U.S. residential buying guide
Best Lawn Mowers in 2026: 6 Walk-Behind Models Compared
Scope: This guide compares residential walk-behind lawn mowers currently relevant to American homeowners. It covers battery and gas models for conventional lawns and does not rank riding, zero-turn, robotic, or commercial mowers.
Last fact-checked: September 10, 2026
The EGO POWER+ LM2236SP is the best lawn mower for most homeowners in 2026. It combines a 22-inch cutting deck, self-propelled drive, a manufacturer-rated 10.6 ft-lbs of cutting torque, and up to 75 minutes of runtime with the included 10.0Ah battery. Independent testing by TechGearLab ranked the mower first among 12 tested lawn mowers and found strong cutting and battery performance.
The main drawback is size. The LM2236SP is bulkier than compact 17- or 21-inch alternatives, and TechGearLab found it less convenient around tight turns, obstacles, and uneven dips. At $999 in the price check for this guide, it is also a premium purchase.
Choose the EGO LM2206SP instead if maximum cordless cutting power and an aluminum deck matter more than price. Choose the Toro SmartStow Recycler 20340 if you specifically want gas. Choose the Greenworks MO60L419 if your lawn is small and price matters more than self-propelled drive.
01 / Ranking
Six Lawn Mowers at a Glance
Prices below are U.S. prices observed on September 10, 2026. Retail promotions, local inventory, sales tax, and delivery charges can change the actual purchase price.
02 / Use cases
Best Lawn Mower by Need
03 / Research
How We Researched and Ranked These Mowers
We did not physically test these six lawn mowers ourselves, and manufacturer specifications are not presented as independent test results.
For product specifications, battery capacities, warranties, deck construction, drive systems, and manufacturer runtime estimates, we prioritized current manufacturer documentation. Retailer and dealer pages were used for current price and availability checks. Independent hands-on testing was used for cutting performance, handling, runtime, noise, and comparative behavior.
Manufacturer runtime and acreage figures are estimates rather than guarantees. Grass height, density, moisture, blade mode, self-propel use, terrain, temperature, and battery condition can materially change how much lawn a battery mower covers.
Ranking criteria
- Cutting performance
- Power and usable runtime
- Handling and traction
- Ownership burden
- Durability and warranty
- Value at current price
- Important limitations
The final ranking is an editorial judgment rather than a mathematical score.
EGO POWER+ LM2236SP
The EGO POWER+ LM2236SP is the strongest all-around choice because it combines excellent cutting performance, long battery runtime, a wide deck, and strong self-propelled assistance without moving into commercial-mower territory.
Why it ranks first
EGO specifies 10.6 ft-lbs of maximum cutting torque, a 22-inch Super Composite deck, its Select Cut multi-blade system, Touch Drive self-propulsion, and up to 75 minutes of runtime with the included 10.0Ah battery. The deck carries a 10-year warranty under EGO's stated terms.
TechGearLab ranked the mower first among 12 models in its 2026 comparison, scoring it particularly highly for mowing and power. Its testers measured about 75 minutes of runtime and roughly a 60-minute recharge, and reported strong cutting, mulching, bagging, thick-grass, and hill performance.
The LM2236SP does not have the highest specification in every category. The more expensive LM2206SP produces more rated torque, while the Toro 21568 is easier to maneuver. The LM2236SP ranks first because it gives up relatively little in cutting power while offering strong runtime at a lower price than EGO's aluminum-deck flagship.
Best for
- Medium and larger walk-behind lawns
- Homeowners replacing a powerful gas mower
- Thick grass
- Mulching and bagging
- Sloped lawns where self-propel assistance helps
- Buyers already using EGO 56V outdoor equipment
Limitations
The LM2236SP is physically large. TechGearLab found its maneuverability inferior to smaller machines in tight spaces and around obstacles. At $999, it also costs far more than a basic push mower and substantially more than the Toro 20340 gas mower.
Choose the EGO LM2236SP if you want the best balance of cordless power, runtime, cut quality, and features. Do not choose it if your yard is small, full of tight turns, or if spending close to $1,000 on a walk-behind mower does not make economic sense.
EGO POWER+ LM2206SP
The EGO POWER+ LM2206SP is the best choice when maximum cordless cutting power and a premium aluminum deck matter more than price.
Why it ranks here
EGO rates the LM2206SP at up to 11.1 ft-lbs of cutting torque and blade speeds up to 3,350 RPM. The mower uses a 22-inch cast-aluminum deck, a Select Cut multi-blade system, selectable Eco, Normal, and Turbo blade speeds, and a 10.0Ah battery rated for up to 70 minutes of runtime. EGO also gives the registered aluminum deck a lifetime warranty.
Pro Tool Reviews selected the LM2206SP as its best residential battery-powered mower for 2026. Its testing highlighted strong cutting performance and blade speed, but also identified weight, price, and rear-discharge performance as drawbacks.
The LM2206SP is technically more capable than the LM2236SP in several respects, but those gains come at a substantial cost. For dense turf, frequent bagging, demanding mowing conditions, or a buyer who wants EGO's most substantial conventional 22-inch residential mower, the expense can be justified.
Best for
- Thick or demanding turf
- Buyers prioritizing deck durability
- Premium cordless buyers
- Homeowners who regularly encounter heavy growth
- EGO 56V platform users willing to pay for the flagship 22-inch mower
Limitations
At roughly $1,299, the LM2206SP enters a price range where buyers should seriously consider whether a premium walk-behind mower is appropriate for their property. Pro Tool Reviews also found the mower heavier and less agile than lighter residential machines, with rear discharge less effective than side discharge.
Choose the EGO LM2206SP if you want maximum 22-inch cordless performance, an aluminum deck, and price is secondary. Choose the LM2236SP instead if you want most of the same capability for substantially less money.
Toro SmartStow Recycler 20340
The Toro SmartStow Recycler 20340 is the best gas option in this comparison because it combines Personal Pace self-propulsion, a 22-inch deck, strong independent test results, and unusually compact storage for a gasoline mower.
Why it ranks here
Toro identifies the 20340 as a 22-inch Recycler with rear-wheel drive, a Briggs & Stratton four-cycle engine, recoil starting, a 1- to 4-inch cutting-height range, and SmartStow vertical storage. The Home Depot listing used for this guide showed a price of $399.
TechGearLab placed the Toro SmartStow Recycler 20340 second in its 2026 mower ranking and gave it particularly strong marks for handling and power performance.
Gas still offers one practical advantage that batteries cannot fully duplicate: refueling takes minutes rather than waiting for a battery to charge. That can matter for large properties, neglected grass, repeated mowing jobs, or owners who do not want to manage additional expensive batteries.
Best for
- Buyers who specifically prefer gasoline
- Longer mowing sessions
- Homeowners who want fast refueling
- Properties without convenient battery charging
- Buyers wanting self-propelled performance at a lower initial price
Limitations
A gas mower requires fuel and engine maintenance that a cordless mower avoids. It is also noisier, produces exhaust at the point of use, and requires more care around fuel storage. Current high-end cordless models have also reduced the old cutting-performance advantage of gas.
Choose the Toro 20340 if you want a proven self-propelled gas mower and value instant refueling. Do not choose it simply because you assume battery mowers are too weak.
Toro 60V Max Super Recycler 21568
The Toro 60V Max Super Recycler 21568 is the best mower here for buyers who prioritize intuitive self-propelled handling over maximum battery runtime.
Why it ranks here
Toro's current model uses a 21-inch deck, rear-wheel drive, a 7.5Ah 60V battery, and Personal Pace Auto-Drive. Toro rates the mower for up to 50 minutes of runtime and backs the current model with a five-year limited mower warranty and three-year limited battery warranty.
Toro's U.S. product page listed the 21568 at $869 when this guide was checked.
TechGearLab found the Super Recycler exceptionally maneuverable and praised the Personal Pace system. Its tested battery lasted between 30 and 59 minutes depending on conditions, while measured recharge time was approximately 207 minutes. TechGearLab notes that Toro updated the exact mower it tested but compared the newer model's specifications and found them nearly identical.
For a lawn with frequent turns, landscaping, or areas where the operator constantly changes walking speed, handling can matter more than having the longest possible runtime.
Best for
- Small and medium lawns
- Frequent turns and obstacles
- Buyers who dislike conventional self-propel controls
- Homeowners prioritizing handling
- Toro 60V battery-platform owners
Limitations
Runtime and charging are the main concerns. Toro advertises up to 50 minutes, but independent results varied substantially with conditions. TechGearLab's roughly 3.5-hour measured recharge was also much slower than the EGO LM2236SP's roughly one-hour test result.
Choose the Toro 21568 if effortless handling and an intuitive drive system are more important than maximum runtime. Choose the EGO LM2236SP if you expect to mow longer on a single battery.
Ryobi RY401210
The Ryobi RY401210 is the best choice in this group for traction because it combines selectable all-wheel drive with a self-propelled 21-inch dual-blade platform.
Why it ranks here
Ryobi specifies two included 40V 6.0Ah batteries, selectable AWD, up to 70 minutes of runtime, and suitability for lawns up to three-quarters of an acre under its stated conditions.
Independent testing by OPE Reviews found the AWD system useful on inclines and reported a measured runtime of 59 minutes and 1 second rather than Ryobi's 70-minute maximum claim. The review also lists a five-year tool warranty and three-year battery and charger warranty.
AWD is not necessary on a flat suburban lawn. On hills, loose turf, rough sections, and inclines, however, additional driven wheels can reduce the physical effort needed to keep the mower moving and tracking in the intended direction.
Best for
- Hilly lawns
- Uneven ground
- Buyers who want selectable AWD
- Ryobi 40V platform owners
- Lawns where rear-wheel drive alone struggles for traction
Limitations
The Ryobi is not our overall recommendation because AWD solves a specific problem rather than improving every mowing job. Runtime should also be treated conservatively: Ryobi advertises up to 70 minutes, while the independent test cited here reached about 59 minutes.
Choose the Ryobi RY401210 if hills or poor traction are a recurring part of your mowing job. For a mostly flat yard, simpler and more maneuverable alternatives offer better overall value.
Greenworks MO60L419
The Greenworks MO60L419 is the best low-cost option for a small lawn because its light 17-inch design trades unnecessary size and self-propel hardware for lower cost and better maneuverability.
Why it ranks here
Greenworks specifies a brushless 60V motor, 17-inch polymer deck, 4.0Ah battery, up to 40 minutes of runtime, 90-minute recharge time, six cutting-height positions, mulching and rear bagging, and a four-year limited warranty on both the tool and battery. Greenworks rates the mower for lawns up to one-quarter acre.
Greenworks' current product page listed the kit at $329.99 when this guide was checked. TechGearLab's 2026 comparison recommends the Greenworks 60V 17-inch mower for small to average-sized lawns and highlights its maneuverability and ease of use.
Buying a 22-inch, heavy self-propelled mower for a tiny lawn can make mowing harder rather than easier. The Greenworks is narrow enough to turn easily around beds and small landscaped areas, and its lower weight reduces the disadvantage of not having self-propelled drive.
Best for
- Small suburban lawns
- Townhomes with modest grass areas
- Tight landscaping
- Buyers prioritizing low purchase price
- Homeowners who do not need self-propelled drive
Limitations
The 17-inch deck requires more passes than a 21- or 22-inch mower, and the MO60L419 is a push mower. TechGearLab found it less suitable for large lawns and not the best choice for unusually tall or difficult vegetation.
Choose the Greenworks MO60L419 if your lawn is small and you want an inexpensive, maneuverable cordless mower. Do not choose it for a large property or if self-propulsion is important to you.
04 / Comparisons
Which Mower Should You Choose?
EGO LM2236SP vs LM2206SP
Choose the LM2236SP for better value. Choose the LM2206SP for maximum cutting power and an aluminum deck.
The LM2236SP is rated at 10.6 ft-lbs of cutting torque and up to 75 minutes of runtime. The LM2206SP increases maximum torque to 11.1 ft-lbs and uses a cast-aluminum deck, but manufacturer-rated runtime falls slightly to 70 minutes.
The price difference is significant: approximately $999 for the LM2236SP versus $1,299 for the LM2206SP in the sources checked for this guide.
EGO LM2236SP vs Toro 21568
Choose the EGO for power and runtime. Choose the Toro for handling.
TechGearLab measured about 75 minutes from the EGO and found it the strongest overall cutting performer in its group. The Toro's runtime varied more substantially, but its Personal Pace system gave it a clear handling advantage.
For a relatively open lawn, the EGO is our preference. For a smaller lawn with repeated turns, obstacles, and changes of direction, the Toro can be more pleasant to operate.
05 / Buying guide
Power, Deck Size, Runtime, and Cutting Height
Battery vs Gas Lawn Mowers
A battery mower is now the better default for most ordinary residential lawns, while gas still makes sense when uninterrupted operation and immediate refueling are priorities.
TechGearLab's 2026 testing found the EGO LM2236SP more powerful in its cutting tests than the gas machines in the same comparison. Battery mowers also eliminate gasoline, pull-starting, engine oil servicing, spark-plug maintenance, and carburetor-related fuel problems. Gas retains one decisive advantage for long jobs: refueling takes minutes.
Push vs Self-Propelled
A self-propelled mower is worth the extra cost for hills, larger lawns, heavy machines, and users who want to reduce pushing effort. A simple push mower is often better value for a small, flat lawn.
Self-propelled drive adds weight, cost, and another system that can eventually need service. Once mower weight rises or terrain becomes steep, self-propel becomes much more useful.
17-Inch vs 21-Inch vs 22-Inch
A wider deck reduces the number of passes needed across an open lawn, while a narrower mower generally turns and fits through confined areas more easily.
The 17-inch Greenworks is therefore not simply an inferior version of a 22-inch mower. TechGearLab found the opposite tradeoff in the large EGO: efficient across open areas, but harder to maneuver around obstacles.
How Much Battery Runtime Do You Need?
Do not choose a mower by advertised runtime alone. Actual runtime can fall when grass is tall, wet, thick, or dense; when higher blade-power modes are used; when the self-propel system works harder; or when the mower is climbing hills.
Ryobi advertises up to 70 minutes for the RY401210, while an independent test produced about 59 minutes. The Toro Super Recycler produced independent results ranging from 30 to 59 minutes depending on conditions.
How High Should You Cut Your Lawn?
There is no single correct cutting height for every grass species and climate. University of Illinois Extension lists roughly 1 to 2 inches for bermudagrass, 1 to 3 inches for zoysiagrass, 2 to 3 inches for Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, and 2.5 to 3.5 inches for tall fescue.
University of Minnesota Extension recommends maintaining typical residential Midwest lawns at about 3 inches or higher and advises removing no more than one-third of the leaf tissue during a single mowing.
What Independent Tests Found
TechGearLab's 2026 comparison ranked the EGO 22-inch mower first overall and the Toro SmartStow Recycler 20340 second, while the Greenworks 60V 17-inch mower was highlighted for smaller lawns. Pro Tool Reviews selected the more expensive EGO LM2206SP as its top residential battery mower for 2026, reflecting a stronger emphasis on outright cutting performance.
These external rankings are corroborating evidence, not substitutes for the criteria used in this guide.
06 / Checklist
Before You Buy
- Measure the actual mowable lawn area, excluding the house, driveway, patio, beds, pool, and other non-grass surfaces.
- Decide whether the yard is flat, sloped, or rough.
- Count trees, beds, gates, and tight turns the mower must navigate.
- Decide whether you normally mulch, bag, or discharge clippings.
- Check whether one battery can realistically finish the lawn.
- Check how long the included charger needs to recharge that battery.
- Consider whether you already own compatible batteries from the same tool platform.
- Decide whether self-propelled drive is worth the extra weight and cost.
- Confirm the mower can reach cutting heights appropriate for your turf.
- Check local availability of replacement blades, batteries, and service.
- Decide whether folded or vertical storage matters in your garage or shed.
- Decide whether you would rather maintain a gas engine or eventually replace an expensive lithium-ion battery.
07 / FAQ
Common Lawn Mower Questions
What is the best lawn mower in 2026?
The EGO POWER+ LM2236SP is our best overall lawn mower for most homeowners in 2026. Its combination of a 22-inch deck, 10.6 ft-lbs rated cutting torque, 75-minute manufacturer runtime, self-propulsion, and first-place result in TechGearLab's 2026 mower testing gives it the strongest overall case.
What is the best gas lawn mower?
The Toro SmartStow Recycler 20340 is our preferred gas mower. It combines a 22-inch cutting deck, Personal Pace rear-wheel drive, SmartStow vertical storage, and strong current independent test results.
What is the best battery lawn mower?
The EGO LM2236SP is the best battery mower for most buyers, while the EGO LM2206SP is the stronger premium option. The LM2206SP has a higher 11.1 ft-lb torque rating and aluminum deck, but its higher price makes the LM2236SP a better overall value.
What is the best lawn mower for a small yard?
The Greenworks MO60L419 is the best option here for a small yard. Its 17-inch deck and relatively light, simple design make it easier to maneuver than the larger premium mowers. Greenworks rates the included 4.0Ah battery for up to 40 minutes and lawns up to one-quarter acre.
What is the best lawn mower for hills?
The Ryobi RY401210 is our preferred mower for hills because it has selectable all-wheel drive. Independent testing of the same model found that the additional traction helped on slopes.
Are battery lawn mowers as powerful as gas mowers?
Some premium battery lawn mowers now equal or exceed many residential gas mowers in cutting performance. TechGearLab found the EGO LM2236SP more powerful in its test group than the gas-powered mowers it tested. That does not mean every battery mower is more powerful than every gas mower.
Is a self-propelled lawn mower worth it?
Self-propel is usually worth paying for on larger lawns, slopes, or with heavier mowers. A simple push mower can still be the better value for a small, flat yard, which is why the Greenworks MO60L419 remains competitive despite lacking self-propulsion.
How much should I spend on a lawn mower?
There is no single correct budget. The models in this guide span from roughly $330 to $1,300. Spending more typically buys some combination of self-propulsion, larger batteries, stronger motors, premium deck materials, broader warranties, or more sophisticated drive systems.
Is a 21-inch or 22-inch lawn mower better?
A 21- or 22-inch mower is generally better for an open lawn because it covers more ground per pass, while a narrower mower can be easier around obstacles. One inch by itself should not decide the purchase. Handling, deck design, power, and lawn layout matter more.
How long does a battery lawn mower run?
Current models in this guide carry maximum manufacturer ratings ranging from about 40 to 75 minutes. Real runtime can be substantially different because grass conditions, terrain, self-propel use, blade speed, battery temperature, and mowing technique all affect the result.
Should I buy a second mower battery?
A second battery makes sense when one battery cannot reliably finish your lawn with a reserve. It is particularly useful when recharge time is long. The Toro Super Recycler required roughly 207 minutes to recharge in TechGearLab's testing.
Should I mow wet grass?
Avoid mowing wet grass when possible. University of Illinois Extension advises against mowing while grass is wet. Wet grass can also make clean cutting, mulching, and discharge more difficult.
How much grass should I remove in one mowing?
Remove no more than about one-third of the grass blade in a single mowing. University of Minnesota Extension and University of Illinois Extension both recommend the one-third rule to reduce turf stress.
Does a sharp mower blade really matter?
Yes. University of Minnesota Extension states that dull blades leave jagged edges that can make turf more susceptible to disease, while clean cuts help grass conserve water.
When should I buy a riding mower instead?
A riding mower begins to make more sense when the property is large enough that the time and walking effort required by a 21- or 22-inch machine outweigh the lower purchase cost and simpler storage of a walk-behind mower. There is no universal acreage cutoff because obstacles, terrain, mowing frequency, physical ability, and available storage all change the decision.
08 / Final recommendation
Which Lawn Mower Should You Buy?
Buy the EGO POWER+ LM2236SP if you want one walk-behind mower that can cover the widest range of normal homeowner needs. It has the best combination here of verified specifications, independent cutting performance, battery runtime, and practical features.
Buy the EGO LM2206SP if premium construction and maximum cutting output justify the additional cost. Buy the Toro SmartStow Recycler 20340 if you specifically prefer gas and want immediate refueling. Buy the Toro 21568 if easy handling matters more than long runtime. Buy the Ryobi RY401210 if hills and traction are the central problem. Buy the Greenworks MO60L419 if your lawn is small and spending close to $1,000 on a mower would be unnecessary.
09 / Sources
Sources and References
- EGO POWER+: Advanced Mowers - LM2236SP specifications and manufacturer claims. egopowerplus.com/advancedmowers
- Lowe's: EGO 22-inch mower retail listing used for the observed $999 price. lowes.com product listing
- EGO POWER+: LM2206SP aluminum-deck mower specifications and kit information. egopowerplus.com LM2206SP
- TechGearLab: EGO Power+ 1000 Series 22-inch mower hands-on review and test results. techgearlab.com EGO review
- Pro Tool Reviews: Current battery lawn mower comparison, including the EGO LM2206SP. protoolreviews.com
- Toro: Toro Recycler 20340 product and parts documentation. toro.com 20340 documentation
- Home Depot: Toro SmartStow Recycler 20340 retail listing used for the observed $399 price. homedepot.com product listing
- Toro: U.S. product page for the 60V Max Super Recycler 21568, used for specifications, warranty information, runtime, and the observed $869 price. toro.com 21568
- TechGearLab: Toro 60V Max 21-inch Super Recycler test, handling, runtime, and recharge findings. techgearlab.com Toro review
- Ryobi: RY401210 official product page for AWD, battery, runtime, and the current $906.31 price. ryobitools.com RY401210
- OPE Reviews: Ryobi RY401210 hands-on review with measured runtime and hill-performance observations. opereviews.com
- Greenworks: MO60L419 specifications, runtime, charging, lawn-size guidance, warranty, and the current $329.99 product-page price. greenworkstools.com MO60L419
- TechGearLab: 2026 lawn mower comparison covering EGO, Toro, and Greenworks models. techgearlab.com best lawn mower
- University of Illinois Extension: Lawn mowing height, wet-grass, and one-third-rule guidance. extension.illinois.edu
- University of Minnesota Extension: Mowing-height, blade-sharpness, and one-third-rule guidance. extension.umn.edu
How We Verify the Information
Prices and promotions can change after publication. Product revisions can also alter specifications without changing the broad product name, so buyers should verify the exact model number before ordering.
Manufacturer acreage and runtime claims are not independent performance guarantees. Where independent test results were available, this guide distinguishes them from manufacturer specifications. Customer ratings were not converted into our own scores, and no star rating or numerical editorial score was invented. Facts that could not be established confidently were omitted rather than guessed.