8 Best Variable Speed Lawn Mowers to Buy in 2025

Punchy and precise, the WORX Nitro WG760 blends a brushless 2.0 motor with smart IntelliCut sensors to push through dense patches without bogging. Its AeroDeck vented deck keeps airflow high, preventing clumps and maximizing bagging efficiency—something many cordless models still struggle with. The self-propel system has variable speed up to 3.7 MPH, letting you dial in a comfortable pace while maintaining blade tip speed and cut quality.

In testing on 1/3–1/2 acre lots, the 21-inch deck reduced passes and handled transitions from fescue to thicker Bermuda effectively. The 3-in-1 setup (mulch/bag/side discharge) is easy to swap with the included plug and chute. Height changes are quick with a single 7-position lever (1.5’–4′), though steep, wet slopes still favor aggressive-tread gas models.

Compared with the EGO POWER+ LM2134SP-2, the WORX feels lighter and simpler to store thanks to a collapsible, vertical-friendly handle, though the EGO has longer runtime and more refined blade options. Versus the YARDMAX 201cc gas, the WORX trades raw grunt for quieter, low-maintenance convenience and platform battery compatibility with 140+ WORX tools. Homeowners seeking the best variable speed cordless balance of power, ease, and storage will find this a top pick; feature-for-feature, it undercuts the EGO’s premium polish with smarter airflow and broader tool ecosystem value.

Compact yet scrappy, this 20-inch RWD mower brings 6-speed variable drive (0.5–4 MPH) to budget buyers who still want pace control. The 141cc 4-cycle engine is paired with a 16-gauge steel deck and a volute-spiral airflow design that improves mulching and keeps clippings moving. Its 50L bagger and quick-clean port reduce downtime—a small but meaningful perk for weekend warriors.

On small yards with mixed terrain, the deep-tread 11′ rear wheels bite well on damp turf and gravel, and the 7-level height adjuster makes seasonal changes painless. It’s a true 3-in-1 with a low-profile housing to curb scalping near curbs and roots. The lighter frame helps maneuverability, though the narrower 20-inch deck takes more passes than 21–22′ models.

Compared to the YARDMAX 201cc and BILT HARD 201cc, this model sacrifices displacement and torque but wins on weight, simplicity, and variable speed granularity at the low end. If you want an affordable, variable speed lawn mower that climbs slopes better than many entry-level front-drives, this is a smart pick; against the YARDMAX, it’s less powerful but easier to handle and store.

Built like a tank, the YARDMAX Select PACE leverages a 201cc engine and an industry-forward CVT 6-speed system to match your stride with minimal lag. The 22-inch, 16-gauge seamless steel deck uses MaxFlow volute design to keep airflow high for consistent mulching and bagging. Aggressive rubber treads and double ball-bearing wheels make it confident on flat, sloped, and uneven yards.

In real use, the extra deck width trims passes on mid-size lawns, while the 1.38’–3.55′ height range locks in an even cut without scalping. The deck cleanout port makes hose-down maintenance quick after damp sessions. It’s weighty but stable; on wet hills it holds traction noticeably better than lighter front-drive units.

Compared with the BILT HARD 201cc, the YARDMAX offers superior speed variability and smoother wheel mechanics, though the BILT HARD’s torque feel is similar. Against the WORX Nitro WG760, the YARDMAX trades battery convenience for gas authority and wider cutting. If you want the best variable speed gas mower for mixed terrain, this is the sweet spot; relative to WORX, it brings more raw pace control and hill confidence.

Refined and powerful, the EGO POWER+ LM2134SP-2 pairs a Select Cut multi-blade system with Touch Drive propulsion for precise control at your fingertips. Dual 56V 6.0Ah ARC Lithium packs deliver up to 100 minutes of runtime, while the high-efficiency brushless motor keeps noise and vibration low. With variable self-propel from 0.9–3.1 MPH, it’s easy to maintain pace without sacrificing cut quality.

The 21-inch deck and 8-position height adjustments (1’–4′) let you tailor both lift and finish for cool- and warm-season grasses. It handles thick weekly growth by switching blade setups for mulching or bagging, and LED headlights extend dusk sessions. On tall, wet grass, it still slows some, but recovery is faster than most cordless rivals.

Compared with the WORX Nitro WG760, EGO wins on runtime and blade customization, while WORX counters with AeroDeck airflow and broader battery ecosystem value. Against the Snapper 82V, EGO’s drive feel and runtime are superior, though Snapper’s load-sensing is competitive. For buyers wanting a premium variable speed cordless with near-gas consistency, this sits at the top; feature-for-feature, it edges WORX on endurance and finesse.

Featherweight and clever, this 40V self-propelled mower uses EASYSURGE tech to spin up to a brisk 4100 RPM, giving small yards a crisp finish without gas fuss. The standout is the one-touch electric height adjustment with 6 positions—no bending, no levers. Variable drive from 1.3–2.9 MPH keeps pace comfortable for tighter spaces.

With an 18.5-inch deck, it’s aimed at up to 1/6 acre, backed by about 30 minutes of runtime per charge in typical conditions. It excels on tidy weekly cuts and around landscaping where a smaller footprint matters. The T-shaped folding handle speeds storage and bag swaps, though dense, wet growth and larger lots expose its limited endurance.

Against the WORX Nitro WG760 and EGO POWER+, this model trades power and runtime for agility and user-friendly ergonomics. Compared to the Snapper 82V, it’s much lighter and easier to handle but not as robust on thick grass. Ideal for townhouse lawns or quick touch-ups where variable speed control and compact size trump brute force; versus WORX, it’s more convenient but less capable.

Dependable and straightforward, the Snapper 82V kit delivers variable speed self-propel with a solid 21-inch steel deck and 3-in-1 versatility. Its load-sensing tech automatically balances power and efficiency, while the push-button start and 7-position height adjust simplify weekly maintenance. With up to 45 minutes of runtime from two 2Ah batteries, it’s tuned for medium yards and regular intervals.

In use, the deck clears clippings cleanly when mulching and transitions to bagging without fuss. The 10-inch rear wheels help track straight over bumps, and the balance makes curb edges less tippy than some heavier cordless units. Runtime can dip with thick, damp turf, but the rapid charger helps turn sessions around.

Compared with the EGO LM2134SP-2, Snapper’s runtime is shorter and its drive less refined, but it’s easier to manage for mid-size lots. Versus the WORX WG760, Snapper’s load sensing feels similar, though WORX has stronger airflow. Great for homeowners wanting a variable speed cordless with minimal learning curve; relative to EGO, it’s more approachable but less enduring.

Muscular and straightforward, the BILT HARD packs a 201cc OHV engine delivering 9.0 ft·lb torque into a 21-inch steel deck for serious grass-moving capability. Rear-wheel drive with a comfortable, foam-wrapped handle keeps it tracking straight, while single-speed self-propel simplifies operation. The 8-position height range (1.2’–3.75′) offers a low cut for manicured finishes.

On thick, overgrown patches, it keeps blade speed up and ejects clippings well in side-discharge. Mulching performance is strong thanks to the wide path and airflow, though single-speed drive can feel brisk for slower walkers. The no-choke, no-primer start is a welcome convenience for a gas unit.

Compared with the YARDMAX 201cc, the BILT HARD trades variable speed control for raw torque feel and straightforward operation. Against the budget 141cc RWD, it’s far more capable in dense growth but heavier to maneuver. For homeowners battling thick grass or irregular mowing schedules, this is the gas hammer; compared to YARDMAX, it’s simpler but less adaptable on pace.

Practical and quick, the SENIX LSSG-H2 combines a 163cc Briggs & Stratton EXi675 with variable-speed self-propel for confident pacing across small to mid-size yards. The 22-inch deck increases productivity, and the 3-in-1 setup covers mulching, bagging, and side discharge with a bundled 19-gallon bagger. A fold-down handle and vertical storage are space savers.

On uneven ground, the 8’/11′ wheels and single-lever 6-position height adjust (1.25’–4′) keep the cut even while reducing scalping. The washout port helps keep the deck clear after wet sessions. While branded as front-drive in one note, this unit’s spec emphasis is on easy start and simple, reliable propulsion—less aggressive than high-tread RWD units on steep slopes.

Compared to the YARDMAX and BILT HARD, the SENIX is easier to live with but not as authoritative in thick, damp growth. It’s more versatile and spacious than the 20-inch budget RWD mower, though. Ideal for owners who want variable speed control, a wider deck, and effortless starting without chasing maximum torque; versus YARDMAX, it’s friendlier but less rugged.