Best Lawn Mowers 2026: Electric, Gas & Robot Mower Compared
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Best Lawn Mowers 2026: Electric, Gas & Robot Mower Compared
Choosing the right lawn mower depends on your yard size, terrain, and how much maintenance you want to handle. In 2026, electric mowers have largely closed the performance gap with gas β and robot mowers are genuinely practical for flat lawns.
Types of Lawn Mowers
Push Reel Mowers (Manual)
- No motor, blade spins from wheel motion
- Best for: Small flat lawns under 2,000 sq ft
- Pros: Quiet, eco-friendly, low maintenance, free exercise
- Cons: Requires more effort, can't handle tall grass
- Price: $80-200
Electric Corded Mowers
- Unlimited runtime, no battery concern
- Best for: Small-medium yards near power outlet
- Cons: Cord limits range and mobility
- Price: $150-300
Electric Battery Cordless Mowers
- Freedom from cord, increasing battery capacity
- Best for: Most residential yards up to 1/3 acre
- Major brands: EGO, Greenworks, Ryobi, Kobalt
- Price: $250-700
Gas-Powered Mowers
- Most powerful, unlimited runtime (fuel)
- Best for: Large lawns, hilly terrain, thick grass
- Cons: Requires maintenance (oil changes, spark plugs), louder, emissions
- Price: $200-1,000+
Robotic Mowers
- Autonomous, mows on schedule
- Best for: Flat lawns without complex shapes
- Must install boundary wire
- Price: $800-5,000+
Riding Mowers / Zero-Turn
- Sit-on mowers for large lawns
- Best for: Lawns over 1/2 acre
- Price: $1,500-7,000+
Top Picks 2026
Best Battery Electric: EGO Power+ LM2101 56V (~$400)
- 56V battery (included)
- 21" cutting deck
- Up to 60 min runtime (1/2 acre per charge)
- Foldable for compact storage
- 6 cutting height positions
- Self-propelled model available (~$550)
- Why it wins: Best battery electric on the market
Best Budget Electric: Greenworks 40V 20" Cordless (~$280)
- 40V 4Ah battery
- 40 min runtime
- 5-position height adjustment
- Great for smaller yards under 1/4 acre
Best Gas: Honda HRX217VKA (~$560)
- 190cc 4-stroke Honda engine
- 21" deck
- Twin blade system
- Self-propelled, variable speed
- Electric start
- 5-year residential warranty
- Why it wins: Most reliable gas mower, easiest long-term ownership
Best Budget Gas: Craftsman M105 (~$200)
- 140cc Briggs & Stratton engine
- 21" deck
- 6-position height
- Push (not self-propelled) β fine for flat yards
Best Robotic: Husqvarna Automower 310E (~$1,200)
- Handles up to 0.25 acre
- Works in rain
- GPS navigation + app control
- Ultra-quiet operation (57 dB)
- Theft protection via PIN
- Install once, forget about mowing
Best Robotic Budget: Worx Landroid M 20V (~$700)
- Handles up to 1/8 acre
- Anti-collision sensors
- Edgecutting feature (no boundary wire for edges)
- Wi-Fi + app control
Lawn Size Guide
| Yard Size | Recommended Type | Time Per Week |
|---|---|---|
| < 2,000 sq ft | Reel or corded electric | 20-30 min |
| 2,000-5,000 sq ft | Battery electric | 30-45 min |
| 5,000-15,000 sq ft | Battery electric or gas | 45-90 min |
| 15,000-40,000 sq ft | Gas self-propelled | 90-180 min |
| > 40,000 sq ft | Gas or riding mower | Riding mower required |
Gas vs Electric: The Honest Comparison
| Factor | Electric (Battery) | Gas |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Higher | Lower |
| Running cost | Very low | Gas + oil |
| Maintenance | Minimal | Annual service |
| Noise | 60-70 dB (moderate) | 80-95 dB (loud) |
| Power | Good for most lawns | Best for tough conditions |
| Emissions | Zero | CO + hydrocarbons |
| Start reliability | Always starts | May need priming/pulls |
| Battery lifespan | 5-7 years | N/A |
Key Buying Factors
Cutting Width
- 15-18": Small yards, tight spaces
- 19-21": Standard residential
- 22-30": Large lawns, faster coverage
Deck Height Adjustment
- 5-7 positions is standard
- Look for single lever adjustment (easier than individual wheel knobs)
- Cutting height range: 1-4 inches typical
Mulching vs Bagging vs Side Discharge
- Mulching: Finely cuts grass and returns to lawn (best for lawn health)
- Bagging: Collects clippings (tidier, more frequent emptying)
- Side discharge: For thick, overgrown grass
Maintenance Schedule
Electric Mowers
- Before each use: Check blade for damage
- Monthly: Clean under deck
- Annually: Sharpen blade
- Every 2-3 years: Check/replace battery
Gas Mowers
- Every 25 hours: Check oil level
- Annually: Change oil, replace air filter, check spark plug
- Every 2 years: Replace spark plug, fuel filter
- Before storage: Stabilize fuel or drain tank
FAQ
Is an electric mower powerful enough for thick grass? Modern 56V+ battery electric mowers handle most residential lawns well. For very thick or overgrown grass, gas may still be better.
How long do lawn mower batteries last? EGO and Greenworks batteries last 5-7 years with proper care. Store between 20-80% charge; never fully discharge.
Can a robot mower handle hills? Most robot mowers handle up to 25-35% incline. Check the spec before buying for hilly terrain.
Final Recommendations
| Lawn Size | Top Pick | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Small (< 5,000 sq ft) | Greenworks 40V 20" | ~$280 |
| Medium (up to 1/2 acre) | EGO Power+ LM2101 | ~$400 |
| Large | Honda HRX217VKA | ~$560 |
| Automated | Husqvarna Automower 310E | ~$1,200 |
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