Best cordless lawn mower for eco-friendly mowing in 2024

The grass is always greener with a cordless lawn mower.

Best cordless lawn mower

by Natalie Knowles |
Updated on

The best cordless lawn mower will make short work of cutting the grass. Ditch your petrol mower - a cordless model is much lighter, quieter and more eco-friendly. In addition, it's easy to manoeuvre because it doesn't have a cord, which makes it ideal for small and medium-sized gardens.

Also known as a battery lawn mower, these kind of mowing machines are powered by a lithium-ion battery. Thanks to the absence of fuel, they are usually a lightweight and quiet alternative to other mowers. Some brands, such as Ryobi, have batteries that can be used interchangeably across their range of garden and power tools. Do note that the battery life and charging time of cordless lawn mowers vary from spec to spec, so it's worth factoring that into your purchasing decision. Alternatively, corded electric lawn mowers are a good option for smaller gardens. Electric lawn mowers need to be plugged into a power socket - you'll probably need an extension cord, too. Don't forget the edge of the grass. All your good work will look even better if you keep the edges neat - the easiest way to do that is with a cordless strimmer.

The best cordless lawn mower at a glance:

Best cordless lawn mower: Ryobi OLM1833B 18V ONE+ Cordless Lawn Mower - View on Amazon UK
Best for larger gardens: Yard Force 40V 37cm Cordless Lawn Mower - View at B&Q
Best value cordless lawn mower: Powerbase 40V Cordless Lawn Mower - View at Homebase

When choosing the best cordless lawn mower for your garden, take into account the size, shape and gradient of the grassed area. For example, if you have a large garden - say, half an acre - cordless, robotic and rotary lawn mowers simply aren't going to have the battery life to be able to cover the area. And it's impractical to have a trailing extension cable from a corded electric lawn mower. So, for large lawns, opt for a petrol or ride-on lawn mower.

Other features to look out for when choosing the best cordless lawn mower are the capacity of the grass box and the cutting height and width of the blades. Most lawn mowers have a variable cutting height, so you can give your lawn a gentle trim or a severe buzz-cut, depending. Scroll down to the FAQs for more tips and advice to help you decide which lawn mower is right for you.

Best cordless lawn mowers

Best cordless lawn mower

Ryobi OLM1833B 18V ONE+ Cordless 33cm LawnmowerRyobi/Amazon
Price: $416.99

The Ryobi OLM1833B 18V ONE+ Cordless 33cm Lawn Mower is compact and lightweight. Part of the ONE+ range of cordless power tools from Ryobi, this model has a rechargeable 18V battery that can cut up to 250 square metres on a single charge.

Combined with your other ONE+ cordless tools, you can transform your outdoor space thanks to the brand's superior battery-powered products. The collapsible grass-cutting bag makes this lawn mower lighter than others and, therefore, easier to manoeuvre.

Additionally, the EasyEdge grass comb allows you to mow right up to the edge of your lawn. The ergonomic handles have three height positions, and along with the grass catcher bag, it can fold down flat for easy storage.

Pros

  • Ryobi's universal ONE+ battery and charger included
  • EasyEdge grass comb mows to the edge of your lawn

Cons

  • Cutting adjustment can be hard to manoeuvre
Battery:ONE+ 18V 5.0Ah
Grass box capacity:n/a
Cutting width:33cm
Cutting height:25-65mm
  • EasyEdge grass comb
  • Ryobi ONE+ battery and charger compatible
  • Collapsible grass catcher

Best for larger gardens

Yard Force 40V 37cm Cordless Lawnmower with Lithium-ion Battery and Quick Charger LM G37AYard Force
Price: $259.99

www.diy.com

The specs take a step up with the Yard Force 40V 37cm Cordless Lawn Mower. The 40V battery only takes 50 minutes to charge, and when fully charged, it can cover 400 square metres making it the top pick for medium to large lawns.

A 40-litre grass collection bag compacts the grass clippings for less emptying - it even has an indicator to tell you when it's full. At 13.5 kilograms, this cordless electric lawn mower is lightweight and manoeuvrable. The foldable handle makes it easy to transport and store.

Not only does it cover a lot of space in one session, but it also has a rear roller to give a classic striped lawn look. In terms of cordless electric lawn mowers, we recommend the Yard Force LM G37A for its wide range of cutting heights, comfort and ease of use, and how it easily folds away.

Pros

  • The battery is quick to charge in just 50 minutes
  • 40-litre collection bag with handy full indicator

Cons

  • No customer reviews
Battery:40V/ 2.5Ah Lithium-Ion
Grass box capacity:40L
Cutting width:37cm
Cutting height:2.5cm-7.5cm
  • Battery is interchangeable with other GR40 range products
  • Seven cutting heights
  • Yard Force offers a 2+1 year warranty

Best small cordless electric lawn mower

Gardena Battery Lawnmower HandyMowerGardena

This agile, cordless, and high-performance Gardena Battery HandyMower will keep your small lawn in perfect condition throughout the seasons. This compact mower has no grass collection bag or box - the fine clippings are sprayed back onto the lawn to act as a natural fertiliser.

The pivoting handle helps it get into tight spots by fences or around stones. Plus, the carrying handle means that the appliance can be transported and stored easily after the job is done.

If you are looking for an affordable option that is lightweight at just 4.2 kilograms, and easy to store, this would be an excellent pick. Plus, there is minimal assembly needed, you screw the handle into the body, and once the battery is charged, it’s ready to go.

Pros

  • Small and compact, weighing in at just 4.2 kilograms
  • Good for getting into tight spots and trickier areas

Cons

  • Not recommended for large gardens
Battery:Lithium Ion 18V
Grass box capacity:n/a
Cutting width:22cm
Cutting height:3–5cm
  • For lawns up to 50m sq
  • Power For All lithium ion batteries compatible across a wide range of products
  • Fine grass clippings are sprayed back into the lawn

Best value cordless lawn mower

Powerbase 34cm 40V Cordless Lawn MowerPowerbase

This Powerbase 40V Cordless Lawn Mower is significantly cheaper than the Yard Force model, yet competes on features with a 40V battery, five cutting heights, and a 35-litre hybrid grass collection bag.

Additionally, the Powerbase cordless lawn mower has a full bale on/off lever - one that spans the width of the handle - so it's easy to operate either left- or right-handed. It also has front and side grass combs for impeccable lawn-cutting results right to the edge.

The rear wheels boast a larger diameter for better handling and it weighs just 12.8 kilograms, so it's a breeze to manoeuvre. However, the battery life is only 30 minutes, so it's not ideal for large gardens.

Pros

  • Additional grass combs for an immaculate lawn right to the edge
  • Rear roller to help your create that professional striped effect

Cons

  • Short battery life - so not ideal for larger gardens
Battery:2 x 20V 2.5Ah batteries
Grass box capacity:35L
Cutting width:34cm
Cutting height:2.5-7.5cm
  • 2 hour dual port charger
  • Can be folded for easy storage

Best for easy storage

Flymo EasiStore 300R Li Cordless Rotary Lawn MowerFlymo/Amazon
Price: $233.70

Flymo EasiStore 300R Li Cordless Rotary Lawn Mower has been constructed with space-saving storage in mind, thanks to its foldable design which means it can be stored vertically. This makes this cordless offering from Flymo an excellent option if your shed is already full to the brim with tools and gadgets.

This has a 30-litre grass collection box that's made of plastic, not mesh, although it does have ventilation holes to ensure steady air flow and efficient pick-up of cuttings.

The battery run time is 35 minutes, so this model is best suited to small gardens. A 30cm cutting width and cutting heights from 20 to 60mm means you can keep your garden looking presentable with this convenient garden tool.

Pros

  • Folds vertically so you can hang it up to save space
  • Two 20V batteries offer you a combined 40V of power

Cons

  • Short battery life
Battery:2 x 20V lithium batteries
Grass box capacity:30L
Cutting width:30cm
Cutting height:25-65mm
  • Dual lever handles for greater flexibility and manoeuvrability
  • Rear roller to create a striped effect
  • Space-saving storage

Best for quick charge

WORX WG743E.1WORX
Price: $299.99

uk.worx.com

This is another high-spec cordless lawn mower, this time from WORX. With two 20V batteries, you get 40V of power in total. The two 4.0Ah batteries can be charged simultaneously thanks to the dual charger and provide extra power and longer runtime.

With this WORX WG743E.1 Cordless Lawn Mower and Grass Trimmer bundle, you benefit from superb value as the grass-cutting season gets underway. The cordless trimmer enables you to reach those awkward corners, while WORX Intellicut technology pledges to keep cutting power constant, even in thick grass.

The deck has been designed to allow close cutting to walls and fences, and with seven cutting heights, no grass should go uncut and will be neatly collected in the generous 45-litre grass bag.

Pros

  • Cut-to-edge design for a professional finish around perimeters
  • WORX Intellicut technology that adjusts the power as required

Cons

  • Weighs in at 14 kilograms - without batteries or cuttings
Battery:Worx 20V
Grass box capacity:40L
Cutting width:40cm
Cutting height:2cm-8cm
  • Intellicut technology adds torque power to thicker areas of grass - and decrease power to conserve battery on sparser areas
  • WORX Powershare batteries are interchangeable across their range of cordless power tools
  • 2-in-1 grass bag collection and mulching
  • Collapsible handle so it folds flat for easy storage

Best for mulching capability

Greenworks G40LM41K2X Cordless Lawnmower Greenworks/Amazon

Cables won't get in the way when this lawn mower comes out to play. You can say goodbye to heavy and noisy petrol lawn mowers with the Greenworks G40LM41K2X Cordless Lawn Mower.

This cordless lawn mower promises to cut up to 500 square metres on one charge, which should be adequate for most average-sized gardens. You can choose whether you would like your grass clippings mulched and used to enrich your soil or collected with this mower.

At 18kg, it's on the slightly heavier side but does offer a whopping 50-litre grass collection capacity. Additionally, it folds neatly into a compact form that's ideal for space-saving storage or transporting it.

Pros

  • Batteries are compatible with other Greenworks equipment
  • Large 50-litre grass collection bag and mulching capability

Cons

  • Considerably heavier than some of the other models
Battery:2 x 40V 2Ah
Grass box capacity:50L
Cutting width:41cm
Cutting height:2.5-8cm
  • Interchangeable battery across all Greenworks cordless products
  • Three year guarantee
  • 2-in-1 mulches or collects grass

Best for ease of use

SWIFT Cordless Lawn MowerSwift/Amazon
Price: $209.97

The brushless motor in this SWIFT Cordless Lawn Mower ensures a quiet experience and less vibration when you mow. This mower has been designed with safety in mind and has a child lock - ideal if you have inquisitive little ones.

This cordless mower claims to cut up to 250 square metres on one full charge, and with over a third of UK gardens coming under that category, gardens with small lawns can be mowed in one go with the cuttings neatly collected in a 30-litre box.

Run time is around 30 minutes, the large six-inch wheels can handle bumpy terrain, and you can choose between five cutting heights. All in all, this SWIFT option makes light work of mowing the lawn.

Pros

  • Child lock with dual push power buttons for safety
  • Brushless motor that can cut at a speed of 3,900RPM

Cons

  • Less powerful and a shorter battery life than some
Battery:40V 2.0Ah
Grass box capacity:30L
Cutting width:32cm
Cutting height:2-6cm
  • 24-month warranty on machine
  • 12-month warranty on battery
  • 2-in-1 mulch or mow

Best high-end cordless lawn mower

Bosch has designed this mower with efficiency in mind. The robust bodywork can withstand a temperature range from -20 to 50 degrees Celsius - therefore protecting the battery in all climates.

The Bosch Cordless Lawn Mower AdvancedRotak has some pretty good features, including ProSilence, which reduces its noise output by 30 per cent. Also, there's LeafCollect which will vacuum up leaves on the lawn as well as cuttings.

The ErgoSlide handles allow you to adjust the height so its 17.5-kilogram weight is comfortable for you to push. If you've got a large lawn to maintain, this high-end Bosch option is a very capable cordless lawn mower.

Pros

  • Quiet operation thanks to the ProSilence tech
  • Has the capability to collect and shred leaves

Cons

  • Bosch battery and charger not included
Battery:36V 4Ah
Grass box capacity:50L
Cutting width:44cm
Cutting height:2.5-8cm
  • ProSilence reduces noise up to 30 per cent
  • ErgoSlide handles - height-adjustable
  • LeafCollect - collects leaves for easy disposal

How we chose the best cordless lawn mowers

All of these cordless lawn mowers have been hand-selected by our team of Modern Gardens shopping experts. We carefully considered size, power, and functionality in our selection of the best. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching cordless lawn mowers to make it easier for you to find the very best, and we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in.

Where possible, we also test and share the latest and best products you should know about. And with help from Modern Gardens Magazine, Garden News and Garden Answers, we share expert gardening knowledge to help you get the most from your product.

FAQs

Are lawn mowers safe?

Any machine that uses sharp objects, like blades, comes with a safety risk. It's estimated that around 6,500 people around the UK are injured every year by lawn mowers.
Heed the following precautions at all times to ensure your safety:
• Pick up anything left in your grass that might be an obstruction before mowing. This includes sticks and stones.
• Don't use your lawn mower in bad weather conditions.
• Remember to always push your mower - don't pull it under any circumstance.
• Ensure the mower is in good condition before use.
• Wear appropriate clothing and protection.
• If you hit something, turn off the mower immediately and inspect the damage.
• Always keep children and pets away from the lawn mower.

Is a cordless lawn mower right for me?

Cordless lawn mowers are great for smaller-sized lawns and are generally easier to operate. They are also quiet and reduce pollution. Alternatively, if you have a small lawn, you might want to consider a robotic lawn mower. Although the battery life isn't long, they typically charge quickly, so it should cover a lot of ground in minimal time. Or, keeping it low-tech, opt for a rotary lawn mower. Perfect for all types of grass, this mower uses a single blade that rotates like a plane to cut your lawn.

Does a cordless lawn mower require much maintenance?

The blades should be cleaned regularly and sharpened when necessary. Make sure the battery is fully charged but be careful not to overcharge it.

How long will a full charge last?

It really depends on the model of lawn mower you have. The manufacturers' specifications will give you an idea of how long to expect from each charge. It can vary from 20 minutes to as much as an hour.

Can a cordless mower tackle long grass?

A cordless mower will cut long grass, but it won't be happy. It'll use more battery power, meaning a shorter run time. It's better to trim any long grass first, then use your cordless machine to keep it under control.

What to read next:

The best budget lawn mowers for your garden

Cordless strimmers to neaten up your lawn and garden borders

The best lawn mowers for large gardens

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Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Modern Gardens, specialising in garden trends. When she's not flexing her mow-how, Natalie is a successful artist and illustrator.

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