The Best Lawn Mowers of 2026

If you want the most cutting power and the longest runtime without gas, the RYOBI 40V HP Brushless 21" Self-Propelled Mower Kit (RY40HPLM02K2) is the pick. It ships with two 40V 6.0Ah batteries for up to 75 minutes of mowing, a dual-blade CROSS CUT deck, and a 5-year tool warranty backed by a lifetime warranty on the composite deck, the strongest coverage on this list.

Most yards under half an acre do not need 75 minutes of runtime. For a wide gas deck at a lower price, the Toro Recycler 22" Self-Propel (21442) covers ground fast with a 150cc engine and a 3-year guaranteed-to-start warranty. If you would rather skip gas and do not mind buying a spare battery for a bigger lawn, the Honda HRN-BV pairs Honda’s twin-blade MicroCut system with a 3-year warranty on both the mower and the battery. If you want the lightest self-propelled mower here or a turbo leaf-pickup mode, look at the Greenworks 40V 21" (LM2144S). And if your lawn is small and close to an outlet, the Sun Joe MJ408E costs well under $300 and needs no fuel or batteries at all.

How we picked

We scored every mower on five criteria: Cutting & bagging (25%), Power & runtime (20%), Handling & storage (20%), Build & warranty (15%), and 3-year cost covering fuel, batteries, blades and upkeep (20%). See the full method at how we score.

We read the spec sheets and product pages published on each brand’s own site: ryobitools.com, toro.com, powerequipment.honda.com, greenworkstools.com and shopjoe.com. This is a researched list built from manufacturer data and public owner reviews, not an in-person trial. See our scoring method for how that affects the ratings.

What to look for

• Deck width: 20 to 22 inches covers most residential lawns. A wider deck cuts more grass per pass but adds weight.
• Cutting height range: look for at least 1 to 4 inches of adjustment so you can cut low in spring and raise the deck during a summer drought.
• Runtime or fuel capacity: a battery mower with 30 to 40 minutes of runtime covers roughly a quarter acre before you need a second battery. Gas mowers refuel in seconds but need periodic oil changes.
• Weight: anything over 75 lbs is harder to lift over curbs or into a shed. Self-propel drive offsets some of that effort on flat ground.
• Warranty: 3 years is the residential standard for both engines and batteries. A 5-year tool warranty or a lifetime deck warranty, like RYOBI offers here, signals extra confidence in the build.
• Motor amps or engine size: a 12-amp corded motor or a 140cc-and-up gas engine has enough torque for thick grass without bogging down.

FAQ

Do I need a self-propelled mower?

If your lawn is flat and under a quarter acre, a push mower like the Sun Joe MJ408E is manageable. On slopes or lawns over a third of an acre, self-propel drive like the kind on the Toro, Honda, Greenworks and RYOBI mowers here saves real effort. If you would rather not push or steer at all, see our best robot lawn mowers guide, including our Segway Navimow review.

How long do lawn mower batteries last per charge?

Runtimes in this group range from about 30 minutes on the Honda HRN-BV’s included 8Ah battery to up to 75 minutes on the RYOBI RY40HPLM02K2 with its two 6.0Ah batteries. Expect roughly a quarter acre of cutting per 30 to 40 minutes of runtime, depending on grass height and terrain.

What is the difference between mulching and bagging?

Mulching cuts grass into fine clippings and drops them back into the lawn, where they break down. Bagging collects the clippings for disposal. All five mowers here offer both modes plus side discharge, so you can switch based on grass length and how much cleanup you want to do.

What does it cost to run a gas mower versus a battery mower?

A gas mower like the Toro Recycler 22" needs fuel and periodic oil changes, costs that vary with how often you mow and local gas prices, so we have not put a number on them here. A battery mower like the Honda HRN-BV or the Greenworks LM2144S has no fuel or oil cost, only the price of a replacement battery if you eventually need one. A corded electric mower like the Sun Joe MJ408E costs the least to run, drawing about 1.44 kW at its rated 12 amps only while it is in use. For more electric-only options, see our best electric lawn mowers guide.

Where can I buy these mowers?

Toro, Greenworks and RYOBI mowers are sold through home improvement retailers and their own sites. Honda mowers are sold through Honda Power Equipment dealers found on the brand’s dealer locator. The Sun Joe MJ408E ships directly from Sun Joe’s site or through major online retailers. See our lawn and garden hub for related buying guides.