6 Best Lawn Mowers for Half Acre of 2025

This is the powerhouse of cordless mowing, engineered for homeowners who refuse to compromise on performance. The 56V dual-battery setup delivers an industry-leading up to 100 minutes of runtime, making it a beast for half-acre lawns — even dense, overgrown ones. What truly sets the EGO LM2134SP apart is its Touch Drive self-propel system, which offers fingertip control over speed from 0.9 to 3.1 MPH, eliminating jerky starts and giving you surgical precision on slopes or uneven terrain. If you’re tired of gas-guzzling mowers or underpowered cordless models that quit mid-job, this one obliterates those frustrations with smooth, responsive propulsion and relentless cutting stamina.

In real-world testing across mixed grass types — from tall fescue to Bermuda — the 21-inch deck with Select Cut multi-blade system handled thick patches like a pro, especially in mulching mode where finely chopped clippings disappeared into the turf. The high-efficiency brushless motor stays cool and quiet, even during back-to-back mowing sessions, and the 8 height positions (1–4 inches) allow for seasonal customization. On damp mornings, the LED headlights proved invaluable, letting early mowers see clippings and terrain clearly. While the weight (65 lbs) is noticeable during transport, it’s well-distributed when mowing, though tight corners require a bit more effort than lighter models.

Put simply, this mower dominates the mid-size lawn category and outmuscles most competitors in both runtime and smart features. Compared to the Greenworks 60V, it offers better self-propel mechanics and longer battery life, while still maintaining cleaner lines than gas alternatives. It’s ideal for homeowners with undulating yards, thick grass, or a preference for precision and comfort. For those stepping up from budget models, the EGO delivers a luxury-tier mowing experience — more refined, more powerful, and far more capable than mid-range counterparts.

When your yard has slopes, ruts, or uneven ground, the Greenworks 40V self-propelled mower becomes your most trusted ally. Its rear-wheel drive system delivers superior traction on inclines, turning hillside mowing from a white-knuckle chore into a smooth glide. The 21-inch steel deck and brushless motor provide consistent power through thick grass, while the single-lever 7-position height adjustment makes changing cut levels fast and intuitive — no fumbling with individual wheels. For half-acre lawns with challenging terrain, this model solves the #1 pain point: losing momentum on slopes.

During testing on a 0.4-acre yard with a 15-degree incline, the mower maintained steady speed without bogging down, thanks to its efficient torque delivery and low center of gravity. The 45-minute runtime on the 5.0Ah battery is best suited for mowing in sections or smaller lawns, but it’s sufficient if you’re willing to recharge mid-session. Mulching, bagging, and side discharge all performed reliably, and the vertical storage design is a game-changer for shed or garage owners short on space. However, on wet grass, the rear wheel traction occasionally slipped, and the lack of variable self-propel speeds means you’re stuck with one forward pace.

Positioned between budget and premium models, this Greenworks 40V excels where others struggle: hills. It doesn’t match the EGO’s runtime or speed control, but it outclimbs and outlasts most in its price range. It’s perfect for homeowners with sloped or irregular yards under half an acre who want gas-like power without the maintenance. While it trades some runtime and refinement for affordability, it delivers unmatched hill performance — more agile and grippy than heavier rivals.

If raw cutting power and blade speed are your top priorities, the Greenworks 60V is a cordless game-changer. With a 3200 RPM blade tip speed and 50% more power than standard 40V systems, this mower slices through thick, tall grass like it’s trimming a putting green. The 60V platform delivers up to 60 minutes of runtime, making it a strong contender for half-acre lawns — especially when paired with a second battery using its Dual Port Auto Switch Technology. And with 60% less noise than gas mowers, you can start early without waking the neighborhood.

In real-world use, the mower powered through overgrown patches and damp grass with minimal strain, thanks to its high-torque brushless motor. The IPX4 waterproof rating adds confidence during morning dew or unexpected drizzles, and the LED headlights enhance visibility for early or late mowing. While it’s a push mower (no self-propel), the aluminum handles and balanced weight make it manageable on flat to gently rolling terrain. However, on larger or hilly yards, the lack of self-propulsion becomes a real fatigue factor — this isn’t a mower you’ll want to push for 45+ minutes straight.

Compared to the EGO LM2134SP, this model sacrifices self-propel and total runtime for sheer cutting aggression. It’s the go-to for thick grass, tall weeds, or high-performance expectations — ideal for those who prioritize cut quality and power over convenience features. If you’ve got a dense lawn and don’t mind a little elbow grease, the Greenworks 60V offers the most muscle in the cordless category — a true gas alternative in performance, not just promise.

For budget-conscious homeowners who still want serious performance, the Greenworks 48V is a quiet powerhouse in disguise. By combining two 24V batteries, it achieves 48V of peak power — better than many gas mowers — while staying emissions-free and whisper-quiet. The 20-inch steel deck and brushless motor deliver consistent torque, even in dense grass, and the 45-minute runtime is solid for half-acre lawns when mowed in passes. The Turbo Button is a standout: engage it for maximum power during heavy cutting, like tackling tall weeds or wet patches.

In testing, the mower handled dry, medium-height grass with ease, and the 4-in-1 system (mulch, bag, side discharge, turbo) gave flexibility for different yard conditions. The LED headlight helped in early morning mowing, and the dual-port charger means both batteries recharge quickly side-by-side. However, on thick or damp grass, the motor occasionally slowed, and the smaller 20-inch deck means more passes over a half-acre — adding time and effort. It’s also a push mower, so no self-propel aid to reduce strain.

This model carves a niche as the most value-packed performer in the lineup, especially for those already using Greenworks’ PowerALL ecosystem. Compared to the YARDCARE 36V, it’s more powerful, longer-lasting, and more versatile. It’s perfect for cost-aware users with flat to moderate lawns up to half an acre who want gas-level power without the price tag or noise. While it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of premium models, it delivers the most bang for the buck — more capable than its price suggests.

Don’t let the price fool you — the YARDCARE 36V packs smart features that punch above its weight class. Its LED digital display is a rare gem at this price, showing real-time battery life, cutting speed, and error alerts, so you’re never caught off guard mid-mow. With up to 60 minutes on low speed, it’s built for small to medium yards under half an acre, especially those with light to moderate grass. The 8-gallon grass bag is spacious for its size, and the 3-step safety start adds peace of mind for homes with kids or pets.

In real use, the mower performed well on short, dry grass and handled light mulching with ease. The 5 height settings allowed for seasonal tweaks, though the max cut height (2.56″) is limiting for users who prefer taller grass. The 3200 RPM brushless motor ran quietly and efficiently, but struggled slightly in thick or wet conditions — and the lack of self-propel makes it feel labor-intensive over larger areas. On a half-acre lawn, you’d likely need to recharge or swap batteries, and the smaller 18V platform limits future tool compatibility.

Compared to the WORX Nitro, it offers better runtime and more cutting height options, but lacks IntelliCut or mulching precision. It’s best suited for first-time homeowners, renters, or those with smaller, flat yards who want a complete, ready-to-use package at a fraction of the cost. While it won’t replace high-end mowers, it offers unmatched value for small yards — more tech and convenience than expected at this price.