overall
EGO POWER+ LM2135SP Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower
9.4
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For most yards the best lawn mower in 2026 is the EGO POWER+ LM2135SP, a self-propelled cordless model that matches gas runtime without emissions or oil changes. Want reliable gas power? The Honda HRN216VKA is the benchmark walk-behind. On a budget? The Sun Joe MJ401E handles small flat lawns at a fraction of the cost. Need to mow without lifting a finger? A robotic option covers compact yards on a schedule. Below we compare 10 mowers on type, cutting width, terrain fit and which yard size each handles best.
| # | Product | Best for | Type | Cutting width | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EGO POWER+ LM2135SP Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower | overall | Cordless | Large yards | Check Price | |
| 2 | Honda HRN216VKA Gas Self-Propelled Lawn Mower | gas | Gas | Any terrain | Check Price | |
| 3 | Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower | value cordless | Cordless | Medium yards | Check Price | |
| 4 | Greenworks Pro 80V Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower | 80V cordless | Cordless | Large yards | Check Price | |
| 5 | WORX Nitro 80V Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower | for hills | Cordless | Hilly yards | Check Price | |
| 6 | Makita XML08 36V Brushless Cordless Lawn Mower | for pros | Cordless | Medium yards | Check Price | |
| 7 | Greenworks 40V 21-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower | cordless value | Cordless | Small to medium yards | Check Price | |
| 8 | Toro Recycler 60V Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower | mulching | Cordless | Medium to large yards | Check Price | |
| 9 | Sun Joe MJ401E 14-Inch Electric Corded Lawn Mower | budget small yard | Electric | Small flat yards | Check Price | |
| 10 | Craftsman M220 21-Inch Gas Push Lawn Mower | budget gas | Gas | Medium yards | Check Price |
Why we picked it: The EGO POWER+ LM2135SP is the benchmark cordless mower of 2026. Its 56V arc lithium battery and brushless motor push through thick, damp grass that stalls cheaper cordless machines, and the variable-speed self-propelled drive lets you set a comfortable walking pace rather than fighting the mower up slopes. The 21-inch steel deck cuts a wide swath per pass, reducing total mowing time on quarter-acre lots, and the mower folds flat in seconds for garage or shed storage without tools.
Homeowners with a quarter-acre or larger lot who want gas-level performance without oil, spark plugs or fumes.
Buyers with very small flat lawns who do not need self-propelled drive and want the lowest possible spend.
Key specs: 56V arc lithium - 21-in steel deck - self-propelled variable speed - brushless motor - 3-in-1 mulch bag discharge - foldable handle - up to 60 min runtime
Why we picked it: The Honda HRN216VKA is the gold standard gas walk-behind mower. Its GCV170 engine starts reliably without choking thanks to automatic choke, and the Select Drive system lets you adjust ground speed with a simple thumb lever so you walk at a natural pace uphill and down. The NeXite composite deck resists rust and corrosion better than steel decks over years of outdoor storage, and Honda's reputation for engine longevity means this mower typically lasts a decade or more with basic maintenance.
Homeowners who want a dependable gas mower built to last a decade and capable of handling any terrain or grass type.
Buyers who want zero fuel and maintenance costs, or who have a small flat yard where a cordless model is sufficient.
Key specs: Honda GCV170 engine - 21-in NeXite deck - Select Drive variable speed - auto choke - 3-in-1 mulch bag discharge - side discharge - rear bag - adjustable handle height
Why we picked it: The Ryobi 40V HP Brushless brings a genuine performance upgrade over standard 40V mowers with its high-performance brushless motor and Turbo Boost mode that delivers extra power when the deck bogs down in thick patches. Self-propelled drive keeps pace consistent across varied terrain, and Cross-Cut dual-blade mulching produces finer clippings that break down faster and reduce thatch. LED headlights let you finish the job in fading light, a practical touch most mowers omit.
Ryobi 40V battery owners and medium-lot homeowners who want self-propelled cordless performance at a competitive price.
Buyers with very large yards over half an acre, where a higher-capacity 56V or 80V platform holds a runtime advantage.
Key specs: 40V HP brushless motor - 21-in deck - self-propelled variable speed - Turbo Boost mode - Cross-Cut dual blade - LED headlights - 3-in-1 bag mulch discharge
Why we picked it: The Greenworks Pro 80V steps up to the highest voltage tier in the residential cordless segment, giving it runtime and torque that rival gas mowers on a half-acre lot. Smart Cut technology senses deck load and automatically adjusts power output, saving battery when grass is thin and ramping up when it thickens, rather than drawing full power constantly. The single-lever deck height adjustment changes all four wheels simultaneously, removing the tedious corner-by-corner process found on budget mowers.
Owners of larger lots approaching half an acre who want the longest cordless runtime and no gas maintenance.
Budget buyers or small-yard owners for whom the 80V premium cost does not justify the runtime advantage over 40V or 56V.
Key specs: 80V brushless motor - 21-in steel deck - Smart Cut load sensing - self-propelled variable speed - single-lever height adjust - 3-in-1 mulch bag discharge - LED headlights
Why we picked it: The WORX Nitro 80V runs on two 40V batteries in series, providing 80V power with the flexibility of the widely available WORX 40V PowerShare ecosystem. IntelliSense motor technology monitors load in real time and boosts torque when the mower climbs a slope or hits a dense grass section, making it noticeably more confident on hilly terrain than fixed-speed cordless rivals. The dual-port rapid charger can replenish both batteries simultaneously, reducing downtime between mowing sessions.
WORX 40V tool owners and homeowners with hilly terrain who want adaptive torque and ecosystem battery flexibility.
Flat small-yard owners who do not need 80V torque and prefer lighter single-battery operation.
Key specs: 80V dual 40V PowerShare batteries - 21-in steel deck - IntelliSense load sensing - self-propelled - Intellicut torque modes - dual-port rapid charger - 3-in-1 mulch bag discharge
Why we picked it: The Makita XML08 runs on two 18V LXT batteries in series to deliver 36V power, which slots naturally into the tool collections of tradespeople and serious DIYers already invested in the Makita LXT platform. The brushless motor and heavy-duty steel deck are built to commercial tolerances, giving this mower a longevity edge over consumer-grade units. Tool-free deck height adjustment and a wide bag handle make it practical for repeated use, and the familiar Makita LXT battery form factor means sharing batteries across drills, saws and outdoor tools.
Makita LXT tool owners who want a professional-quality mower that shares batteries with their existing kit.
Homeowners without existing Makita batteries for whom buying into a new ecosystem at this price is not justified.
Key specs: 36V brushless motor via dual 18V LXT batteries - 21-in steel deck - tool-free height adjust - self-propelled - 3-in-1 mulch bag discharge - LXT compatible
Why we picked it: The Greenworks 40V 21-inch is the most accessible entry point into serious cordless mowing. Its brushless motor and full 21-inch deck handle up to a fifth of an acre comfortably on a single charge, and the push design without self-propelled weight makes it easier to maneuver around raised beds and tight corners than heavier self-propelled rivals. The Greenworks 40V battery platform is broad enough that buyers often already own a compatible battery from a trimmer or blower, further lowering the effective purchase cost.
Small to medium yard owners who want a reliable brushless cordless mower at an entry-level price, especially Greenworks 40V battery owners.
Buyers with slopes or lots over a quarter acre who need self-propelled drive and longer runtime.
Key specs: 40V brushless motor - 21-in steel deck - 3-in-1 mulch bag discharge - tool-free height adjust - foldable handle - Greenworks 40V compatible
Why we picked it: The Toro Recycler 60V is built around Toro's Recycler mulching system, which cuts each blade of grass multiple times before depositing fine particles back into the lawn, reducing the need for fertilizer by returning nutrients to the soil. Personal Pace self-propulsion senses how fast you walk and automatically matches that speed, so you never fight the mower or wait for it to catch up. SmartStow lets the mower stand vertically against a wall, reducing the floor footprint to almost nothing in crowded garages.
Lawn owners who prioritize mulching quality and natural feeding, and those who need compact vertical storage in a small garage.
Buyers who bag clippings primarily, or who want a lighter-weight push mower without the Personal Pace mechanism.
Key specs: 60V FlexForce brushless motor - 21.5-in deck - Personal Pace variable speed drive - Recycler mulching - SmartStow vertical storage - 3-in-1 mulch bag discharge
Why we picked it: The Sun Joe MJ401E is the most affordable way to keep a small lawn tidy in 2026. The corded 12-amp motor starts instantly every time with no battery charging wait and no fuel costs, and the 14-inch deck is narrow enough to navigate raised bed borders and flower bed edges that a 21-inch deck cannot reach. The lightweight build makes it easy to lift for transport and storage, and the detachable rear bag collects clippings cleanly. For yards under 2,000 square feet with flat terrain, no mower in this guide matches the value.
Apartment residents, condo owners and anyone with a small flat yard under 2,000 square feet who wants the simplest and cheapest cutting solution.
Buyers with hills, inclines or yards over 2,000 square feet where a cord is impractical and a wider deck saves time.
Key specs: 12-amp corded motor - 14-in deck - instant push-button start - 3-position height adjust - detachable rear grass catcher - lightweight composite body
Why we picked it: The Craftsman M220 is the workhorse gas push mower for buyers who want proven combustion reliability without the cost of self-propulsion. Its 140cc Briggs and Stratton engine starts without a separate choke step, a genuine convenience improvement over older primer-and-pull designs, and the 21-inch deck with 3-in-1 capability handles mulching, bagging and side discharge equally well. At this price it is the natural starting point for homeowners who prefer gas dependability and plan to push the mower on a flat quarter-acre lot.
Homeowners with a flat quarter-acre lot who prefer gas dependability at a budget price and do not need self-propelled drive.
Anyone with hills or a lot over a quarter acre, or who wants to avoid fuel and oil maintenance entirely.
Key specs: 140cc Briggs and Stratton engine - 21-in deck - no-choke auto start - 3-in-1 mulch bag side discharge - 6 cutting height positions - push design
The EGO POWER+ LM2135SP is the best cordless lawn mower in 2026 for most homeowners. Its 56V brushless motor and self-propelled variable-speed drive deliver gas-comparable performance on lots up to a quarter acre, and it folds flat for compact storage. For buyers already in the Greenworks ecosystem, the Greenworks Pro 80V offers similar self-propelled performance with 80V runtime that handles larger lots. For a budget-friendly cordless entry point, the Greenworks 40V 21-inch covers small to medium yards at a lower upfront cost.
It depends on lot size and personal preference. Gas mowers like the Honda HRN216VKA and Craftsman M220 run indefinitely on fuel, need no charging time and handle the heaviest overgrown conditions, but require oil changes, spark plug replacement and seasonal fuel stabilizer. Cordless electric mowers produce no fumes, run quietly and need almost no maintenance beyond occasional blade sharpening, and modern 56V to 80V models match gas performance on most residential lots. For most homeowners with a lot under half an acre, a cordless electric mower is now the more practical choice.
A 40V cordless mower handles roughly an eighth to a fifth of an acre on a full charge. A 56V mower like the EGO POWER+ LM2135SP covers up to a quarter acre. An 80V model such as the Greenworks Pro 80V or WORX Nitro 80V reaches closer to half an acre. These figures apply to standard grass in moderate conditions. Thick, wet or tall grass drains the battery faster. For lots over half an acre, a gas walk-behind or a riding mower is more practical than any cordless walk-behind.
If your yard is flat and under a fifth of an acre, a push mower is sufficient and costs less. If your lot has any noticeable slope, is over a quarter acre, or if you find pushing physically demanding, a self-propelled mower is worth the extra cost. Self-propelled models like the EGO POWER+ LM2135SP, Honda HRN216VKA and Toro Recycler 60V reduce fatigue significantly and let you mow at a consistent pace rather than slowing down on inclines. Variable-speed drives that let you set your preferred pace are more comfortable than fixed-speed models.
Gas mowers like the Honda HRN216VKA and Craftsman M220 run indefinitely on fuel, handle any terrain and suit buyers who mow large or heavily overgrown areas. Cordless battery mowers, led by the EGO POWER+ LM2135SP and Greenworks Pro 80V, produce no emissions, require no oil changes and run quietly, making them practical for most residential lots under half an acre. Corded electric mowers like the Sun Joe MJ401E never run out of power mid-cut but are tethered to an outlet and best suited to small flat yards under 2,000 square feet. If you have a flat small yard and want the simplest ownership experience, corded wins. For most homeowners, a cordless battery mower is the practical choice.
Self-propelled mowers, including the EGO POWER+ LM2135SP, Honda HRN216VKA, Ryobi 40V HP and Toro Recycler 60V, drive themselves forward so you guide rather than push, which reduces fatigue noticeably on slopes, large lots and thick grass. Push mowers like the Greenworks 40V 21-inch, Craftsman M220 and Sun Joe MJ401E cost less, weigh less and are easier to maneuver in tight spaces, but require your full effort up any incline. If your lot is flat and under a fifth of an acre, a push mower is fine. Anything with a slope or over a quarter acre, self-propelled is worth the extra spend.
A 14-inch deck like the Sun Joe MJ401E suits yards under 2,000 square feet with tight spaces. A 21-inch or 21.5-inch deck, the standard on most full-size mowers in this guide, covers a quarter-acre lot in a reasonable number of passes and fits through standard fence gates. If you have a larger property, a wider zero-turn or riding mower is more efficient than any walk-behind, regardless of engine power. For most residential lots, a 21-inch push or self-propelled walk-behind is the right fit.
40V cordless mowers like the Greenworks 40V and Ryobi 40V HP handle lots up to about a fifth of an acre comfortably on a single charge. 56V platforms like the EGO POWER+ extend that to roughly a quarter acre. 60V and 80V platforms, including the Toro Recycler 60V, WORX Nitro 80V and Greenworks Pro 80V, push runtime toward a half acre on one battery. Higher voltage also means more torque for thick or wet grass without bogging. If you already own batteries in a particular voltage platform, choose a mower in that ecosystem to avoid buying duplicate chargers and extra batteries.
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Self-propelled drive | Drives the mower forward automatically so you guide rather than push, critical for slopes and large lots. |
| Brushless motor | More efficient and durable than brushed motors, delivering longer runtime per charge and a longer service life. |
| 3-in-1 deck | Mulches clippings back into the lawn, bags them for disposal, or side-discharges, all from one machine. |
| Battery compatibility | Sharing batteries across mowers, trimmers and blowers in the same voltage platform reduces the total cost of a cordless tool collection. |
| Deck height adjustment | Single-lever systems adjust all four wheels at once; multi-point systems require adjusting each wheel separately and take more time. |
Every product above was scored out of 10 on the same six-part rubric, then sorted into an S to C tier. We do not accept free units or payment for placement, and price or affiliate commission never factors into the score.
| Criterion | What we check | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Core performance | The numbers that define the category: capacity, power, resolution, battery life, speed or output, taken from manufacturer specs and cross-checked against independent test data where it exists. | High |
| Build & reliability | Materials, warranty length, brand track record, and how often the model shows up in long-term failure or return complaints. | High |
| Real-world usability | Weight, dimensions, noise level, setup difficulty and day-to-day friction, drawn from owner reviews and published measurements. | Medium |
| Running cost | Ongoing costs beyond the purchase: subscriptions, consumables, energy use or maintenance, where they apply to the category. | Medium |
| Owner feedback | Patterns across aggregated verified owner reviews: recurring praise, recurring complaints, and whether the experience matches the marketing. | Medium |
| Value | What you get relative to the rest of the field at a similar price band, not an absolute price judgment. | Medium |
Sources: manufacturer spec sheets and manuals, retailer listing data, aggregated verified owner reviews, and published independent test results where available for the category.
Honesty note: We have not hands-on tested every product on this page. Where we have not personally used a product, its ranking is based on verified specs, aggregated owner feedback, availability and editorial comparison rather than a hands-on review. Hands-on impressions, when included in a product entry above, are clearly written from direct use.
We don't accept free units or payment for placement. Our rankings combine verified manufacturer specifications, real owner feedback and availability, compared on one transparent S to C rubric.
How this was written: our guides are researched and reviewed by our editorial team for accuracy.