Struggling to find the best ion battery lawn mower for your yard? Between uneven runtimes, thick grass that bogs down cheaper motors, and the hassle of cords or gas maintenance, it’s hard to know what actually cuts cleanly and finishes the job. You’re likely looking for a mower that balances power, runtime, and maneuverability without sacrificing storage space or adding noise.
The best battery-powered mowers solve these pain points with high-voltage packs and larger Ah batteries for longer runtimes, efficient brushless motors for torque in tall or wet grass, and 3-in-1 cutting options to mulch, bag, or discharge. Many add self-propelled drive for slopes, single-lever height adjustment, and steel decks for durability. We evaluated performance, features, price, and verified user reviews across leading brands to surface real-world winners.
Keep reading to see our top picks for the best ion battery lawn mower, matched to yard size, terrain, and budget so you can buy once—and mow smarter.
Our Top Picks
Image | Product | Details | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Best Overall
|
Greenworks 40V 21\” Self-Propelled
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40V 21″ 45 minutes |
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Best Mid-Range
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Greenworks 40V 19\” Brushless Push
|
40V 19″ steel up to 30 mins |
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Best Budget Friendly
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Greenworks 48V 17\” Lightweight
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48V (2 x 24V) 45 minutes 17″ poly deck |
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Best High-Power Performance
|
PowerSmart 80V 21\” Push Mower
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80V 40 minutes 1.6” to 4” |
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Best Small Yards
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Greenworks 40V 16\” Ultra-Light
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45 minutes 4.0Ah 35% lighter |
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Best Lightweight Handling
|
Litheli 40V 18\” Brushless
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2 x 4.0Ah 18-inch 6-position |
Best Ion Battery Lawn Mower Review
Greenworks 40V 21\” Self-Propelled – Best Overall

Commanding and confident, the Greenworks 40V 21′ Self-Propelled tackles suburban lawns with a durable 21-inch steel deck and a high-efficiency brushless motor that delivers strong torque without the racket of gas. The rear-wheel-drive self-propelled system adds sure-footed traction on slopes and uneven patches—exactly where push mowers falter. A 7-position single-lever height adjust and 3-in-1 bag/mulch/side-discharge setup solve the biggest frustrations: cut quality, cleanup, and versatility.
In real-world mowing, the included 5.0Ah battery nets up to about 45 minutes depending on grass thickness—enough for many quarter- to half-acre lots when used efficiently. The 21′ deck covers ground quickly, and the brushless motor maintains blade speed well through mixed turf, though extremely tall or wet grass will sap runtime. The vertical storage design is a space-saver in crowded garages, and push-button start makes weekly mowing nearly frictionless.
Against the Greenworks 40V 19′ Push model, this unit adds self-propelled drive, a wider deck, and better traction—trading some weight and cost for speed and ease. Compared with the PowerSmart 80V, it’s quieter and part of a larger 40V ecosystem, but less muscular in thick overgrowth. It’s ideal for homeowners wanting a balanced, maintenance-free mower with terrain-ready drive; for outright power, the PowerSmart wins, but on features-to-convenience ratio, the Greenworks 21′ is stronger.




- Self-propelled traction
- 21′ steel deck
- Brushless motor
- 3-in-1 versatility
- Vertical storage
- Heavier chassis
- Runtime drops in thick grass
- Bag fills quickly
Greenworks 40V 19\” Brushless Push – Best Mid-Range

Punchy and practical, the Greenworks 40V 19′ Push mower delivers brushless motor efficiency and a 19-inch steel deck that feels sturdier than most budget options. It’s built for users who value simple operation and push-button start without dealing with gas, oil, or tune-ups. With up to 30 minutes from the 4.0Ah pack, it solves small-lawn mowing without extension cords or fumes.
In testing, the 19′ deck threads around beds and tight side yards more easily than 21-inch mowers, and the single-lever 7-position height adjust makes quick work of variable grass lengths. Mulching is clean in moderate growth; side discharge helps when the lawn gets ahead of you. Runtime dips in dense, moist turf, so larger yards may require a second battery or segmented sessions.
Compared to the Greenworks 21′ Self-Propelled, this model trades drive assistance for lower weight and a tighter turning radius—great if your yard is flat and cluttered. Versus the 48V (2x24V) 17′ model, it offers a stronger deck and more cutting width, though it’s not as nimble as the 17′. For buyers who want a durable push mower with gas-like performance in compact spaces, it offers a sharper feature-to-size balance than the 21′ model.




- Sturdy steel deck
- Brushless punch
- Easy maneuvering
- Simple height adjust
- Quiet operation
- Limited runtime
- No self-propel
- Struggles in tall grass
Greenworks 48V 17\” Lightweight – Best Budget Friendly

Agile and efficient, the Greenworks 48V (2x24V) 17′ push mower shines where maneuverability matters. Its lightweight 17-inch poly deck resists rust and makes curb edges, garden beds, and narrow gates painless to navigate. The dual-battery design provides up to 45 minutes of runtime while syncing with a massive 125+ tool ecosystem—ideal for cord-free yard systems.
On test lawns, the smaller deck trims with precision and avoids scalping over bumps thanks to the 5-position single-lever height adjust. Mulching is tidy on weekly cuts, and rear bagging keeps clippings under control when growth spikes. It’s not built for heavy, knee-high grass; thick patches will slow blade speed and cut into runtime, but for routine maintenance, it feels quick and light.
Compared with the Greenworks 19′ Push, this model is lighter, quieter over hard surfaces, and easier to steer in tight spaces, while the 19′ cuts more per pass and feels more robust. Next to the Greenworks 21′ Self-Propelled, it sacrifices traction and deck width for portability. For small to medium yards with lots of obstacles, the 17′ model delivers better ease-of-use-to-coverage than the larger decks.




- Ultra maneuverable
- Lightweight deck
- Dual-battery runtime
- Easy height control
- Large ecosystem
- Narrow deck
- Less power in thick turf
- Poly deck flex
PowerSmart 80V 21\” Push Mower – Best High-Power Performance

Muscular and unapologetic, the PowerSmart 80V 21′ mower brings 80V MAX power that feels closest to gas for thick, fast-growing lawns. The all-steel deck and brushless motor give it a planted, durable feel that chews through dense turf better than most 40V competitors. With a claimed 40-minute runtime from the 6.0Ah pack and 3-in-1 functionality, it’s built for performance-first buyers.
In practice, the 21-inch deck swallows large swaths, while 6-position height adjustment (1.6’–4′) lets you step up for heavy growth or drop down for a crisp finish. Mulching stays strong deeper into tall grass where mid-tier mowers bog down; switching to rear or back discharge helps maintain blade speed. It’s heavier than compact mowers, and pushing uphill can be tiring on larger lots without self-propel.
Versus the Greenworks 21′ Self-Propelled, the PowerSmart delivers more raw cutting power but trades away assisted drive and refined storage features. Compared to the Greenworks 19′ Push, it’s faster over big areas and tougher on thick grass, though less nimble around obstacles. If your priority is power and cut authority, this 80V model outperforms the 40V class while offering comparable deck features.




- 80V power
- Strong mulching
- Steel durability
- Wide 21′ deck
- 3-in-1 setup
- No self-propel
- Heavier handling
- Shorter runtime under load
Greenworks 40V 16\” Ultra-Light – Best Small Yards

Featherweight and friendly, the Greenworks 40V 16′ is built for small yards and quick weekly touch-ups. Its ultra-light chassis and 16-inch deck make one-handed turns and tight passes easy, while the Smart Cut single-lever height adjust (1.25’–3.375′) dials in clean results. With up to 45 minutes from a 4.0Ah battery and near-whisper-quiet (<75 dB) operation, it’s an effortless, neighborhood-friendly option.
On short to moderate growth, mulching is uniform and bagging is efficient; when grass gets long, plan a higher first pass to preserve runtime. The mower’s compact footprint stores easily in sheds or closets, and push-button start reduces friction for frequent users. It’s not designed for thick, wet, or overgrown lawns—blade speed and small deck will demand patience in those scenarios.
Against the Greenworks 48V 17′, this model is even lighter and quieter but offers a slightly narrower cut and lower max height range. Compared to the Greenworks 19′ Push, it’s more maneuverable and easier to carry, but less suited to medium yards. For small urban or townhome lawns, its lightweight convenience per square foot edges out the larger Greenworks options.




- Ultra light
- Quiet running
- Easy storage
- Smart height control
- Low maintenance
- Narrow cut path
- Not for tall grass
- Limited power
Litheli 40V 18\” Brushless – Best Lightweight Handling

Surprisingly capable, the Litheli 18′ 40V brings brushless efficiency with a manageable 42.33 lb weight that’s easy to lift over steps and around landscaping. The 18-inch cutting width strikes a sweet spot between nimble steering and decent coverage, and the included two 4.0Ah batteries stretch mowing sessions beyond a single pack. For tidy lawns, the 10.57-gallon bag means fewer stops to empty clippings.
In use, the 6-position height adjust (0.98’–2.95′) favors low-to-medium turf; fans of golf-green cuts will appreciate the low settings, though very tall grass will bog performance. Runtime hovers around 30+ minutes per pack in typical conditions; swapping to the second battery keeps you moving. Note the charger exclusion—you’ll need an existing Litheli charger or to add one separately.
Compared to the Greenworks 19′ Push, the Litheli is lighter and includes two batteries, but its deck and height range skew toward shorter turf. Versus the Greenworks 16′, it covers more per pass yet remains easy to maneuver. For users prioritizing lightweight handling and a generous collection bag in smaller yards, it’s a compelling alternative within the 40V class.




- Lightweight build
- Two batteries
- Large bagger
- Brushless motor
- Easy handling
- Charger not included
- Short height range
- Struggles in tall grass
How to Choose the Right Battery-Powered Lawn Mower
Match Deck Size and Yard Area
- 16″–18″ decks (e.g., Greenworks 40V 16″, Litheli 18″) are easier to maneuver and store; ideal for small yards up to 1/4–1/2 acre.
- 19″–21″ decks (Greenworks 19″, Greenworks 21″, PowerSmart 21″) cover more ground per pass; better for medium yards and reducing mow time.
- Steel decks add durability and a cleaner cut; poly decks are lighter and resist rust.
Power System and Runtime
- Voltage and battery capacity determine torque and run time. 40V systems fit most suburban lawns; 80V (PowerSmart) delivers gas-like performance for thicker grass.
- Larger Ah batteries (5.0–6.0Ah) extend runtime; dual-battery setups (Greenworks 48V 2x24V) balance weight and longevity.
- Brushless motors increase efficiency, torque, and tool life, and run quieter.
Drive Type and Maneuverability
- Self-propelled (Greenworks 40V 21″ rear-wheel drive) reduces effort on slopes and larger yards.
- Push mowers are lighter and cheaper; best for flat, smaller lawns.
- Weight matters: ultra-light models reduce fatigue and are easier to store vertically.
Cutting Options and Height Adjustment
- Look for 3-in-1 capability: mulch, bag, and side/rear discharge for flexibility in clippings management.
- Single-lever height adjustment with 5–7 positions lets you adapt to seasons and grass types; ranges near 1.25″–4″ cover most needs.
Practical Conveniences and Ownership Costs
- Instant push-button start, low noise (<75 dB), and maintenance-free design save time and money vs gas.
- Vertical storage saves garage space; check storage temperature ranges if you have extreme climates.
- Warranty and ecosystem: Longer tool/battery warranties add peace of mind. Compatibility with a broader 40V system (trimmers, blowers) increases value.
Quick Picks by Need
- Small yards, easy handling: Greenworks 40V 16″, Litheli 40V 18″.
- Best overall versatility: Greenworks 40V 21″ Self-Propelled.
- Mid-range value: Greenworks 40V 19″ Brushless Push.
- Budget/lightweight: Greenworks 48V 17″ Lightweight.
- High-power/thick grass: PowerSmart 80V 21″ Push Mower.
Ion Battery Lawn Mower Comparison
Product | Voltage | Cutting Width (in.) | Runtime (mins) | Deck Material | Drive Type | Mulching/Discharge | Weight (lbs) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Greenworks 40V 21″ Self-Propelled | 40V | 21 | Up to 45 | Steel | Self-Propelled | Rear Bag, Side Discharge, Mulching | Not Listed |
Greenworks 40V 19″ Brushless Push | 40V | 19 | Up to 30 | Steel | Push | Side Discharge, Mulching | Not Listed |
Greenworks 48V 17″ Lightweight | 48V | 17 | Up to 45 | Poly | Push | Mulching, Rear Bag | Not Listed |
PowerSmart 80V 21″ Push Mower | 80V | 21 | Up to 40 | Steel | Push | Mulching, Back/Rear Discharge | Not Listed |
Greenworks 40V 16″ Ultra-Light | 40V | 16 | Up to 45 | Not Listed | Push | Mulching, Rear Bag | Not Listed |
Litheli 40V 18″ Brushless | 40V | 18 | 30+ | Not Listed | Push | Not Listed | 42.33 |
Data-Driven Analysis of Ion Battery Lawn Mowers
Evaluating the best ion battery lawn mower requires moving beyond feature lists and leveraging available data. We analyzed performance reviews from sources like Consumer Reports, Popular Mechanics, and user feedback on retail sites (Amazon, Lowe’s, Home Depot) to identify recurring trends. Runtime consistently emerges as a critical factor; models utilizing dual battery systems or higher Amp-hour (Ah) batteries (5.0Ah+) demonstrated superior performance in independent tests, particularly for yards exceeding 1/4 acre.
Comparative analyses of motor types reveal that brushless motors, while increasing initial cost, offer significant advantages in efficiency, torque, and longevity – aligning with the Buying Guide’s emphasis on runtime and power. Data regarding noise levels (measured in decibels) was also assessed, with quieter models (<75dB) consistently receiving higher user ratings. We also considered warranty data; extended warranties on the ion battery and tool itself are strong indicators of manufacturer confidence and potential long-term value, reinforcing the importance of the ecosystem compatibility highlighted in the guide. Analyzing user reviews related to cutting performance across different grass types (e.g., St. Augustine, Bermuda) provided insights into real-world effectiveness.
FAQs
What size ion battery lawn mower is best for my yard?
For yards up to 1/4 acre, a 16-18 inch deck mower with a 40V battery is usually sufficient. Larger yards (1/2 acre+) benefit from 19-21 inch decks and higher voltage systems (48V or 80V) for extended runtime and power.
How long do ion battery lawn mowers typically last on a single charge?
Runtime varies significantly based on grass thickness, yard size, and battery capacity. Expect 30-45 minutes with a 40V 5.0Ah battery. Dual-battery systems can double this runtime, providing up to 90 minutes of use.
Are self-propelled ion battery lawn mowers worth the extra cost?
Self-propelled models are highly recommended for yards with slopes or for users who prefer less physical exertion. They make mowing larger areas much easier and reduce fatigue.
What should I look for in terms of warranty for a battery-powered lawn mower?
Prioritize models with a strong warranty on both the tool itself and the battery. Longer warranties indicate manufacturer confidence and can save you money on potential repairs or replacements. Consider the ecosystem of tools supported by the battery voltage for future convenience.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, choosing the best ion battery lawn mower hinges on matching the mower’s specifications to your specific yard size and needs. Prioritizing runtime, deck size, and drive type—as detailed in our analysis—will ensure a satisfying and efficient mowing experience.
Investing in a quality ion battery mower offers a compelling alternative to gas-powered models, delivering convenience, reduced noise, and lower long-term costs. By leveraging the data and insights presented, you can confidently select a mower that will keep your lawn looking its best for years to come.