The 9 Best Electric Lawn Mowers of 2025, Tested by BHG

If you still associate mowing the lawn with yanking a pull cord, smelling like gasoline,
and shouting over engine noise, 2025 has news for you. Electric lawn mowers have gone
from “niche gadget” to “default choice” for many homeowners thanks to better batteries,
smarter designs, and testing that proves they can easily rival gas models for most yards.

Better Homes & Gardens put 20 different electric mowers through their paces on real
lawns, then crowned nine standouts as the best electric lawn mowers of 2025 across key
categoriesfrom compact push models to riding tractors and even a robot mower. Drawing
on their in-depth testing plus results from other major U.S. reviewers and labs, this
guide breaks down why these specific nine mowers rise to the top and how to pick the
right one for your yard.

Why Electric Lawn Mowers Dominate 2025

Battery-powered mowers have been steadily improving for years, but recent models are on
another level. High-capacity lithium-ion batteries now deliver 45 to 75 minutes of
runtime per charge on many mid-range and premium mowers, which is enough for most
quarter- to half-acre suburban lawns. Many packs fast-charge in an hour or less and can
be used across a family of yard tools, stretching your investment.

Compared to gas mowers, electric models:

• Start instantly with a push buttonno pull cords, chokes, or priming.
• Run much more quietly, so you’re less likely to annoy the neighbors.
• Produce no exhaust in your yard and lower overall emissions when charged wisely.
• Require far less maintenanceno oil changes, spark plugs, or fuel stabilizer.
• Often weigh less, with foldable handles that make off-season storage easier.

Test labs and reviewers increasingly note that modern electric mowers cut thick grass
nearly as well as gas, especially when you choose a model with the right deck size and
battery for your lawn. That’s exactly what the BHG testing focused on: real-world
performance, not just spec sheets.

How These 9 Electric Mowers Were Chosen

BHG’s team tested 20 electric mowers over weeks of mowing on different grass types,
slopes, and weather conditions. They evaluated design, ease of use, power, cut quality,
battery life, safety, and how easy each mower was to store and clean. Their final list
highlights nine “best in class” picks:

• Best self-propelled push mower
• Best riding mower
• Best zero-turn
• Best small mower for tight yards
• Best riding mower with integrated storage
• Best mulching mower
• Best battery life
• Best robot mower
• Best mower for beginners

Beyond BHG’s tests, other trusted U.S. outlets such as Popular Mechanics, The Spruce,
Consumer-oriented review sites, and specialty lawn-care reviewers have independently
evaluated many of the same brands. That broader research backs up how consistently
these nine models (or their close siblings) perform for real homeowners.

The 9 Best Electric Lawn Mowers of 2025

1. Ego Power+ 21-Inch Self-Propelled Mower Best Self-Propelled Push

EGO’s 21-inch self-propelled mower is the workhorse of this list. It uses a 56-volt
battery platform and, in testing, ran up to about 75 minutes on a single charge
enough to comfortably cover most quarter- to half-acre lawns without stopping. The
self-propel drive takes the heavy lifting off your arms; you primarily just steer.

The 21-inch deck strikes a sweet spot between maneuverability and efficiency, letting
you slip around trees and landscaping while still covering ground quickly. Adjustable
cutting height and multiple clipping options (bagging, mulching, side discharge) make
it versatile for different lawn preferences.

• Best for: Homeowners with up to 0.5 acre, light to moderate slopes.
• Standout: Strong runtime, powerful self-propel, folds for compact storage.
• Watch out for: Like many electric mowers, wet or very tall grass may require a slower pace or a second pass.

2. Kobalt MAX-Lithium Ion Electric Riding Lawn Mower Best Riding

If you have a larger yard but still want the convenience and quiet of electric,
Kobalt’s battery-powered riding mower is a compelling choice. With a 42-inch deck and
a recommended yard size of 1 to 2 acres, it significantly cuts down on mowing time
compared to a push mower.

In BHG’s testing, the mower could run for well over an hour and still have charge
left, which is impressive for a riding unit. The control layout is intuitive, with a
familiar key start, simple height adjustment, and LED headlights for early mornings
or late-day mow sessions. The ride can feel a bit stiff over rough ground, but on
typical suburban lawns it’s smooth, stable, and notably quieter than a gas tractor.

• Best for: 1–2 acre properties that are mostly open with moderate slopes.
• Standout: Long runtime, straightforward controls, and a wide deck.
• Watch out for: Requires more storage space than push mowers.

3. Ryobi Brushless 42-Inch Electric Zero Turn Best Zero-Turn

For owners with lots of obstaclestrees, beds, winding bordersa zero-turn mower can
feel like upgrading from a bus to a sports car. Ryobi’s 42-inch brushless zero-turn
electric mower gives you that tight maneuverability with the perks of battery power:
low noise, no fumes, and simplified maintenance.

Dual steering levers allow tight pivots around trees and flower beds, reducing the
need for trimming afterward. The 42-inch deck and multi-battery setup support mowing
larger properties in one session, and the brushless motors help with efficiency and
longevity.

• Best for: 1–2 acre properties with complex landscaping and curved edges.
• Standout: Excellent maneuverability and fast mowing on open stretches.
• Watch out for: Zero-turns have a learning curve if you’ve only driven tractors.

4. Wild Badger Power Brushless 40V 18-Inch Cordless Best Small

Not everyone needs a giant mower. If you’re managing a townhome yard, narrow side
strip, or urban patch of turf, a compact 18-inch mower like the Wild Badger Power
40-volt model is ideal. Its smaller deck allows you to weave around tight spots,
gates, and narrow pathways without feeling like you’re wrestling the machine.

Despite the small size, the brushless motor and 40-volt battery deliver enough power
to keep small lawns tidy. You still get adjustable cutting heights and cordless
convenience, but in a lighter, more nimble package that’s easy to carry or hang on a
wall in a garage or shed.

• Best for: Small urban or suburban lawns, townhouses, and side yards.
• Standout: Lightweight and easy to maneuver, even for new users.
• Watch out for: Narrow deck means more passes on larger spaces.

5. Ryobi Brushless 42-Inch Electric Cordless Riding Lawn Tractor Best with Storage

Ryobi’s electric lawn tractor marries the familiar feel of a traditional riding mower
with battery power and thoughtful storage-friendly design. BHG and other reviewers
highlight this model for its generous deck and its ability to handle larger yards
while still being reasonably easy to park and store.

The 42-inch deck and multi-battery system are tailored for 1- to 2-acre properties.
The tractor layout makes it more intuitive for those upgrading from a gas rider, and
its design considers garage space, with manageable footprint and straightforward
charging setup.

• Best for: Homeowners transitioning from gas riders on mid-size lots.
• Standout: Familiar tractor style with modern electric performance.
• Watch out for: Still requires dedicated storage space and charging access.

6. Toro Stripe 21-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower Best Mulching & Striping

For lawn-care perfectionists, cut quality and appearance matter as much as raw power.
Toro’s 21-inch cordless Stripe mower is built for people who want that ball-park
stripe look and excellent mulching performance from an electric machine.

The mower is designed to lift and cut grass cleanly, then either bag, discharge, or
mulch it finely back into the turf. Mulching returns nutrients to the soil and helps
reduce yard waste. The integrated striping system presses the grass slightly, leaving
those satisfying dark-light bands that make your yard look professionally maintained.

• Best for: Homeowners who prioritize mulching and a manicured, striped lawn.
• Standout: Strong mulching capability and built-in striping features.
• Watch out for: Like other striping systems, best results come on relatively flat, healthy turf.

7. EGO Power+ Aluminum Deck Select Cut LM2206SP Best Battery Life

When you have a bigger area to cover but prefer walking behind a mower, the EGO
Power+ Select Cut with an aluminum deck stands out for stellar battery life and
durability. This premium self-propelled mower is built around a 56-volt system with a
22-inch deck, giving you both wide coverage and long runtime.

The multi-blade “Select Cut” system lets you fine-tune cut quality for mulching or
bagging. The aluminum deck resists corrosion and helps keep weight reasonable while
maintaining rigidity. Combined with high-capacity batteries, this mower is designed
to tackle thick grass without bogging down or draining prematurely.

• Best for: Larger suburban lawns where runtime is a top priority.
• Standout: Excellent battery life and premium build quality.
• Watch out for: Higher price than many basic electric mowers.

8. Sunseeker X7 Elite Best Robot Electric Lawn Mower

Want to “mow” the lawn while you’re nowhere near it? The Sunseeker X7 Elite robot
mower offers exactly that, with app-based control, boundary-aware navigation, and
enough capacity to handle up to about three-quarters of an acre, depending on
configuration.

Once installed and mapped, the robot quietly patrols your yard on a set schedule,
trimming small amounts of grass frequently rather than taking off a big chunk all at
once. This can promote healthier turf and keeps your lawn looking consistently neat
with almost no weekly effort from you.

• Best for: Busy homeowners who prefer set-and-forget lawn care.
• Standout: Hands-free mowing with smart app control.
• Watch out for: Requires boundary setup and works best on relatively simple, obstacle-light yards.

9. Ryobi Brushless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower Best for Beginners

New to electric mowers? Ryobi’s brushless self-propelled model is a gentle but capable
introduction. Its 40-volt battery platform is widely available, the controls are
straightforward, and the self-propel feature means you’re not muscling the mower up
every slight hill.

The brushless motor improves efficiency and longevity, while the deck size is
well-suited to typical suburban lawns. This is the kind of mower that lets beginners
focus on learning good mowing habitslike proper cutting height and patternwithout
fighting the machine.

• Best for: First-time electric-mower owners on small to mid-size lots.
• Standout: Easy learning curve, comfortable controls, and a proven battery platform.
• Watch out for: For very large or very steep yards, you may eventually want to upgrade to a more powerful or larger-deck model.

Key Buying Considerations for Electric Lawn Mowers

Match the Mower to Your Lawn Size

As a rough guide:

• Up to 0.25 acre: Compact push or small self-propelled mowers (like the Wild Badger) work well.
• 0.25 to 0.5 acre: Full-size self-propelled models such as the EGO 21-inch or similar are ideal.
• 0.5 to 1 acre: Look at high-capacity walk-behind mowers or consider a riding mower.
• 1 to 2 acres: Riding tractors and zero-turns (like the Kobalt or Ryobi 42-inch models) are usually the best fit.

Battery Life, Charging, and Packs

Check the rated runtime and charging time, but also look at whether batteries are
shared across a tool family. Many brands let you use the same battery on trimmers,
blowers, and hedge cutters, so choosing a single ecosystem can make your yard work
more efficient and save money in the long run.

Deck Width and Cutting Performance

Wider decks (21–22 inches on walk-behinds, 42 inches on riders) reduce the number of
passes you need to make. However, very tight yards may benefit from smaller decks to
navigate obstacles. Also check whether the mower supports mulching, bagging, and side
dischargehaving all three options gives you flexibility through the season.

Storage, Noise, and Maintenance

Many modern electric mowers fold vertically and stand on end, dramatically shrinking
their storage footprint. Noise levels are typically much lower than gas, which helps
if you prefer morning or evening mowing. Maintenance mostly comes down to keeping
blades sharp, cleaning the deck, and caring for the batteryno more fuel runs or oil
changes.

Tips for Getting the Most From Your Electric Mower

• Mow regularly. Electric mowers perform best when you’re taking off about one-third of the blade height at a time.
• Avoid very wet grass. Slightly damp is okay; soggy lawns can clog decks and stress motors.
• Use the right height. Taller settings in hot months protect roots and help fight weeds.
• Keep blades sharp. A sharp blade improves cut quality and reduces battery drain.
• Store batteries smart. For winter, store batteries in a cool, dry place, partially charged, and avoid extreme heat.

Real-World Experiences With 2025’s Best Electric Mowers

On paper, specs and lab scores are helpful. But what does it actually feel like to
live with these mowers week after week? Imagine three typical scenarios that mirror
how many homeowners in 2025 are using the machines on this list.

First, there’s the suburban homeowner with a classic quarter-acre lot. After years of
owning a loud gas mower that always seemed to need fuel or a tune-up, they switch to
an EGO 21-inch self-propelled model. The very first surprise is how fast they get
started: unfold the handle, pop in the battery, press the button, and they’re moving.
No “please start, please start” ritual at the end of a long day. Over time, they learn
to adjust the self-propel speed so the mower does most of the work on gentle slopes,
and the battery comfortably finishes the yard. Their biggest lesson? Electric mowers
can absolutely handle tough, slightly overgrown grassas long as you slow down a bit
and let the motor work instead of trying to sprint through the job.

Next is the homeowner with roughly 1.5 acres and a mix of open lawn and trees. For
them, the Kobalt riding mower or a Ryobi 42-inch electric tractor is transformational.
What used to be a two-hour, sweaty afternoon with a gas rider becomes a quieter,
more relaxed cruise that takes less time and doesn’t leave a fuel smell lingering in
the garage. They appreciate that the mower always startsno battery tender, no
carburetor drama, just a key and a start button. With enough runtime to finish the
yard on one charge, they start planning to mow more often, taking off smaller amounts
of grass, which improves lawn health and looks better, too.

Then there’s the busy family that chooses the Sunseeker X7 Elite robot mower. At
first, they’re skepticalcan a robot really keep up with their lawn? After boundary
setup and a few scheduled test runs, the mower quietly becomes part of the household
routine. It trims the lawn in short sessions several times a week, so the grass never
looks dramatically long or ragged. Weekend yard work shifts from “rush to mow” to
“touch up edges and enjoy the patio.” They discover that the biggest challenge isn’t
cutting performance; it’s remembering to pick up toys and yard clutter so the robot
doesn’t get hung up.

Across all these scenarios, one theme stands out: electric mowers change how people
feel about lawn care. Lower noise means it’s easier to listen to music or a podcast
while mowing. No gas smell makes it more pleasant to park the mower in a garage or
shed. Simple storage and easier starts reduce the mental friction of “I really need to
mow today.” That psychological shift often leads to more consistent mowing schedules,
which, combined with fine mulching and proper height settings, gives better-looking
lawns.

The nine electric mowers highlighted by BHG for 2025 cover a wide spectrumfrom
beginner-friendly push models to serious riding machines and a fully autonomous robot.
If you choose the category that matches your yard size and lifestyle, and then fine-tune
based on features like battery platform and deck width, you can expect a mowing
experience that’s cleaner, quieter, and easier to live with than most gas options.

Conclusion

Electric lawn mowers have officially arrived as the mainstream choice for many
homeowners, and the nine models singled out by Better Homes & Gardens in 2025
show just how diverse and capable this category has become. Whether you’re upgrading
from a tired gas mower, outfitting a new home, or finally ready to outsource the job
to a robot, there’s a tested, well-reviewed electric mower that fits your yard and
your budget.

Focus on lawn size, terrain, and how much you value features like self-propel,
mulching, or hands-free operation. Pick a strong battery platform, follow a few basic
care tips, and your electric mower should deliver years of reliable, low-maintenance
servicewhile keeping your grass looking sharp all season long.