6 Best Lightweight Battery Operated Lawn Mowers of 2025

This beast of a battery-powered mower redefines what’s possible in cordless lawn care. With a 21-inch brushless motor and self-propelled rear-wheel drive, it slices through thick grass and tackles slopes like few others, making it a top pick for larger yards. The dual 4.0Ah batteries deliver over 45 minutes of runtime—enough to handle up to a full acre—and the rapid dual-port charger gets you back to mowing fast. If you’re tired of gas fumes, noise, and maintenance, this mower answers every frustration with clean, powerful performance.

In real-world testing, the mower shines on uneven terrain and tall grass, where its self-propelled feature and high-torque motor truly stand out. The 4-in-1 versatility (mulch, bag, side discharge, and leaf pickup) adds serious utility, especially in transitional seasons. LED headlights extend your mowing window into early morning or dusk, a rare and welcome touch. However, at just over 80 lbs, it’s the heaviest in the lineup—maneuvering in tight spaces or lifting onto a trailer takes effort. While it handles wet grass reasonably well, it’s best used on dry lawns to avoid clogging.

Compared to the lighter Greenworks 40V and Litheli models, this is the premium powerhouse for serious homeowners with bigger properties. It’s not built for compact storage or ultra-easy transport, but for performance and reliability, it dominates. The 60V ecosystem compatibility with 75+ Greenworks tools makes it a smart long-term investment if you’re building a cordless outdoor toolkit. It offers far more power and runtime than the WORX or 24V Greenworks models, justifying its position as the best overall despite the steeper entry cost.

The Greenworks 40V 16-inch hits the sweet spot between power and portability, making it a standout for small to medium yards. Its brushless motor delivers gas-like torque without the noise or emissions, and with up to 45 minutes of runtime, it can comfortably tackle half an acre on a single charge. The lightweight design and push-button start eliminate the frustration of pull-cord engines, while the 5-position height adjustment ensures a tailored cut across changing grass conditions. It’s an ideal upgrade for those ditching gas mowers but still wanting reliable performance.

During testing, this mower proved agile and consistent on flat lawns and light slopes. The 16-inch deck strikes a balance—wide enough for efficiency, narrow enough for tight corners and around flower beds. The 2-in-1 mulching and bagging system works well, though the bag fills quickly in lush growth. Battery charges fully in 120 minutes, which is average, and the included 4.0Ah battery is interchangeable across Greenworks’ 40V lineup. It struggles slightly in thick, wet grass, where it may slow down, but for typical suburban lawns, it’s more than capable.

When stacked against the 24V Greenworks or Litheli U20+, this model offers better runtime and cutting power without a huge weight penalty. It’s not as compact as the 13-inch models, but the added deck width makes it far more efficient for regular mowing. Compared to the WORX 14-inch, it lacks self-propel but offers longer runtime and broader ecosystem support. It’s the best mid-range choice for homeowners who want dependable performance without overpaying for features they won’t use.

Don’t let its size fool you—the Greenworks 24V 13-inch packs a surprising punch for tiny yards and tight spaces. With a brushless motor and 3550 RPM no-load speed, it delivers quiet, gas-like performance in a featherlight package, perfect for effortless pushing and storage. The 13-inch poly deck is rust-resistant and highly maneuverable, ideal for mowing under decks, around patios, or in narrow side yards. It’s a maintenance-free champion, starting instantly with zero gas, oil, or emissions—ideal for eco-conscious users with small lawns under 1/4 acre.

In real-world use, this mower excels in quick touch-ups and flat, well-maintained lawns. It runs up to 30 minutes on a full charge, though dense or tall grass will shorten that significantly. The 2-in-1 mulching and rear bagging works fine for light use, but the small bag requires frequent emptying. The 5-position height adjustment offers solid flexibility, but the lower power means it bogs down in wet or overgrown grass. Still, for daily maintenance or small urban plots, it’s impressively agile and easy to fold and store.

Compared to the Litheli U20+ and WORX 14-inch, it offers better brand reliability and warranty support, though similar specs. It’s less powerful than the 40V Greenworks models but lighter and more compact—a true specialist for minimalists. It’s not built for heavy-duty mowing, but for those prioritizing ease of use and storage, it’s a top contender. While it costs more than some budget options, it delivers better motor longevity and ecosystem consistency than lesser-known brands.

The Litheli 18-inch 40V is a steal for the spec sheet, packing a brushless motor, 18-inch deck, and dual 4.0Ah batteries at a price that undercuts the competition. It delivers serious cutting width and runtime—30+ minutes—for mid-sized yards, making it a value king for budget-conscious buyers. The 6-position height adjust offers more precision than most rivals, letting you fine-tune from 0.98″ to 2.95″ for seasonal lawn needs. At just 42.33 lbs, it’s easy to push and store, striking a smart balance between power and portability.

In testing, the mower handled dry, medium-length grass with confidence, and the 10.57-gallon grass bag reduced emptying trips. The brushless motor stayed cool and quiet, maintaining speed under moderate load. However, the charger is not included, which is a major oversight given the dual batteries. When grass got thick or damp, the motor slowed noticeably, and the lack of a full-bag indicator is a missed convenience. Still, for small to medium yards, it covers ground efficiently and starts instantly with zero fuss.

Against the Greenworks 40V 16-inch, it offers wider deck and dual batteries at a lower cost, but lacks brand ecosystem and comes with no charger—a real pain point. Compared to the WORX 14-inch, it has more cutting width and longer runtime, but misses out on smart features like Intellicut or collapsible handles. It’s the best value for those who want maximum specs per dollar, even if it means sacrificing some polish. For a no-frills, high-output mower, it outperforms its price tag.

Meet the pocket rocket of lawn mowers—the Litheli U20 Handy+ 13-inch is built for speed, simplicity, and tight spaces. Weighing next to nothing and folding into a slim profile, it’s perfect for patios, balconies, and tiny yards where storage is at a premium. Despite its size, it cuts up to 1,300 sq. ft. on a charge with a 3400 RPM motor, making quick work of light mowing tasks. The 5-height adjustment and 8-gallon bag add practicality, while the foldable handle and carry grip make it effortless to store in closets or carry up stairs.

In real use, it’s best suited for light-duty trimming and maintenance, not full-yard overhauls. The 4.0Ah battery lasts about 15 minutes under load, which is less than advertised—ideal for spot mowing, not large lawns. The motor holds up well on dry, short grass but struggles in thick or tall patches. One standout feature: the battery doubles as a power bank, letting you charge phones or tablets in a pinch—a clever touch for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s not the most powerful, but for ultra-light use, it’s surprisingly capable.

Versus the Greenworks 24V 13-inch, it’s cheaper and more portable, but the runtime is shorter and build quality feels lighter. It lacks the polish of bigger brands but wins on compactness and battery versatility. It’s the best budget-friendly pick for renters, condo owners, or anyone with a postage-stamp yard. While it can’t match the performance of 40V models, it delivers exceptional convenience for minimal mowing needs.

The WORX 14-inch is a smartly engineered compact mower that punches above its weight with clever tech and expandable power. At under 30 lbs, it’s the lightest 40V model here, making it a dream to push, lift, and store. Its Intellicut technology is a game-changer—automatically ramping up blade speed in thick grass and conserving battery in thin areas—delivering smarter mowing with less user input. With two 4.0Ah batteries, it offers solid runtime for small yards up to 1/8 acre, and the dual charger gets both ready fast.

In testing, the 14-inch deck proved agile in tight spaces, and the 6-position height adjust (1.5” to 3.5”) gave excellent cut control. The 0.85-bushel bag is modest but includes a full-bag indicator, a small luxury most budget mowers skip. The 87.8 dB noise level is impressively quiet—neighbor-friendly and stress-free. However, the narrow deck means more passes for larger yards, and while Intellicut helps, the motor still slows in wet grass. It’s not for big lawns, but for small, well-kept yards, it’s efficient and intuitive.

Compared to the Greenworks 40V 16-inch, it’s lighter and smarter but has a smaller cutting width and less runtime per pass. Its real edge? PowerShare compatibility—use the same batteries across 140+ WORX tools. It’s the best for small yards where convenience, quiet operation, and smart features matter most. While it costs more than the Litheli 18-inch, it offers better build quality, battery integration, and user intelligence—a premium compact pick.