how easy the rechargeable batteries lost their charge. Now, these disappointing lead-acid batteries have been replaced with lithium-ion batteries. These technologically advanced batteries will maintain the mower’s cutting power until its charge is completely emptied - See brushed vs brushless motor benefits.
Low-Maintenance
Unlike gas-powered lawn mowers, you don’t have to conduct any tune-ups. There is no oil to constantly replace and there are no air filters to clean. Just like with any other mower, you only have to clean the mower after use. Get rid of any dirt, mud, and lawn clippings that got stuck.
Furthermore, you just have to sharpen the blades at least once every season. If it’s winter, you must remove the battery since it won’t be used for quite some time. As for storage, cordless mowers have a compact design that commonly includes a foldable feature.
May be you want to know more about a corded lawn mower, Let's refer my post:
/best-corded-electric-lawn-mower-reviews/
What Are The Factors To Consider In Buying A Cordless Lawn Mower?
Even if you’re already convinced that you’re better off using a cordless mower than any other variant, you should be careful in picking one. Not all cordless lawn mowers are made of durable materials that justify their prices. Likewise, some models just perform much better than others. To help you make the right decision, consider the following factors. See here to learn about electric tillers.
Battery And Charging
Cordless lawn mowers today usually have rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Batteries differ in terms of ampere-hours and voltage. The former refers to the capacity of a battery. Thus, a higher amperage rating would reduce the need for recharging your battery to complete a mowing operation.
Consequently, voltage refers to how powerful your cordless mower can be. For example, a mower having 40 volts would handle thick grass better than a model with 20 volts. Essentially, a higher voltage can cut down the mowing time with how powerful and fast the blades would spin.
Apart from the voltage and ampere, the number of batteries is also worth noting. Having two batteries instead of one provides more power and a longer running time. Also, check if the battery is removable. You want to know how easy it is to check and replace the battery.
Ease Of Use
Cordless lawn mowers are generally easy to use, but some are better designed than others. For one, identify if the mower starts without any hiccups. Second, identify how convenient it is to store the mower. Is the foldable part flexible yet durable enough?
Moreover, there must be a variety of cutting height settings that new users can use as a guide for mowing. You cannot use the same height for all grass varieties. For example, the mowing height in spring should just be between 0.75 inches to one inch if you have warm-season grasses like bermudagrass and centipedegrass.
Deck Size
Apart from voltage, the cutting width is also a significant factor in mowing efficiency. The wider the deck, the more grass is cut with just one pass. In turn, the cordless mower needs fewer passes to cover the entire lawn. However, a bigger deck adds weight to the mower and requires more battery power. The increase in width also makes it difficult to move the mower around trees and other obstacles.
Safety Features
No matter what machine you’re operating, safety should always be put into consideration. For example, a cordless mower can have an auto-throttle feature. This ensures that excessive power isn’t used to run the mower. Likewise, safety lights will keep your path illuminated if you want to mow at night and avoid hitting rocks, twigs, and branches.
Best Rated Cordless Lawn Mower - Winner
Overall, our favorite cordless lawn mower is none other than the Greenworks 16-inch 40V 25322 model. We value maneuverability, safety, efficiency, and reliability. It might not have a 20-inch deck, but the 16-inch width allows the 25322 lawn mower to navigate around shrubs and trees quickly.
It only has one battery, but the 40-voltage 2.0 AH Li-ion battery ensures no recharge when mowing a small or regular lawn. Safety is ensured not only with the start key but also the protective rear cover. Additionally, it weighs just 38 pounds, has a foldable handle, and includes a four-year warranty.
Via amazon.com
We hope that our buying guide helped you in understanding the benefits of using a cordless lawn mower. Furthermore, we hope that you find the right variant for your lawn. If you have any questions, feel free to send us a comment.
FAQ
1. How to maintain a cordless electric lawn mower?
- remove the battery of your mower when you want to keep it for a long period of time without using it
- clean the mower right after use
- sharpen the blades
2. Cons of a cordless electric lawn mower
- the replacement processing of the cordless electric lawn mower is risk to the environment and the user when the battery has spills.
- the battery is the largest consumer of funds
