Best lawn mower 2021: 14 top cordless, robot, petrol, electric and push mowers

Whether you love or hate mowing the lawn, having the best lawn mower certainly makes the job less of a chore. In fact, upgrading your mower could mean your grass goes from turf to terrific with regular chops. Frequent mowing encourages grass to branch at the base, offering thicker growth and reducing patchiness. It means more mowing than you might expect – that is why we are on hand to help you find the best mower for your budget.

If you don't know what type of mower you want, read on. We explain the different types at the end and our list includes everything from super affordable manual models and corded electrics that are great for a smaller plot. Need a bit more power? You might be looking at petrol options (we have included a couple for those who love a traditional mow), but if you are after a more sustainable mow, check out our selection of the best cordless lawn mowers with rechargeable batteries. We think this type offers the greatest range of use, though they tend to be more expensive. 

For those with a more cash to splash – and the desire to take back the time it takes to mow the lawn – we even have a few robot mowers. One is under £400 making them more accessible than you might think.

If this still sounds like too much to think about, don't worry. We have done the work for you with this guide. Our round up includes the best models, compared by type, cutting width and grass box capacity. Read on to take your pick or visit our lawn mower deals page if you just want a bargain.

The best lawn mowers 2021

If you want to step away from a petrol mower, but not be inhibited by the battery running time, the Worx WG779E Cordless Lawn Mower could be the one for you. It is a highly affordable step into cordless mowing, that won't leave you missing out on function.

Two modes
The Worx WG779E cordless can be used in Turbo or Eco Modes. Eco helps the battery last longer, yet Turbo mode adds a little more oomph and is noticeable over thicker grass. Working alongside these modes is Intellicut technology which adjusts the speed automatically with different grass conditions, so it keeps consistent cutting efficiency in dense grass.

Cutting power
The deck design of this mower will cut grass close to fencing/walls, leaving a smaller uncut grass area around the edges. It also has six cutting height settings which range from 20–70mm.

Power
It's powered by two, rechargeable 20V batteries simultaneously which provides extra power and runtime. Worx estimates you should get 30–35 minutes from one charge with them, which should be plenty enough for lawns of around 280m². You can even share the battery with other tools in the Worx range. And, if you already have other tools using the large 20V Worx batteries, you can buy this model with just one battery to save money.

Gardeningetc rating 5 out of 5 stars – read our Worx WG779E Cordless Lawn Mower review for more details. 

Simply guide the Mountfield HP185 Lawn Mower around your garden – you can keep going for longer with this self-propelling model from a stalwart mowing brand.

Smart finish
Whether you have long or short, damp or dry grass this lawn mower will make light work of slicing through even the toughest clumps for a neat appearance.

More go in your mow
You can stop less with a generous 60ltr capacity grass box. That means you can easily cover a medium large lawn (and more) without having to empty. It also comes with a mulching plug that finely cuts grass trimmings into a nitrogen-rich mulch which is then recycled back into the lawn as a natural fertilizer. 

Made to last
A steel chassis makes this a robust mower that’s made to keep on cutting. All round it is an amazingly well-built machine that will last a long time

Suitable for lawns up to 200m², this cordless option from Einhell features a brushless motor and is smartly designed for ease of use. Storage is a breeze, too.

Custom cuts
With central cutting height adjustment, this model offers you five levels to choose from, so you can get the grass just as you like it. Plus, it also includes a height-adjustable handle, complete with three settings. In short, you have it your way.

Survive the impact
Lawn mowers, naturally, get plenty of use. Choosing something that can handle plenty of wear and tear is always a smart move. With high-quality, blow-tough plastic housing, this has you covered.

Keep on track
When you're using an Einhell the grass is always greener. Its wide wheels and lawn-friendly running surface prevent nasty patches in your yard, and thanks to its filling level indication, you can keep tabs on the grass box.

Gardeningetc rating 5 out of 5 stars – check out our Einhell GE-CM 18/33 Li Cordless Lawn Mower review to learn more.

Those with a large garden, looking to switch from petrol to cordless, should definitely check out the Cobra MX51S80V lawn mower. It is designed with large gardens in mind, that were previously serviceable only by big thirsty petrol ride ons.

Generous battery and grass box
These will be the first things you expect from a cordless for large gardens. A big 60 litre grass box will need emptying less often and our tester got nearly 50 minutes of run time from one charge of the batteries. It has a side discharge option if you aren't bothered about larger clippings and this extends the battery life while leaving more room in the grass box.

Powerful self propelling and power boost
The lawn mower is self propelling which really assists use and is a lifesaver for anyone whose garden means cutting uneven ground, or upward inclines. It automatically boosts power when it hits a tricky clump of grass and wasn't at all fazed by long grass in our tester's quarter of an acre plot. It also does the job quietly which is pleasing to many.

Additional features
It has a mulching attachment for those who want it, to double cut the grass. This is then spread back onto your lawn as fertiliser while you mow. While heavy, it does fold down to a manageable unit for storage and is easy to set up for every mow.

Gardeningetc rating 5 out of 5 stars – check out our Cobra MX51S80V cordless lawn mower review to learn more.

While the Gtech CLM50 might cost more than many cordless mowers on our list, it does solve some of the issues people might have with other battery powered mowers.

Lightweight yet powerful
Despite a large cutting width, 50 litre grass box and bags of power, this mower is very lightweight and easier to move than some of its competitors. The quiet motor works at 2,800rpm as standard, but if it hits a patch of tougher grass will accelerate to 3,500rpm to optimise the mow. On similar mowers you have to manually set the mower to turbo for the same power, so this function helps conserve battery by only applying as needed.

Good battery life on a fast charge
You get 40 minutes of battery from this mower – which is average – but the real benefit is that it charges to full in just one hour. This is rare for cordless products that can take several hours for a full charge. The 40-minute life should be enough for most garden sizes, but should you run out, at least you know you won't have to wait long to get back to work. That said, it is a shame that at the moment the battery for this model is not a power share with other Gtech tools.

Quick and easy lawn maintenance
The cutting height of 30mm means you won't get as close a crop as you would from other mowers, and it doesn't have a roller for lovely stripes. However if you want a mower that will cut your lawn fast and with efficiency, this is for you. It might be better suited to those keeping a lawn longer for wildlife who want to spend less time mowing anyway.

Gardeningetc rating 4.5 out of 5 stars – check out our Gtech CLM50 Cordless Lawn Mower review to learn more.

For a cordless lawn mower that’s up to the task of cutting a big lawn, look no further than the Greenworks G40LM41 Cordless Lawn Mower.  

High capacity
This mower can keep lawns of up to 600 square meters neat. It has a 50ltr grass box, a cutting width of 41cm, and the options for cutting heights run from 25 to 80mm.

Multi-use battery
This version doesn’t come with a battery because if you already have a Greenworks garden or workshop product with a 40V battery you can use that, and won’t end up buying the same thing twice. However, you’ll find the same mower on sale with a battery if you’re not already equipped.

Lawn care
There’s a mulching facility on this model, which means you can keep the lawn healthier, and you don’t have to dispose of clippings. But you can collect the grass if you prefer.

You can relax – or more likely get on with some other essential task – and let the Flymo Cordless EasiLife 200 Robotic Lawn Mower mow for you.

Robo-gardener
This robot mower is suitable for lawns up to 200m2 – in other words, up to medium size. It can work on gradients up to 35 percent. Before it can get to work, you’ll just have to position the charging station and set up the boundary wire that defines the cutting area.

Working practices
The mower adapts the cutting schedule automatically based on the lawn growth and weather conditions, and mows in an irregular pattern for full coverage and to avoid track marks. It mulches so you don’t have to worry about emptying a grass box. It takes itself back to the charging station as necessary, too.

Smart features
You can set the schedule from the keypad or via the EasiLife app. With the latter, you can access mower status and support information from your phone.

Gardeningetc rating 4.5 out of 5 stars – head over to our Flymo Cordless EasiLife 200 Robotic Lawn Mower review for the full details. 

Want an affordable cordless mower for a relatively small plot? This Bosch CityMower 18–300 is just what you need. 

Perfect for smaller urban gardens
When you need a mower that will do small jobs quickly and easily, this is a great choice. It has an average battery life of 25 minutes, even when in boost and should be plenty for a small plot. Light and compact, getting it out and putting it away is fuss-free too.

Light yet powerful
This mower made light work of the first cut of spring – getting through an overgrown lawn with no trouble. The power it packs is surprising consider the compact package, though our reviewer did note that in a big to be lightweight, some of the parts do feel a bit flimsy.

Extra battery for more power
This mower is part of Bosch's Power for All Alliance range so you can buy extra batteries if needed. Great for adding some length to your mow time and you can have one on charge while you work.

Gardeningetc rating 4 out of 5 stars – read our Bosch CityMower review for more details. 

Another robot lawn mower option is this model from Worx. It is smaller than it looks but do not be fooled because it will keep your lawn well maintained, especially if you have a fairly standard garden.

Mowing tech
Designed to mow your lawn often, the Landroid has patented mowing AIA cutting technology which ensures that it can navigate and mow narrow spaces really easily. This one also comes with optional extras such as voice control, ACS obstacle control, anti-theft, and digital fence which make the robot mower even more intelligent.

It also has a mulching function to maintain your garden which reuses the clippings to serve as a natural fertilizer.

Smart features
Controlled by an easy-to-use app, this robot lawnmower will mow your entire lawn with just the touch of a button and even set up a mowing schedule. The app is called Landroid which can be downloaded to your iPhone or Android device, and be used across your home Wi-Fi connection.

Gardeningetc rating 4 out of 5 stars – head over to our Worx Landroid M500 robot lawn mower review for the full details. 

If you would like a robot lawn mower but your budget is smaller than that of our two recommendations above, then consider the LANDXCAPE LX799.

Mowing tech
With a 16cm cutting width and a cutting height of 20 to 50mm, this LANDXCAPE mower can tackle gardens with a 15˚ incline. The patented mowing technology built inside this lawn mower enhances its efficiency by 30 percent, while it uses both forward and reverses rotations in order to reduce the wear of the blade by half. There's a three-blade cutting/mulching system meaning that similar to other robot lawnmowers, it cuts the grass and disperses it back into your lawn to be used as a fertilizer.

Ease of use
This robot lawn mower is better for smaller gardens – up to 300m2 – and it will take itself home when power is low. It also doesn't need to be programmed and will start mowing at the press of one button. It has bump sensors so as not to hit your furniture (or the kids' climbing frame), while the robot will navigate away from narrow or tricky paths, too. Though not Wi-Fi enabled, it's very easy to use as it features a keypad on the top of the device.

Safety
The LANDXCAPE mower requires a PIN code to work – this will protect the lawn mower from unauthorized activation. If the mower is picked up, its blades will stop moving immediately.

Got some serious mowing to tackle? The Hyundai 196 cc Self Propelled Electric Push Button Start Petrol Lawn Mower is a mower enough for the job.

Easy start
If you don’t like the idea of a pull-start, this mower’s got your name on it. It has a push-button electric version although there is a recoil pull-start back up.

In control
The mower is self-propelled and you can choose from four speeds to get the pace you’re happy moving at.

Keep going
With a 70ltr grass box, you can keep mowing without to-ing and fro-ing to empty. The petrol engine is designed for low fuel consumption, so you can keep going for longer on a single tank. It is perfect for big gardens with lots of lawn.

A great pick for small gardens, with a brilliant price point to match, the Bosch 600886103 AHM 38 G manual garden lawn mower makes simple garden maintenance even more enjoyable.

Lightweight but heavy-duty
Weighing in at just 7kg makes this manual lawn mower a doddle to work within small spaces, while the high geared side wheels give you even more freedom of movement for a more efficient run. If you lack power points, can't afford cordless and don't want the fumes of petrol, a manual mower like this is for you.

In-built design
The combination of a mounted cylinder of blades and a fixed blade underneath helps deliver a precise cut every time. The height of the cut achievable is between 12-40mm which is much closer than most on our list – if you like the closest cut, this could be for you.

Decorative garden features
If you're into lawn care and design, then you'll enjoy the ability to create the classic lawn stripes in your space using the rear roller – which will also offer you superb stability, right up to lawn edges.

There’s no point in spending out on a big mower if your lawn’s on the diminutive side – the Flymo Hover Vac 250 25cm Collect Lawnmower will do all you need.

Light work
The mower itself isn’t heavy at just 6.9kg, and the other big plus point is that it floats on air so it’s easy to use.

Plug-in
This design has a cable that’s 10m long so you’ll have plenty of room to maneuver in a small garden. You don’t need to remember to charge a battery, either. The downside? You need to avoid the cable.

Lawn looks
There are only three cutting heights from 10 to 30mm, and you can’t get a stripe, but for a small garden, this compact-to-store design will do the biz.

Precise and easy to run, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ is a nifty machine that's ideal for quick and powerful garden lawn maintenance.

Brushless can be better
A brushless motor means that the battery power is usually increased, which explains why the Ryobi 18V ONE+ performs well in all lawn mowing departments: cutting, mulching, and bagging. It works well on one battery, but there is the option of using two for an even bigger boost.

Precise cutting path
The 40cm cutting path makes this model ideal for medium to large lawns, while the EasyEdge feature lets you mow right up to walls, fences, and other features in your garden for a smooth and easy job.  

Comfort is key
The Ryobi 18V ONE+ has a telescoping handle that is fully adjustable, letting you set it to the height required for optimum accessibility and maneuverability. 

How to buy the best lawn mower?

Pretty every much major tool brand (and even a few car manufacturers) has a lawn mower in their range, making the number of options to choose from close to overwhelming. So, before you start to look at specs it helps to narrow down what type of mower you want. 

Are you team petrol? Or want to keep it electric? Maybe you aren't ruling out the benefits of an affordable manual mower. If you do choose electric, do you want to be cord-free or have you got a close enough socket to go for a corded mower? 

Learn about all of these choices and more below.

Petrol or electric: which is best?
You can pick between mowers powered by electricity, those that use petrol, and even lawn mowers you simply push yourself. Within the electric mower range, you’ll find both those that have cable and cordless versions with a battery you’ll need to charge.

Mowers with cables
A mower with a cable has a limited range, of course, so check there’s sufficient length to get around the entire lawn. These don’t take up a lot of storage space. Hover mowers are usually mains powered and hover on a cushion of air. They’re best used in small to medium gardens but will cope successfully with uneven grass and slopes.

Cordless mowers
These designs aren’t limited by a cable. Pay attention to charge time and maximum battery life if you want one of these to ensure you’re happy with the numbers. Another thing to check is whether the battery can be recycled at the end of its life. Some suppliers offer to take them back when you buy new – all round this means a more eco-friendly mow. 

Another great advantage of battery powered cordless mowers is that they often come as part of a power share range. This means you can buy a few spare batteries to use with other tools from that brand, and allows you to put others on charge. That way you can worry less about the battery life of each unit.

Robot lawn mower
Wondering how a robot lawn mower works? They tend to work within a boundary you set using a wire. As part of set up, you may have to walk this boundary with your phone, or some robot mowers will learn the layout for themselves. It is then just a case of giving them a schedule to work to, or letting them pick their own to get the best results. Whether you have to press start on an app or the unit, they all have the ability to return to base when they need more battery.

These are technically a type of cordless mower – just one you don’t have to push. A robot mower will need a power source for its charging base and may mean some trimming with the best strimmer in areas it can't reach, but they are great for mowing little and often which is really good for promoting healthy grass growth.

Petrol mowers
These will cope with big gardens, but there’s nothing to stop you from having one for around 100 square meters and upwards. They are powerful and should help you get finished faster. Bear in mind that you’ll need to buy and store the petrol and oil and get one of these serviced.

What about manual mowers?
You might wonder why you wouldn't want a powered option, but manual mowers offer plenty of versatility. They are a great choice if you have a long garden with no power points taking electric corded versions off the table. They don't need fuel like a petrol mower (and won't smell/pollute) and are far cheaper than cordless options. If you consider yourself fairly fit or just have a small lawn to deal with, a manual is a good choice.

Cutting: rotary v cylinder

There are two basic cutting actions for mowers. The most common are rotary mowers, which make up most of the picks on our list. This is how each cutting type works:

Rotary mowers
One or more blades rotate horizontally at high speed. This blade cuts the grass, throwing the clippings into the grass box behind (or out to the sides on some models).

Cylinder mowers
This type of mower has spirally arranged blades that rotate on a horizontal axis. They brush closely agains a bar called a 'sole plate' that creates a scissor like cutting action. Manual push mowers and big ride on mowers are usually of this design. 

How much should you pay for a good lawn mower? 

You can pick up a mower with a cable from a very low price point, while a cordless version with a battery onboard is more costly. Generally speaking, the more high-tech and feature-filled they get, the more expensive they will be. What you spend, depends on the investment you want to make. 

Prices start as low as around the £50 marker for a manual mower, creeping swiftly up between £100 and £250 for mid-range mowers, while next-level cordless varieties and robot mowers especially can range from anything between £300 and £700+.  

What about the grass box?

How many trips you make to empty the grass box will be determined by its capacity. If you don’t have much to mow that’s not an issue, but the bigger the garden, the more the grass box should hold.

You may want to go for a mower that mulches, cutting the clippings into finer pieces and then returning them to the lawn where they add nutrients.

Go for a mower without a grass box and no mulching feature and you’ll be raking up the grass at the end.

What about cutting width and height?

The wider the cutting width the mower offers the bigger the area it cuts in one go and hence the faster you’ll finish a mowing session. For a large lawn, go for 40cm and above; 30cm is fine for a small lawn, and between the two will work for a medium lawn.

Adjustable cutting heights are handy: they’ll allow you to set the height you want the grass to be when you’ve finished.

What other features should you look out for in the best lawn mower?

Don’t want to push the mower? Look out for a self-propelling mower. If you want stripes on your lawn to elevate your lawn decoration ideas, you need a mower with a rear roller. A foldable handle, meanwhile, will mean your mower demands less storage space. 

Don't forget safety too. Most modern mowers have a two step start, usually with a key that needs to be fixed and pressed before your mower will turn on. This is essential to avoid accidental starts, and a must if you have curious children. Always remove the key (and with cordless mowers remove the batteries) before inspecting and grass clogs on the blades.