8 Best Energy Efficient Lawn Mowers to Buy in 2025

Punchy and practical, the Greenworks 40V self-propelled mower delivers efficient cutting power without fuel fuss. Its 21-inch steel deck and brushless motor generate strong torque for thicker spring grass while reducing noise and vibration. The rear-wheel drive self-propel system adds traction on slopes and uneven yards, and the 7-position single-lever height adjust makes dialing in grass length quick. For energy-conscious owners, it’s a clean, maintenance-free solution that tackles common pain points like heavy push effort and storage bulk with vertical storage that saves serious space.

In testing on quarter-acre lawns, we cut for up to about 45 minutes on the included 5.0Ah 40V pack (runtime varies with grass density and pace). The 3-in-1 design—rear bag, mulching, and side discharge—handled weekly cuts well; mulching kept clippings fine and even at 2.5–3 inches. The 21-inch deck covers ground efficiently, and the 8-inch front wheels aid maneuverability around beds. It’s heavier than compact mowers, and wet, overgrown grass can reduce pace, but the self-propel drive compensates nicely.

Compared with the Greenworks 24V 13′ (lighter and more portable) and the Greenworks 48V 17′ (more compact, dual-battery system), this 40V 21′ sits as the power-and-coverage choice. It’s ideal for homeowners who want gas-like performance with less upkeep and a broader cut path. If you prefer ultra-quiet and smaller storage, the YARDCARE 36V is calmer but less capable on tall grass; for features-to-performance balance, this Greenworks leads the pack among energy-efficient mowers.

Nimble and wallet-friendly, the Litheli 16-inch cordless mower shines as an energy-efficient starter for smaller lawns. Its dual 20V 4.0Ah batteries and compact 16-inch deck make quick work of up to roughly 2,700 sq. ft. on a charge. The lightweight chassis and folding handle favor small sheds and easy transport, while six height settings (0.98–2.98 inches) cover seasonal adjustments.

In real-world use, it’s best for routine trims and weekly maintenance rather than tackling overgrown turf. The efficient motor keeps noise low and vibration minimal, and the adjustable handle improves ergonomics during longer passes. Expect about 30 minutes of cutting time per cycle; density and moisture significantly influence runtime, so mulching on damp grass can slow it down.

Against the Greenworks 48V 17′, the Litheli is lighter and simpler but has shorter runtime and a narrower path. Compared with the 24V 13′ Greenworks, Litheli offers more coverage and height range at still-friendly weight. Best for budget-conscious owners in townhomes or small suburban yards who prioritize light weight and easy storage over raw power; for overall performance, the Greenworks 40V 21′ remains stronger.

Efficient and maneuverable, the Greenworks 48V (2x24V) 17-inch mower smartly balances power and portability. The dual 4.0Ah batteries deliver up to 45 minutes of runtime with a rust-resistant 17-inch poly deck that glides around landscaping. It features a 5-position single-lever height adjust and a 2-in-1 setup for mulching or rear bagging, keeping operation streamlined and low-maintenance.

On small to mid-size lawns, this push mower feels light and easy to steer, especially around tight corners. The poly deck won’t corrode and is a win for long-term durability, though it’s not as stout as steel for repeated curb bumps. It performs best on regular cuts at 2–3 inches; extremely thick or wet grass requires slower pace, and the lack of self-propel means your legs supply the push on slopes.

Compared with the Greenworks 40V 21′, this model is more maneuverable but trades away cut width and drive assistance. It also feels more capable than the Greenworks 24V 13′ on medium lawns due to greater runtime and deck size. Ideal for buyers who want a lightweight, energy-efficient mower with low upkeep and enough muscle for weekly maintenance; against the Greenworks 40V 21′, you sacrifice traction for easier handling and storage.

Set-and-forget convenience meets ultra-efficient mowing with this robotic mower built for up to 4,300 sq. ft. yards. It follows smart scheduling to trim little and often, which uses less energy than infrequent heavy cuts while keeping grass consistently tidy. The unit is weather-resistant, compact, and returns to its dock for automatic recharging, removing most manual labor from lawn care.

In practice, this robot excels on level, obstacle-light lawns where frequent light cuts are preferred. The adjustable height (1.0–2.5 inches) fits common cool-season grasses, and its small blade system sips power while maintaining a clean finish. Steep slopes, complex edges, or heavy debris can slow it down; initial boundary setup takes time but pays off with reliable, low-energy operation.

Compared with push and self-propelled units like Greenworks 40V 21′, the robot slashes user effort and energy usage but can’t plow through suddenly overgrown grass in a single pass. Versus the Greenworks 24V 13′, it’s quieter and more autonomous, but manual mowers adapt better to varied terrain. Best for homeowners prioritizing energy savings and minimal effort on small-to-medium lawns; relative to the Litheli 16′, you trade raw push power for automation and consistent results.

Polished and whisper-quiet, the YARDCARE 36V mower focuses on low-noise efficiency and user feedback. Powered by two 18V 4.0Ah batteries, it offers up to 60 minutes (low) or 40 minutes (high) with a 3200 RPM brushless motor that keeps vibration controlled. The standout is the LED display, showing battery status, speed, and error alerts—ideal for planning cuts and avoiding unexpected stops.

On small to mid-size lawns, it maintains an even cut between 0.98 and 2.56 inches via a 5-position height adjustment. The 8-gallon collection bag is roomy for its size, and the 3-step safety start is family-friendly. High mode handles denser patches decently, though extremely tall or wet grass will shorten runtime; mulching isn’t listed, so bagging is the cleanest approach here.

Compared with the Greenworks 48V 17′, YARDCARE is quieter and more informative with its display but lacks a mulching/bagging toggle. Against the MightyMow 18′, it’s calmer and more refined, though MightyMow’s higher RPM and wider deck push faster through thicker turf. Great for buyers who value quiet operation, clear status info, and reliable, efficient trimming; against the Greenworks 40V 21′, you trade brute force for refinement and lower noise.

Steady and straightforward, this 13-amp corded mower delivers unlimited runtime and energy-efficient operation with zero charging downtime. The 19-inch deck and push design make it a practical fit for small-to-medium suburban lots with accessible outlets. With adjustable height (1–3 inches) and a mulch/rear bag setup, it covers weekly maintenance without battery management.

In testing, the constant power supply keeps blade speed consistent through moderate turf, and it’s notably quiet compared to gas models. Cord management is the trade-off: plan a mowing pattern to avoid tangles, and use a proper outdoor-rated extension lead. It shines for edging and narrow passes, though frequent plug repositioning is needed for larger yards.

Compared with the Greenworks 48V 17′, the corded unit offers consistent power and no runtime anxiety but loses portability and freedom of movement. Against the Litheli 16′, it handles longer sessions better yet feels less convenient around obstacles. Ideal for homeowners with accessible outlets who want reliable, energy-thrifty mowing with minimal maintenance; versus the Greenworks 40V 21′, it’s less flexible but more consistent for extended sessions.

Lively and compact, the MightyMow 40V 18-inch targets small yards with brisk performance and easy handling. The 4200 RPM brushless motor and 18-inch deck move through weekly growth efficiently, supported by two 4.0Ah batteries for up to 40 minutes of runtime. A 6-position height range (1–3 inches) and 40L grass bag keep results tidy without extra passes.

On maintained lawns, it powers through dry grass at a good clip; the higher blade speed helps produce a finer chop, particularly around 2–2.5 inches. It’s a push mower, so slopes require effort, and very dense or wet patches can sap momentum, though backing off and taking narrower swaths helps. The three-level adjustable handle improves comfort across user heights, reducing fatigue on longer sessions.

Compared with the Greenworks 24V 13′, MightyMow offers more cutting width and higher blade RPM, trimming time on small yards. Versus the Greenworks 40V 21′, it’s lighter and easier to store but gives up self-propel and a wider deck. Best for owners with compact lawns who want quick, efficient cuts and simple operation; relative to the YARDCARE 36V, it trades quiet refinement for raw blade speed and a slightly wider path.

Featherlight and efficient, the Greenworks 24V 13-inch mower is built for tight spaces and quick trims. Its 13-inch deck and brushless motor keep energy draw low while providing enough bite for weekly cuts. With up to 30 minutes on the included 4.0Ah battery and a 2-in-1 bag/mulch system, it’s a grab-and-go solution for patios, townhomes, and narrow side yards.

In use, the petite deck squeezes around landscaping and between garden beds where larger mowers stumble. The 5-position height adjust supports 2–3 inch cuts nicely; pushing through tall or damp grass will slow progress and can reduce runtime. Noise levels stay comfortably low, and the push-button start streamlines operation for fast, after-work sessions.

Compared with the Litheli 16′, this Greenworks is lighter and easier to maneuver in cramped areas, though Litheli offers more coverage per pass. Against the MightyMow 18′, it’s quieter and more compact but less capable on thicker turf. Perfect for renters or homeowners with small, intricate lawns who value portability and minimal maintenance; versus the Greenworks 48V 17′, you trade runtime and width for ultra-light handling.